Chapter 279: Thank You
"Did you do that on purpose...?" Kanna asked in a low voice once Kyle returned to his seat.
Kyle spread his hands with an innocent look.
Of course he had done it on purpose. There was no way he was going along with Lockhart's idea of putting on a play—especially just to play a supporting role. But watching the young wizard now performing as the Vampire, hopping around the stage with enthusiasm... it looked like he was having fun. And that, at least, was good enough.
The bell rang, and Lockhart stood up to announce, "For homework: Write a hymn celebrating my heroic conversion of the Vampire! The best one will receive a signed copy of Magical Me!"
"I'd rather write a three-foot-long essay," Kyle muttered under his breath as he packed up to leave the classroom.
Kanna nodded in agreement. Ever since she'd met Cedric, her opinion of Professor Lockhart had only soured. And the latest lesson hadn't helped, with a pop quiz thirty minutes into class and Lockhart fumbling through his endless self-promoting photographs.
It wasn't hard to guess their next Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson would be equally tedious.
"I kind of miss Professor Oren..." Kanna murmured as they walked toward the Great Hall.
"Oren?" Kyle looked at her in surprise. "Maybe you should head over to the Hospital Wing," he said, reaching out to feel her forehead. "You were nearly killed in the Forbidden Forest, and you're thinking about him?"
"I've already figured it out," Kanna replied with a small smile, brushing his hand away. "Oren was after you, and I just happened to be there by accident. If he ever comes back, I'll just steer clear of you."
"Oh, brilliant plan!" Kyle said sarcastically. "Have you thought about what I'm supposed to do if he shows up again?"