A Strong Will to Survive

An Extremely Strong Desire to Survive

"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 Isobel followed him into the Headmaster's Office.

"I received the news yesterday, Slughorn." Dumbledore looked at Albert as he placed the Golden Cauldron, symbolizing the champion, on the desk. "Well done, Mr. Anderson. Since I became Headmaster of Hogwarts, the school has never won the Potions Championship."

"It's all thanks to Mr. Anderson. You have no idea what that shameless old man Bernard..." Professor Slughorn seemed to realize his words were inappropriate. He gave a light cough and corrected himself. "That fellow actually changed the rules of this Potions Championship, intending to hand the title directly to his grandson."

"He must be furious," Dumbledore said softly. "By the way, Mr. Anderson, a reporter from the Daily Prophet would like 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 can understand that."

"I don't particularly like Rita Skeeter either." Seeing everyone looking at him, Professor Slughorn shrugged and explained, "Although her reports can be interesting sometimes, 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, trusting that the woman who loved stirring up trouble would give Bernard an unexpected surprise.

The other three people in the Headmaster's Office were all somewhat surprised. They had probably not expected Albert to agree to the exclusive interview, assuming he would refuse outright.

Noticing the fleeting surprise on Isobel's face, Albert smiled and explained, "If I don't accept the interview, Rita