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Chapter 43: What to do if you really can't find it?
After winter break, Lockhart began observing secretly once more, trying to figure out who might be Barty Jr., though he knew the odds were slim. Despite his reluctance to admit it, Barty Jr. had truly baffled him this time—he simply could not find him.
Don't fall into my hands, Barty. I'll make you suffer the Cruciatus Curse, and then you'll beg me to kill you, Lockhart thought fiercely.
Unlike his first transmigration, Lockhart now felt that the Saviors relied on him too much—Hermione had brought Harry and Ron again, seeking his advice for the second task.
"So, you've unlocked the secret of the golden egg?" Lockhart asked. "Good work."
"Professor, do you have any good ideas for making people move underwater?" Harry asked.
"There are many ways," Lockhart said, "but you should try to think of them yourself." He felt it better to guide rather than hand over all the answers at once.
"Maybe some spells could help, but we haven't learned anything like that yet," Hermione said.
"Neville says he has some gill sac grass that allows people to breathe underwater," Harry said hesitantly. "But we don't know where to get it."
"Maybe we should steal it from Professor Snape," Ron suggested. "He has everything."
"My goodness! At a time like this, if you need a prop or a spell temporarily, just ask. Even Professor Snape would probably be reasonable and wouldn't deliberately make things difficult… Don't always think about stealing! That only hurts yourself and others!" Lockhart warned the three Gryffindors, his eyes wide with exaggerated seriousness.
Suddenly, something clicked in Lockhart's mind. He grabbed Harry. "Harry, who told you about the gill sac grass?"
"It was Neville, Professor. What's wrong?"
"Take me to him," Lockhart said, suspecting that Barty Jr. had tipped off Neville. "Quickly!"
Neville was in the Herbology classroom, reading a book. "Neville, who told you about gill sac grass?"
"Ah, Professor…" Neville looked up and saw Lockhart's slightly anxious expression. "It's mentioned in this book. Harry just happened to ask me about it, so I told him."
Lockhart snatched the book. It was ordinary—no dark magic at all. The only odd thing was the timing. "Neville! Who gave you this book?"
"It was sent to me anonymously. I don't know who it was…"
Lockhart rubbed his forehead in frustration. Of course, how could Barty give himself away so obviously? He was just too naive.
He turned and left, leaving a bewildered Neville to ask Harry, "What's wrong, Professor?"
Meanwhile, the beautiful young Pandora, having tasted the forbidden fruit for the first time, was now intoxicated with a fervent curiosity and enthusiasm for the "exercise" she hadn't experienced in fourteen years. Having not seen her beloved Lockhart throughout winter break, she spent her days rushing to his office and her nights sneaking back to his dorm. Her passion and youthful energy made Lockhart feel eighteen again—for the first time, he was truly in love.
February 24th—the day of the second task.
When Harry, under Lockhart's watchful eye, stuffed a small clump of something into his mouth and swallowed, while Snape stood nearby expressionless, Lockhart realized that Harry must have asked Snape for it, and Snape had handed it over.
Seemingly sensing Lockhart's gaze, Snape turned and glared at him.
"If Potter hadn't said you told him to ask me for it, I wouldn't have given it to him," Severus tried to explain.
"Hmph, Severus, why do you still carry a grudge against Jaime's son? He's been gone for years," Lockhart ignored Snape's glaring. "You should be living your own life now."
"Like me—find a pretty girl and enjoy life. Don't you agree, baby~" The last words were whispered to Pandora sitting next to him, and he planted a quick kiss on her. The little girl blushed deeply, wishing she could melt into Lockhart's pocket.
"This is none of your business, Gilderoy," Snape said flatly, his words dripping with venom.
"Severus, actually, your cold and stern attitude is quite popular with girls," Lockhart teased. "They love that sort of thing. In the eyes of many yaoi fans, your expressionless face is just incredibly cool."
Snape looked like he was struggling to resist standing up and punching Lockhart. He stared at the arena and squeezed out, through gritted teeth: "Shut up, Gilderoy."
"Oh, Severus, you always speak ill of those who care for you, like a child."
Snape's face flushed red.
Pandora seemed amused by Snape's behavior and giggled quietly, then quickly stifled it in fear. Lockhart ignored Snape and whispered sweet nothings to Pandora.
Meanwhile, in the arena—Harry had just emerged from the water, having rescued two people. Filch was bringing blankets to keep the contestants and the rescued warm. The judges were scoring. Fleur approached Harry, bent to kiss him on the cheek, then did the same to Ron.
Lockhart had no interest in that. He already had a plan. Let the earlier tasks continue; as long as he prevented Harry from touching the trophy, all of Barty's previous efforts would be wasted. Lockhart eagerly anticipated seeing Barty's expression when he realized it. Even if I can't find you, I can still deal with you!
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