Lockhart's Boldness

[Bran Castle, Transylvanian Alps (Third Person POV)]

"Is it true that House Drakul has a Lord?" asked a hoarse voice.

There was darkness. No one could see, but there were more than 200 lesser vampires present in that hall.

"Yes, my King. Lord Alfred has become his butler," this statement elicited gasps from the vampires.

Alfred was known by everyone there. He was a noble vampire, unaffected by the smell of garlic or sunlight. His combat prowess was nothing to scoff at; it was safe to say he was the best swordsman in the world.

"How old is he?" asked the king.

"Around 15, my lord," replied the kneeling man, not daring to look up at the figure on the throne.

Hearing his age, everyone became excited. They had a chance to become noble vampires.

Noble vampire houses went extinct during the 17th century when the royal family decided to eradicate one noble house. This led to a rebellion by the noble houses against the king, resulting in an all-out war between the seven noble families and the royal family.

As the king died, he cursed the six families to die with him. The Drakul family was not included in this curse as they were already extinct; the House of Mayerling and Stovakor had allied to kill Lord Drakul.

Later, both houses died in the war, leaving only lesser vampires. However, Alfred, who was roaming around the world, escaped the curse.

After years of research by lesser vampires, they concluded they required the beating heart of a noble vampire for a ritual that would evolve them into noble vampires. Some daring lessers tried to hunt Alfred, but even if they combined all their strength, they couldn't leave a scratch on him.

But a hidden opportunity had arrived. They could finally fulfill their centuries-old desire.

"Where is he right now?" asked the king.

"He's in Hogwarts. We found out about him during a recent attack at Hogsmeade village near Hogwarts. It seems the Dark Lord has returned; the dog Greyback died there."

"Voldemort has returned? Contact him. I'm sure he would have already sent dogs to ally with Stubbe. I don't want us to be left out, as I am sure that dog will ask him to come against us after he wins Britain."

Every vampire hated Peter Stubbe, the Alpha of the largest wolf pack in the world. They actively hunted lessers, and since they were always in large groups, many died due to those dogs.

"Yes, my lord."

"Keep an eye on the young Lord. Send spies around the forest surrounding Hogwarts. I don't want a scratch on his body; his blood is too precious to waste."

"Yes, my lord."

With the final order, the meeting was dismissed. As the young Lord was away from Alfred, this was a good time to kidnap him from Hogwarts.

[POV end]

[Hermione Granger POV]

"Mate, let's get out of here as soon as possible," groaned Ron, looking towards Harry, who had already packed his books.

"Yes, I don't want to be here anymore," said Harry, shivering.

"But you didn't have to do anything! I was made a werewolf and had to act in front of the whole class!" said Neville in a hurt voice.

"Neville, Professor Lockhart wanted to give you the perspective of a werewolf. It will help you deal with one if you pay attention to what he's saying," I said. I don't like how everyone got everything wrong about him. I will prove them wrong.

"Yes, how? Smiling at him so he gets charmed by my good looks and heaven defying smile?" said Neville in a dry tone.

"No, Neville, you should try flicking your hair as you sniff Snape's panties, Lockhart does that to increase his charm." said Ron, snickering.

"You forgot to give a reassuring smile to bystanders! You'll die like that, Ron. Pay attention to the class and French kiss Snape before fighting a werewolf, love is power," said Harry, joining them.

"Sorry, mate, you're right. Thanks for reminding me, I'll have to ask Lockhart about the details about their activities before fighting a werewolf." said Ron, as they all laughed.

"You guys!" I left them behind as I saw Professor Lockhart leaving the classroom.

[POV end]

[Agustus POV]

It was kind of hard to make sure Nagini didn't run away on her revenge quest to America, but I also didn't want her to feel as if I was keeping her caged inside the house.

After a week, she opened up a little. When reality hit her, she cried her eyes out. It was hard to console her after that, but she stopped when I told her about Astoria, who, like her, was affected by a curse but got healed. She wanted to meet her and I told her about meeting her on Christmas.

She needed to find a hobby, so I gave her all the books on black magic I had and let her plan her revenge. She thanked me and started her studies under Bella, who was happy to help her.

Today, I was called by Dumbledore to his office. I wonder why? It may be related to Voldemort or Potter. Curiously, I walked towards his office until I saw something disgusting.

Lockhart was talking with Hermione. She had those useless books with her as she walked beside him. I couldn't help but frown at this sight.

Seeing me, Lockhart flinched but continued walking towards me.

Hermione, on the other hand, tried to ignore me, but I could feel her taking glances at me.

He tried to walk past me on my left side, but I blocked his path. He frowned for a second but then gave a smile.

"Oh, Heir Peverell, you stopped coming to my class? You're a good student; it will affect your grades if you keep doing that," he said as he patted my shoulder.

I removed his arm from my shoulder. I stopped myself from breaking it, as it would be overreacting, and I wanted to control my anger.

I grabbed his collar with both hands. He was around 5'10", I was 6 feet.

He was surprised by my actions and took out his wand, and I didn't stop him.

"Stop, Heir Peverell. I forgave you for your earlier disrespect in class, but this is getting out of hand now. I am a professor and you are a student; you should learn to respect your teachers," there was a little nervousness in his voice, but his anger masked it.

"Stop the act, Lockhart. Everyone knows you're a liar. Only some blind girls like Granger here won't see reason. Try your best spell, go on, teach me." I tried to get him riled up to show this dumb girl he's anything but a good wizard.

"Stop it, Agustus, you're trying to hurt yourself. You are a strong student, but someone like Professor Lockhart is way more powerful than you think."

This bitch. Calm down. She's just a second-year girl who knows nothing about me and Lockhart, and is making judgments based on those books.

Hearing her, Lockhart got a confidence boost and looked provocatively at me. He stretched his hand behind and pointed his wand towards me.

Did he forget I am still holding his collar? Instead of looking stylish, he looked funny.

"I'll teach you what your parents failed to do," he said.

Well, let's postpone meeting Dumbledore for today and torture someone. James and Tobias will be quite useful. I thought while throwing him away.

"Ahhhhhh" he shrieked.

He hit the wall, and rolled a little, groaning he grabbed his waist, tears rolled down his eyes.

He stood up wiping his face, clearly hurt and picked up his wand as he had dropped earlier and pointed towards me.

Granger on the side was too stunned by the events to say anything.

[POV end]

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Took two days break, seeya tomorrow.