Many recent events have been making Harry feel upset.
To be precise, he's been having a run of bad luck ever since he left Hogwarts for summer vacation.
At the Dursley family, you're either locked in a room or you're in charge of House-elf.
After arriving at the Burrow, he unexpectedly ended up in Diagon Alley. He almost missed the train at the start of school and was expelled. During Quidditch match, he was nearly killed by Bludger...
One thing after another caused Harry immense suffering.
"Second grade is really unlucky..."
Harry muttered to himself, but as soon as he finished speaking, more bad luck struck.
Lockhart, dressed in a dark red robe, walked conspicuously toward him.
Harry instinctively tried to dodge, but he stopped him.
"Harry, you're so lucky!" Lockhart flashed a bright white grin. "To see me several times a day, if my fans knew, they'd be green with envy."
"Professor Lockhart ..." Harry was so disgusted he could barely speak. "I think I..."
"You're in a bad mood? Sigh, that happens all the time."
Lockhart sighed dramatically, then rallied his spirits and said, "But I have a way to cheer you up."
After saying that, Lockhart took out a stack of autographed photos from his robes, pulled one out, and handed it to Harry. "Here, Harry. As an internationally renowned wizard, I also have my bad days, just like you."
"But the thought of my great achievements invigorates me. Perhaps those great achievements are too far removed from your life, but you can look at my autographed photos; you might draw some strength from them."
Lockhart spoke with a straight face, as if he genuinely believed that his autographed photo contained some powerful spiritual force.
"Sorry, Professor, I don't need it!" Harry gritted his teeth, turned and walked away. "I think I'd better go see Madam Pomfrey."
"Don't rush, Harry!"
Lockhart caught up with him, "I have some good news to tell you!"
Harry, annoyed that he was blocked, glared at him and asked, "What is it?"
Lockhart ignored his gaze and said to himself, "Great news, really great news!"
"You must know that Professor Snape and I are planning a friendly duel, right?"
Harry remained noncommittal.
Lockhart continued, "As one of the lucky few, you will become a member of my team and represent me in battle."
"Just imagine, Harry!" Lockhart patted him on the shoulder, his voice brimming with a daydreaming quality. "You will learn my dueling secrets. Then you will win this highly anticipated match, and then, Harry ..."
He smiled and shook his head, "You might end up on the same path as me."
"Become a truly dazzling star wizard!"
At this point, Lockhart quickly stuffed the autographed photo he was holding into Harry's pocket.
"Then you can openly distribute your autographed photos, and all your classmates will become your fans!"
Harry said angrily, "Professor Lockhart, I clearly remember that I never agreed to join your team!"
Why is this guy always like this!
They only care about their own opinion and never listen to others!
And your damn autographed photo! I'd rather ask Silan for one.
I have more faith in him than in you; I believe he will become a true great wizard.
Harry's loathing for Lockhart reached a whole new level.
Compared to Lockhart, Professor Snape now seemed quite handsome to Harry.
After giving the Tonguefire Grass seeds to Silan, Snape walked out of the office with him.
Just as Silan had guessed, he was preparing to conscript men.
"Who could be Prewett's teammate?" Snape pondered to himself, frowning as he walked.
After thinking for a while, Snape still didn't have a clear choice, and thought to himself, "I'll just grab two random people later."
He had great confidence in Silan.
The other two teammates, as long as they are alive and breathing, can play.
For example, Malfoy...
Malfoy?
Seeing Malfoy passing by, Snape stopped, looked at him, and asked, "Malfoy, are you interested in participating in the Dueling Club's friendly matches?"
Malfoy stood there, stunned.
Is Professor Snape inviting me?
A personal invitation?!
"Of course, of course, Professor!"
Malfoy raised his head proudly, displaying himself like a peacock spreading its tail feathers. "As you know, my Malfoy family Slytherin for generations!"
"As heir to Malfoy family, I am willing to bring glory to Slytherin."
Before Snape could speak, he gave him an elegant aristocratic bow. "It is a great honor to be a member of your team."
After saying all that in one breath, Malfoy's originally pale face flushed with excitement.
I knew it!
I knew I, Malfoy, was extraordinary!
Look! Look!
The headmaster of Slytherin personally invited me!
Father was right; Galleon always shine.
Professor Snape saw my strengths, didn't he?
That's why he was so sincere in personally inviting me!
"Very good." Snape nodded. "Come to my office after class tomorrow."
"Rest assured, Professor!" Malfoy said with a look of heroic sacrifice, "I will stake the honor of my family on winning glory for Slytherin!"
"Ah... oh..." Snape mumbled a reply, feeling a little strange.
It's just to make up the numbers, is it really necessary to go to such lengths?
Malfoy looked up at Snape and suddenly asked, "Also, Professor Snape, I'd like to ask, who are my teammates?"
"Prewett."
Upon hearing the surname, Malfoy nodded, looking like a hero admiring another hero.
Oh, it's Prewett.
It seems that opponents of equal skill levels are bound to meet unexpectedly.
Prewett, I accept you.
Goyle and Crabbe, standing beside him, immediately began to flatter him (not Malfoy's backside): "As expected of you, Malfoy!"
"That's amazing!"
Malfoy waved to the two of them, signaling them to keep a low profile in front of Snape.
Snape glanced at the not-so-bright Goyle and Crabbe, and frowned.
Let's skip those two.
They're so ugly they'd be considered ugly even if they were just used as decorations.
"Don't be late tomorrow," Snape said, then turned and left.
He still had to find one last person.
Actually, according to his own idea, he wanted to go find Hermione.
Miss Granger is quite talented, an excellent student, and she and Prewett are childhood sweethearts with a deep and affectionate relationship.
If, during the competition, we can share joys and sorrows, face difficulties together, ultimately defeat evil, forge a deep friendship, and even sow the seeds of love...
This is an unprecedentedly wonderful start.
Snape couldn't help but smile, almost applauding his own brilliant idea.
He found Harry before Hermione could.
Snape turned a corner and suddenly saw Harry and Lockhart pulling and tugging at each other ahead.
"Is Lockhart trying to recruit Harry into his team?"
Snape frowned and thought for a moment, then quietly moved and stood behind Harry.