I hope everyone is doing well, and if you're not… Chin up. You got this.

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The More Things Change

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December 3, 1992, 2:14 PM, Defense Against The Dark Arts Classroom, Hogwarts

Gilderoy Lockhart

I, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, the epitome of magical charisma, stood at the front of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, staring at my Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Third Years. With a dazzling smile that could outshine a hundred suns, I decided to begin the class with the utterly necessary task of taking roll call.

"Ah, let's see who has the privilege of basking in my brilliance today." I mused, eyes scanning the list before me. The girls, of course, stared at me with dreamy expressions, undoubtedly enamored by the eleven time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award. The boys, on the other hand, wore expressions ranging from annoyance to outright disdain.

It amused me to no end.

"Now, let's get this over with. Alderton, Alex!"

"Here, Professor Lockhart!" A voice chimed from the back. A girl, clearly swooning, smiled dreamily.

"Good. Now, Black, Adam!"

"Here." A boy from the middle of the class, smaller in frame than all who were around him, said while raising his hand. He wasn't even looking at me. The other boys shifted uncomfortably from him, some rolling their eyes, while the girls remained oblivious.

As always, he remains as aloof as ever. It reminds me of me— or, rather, of the unfashionable fool who is also me. I thought but shook the thoughts away, instead focusing on what was important. I continued to take roll call, reveling in the attention heaped upon my shoulders with a welcoming smile.

"Chang, Cho."

"Present, Professor!"

"Dillahan, Karl."

"Here…"

And so it went…

"Now, onto our anticipated class time." I said, feeling majestic even as I put away the scroll. "Today's lesson will elevate you all to new heights of magical prowess. Brace yourselves, for I shall be imparting knowledge that only the most gifted among you could comprehend."

And despite their annoyance, even the boys could not shy away from the allure of reaching my level of brilliance. They leaned forward, interested.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today we delve into the elegance of the Stunning Spell— Stupefy." I announced, my charismatic tone capturing the attention of all around me, though I could tell they seemed somewhat disappointed by my choice.

This would not do. "This spell, my dear Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, is not merely a means of incapacitating your opponents. No, no, it is a form of art— a strategic masterpiece that only the truly gifted can wield with finesse."

I strolled confidently through the rows of desks, my robes billowing with an air of majestic superiority. The girls' eyes followed my every move, and the boys, well, they simply failed to grasp the profound wisdom I was about to impart.

"The Stunning Spell, when executed with the precision that only ones such as I can achieve, allows you to temporarily render your adversaries incapacitated." I continued, gesturing grandly. "But it's not just about casting it with a flick of the wrist. No, no, it's about the strategic advantage it provides in the heat of a duel or a confrontation with dark creatures."

I paused, allowing the gravity of my words to sink in. "Imagine this: a duel is unfolding, and your opponent, foolhardy as they are, launches an attack. What do you do? Stupefy! With the swiftness and grace that I, Gilderoy Lockhart, possess, you incapacitate them, leaving them in awe of your unparalleled magical prowess."

The girls sighed dreamily, captivated by the sheer brilliance of my explanation, while the boys exchanged glances of disbelief.

I chuckled inwardly, savoring the contrast in their reactions.

"But it's not just about dueling, my young pupils." I continued, a knowing twinkle in my eye. "The Stunning Spell can be invaluable in dealing with magical creatures, dark forces, or even the occasional unruly student. One must always be prepared to assert dominance, and what better way than with a spell that showcases both power and finesse?"

Without the use of my wand, I Summoned a training dummy from the back of the class. The room fell into a hushed silence as the gasps and whispers spread like wildfire. Even the boys, their annoyance momentarily forgotten, exchanged glances of genuine awe.

The girls, predictably enamored, watched with wide-eyed adoration. The boys, now leaning forward with renewed interest, couldn't deny the mastery they had just witnessed.

"Watch carefully, my dear students." I continued, striding confidently towards the summoned dummy. With a serious demeanor, I raised my wand this time, a mere extension of my unparalleled will, and with a flick, cast the spell. "Stupefy!"

A red jet of light soared through the air, striking the dummy square in the chest, and it crumpled to the floor in an artful display of incapacitation.

A round of applause erupted from the girls, their admiration undiminished. The boys, now begrudgingly respectful, joined in acknowledging the magical display. I, Gilderoy Lockhart, holder of the Order of Merlin, Third Class, acknowledged their appreciation with a modest nod.

"Now, my fine students, practice diligently, and perhaps one day you may come close to the magical brilliance you've witnessed today. For now, I would have you all attempt to cast the spell successfully." I said and demonstrated the spell a few more times, while having the class enunciate the spell to my satisfaction.

I separated them into groups, and they got to work, though there wasn't much progress. The girls, especially, were too busy fawning over me and gossiping amongst each other.

Ah, the joys of being Gilderoy Lockhart— genius, hero, master of charm, and the undisputed pinnacle of magical achievement.

As the students practiced the Stunning Spell under my watchful eye, I strolled around the classroom, offering words of encouragement and dispensing the occasional nugget of wisdom.

The girls, of course, hung on my every word, their magical endeavors fueled by a desire to impress the unparalleled Gilderoy Lockhart, Me! The boys, now also genuinely engaged, sought to capture a fraction of the magical finesse they had witnessed.

Approaching Adam Black, who stood there looking utterly bored with it all, I couldn't help but find the contrast amusing.

"My dear Mr. Black, surely the wondrous art of spellcasting hasn't left you disinterested." I remarked, a playful glint in my eyes.

Adam shrugged, not looking particularly intrigued. "The Stunning Spell isn't particularly impressive."

I chuckled at his insolence, finding it oddly refreshing amidst the sea of eager faces. "Now, now, Mr. Black, don't let that nonchalance dull your potential. Magic is a marvelous thing— full of wonders to satiate desires both subtle and grand. Perhaps another demonstration is in order."

With a wave of my wand, I conjured a training dummy for him to practice on.

"Watch and learn, my young pupil." I executed a stunning display of the Stupefy Charm, the spell hitting the dummy with precise elegance.

"Now, you try, Mr. Black." I encouraged, gesturing for him to give it his best try. "Unleash the magic waiting from within."

Adam, with a bored expression, drew his wand. With a casual flick, he cast the Stunning Spell, sending it crashing into the dummy and causing it to collapse into the ground comically.

My normal countenance, usually filled with self-assured charm, momentarily froze in surprise. This was unexpected— his casting had been both effortless and silent.

Perhaps I should have attended the preliminaries? I believed he took part in them.

Still, I quickly recovered, a brilliant smile reappearing on my face.

"Marvelous, Mr. Black! Truly, it's my expert guidance that has unlocked your latent magical talents." I declared with theatrical grandeur.

Adam gave me an incredulous look, before shaking his head and rolling his eyes in response. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of intrigue. The boy's nonchalance and silent mastery hinted at a depth that piqued my interest.

"Continue to practice, my dear students. Remember, under the guidance of a deft hand, even the most ordinary can achieve the extraordinary!" I proclaimed, turning my attention to the other students.

But my eyes lingered on Adam Black, a mysterious figure in the sea of eager faces. There was something about him that intrigued me, a spark of potential that promised more than met the eye.

Pushing thoughts of the boy away for now, I continued my exemplary teaching of my fans— I meant students— giving them more encouragement as they did their best to have a taste of the power which made one such as I so great.

Soon enough, however, the class neared its end, and so with some sadness, I began to finish up.

"As our enchanting journey into the world of dueling comes to a momentary close, my diligent students, I leave you with a touch of homework to ensure your magical prowess continues to flourish." I announced, handing out assignments with my signature flair.

"As for you, Mr. Black." I added, beckoning Adam Black to stay behind after the others had filed out.

The boy approached cautiously, a wariness in his eyes that didn't escape my notice. There was a certain edge to him, as if he was ready to face a challenge. Did he perceive me as a threat, or was this a mere instinctive reaction?

Curious.

"Mr. Black."

Adam's expression remained guarded, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Yes, Professor? Was there something you needed?"

"Mr. Black, you possess a magical acumen that seems to place you far above your fellow students. It begs the question, why haven't you yet approached the esteemed faculty with a request to move up another year, just as you have done the year prior?" I inquired.

Adam, still maintaining a guarded demeanor, responded with a shake of his head. "I've had other priorities, Professor. The preparations for the tournament, among other things, have kept me occupied."

"The tournament, yes…" I mused, a glint of interest in my eyes. "I, too, understand the demands of preparation. Speaking of which, I believe you have a match soon after this class, do you not?"

Adam nodded.

"Far be it from me to hinder a rising star like yourself, Mr. Black, especially on the eve of a thrilling match." I conceded, my charm undiminished. "However, consider the prospect of personal lessons with me. Together, we could elevate you to new heights of magical mastery— you would be my protégé! What do you say?"

For a moment, a flicker of genuine fear crossed Adam's face before he quickly masked it with his usual, composed expression. The brief display intrigued me.

What had that been about? There was definite fear— and perhaps apprehension and even a little anger? What lay beneath that bored facade? What hidden depths of ambition or apprehension lurked in this young man's soul?

Before I could comment on the subtle shift in the boy's demeanor, he cleared his throat and made another proposal. "How about a Dueling Club, instead, Professor Lockhart? It could benefit everyone, not just me."

The suggestion resonated with me, and a genuine smile crossed my face. "Ah, an excellent idea, Mr. Black! A Dueling Club it is. Your innate brilliance continues to shine. Commendable."

With that, I dismissed him, watching as Adam left the classroom. As the door closed behind him, I found myself alone in the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, my thoughts swirling with curiosity. That momentary flash of emotion on the boy's face intrigued me.

I wracked my mind for answers; he didn't seem afraid of me, per se, otherwise he would have displayed the same fear during class itself. What was it then?

I went over the events… It was when I asked him to come after class that he became guarded.

"Hmm…" I thought and went through my immaculately kept memories before it hit me. "Ah. I see."

There had indeed been something of a brouhaha in the previous year involving my predecessor, a man by the name of Quirinus Quirrell. Had Adam had dealings with his previous teacher outside of the events described in the papers?

I had dismissed the tales surrounding Quirrell as mere exaggerations and gossip, but perhaps there was more to the story.

It would be a fascinating pastime, a puzzle to unravel quietly while I cooked up the much more important idea for a Dueling Club. The prospect of molding the students in my image, guiding them toward new heights of magical prowess, thrilled me.

The intricate dance of power and intrigue continued, and I, Gilderoy Lockhart, eleven time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award, holder of the Order of Merlin, Third Class, and Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, relished every moment of it.

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Outside of the Classroom…

Adam Clarke

Exiting the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, I quickened my pace through the long hallways, avoiding contact with other students.

The encounter with Gilderoy Lockhart had left me rattled, an unusual twist in the day that I hadn't anticipated. The man's offer for personal lessons had stirred fear within me, a reaction that I couldn't quite explain.

My steps echoed off the stone walls as I tried to shake off the unsettling feeling.

I prided myself on control, on keeping my emotions well-hidden, and yet, for a moment, I had faltered. What had triggered it? Lockhart's words about my magical abilities? The mention of the tournament and my upcoming match?

I rounded a corner, my thoughts a whirlwind of confusion.

Thoughts about my previous teacher, Quirrell, resurfaced in my mind. Lockhart's curiosity about me was so reminiscent of my old teacher that it was unsettling.

Drawing in a deep breath, I forced myself to regain composure as I looked around for an empty classroom, entering it without fanfare.

Making sure no one else was inside, I closed the door swiftly behind me and cast a locking spell, securing it further by barricading it with a nearby chair.

I knew, on some level, that I was overreacting at that moment.

For one, a chair would not stop an attacker, but I needed to do something to master the fear I had been suppressing for the past few minutes.

Yet, the echoes of the past, the memories of the yoke Quirrell had attempted to place over me, haunted my thoughts.

The images flashed vividly in my mind— Quirrell's seemingly insurmountable power, the moment when I thought all had been lost, the eerie nature of the Abyss, and the haunting vision of the Lighthouse, surrounded by corrupted soul threads which I'd mistaken to be auroras. Each memory carried its weight, a burden that I carried even now.

My breath came in measured, deliberate inhalations as I attempted to calm the storm within. Lockhart's seemingly innocent offer had unleashed a cascade of memories, a reminder of the darkness I had faced. The fear I felt in that brief moment was a stark contrast to the controlled exterior I presented to the world.

I glanced around the quiet classroom, the walls seemingly closing in on me. It was a moment of vulnerability, a rare glimpse behind the facade.

The chair barricading the door was an absolutely unnecessary precaution, yet it provided a semblance of security for the safety of my own mind. As I leaned against the desk, I sought solace in the silence, attempting to distance myself from the echoes of the past that still reverberated in my mind.

Checking the time, I realized I had about an hour left before the scheduled duel.

Determined to regain control over my emotions, I decided to spend the next few minutes in focused breathing exercises and meditation.

The sudden fear that had surfaced was unwelcome, an unexpected reminder of the lingering trauma from the past year. Perhaps I had not been as resilient as I was telling myself.

I do that a lot.

Seating myself in the quiet classroom, I closed my eyes and began to breathe deeply, inhaling calmness and exhaling tension. The rhythmic repetition of the breath became a soothing cadence, a deliberate effort to center myself amidst the storm of memories that threatened to overwhelm it all.

I acknowledged that I had faced significant challenges in the past, and this unexpected resurgence of fear was merely another obstacle to overcome. It wasn't about suppressing the symptoms; it was about confronting the cause of it, acknowledging its presence, and refusing to let it dictate my actions.

Evil does not sleep. I quoted, knowing I would never truly be rid of these feelings, but that I would have to face them. I could not afford to lose myself, not ever again.

The minutes ticked away, and with each breath, I felt a renewed sense of inner calm. The echoes of the past gradually quieted, replaced by a focused determination. I opened my eyes, ready to face the upcoming duel.

I stood up and walked towards the chair barricading the door, staring at it.

This wasn't a chair, no. It was an expression of my fear, given life. I shook my head. I refused to let it control me. With a silent Banishing Charm, I sent the chair flying to the side, breaking it into many pieces as it collided against the wall.

The symbolic act carried a weight of defiance. I wouldn't be held captive by my own apprehensions. The echoes of the past were fading, replaced by a focused determination to confront the challenges ahead. I had faced my darkest moments and emerged stronger each time.

"No more running." I said to myself, already feeling better.

Exiting the room, I made my way toward the Quidditch Pitch, where the tournament would soon resume. As I approached the castle entrance, I noticed Tony and Su waiting for me. They greeted me with curious expressions, asking why I was running a bit late.

"Sorry about that." I offered, my calm exterior belying none of the recent turmoil within me. "Just needed a moment to center myself."

They exchanged glances, a hint of confusion in their eyes. Maybe not?

Su spoke up. "Everything okay? It's a big match today."

"I think so." I nodded and smiled, appreciating their concern. "Yeah, I really just needed to clear my head. Let's head to the pitch. I'm ready."

The two accepted my words and, together, we all made our way toward the Quidditch pitch. Halfway there, Tony turned to me with a curious expression. "So, what do you know about your opponent?"

I shook my head. "Not much, to be honest. Just his name— Dakarai DeLumiere, a student from Uagadou. Haven't had the chance to gather much more information than that."

Tony raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't it a little risky going into a duel without knowing anything about the person you're facing?" Su said, voicing what Tony was just about to say.

I offered a small smile. "Sometimes it's better not to know. Keeps you on your toes, makes the duel more unpredictable. Besides, I trust in my abilities to adapt. Let's see what he brings to the table."

Silence followed that statement and I realized they were still feeling skeptical. Shaking my head, I admitted. "There really isn't much information to go off of. That's really all I could get from my research. He's from Uagadou, so he's good at wandless magic, given the emphasis on it. He's probably got an Animagus form."

Tony looked thoughtful. "Wandless magic, huh? You're not exactly an expert in that area."

I chuckled. "That's definitely an understatement. Even with the progress I've been making, I'm a total novice when it comes to using it. But who knows? Sometimes basic knowledge can surprise you. Like I said, I'll just have to rely on my instincts and adapt as the duel unfolds."

As we approached the Quidditch pitch, I observed that the atmosphere was slightly less crowded compared to the first day of the League of Nine. Today was dedicated to the dueling section and Quidditch, while still a topic of conversation, had taken a temporary backseat.

"You there!" A deep, female voice called out from my left.

A flicker of tension coursed through me when one of the officers noticed my presence, making a beeline to me like I had just broken the law. My senses went on high alert until the woman's face shifted, morphing into that of someone familiar.

Tonks. The tension dissipated, replaced by a sense of familiarity and relief.

"Adam!" Tonks called out, waving to us as she approached. "Ready for your dueling showdown?"

"Hey." I nodded, offering a small smile. "Always. What about you? Keeping things in check?"

Tonks grinned, her characteristic mischief evident. "You bet. Gotta make sure no one pulls a fast one. Good luck out there, Adam!"

And with that, she left.

I watched her go with a shake of the head. "I almost thought I was about to be taken in for questioning."

"You have to admit, that was funny." Tony said, chuckling with Su joining in.

I gave a huff, instead making my way to further in. Approaching the tournament official, I was recognized by sight, and with a nod, she pointed me towards a large tent to the side.

I said my goodbyes to Tony and Su before making my way to the designated area. The tent was bustling with anticipation, and I could see various students scattered around, some engaged in conversation, while others sat in quiet contemplation.

Finding a comfortable spot to sit, I observed the other duelists. Their faces bore expressions ranging from hard determination to challenging smirks and cool detachment. I couldn't help but wonder what image I projected to them. Did they see a puny, weak child, was I just another participant, or perhaps even a threat in their eyes?

Focus on what's ahead.

Closing my eyes, I immersed myself in a mental realm of simulations, envisioning the upcoming duel against the Uagadou student. In the darkness behind my eyelids, vivid images unfolded— swift wand movements, calculated spell choices, and harsh magical clashes.

I played out different scenarios in my mind, anticipating the unexpected moves my opponent might make. With wandless magic being so personal, I had no way of knowing what spells my opponent would have in his repertoire until he revealed them.

Each simulation became a mental rehearsal, a way to sharpen my instincts and prepare for the unpredictable nature of the duel. The Uagadou student was an unknown variable, and I needed to be ready for anything.

In the quiet confines of my thoughts, I embraced the challenge ahead, my mind a battleground where strategy and anticipation converged. The simulations unfolded like a silent dance, a prelude to the magical clashes that awaited me in the real world of the dueling arena.

My mental simulations were interrupted by Mira's voice, and I opened my eyes to find her standing before me, a hint of nervousness in her demeanor. She greeted me, and I responded with a casual nod.

"Ready for this?" She asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

I shrugged, offering a nonchalant smile. "Should be interesting."

Mira's nervousness escalated, and she admitted. "I'm not sure if I can win this one."

"..." My smile fell as I saw the expression on her face. "I've seen you rattled before, Mira, but this is the first time I've seen you like this."

She didn't answer, making me more curious. And so, I pressed her for more. "Who are you up against?"

She gestured quietly to a Japanese student adorned in robes of silver, the second highest achievement one could attain in Mahoutokoro. Understanding the challenge she faced, I got up and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Look, Mira." I said. "We've all been working very hard to get ready for this tournament. I know you have. So, just do your best. You've got this. Don't get in the way of your own self— that's how you lose the battle before it even begins."

Her eyes reflected gratitude, and with a deep breath, she nodded.

We exchanged a brief encouraging moment before she went quiet again, just as the announcer's voice was heard. It was Coordinator Griffiths.

She was calling out names and setting the stage for the upcoming duels. As the anticipation built, I returned to my seated position. Rather than dwelling on the impending battle and stressing my mind with endless simulations, I chose a different path.

Closing my eyes once more, I entered a trance-like state, seeking to calm the currents of anxiety within. The external sounds of the dueling arena faded into the background, replaced by a quiet focus on my breathing and the rhythmic beat of my own heartbeat.

There was no point in fretting over the outcome anymore. Win or lose, I was determined to give it my all. The duel awaited, and I would meet it with a composed mind and a resolute spirit.

Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I turned to see Mira, who informed me that my name had just been called.

I got up, stretching briefly. "Thank you."

"Good luck, Adam!" She said, and I returned the sentiment with a nod.

"You too."

As I stepped out of the tent, I was greeted by one of the officials, an excited young man who wished me luck with genuine enthusiasm. I thanked him before following his lead. He guided me to a platform that began to rise, carrying me toward a large dueling ring that awaited the upcoming magical confrontation.

The anticipation in the air was palpable as the platform ascended, and I focused my thoughts on the task at hand. The ascent on the platform mirrored the rising tension within me, a crescendo building toward the moment when wands would be drawn, and spells would be cast.

Even as I arose, Griffiths already began her announcements.

"Ladies and gentlemen, wizards and witches, gather 'round as we witness a thrilling duel between two formidable opponents! In the blue corner, we have the young prodigy of Hogwarts, none other than Adam Black, the Rising Star! Known for his exceptional magical talent, Adam has already proven himself in the dueling arena against a superior foe, conquering seemingly insurmountable odds!

And in the red corner, hailing from the prestigious school of Uagadou, we present Dakarai DeLumiere! A respected student in his own right, Dakarai brings with him the unbending will of his school, as shown in his previous showdown!"

I stared ahead as we both reached our positions in the floating arena, and I had to stop the smile on my face when I noticed my opponent's look of irritation. I supposed they could have given him a better introduction than that.

Still, the crowd in the stands was buzzing with anticipation.

"Are the duelists ready?" Griffiths asked, sending us both looks.

At our confirmation, she grinned. "Then… May the best wizard prevail!"

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I love writing Gilderoy. Never ceases to amuse me.

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The next two chapters are available on my website. You know the drill; the passwords are on my Discord, and the link to that is at the bottom of the page.

The four after that are for Acolytes, then the four after those are for Mages and up, then the eight after those are for my Somnian Remnants, and then the sixteen for those are for my Alo-Ra supporters! The next tier, "Dreamweaver", is for those who wish to truly show their support. Thank you so much!

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