A Powerful Survival Instinct

"Look, Dumbledore, what we brought you!"

Professor Slughorn pushed open the door to the Headmaster's office and spoke directly to Dumbledore, who was seated behind his desk.

Albert and Isabelle followed him into the Headmaster's office.

"I received word yesterday, Slughorn." Dumbledore looked at Albert as he placed the Golden Cauldron, the symbol of the champion, on the desk and said gently, "Well done, Mr. Anderson. Since I became Headmaster of Hogwarts, the school has not won the Potions Tournament even once."

"It was all thanks to Mr. Anderson. You have no idea how shameless that old Bernard is..." Professor Slughorn seemed to realize that his words were inappropriate. He coughed lightly and changed his wording. "That fellow actually altered the rules of this Potions Tournament, intending to hand the championship directly to his grandson."

"He must be furious," Dumbledore said softly. "By the way, Mr. Anderson, a reporter from the Daily Prophet wishes to conduct an exclusive interview with you."

"The interviewer wouldn't happen to be Rita Skeeter, would it?" Albert raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Yes. If you do not wish to accept the interview, I would quite understand."

"I don't particularly like Rita Skeeter either." Seeing everyone looking at him, Professor Slughorn shrugged and explained, "Though her reports can be amusing at times, more often than not, you cannot tell what is true and what is false."

"All right, I'll accept the interview."

Albert nodded in agreement, certain that that troublemaking woman would give Bernard an unexpected surprise.

The other three people in the Headmaster's office were somewhat surprised. They had clearly not expected Albert to agree to an exclusive interview and had assumed he would refuse outright.

Albert noticed the fleeting surprise on Isabelle's face and smiled as he explained, "If I refuse the interview, Rita Skeeter