Disclaimer: I don't own -Man or Harry Potter.
Chapter 9 – Rita Skeeter's Article
The champions and their guards all headed down to the Great Hall. With the exception of Harry, it was the first time that the students had seen Allen, Kanda, Lavi and Lenalee interact.
"So what did you do to scare her, Yu?" Lavi asked Kanda, eyes twinkling. Kanda's arm twitched towards Mugen.
"Don't. Call. Me. That," he hissed menacingly. Lavi just laughed and stuck his tongue out.
"Lavi, stop winding Kanda up," Lenalee sighed. Allen nodded in agreement.
"But it's so much fun!" Lavi protested.
"Dodging Mugen is not my idea of fun," Allen observed. "Are you sure you're not masochistic?"
"But Yu's not allowed to draw Mugen unless Harry's in danger," Lavi pointed out. "So I'm safe."
"Not after curfew, you're not," Kanda smirked. Lavi immediately froze. "I haven't been able to utilise Mugen properly for weeks."
The champions inwardly shuddered, and Harry was left wondering why he was the one that had to put up with Kanda. Surely Kanda was going to end up killing him before the year was out?
"I don't envy you," Cedric leaned over and whispered in his ear.
"I didn't expect you too," Harry pointed out. "I just don't talk to him. It seems the safest option." Cedric laughed.
Krum turned to talk to the pretty part-Veela that was walking alongside him, but at her thoughtful face decided to remain quiet. She was surveying Kanda curiously, he noticed, and her eyes kept being drawn to his chest before flickering to the sword.
"Am I ze only one zat zinks 'e is different?" she asked him in an undertone.
"I do not see vhat you mean," he admitted after a moment's thought. "Aside from the killer instinct, he seems perfectly normal."
"'E feels slightly… off… to me," Fleur admitted. "Almost as if 'e is not 'uman." Krum turned to her, eyes wide.
"Not human?" he inquired. "Vhat do you mean?"
"I… ah, it iz 'ard to explain. 'E iz definitely 'uman, but zhere iz a 'int of somezing else," she murmured. Krum shrugged.
"I am sure that it vill prove to be nothing important, othervise he vould not be a bodyguard," he reassured her. She didn't look convinced, but said nothing more on the matter and turned her gaze to the still-bickering males. Lenalee caught her eyes and smiled apologetically.
The Great Hall was still largely empty when they entered, but they still went to sit at their usual tables, not comfortable with the idea of all sitting together – especially not Harry and Cedric, because it would mean that one of them would have to abandon their house for the meal.
Harry ate quickly, the noticeable lack of Hermione making things quite awkward as there was no-one to talk to save Kanda, who was still in a bad mood following his argument with the 'Baka Usagi' and 'Moyashi' – whatever they meant. He assumed it was less-than-polite Japanese. Thankfully, Kanda was more than happy to leave when Harry had finished his food, and they headed back to the Gryffindor Common Room in a not-quite companionable silence. He muttered the password, inwardly wincing at the thought of all the homework he had yet to start. Heading to the dormitory with Kanda in tow, he saw Ron, who pointed out the school barn owl he had sent to Sirius sitting on his bed.
"Detention's tomorrow night, Snape's dungeon," he added sourly before briskly vacating the room. Kanda eyed the owl suspiciously and, quick as a flash, grabbed it, making it hoot in alarm. Retrieving the letter none-to-gently, he scanned it before declaring it safe and handing it to Harry. Silently apologising to the owl, which had flown off the moment it was released, he opened Sirius' reply.
Harry –
I can't say everything I would like to in a letter, it's too risky in case the owl is intercepted – we need to talk, face to face. Can you ensure that you are alone by the fire in Gryffindor Tower at one o'clock in the morning on the 22nd November?
I know better than anyone that you can look after yourself, and while you're around Dumbledore and Moody I doubt anyone will be able to hurt you, especially now that you've acquired a bodyguard. However, someone seems to be having a good try. Entering you in that Tournament would have been very risky, especially right under Dumbledore's nose.
Be on the watch, Harry. I still want to hear about anything unusual. Let me know about the 22nd November as quickly as you can. Stay safe, and stick with this Kanda – if Dumbledore appointed him then he's obviously trustworthy.
Sirius.
Harry glanced at the Japanese, who was studying him.
"I'll be there," Kanda said before he could so much as open his mouth. "I don't care what anyone else says – you cannot meet with someone I haven't met and approved without me." Harry had expected the answer, but was still apprehensive about the samurai meeting his godfather, a wanted criminal.
Cedric had spotted some of his friends already at the table and he and Lavi had made a beeline for them.
"How was it?" Ailey asked him as he sat down.
"Not too bad," Cedric shrugged. "Ollivander checked my wand, we had our photos taken and then we were all interviewed by Rita Skeeter." His friends winced sympathetically.
"You realise that Potter's interview is going to take up the entire article, right?" Warren asked.
"And that anything she does include relating to you won't have any relevance to what you said?" Dillan added.
Cedric sighed but nodded.
"Oh?" Lavi asked. "Does Ms Skeeter have a tendency for unfair reporting?"
"Unfair?" Marvin exploded. "She's the most biased reporter that writes for the Daily Prophet!"
"And that's saying something," David added. "They're all twisted." Lavi's eyes gleamed briefly with interest, but it was masked before the Hufflepuffs noticed.
"Shall we go and finish our homework?" Cedric asked glumly. "Champion or not, everyone expects me to still do all my schoolwork." Groaning at the thought, they finished their meals before disappearing into the Hufflepuff Common Room to work.
Krum stoically ignored everyone – Slytherins and Durmstrang students alike – who inquired after his afternoon. There was no reason for them to know about his interview – a thought that Karkaroff clearly didn't share as he chatted animatedly with whoever would listen about the upcoming article in the Daily Prophet. Krum didn't care. He doubted that it would be true, anyway. In his experience, reporters were very good at twisting the truth and making things up. He was still slightly troubled about what Fleur had mentioned about Kanda, and seeing as there was no point worrying about the unknown task he decided to take a visit to Hogwarts' impressive library. There was no denying the fact that he also hoped to spot a certain young lady there.
Allen stood when he did – it amazed Krum that he was able to eat so quickly despite the larger than average portions that he ate – and silently followed. Krum was tempted to ask him, but decided that it would be a more interesting use of his time to research. It would also give him a better idea as to the layout of the library, which might be important in the other tasks. He started with a book on magical creatures, eager to first of all find out more about the Veela. While he knew more than perhaps others did, thanks to them being his team's mascots in Quidditch, he still wanted to double check some things as one of the other competitors was part-Veela. Allen, he noticed, stayed close to him, occasionally picking up some books or other, while he began to read through his chosen book. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them seemed like a good starting point as he looked for a creature that was human but not.
Gabrielle was waiting for her sister in the Great Hall and she soon fell to telling her all about the afternoon, including the attempts of Professor Nine and Lenalee to ensure that she was not overshadowed by the two celebrities she was competing against. Gabrielle thanked Lenalee profusely, who nodded in acknowledgment but waved it off as something any decent person would have done.
"When are our next self-defence lessons?" Fleur asked Lenalee in quiet French. The Chinese girl took a moment to process the words before replying.
"Tomorrow," she said in the same language. "You never know, it may come in useful in the tasks – no I don't know what it is," she added apologetically. "They must think that it's fairer if we don't know, either." Fleur nodded understandingly.
"Makes sense," she admitted. "Your French is improving very well."
"Thanks," Lenalee smiled, switching back to Chinese. "Your Chinese has also been improving at an impressive rate." Like Lenalee a few moments before, Fleur took a moment to formulate a response before speaking.
"I had a good teacher," she pointed out.
"You are learning Chinese?" a girl sitting opposite them asked quietly in the same language.
"Lenalee iz teaching me," Fleur said, reverting back to English.
"It's a good language," the girl smiled. "My name is Cho Chang, by the way."
"Fleur Delacour," the Beauxbatons champion replied.
"Lenalee Lee," Lenalee chipped in with a smile.
The three girls began to talk about what had happened so far in the Tournament – mainly Harry's selection – and Lenalee answered all the questions Cho had concerning Rōzukurosu Academy. Her thirst for knowledge rivalled that of Lavi's, Lenalee observed as she spoke. Then again, looking around at the other Ravenclaws in the vicinity, she could see that it appeared to be a common trait within the house. No doubt Lavi would have felt right at home amongst them.
Eventually, conversation was exhausted and they headed off to the Beauxbatons carriage where Fleur intending on doing some studying.
The Daily Prophet article was released later that week and, as expected, none of the interviewees were too pleased with how it had turned out.
The three champions for this year's Triwizard Tournament – the first in nearly two hundred years – were selected on Hallowe'en by the Goblet of Fire. Amazingly, once the three champions were called out a fourth name was also selected – none other than the Boy Who Lived, also known as Harry Potter. Another stirring twist is that of the presence of an unknown fourth school, which goes by the name of Rosecross Academy of Combatant Magic, of which four students were chosen to act as protectors for the champions outside of the three Tasks. Younger readers may not be aware of how the Tournament proceeds, so your reporter has given a detailed account on the ins and outs of previous years (turn to page nine).
Your reporter was privileged to attend the Weighing of the Wands ceremony, in which the contestants' wands are checked to ensure that they are fully functional in order to give them the best chances of survival. As expected, all wands were in perfect condition, and your reporter was then given an opportunity to conduct interviews with not only the champions, but their personal guards as well.
Beauxbatons Academy of Magic – Fleur Delacour
Mademoiselle Delacour is accompanied by the only female Rosecross Academy student, one Lenalee Lee, who is of Chinese heritage. Neither are native English speakers, which becomes apparent when asked questions as they both required time to answer in order to understand what they were asked, and only gave short replies (for the ease of readers, their grammar has been corrected). Mademoiselle Delacour is in her final year of Beauxbatons, and as such is eighteen years old. She answered her questions first:
"I am deeply honoured to have been chosen, but it came as no surprise to me. I always knew I was the best candidate out of those Madam Maxime chose to bring."
When asked about her chances of winning, she became very insistent.
"Of course I am going to win!" she exclaimed passionately. "The boys have nothing on my abilities!"
Upon concluding the interview with her, your reporter asked Lenalee some questions. She is sixteen years old and an orphan.
"Out of everyone that could have been chosen, Professor Wenhamm (the headmaster of Rosecross Academy) chose me because I am the best female student, and better than most of the boys."
When the topic of her parent's death was brought up she showed very little emotion, perhaps a worrying trait in someone responsible for another's life.
"They were killed by burglars several years ago, before I started at the Academy. I'm not alone, though – my older brother teaches Transfiguration there."
It seems very worrying that a girl with no parents and only a much-older brother to turn to has been charged with the safety of another, when her mental state is surely questionable.
When asked as to her fighting abilities, she chose not to reply, although it is known that she does not carry a wand.
Durmstrang Institute – Viktor Krum
Mr Krum, none other than the famous Seeker for the Bulgarian National Quidditch Team, was unsurprisingly selected by the Goblet of Fire to represent his school. Despite his understandable English, he neglected to give long answers (again, for the ease of the readers his grammar has been corrected). He is accompanied by Allen Walker.
"If anyone else had been chosen I would have been furious. I am clearly the best in the school and my fame would have automatically won me my place."
When asked about his chances, he gave a similar response to Fleur.
"Of course I will win. There is no other alternative."
At this point, he refused to answer any more questions so your reporter turned to Mr Walker. He is fifteen years old and, like Lenalee, an orphan.
"I was obviously chosen for my ability to communicate. Also a superior fighter, but most of my school mates are inept at talking to others."
He fended off all questions pertaining to his orphan status, and like Lenalee revealing no emotions regarding the lack of parents.
"They died."
While slightly more welcoming than Lenalee, helped by his obvious English heritage, he still seems to have a darker past, which is again worrying concerning the life with which he is tasked to protect.
He, too, neglected to answer questions on his fighting style.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – Cedric Diggory
Mr Diggory is the epitome of all good Hufflepuffs. Hardworking and loyal, he makes an unlikely champion, until his interview reveals more. Seventeen years old, and in his sixth year of Hogwarts, he is accompanied by Lavi Bookman.
"I look forwards to competing in the tasks. My house is often overlooked and for once I want to be the school hero, not Harry."
When asked about his thoughts on Harry's surprise selection he became bitter.
"He says that he didn't do it, and I find it hard to believe that he is powerful enough to surpass the Age Line. He's only young, after all. That doesn't mean I'm happy about the added competition. It's torn the support of most of the school away from me as they all vote for the Boy Who Lived."
When asked if he thinks he can win, he's all confidence.
"Of course I can! Harry's no threat, and the other two can barely speak English!"
With that, the interview was over and your reporter turned to Mr Bookman. Lavi is eighteen years old, and overly enthusiastic at the idea of an interview.
"Well, someone's got to have brains here and the others are no-hopers in that department so of course I was chosen!"
He then quickly backtracked and informed your reporter that Lenalee was also very intelligent, once past the language barrier. He refused, however, to answer any questions on his own past or his weaponry, aside from how good he was at using it, and at this point began questioning your reporter, including immature attempts at flirting. At this point, the interview was concluded.
It appears worrisome that yet another of the guards for the champions appears to have a very secretive life and shows obvious signs of insanity.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – Harry Potter
Harry's past requires no explaining. As the hero responsible for the downfall of He Who Must Not Be Named, he is already very famous and obviously powerful. His companion is referred to as Kanda. Unlike the others, Harry was all too happy to answer in depth.
"I was really pleased to be selected. Of course, once I passed the Age Line I was sure that the Goblet would select me but I have to admit it got rather scary when Cedric's name was called out as the Hogwarts champion. But then the Goblet decided to choose me as well, despite my age. After all, I undoubtedly have the most experience out of any student that was in the Hall."
He refused to disclose how he managed to pass the Age Line that had been drawn around the Goblet, although his grin clearly showed how proud he was that he had managed it.
At this point the line of questioning turned towards James and Lily Potter. Tears welled in those startlingly green eyes as he thinks back to the parents he can barely remember.
"I suppose I get my strength from my parents, I know they'd be very proud of me if they could see me now. I'm not ashamed to admit that sometimes at night I still cry about them. I know nothing will hurt me during the Tournament, because they're watching over me."
At this point he choked up, and your reporter allowed him a reprieve in order to regain his composure before continuing.
"My friends and the rest of the school have been really supportive. I feel bad for Cedric because he should be getting equal support but no matter how much I ask them to, only Hufflepuff are giving him any support at all while everyone else claims that he's a fake champion. He isn't – the Goblet chose him like it did the rest of us."
His compassion for one of his rivals is outstanding and your reporter hopes that after reading this, many Hogwarts students will see fit to give equal support to both their champions. To conclude the interview, he is asked if he thinks he can win.
"I like to think that I can, but the other students are so much more advanced than I am so it'll be difficult. But at the end of the day, I think I'll manage to pull through."
Other students have been full of nothing but praise for Harry. One close friend, Colin Creevey, says that Harry is rarely seen outside the company of one Hermione Granger, a stunningly pretty Muggle-born girl who, like Harry, is one of the top students in the school. It seems that Harry has at last found love at Hogwarts.
After Harry's pleasant demeanour, the interview with Kanda runs far less smoothly. To begin with, he ignores your reporter's questions. This was thought to be due to an inability to comprehend English, as he hails from Japan, but when your reporter suggested finding a translator he grew violent and agitated before proving that his English was, in fact, almost fluent, although he only spoke in short sentences.
"Because I'm the best."
This was the reaction when asked why he was chosen. Your reporter noted that the self-proclaimed 'best' had been chosen to guard the youngest and most famous of the four champions. At this point, he referred to Harry as the 'illegal' champion and iterated that he was only supposed to provide backup if necessary.
Your reporter attempted to ask him more questions, but was threatened by his sword – the only one of the Rosecross Academy students' weapons that is visible to the casual observer – and so the interview was halted.
Your reporter must ask why the students that have been chosen to guard the champions have such violent and insane mentalities – surely Albus Dumbledore has a reason for this unless he has finally succumbed to old age and has gone senile, as it is thought that the guards were his idea. Not enough is known about Rosecross Academy to know if all the students are of similar levels of insanity.
The main picture was that of all the champions, bodyguards and judges, and each of the interview sections was accompanied by the picture that had been taken of the respective champion and companion.
Harry in particular seemed to get a lot of abuse from the rest of the school as a result of his 'interview' – none of which he had actually said and he was horrified at what he had turned his non-committal noises into. He also doubted that the others' interviews had been recorded terribly accurately, although he had to admit that she'd almost got it right with Kanda.
"She's determined to make you the tragic hero and everyone else the villains," Hermione had informed him after reading it. "Ignore it." He tried to, but without the help of Ron it had proven difficult.
Unfortunately, the day of their detention had also been the day the article had been released and so Ron had seemed determined to be as cool as possible towards him while they were forced to pickle rats' brains in Snape's dungeon. Malfoy had found the article highly amusing, but under the watchful eyes of both Snape and Kanda – of who he seemed to be terrified of – he had kept his teasing to a minimum until the two hours were up and he was once again surrounded by his cronies.
Cedric supposed that Rita Skeeter's rendition of his interview could have gone far worse. Luckily, the rest of the school didn't believe that he was as arrogant as he had been portrayed which was, admittedly, less than Krum. His friends had been outraged, but after pointing out that he was lucky to get a mention at all they quietened down. It didn't help their attitude towards Harry, though. They knew Rita Skeeter's penchant for twisting words, but they still found it unbearably arrogant. Lavi seemed completely unaffected, despite the many queer looks he was getting for flirting with Rita Skeeter. When questioned, he laughed.
"What can I say? I like older women!"
Krum ignored the article, as he did every media article about him. His arrogant portrayal didn't bother him much, as he knew all his classmates felt him arrogant anyway. He wasn't – they just didn't want to get to know him after he became Karkaroff's favourite. Allen seemed equally determined to ignore the damning article. He had been short because Mana's death still hurt and he didn't want to talk about it, not because he didn't care.
Fleur found the slur on her English to be very insulting. She recognised that she wasn't the most fluent but found it upsetting that Rita Skeeter had exaggerated it so much. She didn't let down the façade of confidence that she had built for herself, however, choosing instead to confide in Lenalee, who told her not to worry about it. People like Rita Skeeter weren't worth it. The younger girl's guidance benefitted them both greatly and soon Fleur was laughing with her friends and Gabrielle again.
I hope you liked the article and Rita Skeeter's twist on everything that took place within the interviews because it was fun to write.
Thanks for reading!
Tsari
