Most Unlikable Hogwarts Teacher Was Also The Most Important One For Harry Potter
Dumbledore once appointed the Dark Lord himself, a Death Eater, a werewolf, and even a complete slacker to the position of Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Though there are more questions about the last one, perhaps it was Dumbledore's genius plan that led Harry Potter to victory over the forces of evil?
Well, one Redditor came up with an interesting theory.
When discussing the influential teachers in Harry Potter's life, it is often the stalwart figures like Dumbledore and Snape that come to mind.
However, one must not overlook the unexpected importance of Gilderoy Lockhart, the notoriously unlikable Hogwarts professor.
Despite his flaws, Lockhart inadvertently played a crucial role in shaping Harry's magical abilities and ultimately became the catalyst for his triumph over Lord Voldemort.
Lockhart's tenure at Hogwarts was marked by excessive self-promotion and a lack of true magical ability. Beneath his flamboyant facade, however, lays a single lesson that resonated with Harry — Expelliarmus, the Disarming Charm.
This seemingly simple spell, which Harry learned in the Dueling Club during his second year, became an integral part of his magical repertoire.
Expelliarmus proved to be Harry's go-to spell in numerous life-or-death situations. It allowed him to disarm Snape so that he could see the flashback with his father.
The charm even caused the special effect in the graveyard where the ghosts of the dead, but loved ones, appeared and helped defeat Voldemort.
The significance of Expelliarmus went beyond its immediate defensive capabilities.
It became a symbol of Harry's character and his instinct to protect rather than harm, his refusal to succumb to darkness, and his commitment to valuing life over power.
These qualities ultimately led to his victory over the Dark Lord.
In the Deathly Hallows, it was once again Expelliarmus. The spell allowed Harry to gain possession of the Elder Wand, one of the most powerful magical artifacts in existence.
By disarming Draco Malfoy, who had unwittingly become the wand's master, Harry inadvertently became its true owner, cementing his place as the Chosen One destined to defeat Voldemort.
Though many say it is more likely that Snape taught Harry way more in a battle with the fake professor than the latter, it was Lockhart who organized the Dueling Club.
The Disarming Charm became the cornerstone of the Harry's magical prowess, giving him the courage, morality, and tactical advantage necessary to confront and defeat the most feared dark wizard of all time.
While Lockhart's incompetence and self-centeredness may overshadow his limited contributions to the Hogwarts curriculum, the unintentional impact he had on Potter's magical education cannot be denied.
Source: Reddit