"Ha, Professor William, your office is really minimalist—" Lockhart said with an enthusiastic voice, "Hmm, it always feels like it's missing some decorations, like my books?"
As Lockhart spoke, he pulled out one book after another from the small bag he carried with him.
"I already have these—" William's refusal was cut short by Lockhart before he could even finish half a sentence.
"It's alright, Professor William, trust me, these are limited edition hardcovers, even pure-blood family bookshelves can display them prominently as decorations."
Professor Lockhart was full of confidence—but William knew it wasn't bragging. The Daily Prophet always went all out to introduce this best-selling author, and many famous pure-blood family members even publicly expressed their love for the professor's writing.
'Let them stay, Professor Lockhart's books are quite good. I can't just say no to them…'
Ever since coming out of Azkaban, William had finally met someone with a thicker skin than his by several times—he was utterly defeated.
"Hmm, very suitable—" Lockhart nodded in satisfaction, pretending to be casual. "Professor William, I heard Professor Flitwick say that you obtained Ravenclaw's diadem, but it has some troubles attached to it?"
Before William could make any response, Lockhart simply continued speaking, "You know, although it might sound a bit like bragging, I am one of the best adventurers, having witnessed countless dangers and disarmed countless traps. I think you might need an adventure master like me to help you deal with those problems."
"Of course, of course," Lockhart spoke at an astonishing speed, "This also fulfills a small wish of mine, you know, Professor William."
Lockhart revealed his impeccable smile. "Every Ravenclaw studying here, and even every child who reads, has fantasized about that diadem. Although I had excellent grades after entering school, you know, Professor William, I was also an ordinary student back then. I'm not just solving a problem; I'm also fulfilling a childhood wish."
Professor Lockhart's smile grew even friendlier—
'But no matter how eloquently you speak, it's not with me.'
As this thought surfaced, William immediately noticed something was off—'Why do I have the urge to show Professor Lockhart the item?'
His wand was out even faster than his thoughts.
"Stupefy!"
"Obliviate!"
Two spells flew out almost simultaneously—William cast a Shield Charm with all his might and dodged, but although Professor Lockhart's spell was cast later, it landed first, he had no time to defend against William's Stunning Spell.
The enormous impact almost pierced William's eardrums. Professor Lockhart's Obliviate spell, though hastily cast, was more powerful than he had imagined.
'Good thing I practiced the Shield Charm diligently, only a little less than Apparition, which I specifically trained for on weekends, otherwise I might have wasted a card,' William slowly recovered from the loud bang and patted his chest with lingering fear. "Compared to the system's cards, my own strength is more reliable. What if that thing is a knockoff?"
'Speaking of which, Professor Lockhart truly lives up to his name as a great adventurer. Even with my almost sneak attack, he retaliated so quickly—' William affirmed Professor Lockhart internally while commending his own previous judgment, "Indeed, that all-or-nothing approach was too one-sided. Without a backup plan, it's too easy to be ambushed."
'But I definitely couldn't have taken that head-on. That Obliviate spell was too cunning,' William got up from the ground, looked at Professor Lockhart, and then remembered something important.
'Why did I take down Professor Lockhart? The rooster incident is over! The diadem has been found!'
He clutched his forehead, a headache starting—'Taking down Adams isn't an issue, after all, everyone's familiar with him. But how do I deal with taking down Professor Lockhart? The diadem has been found, why are you still so sensitive!'
Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale…
William adjusted his breathing, trying hard not to let his thoughts wander astray—Azkaban was a massive dye vat, and he had heard countless dark stories there. Some illicit operations were second nature to him.
'No, you just got out of there, why are you still thinking about going back in?'
'If you do that, how can you still face your students?'
'Take responsibility, William!'
Shaking his head, William cast aside the story of the former Ministry of Magic memory obliviator who was sent to Azkaban. Although a simple flick of his wand could Exemption subsequent blame, that was not what he should do.
'Go inform Dumbledore, honestly confess that I was overly paranoid and attacked the visiting professor. At worst, I'll lose the promised raise, and then I'll apologize to Professor Lockhart in person and beg Dumbledore to let me participate in researching the diadem. The matter should be resolved.'
Having made up his mind, William prepared to wake Professor Lockhart, while holding onto a last glimmer of hope.
'If possible, it would be best to reconcile with Professor Lockhart privately. Although I don't think it's very likely, if it really can happen, then Dumbledore won't have to be bothered.'
"Professor Lockhart?"
William gently called out as he undid the spell with his wand—his attitude had to be good, otherwise, the situation would be difficult to handle.
"Ah," after the spell was undone, Lockhart's hand immediately went to where his wand had been, and then he painfully opened his eyes.
'He shouldn't have been hit too hard—'
William thought to himself, revealing a harmless smile.
"Professor, you're awake. The operation—ahem, there was a small accident. I'm truly sorry."
"Professor William?"
Professor Lockhart's look of alarm made William feel extremely embarrassed inside—at least he had a decent reason for hitting Adams, but he attacked Professor Lockhart purely on instinct!
"I apologize, Professor Lockhart," William tried his best to express his sincere regret, "I was too nervous. I am very sorry that such an accident occurred…"
Lockhart ignored William and began to quickly survey his surroundings.
"Still in your office, Professor William."
Professor Lockhart's noticeably relieved tone made William feel even more self-reproachful—why were your hands so quick!
"Yes, still in my office, Professor Lockhart. Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"
"I'm fine," Lockhart's smile was a bit forced, "I'm fine, don't worry too much about me, Professor William. You haven't informed Professor Dumbledore, have you?"
"Not yet," William had just said one word when Professor Lockhart interrupted him.
"It's good that you haven't. Don't worry, youthful impulsiveness. I can understand. Of course, you know, Professor William, if this weren't at school, you wouldn't have found such a good opportunity."
This response made William even more embarrassed. He uncharacteristically went against his previous idea of not asking house-elves for trivial matters.
"Bart, would you mind preparing some black tea for Professor Lockhart and me?"
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