Chapter Text
I Do Not Own Harry Potter
All Characters Appearing In This Work Are Fictitious. Any Resemblance To Real Persons, Living Or Dead Is Purely Coincidental.
Chapter 3: Reactions
Ron’s ears were nearly maroon, and he was seething. He was already planning to track down that stupid girl and throttle her. Maybe George had a few products that needed testing. Just as he grabbed his wand and coat, the fire blazed green and Harry stepped out, dusting soot off his robes, calm as ever.
Without looking up, he said, “Don’t do it, Ron. You’ll only make things worse. And George isn’t even here — he’s in Bulgaria, finalizing the deal with their Ministry. You know, the one that gives Weasley Wizarding Wheezes exclusive rights to use your spell in their new enchanted clothing line.”
Harry gave him a steady look. “Ron, I know you’re furious. But you need to think clearly. That patent — it’s not technically in your name. It’s held by the trust you set up, because Ministry law doesn’t allow public employees to own commercial patents directly. George licenses it from the trust, and while the trust is the one making the profit, you’re still the sole beneficiary.”
He paused, letting that sink in. “You’ve built something valuable, something that’s about to go international. If all goes well, Weasley Wizarding Wheezes will have exclusive rights to use your enchantment in their new clothing line — and that trust will start pulling in serious money.”
Harry’s voice softened, but stayed firm. “But if you lose your temper and go charging into the Prophet’s office, you won’t just risk your job. You’ll risk the whole thing. Bad press could spook the Bulgarian Ministry, make the Wizengamot nervous, or even cause the licensing deal to fall apart. You’ve worked too hard to let one trash article derail everything.”
Ron exploded. “Think? That rag makes it sound like I’m having an affair with Fleur! And Pansy — that cow — is still spreading rumors even though she’s been rotting in Romania since the war! Her family was disgraced for trying to hand you over to Snake-Face, and she barely escaped a few attacks herself!”
Harry, clearly amused, said dryly, “Well, Ron, you always wanted to be famous. Now you’ve got your own article. Though Hermione and Bill might be crushed to hear about your ‘affair.’”
Ron’s face darkened. “Are you mad, Potter? Confounded? I’m surprised you’re not angrier. They made Ginny sound like a gold-digging harlot! I say we introduce the editor to the business end of my wand and—”
Harry raised an eyebrow. “And then what? You storm the Prophet, hex everyone, and get charged with assault? You’ll be dragged before the Wizengamot. Even if you avoid prison, you’ll get a formal reprimand and your career’s over before it begins. All for a petty article by a jealous hack?”
He shook his head. “Why do you even subscribe to the Prophet? Read The Quibbler like normal people.”
Harry’s words struck a chord. The truth was, the Prophet had not been the same since the war. The Quibbler had already earned legitimacy in those years, when it alone continued to publish the truth about Voldemort’s return and the resistance that followed. Its reputation as a trustworthy voice was cemented long before the Prophet grudgingly admitted reality.
But Xenophilius Lovegood was no fool. He foresaw the hurdles that would come if the Quibbler alone carried the voices of the victors. To avoid accusations of bias or monopoly, and to garner goodwill across the wizarding world, he devised a bold plan: the stories should be spread among different publications, each carrying its own voice. He even courted eccentric editors and fringe papers, weaving them into his strategy.
At first, only the Golden Trio gave their interviews to the Quibbler. But as Xenophilius’s plan unfolded, the Weasleys and Neville Longbottom deliberately chose other outlets. Their decision ensured that no single paper could claim ownership of the truth. Editors quickly realized that fame alone wasn’t enough — expertise mattered. Bill Weasley brought gravitas with his curse‑breaking and banking knowledge, while Charlie’s magizoological expertise gave international flair.
Even Molly Weasley was not spared the new wave of media interest. A popular wizarding cooking magazine recruited her to share the hacks and recipes she had perfected in her bustling kitchen. What began as simple family fare became a beloved column, with readers charmed by her practical tips and homely wisdom.
Luna Lovegood’s eventual move to a rival newspaper was not a whim but part of this greater plan. By stepping outside her father’s shadow, she ensured her voice carried independence and shielded the Quibbler from charges of bias. Her decision gave the rival paper legitimacy, a move later praised as visionary.
Nor was the plan limited to Britain. France, Britannia’s closest partner, quickly picked up on the model and invited Fleur Delacour Weasley to lend her voice. Her presence gave continental credibility to the effort, though in other countries the uptake was more limited, with only scattered papers adopting the approach.
Meanwhile, many smaller local papers cropped up, seeing opportunity in the fame of D.A. members. Especially those from well‑off families deliberately chose these smaller publications, negotiating for a share of the profits or deferred, interest‑rich payment options instead of upfront galleons. It was a model copied directly from the Quibbler, and it allowed local journalism to thrive in ways the Prophet had never anticipated.
Other media forms also began to flourish. A small but visible community of American expatriates in Britain ran an independent wizarding radio station, catering to expats who longed for familiar voices. Recognizing Lee Jordan’s talent for quick wit and commentary, they approached him with an offer: become a radio jockey, provided he could secure a sponsor. George Weasley, ever the entrepreneur, saw the opportunity immediately. Through Weasley Wizarding Wheezes, he agreed to back his old friend — not only as a savvy business move, but also as a way of paying forward the favor Harry had once done for their family. The partnership gave the station credibility and resources, while Lee’s voice brought energy and humor that resonated with listeners.
And now, although still widely read, the Daily Prophet had been reduced to little more than a tabloid — the very sort of “rag newspaper” Rita Skeeter had once sneered at when mocking the Quibbler. The irony was not lost on the wizarding public: the paper that had prided itself on authority and prestige now survived on gossip columns and sensational headlines, while the Quibbler and its imitators had risen to be regarded as the more trustworthy voices of truth.
Harry smirked. “Honestly, what did you expect? Most of the Prophet’s staff are ex‑Inquisitorial Squad. But I wouldn’t worry too much — if the rumors I hear around the office are true, the Wizengamot has a reckoning planned for them in a few weeks.”
Ron muttered darkly, slamming the Prophet shut. “About bloody time.”