** June 17th 1995 **
A week before the third task Harry and his bond mates found another interesting article by Rita Skeeter in the Daily Prophet. Under two large pictures of Ludo Bagman, one of him in his playing days and one as he appears now was this article.
Senior Ministry Official Implicated in Gambling Scandal
By Rita Skeeter
Working from a tip from a reliable source, I have uncovered a scandal that will rock the Wizarding World. Our own popular Ludo Bagman, former beater for the Wimbourne Wasps and current Head of Magical Games and Sports cheated many people from their gambling winnings at the World Cup. Mr. Bagman himself, in a serious conflict of interest due to his Ministry position, ran a gambling pool at the World Cup and then he paid the winners in Leprechaun Gold which as my readers know, disappears after a few hours. The very integrity of the Ministry is now in question to the entire world. In my investigation I have discovered that Mr. Bagman has in fact tallied a substantial gambling debt to the Goblins.
I call upon the Minister of Magic and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. Mr. Bagman should be immediately removed from his position until the investigation is completed. I call upon my readers to show their support of this investigation by owling the Minister and the head of Magical Law enforcement Amelia Bones. Finally the Daily Prophet is very interested in speaking to those people who were defrauded by Mr. Bagman. We understand the embarrassment such a situation might cause, so in return for your story to be quoted only as a defrauded individual and a magical binding statement, we offer to provide those individuals with the services of the Daily Prophet's solicitor to file a complaint against Mr. Bagman in hopes of recovering your winnings.
Story continued on page 3
Speculations on how much Bagman owes the Goblins page 4
Was the World Cup fixed? page 6
Harry looked down the table to where the Twins were reading the Prophet. Their eyes turned to his and a smile broke out on their faces. Harry saw them get up quickly and he knew they were headed for the Owlry to send a note to the Prophet. Harry quickly left his own seat and quickly caught up with them.
"If you address it to Rita directly and tell her I said to mention you're my friends, I think you'll find it will get a quicker response," Harry said to them.
Fred and George looked at each other and then at Harry. "You did this?" they asked simultaneously.
"I didn't mention your names of course, but gave her a tip to explore," Harry said. "I found that I have a little influence with her at the moment."
"Influence Rita Skeeter?" Fred replied.
"That's almost as impressive as your other news," George chimed in.
"We appreciate you doing this Harry."
"I needed to give a story to her, and that was one I could let her run with," Harry said. "I hope you can collect your winnings now."
"We have a better shot now," George said.
"Though we still expect that announcement around your birthday."
"We'll see," Harry replied.
** June 19th 1995 **
Two days later the Prophet had another picture of Ludo Bagman. This time it was of him leaving his office with his head down. The Headline blared.
Ludo Bagman dismissed from the Ministry
by Rita Skeeter
In a not so surprising move after my earlier explosive story, the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, announced that Ludo Bagman was dismissed from his position as Head of Magical Games and Sports. Fudge, who's office was inundated by owls from my readers concerned about Bagman's conduct, was quoted as saying. "I had no choice. Though Mr. Bagman was a popular player, his actions brought the integrity of the entire Ministry into question." Fudge was also quick to assure magical sports fan that he'd be naming Bagman's replacement very shortly.
According to the Minister there will be no disruption of any ongoing events involving the department though. The National Quidditch League will continue as scheduled as well as the third task of the Triwizard Tournament to be held next week. It was determine that due to the nature of the third task no replacement judge would be required.
Story continued on page 2.
Will Amos Diggory be the next Head of Magical Games and Sports? Page 3
Ministry to reopen the disappearance of Bertha Jorkins. Page 5
** June 24th 1995 **
The morning of the third task finally arrived. Though confident, Harry and Fleur both felt nervous. As they finished their breakfast, Harry and Hermione were about to go to History of Magic when Professor McGonagall appeared.
"Potter, Miss Delacour, the Champions will be congregating in the chamber off the Hall after breakfast," she said.
"But the task's not until tonight!" said Harry.
"I'm aware of that Potter," she replied with a stern look. "The champions' families are invited to watch the final task, you know. This is simply a chance for you to greet them."
"But I don't have a family to come see me," Harry said to no one as his head of house walked away.
"Yes you do, you'll come see my family which is yours as well now," Fleur thought. "Papa and Maman can't wait to see you again."
Harry smiled at her, then said goodbye to Hermione as she left to get to Professor Binns class and then a small kiss for Gabrielle as she left for Potions. A class she had grown to abhor as much as Harry did. She was at least fortunate enough not to have it with Slytherins.
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