Lockhart's Self-Awareness

"Aaron, are you going on stage later?" Draco asked excitedly, while Crabbe and Goyle beside him were also eager to try.

"I have no interest in duels," Aaron said nonchalantly, feeding Abei a snack. "However, I am interested in learning from the fighting styles of other Warlock."

"No way!"

This opportunity doesn't come around often; with your talent, you're sure to shine on stage.

"Forget it! I wouldn't have come if I wasn't so bored lately."

"Speaking of this..." Draco paused slightly, looking at Aaron with a meaningful gaze, "What have you been doing these days?"

Every time you go back to the staff lounge, you lock yourself in your dorm and refuse to come out.

"Hmm... I'm learning," Aaron said seriously. "It's a very profound kind of magic."

"Alright!" Draco shrugged, then looked at the ring. "I've made up my mind. I'm going to duel Harry Potter later."

Aaron raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Is this really necessary?"

"If I accidentally lose in Quidditch match, then I have to get my revenge elsewhere."

Aaron gave him a thumbs up and said, "Good luck."

By the way, was the Dueling Club run by Professor Snape?

"It doesn't seem so. I heard..." Draco began, a wry smile creeping across his face, "That he's here."

Aaron followed Draco's gaze and his eye twitched involuntarily.

Lockhart, dressed in a green and gold robe, stepped onto the ring, surrounded by a group of students. Under the spotlight, he appeared particularly smug, his smile revealing a row of Winky teeth.

"Don't tell me he's in charge of this Dueling Club."

Aaron was speechless. He had been somewhat looking forward to it, as a Warlock duel at Hogwarts was a rare event.

But the moment Lockhart appeared, his already dwindling interest vanished instantly.

This Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, who only knows how to make jokes and has absolutely no real knowledge, can't teach them anything at all.

"Surprising, isn't it!" Draco found Aaron's expression somewhat amusing. "I was surprised too when Professor Snape told me."

Lockhart Currie's brilliant idea wasn't entirely without merit.

"What a waste of my precious time," Aaron said speechlessly.

"At least he set up this arena," Draco said meaningfully. "If you don't like him, you can go up and challenge him later."

Aaron was indeed tempted, but after glancing at Lockhart standing in the center of the ring, he gave up the idea.

He wouldn't feel guilty about hitting Lockhart, but hitting his teacher in public would be inappropriate.

"Everyone come here, can you see me?" Lockhart shouted. "Can you hear me?"

The students in the Great Hall gradually gathered together and surrounded the arena.

"Given the dark events of these past few weeks, Dumbledore has allowed me to establish this Dueling Club to train you all so that one day you can protect yourselves as easily as I can."

"For full details, please see my book." Lockhart said, tossing his coat under the ring to reveal a suit of soft armor underneath. "Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape."

Professor Snape was dressed in a black Warlock's robe, just like his usual attire, except that his face was terrifyingly dark.

"Good heavens, this is really good!"

"He even knows to find himself an assistant, so it seems he knows his own limitations," Aaron quipped. "Lockhart's success isn't without reason; it's a virtue to know your own limitations!"

"Aaron," Draco winked at him discreetly, "Just a heads-up, it's best not to say anything bad about Lockhart in public."

Upon hearing this, Aaron sensed many hostile gazes and quickly composed himself.

Lockhart may be a good-for-nothing, but Hogwarts has a lot of die-hard fans who are so engrossed in Lockhart autobiography that they refuse to acknowledge Reality Stone.

"Professor Snape has generously agreed to give me a demonstration," Lockhart explained smugly. "Young men, don't worry, I will return your Potions Class teachers to you in perfect condition after the demonstration."

Aaron blinked in surprise and turned to look at Draco, but Draco looked just as bewildered.

"Don't look at me, I don't know either."

Where does his confidence come from?

Although Aaron disliked Lockhart, seeing Professor Snape's slightly upturned lips, he couldn't help but silently mourn for him for a second.

"Could it be that your judgment is flawed?" Draco asked somewhat uncertainly. "Is there such a possibility?"

Lockhart's teaching skills are terrible, utterly terrible, but his practical combat ability is quite good.

"Heh!" Aaron said dismissively. "I really hope what you're saying is true, but he can't even handle Cornish Pixies."

Draco, upon hearing the first Defense Against the Dark Arts of the semester, immediately dismissed any positive assumptions he had about Lockhart.

There was only one thing he admired: Lockhart's level of recklessness was exceptionally high.

Of all the professors available, he chose the one who was the most ruthless.

On the ring, Lockhart and Snape stood facing each other, bowing to one another.

They then drew their Wand and held them up to their chests like swords.

"One two three..."

Lockhart had just counted to three when Snape uttered the spell: Expelliarmus.

Suddenly, a dazzling red light shone on Lockhart's chest.

He was sent flying backwards, screaming as he flew off the stage and curled up on the floor.

The Slytherin around him applauded and cheered. This was their Head of House, who had defeated Lockhart in a single move.

"I'm starting to feel sorry for him," Draco chuckled. "He probably never imagined Professor Snape would be this good!"

Who knows!

However, I don't think the result would change regardless of which professor is replaced.

Lockhart picked up his Wand and staggered to his feet.

Despite the pain in his chest and the mess up of his hair, he acted as if nothing was wrong.

"Well done, Professor Snape."

"But if I may be so bold, your intentions are quite obvious." Lockhart said casually as he walked forward, "If I wanted to stop you, it would be effortless."

Snape's face darkened further, and a faint murderous glint even appeared in his eyes.

Lockhart clearly sensed this as well, and was about to end the demonstration that would deeply hurt him when a voice from below sent a shiver down his spine.

"Then let's demonstrate again, Professor," Aaron said. "It will broaden our horizons as well."

"I have no objection." Snape looked at Lockhart meaningfully. "I'm sure our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor won't object either!"

Lockhart's heart skipped a beat, and his expression became somewhat uneasy.

Aaron Gaius was just looking for trouble. If he agreed, he would definitely be beaten to a pulp again, and he didn't want to lose face in front of everyone.

And then there's Severus Snape. I thought he was taciturn and would follow the script he had arranged, but I didn't expect him to be a ruthless man who didn't talk much.

"What should I do?" Lockhart's mind raced. Seeing the expectant looks on the faces of many students below, an idea immediately came to him.

He glanced at Aaron, then fixed his gaze on Snape, and said seriously, "I admit it's a pretty good idea."

But this is a club, not a serious classroom, and we cannot deprive the children of their stage.

I suggest we pair the students up, letting them showcase their talents in their own way, and then we can correct them if anything is done incorrectly.

"What do you think of Professor Snape?"

Although it was a question, Lockhart wasn't going to give Snape a chance to speak. "Alright, it's settled then."

He turned around and put some distance between himself and Snape, and as he approached the other end of the ring, he saw Harry and Ron in the crowd.

"Potter, Weasley, how about you two go first?"

"That's not a good idea," Snape scoffed. "Weasley's Wand malfunctions even with the simplest spells. We'll probably have to put Potter in a matchbox and send him to the hospital."

Besides, Gryffindor vs. Gryffindor match would inevitably be a half-hearted affair, so let's choose someone from my house instead!

Gaius, come out here for a moment. I'm sure you and Mr. Potter can give us a spectacular duel.

Aaron paused for a moment, then turned to look at Draco. "I didn't expect this."

"It doesn't matter, I don't care if it's sooner or later."

"If you were to play, you could really dampen Potter's spirits."

"I've already said I'm not interested," Aaron said speechlessly, then raised his right hand. "Professor, I'm not too keen on fighting Harry Potter."

How about swapping for Malfoy?

Draco has always wanted to play alongside the famous Harry Potter, and I think we should give them a chance.

Snape frowned slightly, but Lockhart assumed that Aaron was afraid.

Remembering how the other party had almost embarrassed him, he immediately put on a kind and understanding look, "Gaius, I personally think you should demonstrate Slytherin's abilities to everyone."

I know Mr. Potter is very famous, but if you give up because you're afraid, you're destined to lose more in the future.

Aaron's lips twitched, and he even felt an urge to laugh.

Lockhart's imagination is a bit too vivid. He just doesn't seem to want to go on stage. Where did he show any fear?

On the other side, Harry was also completely bewildered.

He was somewhat confident in dealing with Malfoy, and he also needed to get close to Malfoy for the sake of the Polyjuice Potion.

But he didn't think he was stronger Aaron, and the other party might be the Heir of Slytherin. If he didn't hold back, he might have to go back to the School Hospital.

"Professor, I..."

"Don't worry, Mr. Potter, it's just Disarming Charm." Lockhart raised an eyebrow at Harry. "You won't hurt him."

Harry looked bitter, but he wasn't so resistant anymore.

There was no other reason; it was simply that Lockhart was still perfectly fine after being knocked away by Snape.