[a/n0] magitech-Hard on DD? He's gotta tell all once in a while. Besides he had Howler Weasley to contend with.
[a/n]yet another credit idea Slytherin66
Harry Does Different CCCIX
Testing Lockhart
"Can you all see me?" Professor Lockhart strode impressively up the length of tables "Can you all hear me?"
Students thronged eagerly around oohing and aahing.
The gorgeous Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor spun around like a runway model and gathered his cloak around one arm, flinging it into the crowd. Slytherin Millicent Bulstrode caught it, cooing and stroking like a beloved pet. "To start out, a little show and Professor Snape has sportingly agreed to assist." The pair faced off and paced off. Then the Potions Professor promptly blasted the Defense Professor halfway across the Hall.
"Do you think he's alright?" lamented Hermione.
Ron chortled "Who cares?"
There was a total gender based reaction of boys nodding and girls sneering. Even crossing typical House-based rivalries like Granger-Parkinson or Weasley-Malfoy reactions.
"Might it not be wise to show the students how to block unfriendly spells?" Professor Snape recommended, his voice clearly insulting if one knew the intent.
Professor Lockhart of course didn't "Excellent suggestion Professor Snape! How about a volunteer pair? Ahh? Potter? Weasley? You two?" he flicked his thumb.
"Weasley's wand spreads destruction far and wide." Snape sneered down at the Gryffindors "We'll be shipping Potter home in a box. How about - -"
Harry cut in, raising his hand "Actually, just a sec sirs. I was wondering something. How qualified exactly is Professor Lockhart?" He ignored the elbow from Hermione.
"Go on Potter." It was almost a smile from the Potion Master.
Harry was surprised "Well, right. I saw a NEWT DADA book in our Common Room so I read through a few chapters. How about I have a go, sir?"
Most of the pupils laughed off the declaration. Really? A Second Year Challenging the Defense teacher? Snape winning was one thing, but this would last about as long as a sneeze. Somewhere in the background Fred and George Weasley immediately began taking bets on the subject. Even across the room people were signaling their amounts and the odds for various terms.
"Harry! No way!" exclaimed Hermione. Seamus offered his hands as stirrups to boost him onto the table and Justin from Hufflepuff slapped him on the back. Susan had a disapproving frown.
Lockhart swished his wand and declared with bravado "Right then, Harry. We'll put on a little show. I won't hurt you a bit."
"Not worried about pain, sir." The boy countered chivalrously "Madam Pomfrey is real talented. Besides, maybe it's you going down."
The boys cheered. A look of worry flickered across the teacher's face before he announced "You'll count us off Professor Snape."
"With pleasure Professor Lockhart." The Potion Master again almost smiled "I find myself oddly rooting for you Potter."
Harry's eyes glanced up as he passed and he whispered "Your secret's safe with me, sir."
"8…9…10"
At the same time the duelists spun and fired matching disarming charms, neither of which hit their marks. Harry was small and quick, able to dodge. Lockhart did have a fair shield. Ultimately he fell short of his hype "Mimblewimble!" "Somnius!" It didn't last five minutes.
"Well consider this a moment of weakness Potter." Professor Snape announced into the absolute silence that filled the Great Hall "Twenty points to Gryffindor." He hopped off the table and swept out, robes billowing, not bothering to revive his colleague. The place erupted in cheers.
Abcij
That evening Headmaster Dumbledore stood at his podium looking grave. There was an empty chair at the Head Table. He spoke solemnly "Everyone, your attention please. I will be plain. The notion that a Second Year student, no matter how famous, could outduel a Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor was a truly disgraceful occurrence. The finest institution of Magical learning in Britain deserves better. Mr. Lockhart is no longer with us, though I wish him well in his future endeavors. In the short term, all of your existing professors will provide lessons in Defense while a replacement is sought. Mr. Potter, for your dramatic demonstration of our shortcomings I award Gryffindor 50 points. Everyone, enjoy your supper."
His House cheered Harry's praises, even the formerly smitten females. And yes, Hermione acknowledged the truth. That didn't mean they weren't brokenhearted. And now a certain boy hero was a object of affection that he didn't understand.
