Chapter 123 Belvina is innocent
Chapter 123 Belvina is innocent
Chapter 123 Belvina is innocent
Before we knew it, the Christmas holidays were coming to an end, and students were returning to school one after another. The ancient castle, which had stood in the cold wind, was now full of life again.
Perhaps it was because they had enjoyed a relaxing vacation, or perhaps it was because the third attack had not yet occurred, but an optimistic mood permeated every corner of the castle.
The apparent peace and tranquility eased the students' tense nerves, and amulets, crystals, and garlic finally fell off the list of best-selling items. Most people also stopped being suspicious.
No one knew about the professors' major discovery during the holidays, nor did anyone know that a vast and intricate web was being laid out in an orderly fashion, but the students believed that the Slytherin heirs had lost the will to continue.
However, not everyone will adjust their mindset and face the upcoming new semester with a positive attitude.
With his life hanging in the balance, Gilderoy Lockhart couldn't wait for the new semester, and even less for the big move he hadn't yet prepared. He had no choice but to jump out and repeat what he had done during the holidays, taking all the temporary peace upon himself.
"I think there will be no more trouble, and the secret room will never be opened." Gilderoy Lockhart always repeated this sentence to every student who saw him.
When the students dismissed the issue, Lockhart would thoughtfully offer an explanation, saying, "The criminal must have already known."
I'm trying to capture them, and I have enough evidence.
If anyone still remained indifferent, the brazen Lockhart would go even further, saying, "Of course the criminals know..."
Giving up now is the wisest course of action, because Gilderoy Lockhart is watching them.
Gilderoy Lockhart had to do this to protect his precarious reputation.
During the Christmas holidays, news of Professor Lockhart's disastrous performance at Hogwarts spread to every household, and his being teased by Cornish elves became the funniest joke on the Christmas dinner table.
The Defense Against the Dark Arts novel, adapted from dramatic literature, resulted in the protagonist being relentlessly attacked by both male and female colleagues, and receiving a near-name reprimand from the vice-principal.
Each and every incident was a death knell for Gilderoy Lockhart, shattering his once-great image into pieces.
People can't help but wonder why Lockhart himself is so different from the character in the book, and whether the real events he once touted were true, whether they were firsthand experiences or hearsay.
Once suspicion arises, people unconsciously magnify everything about the person being suspected—their past, their experiences, and even every word they've ever said.
The absurd boasts from their student days have been unearthed, and they're even funnier than the collected edition of "Singing the Quibbles".
Countless suspicious points about Lockhart were exposed, and the despicable behavior of his brainless fans was also attributed to him.
Six months later, Gilderoy Lockhart once again made headlines in newspapers and magazines, but not in the way he wanted. It seemed that he was just one final push away from complete disgrace.
A building is about to collapse, and a single pillar cannot support it. Moreover, Lockhart is hollow inside; even if he wanted to prop up the building and turn the tide, he couldn't.
Bringing live animals into the classroom is absolutely out of the question; that would only solidify my reputation as a useless person. Challenging colleagues through a dueling club is equally unacceptable; the clash between fire and water, the battle between lions and snakes, is still a possibility. Holding a press conference is also a dead end, as I can't produce any substantial evidence to refute the rumors.
Gilderoy Lockhart also fell into the self-justification trap, and unable to prove himself, he became increasingly entangled.
Whether it was a daily calendar, a table calendar, a monthly calendar, or even a perpetual calendar, none of them could turn to February. Gilderoy Lockhart's behavior finally provoked a backlash, and the students simply could no longer tolerate this clown.
The most vocal and vehement protesters were the students about to take the level exams; their eyes were filled with the unbearable pain of their predecessors.
Last school year, the seniors who took the Wizarding Level exams were tortured to the point of near death by Quirinus Quirrell, and no one spoke up for them.
As time goes by, those who once stood idly by will now face the pressure of the wizarding level exams. The tables have turned, and now it's their turn to be experiencing the ultimate thrill.
Importantly, Gilderoy Lockhart was not as sensible as Quirinas Quiro. Instead of disappearing, Lockhart became even more excited.
Some even harbored the idea of poison, hoping that the Slytherin heir could make a comeback, take Gilderoy Lockhart away, and truly work for the students' benefit.
Unfortunately, Professor Lockhart is a half-blood wizard and is not a target for elimination by the Slytherin heirs, at least not at this stage.
At this moment, the students of Hogwarts finally understood the principle that "silence is not advisable." They did not cheer for others, and others would not cheer for them.
Belvina, who was happily watching the drama unfold on the fifth floor of the castle, had to reluctantly praise Dumbledore's brilliant decision.
Look! The students have learned new life lessons from Gilderoy Lockhart!
However, the pent-up resentment in the school was about to burst out of control, and the anger that wanted to burn Gilderoy Lockhart was spreading towards Dumbledore. The professor had really messed up this time!
The last day of January, a Sunday, was sunny and windless.
The auditorium was filled with drowsiness early in the morning. No matter how tempting the breakfast was, it couldn't fight off the sleepiness. Most of the students around the long tables looked drowsy and like they hadn't woken up yet.
In the faculty section, Belvina ate with her eyes closed, relying entirely on her senses. She, on the other hand, slept soundly, but was doing specific exercises.
The basilisk's eyes can kill anyone or any animal that looks into them the instant their gaze makes contact.
To better defend against the basilisk, Belvina chose a clumsy method: simply close her eyes and avoid eye contact with it.
Recently, Belvina has been secretly practicing how to adapt to the dark and act by relying on her hearing and senses.
Try not to open your eyes before blinding the snake monster.
It has to be said that adapting to the dark is a very difficult thing, but fortunately she had another trick up her sleeve, which would definitely give the basilisk a hard time.
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps echoed in the auditorium. The sound was muffled, like the rumbling thunder before a heavy rain. The continuous footsteps sounded like a small army taking over the auditorium.
Bassheda stared in astonishment, repeatedly nudging Belvina, who had her eyes closed, with her elbow, urging her to open her eyes and see the spectacular scene before her.
Annoyed by being poked, Belvina opened her eyes. When her gaze fell on the entrance to the Great Hall, her eyes and mouth gaped open in unison—Voldemort had stormed the school! Hogwarts had fallen?
That's impossible, of course. According to Dumbledore, Voldemort is still hiding in Albania as Voldemort, so there's no way he could have broken into the school.
The entrance to the auditorium was packed with students, all dressed in plain black robes and black pointed wizard hats. Eye-catching banners were held high, and small flags were waved and fluttered.
Almost everyone had their hands full; judging by the number of students, fifth, sixth, and seventh graders were all there. The four houses had reached an epic reconciliation!
The banners and flags displayed by the petitioning students can be roughly divided into two factions: conservatives and radicals.
Radicals argue that the school should dismiss Gilderoy Lockhart and hire a qualified Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
Conservatives believe that Gilderoy Lockhart should die and be kissed by Dementors, and they wish that the curse would soon defeat him.
A small group (mostly Slytherin students) also harbored ulterior motives, and their attacks were directed at Headmaster Dumbledore.
He berated Dumbledore for being old and senile, and for failing to recognize talent.
The atmosphere outside the auditorium was solemn, while inside, everyone was stunned. Not only the lower-grade students, but even the professors in the faculty section were momentarily speechless.
Dressed like a peacock, Gilderoy Lockhart slumped in his chair, utterly exhausted, his eyes glazed over. It's all over. The students' petition can't be kept secret; it might be in the papers tonight.
What will people say then? Because of Gilderoy Lockhart's incompetence, the students had to stand up to defend their right to education and put pressure on the school administration. We don't know how others will fare, but Lockhart, who is condemned by everyone, is doomed.
Dumbledore glanced at Belvina, his eyes questioning the most unruly member of the teaching staff.
Belvina shook her head repeatedly. This matter really had nothing to do with her, not even a single copper coin. She was truly innocent this time.
Although Belvina had the idea of inciting students to cause trouble at the beginning of the school year, she was so busy that she forgot about it. The copy of "Les Misérables" that she had prepared is still gathering dust in a box!
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