Chapter 38: The Daily Prophet's Involvement
While Poppy was sitting with Harry in the hotel, Cedric Diggory made good on his promise to speak out on the injustices that had been visited upon Harry during the tournament. He had contacted his father and the very next night during dinner, Lords Diggory and Jones made there way into the Great Hall. Upon seeing them, Albus paled but asked "Lords Diggory and Jones, to what do we owe this unexpected pleasure?"
Lord Jones said "Lord Diggory and I have come to retrieve our heirs. We have some family business that needs to be discussed tonight. We will return them before curfew."
Albus replied "Of course, family business. I hope that this doesn't become a common occurrence for you to take two of my students and disrupt their schedules. But I will abide by your wishes."
Amos Diggory responded "They may be your students but they are our children and heirs. As such, family business supersedes your wishes in this matter and quite frankly, you are close to the point of exceeding your authority."
"Yes, of course, I was merely concerned at disrupting their lives. I would never presume to keep your heirs from you."
Lord Jones turned and said "Cedric, Megan, you need to come with us. We have some family matters to discuss."
Cedric and Megan stood and followed their fathers out of the Great Hall. As they walked, Megan started to ask something but was waved off by her father and not a word was spoken until they passed the school gate. Amos Diggory and Reginald Jones stopped and held out an arm. Amos said "Grab hold. We've got someone who'd like to talk to you both."
The kids grabbed their dad's arms and apparated away. From up in the castle, Albus had left his seat in the Great Hall and watched as they walked across the grounds and out of the gate. He had a bad feeling that things were going to start getting worse than they already were. Both the Diggory and Jones families were light sided but tended to be less so than the others. For them, the rule of law spoke more loudly to them than the differences between light and dark. Both men were staunch fighters of injustice and would put every bit of their political weight and efforts into seeing wrongs righted. He wasn't naïve enough to not think that this 'family' business was about none other than Harry Potter. He was lost in thought and headed for his office completely forgetting about his dinner. He needed to find the boy and find him fast.
Cedric and Megan were apparated to Jones Manor where they found Cecelia Diggory and Kathleen Jones waiting for them. After hugs were exchanged, they were led into the sitting room where two more people were waiting for them. Megan saw the woman and ran over to hug her. "Aunt Hestia, I didn't know you'd be here. It's so good to see you."
Hestia kissed Megan on the forehead. "I had to see my favorite niece and find out if your mother was right and you really do have a boyfriend that made it past Cedric."
Megan blushed. "He's not my boyfriend. He's just a really good friend."
"Judging by that blush I'd say that you wouldn't say no if he asked."
Cedric laughed and added. "I don't think she's going to give him the chance whenever he shows back up."
Reginald said "I'd like to meet the lad before that happens. Now, we are here for a reason so I'd suggest we get down to business. Kids, I'd like you to meet Barry Timmons. He's an old classmate of mine that works as a reporter for the Daily Prophet."
Cedric and Megan both scoffed when he said Daily Prophet. Barry held up his hands and said "I understand your reactions. I don't agree with what Rita has written either but I promise you that I will print exactly what you say."
Cedric snarled "If there is anything written that hurts Harry any more, I promise you I will hunt you down. He doesn't deserve any of the crap that has been printed about him."
Amos grinned in pride at his son. He finally said "Its okay son, he's on our side."
Cedric looked at his father for a minute before nodding. "Well Mr. Timmons, the worst of it started on Halloween…."
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