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Chapter Eleven: The Locked Room Epilogue
The Daily Prophet:
A Hero Who Stepped Forward to Protect Hogwarts Students
When a monster appeared at Hogwarts and threw the school into a state of panic, Gilderoy Lockhart, the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, stepped forward with remarkable courage to protect the students. He engaged the creature in fierce combat across the castle grounds. After finally subduing it, he was struck by a Killing Curse cast by an unidentified individual believed to be a Death Eater. He is currently receiving treatment at St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. According to sources who wish to remain anonymous, his chances of recovery are slim.
The Ministry of Magic has ordered a full inspection of all Hogwarts facilities, and the Headmaster has been suspended pending investigation.
The rest of the article details Lockhart's life story, accompanied by comments from his former students and adoring fans…
——
Hermione lowered the newspaper, her voice trembling. "It's all my fault. I'm the one who caused Professor Lockhart to get hurt—sob—if only I had realised Ginny was acting strangely sooner…"
"Oh, come off it," Ron said. "You were the one being kidnapped, Hermione."
"Don't cry, Hermione," Harry said softly. "Professor Dumbledore said he'll wake up. Hardly anything in the Prophet is true. He's only technically suspended—they haven't actually moved him from his office."
"He might never wake up! That's what the healers said at St Mungo's!" Hermione burst out. "You don't care about the professor at all! He's been nothing but kind to you! And you didn't even look worried when he was hit by the Killing Curse!"
"How can you say that?" Harry argued, equally upset. "He's the professor I admire most. I'm devastated he's been hurt—but instead of standing here crying, we should be pulling ourselves together, finding whoever was behind all this, and bringing them to justice—for Professor Lockhart's sake."
Hermione turned her head away, furious, refusing to look at either of them.
"Heh," Draco drawled from nearby, an unpleasant smirk on his face. "Granger, I'm gutted too—really, I am. But it was bound to happen. No Defence Against the Dark Arts professor survives more than a year. Bad luck for him, really."
——
Headmaster's Office
"Professor Lockhart's condition remains uncertain," Dumbledore said gravely. "We cannot halt lessons indefinitely. Professor McGonagall, please put out a notice to recruit a temporary Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Hogwarts alumni are to be given priority."
"Yes, Headmaster," McGonagall said. "And what of next year's appointment?"
"Professor Lockhart was injured in the line of duty, while serving the school. His post will be held for him until he awakens. Only substitute staff will be hired in the meantime, with full compensation equivalent to a permanent appointment."
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