Does Lucien Have a Suit for Receiving an Award? Start Looking for a New Professor Sooner

Harry rubbed his messy black hair. After visiting his injured teammates at the Hospital Wing, he wandered alone in the corridor.

What should have been a Quidditch training session turned into a wizarding "battle".

As for the punishment, Professor McGonagall was initially very angry because this kind of group fight hadn't happened for several years.

But when Professor McGonagall heard the cause of the conflict, she became even angrier. She gave a brief explanation and left her office, saying she was going to Snape to demand an explanation, asking how the school could allow such blatant discrimination to occur!

Professor McGonagall merely confiscated Ron's Air Gun as a formality and sent him and Hagrid on a half-day patrol of the Forbidden Forest, without mentioning Flint's injuries or the matter of compensation for the damaged broom.

Given Ron and Hagrid's relationship, it was just a walk with a friend, and in broad daylight no less, so there was nothing to it.

Anyway, Ron had already excitedly run off to Hagrid's Hut, muttering that he could find some materials in the Forbidden Forest to make a new Air Gun, and maybe modify it to add some other functions.

Harry wasn't sure whether he should remind Ron, but he felt that Ron was becoming more and more like Mr. Weasley. They were father and son, both of them liked to change strange and wonderful things.

As for Hermione...

Harry felt a headache coming on just thinking about her, because Hermione's eyes were still a little red afterward, and she talked to Harry for a while.

Harry initially thought Hermione was bothered by Flint's use of the word "Mudblood." He himself hadn't known the meaning of the word before, but after Ron's explanation, Harry understood the viciousness of the word and how rude the Slytherin Quidditch Team had been.

Just as Harry was racking his brains trying to figure out how to comfort Hermione, she asked him a very strange question: Did Harry know how to make a potion that could change teeth?

Harry was initially confused, but then he realized that Hermione was probably bothered by the humiliation of her front teeth.

As a friend, Harry would definitely help Hermione, saying he would look through the books to see if there were any potions related to her.

After thanking her, Hermione offered to let her know that she didn't need to teach Flint a lesson. She had already showered the bastard with a bunch of spells on the spot, and if he dared to mess with her again, she would use the methods taught by Lucien to show that arrogant fool what the power of knowledge was.

Harry believed Hermione wholeheartedly. He had witnessed firsthand how fast Hermione swung her wand and knew that Lucien's often-cited saying, "Knowledge equals power," was absolutely true in the Wizarding World.

Harry also realized he hadn't asked Lucien why he'd come back from the field with a broom this morning, and he wondered where Lucien was now.

Headmaster's Office.

Although the Quirrell incident from their first year is over, Lucien and Dumbledore have both kept up the tradition of their weekly afternoon tea.

"Principal, these are some candies I made. Would you like to try some?"

Lucien pushed several bags of different kinds of candy and snacks towards Dumbledore, whose eyes lit up with interest as he picked up a bag and examined it.

"Hmm, it looks delicious, but will there be any strange little changes after eating it?"

Dumbledore immediately recognized the special properties of these candies, which was within Lucien's expectations. After all, the greatest wizard of this century was no novice when it came to potions.

It's a pity that Dumbledore was holding a magic potion candy that could change hair color, so he didn't get to see Old Deng with dyed hair.

"But I still want to try it."

Dumbledore promptly popped a yellow, saucer-shaped candy into his mouth and began to chew it with a crunching sound.

"Oh wow, it's lemon flavored, not bad, not bad."

The next second, Dumbledore's hair and beard turned from silver-white to yellow, which actually matched his matching robes quite well.

Noticing the change in himself, Dumbledore simply chuckled and stroked his beard, clearly finding it novel as well. He then picked up a purple candy and ate it, and his beard and hair turned purple again.

Dumbledore quickly finished the bag of candy and asked Lucien what kind of candy it was.

"Headmaster, these are Rainbow Candy. The colors correspond to different flavors. They're mainly a hair-changing potion. As for the effects, you already know..."

Dumbledore nodded and picked up the next bag of candy.

"What about this one? It looks quite bouncy."

Lucien explained:

"These are QQ Gummy. After eating them..."

However, before Lucien could finish speaking, Dumbledore had already begun "testing the poison."

After swallowing the candy, Dumbledore seemed to turn into a rubber man, his fingers able to be stretched like rubber.

Unlike Rainbow Candy, these QQ Gummy have the same effect regardless of color or flavor, yet Dumbledore kept eating them one after another until they were almost empty.

Sure enough, they're old bees; they're just craving these candies.

Dumbledore's emotions are truly rich, no less than those of a child or teenager.

Lucien glanced at the Seven-Colored Crystal Ball in his pocket, silently collecting materials for the Sorcerer's Stone of Emotions, while "seeing" the extremely rich and vibrant emotions emanating from Dumbledore.

"It tastes great and the effects are fun. I, an old man, like it, so I'm sure the kids will like it too."

Dumbledore spoke, he picked up another bag of candy and opened it.

"Speaking of which, Lucien, you've invented quite a few alchemical artifacts and potions this semester, and you even got the Weasley family brothers to help sell them."

"It seems you've learned a lot from Nicolas."

Lucien nodded and refilled Dumbledore teacup with Honey Water.

"I have benefited greatly from my teacher's guidance."

Dumbledore smiled and couldn't help but sigh:

"When Nicolas wrote to me saying that I would be his last student, I was really surprised. I thought that once he turned his gaze to the heavens, he would no longer care about worldly affairs."

In fact, Dumbledore was aware of Nicolas's regret beforehand: his Alchemy had never found a suitable successor.

However, based on Nicolas's attitude in the letter, Dumbledore understood that he regarded Lucien as a true successor, a student worthy of being entrusted with the mantle.

Dumbledore was pleased, both for his old friend Nicolas finding a successor and for Lucien.

He understood Lucien, was passionate about learning, and pursued knowledge.

In the field of Alchemy, no one was more knowledgeable Nicolas Flamel.

"Oh right, Lucien, those two papers you wrote about Transfiguration over the summer are almost ready for review by <Journey of Transfiguration>."

"Heh, for someone your age to publish a paper in a prestigious magical academic journal is truly unprecedented."

As Dumbledore spoke, he remembered something else, something that required his personal attention as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot.

"Lucien, you should have a formal suit, right? The kind you wear to receive awards?"

Headmaster's Office.

When Dumbledore mentioned formal attire, Lucien was a little surprised. Formal attire? For receiving an award?

If it's for receiving an award...

Based on the Transfiguration paper that Dumbledore just mentioned, it's probably an award in this area.

Lucien thought for a moment, and realized that the Transfiguration award would probably be given by the Association of Modern Transfiguration, which is the most authoritative association in the Wizarding World in the field of Transfiguration.

Whether it's publishing papers or winning awards, my reputation in the Wizarding World will definitely increase significantly, which will also help sell those alchemical and potion products...

Lucien remembered reading about this award in a book; it was actually a medal called the Ring of Myriad Phenomena, described as a magical item with amazing functions. He really wanted to investigate it.

"Principal, I have the dress you mentioned. I had it custom-made at the Twilfitt and Tattings in Diagon Alley. If you're referring to an award, are you referring to the Ring of Myriad Phenomena awarded by the Association of Modern Transfiguration?"

Hearing Lucien's question, Dumbledore. There was indeed an award from the Association of Modern Transfiguration, but there was another...

Dumbledore decided to keep it a secret for now and surprise Lucien, probably around Halloween or Christmas.

"You've been taking classes for a while now, Lucien, what do you think of the new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts?"

What do you think of Lockhart?

Is that even a question?

Lucien spoke directly to Dumbledore:

"Headmaster, are you aware that Lockhart hasn't given any actual magic instruction so far? It's not just our grade; as far as I know, he does the same when teaching older students. He just talks about his own books and sometimes even asks students to perform."

"This doesn't seem like what a teacher, or rather, a Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, should be doing, does it?"

Dumbledore crossed his arms and spoke calmly:

"Every teacher has their own teaching style. Professor Lockhart has a wealth of experience and has faced many dark creatures; those valuable experiences are worth learning from for his students."

Gazing into Dumbledore's bright blue eyes, Lucien sighed:

"Headmaster, you are the greatest wizard of this century, how could you possibly not see the abnormality in those experiences?"

Lucien would never believe that Dumbledore couldn't see through Lockhart's facade.

Regardless of Dumbledore's magical abilities, with over a hundred years of experience and his intelligence, how could he not have noticed the fraudster's deception?

People need confidence, but Lockhart's foundation couldn't support his fame!

Silence fell over the Headmaster's Office.

After a long pause, Dumbledore picked up a piece of candy and slowly began to speak:

"Students can learn other things besides magic, not just positive virtues and responsibilities, but also negative lessons."

"Lucien, I understand your dissatisfaction. You definitely want to learn truly meaningful knowledge, something Lockhart may not be able to satisfy you in. Regarding Defense Against the Dark Arts, you can ask me during afternoon tea..."

Dumbledore speaking, Lucien continued to stare into his eyes:

"Principal, I'm very happy to learn from you, but what about the others?"

"I've always believed that schools are places for learning, and students, regardless of who they are, should learn the knowledge they need there."

"Are you really going to spend an entire school year teaching students how to be good people, like being honest, through a 'liar'?"

Lucien emphasized the word "liar."

"Leaving aside the other grades, the fifth and seventh graders have important exams to prepare for, which will affect their future life plans, and Defense Against the Dark Arts is a very important subject."

Hearing Lucien's words, Dumbledore couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Well, you've probably heard something about the curse cast on our school's Defense Against the Dark Magic class, and it's actually true."

"So other people are afraid of this position, and it's very difficult to recruit teachers every year. This year..."

Dumbledore shook his head helplessly.

"Only one person applied for this position this year, namely Lockhart."

Only Lockhart?

Not necessarily. Given Snape's persistence, he would probably apply to switch to Defense Against the Dark Arts every year.

Lucien looked suspicious, thinking that Dumbledore simply didn't want Snape to fall victim to the curse, since Snape still had to act as a double agent for Voldemort.

It now seems that Dumbledore indeed has no intention of replacing Lockhart.

Then let's use our own methods: make this professor retire early and find a teacher who can teach well.

Judging from the progress Lockhart was making in communicating with the diary, it might be even faster than in the original story.

Tsk, an adult like you, still so easily fooled.

"Principal, since that's the case, there's nothing we can do. You're in a difficult position too."

Dumbledore took a sip of Honey Water with a sense of relief, thinking that Lucien was quite sensible and understanding. However, Lucien's next words almost made Dumbledore choke.

"So, Headmaster, you could actually start looking for a new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts sooner rather than later. After all, given the nature of the curse, Lockhart can only stay for a year at most, and he might even leave early. We need to make some preparations, right?"

Why does Lockhart sound like he's in Elphias Doge?

Seeing that Dumbledore seemed to be seriously considering this matter, Lucien felt that this was a good precaution.

The two then chatted for a while about the conflict between the Gryffindor and Slytherin teams that morning.

The issue of Pure-blood discriminating against Half-blood and Muggle-born wizard persisted. Lucien mentioned the possibility of Pure-blood parents causing trouble at the school, to Dumbledore clearly stated that as long as he was there, Hogwarts would not be dominated by Pure-blood.

Lucien had no doubt about this; even if those Pure-blood families were dissatisfied with Dumbledore, they wouldn't dare to actually overturn the table.

Because without any rules to bind them, they could only gamble that Dumbledore wouldn't be able to kill them all before running out of magic.

After saying goodbye to Dumbledore, Lucien left the Headmaster's Office.

Wandering through the castle, Lucien occasionally greeted people he knew.

As he walked, he came across Lockhart, still dressed in his flamboyant style, his silver-blue robe gleaming so brightly that it made others squint.

Lockhart still wore that row of medals on his chest, and the one placed in the most prominent position was, of course, the Order of Merlin. Although it was only a third-class medal, it was the most prestigious award Lockhart had ever received.

Lucien glanced at it and naturally noticed the golden star-shaped medal with a cross design.

The Order of Merlin.

Wait, the Order of Merlin?

An idea, accompanied by inspiration, suddenly flashed into Lucien's mind:

If we look at achievements in Transfiguration, does that mean I also have a chance to earn the Order of Merlin?