Professor Slughorn was over the moon that Harry and Cedric were both in his class. Not in the same year, but still. The man was practically glowing with anticipation. There were so many people that he tried to name-drop when either were in earshot.
Harry would have thought it was funny if it wasn't directed at him. He was certain he could get Slughorn to tell him every task if he asked casually. The professor was amazing at networking, this year was just too much for the older man to keep up. With the visiting staff and students to meet, not to mention the various reporters popping up, he was a kid in a candy store.
Luckily, the Weighing of the Wands was during his potions class. Otherwise, Harry was certain that Slughorn would have stopped mid-lesson to schmooze. The professor was eager to let him go, in fact, it seemed like he wanted to follow Harry to the event. Slughorn just couldn't help it.
Rita Skeeter was waiting in the tent when Harry got there. She wore a shimmering green dress-robe that hugged her curves nicely and her glasses looked to quite expensive. Unlike last time, she had a confident looking photographer who didn't leer constantly at Fleur. There was also a younger woman who hovered nearby that Harry took to be her assistant.
She smiled and gave him a little nod when she saw him. The introductions were the same as last time, as well as the weighing. Harry was pleasantly surprised when Rita sat down with each champion for an interview. There was a smaller tent nearby setup especially for her.
When it was Harry's turn, he found that her assistant and the photographer were not with Rita. There was a fancy looking quill that hovered over a piece of parchment.
"Mister Potter." She gave a sultry look. "Please, take a seat."
"Thank you, Miss Skeeter." Harry inclined his head.
"Call me Rita." The woman winked at him. "Thanks to your tips I'm a real reporter these days."
"I've noticed." Harry smiled at her. "Isn't covering the tournament a bit beneath you now?"
Rita scrunched up her nose for a moment. "A little, but then how would I get to see you?"
"I hope that quill hasn't started taking notes yet." Harry gave her his best charming, crooked smile.
"Command activated Dicto-Quill." Rita practically purred. "It won't start until I tell it. Naturally, I'll have you look over the interview before it's published."
"I'm impressed." Harry said.
"Harry." She pouted. "I thought you've forgotten about me. It's been two years since we last spoke. Not a single letter."
"My apologies, Rita." Harry placed a hand on hers. "That was not my intention. How could I make it up to you?"
"Exclusive interview rights." Rita replied quickly.
"Done." He smiled at her. "And here I thought you'd ask for a mistress contract."
Rita gasped in faux shock. "Mister Potter."
"Miss Skeeter." Harry swirled his fingertips along the back of her hand.
"Another time." She straightened up in her seat. "I am here on assignment."
Harry adjusted his posture as well. "I enjoy this professional side of you."
"Behave." Rita giggled. She cleared her throat, slipping into her serious voice. "Introduction. Tri-Wizard Tournament. Fourth Interview. Rita Skeeter. Please state you name."
"Harry James Potter." He supplied.
"Thank you agreeing to this interview, Lord Potter." Rita said.
"Please, call me Harry." He gave her a polite smile.
"Harry." She smiled in return. "There is quite a stir about you being named a champion. Dumbledore himself set the protections. How did you enter?"
"I didn't." Harry replied. "As you said, Headmaster Dumbledore set the protections himself. I'm a decent student, but I don't have that much skill. Plus, I had no desire to enter the tournament in the first place."
"Oh?" Rita asked. "You didn't want a shot at glory and riches?"
"No." Harry laughed. "I was looking forward to cheering on Cedric."
"Cedric Diggory, the other Hogwarts Champion." Rita clarified.
"THE Hogwarts Champion." Harry made sure to speak that line clearly. "When my name came out it wasn't attached to any school."
"Interesting." Rita's eyes flashed. "Are you excited for the upcoming tasks?"
"My goal is to make it out alive." Harry chuckled.
"Come now." Rita cooed. "You aren't the least bit interested in competing?"
"The only competition I'm interested in is the Quidditch House Cup." Harry replied. "That's not an option this year."
"Oh?" Rita asked. "Could you expand on that?"
"Sure." Harry leaned forward. "Each of the four houses have a Quidditch team. Players run from second to seventh years. We play in a tournament for the House Cup. Scouts for professional teams usually show up to check out any upcoming talent. They don't have that chance this year."
"That sounds rough." Rita didn't seem all that worried.
"My godfather and I are Quidditch fans." Harry continued. "He came up with the idea for a summer tournament to make up for this year. It gives the graduates a chance at getting picked up by a team."
"I'll pass that along to my colleagues in the sports section." Rita chuckled. "Is there anything you would like to add about the Tri-Wizard Tournament?"
"I fully support the other champions. They were chosen to represent their schools. My name coming out was just a continuation of the string of incidents I've had here at Hogwarts." Harry added.
"Thank you, Harry. I appreciate you taking time for this interview." She paused. "Script End."
"Is that it?" Harry asked.
"Yes." She answered. "I'll have my assistant send you a copy before it prints."
Harry stood. He held out his hand to help her up. Once Rita was on her feet, he pulled her close to him.
"Are you busy this Friday night?" Harry asked.
"I can clear my schedule." Rita purred.
"Join me for dinner?" He asked. "There's a little place in Hogsmeade that I'd love to take you."
"Consider it a date." Rita replied. "I'll send you an owl in the morning."
"Wear something that's simple to take off." Harry kissed her on the cheek. "I'll look forward to your letter."