Dumbledore never hesitated to use his influence to help others.
To ensure Lockhart could finish writing his book as quickly as possible, he not only shared exclusive information but also rallied the Hogwarts staff to get involved in the "Hogwarts Chamber Adventure" project, freeing up more of Lockhart's time.
Once he made up his mind, Dumbledore acted decisively.
By breakfast in the Great Hall that same day, he'd already spoken with the Heads of Houses and announced the plan to the students.
"At the start of the term, Professor Lockhart told me he wanted to bring something new to Hogwarts' young witches and wizards," Dumbledore began.
"And he's done it. We're delighted to see that his unique and engaging 'fairy-tale adventure' approach has significantly boosted many of you in Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"These fairy-tale simulations have been remarkably effective."
Dumbledore stood tall behind the podium, hands resting on the owl carving's outstretched wings, his warm gaze sweeping over the students with a smile. "Now, he believes it's time to take it further. For the second half of this school year, the fairy-tale simulations will revolve around the 'Hogwarts Chamber Adventure' theme."
"After discussing with the Heads of Houses, we've decided to tie this year's House Cup to your performance in these adventures. Young witches and wizards, go earn your glory!"
The students erupted in cheers. Nothing excited them more than a grand adventure.
Learning through fun—that's what this was all about.
Once the prefects settled the buzzing crowd, Dumbledore continued, "I have even greater expectations for this adventure."
His tone grew earnest as he looked at each young, vibrant face with increasing warmth. "I know there's been a lot of talk about the Chamber of Secrets. We've heard many different opinions."
"And that's okay. I want you to understand that life is full of challenges and surprises. We never expect the journey to be smooth sailing."
"So what do we do when we face problems?"
Dumbledore raised his left hand, adorned with quirky rings. A burst of fire flared, and a phoenix materialized in his palm. Amid the students' gasps, it streaked through the air like a flame, darting past them.
"My answer is—magic!"
"Young witches and wizards, listen to the call of magic, follow the will of your heart, and embark on your journey!"
BOOM!
The phoenix soared upward, exploding into a shower of fireworks that lit up the Great Hall in a dazzling display.
Nearby, Professor Lockhart, who was about to take the stage, shot Dumbledore a resentful glance.
Really, Dumbledore? You set the bar that high and stole my lines? What am I supposed to say now?
On purpose, wasn't it?
Well, fine. He still had a few things to cover.
Back when he first arrived in this world, Lockhart had to rely on flamboyant gestures and boastful speeches to craft his "master wizard" persona. Now, after half a year, he could simply walk onstage with his signature dazzling smile, say nothing, and still feel the students' respect and admiration.
His efforts hadn't been wasted.
As his senior, Rita Skeeter, had written in her Daily Prophet feature: "Gilderoy Lockhart, invited by Headmaster Albus Dumbledore to teach at Hogwarts, is a testament to his skill and a challenge he's risen to. We're thrilled to see Gilderoy proving himself worthy of the title 'Professor,' growing ever more composed and wise, exuding a captivating, mature charm."
"Children," Lockhart said, beaming at the crowd. "Do you remember my very first lesson?"
"I told you we should step into the romance of fairy tales, go on adventures, and feel the thrill of magic unfolding…"
"But remember this!"
He spoke with heartfelt sincerity, meeting the increasingly familiar faces in the crowd. "Our lives shouldn't be defined for us. We should chase and explore our own unique fairy-tale journeys!"
"And when you do, you'll find that life and magic open every door for you."
"That's the biggest difference between wizards and Muggles. Our magic isn't just a weapon—more powerful or mysterious than anything Muggles have. Magic is life. Magic is everything!"
"It expands the boundaries of existence in every way. That's what magic means to a wizard."
Magic—the ultimate romance of fairy tales.
Not that magic came from some storybook, but it carried a wondrous context. Stepping into that mindset made it so easy to touch the marvels of magic.
When Lockhart first crossed into this world, barely different from a Muggle, this perspective had been his salvation.
And he shared it generously, teaching it clearly to everyone.
He was living up to his role as a Hogwarts professor.
While Dumbledore's speech had sparked wild enthusiasm, Lockhart's words left the students thoughtful.
Hermione Granger was among them.
She'd been the first to ask her idol, Professor Lockhart, about the "true essence of magic." After half a year of studying under him, she'd found her answer.
She used to see magic as a wizard's weapon, sometimes even comparing it to Muggle firearms. Many Muggle-born witches and wizards had similar thoughts at times.
But now, Lockhart had given her a crystal-clear answer: magic is life, magic is everything.
It hit Hermione like a revelation, pinpointing why her magic had felt so lifeless. She'd never fully let it weave into her life.
It wasn't just about reading wizard newspapers, playing wizard chess, eating Chocolate Frogs, or wearing robes.
It was hard.
And yet so simple.
Hermione couldn't wait for the next six months of the "Hogwarts Chamber Adventure." Maybe, in that time, she'd carve out her own magical path—her own fairy tale.
The school was clearly invested in the upcoming "Hogwarts Chamber Adventure." You could tell from the parchment Filch was hammering onto the noticeboard.
It listed a long roster of professors involved:
Defense Against the Dark Arts Professors and Assistants:
Professor Gilderoy Lockhart Professor Silvanus Kettleburn
Heads of the Four Houses:
Professor Minerva McGonagall Professor Severus Snape Professor Pomona Sprout Professor Filius Flitwick
Plus a slew of other professors, teachers, and even Hagrid, the gamekeeper.
Since it was a chamber and an adventure, there'd be thrilling challenges tailored to the students' abilities, complete with monsters or magical plants.
Snape and McGonagall were even discussing using Polyjuice Potion, transfigured into various objects, to test the students' adaptability.
Kettleburn and Hagrid were brainstorming which magical creatures from the Forbidden Forest to invite into the game.
Flitwick was excitedly chatting with Madam Hooch about letting students use broomsticks to explore the adventure scenarios.
And, of course, the big question: the final boss in the Chamber.
Lockhart had already discussed this with Harry and the other Duelling Club members. He planned to include dark magical creatures as the ultimate challenge.
Maybe a Dementor, a Basilisk, or a Boggart.
That'd be interesting.
He couldn't wait to see what happened when students, unsure of what they were facing, tried casting Riddikulus—meant for Boggarts—on a real Dementor, laughing their heads off.
Er… hopefully no one cries.
To pull this off, Lockhart needed to gather some dark creatures.
Realistically, he might not find a Basilisk or Dementor, but creatures listed in the Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.) and Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (N.E.W.T.) syllabi—like Banshees, vampires, hags, werewolves, or Inferi—were more manageable.
It'd take a bit of networking.
On the first day of the Christmas holidays, Lockhart didn't immediately take the Duelling Club kids on their adventure. He gave them a day off to prepare mentally.
Meanwhile, he headed to a gathering of the Anti-Dark Magic League, a prestigious international organization.
It was full of his peers—perfect for sourcing dark creatures.
Luckily, this year's gathering was in Hogsmeade, themed around the "380th Anniversary of the 1612 Goblin Rebellion." Hogsmeade had been the rebellion's headquarters, and Dumbledore had been invited too.
Lockhart strongly suspected that Dumbledore, who always seemed busy, was attending to scout for a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
The League was brimming with talent.
Like Lyall Lupin, a Ministry expert on dark creatures (and Remus Lupin's father).
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