Before long, every Hogwarts student present had a pirated set of Lockhart's books in hand.
"Much as I like Lockhart, his books are too expensive," Mrs. Weasley declared solemnly. "I'll buy a legitimate set to collect."
Like a ghost, Mundungus had already moved on to another family and once again flung open his robes like some kind of pervert.
Seeing the delighted looks on their faces, Kano knew Mundungus was about to make another sale.
He wasn't worried that Mundungus would copy this method in the future and harm other authors' interests. Only Lockhart's books were absurdly overpriced; the other textbooks were sold practically at cost, leaving no room for profit from piracy.
Only ripping off Lockhart—what was not to like? Besides, Kano had contacted a printing plant in the Muggle world. Wizards would never be able to trace the source of the pirated copies.
Kano, Harry, and the others shoved their way through the queue of witches waiting for autographs, finally gathering all of this year's required books.
Before Harry could even breathe a sigh of relief, a man constantly snapping pictures of Lockhart with a camera stepped on his foot.
"Out of the way!" he barked rudely at Harry.
Lockhart looked over. A moment later, his face split into a dazzling smile as though someone had switched him on.
"Harry Potter!" He rushed over, hooked an arm through Harry's, and flashed a row of neat white teeth at the camera.
"Smile brightly, Harry. We'll be on the front page."
The photographer, who had been snarling just moments ago, leapt around excitedly as he took pictures of the two together. The moment Lockhart finally released Harry, he was handed a huge stack of books.
"You'll love them—my complete works." Lockhart winked, and the witches let out uncontrollable shrieks.
When