The Plan

"No, Mom, Gilderoy can definitely save us." The little girl whipped her head around and argued without thinking. She believed every word Lockhart had told her. He had told her about his experiences, and her eyes grew bright as she patted her mother's arm with complete confidence. "Think about all the amazing things he's been through. We'll be saved. Gilderoy is a good wizard. He knows magic. Nothing can stump him."

"Of course, sweetheart. He'll save us." Nancy humored her daughter and looked at Lockhart in confusion.

But Lockhart was not looking at her. He had just caught the little girl's utterly trusting gaze, and suddenly he did not dare look into those clear eyes. He turned his head aside and coughed lightly twice, irritated with himself for habitually showing off to the girl with far too many adventure stories that, in truth, had never been his own.

Seeing this, Nancy lowered her head in dejection. Her daughter was too young to understand, but as an adult, how could she not know what the other party's behavior revealed—an utterly despairing truth.

"Gilderoy, hurry and tell Mom you can save us. You know magic. You can do anything." The little girl urged him again and again, eager for the hero in her heart to prove himself.

Lockhart stared at the tips of his shoes on the floor. At that moment, he really was in a difficult position. He did not want to disappoint the little girl, nor did he want to deceive her, but how was he supposed to take two Muggles out of this prison where Apparition was forbidden? He himself did not even dare entertain the thought of escaping. Lockhart's brows drew tight as he tried to come up with an excuse to slip away, but because his head