The scene shifted to Harry.
When he reached the final room, he saw a tall, straight-backed figure in the distance, standing with his back to him and studying a full-length mirror.
Harry was familiar with that mirror, too. He had seen it last Christmas. It was a magic mirror that showed the desires of the heart.
He had seen his parents in it and nearly become obsessed. Only after the headmaster offered him guidance and took the mirror away had Harry managed to break free.
Harry hurried closer. When he finally made out the figure, he froze in confusion.
It wasn't Snape!
It was someone he never would have expected.
Why was it Lockhart!
Why was it this outstanding professor, whose reputation and character had earned such overwhelming praise since he took over Defense Against Dark Magic?
Dressed in blue and purple robes, Lockhart turned around and calmly regarded the disbelief on Harry's face.
He smiled in greeting.
"Hello, Harry."
Harry couldn't find his voice.
He still remembered how much useful knowledge he had learned in this professor's classes.
Whenever he had questions, the professor would answer them carefully and in detail.
Whenever Snape deducted a large number of points from him, he could often earn some of them back from the professor standing before him.
After all, Harry's Defense Against Dark Magic marks had always been among the best in his year.
That was why Harry had always trusted Professor Lockhart implicitly and held him in such high regard.
In every respect, he had seemed like a professor beyond compare.
Harry gripped his wand tightly, his throat dry.
"P-Professor, w-why is it you? Do you want the Philosopher's Stone, too?"
Lockhart smiled calmly.
"Harry, I believe I taught you a lesson about not blindly trusting someone you know nothing