Now, he would not be able to get these magic materials back because he had no evidence. The Ministry of Magic never used Legilimency as evidence because memories could be modified. But the loss of more than a thousand Galleons had to be reimbursed by someone.

He must not be the one being taken advantage of!

When Snape rushed to the headmaster's office in a rage, he discovered that another annoying peacock was also there.

"Please wait a moment, Severus," Dumbledore said quietly.

"Good afternoon, Snape." Lockhart showed what he thought was a charming smile, which immediately made Snape even more annoyed. "Why did you come here? Did you hear that I was going to apply to the headmaster to hold a dueling club, so you came here to be my assistant?"

"Dueling Club?"

Lockhart's words briefly brought Snape out of his annoyance. Then, he looked at him with contempt, as if to say, "Just you?"

But Lockhart was unaware.

He probably thought he was the perfect candidate.

"Dumbledore, the situation is very serious now. Someone has been hurt. I think it is very necessary to hold a dueling club and fully train everyone in case they need to defend themselves one day! Use the method I have used countless times to protect myself - and I am a member of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Society. I think no one is more suitable than me!"

He looked at Dumbledore with burning eyes, expecting a positive response from Dumbledore.

It took Dumbledore almost no time to agree.

This made Lockhart extremely excited.

"Believe me, you will definitely be glad that you made this decision!" He had a look of "you are so lucky" on his face. "Although I promised you to teach this course, the club does not count. This is my small contribution to my alma mater, which doesn't happen every time!"

"Thank you so much!" Dumbledore said playfully, "So, as for your choice of assistant, let me think, how about Filius? He was a duel champion when he was young." Dumbledore highly recommended.

When Lockhart heard the word "duel champion", his face changed immediately and he paced back and forth in the office anxiously, but he soon thought of a suitable excuse.

"Filius... Although he was really good when he was young, now I doubt if he can keep up with me. To be honest, if the wizard duel had not been cancelled in the UK, I might be the champion now."

Hearing this, even Snape found it very funny.

At this time, Lockhart's eyes turned to Snape. He recalled Snape's performance in school. It seemed that he was often bullied by several Gryffindors? They were four years apart in age, so Lockhart was not very clear about Snape's performance in school. However, he still vaguely remembered that there was a student in Slytherin who didn't like to wash his hair and was often bullied by several Gryffindors.

If that's the case, then he must not have any skills! That's right, what skills can a sour-faced potion-making person have? You can't bring the crucible burning trick to a duel! Thinking of this, Lockhart's eyes lit up, and he immediately used a provocation:

"Professor Snape, you are a - ah, never mind, I'm afraid my powerful magic might hurt you, I'd better think of someone else."

"You hurt me? In Quesi Hall--"

Snape was so angry that he laughed. He looked at Lockhart with an extremely unfriendly look. "Coincidentally, I know a thing or two about dueling."

Snape swept his hand away from his shoulder in disgust, ruthlessly ruthlessly ruthlessly ruthlessly ruthlessly ruthlessly ruthlessly rubbed the back of his hand on his cloak.

"Since you have reached an agreement, that's great." Dumbledore said happily. He was ready to see the guest off. "So, Severus, what do you want to talk to me about?"

Snape was brought back into his anger by Dumbledore's words, and he spoke out before Lockhart even left the headmaster's office.

"I want to report to you some thieves - they stole my potion ingredients!"

"Were we robbed?" Lockhart, who had almost stepped out of the door of the principal's office, immediately turned around and strode over. "It seems that my dueling assistant seems to have encountered a little trouble. But catching thieves is not something I brag about - if you have read my works, you will know that I have done it countless times. Finding clues and finding the murderer will never be difficult for me!"

He turned around enthusiastically, trying his best to take charge of this matter.

"Leave it to me. We can catch the murderer tomorrow at the earliest!"

But Snape and Dumbledore ignored him. They had communicated through their eye contact.

"The school board will compensate you for your losses," Dumbledore said. "Also, please note -"

"You don't have to tell me, I will pay attention to her too!" Snape flicked his cloak and turned away.

"What's the matter?" Lockhart was still wondering, didn't Snape come here to seek help? Why did he leave suddenly? He didn't want to miss any opportunity to show off, so he hurriedly followed him and chattered in Snape's ear: "Honestly, Snape, if I take action, I will definitely catch the murderer red-handed! I'm helping you for free because we are colleagues, otherwise it would be a different price! Come on, take me to your office, I have an automatic tracking magic, as long as I cast it, I can find the murderer immediately!"

Snape thought of his ability to make Harry's hand bones disappear with a spell and heal them in reverse, and he immediately shuddered, fearing that his spell would explode all his other potions! And he was even more annoyed when he thought of Harry's hand bones being taken away.

He risked his dignity to protect that boy, but this guy actually dared to hurt him - Lily's son?

You're done, boy!

"Dueling Club - I would be happy to be your assistant!" Snape laughed cruelly.

(Translation: Wait for death!)

But Lockhart was already immersed in the illusion of his own glory.

"That's it. We'll hold it before Christmas. I might ask you to help me with a small demonstration then. Don't worry, you won't be hurt. We won't use any powerful magic, only defensive spells to remove your weapons and armor. Well, this is a bit difficult, how about a disarming spell?"

Thanks to the reader 1338459675374563328 for the 500-point tip. Thanks, boss!!!

Also, dears, please read on, this is really important to me. 　　 　 (End of this chapter)