The day after Harry's strange victory in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament all of Hogwarts seemed to be gossiping excitedly about the young champion. Opinions varied on the significance of Harry's actions. His image was not at all helped by the Daily Prophet and its star reporter, Rita Skeeter.
By Rita Skeeter
In an unexpected turn of events, Harry Potter (age 12) managed to claim first place in the initial task of the Triwizard Tournament. He did not attempt to use transfiguration like Cedric Diggory, or charms like Fleur Delacour, or even brute strength like Viktor Krum. Instead the Boy-Who-Lived used Parseltongue (which has long been a trait shared by dark wizards) to command the fiercest of all dragons to submit to his will and hand over the golden egg. Rumors that Potter is a parselmouth first surfaced two years ago and have now been confirmed in spectacular fashion. We here at the Daily Prophet believe our readers have a right to know just what Harry Potter said to the dragon and whether or not he indeed used the Imperious Curse on the beast (as has been suggested in letters to the editor) in order to emerge victorious.
Of course we should not immediately assume the Mr Potter is destined to be the next Dark Lord. Several Hogwarts students, who wish to remain anonymous, have expressed concerns to this reporter that the stress of the Triwizard Tournament has driven its youngest competitor insane. "Potter's gone completely mad! All of us Slytherins have seen this coming for years, it really shouldn't surprise anyone." one source explained. The strongest evidence for this point of view lies in the behavior of Harry Potter himself. As seen in the photo below, Mr Potter began laughing like a lunatic after gaining complete control over the dragon. So perhaps St Mungos, not Azkaban, lies in the young boy's future. Only time will tell.
By lunchtime almost everyone in Hogwarts had read the article, not to mention the others in the paper also speculating about Harry's sanity and moral fiber. The claim that Harry had the dragon under his command was quickly accepted as fact, and almost as quckly Harry's actions during the previous day became more and more embellished. The speed and ease at which the events became a strange legend was truly astounding. Only days later those who asked about the tournament were told that Harry had leapt on the dragons back and told it to belch flames at the audience before flying off with the golden egg clutched in his hands. The stories were, of course, ridiculous and almost all of the students knew it. But still, very few made an effort to correct the altered story and so it continued to be told. Harry Potter remained the favorite topic for discussion for a full week, until a surprise announcement thankfully granted him a reprieve.
...
"Did you read the Prophet this morning, Harry?" Neville asked as they walked to Charms class.
"No, but I've heard what it says. Rubbish. I can't believe people still listen to that hag Rita Skeeter." Harry answered.
"I know, but a lot of people do."
"Well what can I do about it. Even if I let her interview me Skeeter will just twist my words against me like she did last time."
"I guess so."
"Sorry, Neville. I don't mean to take this out on you, it's not your fault." Harry said, hoping his earlier tone didn't sound as harsh as he thought it did. Neville smiled and shrugged, acting like it was not a big deal to begin with. As the two friends neared the classroom loud voiced could be heard from inside arguing about something. Harry's mouth dropped open in surprise when recognized one of the voices.
"That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. I was there too, and we both know that it didn't happen like that. You're nuts if you think that he is a dark wizard." Ron stated with conviction. Noticing a few of the faces turn and look towards the door, Ron glanced over and saw Harry walking in. "There he is, go ask him yourself." Ron walked over to a desk at the other side of the room and sat down, not even once looking Harry's way again. Harry had not moved, still in shock about what he had heard his old friend say. It wasn't the apology he was hoping for and Ron still seemed to not care if their friendship was ever repaired, but it was at least nice to know what Ron was not a part of the group declaring that Harry was preparing to unleash a reign of terror across the wizarding world. It saddened him to think that only a month ago he and Ron were the best of friends, and yet now they went out of their way to avoid each other. He hoped that one day they could become friends again, but he really didn't hold out any hope of that happening soon.
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