The Potter Clan's Vengeance

Chapter 37 : Tournament {Task - 1}

Chapter 37

Harry entered a random classroom that he was pretty sure hadn't been used for quite a few years with Thomas, ready for the 'weighing of the wands' as Bagman had put it. The classroom was a decent size, and in it were several people: Krum and Fleur leaned to the side somewhat awkwardly, to both of whom Harry gave a nod to in greeting, Karkaroff, Maxime and Dumbledore were talking amongst themselves Dorea and Lily were talking among both of them they were here as judges representing Potter and Ashwood family., Bagman was chatting loudly with a reporter from the Daily Prophet that Harry could tell was Rita Skeeter, and Crouch and Ollivander, the latter dusting up a table where he stood.

"Ah!" said Bagman happily when Harry and Thomas entered. "The other 2 champions! Perfectly on time, and in you come for the weighing ceremony. It's nothing too complicated, just have to make sure your wands are functional of course since they're the most important tools in the tournament for you." He gestured to Rita Skeeter, who was complete with her long nails and the over-jewelled handbag that Harry had seen so many times when she was out reporting something for the Prophet. "Rita over here is doing a small piece for the Prophet."

"Not that small Ludo!" she laughed, before her eyes fixed onto the Potter brothers. "If you wouldn't mind, may I borrow them for a short moment? Perhaps sneak in a quick interview, if they're willing of course."

"I'm sure they are," agreed Ludo. "You are, aren't you boys?"

"Definitely Mr Bagman," nodded Harry before Thomas could get a chance to respond. "Perhaps 1 at a time Miss Skeeter?"

"Lovely," smilled Rita, grabbing Harry's arm and steering him out of the room and into a broom cupboard. She didn't really want to talk to Thomas, especially since she was practically drooling over the gossip she could get from the Boy-Who-Lived less famous snake brother. Surely there was some tension between them lurking about.

"Why are we in a broom cupboard?" Harry asked, looking around the small dingy space that had been lit up by Skeeter's wand.

"Just for some privacy," explained Skeeter, opening her handbag and grabbing a notepad along with a bright green quill. "You don't mind if I use a quick-quote quill, do you?" she asked.

"Actually I do," said Harry, grabbing the quill from her and crumpling it up into a ball. "I'd much rather you use a quill that writes the truth instead of fabricating lies Ms Skeeter."

"I assure you-"

"I know what a quick-quotes quill does," interrupted Harry. "Use a normal one or this interview is over."

"Of course," grumbled Skeeter, pulling out a normal white quill. "So, let's get this started-"

Harry held up a hand to stop her and titled his head. "How about I tell you what you're going to write Ms Skeeter," he suggested and an unpleasant frown formed on her face. "You have a particular reputation of gossiping things that aren't always fully accurate," said Harry. "And you have considerable influence on the Prophet, which makes you a good ally."

"Go on," prompted Skeeter, confused as to where he was going.

"No doubt you dragged me here with intentions of getting juicy information about myself and my brother, and then you would go on to publish lies about us, but I don't hate you for that," admitted Harry.

"You don't?" asked Skeeter, even more confused.

"No- you're simply doing your job. However, there is a way you can do that job without making an enemy of House Potter," he said and she paled, just realizing the consequences if she had gone along with her previous plan. "You will publish the truth, and nothing but the truth."