Although William really wanted to be alone and quiet, he was well aware that given his current state, it was better to head to the dining hall and spend ti with the students.
"William, what's wrong? You look like you've just been run over by a dragon!"
In the dining hall, Adams, who had already settled into his seat, was the first to greet William with a friendly remark.
What kind of bizarre taphor is that? William shot a displeased look at Adams, but due to his poor condition, the glare lacked its usual sharpness.
"No way... Did you really get crushed by a dragon? I've seen unicorns in the Forbidden Forest, but could there really be dragons there?" Adams, misunderstanding the situation, let out a startled exclamation.
"So, does the greenhouse need so fresh fertilizer?"
Singed's quip was as cutting as ever; this was William's imdiate thought, even in his weakened state.
"Shut up, Singed. I'm only trying to help. I know you don't sleep well, and I've got a few redies. If you apply herbal paste to your face every day, it'll significantly improve your condition."
Adams wore a face that scread, 'I'm only doing this for your good.' If the redies he ntioned didn't involve fresh dragon dung, William would gladly eat the plate in front of him.
"No need. I don't think missing breakfast is much of a regret. But you, the rainy season is coming in October, so you'd better prepare for it. It's going to be a disaster."
October never goes a week without rain, and that's hardly good news for herbs. With Professor Sprout's advancing age, who else but them would be tasked with tending to the greenhouse's precious plants in the middle of the night?
Adams, struck down by his own words, looked gloomily at Singed. "We're just joking around, so why do you have to take a stab like that?"
Singed whistled smugly; This ti, he'd won hands down.
"Huh? Why isn't breakfast ready yet? Did Peeves go and cause trouble in the kitchen again?" Professor Kettleburn, watching the two bicker, laughed as he raised the question.
Lately, he seed to enjoy hanging around this group, claiming that the energy of the younger crowd made him feel more comfortable. But William strongly suspected he was just avoiding Professor McGonagall.
"Causing trouble? That doesn't sound right. On rainy days, he usually plays pranks in the bathroom."
So, you've even figured out his patterns?
But suddenly, William rembered a possible reason. Earlier in the morning, hadn't Professor Lockhart placed a massive order of candies with the house-elves?
Before he could voice this speculation, the empty plates on the table suddenly filled up with heaps of candies.
Yes, the exact sa ones William had eaten earlier that morning.
"I can't believe it—the first thing served for lunch at the school is candy."
Singed stared at the plate for three seconds, then grabbed one of the candies.
"It tastes pretty good. Professor William, do you want to try?"
William, ever agreeable, nodded. As for Adams, he had already taken one and was staring at the wrapper, where Lockhart's bright, wide smile and pearly white teeth were displayed.
"Excellent idea. If you ask , you should all have so youthful energy, instead of always looking so stern like Professor McGonagall." Professor Kettleburn smiled as he offered so life advice to the young professors. If it weren't for him still being in his probationary period this year, William felt his words might have carried more weight.
"By the way, speaking of Minerva, I suddenly rembered sothing from this morning."
Professor Kettleburn tapped his head with his remaining hand. "Actually, the Daily Prophet sent soone over, attempting to arrange an exclusive interview with Professor Lockhart about his club. But McGonagall rejected their request. However, she did reluctantly agree to so of Professor Lockhart's other activities. It's quite the lively day today."
Daily Prophet? Creating such a fuss? Also, Professor, do you know every bit of gossip in the castle? You're almost retired!
"I couldn't agree more—look over there."
Before William could ask, Professor Singed had already noticed the source of his distraction. Following the direction of his finger, William saw a figure dressed in bright pink robes. There was no doubt; only one professor in the castle dared to wear such eye-catching attire.
Professor Lockhart.
"Everyone, though the weather may not be very friendly, there's no doubt that today is a warm day!"
"Yes, that's right, I, Professor Lockhart, recipient of the Third Class rlin dal, honorary mber of the Dark Force Defense League, five-ti winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award, and Defense Against the Dark Arts—well, rather, the Wizard Self-Defense professor, have made a rather important decision today!"
"That's right! Professor Lockhart's Problem Solving Club will be starting tonight! What are you waiting for?"
William suddenly felt his arm being tugged down; it was Singed.
"It started this morning. Adams was obsessed the whole morning; this morning I heard Professor Lockhart endlessly introducing the letters he had received from students to everyone. I almost..."
William patted his shoulder and gave him a look that said, 'Good luck with that.'
After all, aside from his role as a professor, Lockhart was also a legendary adventurer and bestselling author. He liked to show off a bit, but that wasn't much of an issue. For Adams' sake, William decided to tolerate it, much like how he tolerated his old roommate back in his college days. They had all compromised in the end; did anyone really think they'd fight over it?
However, William quickly couldn't hold back, after Professor Lockhart finished his speech.
A group of dwarves in formal attire, carrying instrunts, walked over. Their dreadful singing suddenly made William realize what could be worse than the days spent in Azkaban; sitting in Azkaban with the dwarves singing.
If I were still in prison, I'd have the big guy beat up this newcor!
He thought bitterly, and then suddenly felt lighter. Was this the aftermath of using poison to counter poison, or had the aftermath ti passed?
William closed his eyes and tried desperately to recall.
Thanks to the knowledge he had been cramming recently, he quickly ford a vague hypothesis.
Is this a recognition of past good mories, ant to counter the ntal shock caused by dark magic?
It was hard to say. Research into dark magic was never sothing openly discussed; even wizards skilled in it would keep it hidden.
When William opened his eyes again, the horrible tornt had finally ended.
***
"I bet when Professor Lockhart hired those dwarves, he certainly didn't ask them to be good at singing."
"No, I suspect he hasn't paid them the balance for their last performance. This is their collection crew." William quickly rebutted.
Even Adams, who had always supported Professor Lockhart, couldn't help but nod; the singing was truly unbearable.
The professors at the table began to whisper among themselves, and it seed this opening ceremony had indeed been a failure. The only exception was Professor Kettleburn, who now wore a look of nostalgic contemplation.
"Professor Kettleburn?" Adams called out softly, wondering if the professor had a story about a friend with terrible singing.
"It's been so long; I've forgotten how long it's been since I've heard opera-like music at Hogwarts. The last ti I heard it, Albus wasn't even headmaster yet!"
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