CHAPTER 23: COILIS AND THE PEACOCK
"Ah, yes, Suzie," Harry acknowledged, leaning back in his seat as Snape's gaze remained fixed on him, unwavering. "It seems our paths crossed quite unexpectedly on the train. Daphne, being ever vigilant, caught wind of a confrontation between Suzie and a Ravenclaw lad named Charlus. Suzie's tongue seemed as sharp as her wit, but Daphne, bless her, intervened before things escalated."
Snape's lip curled slightly at the mention of Daphne's intervention, but he remained silent, urging Harry to continue.
"As I approached, Suzie decided to redirect her ire towards Daphne, accusing her of crimes that seemed rather... illogical, to say the least," Harry recounted, his tone measured and composed. "Naturally, I stepped in to diffuse the situation."
Snape observed Harry closely, searching for any hint of deception or weakness in his demeanor, but Harry's composure remained unbroken.
"Daphne may have employed her... persuasive charms against Charlus," Harry admitted with a small smirk, knowing full well the extent of Daphne's abilities. "But the Ravenclaw departed soon after, leaving Suzie in his wake. It appears she was not overly pleased by Daphne's presence."
Snape nodded slowly, processing Harry's account of the events. "And what of Suzie's demeanor after your intervention? Did she pose any further trouble?"
Harry paused, considering his response carefully before answering. "She seemed... subdued, though whether out of deference or brewing resentment, I cannot say for certain. It would be wise to keep an eye on her, nonetheless."
Snape's expression remained inscrutable as he took a sip of his tea, mulling over Harry's words. "Indeed, Mr. Obsidian. Your vigilance is commendable. But remember, appearances can often be deceiving. Keep a close watch, and do not underestimate the cunning of those who seek to undermine you."
Harry nodded in agreement, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "Rest assured, Professor. I will remain vigilant."
With a final nod of approval, Snape dismissed Harry, the weight of his scrutiny lingering in the air even as Harry exited the room, his mind already racing with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead.
As Harry pondered the intricacies of his plan, he couldn't help but acknowledge the potential risks that lay ahead. Manipulating memories was a delicate task, one that could have dire consequences if not executed with precision. And yet, despite the looming threat of Suzie's mind being probed with Legilimency, Harry remained confident in his ability to alter the course of events to his advantage.
However, there were two glaring obstacles that threatened to derail his carefully laid plans. The first was the inherent danger of tampering with someone's mind too frequently, risking irreversible damage. Harry knew he had to tread carefully, lest he risk Suzie's mental well-being.
The second obstacle presented itself in the form of Daphne's growing suspicion. Harry couldn't afford to have his closest ally question his motives or actions. Thankfully, Daphne's formidable Occlumency skills provided a shield against prying eyes, shielding their secrets from the likes of Dumbledore or Snape. But now, with Daphne's suspicions aroused, Harry found himself facing a new challenge.
"I see," Snape remarked, his tone betraying a hint of concern for Suzie's well-being. Harry maintained a stoic facade, his expression carefully blank as he met Snape's gaze head-on. A flicker of surprise danced across Snape's features at the cold mask Harry wore, a facade that belied the emotions swirling beneath the surface.
"I grant my respect to those who have earned it, Professor," Harry replied evenly, his voice devoid of emotion. "Suzie sought to usurp what was not rightfully hers. It was only fitting that she be reminded of who holds true authority."
The unspoken implications hung heavy in the air between them, a silent understanding passing between Harry and Snape.
"It is only right for her to understand who commands respect," Harry added, his words laden with a subtle warning.
The silence that followed spoke volumes, the weight of their unspoken thoughts echoing in the space between them. Harry broke the tension by rising from his seat, the fabric of his evening cloak cascading over his shoulders as he prepared to depart.
"Goodnight, Professor," Harry said, his tone polite but tinged with an underlying resolve.
As he made his exit, Harry couldn't shake the sense of unease that lingered in the air. The game was afoot, and Harry knew he had to stay one step ahead if he hoped to emerge victorious.
Snape nodded in acknowledgment as Harry made his departure, his mind already racing with the implications of their conversation. As the door closed behind the young Slytherin, Snape wasted no time in springing into action. With practiced efficiency, he strode briskly to the fireplace, a sense of urgency driving his movements.
In his haste, Snape fumbled slightly, spilling a few tablespoons of Floo Powder onto the floor, but he paid it little heed as he focused on his task. With a determined flick of his wand, he ignited the fire, the flames roaring to life and casting an eerie green glow across the room. Without hesitation, Snape plunged his head into the flames, the heat washing over him as he connected with the Floo Network.
"Albus?" Snape's voice echoed through the crackling flames, his tone urgent and grave. "I have information regarding a student that you should be made aware of."
The Headmaster's portrait stirred from its slumber, Albus Dumbledore's wise eyes peering out from the frame with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Severus, what is it? Speak quickly," Dumbledore urged, his voice tinged with a sense of foreboding.
Snape wasted no time in relaying the details of his conversation with Harry, every word carefully chosen to convey the gravity of the situation. As he spoke, Dumbledore's expression grew increasingly solemn, the weight of Snape's words settling heavily upon him.
"Thank you, Severus," Dumbledore said gravely, his gaze unwavering. "I will take this matter under advisement. Keep a close watch, and report back to me if you uncover anything further."
Snape nodded in silent agreement, his resolve unwavering as he withdrew his head from the flames, the connection severed. With a sense of duty weighing heavily upon him, Snape knew that the events set in motion by Harry's actions would have far-reaching consequences. But as he settled back into his chair, his mind already turning to his next move, Snape remained determined to do whatever it took to protect Hogwarts and its students from harm.
The atmosphere in the Great Hall crackled with anticipation as Professor Lockhart, the newly appointed Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, prepared to deliver his first lesson of the year. Harry observed the scene with a mixture of skepticism and disdain, his initial impressions of Lockhart's competence already dwindling.
As Lockhart attempted to assert control over the rowdy students, his efforts met with mixed success. Slytherins, including Harry, remained largely unimpressed, their skepticism evident in their expressions. Lockhart's attempts to command attention only served to highlight his inadequacies as a teacher in Harry's eyes.
With an air of false enthusiasm, Lockhart addressed the assembled students, flashing a disarming smile that seemed to charm the Gryffindor girls while eliciting scowls from some of the boys. Harry watched with a critical eye, his instincts alert for any signs of weakness or incompetence.
Lockhart's decision to administer a pop quiz drew audible groans from the students, further cementing Harry's skepticism of the man's teaching abilities. While some students begrudgingly prepared to answer Lockhart's questions, others, like Harry, remained vigilant, searching for cracks in the facade of the charismatic yet inept professor.
As Lockhart launched into the quiz, Harry remained composed, his mind already formulating strategies to navigate the challenges posed by the class. With each question posed by Lockhart, Harry's resolve strengthened, determined to uncover the truth behind the facade of the infamous Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
As Harry scanned through the absurd questions on the pop quiz, his disbelief quickly morphed into a simmering frustration. Each query seemed more trivial and self-aggrandizing than the last, a testament to Lockhart's vanity and narcissism rather than any genuine attempt at education.
"What is Gilderoy Lockhart's favorite color?" Harry muttered incredulously, his eyes narrowing in disdain as he moved on to the next question. "What nonsense..."
The subsequent queries did little to assuage Harry's growing indignation. "What is Gilderoy Lockhart's ideal Christmas present?" he scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Who cares?"
With a shake of his head, Harry flipped over to the final question, his lips curling into a derisive sneer. "How many awards did Gilderoy Lockhart win in the past year alone?" he read aloud, his tone laced with contempt.
Feeling a surge of righteous indignation, Harry set the quiz aside, his quill untouched as he leaned back in his seat. Beside him, his fellow Slytherins exchanged incredulous glances, their disdain for Lockhart's antics mirrored in their expressions.
Daphne nudged Pansy, who nudged Draco, setting off a chain reaction of disbelieving whispers and suppressed laughter among the Slytherins. Even the normally stoic Blaise and Theo couldn't hide their amusement at the absurdity of Lockhart's quiz.
As the minutes ticked by, Harry remained steadfast in his refusal to participate, a silent protest against Lockhart's blatant self-promotion. His defiance sent a clear message: he would not be swayed by the empty charms of a man more interested in his own celebrity than the welfare of his students.
As Lockhart approached, his smile faltered slightly upon encountering Harry's icy stare. The Gryffindors around him began to murmur amongst themselves, their attention piqued by the brewing tension between their professor and the enigmatic Slytherin.
Among them, Colin Creevy looked positively thrilled, his eyes alight with anticipation as he observed the scene unfolding before him. Ron and Daemon wore smug expressions, convinced of Harry's impending embarrassment.
Hermione, ever the voice of reason, shot Harry a desperate look, silently urging him to tread carefully. But Harry remained unmoved, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Lockhart as the professor drew nearer.
Lockhart's smile tightened imperceptibly, a hint of unease flickering in his eyes as he addressed Harry. "Is there a problem, Mr...?"
"Obsidian," Ron interjected loudly, unable to resist the opportunity to assert Gryffindor pride. His outburst drew amused glances from his fellow Gryffindors and a few scattered laughs.
Lockhart seized upon the opportunity to curry favor with Gryffindor House, his smile widening as he awarded points to Ron with a flourish. "Thank you, Mr. Weasley! Ten points to Gryffindor!" he announced, his voice carrying across the room and eliciting cheers from Ron's supporters.
Ron beamed under the unexpected praise, a flush of pride coloring his cheeks as he basked in the admiration of his peers. The Gryffindors around him exchanged congratulatory high-fives, their spirits lifted by their professor's favoritism.
Meanwhile, Harry remained unmoved by Lockhart's attempts at diversion, his expression unreadable as he continued to regard the professor with a cool detachment.
Lockhart's attempt to charm his way out of the situation only served to deepen Harry's disdain. The Slytherins watched with thinly veiled amusement as Lockhart addressed Harry, his condescending tone grating on Harry's nerves.
As Lockhart laid a hand on Harry's shoulder, a gesture meant to convey camaraderie but only elicited a subtle recoil from Harry, the Slytherins exchanged knowing glances. Coilis, coiled around Harry's middle, hissed a scathing remark under his breath, drawing a suppressed chuckle from Daphne.
Harry's eyes narrowed as he ignored Lockhart's attempt at correction, his focus unwavering as he pressed on with his questioning. "Tell me, Lockhart," Harry began, his tone cold and dismissive, "what is the significance of this test?"
The class held its breath, waiting for Lockhart's response. For a moment, the professor seemed taken aback by Harry's audacity, his expression faltering before he recovered with a forced laugh. He patted Harry's shoulder once more, his smile strained but determined.
"Ah, Professor Lockhart, Mr. Obsidian," Lockhart corrected with a patronizing tone, attempting to assert his authority. But Harry remained unfazed, his demeanor as cool and unaffected as ever.
Ignoring Lockhart's attempt to deflect, Harry pressed on, his gaze unwavering as he awaited an answer. The Slytherins watched with growing anticipation, eager to see how Lockhart would respond to Harry's challenge.
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Lockhart's attempts to deflect Harry's questions only fueled the Slytherin's determination to expose the professor's incompetence. As Lockhart stumbled over his words, Harry's icy glare intensified, his patience wearing thin with each passing moment.
"The course aims to complete the Fire Charm Incendio by Halloween," Lockhart replied with a dismissive wave of his hand, his tone bordering on condescending. "Surely, as a student of magic, you understand the importance of mastering such spells."
Harry's lip curled in disgust at Lockhart's patronizing tone. "How does learning a spell relate to completing a charm in any meaningful way?" he retorted, his voice laced with disdain.
Lockhart's smile faltered as Harry's pointed question left him scrambling for a coherent response. He searched Harry's expression for any sign of acquiescence, but found only steely resolve in the Slytherin's unwavering gaze.
"I used that spell in my book 'Voyage with Vampires,'" Lockhart offered weakly, attempting to salvage the situation with a veiled reference to his literary exploits. But Harry was not so easily swayed.
"Ah, yes, very interesting," Harry replied dryly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But if I may ask, how were you able to use a modified Lumos spell?"
Lockhart's smile turned strained as he struggled to comprehend Harry's question. His eyes darted nervously, searching for an escape route as Harry pressed on with his interrogation.
"A... modified... spell?" Lockhart stammered, his confusion palpable. Harry's expression remained impassive as he continued to dismantle Lockhart's facade of expertise.
"You weren't aware of the spell you used?" Harry pressed, his voice cool and collected. "Or how it bordered on dark magic due to the incorporation of elements from the Fiendfyre curse?"
Lockhart's forced smile wavered as Harry's accusations hit their mark. His facade crumbling, Lockhart frantically searched for a way to regain control of the situation, but Harry's relentless scrutiny left him with nowhere to hide.
Lockhart's attempt to deflect Harry's scrutiny only served to heighten the Slytherin's suspicions. As Coilis, Harry's snake companion, slithered forward with a menacing intent, Lockhart's composure wavered, his facade of confidence crumbling under the weight of Harry's scrutiny.
"I-I don't doubt the success of my endeavors," Lockhart stammered, his voice strained as he struggled to maintain his calm facade. But Harry remained unmoved by Lockhart's feeble attempts at deflection, his resolve unshaken as he continued to press for answers.
Coilis's rantings only added to the tension in the room, his threat of constricting Lockhart sending a shiver down the spine of the already flustered professor. But Harry remained unfazed by the snake's display, his attention focused solely on Lockhart as he calmly retrieved one of Lockhart's own books from his bag.
"Perhaps you could demonstrate a spell for us," Harry suggested coolly, his eyes glinting with a calculating edge. "Specifically, the one you mentioned in 'Travels with Trolls' when you encountered deadly snakes during your encounter with African Trolls."
Lockhart's face paled visibly as Harry referenced his own work, his mind racing for a way to salvage the situation. He knew he couldn't deny Harry's request without exposing himself further, so with a forced smile, he reluctantly acquiesced.
"Of course, Mr. Obsidian," Lockhart replied through gritted teeth, his voice strained with forced cheerfulness. "I'd be delighted to demonstrate the spell for you."
Hermione's eyes widened in realization, recognizing Harry's strategy and the trap he had set for Lockhart. With bated breath, she watched as the confrontation between Harry and Lockhart unfolded, eager to see how it would play out.
As Harry continued to press Lockhart for a demonstration of the spell he had claimed to use in his book, Hermione watched with growing admiration for her friend's cunning. She mouthed the word "Morsus" to Harry, a subtle signal of her support and understanding of his plan. In response, Harry offered her a small wink, a silent acknowledgment of their shared understanding.
Lockhart, caught off guard by Harry's request, scrambled for a response, his forced smile faltering as he struggled to maintain his composure. But Harry remained steadfast, his gaze cool and calculating as he observed Lockhart's every move.
Lockhart's attempt to deflect Harry's request only served to further fuel Harry's suspicions. With a sly grin, Harry revealed his trump card: a Gaboon Viper named Morsus, the very same breed of snake that Lockhart claimed to have encountered in his book.
"I happen to have a viper, a Gaboon Viper to be precise," Harry announced, his voice dripping with thinly veiled amusement. "The very exact same breed as you faced inside the book. He is a little longer, about a foot, but all characteristics are the same. His name is Morsus."
Lockhart's eyes widened in shock and a hint of fear as Harry's revelation sunk in. His facade of bravado crumbled under the weight of Harry's scrutiny, leaving him visibly shaken and at a loss for words.
Hermione watched with satisfaction as Harry expertly turned the tables on Lockhart, exposing the professor's lies and deceit for all to see. With each passing moment, Lockhart's credibility continued to unravel, his claims of bravery and expertise crumbling under the scrutiny of Harry's relentless interrogation.
Lockhart's attempt to deflect attention from the impending demonstration was swiftly thwarted by Daphne Greengrass, whose keen observation skills had not gone unnoticed by Harry. Lockhart's attempt to avoid Harry's scrutiny by addressing Daphne only served to further expose his incompetence.
Daphne's interruption caught Lockhart off guard, his attempt to regain control of the situation faltering as he turned to face her. His failure to recognize Harry's companion, Coilis, only added insult to injury, further diminishing Lockhart's credibility in the eyes of the students.
Daphne's innocent question about Morsus's whereabouts left Lockhart scrambling for a response, his attempts to maintain his facade of authority crumbling under the weight of her scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Coilis emerged from beneath the desk with deadly grace, his golden eyes gleaming with menace as he confronted Lockhart head-on. With a chilling hiss, Coilis challenged Lockhart to face the consequences of his deception, his predatory instincts honed to a razor's edge.
Lockhart's face paled visibly as he recoiled from Coilis's menacing display, his bravado crumbling in the face of the snake's unbridled aggression. For the first time, Lockhart found himself at a loss for words, his carefully constructed facade of charm and confidence shattered by the reality of his own deceit.
As Coilis reared up, poised to strike, the Great Hall fell silent, the tension thick in the air as Harry and Daphne watched with grim satisfaction. Lockhart's lies had been exposed, and now he faced the consequences of his deception, at the mercy of a creature far more dangerous than any he had encountered in his fantastical tales.
As Coilis reared up in a menacing display, the students in the front row recoiled in fear, scrambling to put distance between themselves and the Gaboon Viper. Lockhart, his facade of bravado shattered, trembled visibly as he clutched his wand with a shaky hand, his eyes wide with terror.
Sensing the tension in the air, Harry stepped forward, his voice calm but firm as he addressed the frightened students. "Go ahead," he reassured them, "he won't inject venom with his bite, but those fangs hurt, and he can coil pretty tightly."
With Harry's assurance, the students gradually eased their fear, albeit reluctantly, as they moved away from the confrontation. Meanwhile, the Gryffindors who had once blindly believed Lockhart's tales now looked on in shock and disbelief, their cheers replaced by uneasy murmurs.
Harry, however, garnered newfound respect from his peers, earning proud looks from older students and even a few smiles from Gryffindors who had previously dismissed him. Hermione, in particular, blushed as their eyes met, her admiration for Harry evident in the warmth of her gaze.
When Lockhart finally excused the class, it was clear that the facade of his greatness had been irreparably shattered. Nursing a broken rib, tending to circulation in his foot, and nursing multiple bite wounds, Lockhart bore the physical scars of Coilis's wrath.
As the students filed out of the Great Hall, whispers of the day's events spread like wildfire, solidifying Coilis's reputation as a creature not to be trifled with. With a satisfied hiss, Coilis basked in the knowledge that he had shown the "peacock who ruled the sunning rocks" his true place in the pecking order.
With Lockhart's reputation in tatters and Coilis's dominance established, the dynamics within Hogwarts shifted subtly. The once-vaunted Defense Against the Dark Arts professor now nursed his wounds, both physical and metaphorical, while Coilis basked in the newfound respect and fear his display had garnered.
In the aftermath of the incident, Harry found himself at the center of attention, his quick thinking and unwavering resolve earning him admiration from peers and professors alike. Even Snape, though he made no overt display of approval, couldn't help but acknowledge Harry's cunning in exposing Lockhart's incompetence.
As whispers of Coilis's confrontation with Lockhart spread throughout the school, the Slytherins found themselves elevated in status, their House's emblematic traits of cunning and resourcefulness on full display. With Harry's leadership and Coilis's formidable presence, Slytherin House grew stronger, united in their determination to uphold their reputation as cunning adversaries.
Meanwhile, Lockhart's days as a celebrated author and esteemed professor were numbered. His credibility shattered, he faced an uphill battle to regain the trust and respect of both his students and his peers. Though he attempted to spin the incident as a mere misunderstanding, the truth of his ineptitude was too glaring to ignore.
As the weeks passed, the memory of Coilis's confrontation with Lockhart faded into legend, yet its impact reverberated throughout Hogwarts. For Harry, Coilis, and the Slytherin House, it was a defining moment—a testament to their strength, cunning, and unwavering determination to rise above adversity. And as they looked to the future, they did so with newfound confidence, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with steely resolve and unwavering unity.
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