"Congratulations, Mr. Malfoy, that's the correct answer!"
Aiden, who was familiar with the plot, didn't even need to read the text on the card before offering his congratulations.
Draco Malfoy's expression immediately improved.
After previously choosing what he thought was the most probable answer—only to be wrong—Draco had been terrified this round would end the same way.
He absolutely did not want to dance in a Balala the Fairies outfit again.
Now that the tension had passed, all that remained was anticipation.
With Harry Potter and Hermione Granger's previous rewards as examples, Draco was convinced he would receive something impressive.
Aiden smiled as he looked at Draco's expectant gaze.
Gilderoy Lockhart also kept staring at Draco, trying to read something from his expression.
For instance, whether Draco knew about… those matters concerning him.
Unfortunately for Lockhart, he was destined to be disappointed.
"Mr. Malfoy, you're quite lucky. You've received two items."
As Aiden spoke, he presented the rewards.
More accurately, he waved his hand, and the two items appeared automatically in Draco's hands.
One was a book.
The other was a withered black branch.
Draco's expectant expression froze the moment he looked down at them.
His emotions were complicated. He didn't quite know how to react.
Then, information flooded into his mind, explaining exactly what the two items were.
[×× Peace Theory]
[Introduction: Do kings, nobles, and generals have a fixed lineage? Bloodline does not represent everything.]
[Level: Trash ~ Divine Artifact (You know, it's just a book after all. Even if the knowledge within it can enlighten you greatly, that still depends on the reader.)]
[Holder: Draco Malfoy]
[Main Purpose: To help one discover their beliefs and walk a correct, smooth path.]
[Note: Level does not represent everything. If you can apply all the theories in this book to practice, then its value is comparable to a Divine Artifact. But if you cannot, or you disdain it, then it is nothing more than trash.]
Draco stared at the description.
He had the sudden urge to open the book and examine its contents.
An inexplicable palpitation stirred in his chest.
He had the faint feeling that if he could truly grasp what was written inside, it might be enough to change the entire wizarding world.
In the end, however, he did not open ×× Peace Theory.
Still, its introduction lingered in his heart like a seed quietly taking root.
Next, he examined the other item—the withered black branch.
[Lightning-Struck Wood—Branch (Peach Wood)]
[Introduction: Lightning-struck wood refers to trees naturally struck by lightning during storms. Because they are struck by lightning, such trees contain the righteous energy of heavenly thunder. They possess strong properties for warding off evil and suppressing malevolence. Among them, lightning-struck jujube wood, lightning-struck peach wood, and lightning-struck cypress wood are considered the best. Other lightning-struck woods are slightly inferior.]
[Level: Excellent (This is a modified piece of lightning-struck wood. It can achieve 100% tacit agreement with its holder—a purely natural wand.)]
[Holder: Draco Malfoy]
[Main Use: If you do not know how to use a wand, then you must not be a wizard. It provides a certain amplification to spells, though its power weakens when casting Dark Arts.]
[Note: It naturally carries a deterrent effect against evil and inflicts double damage on residual souls.]
After reading the description, Draco's breathing quickened.
That said, he still secretly preferred the two revolvers Harry had received earlier.
Those had been far cooler.
No matter how he looked at it, they seemed much more impressive than this pitch-black, withered branch.
Still, since this was the reward he had "painstakingly" earned, Draco couldn't help feeling satisfied.
While Draco was absorbed in his prizes, the rest of the students were focused on the analysis displayed on the card.
Especially those who had not been inside the Q&A space—they were extremely curious why Professor Lockhart was supposedly most proficient in the Memory Charm.
This included many of Lockhart's devoted fans, such as Justin Finch-Fletchley.
Justin, who adored Professor Lockhart.
At present, Lockhart's reputation was only slightly tarnished. Some suspected he was a fraud, but the vast majority of students still idolized the famous adventurer.
If only his teaching ability weren't so dreadful.
Now, whether admirers or skeptics, everyone's eyes were fixed on the explanation.
[Gilderoy Lockhart is renowned as a famous adventurer and powerful wizard in the British wizarding world. However, in reality, his combat abilities are not strong.
Years of attending high-profile banquets and indulging in a luxurious lifestyle have significantly diminished his spellcasting standards, leaving many of his abilities nominal at best.
However, Lockhart does not care. As long as he remains proficient in one particular spell, he believes he will never fall—because he built his career upon it. What is that spell?]
[Answer A: What gave you the illusion that Lockhart is highly proficient in the Shield Charm? In fact, he only knows the spell but is not particularly skilled at it. Therefore, Answer A is incorrect.]
[Answer B: Avada Kedavra, one of the infamous Three Unforgivable Curses and among the most terrifying Dark Arts spells. It is feared by all witches and wizards because of its instant-kill effect. Those capable of casting Avada Kedavra are not necessarily Dark Wizards, but Dark Wizards can certainly cast Avada Kedavra—such as Lord Voldemort. Unfortunately, Gilderoy Lockhart cannot cast Avada Kedavra. Therefore, Answer B is incorrect.]
[Answer C: Gilderoy Lockhart's most frequently used spell and his most proficient mental magic. This spell even earned him the title of "Memory Master." Few in the world can rival Gilderoy Lockhart in the Memory Charm. Therefore, Answer C is correct.]
[Answer D: Imperio, one of the Three Unforgivable Curses. Its ability to seize a person's mind and control them without detection demonstrates how terrifying it is. Although Lockhart is one of the rare individuals skilled in mental magic, he cannot cast this spell. Therefore, Answer D is incorrect.]
After reading all four explanations, the students' attention gravitated toward two particular points.
First was the mention of Avada Kedavra, and with it, the name that could not be spoken.
Second was the subtle evaluation of Lockhart himself—which shocked quite a few skeptics.
The atmosphere grew noticeably heavier.