Chapter 256: Conflict in Flourish and Blotts
After the photo session, Lockhart, brimming with self-importance, announced to the crowd that he would soon be joining Hogwarts as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.
"Both Harry Potter and his classmates will receive a true, magical experience with Magical Me starting September 1st!" he declared.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers. A few middle-aged wizards, unclear if they were fans or just awestruck, even shouted in excitement. It was as though Lockhart's presence alone could ensure the students' safety and finally break the infamous curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position.
Amid the enthusiastic cheers, Harry suddenly felt a heavy weight in his arms. Looking down, he realized he'd been handed the complete works of Gilderoy Lockhart, nearly causing him to trip as he attempted to walk. The one silver lining was that he finally had an excuse to escape the crowd.
He maneuvered his way over to the edge of the gathering, where Kyle stood chatting with Ginny.
"These are for you... I'll buy my own copies later," Harry said, pouring Lockhart's books into Ginny's new cauldron. Then, looking at Kyle, he couldn't help but ask, "Where did you disappear to just now?"
"Oh, I noticed you were having a great chat with Lockhart, so I slipped off to pick up some other textbooks," Kyle replied, nodding toward a stack of books piled on a nearby table. When Lockhart had called out Harry's name, Kyle had taken the chance to vanish into the crowd, hoping to dodge any potential interaction. Little did he know that he'd also managed to avoid being dragged into the spotlight by Harry's quick-thinking escape tactic.
'This kid's getting too clever for his own good these days,' Kyle thought with amusement.
"What did you need me for?" Kyle asked, keeping a straight face.