Gilderoy Lockhart x Reader
[Theme: Adult]
Requested by Sunny.
Some people adore being fawn over. Receiving attention and affection from their partner, family and peers was the thing they wanted more than anything else. Whether it be a birthday, graduation or a regular event, they liked to be the centre of attention. There were those who took it too far and there were others who kept it an appropriate amount.
On the other hand, I was the complete opposite. While I enjoyed the occasional compliment, I preferred an emotional connection where I could feel their effort instead of buying gifts and marching bands to declare their love or admiration.
Perhaps that was why I applied to be the Hogwarts librarian when Madam Pince decided to go on holiday for the year. It was a quiet location; if students wanted to make a fuss over their crush, they had to be creative with it. Love notes, hushed whispers, maybe even a poem.
Being my age, I had my fair share of boyfriends and dates in the past. Unfortunately, none of them seemed to capture the essence I was craving. I didn't want to go out partying or go to concerts while they made a fuss. My perfect date would simply be... talking and getting to know one another over a good book.
I wanted someone who knew me, not someone who thought they knew me. There were a few bachelours at Hogwarts but none of them was right. Flitwick was too shy, albeit he met the sweetness I found appealing. Snape was too rough and stubborn for anything like that. Sikander did catch my interest at one point before he left to pursue a different career path, not that I could blame him.
A short sigh left me as I refocused on my surroundings in the library. There were students whispering and pointing around. If they got any louder, I'd have to go speak to them and ask that they pipe down... Although, considering I was procrastinating my job, I could let it go just this once.
This workload in particular was one that irritated me greatly. When new books are delivered to the library, the regular procedure must be followed: take them to my desk with a categorised list of titles and numbers, followed by edition and topic. With that information, I would be able to place the books where they belonged and store any additional copies.
Instead, these sets of books were piled on my desk with the only note telling me I should know what was inside the books from the covers alone... Every single one of these fifty-odd texts was by the author Gilderoy Lockhart... and they were signed. Despite what the courier believed, I had not read every single book in existence and Lockhart's books didn't hold much significance to me.
It wasn't to say that I didn't understand or not appreciate his fame. People are famous for a reason, after all, so he must at the very least be a talented writer. The issue was that with no information on these books, I had no method of putting them away quickly.
I picked one of the books up and squinted at the blue cover. It was a picture of Lockhart himself holding up a mug with a yeti beside him. 'Year with the Yeti' was written in fancy golden text across the top and Lockhart would peer at me and flash a smile.
"I see my books managed to make their way down here!" a male voice said happily right in front of me.
In my sudden shock, I dropped the book on the desk counter and looked up to see Gilderoy Lockhart himself smiling at me with blinding white teeth.
"Your books, sir? So are you the reason why my workload has increased because someone didn't follow the procedure?" I pushed the attached letter to him and he read it with a raised eyebrow.
"Ah yes! That was me. I'm sure you must have been pleasantly surprised. Fifty of my textbooks just for your library!" he proclaimed loudly with wide arms, drawing the attention of everyone to him. He leaned closer and covered the side of his mouth as he spoke. "And I hope you don't mind that I signed them... Gives the kids more motivation if they know yours truly held them."
This guy... He was frustrating me... but he didn't seem to be doing it on purpose. He must be the walnut-brained sort: pompous to a fault and unable to see when they're being annoying. I'd tell him but what would be the point of that? I guess I should let him down gently.
"Listen, I'm not all about this... fan club you've got going on. You've put me in a pickle with how you've done this." I informed him and his mouth opened slightly.
"Dear me, have you not read one of my books yet? I always recommend-"
I cut him off by taking three of the books from the pile and placing them spread before him. "While I appreciate your generous donation, this will take at least a few hours to sort and manage- Hold on, the school hasn't authorised a book signing here, sir. Forgive me for being bold but why are you here?"
Lockhart chuckled mightily to the point I had to glare to get him to hush down. "I suppose the cat is out of the bag." Despite being in a library, he turned to face the entire room. "Starting today, I am your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher!"
If things weren't loud enough already, I just knew that the entire library had heard him. If I were Madam Pince, I would have sent him packing in a heartbeat, but I was much timider than she was. He should consider himself lucky... a nice hex to the back of the head might have sorted him out.
A few students got out of their seats and started to surround him. They asked him for his autograph and for pictures. It was gobsmacking how one man managed to disrupt everything in one swoop!
I gave a loud cough and all of the children looked at me with mild terror. Lockhart turned around unfazed. "Sorry, dear. Sometimes fame gets in the way of my work! I'm sure you can understand."
"First off, stop calling me 'dear'. My real name is Y/N so learn to use it if you must refer to me. Second, you've disrupted what is supposed to be a quiet space and all you've done is give me more work to do. If there's nothing else for you to spoil, I ask you politely to leave." I snapped and sat down in my chair with a hand pressed against my head. The migraine he gave me was getting worse...
"Forgive me, I can't control everyone's adoration at times. I do hope we'll be seeing more of each other soon." he winked once more and proudly paraded himself out.
Under my breath, as I scribbled down the correct procedure for the books, I muttered "Not likely...".
Immediately, I scratched Gilderoy Lockhart off my eligible bachelours list.
...
After several hours of trying to sort these books out and put them in the right spots, my stomach growled with eager hunger. I had only eaten a few meals at Hogwarts since arriving and each one of them was positively divine. I couldn't wait to sit down, metaphorically kick my feet up, and indulge in some of my favourite foods.
When I arrived, there were several seats available at the teachers' table so I took the liberty to sit beside Flitwick. He greeted me happily and pulled over the water pitcher for me.
"You seem to be in a good mood, Filius." I remarked. "I hope you've had a better day than I have."
"Oh yes, positively. More of the first years have been getting to grasps with Charms which means they'll be getting more confident with their magic soon enough." he replied and took a sip from his own glass. "Tell me what went on with your end."
I rolled my eyes and leaned an elbow on the table to support my chin. "You have no idea... Lockhart paid a visit today. He managed to turn the library into a chaotic scene and didn't take accountability for any of it. I swear he might do my head in."
As those words left my mouth, the chatter in the Great Hall increased as Lockhart strode down the centre of the tables. He was making such a point of waving and basking in his own glory. It was... cringe-worthy. When he got halfway to us, his eyes locked dead centre on the free chair next to me. The smile he gave me set me on edge and I knew he was going to try to sit by me.
The door to the side wing also opened and out popped Snape. He and I also made eye contact and he gave a cocky smirk when he saw Lockhart. In his mind, would he prefer to wind up me or his biggest annoyance? Neither were particularly good choices for me but I'd take Snape's unpleasant attitude over Lockhart's boisterous obscenities any day.
"Severus!" Flitwick exclaimed and pointed at the chair. "Do join us. I've been meaning to speak to you lately. A matter only you can help with, I'm afraid."
It seems Flitwick was just as desperate as I was to not have Lockhart join us. Snape raised an eyebrow and sat down beside me. I thought that would be the end of it. Any sensible person would continue onwards and sit in a different seat. Then I realised, as Lockhart steamed at me, he was far from sensible.
"Forgive me, Professor Snape, but I do believe you've sat yourself where I was planning to sit." Lockhart said in a feigned confident voice. His gestures indicated to anyone that he was slightly afraid of Snape.
Snape looked left. Then he looked right. "I don't see your name anywhere." he replied snarkily. I had to stifle laughter as a cough.
Lockhart was taken aback by Snape's brashness and he went to me for support. "Ah, but Y/N, you were saving that seat for me, weren't you? Wouldn't you prefer my company?"
With a finger to my lip, I pretended that I was thinking for a few moments when I had decided on my stand a long time ago. "Actually, I'm more than content with Severus here, although I appreciate your concern." I smiled with the full knowledge that I didn't appreciate it at all. Maybe I did feel a tiny bit bad for him but he had only done this to himself.
"Well then." he said with mild distress. "It's alright, I know some are too overwhelmed with my fame to speak with me at times. Worry not, I know you'll be able to see me as human as any other wizard. Maybe not one that hasn't defeated evil across the globe but-"
"Don't you have somewhere to be?" Snape sneered and Lockhart gulped and shuffled to a chair on the other side of the table.
"He seems awfully interested in you." Flitwick commented with suspicion. "Did you say something to him before?"
"No! Not at all. All I did was tell him he was being a pain, basically." I responded and loaded my plate with the food that appeared.
Something about what I said had tickled Snape. He gave an amused 'hmph' deliberately loud enough to draw some attention.
"You must have something to say then, Severus." I called him out sceptically.
"Men like Lockhart don't want a woman who trips over herself at every corner. Even the most delusional wish to relax at times." he remarked and much to my displeasure, I knew he was right. Lockhart hadn't shown much interest until I called him out. I made myself a target for his affection...
At this point, all I could hope was that he didn't make a gigantic spectacle over the issue...
...
I could only blink as Dumbledore made an announcement the following breakfast. It wasn't his fault that he didn't know I woke up on the wrong side of the bed but I wasn't in the mood. This... would only spur Lockhart to extremes.
"In gratitude to Professor Lockhart's acceptance to teach at Hogwarts, he has kindly offered to organise..." Dumbledore peered to McGonagall for encouragement in what he was about to say, "to organise a dance in the upcoming days."
Without permission, Lockhart lept up from his seat (thankfully, Flitwick and I were able to drag Snape to sit with us again) and gave a deep bow. "Thank you, Professor. It truly is an honour to return to Hogwarts as its newest teacher." He flashed a wink and awes from the girls were heard. "Of course, this is no ordinary dance. No, no, far more than that. This is one for the dreamers; those who wish to follow in my footsteps!"
A general murmur sprouted and I facepalmed. How could one person be so full of themselves and not realise when people are ridiculing them for it?
"In preparation, I will be holding special dance classes to ensure you are all ripe for the ball! Of course, I will need a helper. How about Miss L/N?" He turned and directed both his hands in my direction, for once taking all of the attention away from him and placing it on me.
I was going to kill him if it was the last thing I could do. Every single face was staring at me with bated breath. It wasn't as if I was a teacher people recognised. I was only a temporary librarian whom most of them hadn't seen before! My response here will be their first impression of me... I could cuss him out... but that would ruin me.
"I..." I mumbled hesitantly. Flitwick lowered his head with sympathy at my predicament. "Y-Yeah. Sure..."
"Excellent! Well, anyone who wishes to partake needs only come to my classroom after lunch. I look forward to seeing who turns up!" he proclaimed and sat back down at last.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, "I suppose Professor Lockhart finished the details for me." and reclaimed his seat.
...
I took a deep breath and watched Lockhart leave the Great Hall to return to his chambers. It's not fun chasing prey without a headstart. They need a way to be cornered as they fend for themselves. My hand itched on my wand ready to give him the punishment he deserved for his little game. Flitwick had seen how serious I was looking and had to remind me that Madam Pomfrey likely would not appreciate additional patients.
Inconspicuously, entered Lockhart's classroom and knocked on the door outside his chambers. He opened the door and when he saw me, he drew the brightest grin. There was no sign of fear in him. Did he truly believe this would have gone off without a hitch?
"Good morning, dear. So nice of you to have accepted my offer this morning, I do think-"
Whipping a wand when you want to do harm was like second nature. It pressed up against his chest and he went from pure sunshine to trembling terror. "What was that earlier? Is this seriously how you think it's appropriate to behave?"
Lockhart opened his mouth to speed before I shoved in "Don't answer that."
I was beyond furious. I never had a choice in any of this and I couldn't back out. "All I wanted from you was to do some paperwork correctly to make my life easier. That's all. Was that so much to ask for and now you go and make things even harder for me?"
He was gobsmacked and speechless. Never had someone spoken up to him like this since he became famous. How could it be that someone would reject his advances? Any girl would be smitten and grateful to have been chosen by him, but not me. There was respect initially and that had dwindled down to resentment. Famous or not, there are limits and he bypassed them.
I sighed and put down my wand at his lack of response. "I'll help you with this out of obligation to retain my reputation. It's not for you so please don't get the wrong idea. If you had any kind of idea of there being something between us, you soiled it. I can't stand a pompous overconfident arrogant fool."
With that, I turned and promptly removed myself. I didn't want to lose my composure quite as much as I did but he had it coming...
...
When lunch had finished, I went to Lockhart's classroom once more with reluctance. Dancing wasn't something I would consider my forte. I didn't have two left feet but I would undoubtedly need guidance with anything more than a little complicated.
It seemed most of the students who wanted to take Lockhart's class had arrived before me, likely to try to get him to notice them. Their gazes snapped at me and I could feel their jealousy seeping into me. Could they truly not tell how much I didn't want to be here?
"There you are, Y/N. I was beginning to worry you, uh, had changed your mind." Lockhart remarked and he faltered as the image of me preparing to hex him respawned in his mind.
I walked over to stand by his side. With a smile on my face to mask my true intentions, I leaned over to him and whispered "Let's just get this over with."
For someone who claims he could do most things blindfolded and backward, standing up to a woman was not something he prided himself in, it seems. He merely cleared his throat and turned on a gramophone. Sweet opera music came to life and I could've sworn I saw one of the girls almost faint at the idea of dancing with Lockhart
I couldn't wrap it around my head why they loved him so much. Okay, sure I had never met any famous people that I admired but even if I had, I wouldn't be acting like this. Pinning it down to them being teenage girls didn't make sense either since it was adult women doing the same.
Was I the one missing something? As Lockhart was introducing the class, I did peer over to analyse him. From a distance, I guess he was kind of attractive... and he did have a bubbly personality. It wouldn't be a dull day around him. That is, if you could survive how full of himself he was. Someone needed to pull him back down to Earth.
There was a story I heard once about the Dreamers and the Realists. The Dreamers need the Realists to stop them from soaring too close to the sun. The Realists need the Dreamers to get their feet off the ground. Lockhart was a Dreamer... would I be considered a Realist?
When I thought about it from that perspective, there was a small ball of pity for him. This desire to be liked and praised hadn't come from nowhere. Without a doubt, he must be experiencing some kind of insecurity. Perhaps... he needed someone to be there for him; not for Lockhart, but for Gilderoy.
My thoughts disappeared when Lockhart held out his hand for me to take like some kind of prince. With the flashy clothes he was wearing, it certainly could amount to that depending on the theme. I took his hand and he wrapped the other around my waist.
Never had I been in such close proximity to someone before, much less with this kind of contact. His face was right in front of me staring at me with... what kind of emotion was that? I could mistake it for his usual smile or was there something of... adoration?
"Now, watch as I do." Lockhart told the class and we proceeded to move in time with the music. He was a rather good dancer but, more surprisingly, he was exceptional at guiding me to the right steps. It was like I was floating with every footfall.
I was swept away. Everything seemed to come together into one. His smile and gaze didn't fade at all. At some point, I found myself... actually enjoying what was happening. This was fun!
But the second he let go of my hand and the music stopped, the magic disappeared.
He kissed my hand and bowed deeply. "That'll be all for today. I do hope you'll practice in your own time and I will see you tomorrow with the ball itself the day after!"
Once everyone had filed out, I expected Lockhart to come and make some off-handed comment about how grand he was. Instead, he went without a word back into his chambers.
"Gilderoy-" I called out and he slammed his door, isolating himself from the world. Against my best ideas, I knocked on the door but he didn't answer. Turning the doorknob did nothing. It was locked.
He had made his choice. He didn't want to see me. This 180 turn... I couldn't understand it. Only minutes ago were we at a moment of harmony and now... it was gone.
The only conclusion I could come to was that his pompous attitude truly was a façade- a defence mechanism against his fears. What could be worse to Lockhart than being average?
But why had he reacted like this? It was a simple dance class, nothing more. He was wallowing, I could tell.
I suppose the only thing to do would be to come back tomorrow and see what happens...
...
There wasn't much hope in me as morning came. I suspected when I saw Lockhart in the Great Hall that he would have recovered. When he came in, he appeared downtrodden. His signature smile was non-existent and he would never be the six-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award.
I gave him a small wave when he looked at me and it was as if he pretended I hadn't existed. Flitwick caught a note of his actions. "What exactly did you say to him?" he asked curiously. I didn't take him for a gossip gal.
"Oh, err..." I said embarrassed and brought my chalice to my lips. "A pompous overconfident arrogant fool..."
Snape brought a hand to his face to hide his smile. He was enjoying this far too much.
"But he seemed fine until the dance practice finished! Then he stormed off to his chambers... and now he's acting like this in front of everyone..." I revealed.
Flitwick nodded with an apparent understanding. "It can be difficult for those who try to hide the truth to accept what they are when presented with it. Perhaps you should talk to him. See what he has to say?"
"Not that there's any hope of fixing someone as inept and as much of a conman as Lockhart." Snape commented sternly. He was right at least partially.
"Now now, Severus." Flitwick interjected. "You forget I used to teach you and you've changed incredibly since those years thanks to Dumbledore's guidance."
Snape refused to answer back.
"I guess... I can try saying something." I sighed and forked my pancakes. Normally, I'd have devoured them in a heartbeat but Lockhart's depression seemed to be somewhat contagious. My stomach was not going to thank me later when it starts growling...
...
Arriving early to speak to Lockhart prior to the dance class seemed like the most sensible thing to do. If I can draw him out of his state, it would be beneficial for us both. I knocked on the door to his chambers and, like before, there was no reply. I suspected the door handle to be fruitless but I gave it a try anyway.
Surprisingly, the door creaked open to reveal Lockhart sitting by his desk with his head in his hands. His hair was a mess and his clothes dishevelled. If I hadn't known this was Gilderoy Lockhart, I'd have considered calling them a fraudster.
He raised his head with sullen eyes. They were dark and baggy. "What is it?" he said with a life-sucking sulk.
"Dance class begins in a few minutes. I, ehm, wanted to see if you were alright. You seemed... off at breakfast." I told him and he rubbed the sleep from his face.
"Why does it matter? You're right, I am a pompous arrogant fool." he responded and took another sigh.
He forgot arrogant but I wasn't going to remind him. "Okay, but surely that's not the first time you've been told that, is it?"
He shook his head in denial.
"Then why are you sulking because I said it? Why after class yesterday did you freak out?" I closed the door behind me in case anyone wandered into the class and stood by his desk, watching over his sorry state.
"You were the first person who didn't awe at me and told me what you thought to my face. Let me ask you, Y/N, what would you do if the world expected everything of you?" he asked.
I paused briefly to think. "It would be really pressuring, that's for sure..."
He laughed with grief. "Exactly. And then you find someone who you think might give you the chance to not be that persona." He looked at me. "I was wrong."
I tilted my head in confusion. "What? I called you out because I wanted you to not be like that. If there's some secret you that's sensitive and caring and... not a tight arse, I'd love to see it. You make things a pain because you act like a tart. Act like the real Gilderoy and perhaps people will like you for you."
"And what if the real me isn't good enough, hm? How much of a mask can one lift before people lose interest?"
"I'd say if they dump you for being your real self then they weren't your fans, to begin with. I don't know... try it. See how people react. Might take time for people to adjust but it might be worth it if you feel like this." I best advised.
"You're a kind soul." he told me with a weak smile. "Tell me, do you believe in love at first sight?"
"Don't start."
...
Lockhart was much more in his element during dance class today to the point students started whispering.
"Did you see the both of them enter together? He looks so happy..."
"Do you think something happened between them?"
"No idea... I'd be jealous if it had..."
Thanks to his guidance again, we swayed to the music and lost ourselves to the rhythm. His touch was noticeably more delicate and less dominating than previous.
When the music died down, he let go of my waist and coughed to bring attention to himself.
"I'm afraid with today, our time will come to an end with these classes. It has been an honour to teach you these two days."
Some of the students clapped but Lockhart didn't puff out his chest like usual. He gestured to me to step beside him.
"This wouldn't have been possible without Miss L/N's aid. She deserves your applause as much as I do." He gazed at me fondly. "If not more."
"They definitely kissed."
It wasn't much of a change but it was a change nonetheless. He directed the attention away from himself to bring praise to another.
He turned to me. "I must go prepare the Great Hall for tomorrow. Perhaps...?"
"I'll come take a look later in the day." I told him. Secretly, I was looking forward to seeing if he'd be able to hide his urge to place pictures of himself everywhere. It would be a miracle if he could make that much progress.
...
After closing the library for the day, I wandered to the Great Hall and walked through the grand doors. There were hardly any similarities to the original hall. All of the school banners had been replaced with romantic imagery. Several round tables each decorated with pristine white cloths and paired chairs were situated around. Not to mention the dance area left near where Dumbledore's podium would usually be...
Flitwick was rushing around with his wand dragging ornaments around. Hagrid was in charge of furniture while Filch begrudgingly sweep the floor for any dirt. Lockhart, on the other hand, was reading through an itinerary list until he spotted me.
His face lit up and he called me over to join him. When I arrived, I could see he had scribbled off numerous items from the list. One of them read 'portraits of yours truly' but looking around, I couldn't spot a single one.
"Not bringing yourself after all, huh?" I joked and Lockhart gave a charming chuckle.
"He's best put away for now. This ball isn't meant to be about me; it's about everyone, after all." he replied and showed me the list properly. "I originally put the colour motif as pink to match my dress suit but after today, that doesn't seem very fair. What do you think? Pink or something else?"
"Hmmm... I think the pink works well still. How about you change? Wear blue!"
He pretended to gasp in shock. "That's not a very me colour."
I thinned my eyes in doubt. "Is it not a very Lockhart colour or is it not a very Gilderoy colour? Two different things entirely."
He raised a hand to his chin. "You may have a point. A secret between you and I, I do rather like blue, but my promoters often say it's the pink and greys that bring out my best features."
"Wear blue then! You're being yourself now, not that Lockhart persona. You know, I like you much more as you are now than what you were before."
His eyes widened. "You do?"
I nodded in confirmation. "I really do."
...
I got myself ready in my best dress for the ball. Students and teachers alike were mingling and enjoying themselves. Many of the tables had been taken for food and drinks and the dance floor was in full swing with music I hadn't considered to be Lockhart's style initially.
As I walked around, I didn't see Lockhart at all. I thought he'd be front and centre greeting everyone as they entered but he was nowhere to be seen until I turned around to see a figure in blue.
"There you are, dear. I was beginning to wonder where you had gotten to." Lockhart said softly smiling.
"Isn't it best to be fashionably late?" I laughed. "You wore blue after all. It looks nice!"
He appeared much more confident and genuinely happy with himself. Now I could see why that smile had won awards. It was heart-pulling.
"Thanks to a certain someone, I chose this outfit for tonight. I've had many a compliment but hearing it from you is the best one of all." he replied and went to reach out to grab my hand.
Oh... screw it. My eligible bachelor list was dwindling at an impressive rate and Lockhart was being incredibly endearing... Let's put Lockhart back on that list for now... and see how it goes. If he can keep it up, if he can show me the real him, something could happen. For tonight, surely it would be okay to indulge.
I allowed him to grab my hand and he pulled me closer. His blue eyes were stunning and mesmerising up close...
"How about we dance for a bit?" he asked and directed me to the dance floor.
The music changed to a slow song at the perfect time. We swayed in time to the practised sequence and that feeling of flying returned to me, this time in my heart. I wanted to be here. I wanted to be dancing with Lockhart. No- I wanted to be dancing with Gilderoy. I never thought I'd admit that...
Who knows where this could go if he put his mind to it? For now, I'll be willing to see it through... to discover what this man truly is beyond the fame that turns him into an enigma. I like everything so far but only time will tell.
Let's just hope for the best.
I looked up at him. "You asked me if I believed in love at first sight."
"Are you going to provide an answer now?" he responded.
"I don't believe in it... but we'll see if you can change my mind."