Rita is conquered?

According to the House-elf's original words, it was preventing Harry from returning to Hogwarts because it knew of a terrible plot.

If it was referring to the Chamber of Secrets, then it must know something else.

It might even know that person, the one suspected of being possessed by Voldemort.

Vincent smirked at Dumbledore, indicating that he understood the hint.

There were hundreds of House-elves in the kitchen, and he happened to be on pretty good terms with them.

As long as he knew a name through the Marauder's Map, he would most likely know their identity and background.

Even if they didn't know, there was Viktor, the vampire who was also unaffected by Anti-Apparition Charms.

With the plan in place, Vincent could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"Professor, victory deserves an equal celebration!"

Dumbledore grimaced as he signed the slip of paper that Vincent handed over.

The Gryffindor celebration feast.

The only students missing were from the Slytherin team and the Black Swan Club, and among the professors, only Snape was absent.

This outcome was not unexpected.

It would have been abnormal if they were all there.

Even more conspicuous than the red and gold decorations were the seven members of the Gryffindor team.

Through this match, they had grown more united and had more faith in each other.

Aside from the captain, Wood, the happiest was McGonagall.

This was the golden age of the Gryffindor team!

Thinking this, she quietly took out a handkerchief and wiped away a tear.

"Look at today's Evening Prophet!" Lee waved a newspaper enthusiastically.

After delivering the newspapers, the owls were warmly invited by Gugu to join the feast.

Dumbledore calmly opened the Evening Prophet in front of him.

He only glanced at the headline before his hands trembled slightly.

After reading the front page, he squinted at Vincent.

The Greatest Chaser in History! Speed Comparable to a Muggle Rocket!

The content was extremely exaggerated, claiming that if the England team could get Vincent, they would never lose to the Canadian team by 30 points in a five-day final, as they had two years ago.

The front page wasn't just hype; it included several dynamic photos of him scoring goals and carrying Harry to avoid Bludgers.

The byline was Rita Skeeter, the most notorious journalist in the British Isles.

Why would she be so kind?

"Of course, I know her," Vincent said, feigning composure. "Maybe she has a conscience and can't bring herself to slander me like she does others."

"Then why you?" Hermione pointed to a line in the Evening Prophet.

"She says you have a great character and are excellent in every way, and that you'll definitely be more popular than Lockhart when you grow up."

Fred and George grinned. "Oh, it seems our president has conquered the old witch, charming her with his personal charisma."

"Bullshit!" Vincent straightened his chest.

"How can you say that? Just because she used to spout nonsense doesn't mean everything she says is false, right?"

"Look!" he pointed to the last line. "She even dares to swear on her career. Can't you trust her for once?"

"Vincent is right!" Lockhart reached out and pushed aside Cedric and Rolf. "Everyone should have a chance to reform!"

He put his arm around Vincent in a particularly friendly manner. "Rita Skeeter must have had some hidden reason for painstakingly writing those sensational news stories."

Hermione didn't give him a good look. "Professor, are you saying she's a journalist who craves fame and fortune?"

"Absolutely correct."

"Oh."

Lockhart also held his head high. "Perhaps Vincent awakened Miss Skeeter's conscience. After all, you and I both know how outstanding he is."

Hermione felt that something was a little strange.

This angle, this timing.

"Everyone, have fun. I have some things I want to discuss with Vincent."

"I can refu—"

"Don't be like that." Lockhart hugged him even tighter. "It's just a small matter."

Vincent broke free from his large hand. "Professor, let's talk outside."

Hermione watched the two figures walk further away, an increasingly uneasy feeling in her heart.

"Lockhart's acting strange."

"Indeed."

"Should we follow them?"

"That might not be a good idea."

"What's there to be afraid of? Let's go~"

After arriving outside the castle, Lockhart immediately cut to the chase.

"Vincent, I know you have some kind of secret relationship with Miss Skeeter."

"Absolutely not, Professor."

He gave him a knowing look. "Don't be so quick to deny it. I'm not trying to expose your relationship."

Vincent shook his head firmly. "If anything, it's just a relationship between an interviewee and an interviewer."

"I don't believe it."

"Then how about fellow alumni?"

Lockhart looked at him with an all-knowing gaze. "I know it's a secret, so I promise I'll keep it safe.

You understand what I'm saying, right? Actually, I'm a very discreet person."

Vincent glanced behind him. "Professor, I don't quite understand what you're trying to say."

"You know, you definitely know."

Lockhart patted him lightly on the shoulder with a smile. "Now that Miss Skeeter has reformed, it's time to clear up some of those false reports."

"I still don't understand."

The five people hiding behind the door wore expressions of disdain.

First, for Lockhart's hypocrisy, and second, for Vincent's continued pretense of ignorance.

Wouldn't it be better to just call him out directly at this point?

"Vincent, I'll take that as a yes."

"No, I don't understand."

The smile on Lockhart's face widened. "Actually, I know everything. You wouldn't want the image you've worked so hard to cultivate to collapse, would you?"

Was that a threat?

It actually was a threat?

Vincent continued to play dumb. "You know everything?

You know that I'm going to create the Sorcerer's Stone before graduation, then lead the British Quidditch team to win the World Cup, and finally become the youngest Minister of Magic in British Isles?"

"Uh—" Lockhart was stunned for a good while.

He seemed to be thinking about how to respond, and his face wasn't looking too good.

"Vincent, you'll definitely achieve your dreams."

"Thank you for your encouragement." Vincent smiled especially sincerely. "Professor, I'm not really that greedy. Just achieving one or two of them would be enough."

Lockhart forced half a fake smile. "You really are outstanding, unlike me, who hasn't been able to achieve my dreams yet."

"You'll definitely eliminate all the evil in the world and sell your series of hair care products to every corner of the globe."

The half-smile on his face instantly froze, then he patted Vincent's shoulder again. "Thank you for your blessing. I have some little things to take care of."

He hurried into the castle as if he were escaping, not noticing anyone hiding by the door.

Vincent waited a little while, then walked in casually.

"Did you guys get lost?"

"No, we were just passing by~" Fred and George walked away without the slightest embarrassment.

Rolf suddenly supported Cedric. "Oh dear, I need to take you to the Hospital Wing right away."

Hermione felt a little guilty under his gaze.

"I—I got lost."

"Oh."