The next morning, the Great Hall was silent as everyone was intently reading their copies of the Daily Prophet over breakfast. All throughout the hall, there were many people who were carrying a look of shame on their faces and knew that once this was read, their little worlds were going to be a little less comfortable. It didn't help that the headline was enough to draw everyone in but what was printed in the article would be felt by quite a few families.
The Boy Who Lied
By: Barry Timmons
As most of you are well aware our very own Harry Potter also known as the boy-who-lived was unusually selected as a fourth champion in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. I know most of my readers would be supportive of Mr. Potter in his efforts in this tournament but that's not the case with his fellow Hogwartians. For most of the students and staff of Hogwarts, the boy-who-lived is now known as the boy-who-lied and has become an outcast in the school.
On Halloween, Mr. Potter's name came out of the Goblet of Fire therefore making him a champion. A question that could be raised is how the Tri- Wizard Tournament, obviously known to be a competition between three witches or wizards and their schools, became a four way contest. I'm no expert but it sounds like there was obvious tampering going on with an ancient magical artifact and if I can see this, how come our esteemed Chief Warlock and Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, did not recognize the signs. He is considered one of the wisest wizards in our society so how did he miss it or did he?
Mr. Potter has maintained that he did not place his name in the goblet or have an older student do it for him from the exact moment that he rose from the table when his name was called. His protests were ignored and he was told in no uncertain terms that he had to compete or else he risked losing his magic. According to ministry records, Albus Dumbledore has been acting as Mr. Potter's magical guardian even since that fateful Halloween in 1981 and in that capacity; he could have prevented this whole situation. My question is why would he allow it if he was supposedly acting in the young Potter's best interest.
From what I have learned today, most of the articles written about the Tri-Wizard Tournament have been based on speculation and hearsay. In fact, the only people who would speak about the tournament were other Hogwarts' students who were only mere spectators to the events that occurred and were very opinionated against Mr. Potter before he had ever been chosen as a champion.
That, my readers, has changed! In an exclusive interview, Cedric Diggory has spoken out on the issue and the tribulations that Mr. Potter has suffered ever since Halloween. When asked his opinions on Mr. Potter, Mr. Diggory had this to say:
"Before this year, Harry Potter and I were just acquaintances and competitive seekers in Quidditch and that was about as far as it went. I already knew him as a relentless but fair competitor but as I have gotten to know him better this year, I find that he is probably the most honorable and noble person I have ever met."
"If there is one thing I have learned, he doesn't lie or cheat. I can admit I was a little upset at him during the selection ceremony but I approached him afterwards and was able to talk to him for a few minutes. At that time, he offered me an oath swearing that he never entered and even went as far as saying he would support me as I was the true Hogwarts' champion. As we walked away from each other that night, I had no idea that these troubles were just the start of things to come."
I asked "What do you mean?"
"From what I understand, as soon as he returned to the Gryffindor common room, he was confronted by his 'best' friend who called him a liar and a cheat as the rest of the house just sat there and followed along. One by one, all of Harry's friends deserted him and left him with no support as he tried to compete in a tournament that was designed for wizards and witches who were of age."
"So the Gryffindors abandoned him?"
Mr. Diggory gave a short laugh before he told me "You could say that but it just wasn't the Gryffindors. Over the course of the next month, Harry was pushed further away by everyone in the school including the staff. I even begged my own house to see reason and give Harry a break but I'm sorry to say they wouldn't listen.
It wasn't long before Harry just started shutting everyone out. He quit going to class because he was tired of being mistreated and disrespected everyone especially the teachers. I guess I have been lucky that I could always talk with my head of house Professor Sprout but it really bothered me that he needed help and yet his own head of house refused to do anything for him but I guess that shouldn't have surprised me as no one else did either."
So Mr. Potter was abandoned and left to flounder along?'
Mr. Diggory's close friend, Megan Jones, was sitting through the interview and had this to say "Harry was thrown to the wolves and every single person who had supported him in the past turned their backs on him. Professors, friends, family, you name it. (This reporter notices her staring at Mr. Diggory for a minute before he nodded his head. Her father, Lord Jones, came up and laid his hand on her shoulder and said 'Say your piece Megan.')
Harry made two friends when he came to Hogwarts who were Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Mr. Weasley was the one who called him a liar and a cheat and led the other Gryffs into turning their backs on Harry. Miss Granger couldn't take the pressure and after a week, she walked away from Harry too. It wasn't until Harry performed brilliantly during the first task when they tried to make up. It was evident to me that they were opportunists who realized they wouldn't stand out without Harry's spotlight shining on them."
I watched as Miss Jones stopped at this point and took a deep breath. There was obviously an issue that she wanted to discuss but was hesitant to do so. When I pressed her on the matter, she finally said "Harry is a very selfless person who would do anything for someone he thinks of as a friend or family. Harry became very attached to the Weasley family early on and then this year, four of their children withdrew their support of him. It devastated Harry and now I think he feels like a fool for risking his life to save one of theirs. I also know that he did the same for Miss Granger in our first year and had strong feelings for her until she turned her back on him."
Mr. Diggory added
"What amazes me is that our parents have taught us that family honor and debts are never to be taken lightly. I don't owe Harry a debt but my honor requires me to speak out for him. Our biggest question is why are we the only ones? There are some old family alliances with the Potters that have been in place for centuries."
'Why aren't the Longbottom or Bones family standing up for or with the young Potter? Why are two families that have always been friendly with the Potters but not allied having to do this? When Harry becomes of age, I'd hate to think what will happen to the old family alliances because if it was me, I'd declare breach of trust and require restitution."
"Megan talked to the Bones Heiress about it one day and she basically said that he wouldn't care about stuff that happened during school. I think I know Harry a little better that she does and I can say this, those who have treated him bad and broken his trust will never be able to get it back."
This reporter sat there listening and the only thought that went through my mind was that there would be a shift in the balance of power in a few years... I finally asked "I heard a rumor that Mr. Potter has disappeared. Is there any truth to this?"
"Yes there is. Harry has disappeared and we are quite worried about him. I even wonder if he will come back."
"Why?"
...
Want to read ahead by 60+ chapters then join my p*atreon right now.
Free members an get up to 6 free chapters if you join my pa*treon as a free member right now.
Join now before it's too late.
Link: pa*treon.com/GalaxyWonder (Remove the *)