The three of them walked quickly toward the room.
Oliver Avery was anxious,
Dentis was calm,
and Dumbledore was intrigued—this Count Dentis had deliberately asked him to come along, surely with a purpose. But it was also possible that he had simply stumbled upon it—
In fact, Dumbledore guessed correctly. If he hadn't happened to be visiting at this time, Dana would have pulled someone else up as a witness.
Because as soon as the door was pushed open, a scene of passionate lovemaking unfolded.
Donna Avery and Gilderoy Lockhart were both very engrossed. Perhaps initially there was some influence from the drug, but later, it became uncontrollable—the dose of the drug Dana gave them was actually very, very small, purely to enhance the mood. However, in the body of a man who had taken a strong love potion, even this small dose could unleash a powerful effect.
When the door opened and the wind blew in, both of them shivered, and then looked toward the doorway—Donna Avery's face was ashen, while Gilderoy Lockhart, after only one glance, turned back to stare at Donna as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.
Oliver Avery was about to faint from anger. His aged fingers pointed at Donna Avery one moment, and at Lockhart the next, unable to utter a word for a long time.
Just then, those who had caught the scent of gossip followed, and passing the three at the doorway, the scene inside the room completely satisfied their curiosity.
Donna Avery covered herself with the blanket, at a loss as to what to do, when she heard the Count speak:
"It's only natural for young people to be amorous. It would be wonderful if my castle could facilitate a romantic encounter."
He turned to look at the crowd:
"Everyone, please return to the hall and enjoy your pleasant time. We need to leave time for this couple who have fallen in love!"
"The Count is indeed a romantic Frenchman!"
"Indeed, romance is etched in the bones of the French!"
"Such a kind Count is truly charming!"
After dissuading the crowd, the Count turned to the room and said:
"You two, quickly get dressed, and we'll chat later."
He closed the door and said to Oliver Avery:
"I'm very sorry, Mr. Avery, that such a thing happened in my castle."
Oliver Avery was both angry and furious, but he still maintained good manners toward Count Dentis, who had immense wealth.
"No, it's not your fault, Your Excellency. It's my niece… she… alas! That damned Lockhart, I knew it!"
Dentis smiled.
"Mr. Avery, I know you have high hopes for your niece, hoping to form a connection with me through her—but listen to me, that's completely unnecessary.
I'm settling in England, and I'm definitely going to do business here. I only hope to have as many partners as possible. Our cooperation doesn't require Miss Avery to sacrifice herself at all.
This is the best outcome now. Gilderoy Lockhart is, after all, a famous writer with a good reputation and 'strength.' If Miss Avery marries him, it can also provide great assistance to the Avery family.
In this way, Mr. Avery can both cooperate with me and gain an excellent nephew-in-law. What a delightful thing that is!"
Oliver Avery nodded. If the Count was willing to cooperate with the Avery family in business, then this situation was not unacceptable, at most just a bit unwilling—
Is there any comparison between ordinary business partners and relatives by marriage?
Dentis then looked at Dumbledore:
"I heard that Hogwarts is preparing to have Mr. Lockhart serve as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor next year? Although today's matter is a small thing, if it spreads, wouldn't it be bad for Hogwarts?"
Dumbledore's eyes twitched.
"Your Excellency, the Count, your information is very well-informed."
Dentis smiled and said:
"I am very rich."
—And in this world, there are very few things that money can't buy.
Dumbledore nodded:
"As long as Mr. Lockhart and Miss Avery get married, then it will be fine. But if Mr. Lockhart is unable to take the position at Hogwarts because of this matter, would Your Excellency, the Count, be interested in being a professor at Hogwarts for a year?
Someone who can manage an entire Black Dragon tribe so well should be more than capable of teaching children Defense Against the Dark Arts, right?
Moreover, this matter happened here today, so you can't escape responsibility. If there are any adverse consequences, shouldn't you take responsibility?"
Count Dentis curled his lips:
"I'm sorry, Headmaster, but as far as I know, none of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professors at Hogwarts have been able to teach for a full year. They either died or something messy happened. Only a powerful wizard like Mr. Lockhart can be competent—
So please allow me to decline your invitation. And it's not that I'm arrogant, but I feel that only I can bring a new atmosphere to the British wizarding world while I'm alive.
However, as a remedy, I will do my best to facilitate the marriage between Mr. Lockhart and Miss Avery."
After saying that, Count Dentis looked helpless and turned to Oliver Avery:
"Headmaster Dumbledore is right. This matter happened in my castle today, so I should take responsibility. How about this, Mr. Avery, as long as you agree to the marriage between Donna Avery and Gilderoy Lockhart, I can bring the Avery family into some of my core projects. What do you think?"
[Glossary] Core Projects: Hard [core] projects that can cause people's [heart] to stop suddenly.
Oliver Avery looked flattered:
"Oh, oh… Of course! That would be great! As the head of the Avery family, I agree to this marriage for Donna!"
Dentis nodded.
"Since that's the case, I just need to persuade Mr. Lockhart now—Mr. Avery, let's go in now. You take Miss Avery down first, and let me have a good talk with Mr. Lockhart."
Oliver Avery nodded repeatedly.
"Count, you are so kind! Thank you!"
As for Lockhart's imminent employment in a high-risk profession, Oliver Avery simply ignored it—the best thing that could happen to scum like that is death. Anyway, now that his family was connected to the Count, Lockhart's life or death was of no concern.
Dentis looked at Dumbledore:
"Sorry, Headmaster, for involving you in this mess—but rest assured, I will handle things properly, ensuring that Hogwarts has a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor ready for the next school year."
Dumbledore nodded with a smile, saying nothing more, and went straight downstairs. He had some doubts in his mind, but now was not the time to explore them.
Because he felt that Voldemort was the number one problem. Although this Count Dentis was mysterious, wealthy people like him were unlikely to be interested in ruling the wizarding world. After all, he could buy anything with money, and his worldly desires were bound to be much lower than those of a poor boy like Tom Riddle.
Opening the door, Donna Avery and Gilderoy Lockhart were already dressed. Donna sat on the edge of the bed with her head lowered, her face flushed, while Lockhart looked at her with affection.
"Donna, come downstairs with me!"
Oliver Avery ordered.
Donna Avery's body trembled slightly. She gave Lockhart a reluctant look and walked out of the room, turning her head back with every step.
The door closed, and Dentis took out a potion.
"Stop looking, she's already gone."
"No… don't go, my love!"
Dentis poured the potion into Lockhart's mouth, and Lockhart was shocked:
"Ugh, ugh, ugh… what is this?"
Dentis smiled:
"What is this? This is the antidote to the love potion."
"Love potion?"
Lockhart's eyes widened—the antidote took effect quickly. His love for Donna had come like a surging wave, and it receded as quickly as the tide.
"Damn bitch! How dare she use a love potion on me!
But I have to thank you, Count!"
Dentis shook his head:
"Don't rush to thank me. For your own good, I need to discuss a few things with you."
"Tell me!"
"First of all, many people saw what happened between you today, and it will soon spread throughout the wizarding world. For the sake of your reputation…"
Lockhart gritted his teeth:
"I know, there's no other way but to marry that bitch! Unless I don't want my reputation anymore."
"Yes, you are very wise. Even if you say Donna Avery used a love potion, no one will believe you—forgive me for being blunt, but although Mr. Lockhart is very famous, in terms of status, as a daughter of the main Avery family, she is higher than you.
Rather than saying that Miss Avery is greedy for your beauty, it is more likely that you want to climb onto the Avery family."
Lockhart covered his head with his hands in despair:
"Count, I know, I understand."
"No, judging by your current appearance, you don't understand."
Lockhart looked up, his eyes revealing a clear stupidity.
"Mr. Lockhart, not only must you marry Donna Avery, but you must also appear to love her very much."
"Why? Let me be with that bitch…"
"Take it easy—Mr. Lockhart's marriage to Miss Avery has only benefits and no harm. You must know that just now, Mr. Oliver Avery and I reached a deep cooperation agreement—not to brag, even if the Avery family is poor, following me, they can become one of the wealthiest pure-blood families in all of Britain in less than two years—"
Lockhart's eyes began to shine, and Dentis continued:
"And as the son-in-law of that family, do you know what you can get? Oliver Avery's son, Little Avery, has fled, and Donna Avery is the second in line to inherit the Avery family. In fact, although her brother is the first in line, his only son just died at Hogwarts. If you and Miss Avery have children and let them be named Avery, then the Avery family fortune…"
Lockhart felt as if the clouds had parted and he saw the clear sky, as if he had been enlightened.
He rubbed his hands vigorously and nodded desperately:
"Yes, yes, yes, the Count is right, I should be nicer to Miss Avery, just show that I love her… This is not difficult for me!
I want to have children with her, the sooner the better!"
Lockhart suddenly raised his head:
"Count, why are you telling me this?"
Dentis smiled and shrugged:
"Since something happened to you on my territory, doing this will make my conscience feel better. Don't worry, the Avery family is a very good choice."
Lockhart nodded, accepting the Count's explanation. He stood up and bowed slightly:
"In any case, Count, I must thank you for today's matter!"
Don't rush, there's one more thing—that is, you'd better accept the Hogwarts professorship invitation."
"Why?"
"After all, today's events will more or less damage your reputation. The wisest choice at this time is to avoid the public opinion—then what could be quieter than hiding in Hogwarts to teach?
Moreover, your experience teaching at Hogwarts is your most valuable material. When you resign next year, as long as you write a new novel, I believe you can become popular again and regain your lost reputation!"
"Ah! So that's it!"
Lockhart clapped his hands:
"Indeed! This is a wonderful idea! Count, you are too kind! Thank you!"
End of the Chapter.
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