The moonlight grew brighter.
It streamed through the windows into the ancient castle of Hogwarts.
Hermione Granger's footsteps felt exceptionally heavy in the corridors of Hogwarts Castle. She had never expected Lockhart to block her path on the way back to her dormitory.
At the same time.
She had even less expected Professor Lockhart to open with such a terrifying question.
"Miss Granger, didn't we agree that you would come to my office?" Professor Lockhart's voice was like a heavy hammer striking Hermione's heart, making her feel as though her racing heart was about to leap from her chest.
How could he ask her that?
Wasn't the one who had agreed to go to this man's office Professor Snape—well, at least Snape as played by Hermione? And it wasn't supposed to be tonight, either.
After leaving his office, Professor Lockhart had probably never gone back. He had been waiting here all along. Facing this handsome yet vain Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, Hermione felt an inexplicable tension. She tried hard to remain calm, but her thoughts were already in turmoil—had Lockhart discovered something?
If not.
Why would he be waiting here, and why would he ask such a baffling question? The young witch clenched the hem of her robe so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
"Why have you gone silent?"
Lockhart stood right in front of her. The face that always wore an exaggerated smile now seemed unusually calm, while an unreadable gleam flickered in his blue eyes.
"I-I truly don't know what you mean, Professor." Hermione's voice trembled despite herself. "I've been in the library all day. I haven't seen you at all."
This was the excuse Hermione had prepared for herself. After all, she had skipped an entire day of classes today. If anyone asked, she