HP: It's a snake, not a badger.

Chapter 70 Gellert's Lesson

As soon as the bell rang, all the young wizards rushed out of the classroom to share the explosive news with their friends, and also the fact that Lockhart, that idiot, had insulted Emeric.

"Thank you, Hermione. If you hadn't sorted out the timeline, we wouldn't have any substantial evidence. At most, we could only prove that Lockhart illegally used the Oblivion Charm."

"You're welcome, Layla. If it weren't for your evidence, my timeline would only prove that he's a fraud."

"Alright, ladies, stop being so polite. You're both wonderful. Shall we go eat now?"

Galian stopped them; if they kept talking, they wouldn't get to eat lunch, and he was starving.

The students I met on the way were all talking about what had just happened, and they were all curious about where Lockhart got the nerve to scold the students.

"Lockhart is really bold! How dare he insult a student?"

"We can't just follow Professor Snape's example; none of the other professors swear."

"He should think before he learns. Professor Snape can scold people because someone blows up the classroom, especially you Gryffindors. Every time I have Potions class with you, I have to worry about being blown up."

"Isn't it just curiosity? Let's not talk about that. I'm really curious when Lockhart's verdict will be delivered."

Amidst everyone's anticipation, Lockhart's verdict was handed down. He was sentenced to ten years in prison, and all his assets were ordered to be returned to the victims.

With half a semester left, Dumbledore decided to make Gellert the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. He dared not increase Severus's workload, having just been yelled at by McGonagall, so it was better for him to behave himself for the time being.

"Harry, don't you think this professor looks familiar? I feel like I've seen him somewhere before?"

"Of course you've seen him; think about the photo you drew."

"A photo... huh???"

Harry covered Ron's mouth, smiled at the classmates who were turning around, and apologized for disturbing them.

He was very glad that he had learned martial arts and that his reaction speed was faster than Ron's; otherwise, if his identity had been exposed, they would have been in big trouble.

"Don't make a sound. Didn't you hear him say he was Geller Grint? Promise me you won't talk nonsense, and I'll let you go."

"Mmm"

Ron nodded frantically in agreement. "Why is this guy here? Isn't he and our principal mortal enemies? Aren't they going to fight?"

"Have you ever seen two mortal enemies sleeping in the same bed? These two are clearly old flames."

"??? Harry, are you speaking some kind of obscure language? I can't understand you."

"You two be quiet, the professor is watching you!"

Hermione quietly leaned back to remind them to shut up; they still didn't know whether Professor Grint preferred to deduct points or put people in solitary confinement.

"To get to know you all better, I'm going to ask you a simple question now."

"Among everyone here, who is Dumbledore's favorite student?"

Gellert stood on the podium with a smile; he didn't want any other answer to this question than Emerick.

Harry felt a chill run down his spine, especially after hearing Gellert's question; a sinister feeling crept up his back.

"Of course it's Harry, our Mr. Potter."

"No, no, no, the headmaster's favorite former rival is not Harry Potter."

Harry shouted immediately; he didn't want to die at the hands of the European jealous king—that would be too unjust. He managed to stop Ron from talking nonsense, but not the other Gryffindors. Luckily, his mind worked quickly enough; he was almost scared to death.

"Is that so? Okay, let's begin the lesson~"

Gellert got the answer he wanted and then began the lesson, satisfied.

Dumbledore, standing outside the classroom, breathed a sigh of relief. When he heard someone call Harry, he wanted to rush in and pull Gellert away to prevent him from doing something. He didn't expect Harry to be so smart and get out of the predicament himself. No wonder he was his favorite student.

Feeling the crisis was over, Dumbledore began to stroll around the castle, intending to observe the professors' classes. As he walked, he was pleased to see that the children were all attentive in class; whether it was McGonagall, Sprout, or the others, their classroom discipline was excellent, until he reached the door of the Potions classroom.

"bang"

"Gryffindor loses ten points. Go to the Medical Wing and find Ms. Pomfrey. Go back to the cellar after class and redo it."

"Anyone who dares to be like the lich, unable to understand human language, and not stir according to the instructions, get out of here."

"Um, Severus, the children are just not very good at it, don't be angry." Dumbledore couldn't help but step in to smooth things over and try to quell Severus's anger.

"Is that so? Then Headmaster Dumbledore will teach you again..."

"?"

"Severus, I have to go now."

He quickly interrupted Severus and immediately moved away from the place. He had remembered everything, so he decided to let them get scolded. If they scolded the troublemakers, they wouldn't be able to scold him.

Severus laughed in exasperation. He was the one who came in to cause trouble, and now he was the one running away. Fine, his Tooth Strengthening Potion for this month was gone. Fine, he could have it all replaced with bitter melon flavor.

"get out of class dismissed. Leave what you made in the classroom. I'm afraid you'll poison someone if you take it out."

One by one, the young wizards walked out of the classroom. The moment they left, their steps were much lighter. No one lingered outside the classroom; they all wished they could fly away on broomsticks.

"Severus, let's pack together, then we'll go eat! We have a party tomorrow, can I bring another cake?"

"It's alright, I'll take it. Of course you can bring it; we have plenty of room in our baskets."

Looking at those annoying little trolls and then at Emeric, Severus felt quite lucky that he hadn't been asked to take care of the trolls.

"Let's go have lunch in the principal's office."

With winter approaching and temperatures dropping, Severus rarely takes Emeric back to the cellars anymore. Instead, he sets up a room in the headmaster's office as a potions room, since Dumbledore has more than enough potions, so it's perfect for him.

(Ugh, my brain just shut down. I wrote over two thousand words and deleted over two thousand today. Nothing I wrote felt right. I barely managed to write this much. Hopefully, I'll have some ideas to write the side story later.)