During class one day, Professor Lockhart announced that in a few days there would be a huge surprise for everyone, one that would sweep away the psychological shadows of the previous semester.
Most of the girls in the school were extremely excited, eagerly guessing what the surprise might be. Professor Lockhart's autographed photos were no longer a rarity; basically, any student who wanted one already had it. Following Hermione's winking photo from last time, flying-kiss photos and heart-hand photos emerged in an endless stream.
So what kind of surprise could it be? Professor Snape remarked that he was just grandstanding. Draco guessed that Professor Lockhart would find a girlfriend in the school over the next two days, choosing right here on campus. Being Professor Lockhart's girlfriend was nothing to be ashamed of. Starting from Slytherin and ending with Hufflepuff, all four houses were stirred into action, and every day saw beauty pageants and duels among the girls. Professor Snape was furious; he supported dueling clubs, and yet his teaching had produced a bunch of fluttery butterflies fighting tooth and nail over a showy peacock.
Chapter 52