The Interview

20th of March, 1995.

It was Monday afternoon once more. The entire Potions class had gathered outside of the classroom and were waiting for Professor Snape. The Slytherin girls were giggling amongst themselves as Harry, Hermione and Neville got closer to the group.

"There they are!" Parkinson said. "You might find something interesting about you in there, Granger." She threw a magazine at Hermione, but Harry caught it. "We can look at that later," he said before stuffing it into his bag.

Hermione shot him a grateful smile and the door to the classroom flew open.

Snape glared at them before disappearing back into the classroom.

Hermione and Neville sat down together and Harry took a bench by himself until Zabini slid into the chair next to him.

"They are so silly," Blaise said as he looked at the girls. "None of them seem to recall that you danced with Fleur Delacour at the ball." He looked at Harry. "I take it you haven't read the article yet?" he said.

"No, I'll look at it after class," Harry said softly.

"Something you want to share with the class Mr Potter?" Snape asked.

"I don't have a love interest and do not plan on getting one anytime soon," Harry said. "Everyone seems to be so keen to know."

"Now that we are done discussing the love life or lack thereof, of Mr Potter, you can turn your eyes to the board," Snape said in a tone that was supposed to rile Harry up, but Harry wasn't fourteen and full of hormones anymore so he didn't care. He made the potion and left it at that. Having Blaise next to him wasn't that bad. He acted as a bit of a shield against the other Slytherin students.

"So no interest in love," Blaise said as they left the classroom. "Could maybe I change your mind." He grabbed Harry's chin and turned his head towards him.

Harry smiled. "No thank you, Blaise," he said. He moved out of Blaise's grip and headed after Hermione and Neville.

"You might as well give up," Draco said. "Turns out the Golden Boy isn't into dudes."

"Oh, I wouldn't be so certain about that," Blaise said. "Straight guys so often recoil at the suggestion. Potter does not."

Harry handed the magazine to Hermione once they had reached an empty classroom and she looked through it until she found the article that must have had the Slytherin girls so giggly. She read through it and rolled her eyes. Then she handed the magazine to Harry. He took a quick look at the article that spoke of how Hermione wanted to ensnare two famous boys all to herself. It was ridiculous.

Harry sighed. "Well, this is stupid," he said. "I am going to assume that your feelings for me and your feelings for Viktor are quite different."

Hermione nodded. "While I did have a small crush on you right after you and Ron saved me from that troll, I have never felt the way I do about Viktor when it comes to you. Besides, you are like a brother to me," she said.

Harry hummed. "And you are like a sister to me," he said in a sing-song kind of voice. "A bossy know-it-all, clever-clogs kind of sister. Ouch!" he ducked away from her and rubbed the spot on his arm where she had hit him. "Besides I did take Fleur to the dance in case people just forgot that," he said. "And Pansy needs a mirror. I heard her saying you were ugly and that is rich coming from her."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I don't need you to cheer me up by pushing other people down," she said.

"Oh, I know that," Harry said. "Which is why I'm going to talk with Viktor and we are going to give a nice interview that explains just how stupid they all are if they believe something like this."

"Not with Rita though, right?" Hermione said.

"Of course not. She has written nothing but drivel about us. I will get a hold of someone else," Harry said.

Hermione sighed. He had decided, and she knew it was impossible to change his mind. She might as well just sit back and enjoy the show. "I do wonder how she found out that Viktor invited me to Bulgaria though," she said.

"Well there has been this bug around and I know of a few unregistered animagi," Harry said.

Hermione's eyes widened. "Harry! That's it!" she exclaimed. Then she looked worried. "Could she have…"

"No I have been very careful and anti-animagi has been on the list of things I have been applying," Harry said.

"Oh, thank Merlin," Hermione said.

"So, I'm off to see Viktor now," Harry said. "I'll join you later."

"Do you have to Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I believe I do," Harry said. "I might make it an all-champion thing just to hide my intentions we'll see."

"Sometimes I wonder if Harry shouldn't have been in Slytherin," Neville said as Harry disappeared. "And then I remember that he probably wouldn't have been our friend and I ignore that thought."

Hermione nodded slowly. He had told her that the hat had wanted him in Slytherin. She was glad he had talked it out of that.

Harry made his way up to the ship that rested peacefully in the Black Lake. He walked up the gangway and knocked on the door. A boy he didn't know opened it and Harry asked for Viktor.

"You are doing much snooping around here Mr Potter."

"I didn't know that making a social call on one of your friends could be considered snooping Mr Karkaroff, but I'm sure you know things like that much better than I do."

"You should be careful, child."

"And you should realise just who defeated your former master."

Karkaroff backed away from Harry as piercing green eyes turned towards him. Avada Kedavra green eyes brimming with power.

The door opened and Viktor came out. "Good evening Viktor," Harry said. He noticed how Karkaroff disappeared and the two young men walked out on the ship. Harry handed Viktor the magazine and pointed at the offending article. "It looks like the media is after blood," he said.

Viktor read through it slowly. "You and Hermione are not a couple," he said. "I have seen this."

"Oh, I know, but I don't like it when the papers write misinformation about my friends," Harry said. "They seem to want answers to a lot of questions. Would you be willing to aid me in answering those questions?"

"That could be fun," Viktor said with a smile. "You have never appeared before the press before?"

"Never before this whole ordeal," Harry said.

"Ve need someone that isn't that horrible voman in the… screaming green clothes," Viktor said.

"I'll get a hold of someone," Harry said. "Someone that writes what we tell them instead of some sob story."

"You fix that and I vill be there," Viktor said.

"How does Saturday sound?" Harry asked.

"Good," Viktor shrugged.

"Hermione was heading for dinner," Harry said. "Do you want to join us?"

Viktor smiled. "I think that vould be nice," he said, and they headed back to the castle together.

That evening once they were back in the common room Harry wrote a letter to Dumac. He was hoping that his account manager knew a reporter that could stick to the point.

Turned out he did and Harry wrote a request to her that night.

21st of March, 1995.

Dear, Miss McGregor,

My name is Harry Potter.

I find myself in need of a reporter.

You have been recommended to me

by a friend and I'm sure we would have a lot to

talk about considering all the rumours flying

around about me and those near me.

If this works out to my liking, I would not mind

making you my exclusive contact with the press.

I'm hoping that the twenty-fifth is a good day.

At eleven o'clock in the Three Broomsticks.

I will be bringing Viktor Krum.

I hope that is amiable to you.

Sincerely,

Harry James Potter

June McGregor looked down at the letter in her hands. She was smirking. She could make her career with this interview, and the promise of being exclusive to Harry Potter. Well, that was quite good considering he never spoke to the press. She sat down by her desk and penned a reply before going on a hunt. She wanted to know everything that Rita had written about Harry Potter in the last year. She needed to be prepared. She spread the newspapers out and started going through everything. She took notes and made her questions.

25th of March, 1995.

Harry headed down to Hogsmeade with Viktor just before lunch on Saturday. He had ordered a private room at the Three Broomsticks.

They were walking in silence.

Hermione hadn't cared much about the article itself, but all the snide comments she got from other people were getting to her. It had just made the interview more important. Harry didn't want her to have to go through hate mail every breakfast. He really thought people should mind their own business and leave them alone, but he knew that wasn't going to happen. His best friend had been receiving cursed letters and he didn't appreciate it. He was going to make sure that stopped.

When they reached the inn Harry walked up to Rosmerta, the innkeeper, and asked for the private room he had requested. She happily helped them into a cosy room. Harry told her that they were waiting for Miss McGregor and to please show her in when she showed up.

Viktor sat down. "You say that Hermione and you never have been interested in each other. You vent vith Fleur to the ball, but you are not dating her," he said. "You act older than your age too. I vould not have expected this kind of thing from a fourteen-year-old."

Harry tilted his head to the side. "I grew up in a home where I had to learn to fend for myself," he said. "I may seem older because of that. I had to grow up before my time. I hid it though. I didn't want to lose the first friend I ever had. He abandoned me when I was picked for the Tournament though so I decided to stop hiding."

The door opened and Harry stood up. "Miss McGregor I presume," he said as he took her hand. He bent down and kissed her knuckles. She giggled. Her soft blue eyes met his as he stood back up. Her crimson hair was pulled back from her face. "Mister Potter," she said with a smile.

"Please take a seat," Harry said. "Now I must tell you I have never done anything like this before. Rita kidnapping me and spewing lies not included."

"You feel that Rita gives off a warped view of your life then?" June asked.

"I do," Harry said. "There is very little truth in what she writes."

"I take it both of you would be happy to just get going," June said. They nodded. "Okay let's start with the tournament. Everyone wants to know how that is proceeding. I take it that you have at least a cordial relationship with each other which is surprising. You are opponents after all."

Harry smiled. "We might be opponents in the Tournament, but that doesn't mean that we have to dislike each other," he said. "Viktor dates one of my best friends. It would be simple-minded of me to not give him a chance as a person."

"Ve have a lot in common. Ve might not be friends, yet, but I have nothing against Harry. From vhat Hermione has told me he's a great guy. Ve don't talk much about him though," Viktor said. "The point of the Tournament is to make friends from other schools. Ve are doing that."

Harry nodded. "I count Fleur Delacour as one of my closest friends. She's the French champion," he said. "She is also the girl I took to the ball." He leaned back and smirked.

"Ah, from one subject to another. Hermione Granger is not a so-called heartthrob of yours Mr Potter I take it," June said.

"Please call me Harry. And no Hermione is one of my best friends. She is like a bossy sister sometimes, but girlfriend I don't think so. I love her to bits and I want her to be happy, but I would never date her," Harry said.

"So saying that she is playing with your heart is just humbug then?" June said.

"Oh, most definitely," Harry said. "So is the idea that she would use love potions. Anyone who saw her dressed up for the Yule ball would agree that she was one of the prettiest girls there. It isn't her looks that make her special though, it's her mind. Hermione is one of the smartest witches in school; the only thing she has against her when it comes to the older girls is experience. The only way to get that is to live."

"That aside, is there any girl that you have your eyes on?" June asked.

"Not really," Harry said. He wondered what the wizarding world's view on homosexuality was. He wasn't sure that telling the world his preferences through the papers was the right way to go about it though. "There are a lot of pretty girls but looks are overrated. I'm young; there will be someone someday."

"That is surely true," June said with a smile. "So how do you feel about the Tournament? Nervous? Excited? There is only one task left."

"It is nerve-racking," Viktor said. "Ve have no idea vhat vill meet us yet. It could be anything at this point."

"They haven't told you?" June asked.

"No, we'll find out about a month before the task, in May sometime," Harry said. "I don't really feel all that nervous though, but I guess that is because I'll do my best not to participate. I never wanted to be in the Tournament in the first place. A lot of people are convinced I placed my name in the goblet myself, but if I had then I would have become the only Champion for Hogwarts if I had been deemed more appropriate than Cedric, not an extra champion. I have promised my fellow Champions that I will do my best not to participate, but I have to be there because of the contract."

"That is very noble of you," June said. "I must ask why."

"I don't need more fame," Harry said. "I'm famous for something that I can barely remember. My parents died to save my life and somehow in that mess, something happened that made me famous. I was just a baby. In some ways, I wish that people would realise that I would rather have my parents than that fame. And money…" He laughed. "I can handle myself. What my parents left me is more than enough to get me through school. After that, I can work. I don't need it," he said honestly.

Not that he would trade his years in Skyrim for even his biological parents at this point. He loved Katla, Rashall, Naya and Rhavaniel more than he'd ever loved Lily and James. "I would have loved to just lean back and watch this year considering the messes I have been through before."

"Oh, now, this is interesting," June said. "Please elaborate."

Harry smiled as he started telling her about his past few years at Hogwarts. He had his audience captivated but kept strictly to the truth. Once done, the conversation shifted to Viktor and his life. It was a double interview after all.

They spoke in length about the future as well. Harry did his best not to say anything that would reveal Kato or Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. He did say he might look to play Quidditch but wasn't sure he wanted to make a living out of that.

They left the Inn sometime later after a nice lunch. Harry and Viktor were laughing as they walked back up towards the school. "You don't care about much do you?" Viktor said.

Harry shrugged. "I do care about a lot of things, but I don't spend that much time worrying about them," he said. "When I realise that something needs to be done I'll do something about it."

Viktor nodded. He could get behind that. It was a pretty good way of dealing with life.

They took farewell as they reached the ship, and Harry headed over to the carriage. He had a question that Fleur might be the only one that could answer for him right then. He was surprised at himself for not asking earlier. He made his way to Fleur's room. "Hey lovely," he said as he opened her door. He walked up to her and hugged her.

"'Ow did it go?" Fleur asked.

"Quite well," Harry said. "We'll give Rita problems and I'm probably lighting fires elsewhere as well. I told a lot of things I have kept silent about before. I was careful though. I don't want to end up an enemy of the Ministry, and they will make me an enemy if they feel threatened."

"Sheep," Fleur said.

"Well, yes," Harry responded. He had walked over to her bed and laid down. "Fleur…" he said.

"Oui 'Arry," Fleur said as she turned around in her chair.

Harry sat up. "Do you know what the wizarding world's view on homosexuality is?" he asked.

Fleur smiled. "You are worried?" she asked and Harry shrugged. He wasn't sure. "Mostly it is accepted. No one sees it as wrong. I know non-magicals 'ave problems with that, but in the magical world, most people are more open about it. You will find some that are against it of course. I wouldn't listen to them though," she said.

"So if I get a boyfriend that shouldn't create panic?" Harry said.

"Non, though it might, because you are famous," Fleur said.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Not that I care about what people think. I just needed to know if it would create problems for me to be honest about it," he said. "I'll probably not say much about it while I'm still at Hogwarts sharing a dorm with four other boys."

Fleur smiled. "That is probably a good idea," she said.

Harry reached out towards her. "Come here," he said. She laughed as she walked over, and he placed his hands on her waist as she reached him, helping her down. "We need some downtime," he said softly.

"I need to study. I will take my NEWTs this year," Fleur said.

Harry looked at her. "I didn't think about that," he said. "Both you and Viktor have to do that. Cedric has another year so he'll do it next year and I'm just a fourth grader so I do my OWLs next year." He shook his head. "I'm still doing way better than I used to."

Fleur smiled and ran her finger through his hair. "I know you will do great," she said.

Harry laughed. "Oh, I certainly hope so," he said.

26th of March, 1995.

Harry, Hermione and Neville had gone down to breakfast together that morning. They had some homework to do and then Harry was flying with Tanya. Hedwig flew in and landed next to him.

"Hey, girl," Harry said. "You have a letter for me?" He gave her some chicken and took the letter. He opened it and started reading. Then he groaned.

"What is it, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Lana is pregnant," Harry said. "She didn't get her period so she and Remus went and checked. It is only a few weeks, but Remus will be a father."

"Is that bad?" Hermione asked.

"Not really," Harry said. "I just know that Remus hasn't told her about Sirius at all and he has been going to see Sirius like once a week. Sirius told me about it."

"That isn't great, but it isn't the easiest thing to tell someone," Hermione said.

"I guess," Harry said. "I hope this doesn't come back to bite either of them." He placed the letter down. Why was he feeling so uneasy about this? Remus loved Lana and she was really nice.

29th of March, 1995.

A few days later the interview with Harry and Viktor came out in the Daily Prophet. It caused quite a commotion. Harry had made sure to keep names, especially Voldemort's, out of the article as he had told June of his past.

Hermione looked up at him. "You didn't have to do this," she said. "You have given everyone your life story. That wasn't necessary."

Harry shrugged. "I would rather people knew the truth than walked around guessing," he said. "Their guesses are never going to be right. I thought I'd clear things up. Besides I'm tired of you receiving hate mail that is completely unfounded. I'm quite angry at everyone that sent you something. Viktor isn't happy either. We know you can take care of yourself, but we'll do what we can, and this was easy."

"Thank you, I guess," Hermione said.

"No problem," Harry said.

The article did make sure of one thing though. Girls wouldn't leave Harry alone. Harry didn't seem to mind. He never accepted anything from any of them. Nor did he go out with anyone. He moved around the castle just as fluently as before too. Girls could be following him around just for him to disappear around a corner and be gone.

Fred and George had a lot of fun with that and would often prank gaggles of girls following Harry.

Malfoy tried to get under Harry's skin and he just smiled at him. "Excuse me but how would you feel if someone had killed your parents as a toddler, and you can hear your mother's last few seconds of life when a Dementor is near you Malfoy," Harry had said. "You think you are so tough but how would you have dealt without your protected little life? Your parents keep you safe. Father this father that you're a papas boy Malfoy. I don't have that and somehow I'm doing better than you anyway." He'd shut Malfoy up, for a while at least. He hadn't even tried to be insulting. He'd just been to the point. It had been gradual, but he'd shifted his behaviour towards everyone to what he would really be like, not the scared little boy he had been before he went to Skyrim. Fighting with Malfoy was childish to him. He wasn't going to instigate, but he wouldn't be passive either.

Harry had six years of arsenal he had learnt in a world where you had to fight to survive. No other student at Hogwarts could say the same. He had loved, he had fought, and he had almost died. He was going to live his life with his rules. No one was going to stop him. Everything he had going on now was things he loved doing. Even studying with Hermione. Though, that wasn't as interesting as many other things.