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Chapter Fifty-Seven: Back to Headquarters
"Okay, Hermione, I admit you look a little disheveled, but you need to learn to avoid men, understand?" Lockhart teased, leaning against the door. "You're not allowed to come into my room like this."
"It's fine, Professor. I'm not embarrassed," Hermione replied casually, seemingly unconcerned.
"I'm not a good person, Hermione. You'd better be careful," Lockhart said with a smile.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, Hermione jumped off the bed after getting dressed. "I'll put on my shoes and we can leave right away." She tried her best to appear composed, hiding the lingering flush on her face.
Lockhart stepped outside the hotel, wand in hand. "Summon the Knight Bus!"
Hermione frowned. "As far as I know, it can be summoned without a spell."
"Feels faster to shout it out!" Lockhart said with his signature grin.
With a deafening screech of music, a massive purple vehicle screeched to a halt right before them. Its windshield bore gold lettering: "Knight Sir ************ welcomes you aboard the Knight Bus. This is an emergency bus, specially designed for helpless witches or wizards. Please extend your wand, board the bus, and we can take you anywhere. My name is Stan Sampark, today—"
"Alright, enough talk. Let's go to Grimmauld Place," Lockhart interrupted.
"Mr. Lockhart! Yes, head to Grimmauld Place!" Hermione shouted, correcting herself mid-sentence.
"Why is Mr. Lockhart on the bus too?" Stan asked.
"This Miss Granger has never Apparated, and her house doesn't have a fireplace," Lockhart explained.
"Why not install one?" Stan continued.
"My parents are Muggles," Hermione answered impatiently.
Lockhart tossed a Galleon to Stan. "Keep the change. That should cover the rest of your questions."
"Very well, make yourselves comfortable."
Lockhart settled onto a seat, and Hermione sat beside him. As the bus sped along at over 100 miles per hour, Hermione's stomach churned. She leaned over, clutching Lockhart's arm, and he gently patted her back.
Hermione's discomfort eased immediately under his care, though she deliberately pretended she was still unwell.
Stan opened a copy of the Daily Prophet and read aloud, "Hundreds of Dementors that escaped from Azkaban are running rampant throughout Britain. Wizards who see them are urged to inform the Ministry immediately."
"Could they have reached London?" Hermione asked nervously.
"Probably not," Lockhart replied cautiously. "London has the most Ministry staff—it's safer there."
"That makes sense," Hermione agreed.
"Later, someone from the Order of the Phoenix can teach you protective spells for your own home," Lockhart suggested.
"Oh! I haven't learned any area-of-effect protective spells yet," Hermione's eyes lit up.
"That's quite dangerous." Stan glanced at Lockhart. "But this young lady is fortunate to have your guidance in handling dark magic."
"I agree," Hermione said happily.
"You flatter me," Lockhart replied, handing the newspaper back. "Now we're almost there."
The Knight Bus sped through streets, scattering trees, phone booths, and other structures. Soon, it arrived at Grimmauld Place.
Hermione and Lockhart stepped off the bus.
"That was a terrifying experience. Next time, Professor, please use a broom," Hermione said, still recovering from the ride.
"By then, you might be able to Apparate," Lockhart reassured her. "Let's head to the Order of the Phoenix headquarters."
Lockhart led Hermione to the narrow space between Number 11 and Number 13. "Remember the address Dumbledore gave you."
"It's Number 12 Grimmauld Place," Hermione corrected.
Lockhart waved his wand, and a dilapidated door quickly appeared, walls and windows forming around it. Hermione gasped. Clearly, the Muggles nearby were oblivious.
"Wow, that's amazing!" Hermione exclaimed.
"The Unwavering Faith Charm," Lockhart explained. "You can't see it unless you know the address. Let's go inside; the Weasley kids are probably already here."
Lockhart tapped the door with his wand. A loud metallic clang followed as it creaked open.
"Don't go too deep, and don't touch anything," Lockhart warned.
A flurry of footsteps approached. Mrs. Molly Weasley appeared from the corridor. She smiled and hurried to Hermione. "Oh, Hermione! It's so good to see you!" She hugged Hermione tightly, then stepped back to look her over. "You've grown so much, but remember to comb your hair. Ron and the others arrived yesterday."
"Professor Lockhart, do you live here too?" Hermione asked, turning back to him.
"There's a room for me, but I only stay here when I have a mission," Lockhart explained.
"Which room do you sleep in?" Hermione asked.
"The innermost room upstairs," Lockhart replied.
"Okay, I'll head up now," Hermione said, waving goodbye to both Lockhart and Mrs. Weasley.
"Darling, don't come down to listen to our meeting," Molly warned gently. "There are some things you'd better not know. I've told the other children as well."
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