The three of them walked briskly toward the room.
Avery was anxious.
Dantès remained calm.
And Dumbledore was intrigued.
This Count Dantès had deliberately asked him to come along—surely he had a purpose. Yet, it was also possible that Dantès had simply stumbled into the situation.
In truth, Dumbledore's instincts were correct. If he hadn't been present, Dana would've found someone else to serve as a witness.
Because the moment the door opened, a scene of passionate lovemaking unfolded.
Donna Avery and Gilderoy Lockhart were completely absorbed in each other. Perhaps initially influenced by the potion, but as time passed, the situation had grown uncontrollable. The dose Dana had given them was minuscule—intended only to elevate the mood. But in a man who had consumed a powerful love potion, even a small dose could produce overwhelming effects.
As the wind rushed in through the open door, both Lockhart and Donna shivered and turned their heads toward the doorway. Donna's face turned ghostly pale. Lockhart, after a single glance, turned back to gaze at Donna, as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.
Old Avery looked as though he might faint. His trembling fingers pointed first at Donna, then at Lockhart, unable to utter a single coherent word.
By then, others had caught wind of the gossip and arrived at the scene. As they passed the three standing at the doorway, the scandalous scene inside the room satisfied all their curiosity.
Donna pulled the blanket around her in a futile attempt to cover herself, lost and unsure of what to do. Just then, Count Dantès spoke:
"It's only natural for young people to be amorous. How wonderful it is that my castle can serve as a setting for such romance."
He turned to the onlookers.
"Everyone, please return to the hall and continue enjoying your evening. Let's give some privacy to this pair of lovers."
"The Count truly is a romantic Frenchman!"
"Yes! Romance must be in the bones of the French!"
"What a kind and understanding Count—so charming!"
After pacifying the crowd, Count Dantès turned back to the room.
"You two, quickly get dressed. We'll talk shortly."
He closed the door and turned to Old Avery.
"My sincerest apologies, Mr. Avery, that such an incident occurred in my castle."
Old Avery, caught between fury and shock, still managed to remain courteous—after all, Count Dantès was a man of vast wealth.
"No, it's not your fault, Your Excellency. It's… my niece. She… Alas! That damn Lockhart! I always suspected him!"
Dantès offered a gentle smile.
"Mr. Avery, I know you had high expectations for your niece—hoping, perhaps, to form a connection with me. But let me reassure you, that's completely unnecessary.
I am settling in England and fully intend to do business here. I only want reliable partners. There's absolutely no need for Miss Avery to 'sacrifice' herself for that."
He paused before adding:
"Actually, this outcome may be for the best. Gilderoy Lockhart is, after all, a well-known author, with a solid reputation and his own sort of 'talent.' If Miss Avery were to marry him, it would bring substantial benefits to the Avery family.
In this way, Mr. Avery, you gain both a strong business partnership and a reputable nephew-in-law. Isn't that ideal?"
Old Avery nodded slowly. If the Count was willing to form a business alliance with the Averys, then perhaps this scandal wasn't a complete disaster—just unpleasant, nothing more. After all, what were business connections compared to the prestige of becoming family with the Earl?
Dantès then turned toward Dumbledore.
"I hear Hogwarts is considering Mr. Lockhart for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post next year? Although today's events may seem trivial, if word spreads, wouldn't it tarnish the school's image?"
Dumbledore's eyes twitched slightly.
"Your Excellency Count, you are remarkably well-informed."
Dantès offered a light chuckle.
"I am very rich."
And in this world, there are very few things money can't buy.
Dumbledore gave a small nod.
"As long as Mr. Lockhart and Miss Avery marry, things may settle. But if Mr. Lockhart ends up unable to take the job at Hogwarts, would Your Excellency be interested in filling in for a year?
Someone who can lead a Black Dragon tribe must be more than capable of teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. And since this incident happened in your castle, don't you bear some responsibility? Shouldn't you help resolve the consequences?"
Count Dantès curled his lips into a slight smirk.
"I'm sorry, Headmaster, but as I understand it, no Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts has lasted a full year. They either die or suffer some disaster. Only a powerful wizard like Mr. Lockhart would be suitable—
So I must politely decline. And it's not arrogance, but rather practicality: only I can bring new vitality to the British wizarding world while I'm still alive.
But to make amends, I will do my utmost to support the marriage of Mr. Lockhart and Miss Avery."
Then, he turned to Old Avery.
"Headmaster Dumbledore is right—this happened in my castle, and I should take responsibility. Here's what I propose: if you agree to the marriage between Donna and Gilderoy, I will invite the Avery family into some of my core projects. What do you say?"
Glossary: Core Projects – Hardcore business ventures that can cause a person's heart to skip a beat.
Old Avery looked stunned, then elated.
"Oh—oh! That would be wonderful! As the head of the Avery family, I hereby approve this marriage!"
Dantès nodded in satisfaction.
"Excellent. Now I just need to persuade Mr. Lockhart. Mr. Avery, please escort Miss Avery downstairs. I'll have a word with Mr. Lockhart."
Old Avery nodded eagerly.
"Count, you are too generous. Thank you!"
As for Lockhart taking on a high-risk teaching position, Old Avery couldn't care less. The best thing that could happen to such scum would be a swift death. Now that the family had secured a connection with the Count, Lockhart's fate hardly mattered.
Dantès turned to Dumbledore.
"Apologies, Headmaster, for involving you—but rest assured, I'll make sure a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is ready for next year."
Dumbledore nodded silently and headed downstairs. Though doubts lingered in his mind, now was not the time to explore them.
Voldemort remained the bigger threat. This Count Dantès, for all his mystery, was just a rich man. And the rich rarely wanted to rule—they could buy anything they wanted. Their worldly desires were far lesser than those of a poor boy like Tom Riddle.
Back in the room, Donna and Lockhart were already dressed. Donna sat on the bed, her face red and eyes downcast. Lockhart looked at her longingly.
"Donna, come downstairs with me," said Olympus Avery.
Donna trembled slightly. She cast a lingering look at Lockhart and slowly walked out, pausing to glance back every few steps.
Once the door closed, Dantès took out a small potion.
"Stop looking. She's gone."
"No… don't go, my love!"
Dantès poured the potion into Lockhart's mouth. Lockhart spluttered.
"Ugh, ugh… what is this?"
"A love potion antidote."
"Love potion?" Lockhart's eyes widened as the antidote took effect.
The tidal wave of affection that had consumed him vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
"That damn witch! How dare she use a love potion on me?
But thank you, Count!"
Dantès shook his head.
"Don't thank me yet. There's more we need to discuss."
"Of course! Go ahead."
"First of all, many people saw what happened today. It's already spreading. For the sake of your reputation…"
Lockhart gritted his teeth.
"I know… I have no choice but to marry that—woman. Unless I want my public image destroyed."
"Exactly. Even if you claim she used a potion, no one will believe you. With all due respect, Mr. Lockhart, while you are famous, Miss Avery's bloodline and status outweigh yours. People will assume you were the one chasing her."
Lockhart clutched his head, groaning in despair.
"I get it. I do."
"No, you don't."
Lockhart looked up—his eyes filled with cluelessness.
"You don't just need to marry Miss Avery. You need to appear to love her. Deeply."
"Why? Do I really have to pretend…"
"Calm yourself. Marrying Miss Avery brings only benefits. Olympus Avery and I just reached a deep cooperation agreement. Let me be clear—even if the Avery family were on the verge of poverty, with my help, they'll be among Britain's richest pure-blood families within two years.
And as their son-in-law, do you know what that means? Old Avery's son fled long ago. Donna is next in line. Her brother's only son died recently at Hogwarts. If you and Donna have children, and they carry the Avery name, you'll be the father of the next Avery heir."
Lockhart's expression lit up like sunshine breaking through clouds.
He rubbed his hands and nodded eagerly.
"Yes! You're right! I'll treat Donna well—show everyone I adore her! That's easy for me!
I want kids—right away, if possible!"
Then he paused and asked:
"But Count… why are you telling me all this?"
Dantès shrugged and smiled.
"This all happened under my roof. It's only right I help you land on your feet. And believe me, the Avery family is a fine catch."
Lockhart nodded with enthusiasm. He stood and gave a polite bow.
"Thank you, Count. Truly, thank you!"
"Hold on—there's one last thing. You should accept the Hogwarts teaching offer."
"Why?"
"Because your public image has taken a hit. The smartest move is to lay low. And what better place than Hogwarts, surrounded by students and far from the press?
Plus, your time teaching will become your greatest asset. When you leave next year, you can write another book—and your popularity will soar again."
Lockhart clapped with joy.
"You're right! What a brilliant idea! Thank you again, Count!"
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