It would take time to persuade Shafiq and the others to join forces, and Sirius Black had no intention of letting the Malfoy family have an easy time before establishing a new brand.
If it's simply a matter of wealth, the Black Family won't lose to anyone.
On Wednesday morning, The Daily Prophet had another big story.
"The Rise of Champion at Hogwarts?" Ron looked at the newspaper in his hand with a puzzled expression. "Is it going to be another one praising Malfoy?"
Harry picked up the newspaper that the owl had just placed on the table. "It can't be. My godfather specifically told me to take a good look at today's news. It must be him who made the move."
The title is fairly standard, but the content of the article is quite sensational.
"As the sole heir of the Malfoy Family, Draco Malfoy's first task upon entering Hogwarts was to befriend Harry Potter."
But a month later, he completely changed his attitude...
It's not really that explosive; it just tells the story of some of the things Draco did.
For example, the reasons for establishing the Black Swan Club, how he got into the Quidditch team, and what he does on a daily basis at school.
The entire page dedicated to "The Story of Draco" implies that Draco has a wealthy father, and given the close relationship between the school principal and his father, he can practically do whatever he wants at school.
The article concludes with a detailed account of the Triwizard Tournament, repeating the section about the Goblet of Fire selecting three Champion three times.
Based on the above, it's already a clear indication.
Lucius Malfoy, this rich, powerful, and influential father, probably used some underhanded means to pre-select his beloved son Draco as the fourth Champion.
"Nonsense!"
Harry and Ron both looked toward the Slytherin table.
Yesterday, Draco, who had been like a lump of mud, turned red-faced and, as if in a final burst of energy, used all his strength to tear the newspaper in his hand into pieces.
The falling scraps of paper seemed to symbolize his fragile little heart.
After tearing up the newspaper, he slumped back into the chair, as if he were about to close his eyes at any moment.
Harry shrugged at Ron, then went on to eat breakfast with a bright smile.
The toast was delicious today, and the blueberry jam was especially sweet.
In the following days, the Daily Prophet went on a frenzy of reporting on Draco's past.
The stories include things like "bullying" two Muggle-born students on a train, deliberately challenging a student to a duel in the Trophy Room, ordering his underlings to throw Dungbombs during Charms class, and deliberately damaging flying brooms Flying Class. Each day, one incident is reported in detail.
Vincent, as the biggest "victim," almost laughed out loud every time he ate breakfast.
Sirius Black was really too cunning; this move completely silenced the Malfoy father and son.
But soon, Lucius retaliated.
He simply paid to buy an entire page in the Daily Prophet just to publish a statement.
To the people of the Wizarding World
Hello everyone, I am Lucius Malfoy, the current head of the Malfoy Family.
Regarding some of the rumors that have been circulating recently, I would like to make the following statement:
First, I am very concerned about the future development of the Wizarding World and have donated countless funds and teaching materials to Hogwarts. Therefore, the claims that I spoil my son and have repeatedly targeted certain students at Hogwarts are all nonsense.
Second, the Malfoy Family has always been strict in its upbringing, and my son is of high moral character and would never bully his classmates.
Third, my son has shown exceptional Quidditch talent since childhood. He was selected for the school team through a fair and just selection process, and I have always supported the multifaceted development of young people. Donating flying brooms is the best proof of this.
Fourth, the Malfoy Family is just a relatively old Pure-blood Wizard family. They do not have any so-called "privileges" and are not as powerful as the rumor-mongers claim.
Fifth, the Triwizard Tournament has always been a competition where the Goblet of Fire selects its own Champion. I don't know why there are four Champion this year. Perhaps the Goblet of Fire has its own reasons, believing that there are four qualified students this year. But whatever the truth is, I can vouch for myself with my integrity. I have never used my wealth to bribe anyone. There is something fishy about Draco being chosen as Champion. It was all the Goblet of Fire's own choice.
That concludes my statement. I would also like to sincerely say to everyone: Please stop spreading rumors.
The rumor-mongers have ulterior motives and intend to discredit the Malfoy Family, who are dedicated to the peace and stability of the Wizarding World. The public has discerning eyes, and I believe everyone will be able to think rationally and resist these rumors that are intended to destroy the Malfoy Family.
Finally, I have a few words to say to the rumor-mongers:
Please stop spreading any false rumors immediately. The Wizarding World is in such a mess because of your existence.
The Malfoy Family never bows to evil forces, and we will strike hard against anyone who attempts to disrupt the stability and peace of the Wizarding World.
If anyone remains obstinate, I guarantee I will utilize all the resources of my family, including but not limited to legal means.
Please do as you wish, thank you for your cooperation.
This statement amused many people.
That sounds Diadem, but who doesn't know the true nature of the Malfoy family?
A clarification statement? No, this is a confession!
The next day, Sirius Black retaliated.
He successfully persuaded old Shafiq and his group, and then filed a formal complaint in the Daily Prophet accusing Lucius of embezzling charitable funds.
Charity fundraising events are held at least three times a year; how many Gold Galleons will this one cost?
Lucius immediately clarified the matter through the newspaper, stating that every charity fundraising event was jointly organized by him and the Ministry of Magic, and there was absolutely no misappropriation of any kind.
The Ministry of Magic, especially the Ministry of Magic under Fudge's leadership...
Everyone knows what's really going on, but no one dares to bring it up in the open.
However, Sirius Black dared to.
On Saturday, he stormed into the Ministry of Magic with old Shafiq and a few others, demanding that Fudge produce proof of where all the donations had gone.
Where else could the donations go but into Fudge's pocket or the Malfoy family's vault?
What could Fudge do but pretend to be ignorant?
"Please rest assured, I will give you an explanation as soon as possible."
After seeing Sirius Black and the others off, Fudge turned around and went back to his office with a dark expression.
How could his "old friend" Lucius, who is usually quite shrewd, suddenly cause such a big problem?
He knew Sirius Black's personality; although he was impulsive, easily angered, and not very rule-abiding, he was generally a pretty easy person to talk to as long as you didn't provoke him.
"So..." Fudge understood; his old friend must have offended Sirius Black in some way.