Chapter 275: Misleading Reports
Chapter 275: Misleading Reports (Please subscribe, favorite, and vote)
Liam found a corner to stand in after the broom cupboard door was closed, as he wasn't familiar with anyone else in the room. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long. Bagman soon called everyone to sit down, and Dumbledore descended from upstairs.
"Where's Harry?" Dumbledore scanned the room and then asked Liam.
"He's being interviewed by that female journalist", Liam pointed to the broom cupboard door and replied.
Dumbledore strode forward and yanked open the broom cupboard door, then looked down at Rita Skeeter and Harry.
"Dumbledore!" Rita Skeeter immediately reacted, exclaiming cheerfully, "How are you?" she said, standing up and extending a large, mannish hand toward Dumbledore, "Did you happen to read my article about the International Confederation of Wizards' conference this summer?"
"It was excellent", Dumbledore said, his eyes gleaming, "I particularly enjoyed the part where you described me as a rigid old lunatic."
"Professor Dumbledore, you really know how to play the game", Liam thought to himself, glancing out the window.
However, Dumbledore's retort had little effect on someone as thick-skinned as Rita Skeeter. She responded naturally, "I was merely trying to point out that some of your views are a bit outdated, Dumbledore. Many wizards outside—"
"I'm always happy to hear your candid reasoning, Rita", Dumbledore said, smiling and bowing politely, "But I'm afraid we'll have to discuss this later. The Wand Verification Ceremony is about to begin, and if we linger any longer, it won't proceed as planned."
Harry, clearly fed up with the journalist, quickly seized the opportunity to sit down next to Liam.
The wand check followed, with each Champion's wand being meticulously inspected. Mr. Ollivander would then report on its current condition, functionality, and confirm that it was in good working order, ready to face the upcoming challenges.
During these inspections, Mr. Ollivander subtly highlighted the superior qualities of his own wands and offered some comments on those made by other artisans. While these comments seemed neutral, they were, in fact, somewhat critical of his competitors. After all, as a rival, he wouldn't praise their work.
The wand check is a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament, much like soldiers inspecting their weapons before battle.
When Professor Dumbledore announced the end of the inspection, Harry was the first to jump up and try to slip away. However, he was stopped by the photographer.
"Photos, Dumbledore, photos!" Bagman exclaimed excitedly, "A group photo with the judges and Champions, what do you think, Rita?" Clearly, as a Ministry of Magic official, especially one responsible for this tournament, Bagman was eager to be seen.
"Hmm—alright, let's start with the group photo", Rita Skeeter, always looking for a big scoop, seized the opportunity and her gaze fell on Harry again, "Perhaps we'll take a few individual shots later."
Perhaps due to the large number of participants, after taking a group photo that prominently featured Harry, Rita Skeeter only chose Harry, Krum, and Fleur for individual shots. Liam and the other two Champions were quickly dismissed after a cursory individual photo.
After the photos were taken, Rita Skeeter pulled Harry aside for a one-on-one interview. Seeing him look at Liam with a pleading expression, Liam could only make a helpless face and quickly slipped away. As he left, he noticed the Champions from the other schools looking at Harry with envy, clearly unaware of the dangers of the real world.
The day after the interview, Harry woke up and exchanged only a few stiff words with Ron before heading to the Great Hall for breakfast. On his way, he noticed many people giving him strange looks. This feeling reached its peak when he sat down at the Gryffindor table, where everyone was looking at him with a mix of curiosity, disdain, and admiration.
"What's going on?" Harry finally couldn't bear the atmosphere and asked loudly. The students around him exchanged glances, and then Neville handed him a copy of the Daily Prophet.
Harry unfolded the newspaper and saw that Rita Skeeter's article about the Triwizard Tournament had been published. The article, more than reporting on the tournament, seemed to embellish Harry's personal life. The front page was dominated by a large photo of Harry, and the article (continued on pages two, six, and seven) focused almost entirely on him. Fleur and Krum's names were squeezed into the last line and misspelled. Liam and the other two participants were not even mentioned by name, just referred to as "other contestants."
The second, sixth, and seventh pages of the newspaper were all about Harry's romantic life. It was filled with nauseating details about Harry and Ron's relationship. Rita Skeeter wrote lengthy, revolting passages and even included others' opinions about Harry.
Harry has finally found his first love at Hogwarts. His close friend Colin Creevey said that Harry is inseparable from a boy named Ron Weasley.
But this year, due to Ron's worry about Harry's participation in the tournament, a cold war has erupted between them. According to reliable sources, they haven't spoken to each other for a long time.
Well, it seems that even without Hermione, Harry can still be the subject of gossip. After this report was published, Harry and Ron's relationship worsened, and they now try to avoid each other outside of classes.
After two weeks of preparation, Liam felt he was ready. Fortunately, the school approved a trip to Hogsmeade Village for students in their third year and above on the Saturday before the first task. Liam took this opportunity to relax.
"At least Rita Skeeter didn't catch me that day, or I'd be in trouble", Liam said to Hermione while eating a cotton candy that floated in front of him. "I heard from Neville that he and Ron switched beds. Now Ron sleeps on the bed farthest from Harry in the dorm."
"But that reporter is just making things up", Hermione said, puzzled. "Why do such silly rumors last for two weeks in the school?"
"It's jealousy. After all, Harry didn't show his strength by breaking the Age Line like I did. Many people think Harry must have used some underhanded means, and they probably feel they could have been in the spotlight too. Besides, the wizarding world is so boring. This kind of fabricated news can satisfy some wizards' empty minds", Liam explained the reason for the current situation to Hermione.
After visiting a few shops and feeling a bit cold, the two went to the Three Broomsticks for a heated Butterbeer. When they felt warm again, they said hello to Ginny, who looked a bit odd sitting alone, and then returned to the school.
As they approached the lawn in front of the castle, they suddenly heard a howl from the Forbidden Forest.
"I need to check on the Wolf. You go to the Library first", Liam said to Hermione after hearing the howl, and then quickly ran towards the Forbidden Forest.
(End of Chapter)
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