Brave

Conversation

Several weeks later, the Gryffinfour were at Hogsmeade for their next visit. They haven't seen Hagrid since before the article was published about him, so the group went to the Three Broomsticks in hopes of running into him.

They fourth years were unsuccessful, however, and instead only saw Ludo Bagman drinking with three goblins. 

As Ron and Hermione went to the bar to order drinks for them, Mr. Bagman came over to their table, plopping into Hermione's spot and starting a conversation with Harry, completely ignoring Aurora.

"How you doing, Harry?" Ludo said at the younger boy, who politely mumbled a 'good' in reply.

"Looking forward to the next task, eh?" the man chuckled, "Ah, unfortunately poor Crouch won't be able to make this one. He's been missing work lately, yeah, sending that Weasley boy in his place."

"The ministry has been wasting their time searching for Bertha Jorkins again. Haven't been able to find her yet. But perhaps it's for the best, am I right Harry?" Ludo chortled, "Listen, my boy, the second task is coming up, do you need any help with it?"

"Erm, no thank you, sir," Harry responded. Mr. Bagman opened his mouth to say something else, but immediately said goodbye to Harry and finally greeted Aurora with a 'Ah, Lupin, didn't see you there' as he sauntered off. Aurora wondered why he suddenly left, but then saw Fred and George go up to get their drinks and knew it had to do with them.

A few moments later, Ron and Hermione returned with drinks for the four of them.

"Sorry we were gone awhile, long line. Hey, was that Ludo Bagman talking to you two?" Ron asked as he and the Granger girl passed a Butterbeer to each of them.

After Aurora and Harry nodded in reply, Hermione said, "I wonder why he keeps asking if he can help you cheat, Harry, and what he was doing with those goblins."

The rest of the Gryffinfour nodded in reply. They all chose to drop the matter of Ludo and the tournament, and enjoy their drinks, however that was ruined when Rita Skeeter came in.

"Not her again," Aurora groaned, smacking her head on the table.

The students watched as Rita spoke with the goblins. After they finished their conversation, the woman came over to their table. 

"Ah, what are you little rats doing here?" Rita scowled.

"Why did you write that article about Hagrid?" Hermione asked.

"I was simply informing the public about the monster you have for a teacher," the woman responded. Harry stood up, almost reaching Rita's height if it weren't for the ugly heels she was wearing.

"Don't put anything else out there about Hagrid," Harry said, his voice sounding deeper.

"Please, if I do, there isn't anything you little kids can do about it," Rita snarled.

The students watched as the woman walked off.

I don't own Harry Potter. The series belongs to J.K. Rowling. I only own Aurora and anything you don't recognize from the books or movies.