Chapter 166 Lockhart's Self-Knowledge
"Aaron, are you going up on stage later?" Draco asked, a bit excited, while Crabbe and Goyle beside him also looked eager to try.
"I'm not interested in dueling," Aaron said indifferently, feeding Abey a snack. "But I am interested in learning from other Wizards' fighting styles."
"No way!
This is not an opportunity that comes around often. With your strength, you're sure to shine if you go on stage."
"Forget it! If it weren't for being so bored lately, I wouldn't have come."
"Speaking of which..." Draco paused slightly, looking at Aaron meaningfully. "What have you been doing these past few days?
Every time you return to the common room, you lock yourself in your dormitory and don't come out."
"Hmm... I'm studying," Aaron said earnestly. "It's a very profound magic."
"Alright!" Draco shrugged, then looked at the arena. "I've already decided, I'll duel Harry Potter later."
Aaron raised an eyebrow slightly, chuckling, "Is that necessary?"
"I accidentally lost on the Quidditch field, so I have to get my revenge elsewhere."
Aaron gave him a thumbs up upon hearing this. "Good luck.
By the way, is the dueling club hosted by Professor Snape?"
"I don't think so, I heard..." Draco said halfway, a sneer appearing on his face. "He's here."
Aaron followed Draco's gaze, and the corner of his eye twitched involuntarily.
Lockhart, dressed in a green and gold robe, ascended the stage, surrounded by a group of students. He looked particularly pleased under everyone's gaze, and a row of sparkling teeth could be seen when he smiled.
"Don't tell me he's in charge of this dueling club."
Aaron was speechless. He had been somewhat looking forward to it, as Wizard duels were quite rare at Hogwarts.
But the moment Lockhart appeared, his few remaining interests instantly vanished.
This Defense Against the Dark Arts Class Professor, who was only good at being funny and had no real talent, couldn't teach them anything.
"Surprising, isn't it!" Draco found Aaron's disappointed expression amusing. "I was also surprised when Professor Snape told me.
Lockhart actually came up with such a great idea; he's not entirely useless."
"What a waste of my precious time," Aaron said, exasperated.
"At least he set up this arena," Draco said meaningfully. "If you don't like it, you can challenge him later."
Aaron was actually a little tempted, but after glancing at Lockhart, who had walked to the center of the arena, he abandoned the idea.
He wouldn't feel any psychological burden fighting Lockhart, but it wasn't appropriate to hit a Professor in public.
"Everyone, come closer, can you see me?" Lockhart said loudly. "Can you hear me?"
The students in the Great Hall gradually gathered around the arena.
"Given the Dark Arts events of the past few weeks, Dumbledore has allowed me to start this dueling club to train you, so that one day you can protect yourselves as calmly as I do.
Full details can be found in my book." Lockhart said, throwing his jacket onto the stage, revealing a set of soft armor underneath. "Allow me to introduce my assistant, Professor Snape."
Professor Snape, in his black Wizard robe, looked no different from his usual attire, except his face was terrifyingly dark.
"Well, well, well!
He actually knows to find himself an assistant. It seems he also knows his own limits," Aaron quipped. There was a reason Lockhart was doing so well; it's valuable to know yourself!
"Aaron," Draco secretly winked at him. "Just a tip, it's better not to speak ill of Lockhart in public."
Upon hearing this, Aaron also felt many hostile gazes and quickly reined in his expression.
It was true that Lockhart was useless, but Hogwarts had many of his brain-dead fans, who were so engrossed in Lockhart's autobiography that they couldn't extricate themselves and refused to acknowledge reality.
"Professor Snape has generously agreed to help me with a demonstration," Lockhart explained smugly. "Youngsters, don't worry, I will return your Potion Class Professor to you in one piece after the demonstration."
Aaron blinked in surprise, turning to look at Draco, but he was equally bewildered.
"Don't look at me, I don't know either."
"Where does he get his confidence?"
Although Aaron disliked Lockhart, seeing Professor Snape's slightly raised lips, he couldn't help but silently mourn for him for a second.
"Could your judgment be wrong?" Draco said, somewhat unsure. "Is there a possibility that Lockhart's teaching skills are terrible, beyond redemption, but his practical combat ability is still good?"
"Heh heh!" Aaron said disdainfully. "I really hope what you're saying is true, but he couldn't even handle Cornish Pixies."
Draco thought of the first Defense Against the Dark Arts Class of the semester and immediately dismissed all positive conjectures about Lockhart.
There was only one thing he still admired: Lockhart's level of courting disaster was extraordinarily high.
Out of so many Professors, he chose the one with the heaviest hand.
On the stage, Lockhart and Snape stood opposite each other and bowed.
Then they drew their wands and held them like swords in front of their chests.
"One, two, three..."
As soon as Lockhart called out three, he heard Snape shout the spell: Expelliarmus.
Suddenly, a dazzling red light struck Lockhart's chest.
He flew backward, off the stage amidst gasps, and lay curled on the floor.
The surrounding Slytherin students applauded and cheered. This was their Dean, who had taken down Lockhart in one move.
"I almost feel sorry for him," Draco laughed. "Perhaps he never imagined Professor Snape would be so powerful!"
"Who knows!
But I think the result wouldn't have changed with any other Professor."
Lockhart picked up his wand and stumbled to his feet.
Although his chest hurt and his hair was a mess, he acted as if nothing had happened.
"Excellent demonstration, Professor Snape.
But with all due respect, your intention was quite obvious." Lockhart walked forward, saying casually, "If I wanted to stop you, it would be effortless."
Snape's face grew even darker, and a faint killing intent even appeared in his eyes.
Lockhart clearly felt this and was about to stop this demonstration that would deeply hurt him when a voice from below made him tremble.
"Then let's demonstrate again, Professor," Aaron said. "It'll also give us all a good look."
"I have no objection," Snape also looked at Lockhartmeaningfully. "I believe our Defense Against the Dark Arts Class Professor wouldn't have any objection either!"
Lockhart's heart sank, and his expression became somewhat unnatural.
Aaron Gaius was purely looking for trouble. If he agreed, he would definitely be sent flying again, and he didn't want to be humiliated in public.
And Severus Snape, he had thought he was taciturn and would follow the script he had arranged, but he didn't expect the other party to be such a man of few words but fierce actions.
"What to do?" Lockhart's mind raced. Seeing the expectant looks from many students below, he immediately had an idea.
He glanced at Aaron, then shifted his gaze to Snape, and said seriously, "I admit that's a rather good idea.
But this is a club, not a serious classroom. We shouldn't deprive the children of their showcase.
I propose we still divide the students into pairs and let them show their talents in their own way, and if there's anything incorrect, we can correct it."
"What do you think, Professor Snape?"
Although it was a question, Lockhart didn't intend to give Snape a chance to speak. "Good, it's settled then."
He turned and put some distance between himself and Snape. As he almost reached the other end of the arena, he saw Harry and Ron in the crowd.
"Potter, Weasley, how about you two go first?"
"That's not a good idea," Snape sneered. "Weasley's wand has trouble casting even the simplest spells. We'll probably have to put Potter in a matchbox and send him to the School Hospital.
Besides, Gryffindor fighting Gryffindor will inevitably be perfunctory. Let's pick someone from my House!
Gaius, come out. I believe you and Mr. Potter can give us a wonderful duel."
Aaron was stunned for a moment, turning to look at Draco. "I didn't expect this situation."
"It doesn't matter, I don't care if it's sooner or later.
If you go on stage, you can also severely curb Potter's arrogance."
"I told you, I'm not interested," Aaron said, exasperated, then raised his right hand. "Professor, I'm not very willing to fight Harry Potter.
How about Malfoy instead?
Draco has always wanted to face the famous Harry Potter. I think we should give them a chance."
Snape frowned slightly, but Lockhart thought Aaron was scared.
Thinking that the other party had almost humiliated him just now, he immediately put on an understanding facade. "Gaius, I personally think you should show everyone Slytherin's abilities.
I know Mr. Potter is famous, but if you give up because of fear, you're destined to lose a lot in the future."
Aaron's mouth twitched, and he even felt an urge to laugh.
Lockhart's ability to imagine things was a bit too strong. He seemed to just not want to go on stage; where did he show fear?
On the other side, Harry was also dumbfounded.
He was somewhat confident against Malfoy, and for the Polyjuice Potion, he also needed to have close contact with Malfoy.
But he didn't think he was stronger than Aaron, and the other party was very likely the heir of Slytherin. If he wasn't careful, he might have to make another trip to the School Hospital.
"Professor, I..."
"Don't worry, Mr. Potter, just use Expelliarmus," Lockhartwinked at Harry. "You won't hurt him."
Harry looked bitter, but he wasn't as resistant anymore.
For no other reason than that Lockhart was still bouncing around after being sent flying by Snape.