"Do you know how busy I am right now? I have to visit three different wizarding households every day, working with the Ministry's Memory Modification Squad to restore their memories without affecting their health!"
"And the Daily Prophet keeps sending me letters for an interview! Do they think I'm insane? I don't even dare go home anymore… I'm practically living at the Ministry to avoid the Howlers from those crazy fans!"
"I'm still slowly adjusting to life after my complete disgrace! And it's all thanks to you, Severus Snape!"
Gilderoy Lockhart, with messy hair, no longer meticulously styled, and looking visibly haggard from overwork, displayed a level of energy that completely contradicted his physical state.
He seemed to be complaining, but Severus could tell he was much more relaxed and lighthearted than when he was putting on airs before.
"But at least you're not in prison," Severus raised an eyebrow. "You should thank your past self for not harming those victims severely. If even one of them couldn't recover their memories, was turned into an idiot by your Memory Charms, the Ministry wouldn't have let you off so lightly just by making you undo the damage."
"You didn't come all this way just to check on me. We're not on those kinds of terms."
Lockhart scratched his messy hair. He didn't respond to Severus's remark but instead scrutinized the wizard whose fame had skyrocketed in the Wizarding World.
"I need a favor."
Severus was direct, with no extra politeness.
Of course, even if he wanted to care about such things, there was nothing he could do.
Hearing this, a smile appeared on Lockhart's face. Ever since Dumbledore escorted him to the Ministry to confess, he had adopted a 'so be it' attitude, completely indifferent to the reputation, fame, and status he once cared so deeply about.
And now, Severus was actively asking for his help. This greatly satisfied Lockhart's now-lost vanity.
But his answer was firm.
"No! I don't have the time!"
Lockhart was highly anticipating seeing surprise, disappointment, or displeasure on Severus's face after such a flat refusal, as it would further satisfy his vanity and make him happy.
However, Severus just nodded calmly and said, as if it were obvious,
"You certainly have no obligation to help me."
Seeing this, Lockhart immediately lost interest and became listless.
"If you understand that, then we have nothing more to discuss. The Ministry still has a lot of work requiring my cooperation."
Just as Lockhart turned to leave, Severus suddenly spoke up again.
"What if this matter isn't about helping me, but about helping yourself salvage that disastrous reputation of yours?"
Lockhart's movements paused. He turned back with a cold snort.
"Do you take me for a fool? My reputation is already thoroughly ruined! Rumor has it the Howlers sent to my house have set it on fire twelve times! No one can salvage my reputation, not even Dumbledore!"
Lockhart's voice grew louder.
"You've probably heard how my own reputation in the Wizarding World was turned around," Severus said softly, just watching him. "People love stories about prodigal sons returning, don't they? And you proactively confessing your past mistakes to the Ministry is already a very good start."
"But what can I do! My stories were all stolen! None of them were mine! I'm not the adventurous hero the public expects! Nor am I a competent writer! What can a 'returned prodigal' like me do! I'm just a mediocre person!"
His previously good mood was gone, ruined by Severus's words. In self-abandonment, he tried to quicken his pace to leave. However, Severus's voice continued to reach him from behind.
"You don't necessarily need thrilling adventure stories or a glamorous image. Your strengths don't lie there."
"Just as you love to boast, the Ministry's Memory Modification Squad must have offered you an olive branch, right? You're a genius with Memory Charms and memory reconstruction, and you have a talent for writing captivating stories."
"So why not strive in the direction you're truly skilled in? If you can use your expertise to heal those with memory problems, or act as a third-party writer, helping those who've experienced adventures but can't write to tell their stories, isn't that also a path to success and fame?"
Lockhart's steps clearly became less firm than before, but he still didn't stop.
Until Severus said the final words.
"Public attention on you is high right now. With your performance, that bad reputation can quickly turn into a good one. Now is the best opportunity. If you miss this timing and later want to salvage things, no one might care anymore."
"When you see your mother next time, how will you explain it to her? Tell her, 'Sorry, Mum, your son has always been a complete fraud'?"
"Alright! You win! You've completely won, Severus Snape! You've found my lifeline! My weakness!"
Lockhart shouted, flustered and exasperated. He turned around, his face flushed red.
"I'm a fool! I actually thought I could easily deal with you, refuse you! You've achieved final victory! I can't let go of those things, and I can't say those words to my mother! Fine! What do you want me to do? Let's go! I'll do whatever you say!"
Seeing this reaction, Severus smiled. He patted Lockhart on the shoulder.
"Then let's go, under the command of this victor."