Hogwarts: Don't call me Wandmaker

Chapter 390 Plans and Temptations

The entire magical world will be in an uproar... Hearing Siren's words, Rita Skeeter's breathing became rapid involuntarily.

Actually, when she first received the letter, she didn't really believe what was inside.

The headmaster of one of Europe's three great magic schools attacked the director of the International Magic Cooperation Department of the British Ministry of Magic, just to win the Triwizard Tournament?
Even if she didn't believe it, and it were published in the most unreliable magazine, "Singing the Divergence," most people would still treat it as a joke.

No matter how famous or popular the Three Kingdoms Tournament becomes, it is still just a competition between schools.

But attacking a high-ranking official of the Ministry of Magic and using Polyjuice Potion to replace him... that could already trigger a direct war between the two countries. Karkaroff is just the headmaster of Durmstrang University; how could he dare to do that?

However, as she learned more about the matter recently, she gradually realized that it was not impossible.

It's so strange. Barty Crouch has been behaving very strangely ever since he was attacked. He's doing things that are completely out of character for him.

The most obvious example is taking a month-long leave of absence and locking oneself at home without going out.

However, he didn't neglect his work because of this. According to Rita Skeeter's observation, a red-haired junior employee would organize his daily work and deliver it to him. So most people didn't pay much attention, simply assuming that Mr. Crouch was overly frightened.

But Rita Skeeter knew very well that this was impossible. Barty Crouch was known for his iron fist, and more than a decade ago, he was also a key figure in the opposition against Mystic, having experienced countless perilous battles, both large and small.

How could someone like that be so frightened by an attack that they wouldn't dare leave the house? Rita Skeeter certainly didn't believe it.

Of course, if needed, she wouldn't mind writing an article titled "The Former Iron-Fisted Hero Turns into a Coward."

If Barty Crouch had gone to work at the Ministry of Magic as usual the day after the attack, this article might have already been published in the Daily Prophet.

But Barty Crouch didn't do that, and there's definitely something even more surprising hidden behind this.

Lately, she has been hesitant about whether to continue the investigation. In her original opinion, the fact that Barty Crouch was attacked, the Ministry of Magic did nothing, and the Aurors still haven't caught the culprit was enough to occupy the headlines for a long time, and there was no need to delve any further.

Rita Skit wrote such infuriating articles, yet she can still wander around as if nothing happened, all because she's smart enough.

Those who had been her targets... Dumbledore, Newt Scamander, and others were all law-abiding wizards; even if they were truly angry because of her writings, they would not retaliate against her in private.

She would never provoke a truly ruthless person.

Principal Durmstrang, known for his dark magic and only accepting pure-blood wizards, is clearly a formidable figure.

So Rita Skeeter has been hesitant lately.

What Ke Xilun just said was so tempting.

Isn't this kind of scandal that could shake the entire magical world exactly what she has been pursuing?
More importantly, it actually happened; it didn't even require an automatic quill pen and could be sent out directly.

Seeing Rita Skeeter's ever-changing expression, Celen remained silent, calmly sipping his butterbeer. After finishing, he ordered another, along with some cookies.

Like butterbeer, Three Brooms' butter cookies were also popular, tasting even better than those in the school kitchen. He was sure that someone like Rita Skeeter wouldn't miss out on such a juicy opportunity, and even if it was bait on a hook, she wouldn't hesitate to take a bite just because of the sweet aroma.

Of course, it wasn't Karkaroff who attacked Barty Crouch; he wouldn't have been so bold. Siren said that simply to get Rita Skeeter's attention.

He needed to know more about Buddy Crouch, and although Percy knew a lot, he obviously wouldn't say it.

And when it comes to eavesdropping and gathering information, no one does it better than Rita Skeeter; she's a professional.

Half an hour later, the door to the three brooms was opened again.

Today was a day for Hogwarts students to visit, and the place was usually crowded with people coming in almost constantly. But this time was different. As soon as the door opened, all the guests around turned to look, and a buzz of discussion arose.

Sirius looked up curiously and saw Sirius walking in from outside. Everyone's eyes followed him.

“Oh, what a rare guest.” Mrs. Rosmerta stepped forward in surprise. “Black, I knew all along that you would never betray James Potter. I still remember how close you two were in school.”

"Thank you," Sirius said. "But you haven't changed at all. You look exactly the same as I remember you. Is there some secret to it?"

Ms. Rosmerta was amused by his words and laughed heartily. After all, Sirius had been imprisoned in Azkaban for twelve years, which meant that she hadn't aged at all in those years.

That was a very pleasant surprise, and Ms. Rosmerta immediately offered her a free glass of fiery whiskey.

“Consider it a celebration that you’ve finally been exonerated… Oh, and your butterbeer.” She handed Harry a large glass of drink next to her. “Drink up, it’s free too.”

“Thank you, thank you…” Harry said. He had never met such a warm-hearted Mrs. Rosmerta.

Judging from what she just said, it seemed like she trusted Sirius so much, but Harry clearly remembered that when he first came to Hogsmeade in his third year, Madam Rosmerta was urging Fudge to catch Sirius quickly.

The commotion in the tavern also caught Rita Skeeter's attention.

Actually, besides Sirius's letter, another important reason she came to Hogsmeade was to follow Sirius. After all, he was currently the most watched figure in the entire British wizarding world, and it would be great if she could overhear some unknown news.

For example, his relationship with Harry Potter, the savior, and the entanglement of their feuds that lasted for more than a decade, are all excellent sources of material.

But now Rita Skeeter suddenly lost interest, and even subconsciously thought that eavesdropping was incredibly boring and low-class. She was completely unaware that this was something she had been doing all along.

“I’m sorry, I have other things to do. See you later.” Rita Skeeter stood up and left the three brooms without hesitation.

There are some things she needs to think about carefully in a quiet place before making a decision.

……

(End of this chapter)