This time, no one looked down on his smile anymore.
Because Professor Lockhart has already demonstrated his prowess as a professor.
"Since no spell has been discovered yet that allows a dead body to resist burning, the Yin Corpse preserved by Dark Magic can only be destroyed by flames." Professor Lockhart tapped the blackboard with his wand, making a crisp sound, "So, among all the students present, who knows any flame-oriented spell? Why don't you come forward and demonstrate it?"
"Me! Professor!" Seamus quickly raised his hand.
Seeing another student besides Hermione raise his hand, Professor Lockhart showed a surprised expression.
It seems Gryffindor will indeed be the professor's favorite house...
Thinking this, he nodded and said, "Alright, then please, Mr. Finigan, come up and demonstrate to everyone how to use a Flame Spell to attack the Yin Corpse."
Upon hearing the professor's instruction, Seamus picked up his magic wand and walked onto the podium.
"I need to mention in advance, Mr. Finigan," Professor Lockhart said softly, "At your age, young wizards generally don't possess the level of spell intensity required to break through the defenses of a Yin Corpse—even if you're using a flame-type spell. So don't be embarrassed, just try your best, give it your all."
"Yes, Professor." Seamus nodded repeatedly.
He turned back, looking in Harry's direction.
Harry gave him a slight nod, signaling that he should listen to the professor.
However, Seamus misunderstood the signal, thinking Harry wanted him to show off.
So, Seamus raised his wand and pointed it at the still roaring Yin Corpse.
"Confringo (Thunder Explosion)!"
There was a flash of fire where the Yin Corpse stood, followed by a loud "bang," and the spell hit the Yin Corpse's face.
However, since the Yin Corpse is after all a creation of Dark Magic, not something second-year students can easily handle, what Seamus managed was just to blow up its face, unable to put it to rest.
An eye flew off lazily, plopping down onto Pansy Parkinson's head.
The latter froze for a moment, took the sticky, wet, cold eye off her head, stared at it for a moment, and let out an ear-piercing scream.
Draco, sitting to the side, laughed gleefully—along with a few of his buddies.
However, in her panic, Pansy swung her arms, flinging the eye in front of Draco.
Now, it was Draco who was in a panic.
"Crabbe! Gall! Get it away!" Draco leapt backward, trying to distance himself from the big eyeball.
Hermione and Ron stood up together, waving their wands, casting the Clean-up Spell on the classroom.
After all, patches of the Yin Corpse's facial skin tissue still clung to parts of the classroom.
Professor Lockhart was clearly taken aback by the power of Seamus's spell, genuinely not expecting a second-year young wizard's spell to reach such a level.
To be able to blow up the face of the Yin Corpse is remarkable among second-year students—to know that this level is what Durmstrang's excellent third-year students can achieve.
After all, the Yin Corpse has Dark Magic defenses.
This discovery delighted him—perhaps this will make the professor even more pleased?
These are the seeds for future Saints...
Ha, incompetent Dumbledore! Staying at Hogwarts will only make Duke Honey's candies more expensive!
Noticing Hermione and Ron's actions, surveying the classroom now as tidy as before, he announced loudly: "Very good spells, ten points to Gryffindor—for Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley's spells; and as for Mr. Finigan, your excellent spell will earn Gryffindor ten points!"
Seamus jumped for joy, finding Professor Lockhart suddenly much more agreeable.
As long as it adds points to Gryffindor, even if Professor Lockhart is a bit slick, it's tolerable.
Lockhart glanced at the immobilized Yin Corpse, curled his lips, and gestured with his wand to direct it away.
"Alright, now you all have learned how to deal with a Yin Corpse," Professor Lockhart paused and continued, "Next, it's time to learn various kinds of flame spells—though I believe, as a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, this isn't within my teaching scope. So, as for flame spells, you students should wait for the progress in the Spell Class to catch up and learn from Filius then."
With that, Lockhart even gave everyone a wink, flashing a charming smile.
The students applauded him in unison, for his impressive teaching standard.
After this unconventional Defense Against the Dark Arts class, many changed their opinions about him.
Many gave up the idea of him being a buffoon, and turned to firmly support him.
After class, the students left the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom chatting and laughing; it's safe to say, the majority were quite happy, except for Pansy Parkinson and Draco.
After all, they were the direct victims of the eyeball incident.
Harry, however, was asked by Lockhart to stay behind.
"Harry," Professor Lockhart said with a smile, "stay, I have something I'd like you to help me with."
"What is it, Professor?" Harry didn't know what Lockhart wanted him to do, so he asked curiously.
"I need your help replying to some letters, regarding the fan letters from my enthusiastic admirers," Professor Lockhart said with a chuckle, "I learned that after your afternoon class tomorrow, you don't have any other courses, so could I ask you for a little favor then?"