Ch175- Phony Professor

Ch175- Phony Professor

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After giving the gifts to the girls, Harry's smile turned mischievous. "So, have you two finished your homework?" he teased.

Both girls rolled their eyes. "Yes, Professor Potter," Tracey said in mock seriousness. Over the summer, Harry had challenged them to modify some basic spells they learned during their first year. He had already helped them enhance the Lumos and few other spells at school, but he tasked them with experimenting on their own over the holidays.

"Good to hear," Harry chuckled. "Can't wait to see what you've come up with."

As they sipped their drinks, the conversation turned to their upcoming year at Hogwarts. "I've heard this year is going to be even more challenging," Daphne mentioned, stirring her tea thoughtfully.

Tracey leaned in closer and lowered her voice, "Hey, hey, Harry. Have you heard about the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?" She glanced around cautiously before continuing, "It's Gilderoy Lockhart."

Harry's expression turned into a frown when he heard the name. Over the summer, he had stumbled upon a collection of Lockhart's books. Initially intrigued by the author's fame, Harry's excitement had quickly turned to skepticism. The tales in Lockhart's books were filled with inconsistencies and unbelievable claims that seemed more fiction than fact. Realizing the stories might be exaggerated, Harry had become less enthusiastic about the so-called exploits of Lockhart. Since Lockhart was just a small part of the Wizarding World, he wasn't too bothered by it. But when he heard that Lockhart would be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Harry's frown deepened, catching the attention of Daphne and Tracey. "What is it?" Daphne asked, noticing his change in expression.

"I think he's a phony," Harry said cautiously, not wanting to sound too harsh but feeling the need to be honest.

Tracey gasped, "What? Why? He's super famous!"

Daphne nodded thoughtfully, her gaze still fixed on Harry. Both girls seemed to hold a trace of admiration for the famed author, a sentiment Harry didn’t share. He saw the unspoken thoughts flitting through their minds and sighed internally. His reluctance to engage with Lockhart was partly due to the man’s overwhelming fame, which Harry found superficial and unwarranted.

Another reason for his hesitance was the inevitable comparisons that would arise between his own fame and Lockhart’s. Harry was well aware of the wizarding world’s penchant for gossip and didn’t want to add fuel to any rumors of jealousy or rivalry.

“Look, it’s not just a hunch,” Harry tried to explain, keeping his tone neutral to avoid sounding too critical. “His stories are a bit too... grand to be true. And coming from someone who’s actually had to deal with real dangers, they don’t quite add up.”

Tracey seemed surprised by this take. “But his books are so detailed, Harry! And the pictures!”

Harry shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “Photos can be staged. And as for details, anyone can write a good story if they’ve got enough imagination. It doesn’t mean it really happened.”

Harry was cautious about using the ring Nicolas Flamel had given him. The ring served as a Portkey back to Flamel's castle and Evans Household, but Harry was wary of its tracking capabilities. Although it was a direct link to his house, he preferred to keep it at a distance, tucked away unless absolutely necessary. For now, he acted as though he was unaware of any tracking charm, maintaining an air of normalcy.

Arriving home, Harry found Petunia in the backyard, dressed in a light summer outfit, her red hair dancing with the gentle summer breeze. He handed the ice cream and treats to Misty to serve, and joined Petunia for a chat, enjoying the calm of the afternoon.

"So, how was Diagon Alley? Anything new?" Petunia asked casually, accepting a bowl of ice cream from Misty and thanked with a smile.

"Always bustling," Harry replied. "Talked with Mr. Grimbletack and met with couple of friends— Thank you Misty."

Petunia nodded, taking a spoonful of her ice cream. "And how are your friends? Daphne and Tracey, wasn't it?"

"They're good, excited for the new term. We're all looking forward to seeing what's in store this year at Hogwarts," Harry said, though his mind was partly on the concerns raised by Dobby's visit and his own doubts about Lockhart's credibility.

"I'm sure you'll have plenty to tell me once you're back for the holidays," Petunia said with a smile, clearly used to the magical tales Harry brought home each time.

"Yeah, though I hope it's more about schoolwork and less about any... unexpected adventures," Harry grinned, making a light reference to his past escapades, which were often far from ordinary.

Petunia laughed, "Well, just keep safe, Harry. That's all I ask."

"I will," Harry promised. He enjoyed these simple moments with Petunia, a stark contrast to their earlier years.

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