Chapter 87: Autographed Photo

# Dumbledore

"No, no, no, Severus. From the perspective of an old man like me, those words are truly moving."

Dumbledore's fingertips were pressed together, resting on the desk, a faint smile playing on his lips.

# Dumbledore

"Previously, we couldn't quite understand why Orli trusted you so much, but now I believe I know her answer."

Orli desperately wished there were a crack in the floor of Dumbledore's office to slip into, or perhaps someone would cast a Disillusionment Charm on her with a flick of their wand.

Fortunately, Dumbledore didn't let her suffer for too long.

# Dumbledore

"Alright, I recall you both have classes this morning. Severus, perhaps you could escort Orli to Filius's class on your way downstairs?"

# Snape

"Are her legs merely decorative?"

Snape snorted through his nose. However, he didn't leave first; instead, he stood by the office door.

Orli felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles. She finally managed to force herself up from the chair, only for Dumbledore to call her back.

# Dumbledore

"Oh... it seems old age makes one forgetful. Orli, although you've uncovered many clues about the Chamber of Secrets and the Basilisk, this matter involves more than just Salazar Slytherin himself this year. Some things Harry needs to face on his own. I trust you understand what I mean?"

Orli felt she only half understood, but she nodded anyway.

As she descended the spiral staircase, her mind swirled with questions. Had the diary been destroyed? Who was controlling the Basilisk's movements? Had Dumbledore already communicated with Tom in the diary?

But she couldn't ask any of these questions. She couldn't even show any sign that she knew the diary existed.

Thankfully, everything seemed to be under Dumbledore's control, and the Basilisk's eyes had already been destroyed. No one would be petrified or killed this year. And Dumbledore—he was still the headmaster she had once admired.

---

The early morning corridors were empty. At this time, students and professors should have been in the Great Hall having breakfast, so Orli and Snape's footsteps echoed loudly in all directions.

The atmosphere was stiff, and so was Orli. She tried to take long strides to keep up with Snape's billowing black cloak, unsure if she should break the awkward silence.

But just then, Snape abruptly stopped, and she nearly bumped into his back.

# Lockhart

"Severus! Good morning. So glad to see you. You know, during my adventurous travels around the world, potions were a great help to me. Perhaps we could discuss and exchange ideas on the subject sometime. Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of keeping any secrets from you."

Gilderoy Lockhart appeared at the other end of the corridor, his hair slicked back with copious amounts of gel. His dazzling white teeth gleamed, and his cashmere cloak embroidered with gold threads shimmered in the sunlight.

# Snape

"I don't see the necessity."

Snape said coldly.

# Lockhart

"Oh, no need to be shy. Although I do have a little bit of fame, I'm also a very generous person! After all, we're colleagues at Hogwarts now. If you've read my Holidays with Hags, you'll surely be amazed at my expertise in the Deadly Draught."

Lockhart smiled as he approached, clearly eager for a chat.

# Snape

"I have a class to teach first thing. I'm in a hurry."

Snape didn't spare him a glance.

# Lockhart

"What a pity. I suppose we'll have to chat another time."

Lockhart said in his usual exaggerated tone. His eyes began to wander, and Orli quickly hid behind Snape, hoping Lockhart wouldn't notice her. Unfortunately, she wasn't so lucky.

# Lockhart

"But perhaps Miss Orli Waters would be delighted to have a private conversation with me? Ever since our delightful exchange last time, she's been wanting an autographed photo of mine. But perhaps she's too shy to come to my office. Luckily, I happen to have a photo with me today."

Snape's foot, poised to take a step forward, froze briefly. But it was only for a moment before he turned his head slightly, gave Orli a cold glance, and left a curt "Suit yourself" before striding off toward the corner of the corridor.

Orli felt as if her stomach had been punched, cramping painfully. She wanted to call out for Snape to wait, but Lockhart had already pulled out a photo and was holding a pen, asking her if she wanted him to write something like, "To the lovely Orli, best wishes for your studies, from Gilderoy Lockhart."

# Orli

"Professor Lockhart, please stop flattering yourself! I am not one of your ridiculous admirers, nor do I need your silly autographed photo!"

Orli stomped her foot in frustration, leaving a stunned Lockhart behind as she hurried toward the corner of the corridor. But Snape's figure had long since disappeared.