The remaining days of the summer term passed leisurely beneath brilliant sunshine. Peace returned to Hogwarts, with only Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons temporarily suspended.
"Lockhart's actually been arrested by the Ministry of Magic!" Hermione sounded utterly shocked. Clutching the Daily Prophet an owl had delivered that morning, she hurried into the Great Hall and made straight for Jerry and the others, who were eating breakfast.
"Everyone knows Lockhart's a useless, cowardly fraud who runs away when things get dangerous. I'm not surprised the Ministry of Magic arrested him!" Ron picked up the jam doughnut in front of him, took a bite, and spoke through a mouthful.
Jerry took the newspaper from Hermione. An enormous headline read:
Earth-shattering secrets! An exclusive report that shocked the nation!
Was this a distortion of human nature or a collapse of morality?
Recipient of the Order of Merlin, Third Class, honorary member of the Anti-Dark Magic League, five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award, internationally renowned celebrity and author—Lockhart was actually this kind of man!
Jerry skimmed the reasons for Lockhart's arrest. He had stolen other wizards' adventures, written them into his books as his own glorious exploits, then cast Memory Charms on those wizards to erase their memories.
The rest might have been negotiable, but illegally using Memory Charms on other wizards alone would probably earn Lockhart a few years in Azkaban, keeping the Dementors company!
This year's expendable Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher really hadn't lasted. The school year wasn't even over, and the professor had already gone off for further training at the Azkaban talent center!
Still... Jerry glanced toward the staff dining area at the front of the Great Hall. Seeing Dumbledore chatting and laughing with Professor McGonagall about something, he suddenly had a strong feeling