HP/LOTM: Hogwart's Mind Dragon

The Daily Prophet was updated, and the three-dimensional projection technology from the hearing ensured that Minister Fudge's disgrace was spread far and wide. The Lestrange family, having received their benefits, amplified the scandal, using their influence to pepper the report with flowery, damning language that subtly painted Fudge's actions as a targeted attack against ancient wizarding families. As a result, many previously neutral families stopped watching from the sidelines and began to band together, shattering Fudge's plan to win over the pure-bloods. The Minister was now deeply caught in a public opinion crisis, dealing a heavy blow to his already low approval rating and leaving him far too busy to bother anyone else.

But the turmoil of the outside world could not affect life within the castle walls.

"Let's just say, that man is a disaster," Professor Flitwick said, shaking a tiny fist as if punching an invisible, handsome face.

"It seems you've also suffered greatly, Professor," Aiden said with a raised eyebrow.

Professor Flitwick just shook his fist again. "Alright, I didn't call you here for that today. I am planning to open the Dueling Association to the older students, and I wanted to get your opinion."

"That's fine," Aiden agreed. "Letting wizards of different ages join will broaden the scope of exchange. But Professor, I have one request: students with poor character cannot be selected." He looked at Flitwick seriously.

"Of course, of course." Professor Flitwick then held out his hand expectantly.

"What's wrong?" Aiden asked, confused.

"The invitation letters," Professor Flitwick said simply.

"Don't you have them?"

"I don't have enough," the Charms master replied, rolling his eyes.

"You need that many?" Aiden asked, surprised, as he took out a thick stack of invitations and handed them over.

"Hehe, you'll see at the next event," Professor Flitwick said mysteriously.

As they entered their second year, the difficulty of Transfiguration class increased. By the time Aiden arrived, most of the empty seats were already taken. He scanned the room and saw that Edmund, Ethan, and Oliver hadn't saved him a spot.

'Hmph, you three brats,' he thought, glaring at them.

So, Aiden walked generously over to the Gryffindor section and squeezed in next to Ron.

"Hey, Aiden," Ron hissed. "This is the seat I saved for Dean."

"Oh, please, take pity on your unwanted younger brother, my dear brother," Aiden said, blinking his eyes and feigning a shy, pitiful expression.

Harry, sitting nearby, burst out laughing. Just then, Dean Thomas walked in, saw there was no seat for him, and shot Ron a look that clearly said, 'You are so dead.'

'Why is it always me who gets hurt?' Ron thought miserably.

Professor McGonagall strode into the classroom. "Welcome back to your second year. For today's lesson, we will be reviewing past knowledge." She produced a box of live beetles and instructed the students to transfigure them into buttons.

Ron took out his wand, which was still held together with Spellotape, and cast the spell. With a fizz and a pop, the beetle was not transfigured but rather crushed into a fine, gray dust.

Aiden just stared. "..."

"Didn't I give you a new wand?" he whispered.

"I... I haven't read the book you gave me yet," Ron mumbled, his face turning red.

"Ah," Aiden said, a smile spreading across his face that made Ron tremble. "When the Dueling Association starts its activities, I'll teach you personally. Be prepared, my dear brother."

Professor McGonagall noticed their situation and walked over, looking down at the pile of beetle dust. "Mr. Weasley," she said with a sigh, "I suggest you acquire a new wand." She then vanished the remains with a flick of her own.

After an entire summer holiday, most of the students' spellcasting skills had regressed, and many were unable to perform a complete transfiguration. Professor McGonagall was not angry; she simply assigned the class a six-inch essay on the topic.

Wednesday arrived quickly, and the second-year Ravenclaws finally had to face Defense Against the Dark Arts. Having already heard about the chaos Lockhart had caused on Monday, they had given up all hope for the class.

As the lesson began, a flamboyant peacock of a man strode into the room with an elegant gait. "Hello there, young wizards," he said, pointing to a large poster of himself and winking. "I am Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award. I will be bringing you an unparalleled Defense Against the Dark Arts education."

He flashed his sparkling white teeth. "Alright, for our first lesson, let's have a little quiz!"

Lockhart handed out the test papers. Aiden took one and read the first few questions:

What is Gilderoy Lockhart's favorite color?

What is Gilderoy Lockhart's secret ambition?

What, in your opinion, is Gilderoy Lockhart's greatest achievement to date?

The entire test, three full sheets of parchment, was filled with similar questions. Aiden rolled his eyes, used his psychological invisibility to become unnoticeable, and took out a different book to read.

After the quiz, Lockhart collected the papers, looking very pleased. "Oh, not bad at all! There are still many of you who have read my books." He beamed. "Alright, now it's time for the practical portion. Come, let me show you a truly dangerous dark creature—a Grindylow!"

He once again showed off his teeth. "But don't you worry. We are on land, where a water-dweller like this cannot exert much of its combat power."

"But Professor," Ethan, ever the diligent student, raised his hand. "Isn't this a third-year topic?"

"Hmm? Third year, are you?" Lockhart looked confused for a moment. "Oh, ahem, I mean, learning future knowledge in advance is beneficial to your growth! So, let's begin!"

He dramatically whipped the dust cover off a cage, revealing a sickly green creature with small, pointed horns. It was making faces at the class and constantly extending and retracting its long, slender claws.

"Now, I'll teach you how to deal with it!" Lockhart declared, throwing open the cage door.

At that moment, a faint red light emanating from the creature caught Aiden's attention.

'That's killing intent,' he realized with a jolt. 'This Grindylow isn't fully dehydrated. It's conserving its strength. Lockhart was careless.'

Aiden started to raise his hand, but it was too late. The Grindylow leaped from its cage and sank its teeth deep into Lockhart's thigh. Blood splattered across the floorboards. The entire class was stunned into silence for a second, and then Lockhart fainted dead away. Screams and chaos erupted.

"QUIET!" Aiden's voice boomed, amplified by a touch of magic. He stood up and released a wave of pure deterrence. The panicked students froze in place. He then cast a quick, silent spell at the Grindylow, and the creature was instantly overwhelmed by a wave of chaotic thoughts, fainting on the spot.

"Edmund, Ethan, go and inform Professor Flitwick," Aiden ordered calmly. "Oliver, come with me and help me get Professor Lockhart to the hospital wing." He then turned to the rest of the silent, staring class. "Everyone else, class is dismissed."

Aiden's voice was like heavenly music. What child wouldn't want to leave class early? In an instant, the classroom was empty.

***********

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