The Prisoners of Hogwarts

Chapter 157 A Real Commitment

Chapter 157 A Real Commitment

The question landed lightly, yet it acted like an invisible lock, suddenly tightening the air in Lockhart's chest.

It asked the question so matter-of-factly, as if it were just asking about tomorrow's weather, but it was a fatal question that could expose all his pretenses.

Almost instinctively, he picked up the cup of tea, which had already cooled slightly, using this action to buy himself time to think. The lukewarm liquid lubricated his suddenly dry throat.

Lockhart's brain was working at an unprecedented speed. In those few short seconds, countless lies, excuses, and half-true stories collided, recombined, and were rejected in his mind like parchment fragments swept up by a hurricane.

Every calculation, every possible "reason" that leads to a certain outcome, carries the weight of pros and cons, rising and falling on the scales.

Finally, when the teacup was placed back on the saucer with a soft click, the storm subsided, and a reason he considered "flawless" was chosen.

Lockhart's well-trained, theatrically exaggerated expression of surprise on his face quickly receded like the tide, replaced by a more complex and profound look—a look that blended deep respect for the past with a melancholy in the face of reality.

He lowered his eyes and sighed softly, the breath long and slightly trembling, as if he had been touched by a long-buried past that he was unwilling to easily reveal.

"Professor Lynch," he spoke again, his voice deliberately lowered, devoid of his usual flamboyant tremor and exaggerated tone, sounding unusually calm, "you've asked the most crucial question, the one that's most difficult for me to answer."

Lockhart paused briefly, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing together, as if he were carefully considering each word, trying to give it enough weight.

"To be honest, some of the magic I record in my books does indeed originate from certain moments of sudden enlightenment that I had."

He carefully crafted his words.

Lockhart then abruptly changed the subject, leaning forward slightly, his expression becoming more solemn, even carrying a sense of dignified solemnity, as if he were about to recite some sacred oath: "But more importantly, I must honestly tell you that it was during my early travels that I had the privilege of learning devoutly from those masters who lived in seclusion, had long since transcended fame and fortune, and possessed true wisdom and power."

He unconsciously straightened his back, trying to make himself look like a faithful guardian of an ancient magical tradition, even though the overly soft and comfortable chair cushion beneath him was subtly undermining the solemn posture he was trying to create, making him feel somewhat powerless.

"I firmly believe," he continued, his voice infused with a preaching fervor, "that the transmission and in-depth study of magic should itself be a solemn and sacred test, the ultimate tempering of a learner's character, wisdom, and even the endurance of their soul. It is by no means a cheap commodity that can be easily shown or exchanged. This is the most fundamental respect for the origin of knowledge."

Lockhart spread his hands, making an almost compassionate gesture.

In Lynch's view, Lockhart's performance at this moment was already at its peak in terms of demeanor and language, which could be described as exquisite and even flawless—if he did not know the truth behind it.

He nodded noncommittally, his fingertips still resting on the cover of the magic book in his hand, gently stroking the intricate patterns, seemingly agreeing with Lockhart's reasoning.

Lockhart felt a slight sense of relief, as if a taut string had been loosened.

However, Lynch's next question followed calmly, not loudly, but directly to the point:

"I understand and respect your principles, Professor Lockhart." Lynch looked calmly at Lockhart.

"So, based on this principle, can you clearly assure me that, based on the clues you are about to provide, which must pass 'tests' to be verified, once I have completed all of this, I will definitely obtain the specific spell I am seeking?"

"I'm afraid I need a definite answer."

Lockhart instinctively tried to stop himself—"If you seek with sincerity, magic will surely respond"—he almost blurted out.

However, the moment he looked up, he met Lin Qi's calm and unwavering gaze.

Those gazes held no doubt, no mockery, not even expectation; they were like two unfathomable ancient wells, undisturbed yet seemingly capable of reflecting all of Lockhart's hidden secrets.

All the prepared, superficially beautiful words froze instantly, stuck in Lockhart's throat, turning into an awkward, silent mass of air.

He felt a fine, cool layer of sweat instantly appear on his forehead.

A sudden, intense feeling of being completely exposed and having nowhere to hide gripped his heart.

Under the silent pressure of that gaze, he almost instinctively straightened his chest, forcefully patted his chest, and loudly guaranteed with an almost exaggerated conviction:

"Of course! Absolutely! I guarantee it with my reputation! Those clues are absolutely true—once you complete the test, the spell will be yours for the taking!"

He tried to fill the sudden, growing unease in his heart with a loud voice and a firm posture.

Lin Qi stared at him quietly for a moment, and then he slowly placed the book in his hand on the small table, making a soft thud.

"Bang."

The book landed on the table with a soft thud. "Very good," Lynch said, his tone still calm and even. "Well then, in order to maintain the order of the class, I will provide you with some assistance before next week's Defense Against the Dark Arts class to help you stabilize that obviously chaotic situation and allow your classmates to regain some of the necessary confidence in your abilities."

He subtly changed the subject, his tone remaining unchanged, yet clearly drawing a line:

"But please note that any further 'help' after this—whatever form you wish for me to intervene in your teaching or provide any form of support—must wait until I have actually and completely obtained those spells based on the clues you provided before it can be included in the discussion."

Lockhart's heart sank, a strong sense of disappointment welling up inside him.

He had been hoping to get Lynch's help immediately, but now he realized that he had to provide some real and reliable clues.

But he didn't show it on his face at all; instead, he immediately forced a very enthusiastic, approving smile and nodded hurriedly in agreement.

"Of course! This is absolutely reasonable! It should be so! I believe that with your exceptional wisdom and formidable abilities, this process will proceed very smoothly, and success is just around the corner!"

Lynch smiled and said, "I'm also really looking forward to seeing the curse."