'Tell Me Pretty Lies,' by moongirlel

Chapter 48: 'Potter Sucks'

[GOSSIP - Måneskin, Ft. Tom Morello]

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Mon. 3rd October 1994 - 12:48pm...

While enjoying lunch with my friends, I couldn't help but notice the heavy tension between all of the houses. More specially Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. It's been that way for weeks on end.

Harry, Neville and Hermione entered the Great Hall, and immediately whispers and stares broke out as he approached the Gryffindor table.

I roll my eyes, turning my body away from them as they wave in my direction.

Soon after them: Pansy, Theodore and one of Cedric's friends come in, carrying boxes into the hall.

"What are they wearing?" Daphne asked, nudging me and Draco.

Draco glared at her, "Their uniform?"

"No, I mean the green and yellow badge."

"Probably for support or something?"

Pansy skipped over to us, sliding one badge for each of us across the table. "Show your support - Potter sucks. And, Cedric rules."

Draco chuckles, picking his up.

Theodore and Cedric's friend began to pass out more pins out around the hall. Everyone happily accepted them.

I lift mine, watching the badge change from 'Cedric Rules' to 'Potter Sucks.' I watch Draco and Daphne clip their badges onto their robes. "Real mature."

"Oh, please. Lighten up, Jane." Draco grins, flashing his badge at me.

I stand, crossing the room to reach Harry. My friends called to me, telling me to come back. I show him the badge, "Explain."

"What? They all planned this behind my back. What do you want me to explain?" Harry shrugged, scratching the back of his neck.

"Notice how it's your friends arranging this, Jane?" Hermione quickly buts in, sighing dramatically. "Don't talk to Harry, or you'll have to deal with us."

"I'm not addressing you. Am I, Granger?" I snap, her face turned red.

"No, I'm agreeing with Jane." Ron stood next to me, "You could of at least told us how you did it."

"Did what?"

"Did what?" He mocks, "Put your name into the bloody goblet, what else would we be talking about, Harry?"

"I didn't do anything!"

"Sure, mate."

"I'm sure Harry has a great explanation for this." Neville raised both of his hands, mumbling quietly. "He always does, right?"

Harry's mouth opened, and he shook his head.

Ron points to him, "See, he doesn't even know how to explain himself. He's lying."

"I didn't put my name into the goblet! Someone's rigged the game!"

I fold my arms, "Then, who? Who put your name into the fire, if you so desperately didn't want this to happen in the first place? Who would be responsible for planning this against you?"

"I don't know."

"Liar." Ron muttered.

"I'm not lying!" Harry moved closer to us, "I have no reason to put myself in danger after the World Cup. Do you all seriously think I created this mess? What would be my motive to entering this stupid game?"

"Oh, let me see. I don't know - Fame, maybe? More than what you already have."

"I don't have an ego the size of my head, Ron. Unlike you, I'm content with my friends. I never asked to be famous. I never asked for any of this-"

"Potter sucks, Cedric rules!" A Hufflepuff announced on the way past us.

Harry lunged forwards, snatching the pin off his robe. "Fuck off. Leave me alone, I didn't do anything!"

He laughed, slowly backing away to join the other Hufflepuffs.

Harry gestured to me, "You can't believe all of them over me, can you?"

"I don't know what I believe in, Harry. All I know, is what I've seen. And what I've seen, was your name coming out of the goblet weeks ago." I reply, "Plus, you haven't given us a reason to side with you. You need evidence that someone put your name into the fire, without your consent, otherwise no one will see you're telling the truth - If you even are telling the truth. And so far, you don't have anything to support your claims."

In all honesty; I did have an answer for my brother. One he wouldn't even look at, never mind accept. For now, for the sake of my brother and the gossip spreading around the school, I decided to keep my opinions to myself for once.

Who is in charge of hosting the games?

Who was responsible for calling out the names of the chosen champions?

Who created the age line to prevent unwanted students from entering the game to begin with?

"Fine. Be that way. Fuck all of you." Harry said, leaving the hall with steam practically coming out of his ears. "Just leave me alone."

"What a git," Ron grumbled.

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8:22pm...

Laying across my bed, I pulled out my quill, ink and some parchment paper. Dipping my quill into the ink.

I tapped the feather against my temples, before I wrote a letter to send off with Evergreen,

Dear Padfoot,

I have reason to believe Harry's already been sending you letters to update our new year here at Hogwarts.

I want to tell you, I've been feeling really uneasy lately, especially after the Deatheater attack and the beginnings of these disappearances.

Cedric has told me he found his father safely after he helped me, which was a relief to hear.

Hogwarts has been offered to host a game, and I think someone is tampering with the game, to put my brother in further danger.

I don't want to throw any types of unwanted accusations around, but I already have an idea of who it could be. However, it's proving it and providing solid evidence in my case, and getting my brother to believe my words about this too.

People have began to make badges to bully him, and the only other people besides myself who refuse to wear them are Cedric, Kage, Neville and Hermione.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared for him, and those who've been chosen. Knowing Hogwarts, and the ways of the wizarding world, I don't think this game is going to be sunshines and rainbows.

Ps. I've also been using the telescope you gave me, and it's been helping a lot with my Astronomy lessons.

- Jane x

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