He's still too comprehensive.
Gilderoy Lockhart was very satisfied with Ian's excuse.
"Hahaha, you're right, I almost forgot this is a book that doesn't belong to you. If it had my signature, I think even Dumbledore wouldn't be willing to share it with others." The pen in Gilderoy Lockhart's hand was extremely exquisite, the nib would automatically rotate out when it touched the paper.
"In fact, I've already given Dumbledore a limited edition signed book, which is a work I will publish next year. He couldn't be happier when he got it."
"Can you believe it? The world's greatest White Wizard is also my fan. I saw his collection in his office, he must be too shy to mention his enthusiasm for me to others."
Gilderoy Lockhart was simply unstoppable when he talked. As he signed, he couldn't help but brag a little more about himself. Gilderoy Lockhart might have tried hard to make it seem like a casual mention, but the attempt to cover it up was too familiar to Ian.
"Could it be that our principal is a shy person?"
Ian played the supportive role well.
This immediately made Gilderoy Lockhart realize.
"Yes, that's right, you really are a smart little Wizard, you're quite right to remind me, the principal of Hogwarts is a shy person, and it can certainly be forgiven."
Gilderoy Lockhart was so overjoyed that his smile was about to reach the back of his head.
"Many thanks!"
Ian feigned excitement as he accepted the signed Living Map, which, before being "activated," was just a piece of ordinary parchment.
Of course.
Now it had become a valuable Lockhart limited edition Living Map. Ian thought that Gilderoy Lockhart's reputation should fetch a high price before any scandal. Well, if Gilderoy Lockhart died before being exposed, perhaps the last autograph could sell for an immeasurable price.
Ian mused.
"I don't treat every little Wizard so well, trust me, it will bring you luck." Gilderoy Lockhart casually slipped the signature pen into his robe.
"Meeting you here is already my good luck." Ian's answer was flawless, perhaps Teacher Morgan's previous assessments of some of his qualities weren't wrong.
There you go, Gilderoy Lockhart was very pleased and laughed heartily again, "You are right, it seems you will become my favorite student while I teach at Hogwarts this year."
"Had Dumbledore not pleaded with me, I actually didn't want to return here. My excellence during my student years led to quite a bit of exclusion and discrimination from others."
"I hope that atmosphere no longer exists, if you encounter similar situations, remember to tell me, that's what a professor's power should be used for." Gilderoy Lockhart winked at Ian, and this statement actually contained some truth.
Gilderoy Lockhart was once an excellent top student who graduated from Ravenclaw, he even passed several exams recognized as highly difficult across the entire Wizarding World.
Which is also why his books could deceive so many people. It's just that it seems as time went by, this guy seems to have "respecced" all his other "talent points" into Obliviate.
No one knows how that came to be.
Maybe it's because Gilderoy Lockhart always pursued fame, and his excellence in studying was just for fame, while in adulthood he shifted his methods for acquiring fame elsewhere. It could also be that such a situation is a side effect of the Obliviate, an ill-intentioned cast of the spell will eventually make the caster experience the consequences?
It's really hard to say.
Even in a subjective worldview, the idea that Gilderoy Lockhart became too reliant on Obliviate, to the point where he subconsciously disregarded other magic he learned, seems plausible.
"If such things really happen, I will seek your help... You truly are a good professor." Ian continued to humor the pompous performer in front of him with compliments.
He actually preferred to believe that perhaps Gilderoy Lockhart's ancestry had some blood fusion with some kind of magical creature that could "respec" itself.
"It's not the first time I've heard someone praise me like this, but I still really like such heartfelt evaluations from you. If you can continue to perform this well in tomorrow's class, then I think that would be the best reward for me." Gilderoy Lockhart's hint seemed very obvious.
Ian nodded understandingly.
"Tonight, all of Hogwarts will know we have an outstanding new professor."
He replied.
Although Ian didn't plan to advertise for Gilderoy Lockhart, according to Gilderoy Lockhart's fame, those other little Wizards would definitely spread the word tirelessly once they found out. He only needed to enjoy the spread of their promotions and claim to Gilderoy Lockhart tomorrow that he made a great contribution.
"I don't actually want to be that ostentatious..."
Gilderoy Lockhart was immediately so pleased that his hair was trembling with excitement.
"You really are a likable little guy. Go back and read this book well, you will definitely gain something." Gilderoy Lockhart patted the ancient book that was handed to Ian.