CHAPTER TEN
put my wand to his throat — I then screwed up my remain-
ing strength and performed the immensely complex Homorphus
Charm — he let out a piteous moan — go on, Harry — higher
than that — good — the fur vanished — the fangs shrank — and
he turned back into a man. Simple, yet effective — and another
village will remember me forever as the hero who delivered them
from the monthly terror of werewolf attacks.”
The bell rang and Lockhart got to his feet.
“Homework — compose a poem about my defeat of the Wagga
Wagga Werewolf! Signed copies of Magical Me to the author of the
best one!”
The class began to leave. Harry returned to the back of the
room, where Ron and Hermione were waiting.
“Ready?” Harry muttered.
“Wait till everyone’s gone,” said Hermione nervously. “All
right . . .”
She approached Lockhart’s desk, a piece of paper clutched tightly
in her hand, Harry and Ron right behind her.
“Er — Professor Lockhart?” Hermione stammered. “I wanted
to — to get this book out of the library. Just for background read-
ing.” She held out the piece of paper, her hand shaking slightly.
“But the thing is, it’s in the Restricted Section of the library, so I
need a teacher to sign for it — I’m sure it would help me under-
stand what you say in Gadding with Ghouls about slow-acting ven-
oms —”
“Ah, Gaddi