Early the next morning.
To repay Lockhart for his efforts and help the previous night, Andrews told him the final outcome of how he and Lulu met in Norway,
allowing Lockhart to record the complete story.
This very act made Lockhart even more enthusiastic about the subsequent work. Without any prompting from Andrews, after breakfast, he proactively began using the Memory Charm on the other trolls.
It was clearly very strenuous work. Handling one or two trolls would have been manageable for Lockhart, but dealing with over twenty in a row made him feel the strain.
There were twenty-one trolls left by the river in total. After Lockhart handled five last night, sixteen remained.
Throughout the entire morning, Lockhart didn't rest and he completed memory modifications on another eight trolls.
By noon, he was completely exhausted, sitting on the grass nearly drained!
Spellcasting drains a wizard's stamina. Coupled with the mentally taxing precise manipulation required for the Memory Charm, Lockhart was both physically and mentally fatigued.
Andrews was quite surprised by Lockhart's dedication. Of course, he didn't understand Lockhart's ultimate goal… he just began to view this writer, who initially hadn't left a good impression on him, somewhat differently.
This change in perception was directly reflected at lunch. Andrews prepared a very sumptuous meal for Lockhart, no less impressive than what Severus and the others usually had when they were here.
During lunch, just like the previous night, he also told Lockhart the ending of another adventure story. This instantly perked up the utterly exhausted Lockhart, proving more effective than downing a powerful restorative potion.
Now it was Andrews who grew concerned that if Lockhart continued working tirelessly like this, he might push himself too far and cause problems. He persuaded him that there was actually no hurry and he could easily take it easy this afternoon and finish modifying all the troll memories tomorrow.
But this time, it was Lockhart who refused.
He insisted on finishing all the troll memory modifications as soon as possible today. This wasn't just because he was eager to get all the adventure stories from Andrews, as he also had other ulterior motives.
"Pique, do you know about that Dragon Nature Reserve to the west?"
Andrews was, of course, familiar with it.
"I know. It's because that Dragon Nature Reserve expanded that Lulu and I were forced to move this group of trolls here."
Hearing that he knew about the place, Lockhart couldn't help but lower his voice mysteriously.
"I came into this forest looking for you from the west. At the original site of that Dragon Nature Reserve, there's a small hill and a strange, dried-up lake. There were actually many Aurors guarding the place!"
A look of clear surprise appeared on Andrews' face, as he hadn't expected Lockhart to be so daring.
From their chats over these two meals, he had also learned that this wizard, who called himself a professional adventurer, had plunged into this forest without any professional preparation whatsoever.
'Walking in was one thing, but he had actually ventured into that abandoned sanctuary!'
"The dragon tamers expanded the sanctuary because something happened there that they couldn't figure out," Andrews explained, "It's precisely because that place caused trouble that the Aurors have sealed it off."
"An incident?" Lockhart showed keen interest, "What kind of incident?"
Andrews hesitated for a moment. He had an agreement with the Albanian Ministry of Magic not to disclose such matters, so he only spoke obliquely.
"It's related to the dragons. That place is no longer suitable for dragon habitation."
Lockhart sensed the restraint in Andrews' words. But the more this was the case, the more it indicated that a big secret was hidden there, making his accidental discovery there even more valuable!
That's right, Lockhart still remembered the trapdoor under the withered fir tree between the small hill and the dried-up lake.
He didn't dare explore it alone, but he saw potential in Andrews.
Previously, when obtaining adventure stories from other adventurers, it had never been this troublesome.
On the surface, Lockhart remained amiable towards Andrews, but he had already petty-mindedly noted this down.
Andrews made him work hard here, so naturally, he had to get something back elsewhere!
Having Andrews lead the way to explore under that trapdoor was, in Lockhart's view, a rather suitable form of 'repayment'.
"I discovered something unusual there!" Lockhart's eyes shifted sneakily, "The Albanian Aurors are a bunch of fools without proper training. They didn't know I entered the restricted area. Right by that dried-up lake, under a tree, I found a trapdoor with a brass handle!"
"There must be something wrong under that trapdoor. It might even be the main reason the dragon handlers expanded the sanctuary!" As if feeling his words lacked appeal, he quickly added his own reasonable speculation, "Dragons are interested in treasure, right? There's likely a lot of treasure hidden underground! And those Aurors don't know I found that place. So, how about it? Once we finish handling these trolls' memories, should we go treasure hunting under that trapdoor?"
Contrary to Lockhart's expectations, after hearing his account, Andrews' face didn't show any surprise or anticipation. Instead, he remained quite calm.
And in response to Lockhart's invitation, he very decisively shook his head and said, "Thank you for the offer, but since that area has been sealed off by the Albanian Ministry of Magic, it's an illegal exploration zone. I'm not interested in dragon treasure, and I don't want to break a country's laws for pointless adventure."
This response made Lockhart somewhat anxious.
"Aren't you an adventurer? How can you call adventure pointless? Exploring the unknown and seeking treasure are what adventurers pursue, aren't they?"
"My primary job is first and foremost a troll research expert," Andrews said seriously, "The trolls living in this forest may be idiots, but they are still Lulu's kin, friends who have assisted my research for three years. If I were to violate Albanian law for so-called adventure and treasure, causing them to develop ill will towards the trolls I study, that would be my fault."
'Idiot!'
Lockhart couldn't help but curse Andrews in his heart.
He himself was always an egoist. As long as it benefited him, why should he care about what happened to others?
So, Lockhart only felt scorn for Andrews's words, with no other feelings whatsoever.
But his inner thoughts were his own, and outwardly, he certainly couldn't show it. Even if Andrews was unwilling to adventure, before he got all the adventure stories, he still had to maintain a good relationship between them.
Understanding the priorities, a look of admiration and respect appeared on Lockhart's face. He praised Andrews loudly, "Pique! There are hardly any wizards in the world as sincere to their friends as you are! Especially since your friends are just trolls in others' eyes, not even considered people. This makes it all the more rare and valuable!"
Andrews didn't detect any issues in his praise, just blushing a little from the compliment, repeatedly waving his hand and saying it was nothing.
After lunch, Lockhart only rested for a short while before throwing himself into his work with even greater effort.
Throughout the afternoon, he successively completed memory modifications on another five trolls. During this, a situation even arose where two trolls got into a fight because their communicated experiences didn't match up.
After modifying the memories of these five, Lockhart finally ran out of energy. As soon as it grew dark, he returned to the bed Andrews had arranged for him and fell asleep instantly, leaving the final three for tomorrow.
By now, Andrews' impression of Lockhart had improved significantly. He felt that for a famous writer, enjoying a bit of boasting wasn't a major flaw.
The other party had worked so hard to help him that Andrews gradually let go of the wariness he had initially felt upon meeting Lockhart.
The next day, after enjoying the sumptuous breakfast Andrews prepared, a refreshed Lockhart completed the memory modifications on the final three trolls.
This completely settled the concerns of Andrews and Lulu, allowing them to leave this forest with peace of mind in the future.
Subsequently, Andrews also fulfilled his promise. Starting from lunch, he and Lockhart sat by the river, and Andrews spent the entire afternoon recounting his experiences and adventures across Europe.
Lockhart's Quick-Quotes Quill wrote so swiftly in its recording that the nib broke on one. Fortunately, he was well-prepared in this regard and could replace it on the spot.
Finally, they sat and talked until darkness fell. The trolls had all retreated into their wooden houses to sleep before Andrews finished telling Lockhart all of his and Lulu's experiences.
Lockhart looked at the notebook filled to the brim with records, a smile spreading uncontrollably across his face.
He was unstinting in his praise for Andrews, which had made Andrews completely drop his guard against him.
Andrews began to think that Severus's dislike for Lockhart might be due to some misunderstood prejudice, and that this wizard was actually a pretty decent person.
"It's very late, let's call it a day here." Lockhart said proactively. He stood up from the tree stump serving as a chair, stretching as he spoke.
Andrews also felt it was about time. He thought for a moment, looking at Lockhart, and said.
"Although I'm not interested in your proposal to explore the abandoned sanctuary, I can ask someone else for you. He might be interested in going with you."
A look of interest appeared on Lockhart's face.
"Oh? Is he an adventurer too?"
"He's much more professional and powerful than your average adventurer." Andrews hadn't forgotten Severus's warning, "But let me contact him first and see if he's willing. If he agrees, I'll introduce him to you."
Lockhart superficially agreed with great anticipation, but in truth, he paid little heed to Andrews' words.
Who was he?
Gilderoy Lockhart!
One of the most famous public figures in Britain!
Most people would beg to adventure with him, so he certainly didn't lack for companions. Why would he wait around for someone else to decide whether to partner up with him?
The two soon returned to their respective beds to rest.
They slept quite close to each other. Andrews had simply partitioned his own small wooden hut with a curtain.
And the moment he lay down, drowsiness overwhelmed Andrews, and he fell into a deep sleep.
He had a very vivid dream. In it, he and Lulu left this forest not long after, left Europe,
and began journeying to Egypt to explore ancient wizard tombs hidden in the desert, where they discovered mummy trolls.
However, while exploring the tomb, he accidentally triggered a curse within. His entire body was tightly bound by the mummy's bandages, even his mouth, ears, and eyes were sealed!
He wanted to cry out to Lulu for help, but couldn't make a sound, until he abruptly jolted awake from the dream.
In the hazy night…
A figure stood by his bed, holding a wand.
As the figure slowly approached, illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the window, Andrews clearly saw the person's face!
It was Lockhart, still wearing that smile showing a mouthful of white teeth.
Only now, his smile lacked its usual brilliance, instead appearing extremely sinister!
Andrews struggled desperately to move, but his body was like a statue cast in cement, utterly immobile.
Lockhart had ambushed him in his sleep, using a Full Body-Bind Curse on him.
Even as a third-rate wizard, Lockhart couldn't mess up such a basic spell for wizards.
Now, Andrews was completely at his mercy!
Outside the wooden house, the snores of trolls could still be heard, including those of the soundly sleeping Lulu. It had no idea what its wizard friend was currently enduring and couldn't come to offer any help.
Andrews stared wide-eyed, nervously meeting Lockhart's gaze. Lockhart, however, laughed triumphantly.
"Thank you for your hospitality these past two days, Pique! Honestly, the other adventurers I've met before were far less troublesome than you. Those people were all too eager to boastfully tell me their stories!"
He had already pointed his wand at Andrews's head.
"Only you, you actually used it as leverage to make demands of me?"
"Tsk tsk tsk! It doesn't matter anymore. After tonight, none of these stories will belong to you anyway. After this, you won't even remember ever knowing a troll named Lulu. I'll also erase that stupid troll's memory. In the future, there will only be one adventurer who traveled with a troll!"
Lockhart grinned excitedly.
"Only me! Gilderoy Lockhart!"
"Oblivia..."
Just as Lockhart was about to utter the complete incantation-
A red light suddenly shot through the window and struck his body!