Rita Skeeter analyzed her new article with care. Despite spending weeks on it, she still felt dissatisfied with the result and she was only working on the introduction! Yes, it was perhaps one of her best pieces, but it still needed more work. Much more work. The woman took a sip of her already cold coffee, grimacing at the taste. With a tired sigh, she stood up, her back popping when she stretched and walked towards the kitchen for a new mug of coffee. As she looked around, she couldn't prevent a wide smile from appearing.
Two weeks ago, she was relocated to a 'quaint and small' house in a Muggle neighbourhood. She was ready to live in a small place, not much different from her own. Not in her wildest dreams she ever hoped to own such a high-end house. Well, technically, she didn't own it, but if she kept up the good work she might be rewarded. After all, the place was nothing compared to what Harry Potter owned.
She pressed the button on the coffee maker, smiling at the fascinating invention that made her life easier as she reminisced about the day she met Harry Potter.
His features were one of the things that she remembered the most. It was like seeing a young, male version of Lily Potter, with a little bit of James in the mix. With certain shame, she remembered her poor reaction when meeting the young boy. Yet, what she would never be able to forget was the almost animalistic instinct that begged her to either run away or bow her head and comply. And if Rita was anything, it was an ace in the survival game.
Harry Potter possessed that indescribable aura of power around him. Even as young as he was, his magic was powerful - oppressive yet alluring. She knew her existence was worthless to him, which meant her chances at survival diminished considerably. Accepting his offer was the only option she saw at the time and doing her best was the logical path... but becoming loyal to him? Oh, that was her decision and not once she regretted it.
Emitting a low groan, she went back to the table she was working on. She glanced at the book resting on the couch and, with nimble hands, she grabbed it. 'What Hogwarts' Founders Hid' was the title. With a finger, she caressed her name printed on the cover. Finally, all her dreams came true.
Ever since she could remember, she was enamoured with books. To write one was her greatest dream and ambition... That is until her education began.
Yes, she was sorted into Ravenclaw, being the clever young witch she was. She was a dedicated student who stood out in almost every class, being exemplary throughout her seven years in Hogwarts. That was the surface.
The House of the Ravens tended to be ruled by jealousy. If you couldn't be the best, then at least you could make the best feel worthless. Considering how cruel children could be, her teenage years were hell on Earth. Nonetheless, she learnt to survive and thrive in any environment. She learnt from their cruelty and returned it in earnest. Thinking about it, that may be how her mean side was born...
In order to survive, she began compiling delicate information about her worst aggressors, biding her time and spreading rumours when they were at their weakest. When she was in the sixth year, everyone knew that whoever messed with Rita Skeeter was going to become a social pariah sooner or later. Therefore, the later years of her education were the most peaceful and perhaps the loneliest she ever lived.
When graduation came, she forgot about her dream of becoming an author after discovering the satisfaction that manipulating the masses brought. That is how she ended up as one of the most famous, or infamous, depending on whom you asked, reporters of Magical Britain. A great accomplishment indeed, but it was built on sand - sooner or later, her career would flop. She was always aware of that.
Now, though, her standing in the community became more stable than ever and her reputation was somewhat cleaned. This book, however, would be the one that cemented her career and the article... Oh, Merlin! This article was the one that was going to put her name in history!
The Man Behind Voldemort - the simple title that would shake the whole magical community.
Well, she acquired none of the information herself and needed to sign far too many documents to have access to it. Not to mention the Unbreakable Vow she swore.
"It's all worth it, Rita," she murmured, needing the reminder.
She was only told to write the article, but she would be damned if it was published under any name that wasn't hers! Of course, she would have a psychotic Dark Lord calling for her head and Death Eaters hunting her down, but that was a mere occupational hazard. Nothing she couldn't deal with as long as Harry Potter supported her.
A cynical huff escaped her lips when she remembered those times when the sheer mention of Voldemort's name made her flinch. Perhaps knowing the man's real story had turned him into another simple mortal instead of the demon most though him to be. Then, she grimaced at the idea of talking with her fourteen-year-old boss about publishing her best work under her name. What a nerve-wracking meeting that one was going to be. But on the positive side, Rita doubted that the boy cared whose name appeared on the papers as long as it was published
She took a sip of her coffee, enjoying its warmth, and went back to work. Rome was not built in a day, after all.
"... but it burnt in one," she reminded herself.
And what a beautiful fire that would be.
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Harry Potter examined his reflection in the mirror. For the first time, he realized how much everything had changed. His life, for starters, was totally different from what it was five years ago.
Throughout the years, he noticed the small changes in the people close to him, but for some reason, he disregarded his own. Of course, it was hard to notice any change when you saw yourself in the mirror every day. The epiphany that came over him while he examined his reflection felt as if he was comparing two pictures. One contained the reserved eleven-year-old who only trusted his sister and ignored the rest of the world. The other contained a fourteen-year-old teenager who somehow opened up to others, creating his own family in the process. Then, there was the physical aspect.
Both were tall for their ages, but while the younger one possessed delicate features and what appeared to be a frail physique, the other possessed sharp features and an athletic constitution. Harry may not have the same burly physique Viktor did, but he was healthy and strong enough.
"Are you really going to wear that?" Harry heard Draco ask, pointing at the red fur cloak Viktor was wearing.
"Yes," the male deadpanned, "it is the formal wear of my country... And my mum asked me to wear it," the last part was uttered in an almost unintelligible way.
"Yeah, yeah, is everyone ready?" Blaise asked in a lackadaisical tone, not really interested in the answer.
"I think we all are," Neville answered when he saw Harry walking towards the group, fixing his cufflinks.
"You look great," Justin complimented him.
"I would say thank you, but you should compliment my sister, she chose... this," he muttered, eyeing his clothing with the slightest of the scowls.
"You don't like it?"
"It confuses me," he admitted, taking a last glance at the mirror. "I'm not sure what colour I'm wearing or what style of suit."
"Well, it looks like a really fancy Muggle suit with a fancy robe... in a shiny grey?" Justin almost ended up asking.
"I really like the suits that your elves designed," Theo commented, looking at the mirror. "They look much better than the traditional ones."
"And are much more comfortable to wear," Cedric added, still looking sluggish after his nap.
"If we don't get out soon, the girls will be waiting and Daphne will kill us," Neville reminded the group.
"Daphne will be too busy with Iwan," Theo reminded him but walked towards the door nonetheless.
"While I acknowledge the fact Daphne doesn't need protection, I think we should all keep an eye on her for tonight," Adrian told his friends.
"You just want to admire her without being cursed," Terrence retorted, dodging the pillow that was thrown at him.
"So where are we meeting George and Fred again?"
"In the entrance of the great hall. Susan and Andrea will also be waiting there," Justin answered, looking at Blaise.
"Sure."
"You'd better change that funeral expression of yours before we arrive at the hall," Cedric told his friend. "Andrea's a really great girl and you invited her."
"Don't mind me, I'm just tired," was the apathetic response that the Hufflepuff prefect received.
Harry observed this interaction and put a finger on his lips, signalling Cedric to leave the subject alone. It was almost common knowledge among the Court that Blaise had a crush on Luna. It was also common knowledge that he was unwilling to act on it. Therefore, he did not ask the girl to be his date for the Yule Ball, but Cedric did. Then, Blaise asked out Susan Bones' best friend. On the surface, everything seemed to be fine, but Harry knew better.
Blaise was jealous of Cedric and Cedric was somewhat angry with Blaise because he thought that he asked the girl out of spite. He was not wrong, but that was not the point. The tension between the two of them began rising in an almost imperceptible yet gradual way, and that was the exact same reason why Harry was not interested in romance - it complicated everything. If their cold war did not stop, he was going to put an end to it for the sake of their friendship.
It was good he had a sister to rely on for this kind of situation. Asking Professor McGonagall for permission to bring someone who was not a student of the school as a date was almost too easy. If anything, the woman looked disturbingly gleeful while she gave him authorization to use the Floo in her office. Being the smart person he was, he remained silent as the woman arranged the details with Sirius, an almost manic grin plastered on her face.
The group arrived at the Slytherin common room after a silent walk, but Harry had no time to wait for the rest of his friends.
"I'll be going to McGonagall's office," Harry announced, not even stopping to see his friends nod.
"I will go with you," Viktor said, making him stop on his tracks. "My date will be waiting in the great hall either way," the tall boy explained, shrugging off all the inquisitive looks.
Harry only tilted his head but decided to comply. The pair walked in companionable silence for a couple of minutes.
"Won't others notice Elizabeth is your sister?"
"She'll change her hair for the night," Harry murmured with a slight smile. "Sometimes she misses being blonde."
"I guess no one will link you two as siblings then."
"I hope so," Harry said, "I would prefer her to be out of the eye of the public for as long as possible... Will you tell me who your mysterious date is?"
"You will have to see it for yourself," Viktor answered with a grimace.
"I really am curious," Harry muttered but did not push for an answer.
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They stopped before McGonagall's office and Harry knocked on the door. Steps could be heard inside, along with different voices murmuring amongst each other. Quick steps approached the door and it was almost yanked open by McGonagall, a knowing smile plastered on her face.
"Mister Potter, Mister Krum, you are just on time," the old woman said as a greeting, signalling her students to enter the office.
"You both look dashing," Sprout complimented the boys.
"Thank you, ma'am. Though if you allow me to be bold, you look breath-taking," Harry told the woman, a slight smirk adorning his face.
"Such a charmer, I hope you don't take too much after your father."
"Don't worry, ma'am, I will undoubtedly follow my mum's footsteps, though I'm willing to take after Sirius for certain moments," he responded, a cheeky smile directed at the surprised teachers.
"Actually Harry, Sirius only had one girlfriend during school. His Casanova reputation was because of your father," Filius told the boy, laughing heartily at his confused expression. "Not that James did any better in the romance department. He was besotted with Lily; all the girls he went out with left him after the first date because of it."
"What about Remus?"
"Well, his love life was almost non-existent for another reason whatsoever. But," the man said, dragging the word, "as with every teenager, he had his fair share of fun. They all did and you should also consider it."
"I'm fine for the moment," Harry said, deflecting what the man was inferring.
"So who are your dates?" Professor Sprout asked eagerly.
"A friend I met by coincidence, but we kept in contact. She wanted to see Hogwarts so I invited her," he answered with ease, though Viktor refused to follow his example.
"I'm guessing you're close then," McGonagall inquired, a wide smile on her lips.
"Close enough to be considered family," the youngest person in the room agreed, making Flitwick chuckle.
At twenty to eight on the dot, the fireplace was lit by a bright green flame from which a person emerged. The conversation was swiftly interrupted. Harry looked at his sister and smiled. As red was her favourite colour, he was not surprised to see her wearing it, though her appearance did somewhat surprise him.
For years, Harry was used to seeing Elizabeth as the child he cared for and refused to see her as the teenager she became not long ago. Her blonde hair was held back by some kind of accessory he did not recognize and her light make-up emphasized her features. However, what surprised him the most had nothing to do with her looks but with her actions.
Elizabeth nodded to the professors and walked past him, towards Viktor. The fireplace glowed bright green once more and another person arrived in the office.
Harry stared at an expressionless Hwasa and contained a sigh. Count on Elizabeth to find a way of involving the wayward princess without asking for his opinion. He shot Viktor an accusatory stare and only received a sheepish grimace in return. So that's why he was so silent, the traitor, was the only phrase that his mind could conjure at the situation. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, deciding he could always kill his sister later. Without wasting more time, he offered his arm to the girl.
"I'm glad you arrived safely," he said in an effort to distract himself.
"Sirius was really helpful, for a change," Hwasa stated while glancing around the room. "Good night," she greeted the professors. "My name is Hwasa Nur Wu."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, dear. I am Professor McGonagall, this is Professor Sprout, and this is Professor Flitwick," McGonagall said, a bright smile directed at the girls.
"Sorry for not greeting," Elizabeth announced with a heavy accent, claiming the attention of the room. "My English is no good."
"Let me introduce you to my friend, Eliza Petrova," Viktor said when the young girl looked at him.
"Well, now that we have you here, it's time to go to the great hall," Flitwick said, smiling cordially at the students and newcomers, trying to hide his amusement at the situation. "We will be going first to help with any last-minute preparations. You can wait in-"
"Here," an eager McGonagall interrupted her colleague, surprising everyone who knew her. "You, children, can wait here. Don't forget that the champions open the ball, so be there at five to eight. And about tonight, as long as you escort your dates, my office will be open the whole night. After all, this ball is meant for you to have fun and curfews can ruin that."
"Ah, thank you, Professor," Harry said when it became apparent no one else was going to answer, though he was confused at why the woman seemed so more excited than them about the ball.
The youngsters observed as the adults left the room and an uncomfortable silence settled for a few seconds.
"Before you kill me, you have to hear me out!" Elizabeth demanded, using Viktor as a human shield, ignoring his protests.
"Speak, then!" Harry and Hwasa snapped, looking at each other for a brief moment and proceeding to glare at the youngest person in the room.
"Harry, you're the one who doesn't want me to be linked with the Potter Family until the situation in the magical world is more stable," she began explaining, mashing her words together with how fast she was mumbling her excuses. "So I did just that. When they see me with Viktor they'll immediately assume I'm a foreigner."
"And since when do you speak with each other?" Harry asked in a deceptively calm tone.
"Luna gave me her communication crystal and your sister involved me in everything else," Viktor explained, raising his hands in an appeasing way, ignoring the betrayed expression that Elizabeth was giving him.
"So what's your excuse?" Harry asked the girl beside him, giving up on trying to understand his sister's twisted schemes.
"Your sister threatened to tell grandpa about my secret sweet stash," the girl snapped, emphasizing the first two words.
"Stashes, actually," Elizabeth corrected, earning a glare from her friend.
"Didn't you consider telling me?" Harry asked Elizabeth.
"I wanted to surprise you," the girl answered with a slight pout. "I'm sorry."
The only thing Harry could do was pinch the bridge of his nose and sigh to contain the frustration that coursed through him. Of course, Elizabeth would not tell him in case he refused, which he would have done. While he liked Hwasa, he did not fancy all the rumours that would flood the school regarding their relationship. If possible, Harry preferred to remain in the background as a silent observer. Unfortunately, that was a luxury he could not afford since his first year at the school.
"How's Aunt Eleadora?" Harry asked, deciding to leave the discussion behind and save himself the imminent headache.
"She was really excited-"
"You're watering it down. She took pictures of us from every possible angle and sent one of your elves to do the same during your ball," Hwasa corrected, collapsing on the nearest couch.
"Well, she only has Harry and me," Elizabeth said, shrugging. "By the way, it's nice to meet you at last, Viktor."
"I would say the same, but your brother is glaring at me," the male answered, shaking the hand that was being offered.
"Honestly, I'm excited to see Hogwarts at last!"
"Your professors seem kind enough," Hwasa agreed, "if a bit strange."
"So, what are we supposed to do tonight?"
"Well, we have to open the ball, then we'll have a late dinner," Harry muttered, sitting beside his unexpected date for the night.
"There are going to be different bands playing," Viktor supplied.
"I honestly don't know what to expect. Music in the magical world is so strange, but there are a few catchy songs," Elizabeth said, looking thoughtful. "Are there any good bands coming?"
"One from the Empire, they aren't well known, but grandpa believes they'll be great in the future."
"Well, I'm not expecting much," the youngest girl answered.
"Oh, before I forget!" Hwasa exclaimed, revealing a hand-sized box that she produced from heaven knows where. "Put this on."
Harry took the box and examined its contents. An extremely well crafted insignia lay inside, the Royal Family emblem shining proudly in the middle. The boy raised an inquisitive eyebrow, tacitly asking for the meaning of it.
"It's all political," the princess answered without a hitch. "This insignia basically means my grandpa gives his approval, so there won't be any major rumours flying about you, or more importantly, me."
"Doesn't it mean the two of you are courting?" Viktor asked, looking genuinely curious. At his side, Elizabeth looked ready to burst into laughter.
"Of course not!" Hwasa snapped, looking horrified at the idea.
"This one basically means mutual friendship and cordiality between families. The one that you mean has a white dittany on the left side," Harry informed his friend, feeling already drained.
Without asking for permission, Hwasa took the insignia and placed it on the lapel of his suit. Harry did not even move; after all, it was easier when someone did it for you.
"I'm sorry," he whispered to the princess while the other two occupants of the room were too busy talking with each other.
"And why is that?" she asked, tilting her head.
"I don't have any present for you."
"Only you would worry about that in this kind of situation," she muttered with a huff, smirking playfully at him.
"Only you would allow a thirteen-year-old to blackmail you with candy." This remark was rewarded by a slight pout and an intense glare.
"You know my grandfather; he's more likely to hide my sweets only to nag me."
"And what makes you think that he doesn't know about them already?"
"My stupid blind hope and that all of my precious are still accounted for," was her cheery response.
"Idiot," he muttered, poking her forehead.
"Look who's talking," the girl retorted.
"Let's get going or we'll be late!" Elizabeth announced but waited for no response.
The group walked towards the great hall in companionable silence. Harry took the opportunity to appreciate the decor of the castle, something that he ignored on his previous trip. The first impression he got was that perhaps whoever was in charge of the decorations should find another job. Don't get him wrong, the place did not look terrible, but it was below par for the occasion. It was a school ball, understandable, however, there were many international guests and their impressions of the school would be the impression of the whole country.
Harry almost grimaced when the cacophony of conversations reached his ears. This was going to be a really long night...
"There you are! It is about time you arrived!" Fleur exclaimed, stomping towards the newcomers with Neville hot on her heels.
"There are five minutes left," Neville told the agitated girl in an appeasing tone.
Ignoring all this, Harry decided to introduce his sister and her friend. "This is Elizabeth, and this is Hwasa," he said, signalling each of the girls. "This is Fleur, this is Cedric, and this is Iwan. You already know the others."
"Sorry for reacting that way, I was worried," Fleur said after noticing the two girls.
"She was nagging me before you arrived, so thanks," Cedric told the newcomers, though his eyes were resting on the princess.
"Ehm, nice to meet you," Iwan said, touching his neck and looking self-conscious for some reason.
"Likewise," Hwasa greeted, giving the strangers a polite smile.
"Harry told me a lot about you," Elizabeth announced, smiling brightly. "... Well, not so much about you - Iwan, right?"
Harry could only just contain his need to facepalm at how frank his sister tended to be. Suddenly, he remembered why only his friends were introduced to her and pitied the poor souls who were trapped with the girl in her school.
"Where is Valerie?" Viktor asked out of the blue.
"Who cares?" Cedric muttered in an almost apathetic tone.
"Professor Valentin went to look for her," Fleur commented, finding a sudden interest in fixing Neville's bowtie.
"There she is," Luna said in her usual dreamy tone, though her gaze was focused on the snowflakes that were decorating the ceiling.
Harry looked to the side, where three people were approaching the hall with fast steps. Leading the group was a tall man with youthful face but hair as white as snow, clearly admonishing the two teenagers who were following him with their heads bowed. How curious, Harry thought, not remembering seeing the man before. Yes, he still remembered the day he arrived and how much more disciplined the Beauxbatons students behaved in his presence. However, he never caught a glimpse of the man's features... Not that he ever tried.
While the man himself was not of interest to Harry, his apparent penchant for equity and discipline did call his attention. Not to mention Fleur seemed to be more at ease in his presence than she ever was with Maxime. Ah, Valerie had also mellowed quite a bit... At least that is what his friends told him because is interactions with the girl were null.
"Goodnight," the man greeted in a surprisingly deep voice. "I see everyone is present, good."
"Professor Kowalski was looking for you, sir," Fleur informed the man, smiling slightly.
"Ah, yes. Do remember to behave. Now, if you'll excuse me." After giving Valerie a stern gaze, he left the hallway.
"When are we supposed to enter again?" Daphne asked after a brief moment of silence.
"When McGonagall comes to get us," Neville answered with a sigh. "Does anyone know why the champions are opening the ball?"
"Well, formality calls for the organizers or celebrated persons open the event," Hwasa told him.
"Yeah, but we were not supposed to. According to Marcus, we just had to show ourselves for a while and then leave," Viktor informed the princess.
"According to Susan, it's because all of the champions got dates for the night and her aunt thought it was a great idea," Cedric told the group.
"Actually, it's because the teachers betted on who has the best chemistry with their dates for the night," Luna announced in a singsong voice.
At the young girl's declaration, most of the champions were left speechless.
"Well, one of your teachers sort of revoked the curfew for us so it's not that unbelievable," Elizabeth muttered, looking thoughtful. "I think they're going to be bitterly disappointed."
"It's time!" Professor McGonagall announced, approaching the group. "This is how we'll do it. I will enter the hall first to give the announcement, then each of you will enter the in the order in which you were chosen to be champions. Count until ten before following. Afterwards, you just have to dance to a song and you can proceed to your tables and have dinner. The bands will begin playing at nine, so there's no hurry. Overall, don't forget to have fun tonight!"
Just as the woman finished her speech, the bell of a nearby clock chimed, signalling it was time. McGonagall nodded at the champions in an effort to encourage them and entered the great hall with her head held high. The cacophony that flooded the room was silenced.
"Let's organize ourselves," Harry stated. Not waiting for the people surrounding him to answer, he offered an arm to Hwasa, who took it gracefully. The other champions followed his example, though one did it with more reluctance than the others did.
The Yule Ball officially began.