It was another new week.
Apart from the extra task of leading students punished with running on laps around the Black Lake.
Everything else was no different from usual.
In the first lesson, with the fifth years, perhaps spurred on by yesterday's practical lesson rankings.
Everyone made very rapid progress in learning the Shield Charm.
But when it came to the second lesson, with the Gryffindor second years.
Douglas distinctly felt that something was odd about the atmosphere in class.
He kept feeling that the students were sneaking looks at him, with rather strange expressions.
He did not ask much about it.
Ever since the verdict sentencing Lockhart to five years in Azkaban had come out yesterday.
Certain clickbait magazines-Douglas stressed through gritted teeth that he specifically meant The Quibbler-had swiftly published an in-depth report: [Was Lockhart framed? A bestselling author's dirty dealings with those in power].
Not only had it damaged his reputation outside school.
Even within school, some students were always pointing fingers behind his back.
Douglas always laughed it off.
Instead, he reassured those worried about him not to mind such things. Who had ever become famous without a few bumps along the way?
Of course, he would not treat a certain magazine editor's daughter differently in class just because that editor had drawn him as a devil concealed beneath a cloak.
Then, last night, he had stayed up to write a short story.
"Slytherin's Half-Blood Prince"
It told the story of John Prince, a young wizard who ended up in London's Wool's Orphanage and displayed extraordinary talent in Potions and Dark Magic after entering Hogwarts. After unsuccessfully pursuing a Muggle-born girl, he promptly transferred his affections elsewhere, flitting between older and younger girls from different houses in a succession of romantic affairs.
And after graduation,