Chapter 149: Duel?
"May I ask why?"
"Well, releasing pixies on the first day of the class for the students to fight against and using these weird questions as a test was enough to prove to me that he wasn't worthy of being a teacher." Draco said passing the test question they got on the first-day to the board members and the professors, "Also you might have also looked into our curriculum to know that the book Lockhart suggested has nothing to do with defense against the dark."
The board members including the professor's started frowning looking at the question about the test which was all related to Lockhart's personal life and not one question had anything to do with Defence against the dark. Lucius smiled slyly looking at the questions,
"Dumbledore, it's really sad to see Hogwarts fall to such level." Lucius said in a mocking tone, "We send our children here to learn about magic, not about some famous wizard's favorite food."
Lockhart's face turned red, nobody knew if it was from embarrassment or anger. On the other hand, the board members couldn't agree more to what Lucius just said. Even McGonagall was staring at Lockhart in disgust.
"Mr. Lockhart do you have any explanation for this?" Dumbledore said calmly looking at Lockhart as if he wasn't bothered by it.
"Is there anything to ask more?" Lucius said waving the paper in his hand, "I think this is enough to prove his incompetence or is it that you still want to defend this man?"
Draco didn't say anything but he was thinking the same thing as Lucius. Draco knew how sly Dumbledore was, so it wasn't far fetched for him to try to save Lockhart's ass in this situation to save his own. Dumbledore wasn't rash, in fact, he was still calm and like a kind old man he gave a bright smile to Lucius.
"Mr. Malfoy, I know all this seems wrong but I believe every story has two sides." he said, "And just like how we can't act against Draco her just because of the accusation of Mr. Lockhart in a similar manner I suggest we listen to what Mr. Lockhart has to say to defend himself."
"Of course I do." Lockhart said as he gave a small cough and started acting perfectly as he gave his signature smile to the board members, "The reason for the questionnaire was for me to test how attentive my students were to their studies and at the same time I wanted my students to get to know me. You see, I believe that students and teachers must have a good connection which would make it easier for the students to understand me and for me to teach them."
"What about the pixies then?"
"The Pixies were also a part of a test to know how my students would act in a serious situation." Lockhart continued with a righteous tone, "As far as I know, this is why we study defense against the dark, to defend against an unknown threat. And also I can assure you that I had everything under control."
"Sure you did." Draco said sarcastically, "Pretty sure you could've saved us all after you got out from underneath the table."
"Dear Draco, I know you have some personal hatred against me. Even though I don't know why." Lockhart said dismissing what Draco just said, "But that doesn't mean you can disturb my class. If you had just stayed a moment longer without acting out, I am sure you would've known the truth."
The board members were in a bit of a scuffle right now, from one perspective Draco seemed right but on the other hand, they couldn't really disagree with Lockhart. Especially considering someone like Draco who was getting a bit infamous for his impulsive rash behaviors.
There was silence for a while as no one really said anything, everyone kept their quite as the old board member spoke out, "I think there might've been a misunderstanding between the two of you. Since it's an easy fix how about we just solve it here and just go about our way without creating more problems."
"I'd love that." Lockhart was quick to speak first, "I am willing to accept all the second year Slytherin student's back in my class as well but... I need an apology from Draco over here. As you know I am a very respected wizard in our community and I have never been insulted like this before, even if it might be a misunderstanding the thing Draco has done has caused a stain in my reputation."
"Mr. Lockhart..." The old man hesitated, he didn't know much about Draco but the way he carried himself was enough to show that he wasn't the kind to give apologies, something told him that it wasn't going to end well as he saw Draco's eyebrows pulled down.
"It's just an apology that I am asking not something outrageous." Lockhart said in a justified tone, "As a teacher, I feel like I deserve it."
There was silence again as the people in the room heard Draco take a deep breath as he turned towards Lockhart.
"Fine, I'll give you an apology." The old board member was happy for a moment until he heard Draco's next words, "But only if you accept my challenge in a duel and win against me."
"Hahaha, do you think you can defeat me in a duel?" Lockhart gave out a burst of hearty laughter, "I guess the compliments in the newspaper has gone over your head."
"You dare?"
"Fine, I shall humor you." Lockhart said, "Also let me add something more on the stake, if I lose the duel against you, I will leave Hogwarts."
"Mr. Black and Mr. Lockhart, this isn't really necessary is it?" A board member said wiping sweat from his forehead.
"Of course it is." Draco said, "A duel would be the quickest way to prove our point. If I lose against him I can admit the fact that I am weak and irrational but if I win it proves that Lockhart isn't worthy of teaching us."
"But as I have heard before you don't even have a wand with you right?" Lockhart said sneering as he ignored the board member, "You wouldn't be using excuses now would you?"
"Who says I need my own wand to defeat you." Draco said in an arrogant manner, "I could borrow one from any random wizard and I still will win."
"So what do you think Lucius?" Dumbledore said, "Since both of them are agreeing to it, why not go ahead and do it."
Lucius didn't look at Dumbledore as he stayed silent wondering what Draco was thinking. The board members looked at him as well, since Draco was his son they couldn't make any random decisions.
"Sigh! I agree with it." Lucius raised his hands.
Seeing that the ones who were supporters of Lucius quickly did so as well along with a few other board members. The old man sighed, "Since more than half of us agree with the duel then let's carry on with it."
"Mr. Black and Mr. Lockhart we agree to your proposal of duel." The old man said, "The duel will be held a week later in Hogwarts. As for your conditions, we agree to it as well."
"If that's it then I shall take my leave." Draco said nodding at Lucius, "I hope to see you again next week."
The board members nodded as Draco went out of the office. As he was going down he was suddenly surrounded by a crowd of people looking at him, with the question, 'What happened?' written all over their faces.
"Sigh! I'll make this quick." Draco said rubbing his forehead, "Lockhart and I have agreed on a duel and we've agreed on some conditions. Now if your curiosity is over, I will go back to the common room."
Draco walked through the crowd of gasping students not looking back.
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