Chapter 7: The Daily Prophet

November came with a chilling breeze, much like the one that seemed to sweep Harry Potter away when his name was called out of the Goblet.

He swore he hadn't put it in. He couldn't even fathom how anyone could possibly get past the age line Dumbledore had drawn. In fact, he couldn't think of anything worse than competing in a tournament that could put his life in danger yet again. He was adamant he hadn't done it. And yet, people refused to believe him.

Ron was angry at him. The rest of his house were too, or were far more interested with finding out how he'd put his name in the Goblet, rather than checking if he was alright. The Hufflepuffs had turned cold with the Gryffindors, which apparently had also been Harry's fault, somehow. Even Neville avoided him.

Harry found himself in the Owlery that November morning, having skipped breakfast. He'd sent a letter out to Sirius as soon as he could, thanks to Hermione's influence, but he couldn't find it in himself to leave. How could he possibly face the entire school, half of which couldn't bare to look at him? He'd much rather stay in the cold Owlery tower until the Tournament was over, thank you very much. Maybe he could convince Hedwig to deliver him food for the rest of the school year. Or at least until they pronounced him missing and unable to compete in the tournament. Anything seemed better than facing Ron and the entirety of the student body.

He didn't know how long he'd been sat in the Owlery before the sound of gentle footsteps caught his attention. He turned his head to the entrance of the Owlery, and to his surprise, none other than Madeline Bisset appeared, a Slytherin scarf wrapped tightly around her neck. She barely registered his presence, instead rushing over to a school owl and tying a letter to its talons. She argued with the bird for a few moments, feeding it treats, before it took off. Both of them watched it soar out into the sky in silence.

Eventually, Madeline turned to look at the boy properly for the first time since her arrival, pausing for just a moment, as if considering something, before walking over to him, seating herself next to him.

"So," she started awkwardly, "Quite a scene last night, huh?"

Harry scoffed as she drew her knees up to her chest, the two sat on the floor against the cold brick wall of the Owlery, "Tell me about it."

She paused for just a moment, considering the silence between them, "Who do you think put your name in the Goblet?"

Harry snapped his head around, staring at Madeline in a mix of confusion and delight. For once, someone didn't think he'd done it? He felt immediate relief.

"I have no idea," Harry replied honestly, "And, for the record, I'm not happy about it."

Madeline snorted, "Well, obviously, otherwise you wouldn't be skulking with a bunch of birds. The whole Tournament is a glorified death trap, and you definitely aren't in a position to try your luck with death, again. At least, that's what I've heard."

Harry smiled softly at the girls' attitude, turning his head back round, watching the sky through one of the windows, "You've been here a month now, haven't you?"

"Just about, yeah," Madeline nodded, adding sarcastically, "Time flies when you're having fun."

"Is it what you thought it would be?"

Madeline shrugged her shoulders, "I didn't really put any expectations up for this place, you know? All I knew was that I was coming here, effective immediately."

"Why Hogwarts and not Beauxbatons?" Harry asked, "I mean, you're from France, right?"

"My mum used to teach there. She's gone back to cover some teachers during the Tournament," Madeline explained, "Would be a bit awkward, wouldn't it? And it's quite fun moving away from home for the first time, I think."

Harry hummed in agreement, not really paying attention to her words all so much. To be honest, he was just glad to have a distraction from what awaited him when he left the Owlery.

"You know, you shouldn't be hard on yourself about this whole thing," Madeline began changing the subject, "Its not your fault you got chosen. If other people think it is, then screw them."

Harry didn't reply, but a small smile graced his lips, showing Madeline he appreciated her words.

The two sat in a comfortable silence. Harry didn't have anything to say, and Madeline knew that she'd said enough.

Later that same day, after her morning encounter with Harry, Madeline had decided to once again venture to the west courtyard, where most of the fourth-year students were lounging between classes. She sat with Theo and Daphne on a stone bench, the latter sat on the ground with her back leaning against Madeline's legs. Theo was busying himself with yet another book (perhaps the third in the last two days), and Daphne was practicing some form of wand movement to go along with a charm. However, the trio were fare more interested in talking to each other than whatever homework they had left.

A Hufflepuff girl named Hannah Abbott had made her way around the small groups in the courtyard, offering 'Potter Stinks!' badges. Madeline politely declined (much to Daphne's dismay), charming them to say 'Gryffindor Sucks!' when the Hufflepuff girl wasn't looking. To her surprise, most people in the courtyard wore them, and seemed quite happy to.

Sat in a tree on the other side of the courtyard was Malfoy, who Madeline pointedly ignored. She had not forgotten the fact that he had called her Dearborn, her fathers name, and a name that she hadn't heard directed to her in quite a long time. She focused on the book in her hands as Malfoy and his goons loudly chatted and laughed together, mostly at other students expenses. Honestly, she was lucky she didn't spend all that much time around him in the Slytherin dungeons.

It was only when a certain Gryffindor walked past did the conversation get interesting, and also a lot more public.

"Ah, look, boys, it's the champion," Malfoy loudly announced to his trusty goons. Everyone's eyes turned to the Boy Who Lived, who stood in front of the tree like a deer in headlights.

"Here we go," Madeline grumbled as Malfoy continued.

"Got your autograph books? Better get a signature now, because I doubt he's going to be around much longer," Malfoy announced to the courtyard, jumping down from the tree and making his way over to Harry, "How long d'you reckon you're going to last, Potter?"

"Honestly Malfoy, sometimes I can't tell if your squawking is you, or a Mandrake with bad breath," Madeline called from the side of the courtyard, earning herself a sharp nudge from Theo, "Oi, what?"

Snickers echoed through the courtyard, particularly from the Gryffindors, as Theo hissed, "Don't get involved!"

"Why not?"

"Because Moody already has an eye on both of you," Theo pointed out, gesturing at his two friends, "And if we lose even one more house point, then Pansy turning your bed to jelly will be the least of your problems."

Madeline huffed and she stood up, "Alright fine, but I'm going to watch."

"Me too," Daphne agreed, following her friend over closer to the tree. By now, a small group had formed around the Gryffindor and Slytherin boys, the trio of friends pushing in front of the crowd.

"Go on then Potter, how'd you do it?" Malfoy sneered, arrogance seeping out of his every pore, "My father and I have a bet you see; I don't think you're going to last ten minutes in this tournament. He disagrees, he thinks you won't last five!"

"I don't give a damn what your father thinks, Malfoy," Harry suddenly snapped back, pushing the blonde boy away from him. An echo of 'oohs' circled the two, edging on the fight, "He's vile, and cruel, and you're just pathetic."

Harry turned away, ready to walk away from the fight. Malfoy, however, had other plans. He whipped his wand out of his robe sleeve, pointing it at Harry's back. The crowd gasped.

"Pathetic? I'll show you pathetic," Malfoy sneered, raising his wand.

"Where are his mates?!" Madeline hissed, "The Wealsey kid, where is he?"

"Apparently he's annoyed at Harry too," Daphne gossiped as the two girls kept their eyes on the fight.

Before Malfoy could utter a single incantation, a blast of light hit him, coming from behind a pillar by the nearby walkway. Professor Moody stepped out just as Malfoy began shrinking-

And turning into a small white ferret.

Madeline was the first to burst out in giggles, clutching her stomach tightly as she dissolved in a fit of laughter. Everyone joined moments after, Daphne barely keeping herself upright. The ferret looked around in confusion as Moody stumbled over, muttering as he commanded the ferret with his wand.

"Oh no you don't laddie. Serves you right; trying to attack a student when their back is turned," the Professor mumbled under the roaring sound of laughter. Even Harry Potter was grinning ear to ear.

Madeline felt tears streaming down her face at the sight. Sure, it was a bit barbaric, and she most certainly didn't like Moody, but this was exactly what Malfoy deserved.

Moody's wand controlled the ferret - Malfoy, lifting it up in the air and making it spin.

"This is the best day ever," Madeline managed over her laughter. However, her glee was unfortunately cut short by the sight of Professor McGonagall rushing over to the group hastily.

"Professor Moody!" the woman shouted, "What are you doing?"

"Teaching," replied Moody simply, still bouncing the ferret in the air.

McGonagall looked at Moody in disbelief, "Moody, is that a student?!"

"Technically, it's a ferret," Moody corrected her, Madeline bursting into another fit of laughter. By now, even the Hufflepuff students had gathered round, Cedric standing in front of them all with a grin on his face.

"Moody, we never use Transfiguration as a punishment!" said Professor McGonagall shrilly. Moody huffed and dropped the ferret to the floor, Crabbe and Goyle scampering over to try and grab him, "Surely Professor Dumbledore told you that?"

"He might've mentioned it, yes," Moody replied as McGonagall pointed her wand at the ferret. Almost instantly, the ferret turned back to Malfoy, who looked around the group with wild eyes and tousled hair. The sight of it almost sent Madeline back into hysterics once again.

"We give detentions, Moody! Or speak to the offender's Head of House!"

"I'll do that, then," Moody huffed.

Malfoy looked at Moody with a sour expression on his face, adjusting his robes as he stepped back, "My father will hear about this!"

"Oh yeah?" Moody snapped as Malfoy hastily turned, running away with his goons in tow, "I could tell you stories about your father that would make your greasy hair curl!"

"Moody; my office!" McGonagall shouted, turning to the rest of the students surrounding them, "What are you waiting for? Away!"

Immediately, the small crowd started dispersing. Madeline wiped the tears from her eyes, turning to her friends gleefully, "I love this school, have I mentioned that?"

"Amazing," Daphne agreed, "Truly, truly amazing."

Madeline grinned at her two… Oh, who was she kidding. They were most certainly her friends now. As much as she wanted to fight off the idea of attachments, there was no denying it. And looking back at the courtyard where Malfoy had been bounced around as a ferret just a few moments before, Madeline knew that she'd gotten her revenge for the Dearborn thing.

Now, to make sure Malfoy never bothered her again.

Madeline caught onto what was happening to Harry rather quickly.

It was no secret that the Gryffindors could have a flare for the dramatics (and not in a good way like the Slytherins did). They were self-important idiots who liked to see themselves as the heroes in any and all scenarios. Sure, some of them were alright, but Madeline was no fool in thinking they didn't all act the same behind closed doors. At least, that's what she had learnt over the period of the last month.

Madeline spotted Harry walking the halls of Hogwarts on his own on numerous occasions, his two best friends nowhere to be seen. She'd heard from Daphne and Theo about an incident before Potions (she'd woken up late) where Malfoy and Potter were at each others necks again. It ended with Goyle with boils on his face and Hermione with beaver-like front teeth. Although the story sounded hilarious, she can't imagine it helped with Harry's reputation very much.

It was a Thursday when Madeline decided she'd had enough.

She'd been lounging in the Slytherin commons, bored out of her mind. Daphne had been sent to the Hospital Wing after Snape had attempted to poison her, testing her antidote she'd brewed the day before. It had worked against the poison, but she'd forgotten that she was very allergic to the type of seaweed she'd used. Theodore had gone with her, much to Madeline's dismay, Snape refusing to send three students out of his classroom.

Leaving Madeline here; bored and hungry. Dinner wouldn't be for at least another two hours, and the only other people in the common room were a bunch of first years and Pansy Parkinsons Slytherin Gang, who she didn't exactly want to hang out with. Madeline groaned, kicking her feet up onto the sofa with her.

She looked around aimlessly for something, anything to entertain her. Her eyes eventually landed on the newest edition of The Daily Prophet, the same one Pansy and her gang had been laughing around just that morning. With a skeptical sigh, Madeline picked the newspaper up.

'The Triwizard Tournament: Meet your Champions!'

Madeline scoffed at the article, written by a Rita Skeeter. Not only was the entire thing basically just about Harry, but some of the quotes were downright ridiculous.

'I suppose I get my strength from my parents. I know they'd be very proud of me if they could see me now. Yes, sometimes at night I still cry about them, I'm not ashamed to admit it… I know nothing will hurt me during the tournament, because they're watching over me…'

…Harry has at last found love at Hogwarts. His close friend, Colin Creevey, says that Harry is rarely seen out of the company of one Hermione Granger, a stunningly pretty Muggle-born girl who, like Harry, is one of the top students in the school.

"Please," Madeline scoffed, "Who'd even believe this garbage?"

It seems that Potter has no fears about the upcoming Tournament; good on him! A rebel, a heartthrob, and a rulebreaker-

"That's it," Madeline announced to no one in particular, the newspaper wrinkling in her hand. No one paid her much notice as she stormed out of the common room.

It took Madeline far longer than she would ever admit to find the entrance to the Gryffindor Tower.

The Fat Lady looked at her skeptically, taking in her green uniform, dishevelled hair, and crumbled newspaper. She held her nose up high, "Wrong painting."

"No, I'm pretty sure I'm right," Madeline huffed, combing through her hair with her fingers in an effort to look presentable, "Look, I just need to talk to Potter. Can't you let me in?"

"Absolutely not," the Fat Lady sniffed, "Not without the password."

Madeline rolled her eyes, "I'm clearly not a Gryffindor so how the hell am I meant to know the password?"

"Check your tone young lady!" the Fat Lady exclaimed indignantly.

Madeline sighed. How had her day turned into arguing with a painting? "Alright, fine," Madeline continued, "Can't you at least tell him I'm here? I'm sure you're well aware of the fact that he doesn't have a lot of friends right now."

"And why on earth would Harry Potter be friends with a Slytherin?"

"Because he doesn't really have any other options," Madeline gritted her teeth, "So, can you call him, or do you want me to camp out here all night? I assure you I have nothing better to do."

The Fat Lady rolled her eyes, disappearing from the frame with a huff. Madeline leant against the railing of the stairs awkwardly, stiffly nodding at anyone who gave her a strange glance. A couple of Ravenclaws gossiped, rather loudly, about her as they walked past. It was only a few minutes later when the frame swung open, revealing a flustered-looking, confused Harry Potter.

"Madeline?" he asked softly as she stepped through the frame, "What are you doing here?"

"Figured you might want someone to shred the Daily Prophet with, starting with this copy," Madeline replied, holding up her wrinkled newspaper, "Come along now."

Madeline stepped into the Gryffindor Common Room casually, as if she was meant to be here. The room itself was cosy and round, with dark red and golden wallpaper and a small fireplace. Red couches and armchairs littered the entire room, as well as numerous golden-framed paintings. Some moved, some didn't. Two sets of staircases lead up to the dormitories, Madeline assumed.

Much like Slytherin with snakes, you could find little lion emblems everywhere in the room. The carpet was a ghastly vintage floral, but if you watched closely enough, tiny little lions would jump from stem to stem of the florals. And of course, it was messy; scarves thrown everywhere, deflated golden pillows, mismatched chess sets… Exactly what the Slytherin girl had predicted.

"What the hell is she doing in here Potter?!"

Madeline rolled her eyes at Seamus Finnigan, who took up the large red sofa in front of the fireplace with Ron and Dean, "Being a much better friend than any of you lot are. Come on, Harry."

Madeline grabbed Harry's shoulder, dragging him to the other side of the room, as far away from the other Gryffindors as possible. The three boys turned away from them, muttering to themselves.

"Whole lot of friends those three are," Madeline scoffed as the two sat down, "Have you read this rubbish?"

"Yeah," Harry huffed, "Did you read the part about how 'my eyes glisten with the ghost of my past'?"

"Yes, hilarious," Madeline replied shortly, "You seriously must've pissed this woman off to write you like-"

"Like a right selfish prick? Yeah," Harry muttered, eyeing the redheaded boy on the other side of the room, "Quite a few of those around these days."

"Focus, Potter," Madeline continued, "Have you even got anyone to help you with these tasks?"

"Hermione has been trying, but she basically just tells me to study," Harry admitted, "She's like a talking book, I swear."

"Well, you're in luck Harry Potter," Madeline leant back proudly, crossing her arms, "Because you now have the very best Slytherin has to offer on your side."

"Who; Malfoy?"

She kicked his foot sharply, "No, me you idiot. There is no way I'm letting you go into this thing alone. If you died it'd be on my conscience for life."

"Glad to know where your priorities lie," Harry replied, pausing, "But… Why have you all of the sudden decided this?"

Madeline had to take a few moments to consider this. To be honest… She wasn't sure. Of course, she'd do the same for Daphne and Theo and Fleur in a heartbeat. But… It was something about the fact that Harry had most certainly not put his name in the Goblet of Fire, and was being set up to fail. And Madeline loved a challenge.

"Because I don't like it when people assume the worst of others," Madeline began, "I mean, I know that even you, Hermione and Ron didn't exactly believe I had the purest intentions after I was sorted into Slytherin, did you?"

Harry bit his lip but didn't reply.

"Exactly. But that doesn't matter," Madeline continued, "You thought I wasn't going to be your definition of 'good' because I was sorted into Slytherin, and that's a bias this whole place has put on all of us. But I know what I am despite what house I'm in. And I know that you certainly don't deserve all the flak you're getting for something you didn't do."

"How are you so certain I didn't do it, but everyone else isn't?" Harry muttered, partially to himself.

"Because I have eyes and I saw how you reacted to your name being called," Madeline shrugged.

Harry once again didn't reply, but it seemed that the two fourth years were at an agreement. Madeline would help him. Not despite of house rivalries, but because it was the right thing to do.

"Now first thing is first; we need to figure out the first task," Madeline continued, "Moody likes you, right? He'll probably know something."

"Professors aren't allowed to help," Harry pointed out, "Maybe I can just run into this thing head-first and hope for the best. I mean, that's a good a plan as any."

"Okay, I get it. You're either bad at planning, or you're not in the plotting mood," she sighed, "I'll ask around, see what I can find out."

Harry paused, "Thank you for this," he smiled earnestly, "Really. Thank you."

"Careful; Hermione might get jealous. If the next article is about me, I'm calling this whole thing off."

Harry nudged her playfully, laughing. They were fairly close now, both leaning in as they continued their hushed conversation. Obviously, this didn't go unnoticed by the other three boys, who had paused their conversation to observe the Slytherin girl.

"Looks like Potter has a new best friend," Dean commented, much to Ron's displeasure, "Right from the bottom of the barrel, ey?"

Seamus snorted, "She's not even in the barrel, mate."

Ron glared at the dark-haired girl. Something didn't sit right with him about her, and he was going to figure out what it was. It didn't matter that he was mad at Harry for lying to him; Madeline Bisset was certainly up to no good.

Chapter reviewed and updated: 30/10/22