Rita interviewed several Professors, but gained little.
Professor McGonagall sternly stated that Charlie was an excellent student, disciplined and polite.
Professor Flitwick excitedly gesticulated, praising Charlie's exceptional talent and promising future.
Even Professor Sprout only gently expressed her admiration for Charlie.
Rita had heard these words so many times her ears were practically calloused.
What good student, what genius youth—where was the traffic in such a common persona?
She wanted explosive news, the kind that would send the entire Wizarding World into an uproar.
Rita touched the Quick-Quotes Quill in her pocket, a shrewd glint in her eyes.
Since direct interviews yielded no material, she would approach it from the side.
She needed to find Charlie's classmates and unearth some unknown secrets.
Ideally, something that could prove this so-called genius had some unsavory hidden past.
Rita walked towards the Great Hall in her high heels, already brainstorming catchy headlines.
"Shocking Revelation: The Dark Secrets of a Genius Potions Master"
"Exclusive Scoop: The Untold Side of Charlie White"
Just thinking about it made her excited.
The Great Hall was not crowded; most students were studying for the upcoming final exams.
Rita scanned the room, her gaze falling on the Gryffindor table.
Three people were gathered there, two boys playing wizard chess.
"Harry, it's your turn," the red-haired boy urged.
Harry frowned, staring at the board, clearly pondering his next move.
The girl beside them was somewhat impatient: "Stop playing, you should be studying!"
"Final exams are coming soon, what if you fail?"
Ron didn't even look up: "Hermione, there are still many days until the exam."
"Besides, we've studied enough, it's time to relax."
Hermione stamped her foot in frustration: "If you keep this up and only get an E (Acceptable), see what you'll do."
Ron rolled his eyes: "Thanks for the blessing, I'd be thankful to get an E."
Rita's spirits immediately lifted.
Harry Potter!
The legendary savior boy!
If she could get the savior to comment on the new Potions genius, that would definitely be big news.
She tidied her elaborate curls and walked towards the Gryffindor table in her high heels.
"Excuse me," Rita said, flashing a professionally sweet smile.
"I'm Rita Skeeter, a reporter for The Daily Prophet, and I'm doing a special report on Charlie White."
The three looked up.
"Hello, Ms. Skeeter."
Harry nodded, a little nervous.
"We'll accept the interview."
"Oh, how honored I am!" Rita clapped her hands dramatically.
"To be able to interview the famous Harry Potter, this trip to Hogwarts is truly worth it!"
She pulled out her quill and parchment and sat opposite Harry.
"As a peer, what are your thoughts on Charlie White?"
Harry thought for a moment and said honestly:
"Charlie is a very impressive person."
"His talent in every subject is astonishing."
"And he's also very kind, often helping his classmates."
The quill rapidly recorded on the paper, and Rita nodded in satisfaction.
"Well, as a young Wizard who is also highly regarded..."
Rita's tone suddenly became sharp.
"Do you envy Charlie, or even feel jealous of him?"
This question made all three uncomfortable.
Ron frowned, and Hermione stopped flipping through her book.
Harry was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke:
"I do envy Charlie a little."
"But I don't envy him, he is very outstanding, and his current achievements are all well-deserved."
Rita's quill furiously danced across the paper, writing down far more than Harry had said.
["Savior Harry envies and is jealous of Charlie, believing his current achievements are due to luck, and that he could do the same; their relationship is like fire and water."]
"So, do you think Charlie's success is due to talent, or luck?"
Rita pressed on, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Harry felt this question was very strange.
"Of course, it's because of talent and hard work."
Although Charlie usually wasn't associated with hard work, Harry knew to say good things when facing an interview.
The quill continued to record frantically:
["Harry admits Charlie is just lucky, and if he had the same opportunities, his achievements would certainly not be inferior to Charlie's."]
"I heard you are all first-year students, how is your relationship usually?" Rita's questions grew sharper.
"Is there any competition between you?"
"After all, you are the savior, he is the Potions genius, two young people currently in the spotlight..."
Hermione finally couldn't listen anymore and snapped her book shut.
"Enough!" She stood up, glaring at Rita.
"Are you interviewing or sowing discord?"
"We refuse to answer your malicious questions!"
Rita raised an eyebrow, looking at the angry girl with interest.
"Who are you?"
"Hermione Granger." Hermione straightened her back.
"I am Harry's friend."
"Oh?" Rita's eyes instantly lit up.
"Then what about you and Mr. White? Are you also friends?"
"Of course, we are all friends," Hermione replied.
The quill almost poked through the parchment:
["The conflict between Charlie and Harry is suspected to originate from a young Witch named Hermione; the savior and the Potions new star fought over her, Hermione ultimately chose Harry, and Charlie regretfully withdrew."]
Interesting, truly too interesting.
Rita put away her quill with satisfaction.
Now this was explosive news.
One girl, two genius boys—this was practically a perfect love triangle story!
She smugly gathered her things, already having conceived tomorrow's front-page headline.
"Shocking Revelation: The Love-Hate Relationship Between the savior and the Potions Genius"
"Exclusive Unveiling: Hogwarts' Teenage Love Triangle"
Just thinking about these headlines made her blood boil... After the interview, Charlie was about to leave, but Dumbledore gently called out to him.
"Charlie, please stay for a moment."
The other Professors in the office discreetly took their leave, and soon only the two of them remained.
"Principal, is there anything else?" Charlie asked, a little puzzled.
A wise glint sparkled in Dumbledore's eyes.
"Charlie, your achievements are admirable," he began slowly.
"Developing a Potion to heal soul wounds is unprecedented in the entire History of Magic."
"However," Dumbledore changed his tone.
"Do you know how to handle the subsequent matters?"
Charlie frowned slightly: "Professor, what do you mean?"
"You should be aware of the value of the healing potion; it's not just a simple Potion."
"It represents enormous commercial interests, and also countless disputes and troubles."
Charlie then realized the seriousness of the problem.
Fortunately, the wisest person in the Wizarding World was right before him, and with his insight and understanding of the Wizarding World, his advice should be very effective.
"Please instruct me, Professor."
Dumbledore smiled.
"There are three most suitable options."
He extended a finger:
"The first path: apply for patent protection."
"The Ministry of Magic will protect your patent, and anyone who makes the healing potion will need to pay you royalties."
"The advantage is long-term stable income; the disadvantage is that the formula will be public, other Potions Masters will be able to brew healing potions on the market, and short-term income will be lower."
Charlie nodded; this was indeed a good option.
Dumbledore extended a second finger:
"The second path: strictly guard the formula's secret."
"Don't let anyone know the specific formula, completely monopolizing the market for healing potions."
"Short-term income will be the highest, but the risk is also the greatest."
"Once a Potions Master breaks the formula, your monopoly will be broken, and in the long run, it's not as good as the first option."
Charlie looked thoughtfully at Dumbledore, waiting for him to state the third option.
"The third path," Dumbledore's voice became solemn.
"Completely publicize the formula."
"The income will be the lowest, but you will enjoy immense honor in the Wizarding World."
"Your name will be permanently recorded in Hogwarts' school history, leaving a lasting legacy."
"More importantly, countless patients suffering from soul wounds will be able to receive treatment."
Charlie fell into thought.
Sitting on a mountain of gold, he certainly wasn't short on money.
It was impossible for him to brew Potions for free, but exchanging the formula for fame wasn't out of the question.
Moreover, given the difficulty of brewing the healing potion, apart from true Potions Masters, others wouldn't be able to brew it even with the formula.
The reason Charlie succeeded was entirely because the system not only gave him the formula but also instilled brewing experience.
"I choose the third one." Charlie looked up, his tone firm.
A look of relief flashed in Dumbledore's eyes, and the corners of his mouth turned up.
His greatest hope was for Charlie to choose this option.
Dumbledore walked over to Charlie and patted him on the shoulder.
"For your contribution to the Wizarding World, I will apply to the Ministry of Magic for you to be awarded the Order of Merlin, Second Class."
-------------------------------
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