Chapter 8
"Look at these pins! Aren't they hilarious?" Draco jeered as Kalevi and him walked through the courtyard. The pin is August, and it is displayed on a bright blue background. Then, quite remarkably, the badge starts to rotate swiftly, revealing an image of Potter on a vibrant green background. To add a touch of humour, the words 'Potter Stinks' are inscribed on this intriguing badge.
"Yeah, but it surprises me how quickly August grew to popularity just because of the Triwizard Tournament," Kalevi commented, watching as Draco scaled a tree, climbing up.
"What the helvetti are you doing?" Kalevi called out.
"Climbing a tree, what the hell does it look like?" Draco responded as he sat in the crook of the tree causing Kalevi to chuckle.
"Looks like you're embracing your inner monkey," Kalevi replied, a smirk playing on his lips. He took a seat on the grassy ground below the tree, leaning his back against the trunk. The sun peeked through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on their faces.
Soon Potter passes through and Draco calls out,
"Why so tense Potter? My father and I have a bet you see. I don't think you're gonna last ten minutes in this tournament. He disagrees. He thinks you won't last five!" He yelled, snickering as he jumped down from the tree.
"Jumala, Draco," Kalevi sighed, glancing at Malfoy who was causing a scene.
"I don't give a damn what you or your father thinks Malfoy. He's vile and cruel, and you're just pathetic." Potter retorted.
Harry disdainfully turns away, leaving Draco seething with anger, his face contorted with fury. In a fit of rage, Draco desperately attempts to cast a spell, his wand trembling in his hand. Suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, Mad-Eye Moody materialises before them, his presence commanding and formidable. With astonishing speed and precision, Mad-Eye swiftly transforms the arrogant Malfoy into a helpless ferret, a small creature quivering with fear and vulnerability.
Kalevi stared at the small animal that used to be his friend, he couldn't help but feel himself snort before letting out a loud laugh. Kalevi's laughter echoed through the air, a mixture of amusement and disbelief. As he gazed at the transformed ferret, he couldn't shake off the memory of Draco's arrogant demeanour just moments ago. It was ironic how power and pride could be stripped away so effortlessly, reducing someone so pompous into a helpless creature.
"I'll teach you to cast when someone's back is turned," Mad eye muttered.
"Professor Moody, what are you doing?" McGonagall called out, rushing over to Mad eye
"Teaching!" he responded firmly
"Is that a student?" McGonagall said worried.
"Technically it's a ferret," Mad eye sneered.
Mad-Eye, with his characteristic eccentricity and mischievous spirit, proceeds to manipulate the levitation of the ferret in a playful manner. With a deft flick of his wand, he directs the furry creature to ascend the trouser leg of one of young Draco's companions. As the ferret wriggles and writhes, discomfort etches across the face of Draco's friend, evoking a symphony of laughter from the surrounding onlookers. The spectacle continues, until the ferret eventually emerges from its confining path, prompting McGonagall to swiftly intervene and restore Draco to his original form.
"My father will hear about this!" Draco exclaimed as he began to storm off, Kalevi following close behind.
"Is that a threat! I could tell you stories about your father that would curl even your greasy hair boy! It doesn't end here!" Mad eye yelled after them.
As Draco and Kalevi stormed off, their voices filled with anger and frustration, their conversation continued in hushed whispers. Draco's face was red with anger, while Kalevi's expression reflected a mixture of concern and confusion.
"Can you believe Mad-Eye?" Draco hissed through clenched teeth, his voice dripping with disdain.
Kalevi shook his head, still processing what had just happened. "I never expected to see Malfoy humbled," he replied quietly. "But you have to admit, it was quite entertaining to watch."
Draco's eyes widened at his friends' response.
"I was humiliated!" Draco yelled
Draco's outburst caught the attention of a few passing students, who glanced over curiously before quickly averting their gazes. Kalevi sighed and placed a comforting hand on Draco's shoulder, trying to calm him down.
"I know it was embarrassing," Kalevi said softly. "But maybe this is an opportunity for you to learn some humility. You've always been so arrogant, Draco."
Draco scowled at his friend but didn't respond. He knew that Kalevi was right, deep down. His pride had often gotten him into trouble before, and now it seemed like even the professors were starting to take notice.
As they walked through the corridors towards their next class, Draco couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and shame bubbling inside him. He hated feeling powerless and humiliated in front of others.
"Let's just forget about it," he muttered finally, not meeting Kalevi's eyes.
Kalevi nodded understandingly but couldn't help wondering if this experience would truly change Draco or if he would go back to his old ways once the humiliation faded away.
***(Later that day back in the dorms)
# The Mysterious August Karlsson: A Triwizard Enigma
*By Rita Skeeter*
As the anticipation for the upcoming Triwizard Tournament reaches its peak, Hogwarts is abuzz with excitement and speculation. One name that has been on everyone's lips is August Karlsson, the enigmatic Finnish wizard who has captured the attention of students and faculty alike.
August Karlsson, with his striking good looks and mysterious aura, has become somewhat of a legend within the hallowed halls of Hogwarts. Rumours about his extraordinary magical abilities and secret past have spread like wildfire, leaving many to wonder what lies beneath his charming facade.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Prophet, I had the privilege of delving into the life of this captivating young man. From what I gathered, it seems that August Karlsson is no ordinary wizard. Born under a rare celestial alignment, he allegedly possesses powers beyond imagination.
According to my sources, Karlsson's journey to Hogwarts was shrouded in secrecy. Some whisper that he was raised by a family of shape-shifting animagi deep in the heart of Finland’s enchanted forests. Others claim he was trained by ancient magical beings on a hidden island off the coast.
But perhaps most intriguing are the rumours surrounding Karlsson's involvement with dark magic. Whispers suggest that he dabbles in forbidden arts and has mastered spells that could make even He who shall not be named tremble in fear. Is he truly a force to be reckoned with or just another pretender seeking attention?
Despite his air of mystery, one thing is for certain – August Karlsson has become a figurehead for ambition and intrigue at Hogwarts. Will he prove himself worthy in the Triwizard Tournament or crumble under the weight of expectations? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for more updates on this captivating young wizard as we delve deeper into the secrets behind August Karlsson's rise to fame!
“Can you believe this roska? This is so stupid, they’re making complete lies out of my perhe!” Kalevi yelled angrily pacing the Slytherin common room. As Kalevi's frustration grew, his fellow Slytherins tried to calm him down. They understood his anger at the false portrayal of his brother in the article by Rita Skeeter. It was clear that she had fabricated many aspects of Karlsson's life, turning him into a sensationalised character for her own gain.
Draco approached Kalevi with a cool demeanour, trying to suppress his own anger at the article.
"Kalevi, don't let this get to you," he said, his voice laced with a touch of superiority. "We all know what Rita Skeeter is capable of. She's just looking for attention and causing trouble. Your brother's true character is not defined by her lies."
Kalevi stopped pacing and looked at Draco, his eyes filled with frustration. "But everyone believes her! They think August is some animagi or a fraud. It's not fair!"
Draco placed a hand on Kalevi's shoulder, attempting to offer comfort in his own Malfoy way. "You and I know the truth, Kalevi. That's what matters. And those who truly know your brother will see through the lies. We'll make sure of it."
Kalevi took a deep breath, realising that Draco was right. He couldn't let the false portrayal affect him or his family's reputation.
"Yea, it just angers me," Kalevi sighed, sitting on the ground, taking the rat that was in his scarf out and petting it gently trying to calm himself.
"I know," Draco mumbled, putting his hand on Kalevi's shoulder.