"Everyone, let's give a warm welcome to Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart!"
Clap! Clap! Clap!
As soon as the announcement was made, the entire bookstore erupted in applause. The witches, in particular, clapped the hardest.
For a moment, thunderous applause filled the entire store.
Amid the cheers, Lockhart stepped out from the back of the shop. Upon seeing him, Harry Potter's eyes instinctively lit up.
Dressed in a pale gold robe that accentuated his handsome features, Lockhart looked radiant. His light blue eyes sparkled, drawing everyone's attention effortlessly.
Many witches started screaming like crazed fans at a concert.
Hearing the loud applause and high-pitched shrieks, Lockhart flashed a dazzling smile. His gleaming teeth and warm expression set off another wave of screams.
Harry could faintly smell a pleasant fragrance that lifted his spirits. Lockhart's gentle smile made Harry feel a sudden fondness for him.
Soon, Lockhart raised both hands, and the noise gradually subsided.
Once the room had quieted, Lockhart smiled again and said warmly, "Hello, everyone. I'm Gilderoy Lockhart."
"Recipient of the Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League… and today, I have a new title to announce."
"I will soon be joining Hogwarts as the next Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I'll be taking up the position in ten days."
"But none of that matters right now, because today, I'm here as an author—here to serve my beloved readers."
"So, welcome to my new book launch at Flourish and Blotts. I'm sure my new release, Magical Me, won't disappoint!"
Glancing at the crowded bookstore—especially the cluster of witches packed together—Lockhart raised an eyebrow playfully and joked, "Looks like quite the crowd today—Flourish and Blotts is about to burst!"
With that, Lockhart lifted his right hand and focused on the ring floating above it. With a push, he traced a fiery red circle in the air.
Inside the ring, crimson threads and several runes appeared, connecting in a fixed pattern and forming an intricate magical diagram.
Lockhart then clapped his hands and made a pulling motion, as if stretching the space before him.
Original Rune Spell – Spatial Expansion!
Instantly—
With the gesture, the crowd seemed to hear the creaking sound of space being forcibly stretched.
The bookstore expanded, doubling in size. The previously packed attendees instinctively moved into the now-available space.
Suddenly, the atmosphere became much more comfortable.
Wizards and witches alike—including Hermione, Ron, and Harry—gaped in awe.
Seeing their expressions, Lockhart said, "Much better, right?"
"I now declare the launch of my new book, Magical Me, officially open!"
As soon as he finished, the store buzzed with whispered discussions.
> "Oh, Lockhart is so handsome—his smile is irresistible!"
"I love this version of him today… That spell? So charming!"
"Wandless casting! He truly deserves his reputation as a legendary adventurer!"
"Compared to him, I'm ashamed—I don't even have my combat spells memorized. And he's already mastered wandless magic!"
"That's why he's famous—powerful, talented, a great writer, and he knows how to market himself. No wonder he's a star!"
Hearing the praise, Lockhart smiled inwardly with pride.
The magic he used was a blend of Asgardian rune magic, Kamar-Taj techniques, and spells from the Harry Potter world. It wasn't exactly revolutionary—more of a creative fusion. Not very useful in battle, but perfect for showmanship.
"Excuse me! Make way, please! We're with The Daily Prophet! We need to photograph Mr. Lockhart!"
With the new space, a short reporter easily approached and started snapping pictures.
Click! Click! Click!
Flashes lit up as Lockhart's elegant, charismatic image was captured on camera.
At the same time, Lockhart glanced at the crowd and focused on a thin boy standing off to the side.
He saw a frail frame, a smudge on his face, and—most notably—a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.
Their eyes met. Lockhart smiled warmly and gave a polite nod.
The reporter caught the direction of Lockhart's gaze and excitedly pulled Harry over.
"Harry Potter is here! Harry Potter is here!" he shouted, preparing to take a photo of the two together.
Lockhart gently gestured for a pause and addressed the crowd:
"I must say, Flourish and Blotts really brings me good fortune—our Savior himself has graced my book launch!"
"As a token of appreciation, I'd like to gift my seven books to Harry Potter."
With that, Lockhart picked up a stack of seven books and handed them to Harry.
He subtly cast a levitation charm on the stack to make it easier for Harry to carry.
Seeing Harry's nervous and confused expression, Lockhart leaned in and said softly:
"Harry, being in the spotlight can be uncomfortable at first. Don't worry—it'll pass."
He gently tapped Harry's forehead.
Rune Spell – Cleansing.
A soft glow flickered, and the grime on Harry's face vanished.
Lockhart then pulled Harry close, flashed a radiant smile, and signaled the photographer to resume.
Click! Click! Click!
The camera captured their photo together.
Afterward, Lockhart took out a magical amulet. A faint thunderous aura pulsed from it.
He placed it on Harry's books and whispered, "Harry, I sensed a trace of dark magic on you earlier."
"You may have recently visited a place tainted by dark magic or touched a cursed object."
"This lightning charm will ward off darkness and alert you if danger approaches."
He patted Harry on the shoulder and motioned for him to rejoin the others.
Feeling Lockhart's care and attention, Harry's affection soared. He gratefully replied, "Thank you, Professor Lockhart!"
With a spring in his step, Harry walked back to the Weasleys, arms full of books and the protective charm.
He felt incredibly lucky. He had simply come for a photo and walked away with seven books and a magical gift—what a great day!
Lockhart, hearing Harry's thanks, glanced at the system screen that appeared before him and nodded slightly.
Character Favorability: Harry Potter (55/100)
> "As expected, kids are easy to impress…"
With that thought, Lockhart walked to the signing table and addressed the crowd:
"Don't worry, I'll sign a copy of Magical Me for every reader here. Please line up in an orderly fashion."
Sitting down, he picked up a quill and began signing.
One!
Two!
Three!
Ten!
By the fifteenth book, he heard a growing commotion from outside.
Lockhart's eyes lit up, suspecting what was going on. After signing the fifteenth book, he stood and raised a hand.
"My dear readers, please wait a moment."
"It sounds like something's happening outside. I'll be right back to continue signing!"
With wand in hand, he headed toward the door.