Hogwarts Lion Girl

Lockhart's smile almost overflowed from his cheeks. He waved enthusiastically to Colin, who was still stunned. "Come on, Mr. Creevey!" He shouted happily, "Two photos, it's a great deal. We both sign for you."

Colin's cheeks flushed bright red, and he seemed lost in the sudden attention.

He stumbled towards Lockhart, not knowing where to put his hands and feet.

Salina was quick to move forward, steadying Creevey and quickly pulling him to a corner.

She understood very well that for Harry, this scene was like adding fuel to the fire, and it would be best to stay away from it as soon as possible.

"No, Professor Lockhart, I think we should go to dinner first. It's getting late." Salina politely declined.

Lockhart's cheek twitched slightly, and his smile faded, as if he realized the awkwardness of the situation.

He managed a forced smile, turned in another direction and said, "Well, we'll shoot it later."

At the same time, Hermione took Ron's arm and whispered comfortingly, "Don't listen to Malfoy's nonsense, he's just an annoying guy."

Ron glanced in Malfoy's direction, "I bet that scoundrel is just looking for the next person to brag to. Forget him, let's go!"

The group hurried through the corridor paved with Scottish granite, leaving behind waves of echoes.

Harry felt a sense of embarrassment at being held under Lockhart's arm so warmly and carelessly.

He was taken away from the center of the Great Hall, where Lockhart's seemingly harmless witticisms and exaggerated jokes were a source of embarrassment to Harry.

Lockhart chattered on and on, throwing out a question or two from time to time. Harry had to respond hastily, but his mind was anxiously looking forward to this moment being over as soon as possible.

As Lockhart's figure finally disappeared from sight, Harry was relieved. He adjusted his breathing and tried to hide the uneasiness in his heart.

After quickly cleaning himself up, he entered the hall and sat down next to Ron, trying not to look too embarrassed.

"There, there," Ron greeted him with brotherly teasing, "you can fry an egg on your face, mate!"

After hearing this, Harry couldn't help but smile bitterly even though he was still annoyed.

He shook his head, trying to get rid of the unpleasant memory.

……

In the auditorium, the aroma of food filled the air.

Harry and Ron sat at this end of the table, their heads pressed together, talking in low voices.

Across from them, Salina, Ginny and Hermione placed the plates neatly on the table, occasionally chatting in low voices.

The light from the restaurant filtered through the huge French windows, casting their figures on the ancient floor, casting long shadows, and the wizard costumes looked even deeper in the sunlight.

"He's so charming," Hermione whispered.

Her words drifted gently in the air, like a seed, falling into the heart and quietly taking root.

Salina widened her eyes slightly, followed her gaze, and then realized who she was referring to.

"Oh, you mean Professor Lockhart." Salina stretched out her voice slightly and responded with a hint of sarcasm, "Yes, he is indeed very... um... handsome."

The sunlight danced in the huge windows of the Great Hall like golden butterflies in a spring breeze, and in the softness of this morning light, Hermione's cheeks were tinged with a barely perceptible blush.

Her fingers gently touched the corners of the pages of the thread-bound book, as if she was touching memories more precious than parchment.

"Third Class Order of Merlin..." She read in a low voice, each word carrying a hint of respect and a secret joy, "... Honorary Member of the Anti-Dark Arts League, five-time winner of the Witch Weekly Most Charming Smile Award..." The admiration revealed in her voice almost made the air around her come alive, and her pupils were full of stars, as if she was in some kind of dream.

Ginny tilted her head and looked at her with a snickering look that seemed to say, "It starts again."

Ron looked up at the ceiling of the hall, looking as if he was used to it. He knew that Hermione always had a girlish fascination with Professor Lockhart, which was exactly the same as when his mother mentioned Lockhart.

Hermione's eyes seemed to project fantasy images, and Professor Lockhart's dazzling smile was reflected in her heart-shaped pupils. That smile was both healing and a spell, which made countless witches look up to him.

Hermione picked up a copy of "Traveling with Vampires" with a slightly worn cover and said, "This is not just a book, but a testimony to Professor Lockhart's adventures."

Ginny nodded, "My mother said the same thing."

"We have Defense Against the Dark Arts class this afternoon," Hermione said excitedly, her voice filled with endless yearning for the upcoming study and Professor Lockhart. "This is Professor Lockhart's first class at Hogwarts."

The students around were either excited or sneered, but it was undeniable that Professor Lockhart's name brought a special kind of electricity, which passed through every seat and silently ignited countless fantasies and discussions.

"Yes, he is truly an amazing wizard. Unfortunately, the first years will have to wait until tomorrow to have the opportunity to hear his class." There was a hint of humor in Salina's soft voice.

She recalled those memories of Professor Lockhart's first class, filled with unexpected surprises and hilarious chaos.

Pursing her lips and trying hard to suppress her smile, Salina knew very well that Lockhart's "surprises" in class were often equivalent to endless troubles. As to whether it was a comedy or a tragedy, that depended on his ability to control the situation.

Of course, there is already an answer to this.

The buzz of conversation and the silvery melody of the clash of knives and forks gradually faded, and the afternoon sun poured in through the high windows of the auditorium, casting a lazy golden hue.

At the end of lunch, a long and leisurely atmosphere permeated the entire space. Students began to leave their seats, and the sounds of chatting and laughter gradually dissipated as they left.

Hermione fiddled with her bag gently, making sure that Traveling with Vampires and the rest of her study materials were close at hand, making sure nothing was left behind in her haste.

Walking out of the auditorium, the three companions gathered together and slowly disappeared around the corner. The sunlight penetrated the sky and sprinkled on the wizard robes fluttering in the wind.

The first graders were heading in a different direction from them. They had no classes scheduled this afternoon and could enjoy some free time of their own, either sitting in the playground or spending it in the library.

In the afternoon at Hogwarts, tranquility and vitality blend together, and every step of each person tells his or her own story.