Hogwarts, Headmaster's Office
Dumbledore watched as Lockhart left the office, then lightly waved his wand to close the door.
"What do you all think?" Dumbledore asked the portraits of former headmasters hanging nearby.
"He doesn't seem like a Dark wizard," said Dilys Derwent's portrait, speaking first. "A typical Ravenclaw—exceptionally clever, with a strong thirst for research."
"He's a qualified professor!"
"Hmph!" scoffed Phineas Nigellus Black. "Of course you'd praise him—he's from your house."
"I think he's more suited to Slytherin. Just look at how he tried to pull Dumbledore into his club earlier."
"That's enough," interrupted Armando Dippet's portrait. "Let's hear what Albus has to say."
Under Dippet's attentive gaze, Dumbledore said thoughtfully, "For now, I don't see any issues."
"He's a genius—a promising young man. His discussion on runes was truly enlightening."
"At the very least, we can confirm he's nothing like Quirrell. He has no connection to Voldemort."
A faint smile touched Dumbledore's lips. Regardless, Voldemort remained the greatest concern. Any strange behavior from his old friend could be investigated over time.
However...
There was something that surprised him.
Earlier, Dumbledore had intended to use Legilimency to explore Lockhart's mind.
Just as he began the spell, he encountered resistance—a weak barrier, but enough to block him.
He could've broken through easily, but doing so would have alerted Lockhart.
After all, using Legilimency on another wizard is highly impolite.
And if discovered, it only breeds distrust.
So, Dumbledore chose to stop—impressed, even.
Such a clever defense. Clearly, Lockhart had gained valuable experience during his recent adventures.
Hmm… Lockhart's performance had eased many of Dumbledore's doubts.
"I have some matters to attend to. Carry on," Dumbledore said after a pause.
He extended his arm, and the phoenix perched near the window flew over and landed on it.
Fwoosh!
A golden flame flared—and Dumbledore vanished.
---
Hogsmeade, Lockhart's Home
"Scourgify!"
Stepping out of his magical fireplace, Lockhart quickly cast a cleaning charm on himself.
Watching the soot vanish, he silently resolved to study the teleportation magic of Kamar-Taj.
While not as battle-ready as Apparition, it was ideal for travel.
Even if he couldn't master it…
He could at least create a magical item that kept a constant cleaning charm active.
Being covered in soot every time he used the Floo Network? Absolutely unacceptable for someone with mild OCD and a strong sense of appearance.
He swore—if he could avoid the Floo Network, he absolutely would.
Back in his study, he touched the necklace around his neck, a faint smile tugging at his lips. His preparations had paid off.
Knowing Dumbledore's skill with Legilimency, he had prepared in advance.
The necklace's function was simple—an alert system.
If anyone tried to use Legilimency or any mind magic on him, it would glow.
It didn't provide strong defense, but against someone like Dumbledore, it was very effective.
Gentlemen are bound by principle—and Dumbledore was one of them. If caught, he'd retreat rather than offend.
Which is exactly what happened.
When Lockhart felt the necklace stir, he didn't react.
If it had been Voldemort, though…
Hmph. "You dare wear an item that resists Legilimency?"
"CRUCIO!!"
Lockhart imagined noseless Voldemort, casually cursing his subordinates, and couldn't help but laugh.
Still...
He had been a little disappointed.
When Dumbledore asked about runes, Lockhart had been thrilled.
He immediately launched into an enthusiastic explanation.
But as his excitement grew, Dumbledore remained indifferent, only nodding and offering the occasional compliment.
So perfunctory!
How could something so brilliant not excite everyone?
Lockhart thought: No—Dumbledore must join the great cause of rune research.
Without the White Wizard's support, the pure-blood families would crush him before he even got started.
He looked down on them, but he couldn't ignore their power and influence.
Would they just sit by as a new magical system threatened their status?
Yeah, right.
From their perspective, if someone tried to undermine their magic, they'd retaliate swiftly.
And Lockhart would do the same.
Even if not directly, he'd find a way. After all, Muggle nuclear bombs weren't just for decoration.
Even if those didn't work, machine guns, rocket launchers, and explosives were still options.
Of course, these were just thoughts.
He wasn't as insane as Grindelwald. Acting that way would get him hunted down by the entire wizarding world—including Dumbledore.
Besides...
The magical world had prophecy and divination—illogical, yet undeniably magical.
That thought sparked urgency in Lockhart's heart.
He had to get close to Professor Trelawney, Hogwarts' Divination teacher.
---
Platform 9¾
Dressed in standard wizarding robes, Lockhart stood at the platform, suitcase in one hand, wand in the other, waiting quietly.
Sure, he could've used the Floo Network—but no thanks!
Truth was, Lockhart was curious about the Hogwarts Express.
On one hand, in his past life, the train had been one of the most iconic symbols for Harry Potter fans.
Experiencing it firsthand fulfilled a childhood dream.
On the other hand, he wanted to study its magical engineering.
As far as he knew, magic and technology clashed in the wizarding world.
In short—where there's magic, tech fails; where there's tech, magic is unstable.
That's why Hogwarts and most wizarding homes lacked Muggle technology.
He'd heard the Hogwarts Express had been magically modified and wanted to learn from it.
Maybe, back in the Marvel world, that knowledge would be useful.
So Lockhart arrived early to wait for the train.
Soon, the platform filled with Hogwarts students.
First- and second-years came with parents; older students mostly arrived alone.
Lockhart cast a Notice-Me-Not charm on himself—the kids were just too loud.
Especially the ones who wouldn't stop talking. Not cute at all.
Didn't they know he valued peace?
He waited patiently—
Clank! Clank! Clank!
The sound of the arriving train echoed. Lockhart looked at the slightly worn black-and-red engine of the Hogwarts Express, a smile tugging at his lips.
As the crowd of students began boarding, he stood silently, eyes filled with emotion.
This was the feeling of school.
So familiar—just like his university days in his past life.
Back then, at the start of the school year, students would flood the campus with luggage and excitement.
Unfortunately, in the last two years before his death, schools had restricted gatherings for safety reasons.
He hadn't seen a scene like this in a long time.
And now, in a different world, it stirred a deep sense of nostalgia.
Maybe this is what it means to be a teacher.
Even if...
He was now teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Lockhart quietly observed—first-years were nervous, second-years excited.
Older students looked reluctant to let go of vacation.
The scene felt so familiar. So nostalgic.
His heart was calm—not joyful, not sorrowful.
Just... peaceful.