Harry's Curse

The unfamiliar name Tom Riddle, and his book which many wizards consider nonsense, should have provoked protests from numerous young wizards and their parents.

But perhaps even Rita Skeeter didn't expect that her report would be accompanied by a photo inadvertently revealed by Riddle.

Everything has changed.

Those Pure-blood who were preparing to protest and ban "The Magic of the Muggle World" inexplicably fell silent.

On the contrary, they went to great lengths to recommend the book.

Dumbledore's fans also supported Riddle because of Dumbledore's stance.

Some onlookers were particularly supportive because of the handsome photo of Riddle and his rumored affair with Dumbledore.

Now that Riddle has officially appeared at Hogwarts, the young wizards have discovered that he is even more charming in person than in photographs.

This makes Lisa Turpin's words particularly influential.

Even Harry, standing next to Ron, couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

To Harry's surprise, Ron seemed to perk up under the watchful eyes of so many people.

He became even calmer. "Professor Riddle? Hmm, I wasn't talking about him."

"Professor Lupin is a friend of Harry's father, and we all know he's very capable!"

"You know, he used to be Prefect in Gryffindor." Ron spoke with increasing ease, even taking a sip of Pumpkin Juice, as if the person he was talking about really wasn't Riddle.

Ron's place immediately became quiet, and Lisa Turpin clicked her tongue in regret.

Ron, however, seemed to want more.

However, the news of Lupin Gryffindor Prefect also made Dean turn his head, "He's from Gryffindor? And he's Prefect!"

"Fortunately, there's still someone reliable."

"Now I know why there are two Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor!"

"Professor Lupin must be filling in for Professor Riddle!"

"The content we learn might be taught by Professor Lupin, and Professor Riddle is just going through the motions."

"Because I think Professor Riddle must be Dumbledore's son! He just bought a wand recently. I think he probably grew up in the Muggle world." Dean said in a low voice, afraid that the little witches who liked Riddle would hear him.

Seamus also strained his ears, but because he had a small argument with Ron earlier, he didn't say anything.

"Hmm, maybe." Ron suppressed a laugh and nodded at Harry.

Clearly, knowing important information that others didn't made Ron feel a little smug.

But Harry felt that if Ron were replaced by Dean, the story he envisioned would probably be even more outrageous.

For some reason, Harry also really wanted to punch Ron in the eye.

How could this happen to me?

"Dudley must have corrupted me," Harry thought.

He looked toward the Hufflepuff table, toward his cousin Dudley, whom he hadn't seen for months.

"Merlin's beard!" Harry exclaimed.

"What's wrong?"

"Harry, are you alright?"

"What happened?" Ron, Ginny, Dean couldn't help but ask.

The others also looked at Harry with curiosity.

"Look at Dudley! — My cousin!" Harry said.

He pointed shakily to a burly figure not far away.

But that figure from behind had absolutely nothing to do with being overweight.

"What kind of weight-loss Potions did he drink?" Ron asked, a mixture of shock and suspicion in his voice.

As far as he knew, there was no such Potions.

Moreover, Dudley had now become angular and looked every bit the tough guy.

If Dudley used to be like a fat Pigwidgeon, now he's like a lean bull.

"Harry, you didn't put some kind of curse on him during the summer vacation, did you?" Dean asked suspiciously.

He didn't know that Harry had spent the summer with Draco and the others.

He mistakenly believed that Harry had placed some kind of vicious curse on him in order to get revenge on his cousin.

Two negatives make a positive, which made Dudley handsome.

But the next second, Dean denied his own idea, "No, if that's the case, Harry, you shouldn't be surprised."

"Harry spent the summer with us," Ron said, still deep in thought, wondering if such Potions existed. "So, the curse has taken effect? And it has had an extraordinary effect on Dudley?" Dean confirmed his suspicions.

"It's not a curse!" Harry denied.

He began to doubt whether he had been right to think Dean was more reliable than Ron.

Harry's behavior clearly indicated that he was feeling guilty, in Dean's eyes.

As Harry's friend, he knew how disgusting Dudley and Harry's aunt and uncle were.

If it were him, he would also cast a curse in retaliation.

As for why the Ministry of Magic didn't discover it?

Are you kidding me?

That's Harry Potter!

The Chosen One who defeated Voldemort!

Harry must possess magic beyond everyone's imagination.

"Harry! Well, you actually kept this from me."

"It seems you shouldn't have used that curse on the fat guy." Even Ron now thought so.

"Hey! We can totally get Sirius to put your curse in the Daily Prophet with the headline: 'The Fat Man's Gospel, the Amazing Magic of the Chosen One Potter!'"

"And then add Dudley's photos from last year and now!"

"And he's a celebrity—not as famous as you or me, but he's been in the Daily Prophet before, and his picture is in it!"

"Think of how many Galleons we can earn this way!" Ron exclaimed excitedly.

A business empire had already been built in his mind.

Ginny covered her forehead again, feeling grateful to have such a brother.

"Us?" Harry was too surprised to think of anything else.

He never imagined that Ron would come up with another money-making idea based on his wild thoughts.

"Yes!"

"I'll handle all your advertising slogans, business plans, and sales coordination! Besides, Fred and George have always wanted to open their own shop, so they must have some good ideas."

"This won't hold you back. After all, you're the captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch Team, and we'll be selecting new players this year!"

"You know, with Jonny, Dennis, Woody, Ero all graduating, there are vacancies for Beater and goaltenders."

Ron frowned worriedly. "Wait, Harry, let's put the team aside for now. You're not going to ditch me and go it alone in this business, are you?"

"I already said, I didn't cast any curses!" Harry said, emphasizing each word.

Just as Harry was about to go crazy, the plates on the table became clean and Winky again.

This meant the meal was over, and Dumbledore stood up again. "Alright! Now we're all full and satisfied. I've already said what I planned before the Sorting Ceremony. Hmm, it's getting late, and it's important that you all be refreshed and clear-headed when you enter class tomorrow morning. Go to bed! Quickly!"