Hogwarts: Hermione and I switched identities!

“Hermione, little warrior, I didn’t think this through. I didn’t expect such a young child to participate in the competition. I can tell you really like me.” Lockhart approached Hermione and waved to the photographer in the distance. “Please take a picture of me and this young warrior. Smile, Hermione.”

hehe--

As the photo was taken, a thought suddenly occurred to Tom: "Mr. Lockhart, may I have a solo photo of you? I'm planning—well, I really like you, and I'd like to put your picture in my room; it will give me strength."

"Of course, no problem!"

Lockhart enthusiastically handed over his photo: "I hadn't considered this before. For this competition—in order to accommodate warriors as young as Hermione—I plan to set all the questions on first-year magic. Hermione, are you okay with that?"

“Of course—” Tom agreed.

After taking the group photo, Tom didn't leave. After all, he had already taken the other person's things. He obediently waited downstairs until Lockhart's boring solo show ended before turning around and leaving.

Lockhart's solo show lasted an hour and a half. Tom really wanted to know what was going on in his head and how he managed to show off for an hour and a half straight. It was incredible.

During that hour and a half, Tom received many hateful looks, and those people looked at him with envy in their eyes.

……

After half an hour.

Break the Cauldron Bar.

A young wizard dressed entirely in black robes walked into the bar. No one could see his face clearly, as he covered his cheeks with the brim of his hat. They could only judge his age from his build.

"Ron, you're a first-year magic student, you'd better study hard. There's only one week left, you must bring back the championship."

"Ron, we'll help you."

“George, you two are going to compete too!” Ron said, his face flushed. He sipped his lemon tea. “I’m so young, can you please stop pinning your hopes on me?”

After taking a sip of lemonade, Ron coughed violently, while the twins burst into laughter.

"George, what did you put in my lemonade?!"

"I'm going to the bathroom," George said, patting his stomach as he left.

Fred also stood up, and the two of them couldn't stop smiling.

The unnoticed young wizard in black robes got up and followed the two.

"Hello, Weasley's two little ones."

George and Fred's hands trembled instantly, and they quickly pulled up their pants.

"Madam, this is the men's restroom! This is the men's restroom! Please leave!"

“I know.” Tom raised his head and took out a photograph from his pocket. “A private photo of Mr. Lockhart. Do you need it?”

Fred curled his lip: "What would we need this for? Maybe you could go find our mother, she's Lockhart's..."

Before he could finish speaking, George immediately covered his mouth: "Madam, wait! Would you be willing to sell this photograph?"

Tom pushed the photo forward: "How much are you asking?"

The photos in the wizarding world are different from those in the Muggle world. Mr. Lockhart's photo is like a living person being imprisoned. In the photo, Lockhart is blowing his beard and, upon seeing that the surrounding environment is a toilet, immediately looks up and carefully examines left and right.

“20 Galleons, madam.” George held up one finger. “Madam, you know, it’s just a photograph. Even if many people like Mr. Lockhart, it’s still just a photograph.”

"200 Galleons."

"35 Galleons, ma'am, this is the last price we can offer."

“150 Galleons.” Tom said without changing his expression. “I know you can make a profit. Come to the Leaky Cauldron in six days, and I will bring you a complete set of Lockhart’s works, all autographed, as well as more of his photos. I like working with you. You have connections, and I have resources.”

The two men were taken aback and looked at each other in bewilderment: "100 Galleons, miss, that's all the money we have—if that's not enough, you'll have to find someone else."

Tom handed the photo forward, his other hand emerging from under his black robe.

Thank you for your patronage.

"May our cooperation last a long time, Miss."

Tom nodded: "May our cooperation last."

“But miss, I have a suggestion.” George scratched his head. “I really can’t hold it in any longer. Could you please leave the restroom? And for the next transaction, could you please choose a slightly more suitable location?”

After receiving the money, Tom left the bar and blended into the crowd.

Fred, belatedly realizing what was happening, suddenly tapped George on the head: "Didn't you wash your hands when you covered my mouth just now?!"

George shrugged and didn't answer Fred.

Chapter 11 Don't Let Ginny's Fantasy Be Shattered

"Hello, please give me 3 stalks of Gu Si narcissus root powder, 2 spoonfuls of beetle eyeballs, 1 unicorn horn, and 2 dung stones..."

Tom read the list and took away a large bag of potion ingredients he needed—in doing so, he also emptied his bank account.

These things are really expensive!

A single unicorn horn costs a whopping 21 Galleons, leading Tom to suspect that the Potions Shop was trying to rob him.

Tom had thought about this question before.

He needs to practice potion-making, but he lacks the necessary materials.

The knowledge from books alone is far from enough; Tom needs hands-on experience and practical training!

Acquiring Gallon has always been a problem, and it wasn't until seeing Lockhart today that Tom remembered this—he could make money off Lockhart!

Given Lockhart's immense fame, his autographed items would undoubtedly fetch a hefty price if sold.

Sure enough, a single private selfie sold for a whopping 150 Galleons.

He'll have to show his true skills in the match three days from now.

This week... I might as well stay home. Apart from my regular daily workouts, I'll spend the rest of my time practicing magic and striving to win the championship!

……

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Tom was all ready to go.

"Hermione, you look like a little model today. Are you going out with your friends?"

Instead of his usual ankle boots, Tom wore tall boots, black tights, a Mika-style plaid trench coat, a black and white scarf around his neck, and his long curly hair was styled into a bun at the back of his head and covered by a beret.

"Mrs. Cheryl, you look as beautiful as ever today."

"Hermione, you have such a lovely voice."

Tom smiled and strode towards Diagon Alley.

Just yesterday, Tom completed an important milestone—his magic proficiency in all first-year magic reached LV.3.

And, I unlocked a title!

[Title: Little Wizard]

[Junior Wizard: Wearing this title reduces spellcasting mana consumption by 10% and increases casting speed by 30%.]

Despite his upgraded title, Tom remained vigilant—he knew there were some “geniuses” among the older students.

Arriving at Diagon Alley early, the participating students were already eagerly waiting there. Lockhart was dressed even more flamboyantly than last time—he practically wanted to embellish his little leather shoes with gold thread.

“Hermione—” Lockhart saw Tom and raised his hands. “Little angel, you’re here today too. I hope you can show your true strength on the field so that everyone knows how amazing you are.”

Little angel, I believe in you, you can do it!

"Lend your auspicious words."

Lockhart didn't linger on Hermione for long before heading off to find the other first-year students.

“Mr. Ron, your hair is as vibrant as it was yesterday. I’m so happy to see your smile.”

Ron wasn't as composed as Tom. At that moment, he wished he could bury his head in the ground. Meanwhile, the twins kept poking Ron's shoulder: "Hey, Ron, hold your head high, everyone's watching you."

"Ron, Mr. Lockhart is really looking forward to your victory! Ginny, look at Ron's face, it's redder than his hair, hahaha!"

……

Hogwarts School.

Hermione came and went in a hurry.

She felt like she was going crazy.

One day was fine, but after four days, Hermione finally understood what it meant to not even have time to slack off—she hadn't had a glass of milk before bed in a long time.

The mornings were occupied by Professor Snape, who seemed to have some kind of petty grudge, and would occasionally berate himself.

But thanks to handling potions for Professor Snape every day, Hermione's understanding of potions is constantly improving. Her "Snape Notebook," which she carries with her, is now full of notes and has many illustrations. This notebook is definitely no worse than the books written by third-rate potion wizards, even if it were placed in a library.

While helping out at Hagrid's place at noon, Hermione encountered many magical creatures—including a large yellow rat that accidentally bit her toe, much to Hagrid's alarm.

Hermione counted the days on her fingers.

If Tom had properly registered, today would be the day of the competition.

I really hope I can...

"Tom! What are you daydreaming about?" Snape's voice pulled Hermione back from her reverie. "Do you think you're powerful enough now to brew any potion?"

I'm telling you, you're the dumbest student I've ever met, and the most oblivious to it all!

"Professor Snape, I just..."

"Enough! I don't want to hear your nonsense!" Snape scoffed. "Here's 200 Galleons. Go to Diagon Alley and buy the materials on the list. If—if you buy even one wrong item, you know what will happen!"

Snape's icy gaze swept over Hermione, almost piercing her heart.

Diagon Alley? Diagon Alley!

She might have some time to see how Tom is doing in the competition.

If Tom wins, she can bring Mr. Lockhart's things back and put them on the bed!

"Thank you, Professor Snape!"

"Ha, you fool, so oblivious to your own limitations. You consider these time-wasting activities relaxing? Get out of my potions lab!"

Hermione bowed respectfully, took the Galleons given to her by Snape, and quickly left Hogwarts School.

Shortly after Hermione left, Dumbledore pushed open the door to the Potions Lab.