Lockhart was clearly pleased with the students' reaction, nodding to them repeatedly.
"To highlight the effectiveness of our teaching, Professor Snape and I will each select three students to form a team."
"We will hold a friendly match in a week, where the two teams will compete in a group showdown."
The students in the audience erupted in an uproar.
"The winner will receive a reward. What is the reward?" Lockhart asked himself, answering, "My prize here is my complete set of autographed books, and autographed photos."
He winked and said humorously, "As for Professor Snape's prize, you'll have to ask him."
Snape stared at him intently, and said in a cold voice, somewhat displeased.
"I had no idea there was such an event."
"Now you know," Lockhart shrugged nonchalantly. "Although this is a last-minute event, Professor Dumbledore entrusted the Dueling Club entirely to me."
At this point, Lockhart raised his voice and asked pointedly.
"Are you unwilling, or are you afraid?"
He turned to the students with a smug look on his face. "It's normal to have such thoughts. After all, facing an internationally renowned wizard like me, the pressure is quite great."
A poor attempt at reverse psychology.
But it must be said that it does have some effect.
Some students whispered among themselves, talking about Snape.
Although they tried hard not to show it, the laughter was still quite noticeable because of the large group.
Malfoy and his henchmen responded by loudly booing Lockhart.
"You dare challenge our dean?"
"Go down, Lockhart!"
Slytherin fears no challenge!
Lockhart's methods weren't particularly sophisticated, but being provoked like this in front of the students, Snape had no intention of tolerating it.
"Although it's a foolish suggestion... it's not bad for someone with your brains."
Snape flicked his wand with his fingers, his words utterly merciless.
"It's acceptable as an after-dinner pastime. So... let's do as you say." Snape nodded in agreement, his tone sarcastic.
"Excellent, Professor Snape," Lockhart said with great interest.
"However, I have something to add. Upperclassmen don't really showcase our teaching abilities, and first-year students have such a weak foundation," Lockhart said calmly. "So I propose we each select three second-year students. What do you think?"
Snape glanced quickly at Silan, nodded, and sneered.
Go ahead and assemble your Dream Team!
A stir ran through the students below the stage; their various thoughts, like white foam floating on ocean waves, appeared and disappeared.
Some were eager to try, wondering which team to join. Others were hesitant and afraid of being chosen.
As for Silan, she was getting bored and wanted to leave.
Divide into two teams, each selecting three students to teach for a week, then play a friendly match...
Are you two playing Pokémon battles here?
He had absolutely no interest in such a fruitless activity.
"Excellent, absolutely excellent!" Lockhart nodded triumphantly, tossing his long, wavy hair. "Stay tuned, students!"
"Also, you're welcome to sign up with me. I'll prepare a prize for you regardless of whether you win or lose."
"Just like Professor Snape said, let's assemble a Dream Team!"
Lockhart remained calm and composed, seemingly unconcerned about Snape.
His admirers were excited.
"Professor Lockhart, choose me! Choose me!"
"Choose me! I know a lot of Spells!"
Many students in the crowd surged toward Lockhart, waving enthusiastically and hoping to be chosen.
Snape looked at Lockhart with a cold expression, his brows furrowed in thought.
The more he looked, the stranger it seemed.
Although Lockhart usually likes to show off, his outward strength is very obvious, and he is almost easily broken.
Today, however, I am surprisingly full of confidence.
Compared to Lockhart, Snape had far fewer students, and almost all of them were Slytherin.
Malfoy rushed to the front of the crowd, arrogantly raised his head, looked at Snape, and silently signaled to him.
I, Malfoy, Slytherin for generations!
Dean, you should choose me.
If Lockhart had chosen Potter, that would have been perfect! I would have given him a good beating in front of the whole school!
Thinking of this, Malfoy glanced back at Silan, thinking, "Although Prewett isn't as good as me, he's still acceptable as a teammate."
A listless Silan whispered something to Hermione and then left with her.
Malfoy stared wide-eyed in astonishment.
If you leave at this point, where will you put the dean's dignity?
He quickly turned his head and glanced at Snape.
Dean, look at him!
Snape also noticed Silan's movements, and after coming down from the stage, he went straight to him.
He stopped Hermione and said softly, "Miss Granger... perhaps you could spend some time with your friends."
After saying that, he turned around nimbly, looked at Silan, and said succinctly.
"Prewett, come with me."
Malfoy, standing behind, watched in disbelief as Snape walked past him and headed towards Silan.
But he quickly came to a realization.
The dean must understand my loyalty and know that I will definitely help him, but it's not certain that I will help Prewett, which is why I'm going to say a few words of advice to him.
Oh, Prewett, you've really given the dean a Prewett to worry about.
As Sheryl followed Snape out of the Great Hall, Silan felt a sense of helplessness.
After watching the play, he tried to sneak away, but Snape caught him.
"Are they trying to conscript me?" Silan wondered.
The two of them walked all the way back to Snape's office.
The weather was cold in December, and Snape's office was even more gloomy.
He waved his wand, lit the fireplace, and nodded for Silan to sit down.
This time, Snape didn't feign silence. After sitting down, he immediately asked, "What do you think of Lockhart?"
Silan spoke frankly, "Obviously, he's a good writer, but as for being a wizard... well... he's quite interesting too."
He didn't mention anything about magic.
This is actually what Silan truly thinks.
Lockhart's literary talent is indeed remarkable; he has a real gift for turning the wizarding experiences he heard into a captivating storybook.
As for the level of magic... it's certainly entertaining enough for amusement.
Except for his Obliviate.
This is almost at a master level.
Snape hearing Silan's answer, Snape's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"A very apt assessment."
"You heard Lockhart's words just now," Snape addressed him by name. "I think you might be one of the three?"
Sure enough, they came to conscript men.
Snape spoke very seriously, but Silan had no intention of agreeing.
"I'm sorry, Professor, please allow me to refuse."