Hogwarts: My Grandmother is the Queen

Chapter 210 Tall Plants

"What I mean is," Henry said, his pace still unhurried, "that the club's current operations are proceeding according to plan. Miss Farley and Mr. Weasley are undertaking the main guidance tasks, and their professionalism and sense of responsibility have been unanimously recognized by the participants. At this stage of the club's development, we believe that maintaining the existing personnel structure and operating methods is conducive to the club's healthy, orderly, and sustainable development. As for the future, as the club expands and the needs of participants increase, we will certainly seriously consider introducing more guidance resources to better meet the students' learning needs. If you, Professor, are still interested in participating at that time, we would be very happy to consult with you."

Lockhart blinked and opened his mouth as if to say something, but Henry spoke first.

"Regarding the club's specific weekly activity schedule, group arrangements, practice content, and safety measures, these are currently being jointly determined by Miss Farley and Mr. Weasley. I always respect their professional judgment on these operational matters and trust that they can make arrangements best suited to the club's current situation. Therefore, regarding the guidance methods, content, and specific participation details you just mentioned, I'm afraid I cannot give you a definite answer at this time, as these all require discussion with Miss Farley, Mr. Weasley, and the club's other assistants, and a final decision can only be made after considering all parties' opinions."

He looked at Lockhart with a gentle and polite smile.

"So, Professor, thank you very much for your suggestion. We will consider it carefully."

Lockhart stood there, still holding the book in his hand.

His lips moved a few times, as if he were carefully studying Henry's long speech, trying to find a breakthrough to push forward.

"Your Highness, I think you may not fully understand my abilities."

“Professor,” Henry said, “we have no doubt about your abilities. Your achievements and reputation in the field of Defense Against the Dark Arts are undeniable. There is no question about that.”

He paused for a moment, then added, "As I just said, the club's arrangements need to be considered from multiple perspectives, and our primary task at present is to ensure the smooth operation of the club and the learning effectiveness of the participants. Professor, your suggestion is very valuable, and we will certainly take it seriously. As for how to implement it specifically, further discussion and arrangements are needed."

Lockhart cleared his throat and switched the book to his other hand.

"Your Highness, you have a point. The club is starting out and does need stability. I was just thinking... well, you know, I have so much experience, so many stories, so much—"

"Professor," Henry nodded, "we are all very aware of your experience and achievements. Therefore, we will certainly give your proposal serious consideration. As for when it can be implemented, that will depend on the actual situation of the club. I believe you understand this as well."

He glanced in the direction of the auditorium.

"Professor, if there's nothing else, we should go have dinner."

Lockhart paused for a moment, then nodded.

"Of course, of course. Your Highness, please go and have your meal. We can talk again another day."

"Yes, Professor," Henry said, and strode toward the auditorium.

Draco followed beside him, took a few steps, and couldn't help but look back.

Lockhart was still standing there, holding the book in his hand, looking a little dazed, as if he had just been blown by a gust of wind and hadn't had time to come back to his senses.

As Draco walked into the auditorium and sat down, he finally couldn't hold back any longer.

"Your Highness," he lowered his voice, "I didn't understand a single word you said just now."

Henry glanced at him.

"Which sentence did you not understand?"

"All of them," Draco said.

"That's the art of speaking," Henry smiled at Draco, "meaning we don't need him."

"Then why don't you just say so?" Draco asked, scratching his head.

"It's impolite to just say it directly," Henry said, picking up his bread.

"But you said so much, and he didn't understand a thing." Draco's expression became even more complicated.

"He doesn't need to understand," Henry laughed. "He just needs to know that I'm warm and polite, that's enough."

Draco opened his mouth, then closed it again.

"Your Highness, the way you speak is somewhat like my father's," he remarked sincerely.

"Really?" Henry asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes." Draco nodded. "My father did the same thing when he talked to those people at the Ministry of Magic. He'd say a lot, say everything and then say nothing at all. The other person would feel like they were being taken seriously, but they wouldn't know what they actually got out of it."

Pansy remarked from the side, "That's called diplomatic language."

Draco glanced at her.

How did you know?

"That's what my mom said," Pansy said. "She said that when you're talking to someone you don't want to offend, you should do it this way—it's like you haven't said anything at all, but it makes people feel like you've said a lot."

Daphne added from the side, "Moreover, the other party was too embarrassed to ask any further questions."

Lockhart did not contact Henry again in the following days.

But when we meet in the hallway, he still greets us with a smile, and that smile is as bright as ever.

Henry greeted him with a smile, warmly and politely, but knew nothing about the subject.

He deeply understood the essence of high plants.

It's the kind of person who answers everything you say enthusiastically, but when you think about it later, you realize they didn't agree to anything, made any promises, or say anything at all.

The British are also extremely good at this skill.

Draco couldn't help but take a second look every time he saw this scene.

One time, after Lockhart had walked a distance, he finally couldn't resist and leaned over to whisper, "Your Highness, what exactly did you mean by what you just said to him?"

Henry glanced at him.

"It means absolutely nothing," he said. "If you just say it directly, he'll have even more questions. He'll ask why, when, how. Every question needs an explanation, and every explanation leads to more questions. In the end, you'll find yourself discussing something you don't want to discuss at all."

Draco thought about it and felt like he had grasped something.

"So you shut him down with a bunch of words."

"It wasn't about blocking him back," Henry corrected. "It was about letting him walk back on his own. After hearing what happened, he felt taken seriously, but he couldn't find a reason to keep asking questions, so he had no choice but to leave."

Draco exclaimed in surprise, "Your Highness, your skill is even harder to learn than Professor Snape's Potions class."

Henry smiled.

"You'll get it with practice."

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