Serious Padfoot: The Daily Prophet is influenced by the Ministry of Magic. It tells many little lies that create a false image. It's called a smear campaign. Anyone can challenge a single lie but many lies create a myth. The myth lasts much longer and is eventually accepted as fact whether it makes sense or not.

One popular myth is, "Wear your jacket or you'll catch a cold." I hear it even now. Is it true? No. We all know that colds are caused by germs. Lowering the body's temp a few degrees is not hazardous to your health. Better to tell someone to wash his hands. After all these years, despite scientific advances and enough printed paper to devastate entire forests, people still tell each other to wear your jacket or you will catch a cold.

Myths are very powerful untruths. In fact, it is the myth we must fear; not the lie. Hermione understood this and put Rita Skeeter out of commission. The Daily Prophet wanted to discredit Harry so that no one would listen to him. That way, the Ministry of Magic would be the sole voice of "truth" in the magical community.