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Chapter Fifty-Four: Prospective Members of the Order of the Phoenix
After seeing his parents off, Lockhart felt lighter than he had in years. For a moment, he had truly considered escaping with them. But now that he had successfully altered the course of events, he felt there was still hope—at least until Dumbledore fell. He could continue living as a respected professor and, if Dumbledore was defeated, simply take Pandora and flee abroad until the wizarding world settled down again.
For now, he needed to carry out the task Dumbledore had given him.
Lockhart followed the address to Hermione Granger's home. It was in an unremarkable but pleasant suburban neighbourhood—quiet, orderly, with a tidy front garden full of plants Lockhart couldn't name.
He knocked on the door, and a tall, lean man answered.
"Professor Lockhart! What a pleasure. Please, come in." Mr Granger stepped aside. "Hermione! Your favourite professor is here!"
"What?" Hermione appeared at the top of the stairs, wearing shorts and a tank top. "Professor Lockhart! Oh—just a moment, I'll get changed!" She hurried back upstairs in a fluster.
"Professor, it's been ages. You've become even more handsome—quite dashing, really," Mrs Granger said warmly as she handed him a cup of tea and sat beside him. "So, what brings you here today?"
"You both look very youthful," Lockhart replied politely. "I assume you've received a letter from Headmaster Dumbledore?"
"Oh! You mean Hermione's school trip?" Mr Granger said, remembering.
"That's right. Only the most outstanding students are invited, and Miss Granger was chosen without hesitation," Lockhart said with a charming smile.
"Thank you, Professor. Hermione's always worked hard—it's good for her to relax a bit," Mrs Granger said with pride.
Hermione returned, now in a pale summer dress with her hair tidied. "Professor, what brings you here? Did you come to… see me?"
"Hello, Hermione. Having a lovely summer, I hope?" Lockhart said, slightly taken aback by her very prim appearance. "I'm here to make sure you're prepared for the school trip the headmaster arranged."
"Oh!" Hermione looked startled. "Right, yes—I'd packed, but I didn't expect you to come and fetch me."
"Professor, what exactly is a Hogwarts field trip?" Mrs Granger asked, curiosity overcoming her. "How does it work? What do they learn?"
"Well—"
Damn you, Dumbledore. Couldn't you have written something coherent in the letter? Lockhart forced a pleasant smile and improvised:
"Each year, the headmaster selects promising students from among the top achievers and takes them to places only wizards can enter—ancient magical academies, spell-practice sites, places of magical research, that sort of thing."
He took a sip of tea and continued smoothly:
"Sometimes we visit other wizarding schools abroad to observe their teaching methods. We also teach the selected students more practical, advanced, and interesting spells. Afterwards, they can choose careers in the wizarding world—or return to Muggle life if they prefer."
"That sounds wonderful. Hermione, do study properly; don't treat it as just a holiday," Mrs Granger said firmly.
"I won't, Mum," Hermione promised.
"So, Professor, are you leaving today?" Mr Granger asked. "You're welcome to stay the night if you've time."
"No, but thank you. The headmaster is expecting us," Lockhart said politely.
"Well then—Hermione, fetch your things."
"Already here!" Hermione held up a tiny bag.
"A space-extension bag," she explained.
"Wizarding things are extraordinary," Mrs Granger marvelled. "Did you pack clothes, books, and money?"
"Of course, Mum—you know I remember everything." Hermione lifted her chin proudly. "Professor, shall we?"
The Grangers walked them to the door and watched the pair leave.
Once out of sight, Hermione immediately dropped her good-girl façade and wrapped her hand around Lockhart's arm. "Professor, you look pleased about something. Tell me!"
Lockhart nearly jumped. "Merlin's beard, Hermione, don't do that—I have a girlfriend."
"Oh, it's fine. Pandora isn't here," Hermione said, beaming. "I'm not trying to steal her boyfriend."
Her smooth, warm arm pressed against his, making Lockhart momentarily lose focus. But he was used to Hermione helping him with letters in his office—they were familiar enough that it didn't feel awkward.
"I should have guessed you were a member of the Order of the Phoenix," Hermione said proudly. "You're one of the greatest wizards alive—how could the headmaster overlook you?"
"That's an exaggeration. I'm only a bit above average. But why would the headmaster want you at the headquarters of the Order? You're still underage," Lockhart asked.
"I don't know. Maybe they want us to help protect Harry," Hermione suggested. "Or maybe they're afraid Lord Voldemort will kidnap me and Ron to blackmail him? Professor—Voldemort really has returned, hasn't he?"
"Yes. Which is why joining the Order takes courage. You have to be prepared for sacrifices," Lockhart said seriously. "But don't worry—the dangerous work is always done by us adults."
"Is it really that serious? I thought the Order only existed to protect Harry," Hermione said, surprised.
"Of course not. The Order of the Phoenix existed before Harry was even born. It's not some club formed on a whim," Lockhart said, half amused, half exasperated. "And as for why I'm in a good mood—the Order recently won a major victory against the Death Eaters."
"A major victory?" Hermione asked eagerly.
"Well, since you're practically joining anyway, I suppose you can know. Just don't repeat it." Lockhart leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Have you been reading the papers? What's the biggest thing the Ministry's done lately?"
"They raided Azkaban—almost wiped out the Death Eaters—and even issued an extermination order on the Dementors who sided with them," Hermione recited. "But the papers didn't mention the Order."
"Hermione, you're clever. Think about it," Lockhart said smugly. "No one realised it was the Order of the Phoenix. That's exactly what we're proud of."
Hermione gasped as it clicked. She seized his hand, eyes shining. "Professor, that's incredible! The Order is like an invisible defence force for the wizarding world—protecting everyone silently. It's… it's like something out of a film! I always thought the Order was just a messy little group."
"That's the idea," Lockhart said, satisfied. "Now—how do we get to the Order's headquarters? Apparition might be too much for you, so we'll take the Knight Bus."
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