Written for the Character Appreciation Challenge (Gilderoy Lockhart)
He sits at his book signing, hardly able to believe the size of the crowd. It's easily the largest he's ever seen at one of his events. Gilderoy smiles to himself as a grips his favorite quill.
"I just love your work so much, Mister Lockhart," the first young watch squeals.
Gilderoy grins broadly. "Well, obviously you have good taste, dear," he says, scribbling his signature as she giggles.
It's amazing. In his youth, his classmates would avoid him like the plague. Average, awkward, boring Gilderoy. Now, everyone wants him.
Fan after fan come, and he's reminded of the days when he so damn lonely. Now, if he wants company, all he has to do is step outside. Someone is always bound to recognize him. Now, he's so popular that he has to debate which lucky lady he should take as a date to events.
"Thank you for writing these. They're such an inspiration," an older woman says, fondly patting Gilderoy's hand.
No one would ever dare call him inspiring before. Now, he hears the word at least a dozen times a day.
As the crowd dwindles slowly, Gilderoy leans back in his chair. He may be living a life of lies, but at least he is finally loved.
