Tom Riddle couldn't find the basilisk, and Dana was completely unaware of it.
He was now fully immersed in the ocean of knowledge related to magical arrays.
"Professor McGonagall, thank you for lending me the materials. They were a great help to me."
Dana returned the notes on advanced magical arrays that Professor McGonagall had borrowed from a friend and followed her out of the Transfiguration office.
"Dana, it's good to be studious, but do you have enough energy?"
"Don't worry, Professor. The second-year courses aren't difficult for me. In fact, I already learned most of the material in Azkaban. The only difference is, one had no textbooks, and the other has them."
Professor McGonagall frowned slightly.
"You must be careful to distinguish the things you learned from those bad seeds, child. Be sure they don't harm you."
"I will, Professor."
As they were speaking, they saw Gilderoy Lockhart pass by, humming a little tune.
"Good afternoon, Professor McGonagall!"
She nodded briefly, and Lockhart turned to Dana.
"Oh, our Quidditch prodigy!"
He looked very cheerful.
"Yesterday's Halloween feast was wonderful, but I didn't see you—child, remember to enjoy yourself when it's time to be happy. Don't make yourself silly by only reading books!"
Dana raised an eyebrow.
"Thank you for your advice, Professor Lockhart."
But the next moment, Dana suddenly froze—yesterday was the Halloween feast. According to the original plot, the first basilisk victim, Mrs. Norris, should have been petrified, and the "Heir of Slytherin" should have left a message.
However, since the basilisk had been killed by him, the chaos that was supposed to unfold never happened...
Which meant the rest of the original events wouldn't happen either.
Then, would Lockhart still have his wand rebounded by Ron and end up in St. Mungo's? Of course not.
Dana wasn't sure if Dumbledore knew about Lockhart's plagiarism, but he needed to make sure Lockhart ended up in Azkaban.
He had gotten too caught up designing the defensive magic array for the New City and had put his revenge plans on hold.
—The New City needed a highly sophisticated magical defense, crucial for Dana's upcoming scams.
Still, punishing Donna Avery couldn't be neglected.
Dana decided then and there to spare some focus for that.
Should he pretend to be the basilisk and drive the plot forward himself?
Others get isekai'd to play babysitter, but I got isekai'd to be the BOSS. Not bad.
But... maybe there was no need.
Even if the "basilisk" reappeared, the plot wouldn't be the same—
The Weasleys were rich now. Ron had a new wand. Even though they crashed the Whomping Willow, the wand didn't break.
So—Professor Lockhart, I'm sorry, but I'm sending you to prison personally.
But first—
Dana said goodbye to Professor McGonagall and quickly caught up with Lockhart.
"Professor Lockhart!"
"Ah! We meet again, Dana!"
Dana smiled.
"I've been focused on studying at the start of term, so you may not know that I'm actually a loyal fan of your books."
"Really?"
Lockhart instantly perked up. Praise from a Quidditch star like Dana hit all the right notes.
"This is wonderful news—ah, I mean, Dana, you truly have excellent taste!"
Dana ignored the flattery and continued:
"I've been following your journey closely, Professor, so I also heard about your marriage before term began—your wife, Donna Avery, is said to be an exceptional witch. Will your next book be about your love story?"
"Her…"
A flicker of irritation crossed Lockhart's face, though his smile didn't waver.
"She's a fine companion and takes good care of me, but I've been inspired by a major figure and have already chosen the subject of my next book—it'll be about my extraordinary teaching career at Hogwarts!"
"What a shame!" Dana sighed. "I saw the wedding photos in the Daily Prophet, and I was so envious!
It's clear she loves you deeply. There was even a humble look on her face. For the eldest daughter of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, to do that... she must really adore you, right?"
Lockhart laughed smugly—of course, even a pure-blood heiress had to bow down before his charm.
Though Donna had dragged him into trouble and forced him into Hogwarts to lay low...
And although she somehow provoked the kid in front of him, which led to a wild beating by fanatics (not that Lockhart blamed Dana—he wouldn't dare; fanatics are terrifying)...
Still, Donna's devotion was undeniable.
"Oh yes, Dana, what sharp eyes you have!"
Lockhart beamed.
"You're right—Donna absolutely adores me. No matter what happens, I always come first—look!"
He pulled open his collar and showed Dana an amulet.
"See? She made this by hand. It's not worth much, but she pricked her fingers so many times sewing it—such a foolish woman."
Dana gave an admiring expression.
"Wow, you're incredible, Professor Lockhart! Your charm really is unmatched! When I'm older, you must teach me all your secrets!"
"Hahaha, no problem! But before that, I think we could really create a sensation together!"
"Of course! You're the expert in that field—I'll follow your lead!"
"Then it's settled. At the end of this school year, we'll rock the wizarding world together!"
"I look forward to it, Professor."
After parting from Lockhart, a thin smile curled on Dana's lips.
Love. Love is such a wonderful thing!
But it's a pity—Lockhart didn't seem to treat Donna very well. That won't do!
He should treat Donna with utmost affection—make her fall even more deeply in love!
Because when love is unforgettable, the heartbreak will be all the more devastating.
End of the Chapter.
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