The Interview of Wizard Weekly
"Is this the strength I imagined...?"
Xiwen couldn't help but imagine a scene— Dumbledore going to the homes of those outspoken wizards one by one, breaking down the doors with powerful spells, and casually casting a curse that knocked the trolls who were furiously scribbling on their letters and hurling scathing criticisms to the ground...
Just thinking about it makes me feel so good!
"What are you thinking? I didn't teach you to deal with them face-to-face." Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at Xiwen and said, "What I'm saying is that as long as our own strength continues to improve, we don't need to care about the pointless words of those clowns."
"Since then, I have published many articles, participated in numerous competitions, and gained unanimous recognition from the wizarding academic community. During that period, I also received honors such as the Barnabus Finkley Award for Outstanding Spellcasting Technique, the title of England Youth Representative of Wizengamot, and the Gold Medal for Pioneering Contribution at the Cairo International Alchemy Conference."
"Then I realized that as long as you have a strong heart, the slander and defamation from those clowns have absolutely no effect on us in the face of overwhelming facts!"
Dumbledore looked intently at Xiwen and offered him words of comfort.
"But I'm still really annoyed," Xiwen said, pursing his lips.
"Indeed, that's why I later launched a grand duel, inviting all those who doubted me to fight me face to face." Dumbledore laughed, quite pleased. "Of course, in the end, very few dared to actually come and participate in the duel, even those who had belittled me in letters and magazines."
"But I also honed my combat skills through this experience," he said with a smile. "Those were my most spirited and ambitious days!"
Xiwen suddenly realized that Dumbledore's current status was not built on the hype of newspapers and magazines, or the approval of a little Qilin, but rather on his own hard-earned strength through academic articles and duels!
And Xiwen's eyes lit up at Dumbledore's way of dealing with those critics.
"Do you think it's a good time for me to hone my combat skills?" Xiwen asked with great interest.
Dumbledore: "...?"
Xiwen rushed back to his dorm room, found an interview invitation from Wizard Weekly among the pile of letters in his closet, nodded with satisfaction, and began writing a reply to Wizard Weekly.
Weekend, Hogsmeade.
Xiwen opened a Dimensional Gate next to the secluded Hog's Head, then headed straight for the Three Broomsticks.
He stepped through the door of Three Broomsticks and was immediately greeted by a warm atmosphere. The bar was a bit crowded, but very clean, a stark contrast to Aberforth's Hog's Head.
Inside the bar, a young witch in her twenties was already seated in a booth, wearing a reporter's badge from <Wizard Weekly> around her neck. When she saw Xiwen, she paused for a moment, then took out a photo from her pocket and carefully compared it before approaching him with a look of surprise.
"You must be Mr. Rozier. My name is Shulaya Kloss, and I'm the reporter responsible for interviewing you." She said to Xiwen with a professional smile. "I knew you were a Hogwarts student, but I certainly didn't expect you to be so young!"
"Hello, Ms. Kloss," Xiwen replied with a smile.
"Shall we begin the interview now?" Ms. Kloss asked.
"Let's order a few drinks first, so we can keep our throats moist while we talk," Xiwen said, waving his hand to call over a bartender who handed him a Galleon and said, "A cherry syrup, please."
"Sir, the cherry syrup will only cost five Sickle per cup," the waiter said politely.
"It's alright, whatever this lady needs, just put it on my tab," Xiwen said with a smile. "If one Galleon isn't enough, just ask me for more."
Ms. Kloss's smile became more genuine. She first thanked Xiwen, then ordered a glass of iced soda.
After the two drinks were served, Xiwen took a sip of his cherry syrup, then smiled and nodded to Ms. Kloss, indicating that the interview could begin.
Ms. Kloss professionally took out a Quick-Quotes Quill and a notebook. After placing the notebook on the table, the quill pen automatically floated above the notebook, ready to jot down their conversation at any time.
"Mr. Rozier, I'd like to start by asking a question that just popped into my head," Ms. Kloss asked. "What year are you in at Hogwarts? You look so young."
"I'm in second grade," Xiwen said with a smirk.
Kloss's eyes widened immediately, and she instinctively wanted to gasp. But then, as if remembering her professional background, she quickly suppressed her shock and asked the next question.
"Then may I ask, you are only a second-year student at Hogwarts, how are you able to Animagus Transformation?"
Xiwen said, "Perhaps I'm just more talented. Under Professor Dumbledore's guidance, I was already capable of a certain degree of Human Transformation before I even began performing Animagus Transformation."
Kloss asked, "Some people say that Dumbledore got you the second author position because he accepted a bribe from the Rosier family. What do you think of this claim?"
Xiwen said, "Professor Dumbledore would never betray his principles for a few bribes. I think anyone who says that is making a blatant slander."
Kloss asked, "What is the reason you are under the Maledictus Blood Curse?"
Xiwen said, "This matter needs to be kept confidential; I cannot disclose any information."
Kloss asked many questions, Xiwen answered with great grace. However, Xiwen chose to keep quiet about sensitive topics, such as the strange events in the Albania Forest.
Finally, Ms. Kloss asked a question:
"There are many criticisms and ridicules directed at you in various newspapers and magazines these days. What are your thoughts on this?"
Upon hearing this question, Xiwen perked up and grinned.
"I have zero tolerance for slanderous and fabricated statements, as well as attempts to use my fame to boost my own. If such statements or actions are discovered again after this interview, I will take necessary action."
Don't say you weren't warned!