"Haha, it's nothing. Honesty is a virtue every famous wizard should possess. It's getting late, so let's take our photograph now-" Lockhart was still intent on the photograph, but someone interrupted him again.
"Mr. Lockhart, I'm Hermione Granger, an incoming second-year at Hogwarts and a devoted fan of yours! I wanted to tell you-there are no fewer than seven of your works on this year's Hogwarts book list, and I bought five of them last year and have already read them six times!"
Hermione's voice was noticeably softer and gentler than usual, as though something strange were caught in her throat-introducing Harry and Ron to an entirely new Hermione Granger.
Despite the August heat, they both shuddered. Even when Hermione had been fishing for information from Hagrid, she hadn't used this terrifying voice. It was horrifying. If Hermione ever treated them this way, they would certainly suspect they had messed something up recently-something major!
Lockhart had been about to look displeased, but upon discovering that the little girl interrupting him was another fan, his expression immediately changed. He gave Hermione a dazzling smile and brought out entry eleven from "One Hundred Quality Responses to Fans":
"Oh, lovely, beautiful Miss Granger, thank you for your support. I hope my books will keep you company through more of the days ahead, or, more fortunately still, become part of your sweet dreams. That is both my request and my honor.
"And, Miss Granger, I must tell you something terribly unfortunate-you sadly missed my announcement thirty minutes ago. But how could I bear to leave you unaware of this major event in the wizarding world? Next term, I shall be taking up the post of Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts!
"That's right. Every wizard in the world can own a