CHAPTER TWO: Battling The Monster
I have already told you why I was the greatest child around, but little have I said anything about my mischievous nature as a tot. At the tender age of six I cast my first memory charm on my father just to see what it would do. Little did I expect him to forget everything! After being severely punished, my parents let me off after they felt sorry for yelling and punishing such a beautiful and wonderful child.
Surprisingly enough this punishment helped me develop into my fantastic self simply because as I was up in my room I could hear something in our attic. I thought nothing of it at first and even thought that if I were to go up there I could have my beautiful smile destroyed by some nasty and horrible creature. As the weeks went on and the punishment ended, I still noticed the same grunting and groaning coming from upstairs. One day, a rainy day at that and I had just had my hair done so there was no way I was going outside, I was bored and decided to go into the attic. It was dark and dreary up there. There was a dampness as well and I started getting very worried about my teeth and hair for I didn't want any damage to succumb to them (and nothing did happen for I still look wonderful today). As I walked to the attic door I pressed my ear to it and heard the moaning again. I found some courage and went in. There in front of me was a very odd looking creature.
Later I found out that I had encountered the dreaded boggart, which we all know is a creature that loves close, confined spaces. I believe that I am the only person that has ever seen this shape shifter in its original state, for the creature in my attic was stout and furry with long fangs and I have never seen anything like it sense. As it saw me it came charging forward. Fortunately my father's mahogany wand was tightly held in my tiny yet oh so perfect hands as I performed a banishing charm. Next thing I knew, the creature was gone in a bright flash of light.
I had defeated a monster that was more than liking going to threaten my home and after telling my mother of it, she told me that I would be a fantastic, possibly a great wizard with beautiful hair and a charming smile (and I have won the Most-Charming Smile award from Witch Weekly) and profound greatness.
Recognizing my greatness has been a challenge for me. I was always taught to me humble about my own grandeur and I believe that I have succeeded at this task. My defeat of the monster at such a young age, when, possibly, no one else could have done what I did, was just one of the many heralded accomplishments that I would receive throughout my life. In no way do I gloat about my achievements. I just simply tell them as they happened. The boggart is a Dark beast like none other and it was at this tender age where I learned the importance of being knowledgeable of defenses against the dark arts. Everyday someone walks into a shop on Knockturn Alley in hopes of finding some vile object to aid them in their sinister plans. One day those plans my involve oneself (though certainly no one would ever dislike me to the point of wanting to perform dark magic on me. My loving and happy nature makes me one of the most agreeable wizards around). Therefore we must all possess some knowledge of how to defend ourselves from these Dark Wizards and Witches.
I encountered one more monster as a child, well that is if you call it a monster. Certainly it was a vile and deadly creature. When I was twelve (mind you my teeth were perfectly straight at this time and my hair was a perfect wavy gold) I liked taking walks around my town. On a sultry summer day I was hurrying home (sweat is not good for golden curly locks) and I took a short cut where I passed an old house. Inside I saw something moving. I clutched my wand tightly and slowly advanced toward the building. The figure looked like a woman with floor length black hair. Her back was too me so I crept around trying to keep her from noticing me. That's when I noticed her features were green and skeletal...I was staring at a Banshee! An ordinary man would have turned to run right then and there. But alas I am no ordinary man. After casting various charms and combating with the creature, whose deadly wails I had deafened myself to, I expelled the banshee from the home and continued on my way.
Certainly no ordinary man could ever have the experiences I have for Muggles simply don't have the open mind to believe in what we do. At the same time no ordinary Wizard or Witch could do the things that I have done and written of in my previous books. No ordinary creature could survive what I went through in Travel with Trolls for example. I am truly humbled by how great I am and how fortunate I have been for all of my gifts and experiences. I must be even more fortunate for discovering my gifts at such an early age and so I've had more opportunities to improve on my splendor and on my intelligence.
As I have mentioned before, my extraordinary accomplishments should not be replicated at home. The last thing I want to hear is how young Wizards and Witches have harmed themselves by trying to be as brave and wonderful as Gilderoy Lockhart. In my next chapters I will begin to go into detail on my more daring accomplishments and my superior spell work. Remember, I am a professional and only professionals should attempt the feats I have performed.