Chapter 362: It has never been so high-profile before, a reporter from the Daily Prophet
After sending a box of magical animal feathers to the Shrine of the Gods, Aaron left directly, giving both time and space to his thought-form.
On one hand, his magic points were not enough; he still needed to sign in for a few more days to buy that special mineral from the mall. Before that, he couldn't make special bullets.
On the other hand, there was still more than half a month until the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. His thought-form needed a quiet space to improve himself, and he also needed to learn some new spells or practice carving ultimate magic arrays.
In other words, before the start of the competition, besides receiving the Nether Crystal that he hadn't gotten yet, Aaron and his thought-form probably wouldn't meet again.
In the following days, Aaron lived and studied as usual, but the change in his status still caused him some trouble.
The Triwizard Tournament champion seemed to be enveloped by a huge halo, becoming the focus of attention wherever he went.
He didn't care about the gossip, but it was truly difficult when younger students, or even older ones, came over for autographs.
Even more frustrating was that in Potion Class more than a week later, all the Slytherins were wearing identical badges, with Aaron's portrait added to the Slytherin symbol.
"Who told you to do this?" Aaron asked, looking at Dracoand his two companions who were distributing the badges, feeling annoyed and helpless.
"Don't say anything if you're moved," Draco proudly patted Aaron's shoulder. "This was spontaneously organized by all Slytherins. Everyone is showing their support for you in this way.
Gryffindor and Hufflepuff shamelessly plagiarized our idea. Now, supporters of Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter are also wearing similar badges.
But it's not all bad news. Neller put in a lot of effort, even promising to let Ravenclaw score fifty points more in next year's Quidditch Cup, to reach an agreement with the Ravenclaw House, getting most of the Ravenclaws to support you.
Now, throughout Hogwarts, you definitely have the most supporters."
Hearing this, Aaron's mouth twitched violently, feeling completely exasperated.
Damn it! He had never been so high-profile in more than ten years.
After the class bell rang, Professor Snape walked into the classroom.
He scanned the students in the classroom and, upon seeing all the Slytherins wearing green badges, couldn't help but show a slight smile.
Good, Slytherin is still very united!
Immediately, he turned his gaze to Gryffindor, noticing that Hermione, Ron, and a very small number of others were wearing S.P.E.W. badges, which left him somewhat puzzled but he didn't pay much attention.
However, the red badges supporting Harry Potter worn by most of the students made his expression turn rather ugly.
His least favorite student was Harry Potter, and now someone dared to openly support Harry Potter in his class, which was simply challenging his authority as a Professor.
Just as he was about to scold Harry Potter, the object of Gryffindor's support, a knock sounded at the door.
Third-year Gryffindor Colin Creevey walked into the classroom, "Sorry, Professor, Mr. Bagman wants me to take the two Triwizard Tournament champions upstairs."
"Gaius, you go with him."
"Alright!"
Aaron quickly got up, neatly packed his schoolbag, and picked up Abey from the desk.
"What about Harry Potter?" Colin asked nervously.
"Potter's Potion-making skills are no match for Gaius. He needs to be delayed for an hour."
"But Professor, the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang champions will be there. Mr. Bagman said all the champions."
"Alright!" Professor Snape said impatiently, "Potter, take your schoolbag and get out of my sight."
As Harry walked out of the classroom, he still felt it was somewhat unreal. For the first time, he found Colin, this crazy fan, so pleasing to the eye, actually rescuing him from Professor Snape's clutches.
"You guys are truly amazing!" Colin exclaimed, "Two fourth-year Wizards can actually keep pace with three seventh-year Wizards."
Aaron forced a smile, "What does Mr. Bagman want with us?"
"It seems like it's for a photo shoot," Colin mused. "I saw reporters from The Daily Prophet, and their cameras are much better than mine."
"Great, I'll be making an even bigger fool of myself," Harrysaid glumly.
Aaron's heart skipped a beat. "Harry, I hope your jinx doesn't come true this time!"
"What do you mean?"
"It means you should quickly pray to Merlin right now that The Daily Prophet doesn't interview you," Aaron said gravely. "Rita Skeeter is the most unprofessional reporter. Arthur Weasley and Alastor Moody have both suffered at her hands.
Being targeted by her is not just ordinary embarrassment, and unfortunately, you, the Wizard who defeated You-Know-Who, are more newsworthy than anyone."
Upon hearing this, Harry's face paled slightly, and he felt an inexplicable unease in his heart.
"It won't be that unlucky, will it?"
"Hopefully not," Aaron shrugged.
"Here we are," Colin led them to a room. "Good luck to you both."
The two exchanged glances, knocked on the door, and then walked in.
This was a medium-sized classroom. Most of the desks and chairs had been cleared out, leaving only five chairs in the middle, and a long table with empty seats at the front of the platform. At first glance, it looked like an interview venue.
Viktor Krum, Cedric Diggory, and Fleur Delacour had arrived before them. Viktor had a gloomy face, exuding an aura that warned people to stay away, while Cedric and Fleur were chatting happily.
Besides the three, there was also Ludo Bagman, a portly photographer, and a Witch in a red robe.
"Harry, did you pray just now?" Aaron said half-jokingly.
"Didn't have time."
"Then we're finished," Aaron sighed. "She is Rita Skeeter."
"Ah?"
Harry looked at the Witch, dressed flamboyantly with jewel-encrusted glasses, and felt an inexplicable trepidation in his heart.
At this moment, he only wanted to minimize his presence. Being framed into participating in the extremely dangerous Triwizard Tournament was already tragic enough, but he didn't want to experience social death before the competition.
"They're here," Bagman said to Rita Skeeter, "The fourth and fifth champions."
"Mr. Bagman," Aaron said directly, "I still have some things to attend to, so..."
"I understand, it won't take much of your time.
It's just the wand-checking ceremony. The other judges will arrive soon."
"Just checking wands?" Aaron looked at the photographer and Rita Skeeter, seriously doubting Bagman's words.
"Uh... and we need the five champions to take some photos.
This is Rita Skeeter, she's writing an article about the tournament for The Daily Prophet."
Rita Skeeter smiled as she looked at the five, her gaze passing over Cedric, Krum, and Fleur, hesitating for several seconds between Aaron and Harry, finally settling on the scar on Harry Potter's head.
"Ludo, before we start checking wands, can I have a few words with Harry?
You know, his identity can add a lot of color to the article."
"No problem," Bagman said loudly, "It's just... I wonder if Harry objects?"
"I object," Aaron said immediately, "Mr. Bagman and Madam Skeeter, Harry is not in particularly good condition today, so..."
"Right," Harry reacted, cooperating, "I have a cold. Madam Pomfrey even told me to rest well this morning."
"Is that so?" A hint of displeasure flashed in Rita Skeeter's eyes, and then she turned her gaze to Aaron. "Then, I wonder if Mr. Gaius is available?"
"Uh... it should be..."
"Excellent!" Rita Skeeter didn't give Aaron a chance to object, directly grabbing Aaron's arm, her two-inch-long red nails gripping like claws.
But the next moment, an awkward thing happened: no matter how hard she pulled, Aaron remained motionless.
"You have great strength, Mr. Gaius," Rita Skeeter said, releasing her hand with a hint of embarrassment.
"Just barely," Aaron showed a harmless smile. His physical fitness could already be said to be at the peak of human ability. Rita Skeeter's strength was no match for him.
"Haha! If possible, could you come out and talk with me?"
"I'm very sorry, but I'm afraid that's not possible.
Dumbledore reminded me never to accept any interviews." Aaron said earnestly, "As you know, he is the Principal, and it's necessary to listen to what he says."
Rita Skeeter gritted her teeth, then reluctantly shifted her gaze to Diggory. "The oldest and most competitive champion at Hogwarts, you should..."
Before she could finish, the door opened again, and Albus Dumbledore was the first to enter, followed by Barty Crouch, Professor Karkaroff, Madam Maxime, and Adrian Cline, and finally, Garrick Ollivander.
After the six arrived, they spontaneously took their seats at the judges' table in front of the platform, and Ludo Bagman naturally joined them.
"You go ahead with your work," Rita Skeeter said tactfully, then retreated to the side with the photographer.
"Please allow me to introduce Mr. Ollivander," Dumbledoresaid after sitting down. "He is the renowned wand-making master. He will inspect your wands to ensure they are in good condition before the competition."
"Aaron, you go first!" Ollivander smiled kindly.
"Alright, Great-Uncle."
"Great-Uncle, is that your Great-Uncle?" Fleur looked at Aaron in surprise. Cedric and Krum also looked a bit unnatural, and even Madam Maxime and Karkaroff's eyes twitched slightly.
It was one thing for his sister to be a judge, but for his Great-Uncle to also be an inspector, this relationship was a bit too absurd.
"He is my grand-nephew," Ollivander explained. "However, Ollivander's rules will not change due to personal identity.
I am only responsible for checking if the wands are in good condition; I will not interfere with anything else."
Everyone:...