Hogwarts: I Am an Exemplary Wizard

Chapter 507: Chapter 505: Rita Skeeter

The events that occurred in the hall at noon quickly spread throughout the entire castle.

Every Gryffindor student was thrilled, thinking that there was finally someone in the castle who could make Snape feel afraid.

Because even Professor McGonagall couldn’t make Snape deduct points from his own house voluntarily, without a word of retort.

In an instant, Alastor Moody’s reputation soared unprecedentedly high within Gryffindor, and the Weasley brothers’ tales were passed down in several versions among the students.

It can be said that the reason why this matter spread throughout the entire school in less than half a day was greatly due to Gryffindor’s contribution.

But the price was that their house points began to fall rapidly, as if the hourglass marking points in the hall had a hole in it, dropping by more than half in just a few days.

That was until Professor McGonagall couldn’t stand it anymore, stepping in to warn some people, which finally brought the matter to a temporary halt.

A weekend in mid-November marked the second Hogsmeade weekend of the school year, and students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were also invited to visit this famous wizarding village.

The shop owners seemed to have received the news in advance, adding a lot of foreign elements to their stores.

For example, Honeyduke’s Sweet Shop had a row of dancing frosted macarons and a barrel of flaming syrup apples prominently displayed at the entrance.

In Gladrags Wizardwear, there were also more French-style long dresses and exquisite fur cloaks.

And at the Three Broomsticks, Kael saw through the window Ms. Maxime sitting with Hagrid, drinking something he had never seen before, a blue wine in cups the size of small barrels.

Just the two of them occupied the largest table in the shop.

”Kael, I think you should prepare more of this.”

Upon arriving at Zonko’s Joke Shop, Fred unceremoniously stuffed a whole box of Dungbombs to Kael.

”Exactly,” George said, ”even though we don’t know the details of the challenges yet, whether it’s a duel or dealing with some creature, Dungbombs are the most effective tools.”

”Just one small one...” Fred raised an eyebrow, ”is enough to bring down a dozen people, and the smaller the space, the more effective it is.”

”Of course, the key is that you need to prepare in advance and use the Bubble-Head Charm on yourself first,” George reminded.

”Forget it,” Kael said, putting the box back on the shelf, ”the rules already state that we can only use our wands; these things can’t be brought in.”

”Huh?” Fred frowned, sulking. ”That’s really unreasonable...”

But Kael thought it was quite reasonable.

Even if he really wanted to use them, there were ways, such as using the Summoning Charm... but Kael felt it was better not to use Dungbombs recklessly, or he might become the most notorious champion in history.

That wouldn’t be a good title.

When they returned to the castle in the evening, Fred and George were still complaining about the principals’ strict rules, insisting that a competition without props would lose a lot of fun.

The next day, after breakfast, Kael went to the Charm class on the third floor as usual.

”Before we start today’s class, let’s review the Summoning Charm,” Professor Flitwick said. ”Although this charm is simple, it often appears in the O.W.L. exams, and it’s indispensable in our daily lives.”

His gaze paused on Kael for a moment, then quickly moved away.

”If you ever need something but don’t have the time to fetch it, the Summoning Charm can solve that problem for you...”

For the next ten minutes, everyone began practicing the Summoning Charm as Professor Flitwick instructed.

Until the door of the classroom was knocked.

It was Ginny, who slipped into the classroom.

”Is there something you need, Miss Weasley?” Professor Flitwick asked.

”I’m sorry, Professor, Mr. Bagman asked me to bring Kael downstairs,” Ginny replied, ”all the champions have to go.”

”Of course, no problem,” Professor Flitwick said with a smile, looking at Kael. ”Go ahead, there won’t be any new content in this class.”

Kael nodded, handed his textbook to Conna beside him, and stood up to walk to the door, with everyone watching him along the way.

”It’s amazing, Kael, you’ve become Hogwarts’ champion.” Once the door was closed, Ginny couldn’t wait to say, ”Mom was so thrilled when she found out, she said she’ll definitely come to watch the competitions, and Bill and Charlie also said they’ll take leave to come.”

”The first task?” Kael asked, puzzled.

”Mom will certainly come for all three tasks,” Ginny said, ”but as for Bill and Charlie, I don’t know. They are too far away, so I think they’ll probably come for the last one.”

”Oh, we’re here, good luck,” Ginny said, as they arrived outside a room.

Kael knocked and went inside.

It was a relatively small classroom, with the tables pushed to the back, leaving an open space in the middle; three tables were lined up at the front, covered with long velvet.

Ludo Bagman was sitting beside them, talking with a witch dressed in a magenta robe.

Krum and Fleur were already there, standing off to the side.

”Ah, the last champion,” Bagman stood up, ”come in, nothing to worry about, just a wand-checking ceremony and a few photos. This is Rita Skeeter... she’s writing a piece for the Daily Prophet about the tournament.”

This was Kael’s first time meeting the infamous Rita Skeeter... or notorious would be more fitting.

After all, many people hated her with a passion, including Chris, who had been smeared by her articles.

”Ludo, can I have a few words with Kael before we start?” Rita Skeeter asked. ”He’s the youngest champion, you know... just to add some color to the article.”

”Sorry, Miss Rita Skeeter,” Kael spoke first before Bagman could respond. ”I think it’s better to check the wands first, as I still have class later.”

”Ah, correct...” Bagman said loudly, ”every lesson is incredibly important before the tournament starts.”

Rita Skeeter’s face looked a bit upset, staring intently at Kael.

But Kael pretended not to notice.

”Good thing you didn’t accept the invitation,” Fleur whispered, ”Ms.Maxime warned me to be wary of her.”

”She’s right,” Kael replied.

Soon, Professor Dumbledore entered the room, followed by the other three judge panel members, Maxime, Karkaroff, and Chris.

Walking at the back was Ollivander from the Diagon Alley Wand Shop.

”Looks like everyone is here.”

Dumbledore took a seat behind the velvet-covered table.

”Allow me to introduce Mr. Ollivander, who will be inspecting your wands to ensure they are in good shape before the tournament.”

...