MISCHIEF MANAGED// FRED WEASLEY X READER

29. Rita Skeeter's Big Story

Fred's Disclaimer: The author of this story does not own Harry Potter and she better not write Y/N and Cedric together again or we will be having words. 

The weighing of the wands was about the dumbest thing possible. The other champions were standing in a line, chatting amongst themselves about what they were going to do with the prize money, should they win the Tournament. For me, it was honestly about surviving the three tasks. Sure money would be great, but you have to be alive to use the money.

"Right, Miss Y/N Potter," The quiet but sincere voice of Mr. Ollivander called. He'd just finished measuring and testing Cedric's wand, who turned around and flashed me a smile. I forced one back, handing my wand to the wandmaker. "Ah...11 inches, unicorn hair core...nice and springy.." He trailed off thoughtfully. "Good for defensive spell work but quite partial to potion making as well if I am correct."

He twirled it around, creating a strong gust of wind that blew Fleur's hair into her eyes. She coughed indignantly, brushing the silvery locks back into place.

"Seems to be in order," Mr. Ollivander peered over his glasses, his cloudy eyes boring into mine. "If I am also correct, you didn't choose to enter this tournament, Miss Potter? You are underage...fifteen years old?"

I nodded, taking my wand back. "Yes. You're correct."

Fleur gave me a haughty look. "Eef you ask me, I wonder just 'ow reliable ze Dumbledore's age line could 'ave been."

"Yeah, but no one asked you," I muttered under my breath. "Thank you Mr. Ollivander."

He smiled benignly at me, gesturing past the wand table to a relatively tiny broom closet.

Just as I walked by, the door shot open, smacking me in the face.

"Oh my god, I'm so, so, sorry Y/N," Cedric gasped, bending down to help me. He placed his hand on my arm and we made eye contact, just as I heard the snapping of a camera.

"Tut, tut, now isn't this lovely?"

I looked up, covering my eye with one hand to see Rita Skeeter, the utterly demonic woman who wrote for the daily prophet. She was wearing an outfit that I could only describe as flagrantly extravagant with a red leather blouse and a dragon skin cap. 

Her black lens camera was floating in mid air and she peered closely at the screen.

"True Love Between the Two Hogwarts Champions...but in the face of the competition, only one can win," She smiled with too many teeth, and waved her wand, causing it to disappear. "Perfect for this next issue."

"Um no," I said, thinking rapidly of Fred. I exchanged glances with Cedric, rubbing my eye. "No, we aren't together. That's definitely not a thing. So don't post that." 

"Freedom of the press, sweetheart," Rita squealed quietly to herself. "Oh this is just perfect. And you're Harry Potter's sister too! Famous Y/N Potter and quidditch legend Cedric Diggory." She tapped her wand against one of her scrolls jotting down some notes. "Come and have an interview with me, I need more details." 

"No, er, I don't," Cedric tried to interject. "Yeah, Y/N and I aren't together. Yet." 

I cringed inwardly at his words, sighing. 

"Yet?" Rita's eyebrows shot up again. "Is this unrequited love I'm smelling?" She gave a quick laugh. "now this is even better than I thought it was." 

"Would you just shut the hell up?" I said angrily. "Stop making up stories that don't even exist. I didn't even want to be in this damn tournament and I don't want any publicity whatsoever. Don't fucking write any stories about any of this or so help me Rita Skeeter I will shove that camera up your—" 

"Y/N," Professor McGonagall appeared out of nowhere, her arms crossed. Her lips turned up in a thin smile. "I thought I heard your er—voice. Your presence is requested in Professor Snape's office; I trust that you've all wrapped this interview up?" 

"Yes, we're quite done here," Rita said glaring at me. She smiled sweetly at Cedric, before going back into her broom closet. "You'll be seeing that article soon. Very, very soon." 

McGonagall inhaled deeply. "Well, I trust you can find the Potions room on your own, and I'd best be off now." 

I nodded, walking quickly into the hallway. So much for lunch. 

Cedric followed suit, jogging to catch up. 

"Sorry about that," Cedric said to me, scratching his neck. "I didn't mean to hit you with the door...or make Skeeter think we're in love or something." 

My face flushed as a familiar redhead came up beside me just as those words left Cedric's mouth. "Anyways," Cedric paused, sensing some awkwardness. "I, er, I'll see you later, Y/N." 

I wanted to roll my eyes, or yell something but I refrained. "Yeah. Bye Cedric." 

"So..." Fred tapped his foot, raising an eyebrow. "Something going on there?"