Chapter 506: Rita Skeeter
The events in the Great Hall at noon spread like wildfire throughout Hogwarts.
Every Gryffindor student buzzed with excitement, thrilled that the castle finally seemed to have someone capable of intimidating Snape. Even Professor McGonagall couldn't make Snape deduct points from his own house voluntarily—and without so much as a word of protest.
Professor Alastor Moody's fame among the Gryffindors skyrocketed, and soon, multiple exaggerated versions of the Weasley twins' exploits were circulating among the students.
It wasn't long before the entire school had heard the story, and Gryffindor was largely responsible for the rapid spread of the tale.
However, this fame came at a cost. Gryffindor's house points began to plummet, as if their scoring hourglass in the Great Hall had sprung a leak. In just a few days, they had lost more than half their points.
The situation only came under control after Professor McGonagall intervened, sternly warning the students to stop creating trouble. The matter finally died down—for the time being.
...
On a crisp weekend in mid-November, the second Hogsmeade trip of the school year arrived. This time, the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were invited to visit the famous wizarding village as well.
The shopkeepers, having received advance notice of the visitors, added a variety of international touches to their wares.
Honeydukes had placed a row of dancing icing macarons and a bucket of flaming syrup apples prominently by the entrance, drawing crowds of curious students.
Gladrags Wizardwear featured more long skirts with a French flair alongside exquisite fur cloaks, catering to Beauxbatons' elegance.