The Chamber of Desire [ Tomarry

Lockhart Has Feelings? Ha, Just Kidding

January 15th, 1993.

For the past couple weeks, Lockhart seemed normal, which worried Harry. Lockhart didn't hit on him, nor was he in any way an asshole, which fooled everyone except for— well, it actually fooled no one. Lockhart seemed cool and calm— which made Harry believe it was the calm before the storm.

That day in Charms, they were working on levicorpus, a spell that had originally been created by Snape. They had been set up in pairs, and Harry strangely found it funny to watch the struggles.

"Good, good," Lockhart would mutter occasionally. He never once came up to check on Harry and Draco, which was a relief, because he'd rather not get noticed than get any unwanted type of notice.

Halfway through their practice, Harry laughed when Draco accidentally hit his hand off the wall while trying to do the hand movement.

"Prince!" Lockhart shouted from across the room, startling everyone. Neville accidentally lost control over his spell and Ron fell on his head. "That is not appropriate! Stay after class!"

Harry stared at the teacher, even when his head was turned. Not appropriate? Merlin, he must have drowned in holy water since the last time he inappropriately touched Harry.

He was still caught up in his silent loathing when Draco caught his attention. "I can stay behind and wait for you, just in case anything happens," he offered kindly.

Harry shook his head. "No thank you," he declined. "Best case scenario for him, he only makes me do lines. Worst case scenario for him and best for me, I beat his ass. I'll be fine. There's only one of him."

Draco didn't seem convinced, but he let it slide, and the two boys continued practicing their spells.

~

When class ended, Harry watched enviously as everyone left the room. Everyone gave him looks of pity as they left, and Harry could hear them talking about eating snacks in the kitchen— obviously so they would be close enough to help.

Harry stood still as Lockhart fiddled with papers. The room was filled with an awkward silence, and Harry wasn't even sure if Lockhart remembered he was there. Until he spoke.

"Now."

Harry was confused at first, but then an arm had him in a caged position and a hand was wrapped around his mouth. Eyes widening, Harry wriggled around and tried to elbow the man behind him, but he wouldn't budge. Harry tried to reach for his wand, but it had been moved by Lockhart. Soon, Harry stopped struggling and resorted to glaring at Lockhart, who looked like a cat that had gotten a mouse.

"Don't even try to call for help. I know your friends are in the kitchen. I put up a silencing ward around the room."

Harry's mouth was released. "What the fuck?" Harry grunted. "Listen, I know you're literally a sadist, but this is going out of proportion. Getting another man to do your dirty work? Really?"

Lockhart chuckled. "You don't understand the half of it. Although, what I don't understand, is how you are a Parselmouth."

'A Parselmouth?' Harry repeated, before he blanched, coming to the realization. "Nagini... you... you imperio'd Cesar! He's the one behind me, isn't he? What? Are you too scared to face me yourself, you biggot? I'm fucking ready!"