Slughorn's Fear

As a typical Western journalist, Rita's ability to fabricate stories is truly first-rate.

William provided her with relatively reliable material, yet she managed to turn it into a bizarre story that was even more Voldemort and morally questionable than Qiong Yao novel.

It would be impossible to reach such a masterful level of skill without decades of immersion in the field of journalism!

Fortunately, Rita wasn't made to write Dumbledore's biography.

Otherwise, Dumbledore's reputation might be damaged, and his integrity in his later years might be tarnished.

Even if the White Demon King turns into the Dark Lord, his dirty secrets with Grindelwald might be exposed.

Of course, now it's a case of the wicked getting their just desserts.

William taking Rita in as a dog to attack Voldemort wasn't very lethal, but it was extremely humiliating... It was a good move.

Besides being adept at spreading rumors, Rita's operational methods are also top-notch.

This Halloween interview series, at least, has captured all the attention and raised everyone's expectations.

Everyone is talking about this like crazy.

Even Peter Crazy, a famous rock singer who occupies half of the United Kingdom magical music scene, stole the spotlight from the trending topics about releasing an album at the end of the month.

The news that Zabini's mother, William's classmate's beautiful mother, had become a charming widow again after her seventh husband's death, failed to cause the slightest ripple.

The news of a certain celebrity wizard couple's divorce went completely unnoticed.

This is Rita's wrist.

Everyone was very excited.

Even if you can't defeat the Dark Lord, can't you at least gossip about him behind his back?

Everyone is planning to buy this book around Christmas to learn about the Dark Lord's unknown past.

Especially the part about him being kept by a wealthy woman, it would be best if there were some detailed descriptions and photographic records.

We're not envious, we just want to see it and then condemn this unethical behavior.

Snape, on the other hand, was not happy. He had a gloomy face for several days in a row, as if everyone owed him a girlfriend.

He also deducted 58 points from Gryffindor, put three Ravenclaw students in solitary confinement, and caught two Hufflepuff boys on a late-night date.

Snape transforms into a grumpy old man.

He was actually incredibly worried that his name would be mentioned in this book.

What if Rita Skeeter uncovers something?

Snape was clearly overthinking it.

The materials William provided didn't mention him at all, let alone involve the Horcrux issue.

When it comes to this, everything is promoted in a completely different direction.

After the war, William might rewrite a biography of Tom Riddle, and then set things right and quell the rumors.

This is just for fun; the key is to focus on Tom's background.

However, compared to Snape's worries, Professor Slughorn was filled with anxiety.

In Rita's interview, he explicitly mentioned that he would also help the You-Know-Who get into the Ministry of Magic.

This is a dark chapter in Professor Slughorn's history.

He didn't want anyone to know that he had taught Tom Riddle and was even close to Tom.

He didn't want anyone to know that he had once told Tom how to make Horcrux!

So much so that Slughorn was somewhat distracted during Potions Class.

"... Of course, this means that if we have used the Lagrange Middle Finger Curse to correctly extract the liquid from the magical material during the kneading process..."

We will receive a non-toxic, harmless, edible viscous liquid, Tears of an Evil Soul.

This requires a lot of practical skills, and most people will fail on their first try.

After obtaining the Tears of an Evil Soul, stir it five times, add it to the Potions, and simmer it over low heat for five minutes to obtain the Regeneration Potion.

"Professor, it's after stirring seven times, not five times."

During this lesson, William quietly reminded Slughorn for the third time.

The old man then seemed to wake from a dream and said, "Yes, look at my memory, I'm getting senile."

"So," Slughorn concluded, "I want each of you to come to my desk and take a small bottle; you must have the Regeneration Potion before the end of class."

Good luck! Don't forget the precautions, wear protective gear!

After reminding everyone, Slughorn slowly made his way around the classroom, inspecting the various Potions.

William doesn't like wearing protective sleeves, which might protect his fingers, but they reduce the amount of fluid output.

He was highly skilled and daring, and soon obtained a large number of Tears of an Evil Soul.

Many more beginners get stuck at the very first step; they can't find the entry point.

Slughorn walked over to William, first praising his skillful technique, and then tentatively asked:

"William, I don't know if you've seen Rita Skeeter's interview about the You-Know-Who?"

"I see, Professor. I'm really looking forward to Rita's new book," William said.

"William," Slughorn said earnestly.

"That woman, perhaps it would be more appropriate to call her Bald Eagle, she also contacted me, wanting to interview me."

To my shame, I was very rude at the time, calling her an annoying old woman.

As you probably saw, she deliberately mentioned me, even though I'm not familiar with the You-Know-Who at all.

Not familiar at all...

Professor Slughorn's tone made it seem as if Tom wasn't Slytherin, but rather a wretched, stupid Gryffindor lion.

"Indeed, from the reports I read about Rita, you seem to be Voldemort's mentor and close friend?"

Slughorn shuddered and said:

Don't believe a single word! Don't believe a single word, William!

Skeeter is spreading rumors. I have absolutely no connection with the You-Know-Who. I knew he wasn't a good person from a young age."

"..."

Slughorn rummaged in his breast pocket for a moment, then pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

He asked tentatively:

"William, Rita Skeeter is a really nasty woman. But you seem to get along with her quite well."

"Could you ask her to come again? I want to have a proper talk with her. Didn't she want to interview me?"

Slughorn probably wanted to give an interview and rebuild a positive image for himself.

"I think Rita would agree," William chuckled. "But as you know, it's too dangerous lately. She can communicate with you remotely using Two-Way Mirror."

"Of course," Slughorn said, grabbing his shoulder and inviting him.

"William, thank you so much. You and Hermione must come this time."

I'm hosting a big party; I'll host it whenever you're free.

"Alright." Seeing Slughorn's expression, William knew he couldn't avoid it, so he could only nod.

However, Professor Slughorn clearly didn't understand Rita; the more he said... the more mistakes he made!

However, on the other hand, if we don't push this old fox a little and make him feel a sense of urgency, how could he possibly hand over the memories about the Horcrux?

William has given up on Harry.