Clubs! -Harry Potter Hogwarts Mystery

Rumors and Relationships

Rita's article made the morning edition of the prophet, and to Sarah's dismay, it focused largely on Sarah's curse-breaking activities and her budding romance with the future dueling champion Diego Caplan.

"That story was interesting enough the way it was," said Penny, tossing the paper aside in disgust. "How often to students get to present an idea before the ministry? There's no point in filling it with a bunch of lies."

"I didn't say anything to her about the vaults," said Sarah. "Even if I'd wanted to, Flitwick cut her off every time she asked."

"I guess she got all the romantic stuff from Diego," said Charlie. They walked into the courtyard and sat down by the fountain—Sarah, Charlie, Rowan, and Penny.

"No. Honestly, Diego was great the whole time. Stayed really professional. I've never enjoyed his company more."

"Maybe Rita sensed actual chemistry, then?" said Rowan, her eyebrows raised in a question.

"No," said Sarah firmly.

Rowan wasn't the only one taken in by Rita's article, however. Everywhere she looked, people shot her dirty looks. Diego had been right about his Prince Charming act; he had a lot of admirers.

Many students had also resumed calling her "the cursed kid." The article had hinted that Sarah's quest to unlock the vaults was sinister in nature, and that she may have been receiving secret messages from her brother with instructions on how to perform dark magic.

She sighed heavily, closing her eyes to block out the nasty glares. "Just once I wish there were no rumors going on about me."

"Hello, Sarah." She looked up. Diego was standing in front of her, holding up the article and grinning. "I told you there was something between us. Even Rita Skeeter noticed it."

"There is nothing between us, Diego," she said. "Would you please tell everyone we're not going out?"

"Why can't there be something between us?" he asked, all traces of the bravado gone. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. Her cheeks reddened as she felt everyone's eyes on them. "I thought we had a real connection yesterday. We had a good time."

"We did. I do really like you, Diego, as a friend. But I'm—"

"What, already seeing someone? Who is it then, Sarah? At least tell me that."

"Me."

Sarah jumped as a pair of hands gently touched her shoulders. Barnaby was standing behind her.

Diego was completely taken aback. "You?"

"That's right," he said.

"Well...alright then." His face fell. Sarah could see he wasn't acting, and she felt terrible for him. "I wish you both the best. I'll see you at meetings, Sarah."

He retreated to the castle.

Barnaby kept his hands on Sarah's shoulders as they turned to face the others. Charlie and Rowan were staring open mouthed, but Penny was beaming.

"Hang on," said Charlie, once he'd found his voice. "Is this for real, or was that an act to get rid of Diego?"

Barnaby looked down at her. "Whatever Sarah wants."

She paused for a moment, then placed her hand on his. "It's for real."