How's everyone doing? I hope all of you had a great week. I'm excited for end of July, because I've pre-ordered the eight Harry Potter book (without even bothering to read what it's about before pre-ordering lol. I was too excited). I'm glad it's Fri-yay, and definitely hoping that the weekend takes its time before giving reign to another week of working (why was I so eager to grow up fast?).
Anyway, here's another chapter. I hope you still enjoy this story and forgive me for any mistakes, especially grammatical ones.
JK Rowling owns the Harry Potter world.
Have a lovely weekend, everyone.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THE RISE OF A DARK LADY?
He Who Must Not Be Named was just defeated recently but another is more than ready to take over his place. The Wizarding World is faced with a dark future if, like You-Know-Who, is allowed to flourish and gain strength.
But who is this evil entity?
Readers will be shocked to find out that this evil being is someone they have come to trust, to rely on; to put their faith in. As a concerned citizen, I, Rita Skeeter, used my talents and skills to do everything in my power to uncover all that this evilness is bringing upon our world. We cannot trust the Ministry to protect us from harm, as they are under the influence of this evil person.
Hermione Granger, the brainpower behind the Golden Trio, best friend to Harry Potter and ex-girlfriend to Ronald Weasley, wants to rule the world.
Since her first year at Hogwarts, Hermione Granger has been a loner and degrades those who do not worship knowledge as she does. Sources from Hogwarts confided in me that throughout the years, this evil minx only befriended two persons: our heroes Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. Ex-Hogwarts students that I interviewed swore that Hermione Granger never made any attempts to befriend anyone else, and I have figured out why.
Hermione Granger knew a way to gain power is through those who wield it. Harry Potter who defeated the Dark Lord twice, is the best way for her. Ronald Weasley, who from the start was besotted to Granger, was going to be the vile witch's slave. We have seen in their fourth year at Hogwarts how Granger was manipulating the hearts and minds of the Wizarding World's famous young men: Victor Krum the famous Bulgarian Seeker and Harry Potter himself. Unfortunately, this was just the beginning of her grandiose plan.
Insider sources at Hogwarts told me that Granger is famous in the castle for trying to "liberate" the house-elves as well as "advancing the rights" of Muggleborns. This begs the question: is this little know-it-all insulting the Wizarding World and calling all of us as a society to be cruel and thoughtless? Have we not done all we can to ensure house-elves are happy and that Muggleborns can live a better life with us? It seems that Hermione Granger likens us to the Death Eaters with their cruel treatment on both their fellow men and other creatures. Let me ask you this question, dear readers: are your Muggleborn friends unhappy with the way you treat them and for those of you who have house-elves, are they unhappy with the way you treat them?
This passion for house-elves and Muggleborns may seem trivial, but it serves a hidden, bigger agenda: world domination.
Hermione Granger looks down upon us wizards and witches. She is trying to gain the trust of house-elves to get them to lend their magic to her. She is trying to get support from Muggleborns to elect her as a future leader. Deep down, she never does care for either group. If she does, why would she try to "free" house-elves from a job these lovely creatures love? And why would she make it seem as if Muggleborns are weak and useless in this world where they are accepted as magical beings?
Unfortunately, our heroes are mind-controlled by this evil witch. However, fortunately, they are slowly realizing their predicaments and are trying to heal themselves. Ronald Weasley wisely broke up with this vile witch and Harry Potter has dedicated himself to be an Auror, in the hopes that he will gain strength one day to defeat Granger as how his hero, Albus Dumbledore, finally found the strength to defeat Gelert Grindelwald. Hopefully Mr. Potter will do so sooner rather than later, unlike his hero.
These days, Hermione Granger is nesting with sons and daughters of confirmed Death Eaters. Not only that, she is currently dating Draco Malfoy. Mr. Malfoy's mother, Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, is in a dilemma: she wants her son to be happy, but she does not want her son to follow his father's footsteps.
"I wish my son listened to his instincts," a distraught Narcissa Malfoy admitted to me, "From his first day at Hogwarts, he has never liked her. But suddenly, once the Dark Lord has gone, the vile woman clouds my son's mind! That witch knows my son is now the man who has control over our estate. She is trying to get our money, the money we Malfoys have worked hard for so many generations. She thinks my poor husband, who was used by the Dark Lord, is well-versed in Dark Magic and she can learn from him. She's sorely mistaken – I will not give up on my husband and my son!"
But the most terrifying aspect of Hermione Granger taking the mantle of a Dark Lady is getting the backing from a younger witch well-versed in dark magic, perhaps darker than what You-Know-Who unleashed upon the world.
I am confident my readers remember the name of You-Know-Who's most trusted second-in-command: Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black. Arguably insane, she was one of the cruelest people the world has ever known, coming close to You-Know-Who himself. From the Black family, she was not the only one who adored the dark path.
Her father, Cygnus Black, had a son, born to a Muggle. This was kept as a secret until a few months ago when the Black estate, represented by Mrs. Malfoy, announced that an heiress has come forward. Is this not a strange coincidence? That as soon as a servant to the dark path, Bellatrix Lestrange, died, another appeared? What secrets do the Black family hold?
This niece of Bellatrix Lestrange is named Tristane Black, born to Altair Black and an unknown Muggle woman. Unfortunately, this investigative journalist is unable to get access to Ms. Black's files, due to Hermione Granger's hold on the Ministry.
You see, Hermione Granger is a smart woman. Another of our heroes, Neville Longbottom, son to Frank and Alice Longbottom, testified that Granger is "the smartest witch of our age". She was the plotter behind You-Know-Who's downfall and now she is plotting for her own rise to prominence. She knows her grip on Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley are loosening, and therefore she must find another puppet. Poor young Mr. Malfoy is now in her grip, which is really unfortunate, considering the horrors the Malfoys had to go through recently. In addition, Hermione Granger has befriended Tristane Black, who is another servant of the dark in the making.
Tristane Black has an interesting feature: she only has an eye. She sports an eye patch with the Black crest on it, and according to my sources, she is clueless about wandwork. But do not be deceived with that, my readers, for this is an evil witch with a talent for deceit. While little is known of her childhood (the Black family loves to keep things secret, don't they?), there are reports confirming Tristane Black killed her own father and was on her way to kill the Malfoys when she was intercepted by none other than her cousin, Draco Malfoy. Unfortunately, Mrs. Malfoy refused to entertain the thought that Ms. Black is set on wiping out her family.
"I'm still mourning for my sister's death," the Malfoy matriarch said softly. "And I've just found out I have a niece from a brother I never knew existed. There's no way such an angel would hurt my family."
I can assure you, dear readers, that this Tristane Black is evil. Reports from the castle confirmed that young Mr. Malfoy started to get close to Hermione Granger due to Ms. Black's insistence. Insiders also have informed me that Ms. Black holds a sacrificial ceremony at least twice a month, trying to commune with the dead. This is the reason why I cannot release the name of my sources, as I do not want them killed by both Hermione Granger and Tristane Black. Even the Gryffindor House, known for its allegiance to the Light, is wary to Hermione Granger and do not trust her, even though she is a Gryffindor and the Head Girl. Things sound fishy, don't they?
As a concerned citizen, I am calling to my readers, the society, and the Ministry to put an end to whatever plots planned by Hermione Granger and Tristane Black. I do not wish for another You-Know-Who, and I want a peaceful Wizarding Society.
Stay tuned with me and look for my next expose on Hermione Granger and her weird friendship with Tristane Black.
"You missed both communing with the dead ceremonies, Hermione," a voice behind Hermione's ear spoke.
Hermione, who had been gripping the newspaper tightly until her knuckles went white, was confused.
"What?"
Luna, who apparently had been reading the piece from behind Hermione, pointed at a paragraph.
"It's nearly the end of October and as far as I know, you have not been to any sacrificial ceremony this month. I think you are slacking off," the blonde said in a sing-song voice.
Hermione had no idea whether Luna was joking or had taken the piece of rubbish Rita Skeeter wrote seriously.
"Hermione slacking off? What about?" Draco took a seat next to Hermione at the Slytherin table, taking a piece of fruit. Without waiting for an invitation, Luna took a seat at the other side of Hermione and took a muffin.
"She is not as determined to conquer the world," Luna informed Draco.
Speechless, Hermione shoved the newspaper to Draco and pointed at the offending article. She watched Draco's face turning dark.
"That bitch!" he swore.
"Which bitch?" Ginny took a seat opposite the swearing blond. It was his turn to shove the paper to the redhead, who quickly scanned the article.
"Hermione, are you alright?" Draco had noticed Hermione growing quieter.
"Those were our pictures in Hogsmeade, Draco," she said in a low whisper. Two pictures were displayed to accompany the article: one when she had tea with Draco and Narcissa and another when Draco was covering her with his coat, on their way back braving the wind to the castle, when he caught up with her.
"Did you notice any beetles around?" the Head Girl asked suddenly.
Understanding suddenly formed on Draco's face. He remembered a journalist, in his fourth year, able to transform into a beetle to get hot information on people.
"No," he shook his head. "But then again, I wasn't paying much attention to nature at that time."
"That bitch is smart, discrediting both you and the Ministry at the same time so that if you tell the Ministry she is an unregistered Animagus, and the public gets wind of the stupid bitch getting caught for that, the public will think you're trying to hide something," Ginny commented.
Hermione exhaled. Skeeter was still holding a grudge, apparently.
"Well, I'm getting used to be gossiped. I'll just ignore this and it will go away eventually," she put on a brave face.
As if on cue, the morning post owls stopped at their table, all were waiting for Hermione. Her eyes widened, knowing that this could not be good news. Draco, Luna, and Ginny helped a shaking Hermione to get the letters from the owls, but forbade the Head Girl to open any of them.
"These feels not right, allow me to check," murmured Draco, casting a scanning spell on them.
Sure enough, none of the letters were considered safe to open. Draco banished all letters without asking for Hermione's permission.
"Come, follow me. I need to check on Tristane."
He helped Hermione rose to her feet, and they, along with Ginny and Luna (nobody questioned why the blonde suddenly followed them. It's Luna, after all.) went to the Slytherin dormitory. On their way there, scores of students whispered and stared at them openly, with their copies of Daily Prophet, Witch's Weekly, or Magic's Herald spread out. Dread filled Hermione and it reminded her of years ago when the very same Rita Skeeter wrote nasty rumours about the Head Girl, resulting in nearly all of the wizarding world hating Hermione. She went blank. Thankfully, Draco kept a firm grip on Hermione's arm and dragged her to the Slytherin dungeons.
Draco whispered the password, still not feeling comfortable to allow non-Slytherins have knowledge of it, and they entered the Slytherin Common Room. The room was deserted, as it was breakfast time – most of the younger students were in the Hall. The room did not feel threatening or unfriendly at all, unlike what Hermione had envisioned in mind. It was strange for the Gryffindor to feel somewhat welcomed in a Slytherin area.
Draco brought them to the door of the Tristane's dorm and knocked on the door. A moment later, an irritated and sleepy-looking Pansy opened it.
"Do you guys have a death wish or something?"
"Where's Tristane?" Draco's voice sounded urgent enough that the sleepy girl became alert.
"Not here, she left some time ago in a hurry. Why? What's going on?"
Draco swore.
"The Skeeter bitch wrote some stupid article about Tristane, Hermione, and I. I need to make sure Tristane is alright."
"Let's not get into a panic and start searching for her," Ginny said calmly.
But before they could organize themselves, the witch in question appeared. Tristane looked distraught and on the verge of crying. She stared at them with an eye wide opened, full of a mixture of emotions: fear, worry, shock, pain. Draco rushed to her and guided her gently to one of the couches in the Common Room. The rest followed and gathered around Tristane.
"What happened?" Draco looked tensed, muscles taut, as if ready for a kill.
"If it's that Skeeter bitch, don't fret about it. That's her style, to write rubbish and make life miserable for people," Ginny added, guessing the reason for Tristane's behaviour.
The one-eyed witch shook her head.
"No, it's not about that stupid article," Tristane said hoarsely. She looked at Draco in the eye and asked, "Why did you and Aunt Cissa accepted me?"
Draco looked confused. As way of explanation, Tristane took three different parchments and offered them to her confused cousin, who took them carefully. The rest of the group huddled closer around Draco to read. There were gasps of disbelief with what they read and Hermione snatched one of the offending parchments to take a better look.
She examined it closely, pointing her wand and murmuring spells at it. Tristane looked at the Head Girl with both apprehensive and interested looks on her face.
"This seems authentic," Hermione hesitated, afraid to look at Tristane in the eye. "But things are too fishy, so I won't jump to conclusions immediately."
Tristane's heart sank. Despair slowly set in her heart.
"There's no way our grandfather would do this," Draco spoke, his voice firm.
"I wonder who wrote this letter," Ginny added, holding the third parchment.
Two of the parchments, held by both Hermione and Draco, were copies of an intelligence report from the Department of Mysteries on Cygnus and Altair Black. According to the report, both Cygnus and Altair each kidnapped a Muggle woman, impregnated her, and once the babies were born (Altair as Cygnus' son and Tristane as Altair's daughter) the Muggles were murdered by way of strangling. The third parchment was a letter addressed to Tristane, using letters from newspapers, stating that "insanity runs in your family. Who are you going to kidnap and murder?"
"Dad never talked about my mum," Tristane said very softly, burying her head in her hands. "He would get upset every time the topic of my mum came up, so I never prod."
Ginny hugged the now crying girl.
"I don't think your father is that cruel, Tristane," comforted the redhead. "I'm sure he was just upset because he really loved your mother."
"I know the Blacks had always been associated with the Dark side, but I know they would not have done this," Draco said strongly. "You're a pureblood, Tristane, just like I am. There's no way grandfather would want to even touch a non-pureblood. Haven't you seen ancient bloodlines? Heck, even houses traditionally aligned to the Light are still purebloods. Look at the Longbottoms, the Bones, and the Weasleys – no offence, Weaslette."
"None taken, Ferret," Ginny replied coolly. "Besides, it's true. I mean, we don't necessarily insist on only finding other purebloods, but I suppose things just happen that way." The redhead looked thoughtful and added, "Although, come to think of it, that's pretty strange."
"I'm certain this must've been Skeeter's work," Hermione said, anger now in her eyes. "I don't know what her intentions are, but I will find out and I swear I will tear off that woman's rear end!"
With that battle cry, the Head Girl intended to storm the library and gain inspiration. However, before she could do that, a barn owl swooped on them and extended one of its legs, toward Hermione, who recognised the owl as a Hogwarts owl. Frowning, she took off the letter while Draco gave the bird a treat.
"It's… addressed for us," Hermione was surprised. How did the Headmistress know that they were gathered together?
"Us as in, all of us here?" Pansy asked for confirmation.
Hermione nodded and opened the letter.
"We're summoned to the Headmistress' office right now," she read it out loud.
The group exchanged glances, puzzled.
"What are you people waiting for? Let's go, at least with McGonagall we know she will be fair to us," Ginny said.
"Hold on a sec! Let met brush up first! I still have my morning breath, you know!" Pansy jumped to her dorm in a rush, eliciting laughter from the group.
The group made their way to the Headmistress' office, on alert and wary of any attacks that might come their way. Fortunately, classes were in session and the only being they came across with was the Bloody Baron, who ignored them completely and went on his merry way. They stopped in front of the gargoyles guarding their destination. Hermione muttered the password and the way opened for them.
McGonagall, Fleur, and Andromeda were in deep discussion with some of the portraits. Upon the group's entrance, the discussion stopped.
"Come on in and take a seat," McGonagall beckoned them to enter and gestured at some of the chairs arranged neatly opposite of the three professors. They did as instructed, with Dumbledore smiling at them from his portrait. That eased Hermione a little.
"Have a biscuit."
Not daring to disobey, the group took a biscuit each from the bowl McGonagall held out. Hermione took a small bite. Raisins. She sighed.
"How are you all feeling?" the Headmistress asked, not unkindly.
"Fine, I guess," Draco spoke for the group, who half nodded and half shrugged, affirming his words.
"Did you read the papers, Professor?" Hermione asked.
"We did, and soon after, numerous letters were owled by both parents of our students and members of the public," Andromeda answered.
"We were just discussing with Professors Dumbledore, Snape, and Nigellus here on the best way to handle this issue," McGonagall began. "But before we can do anything, we need to ask some questions."
Hermione was resigned. Nobody believed her, after all. It was Fourth Year all over again. Damn you, Skeeter!
"Is there any truth to the article, no matter how small?" Andromeda asked.
"We're not dating, Professor!" Draco blurted out.
Hermione could not stop herself rolling her eyes. Of all things he was worried about. The three professors chuckled.
"No, Professor," Hermione answered. "Except for small details such as me having tea with Draco and Narcissa, there's no truth to the article."
"I see," it was McGonagall. She linked her fingers together and sat back, looking thoughtful.
"Is there any particular reason why the three of you are specifically named and targeted by this journalist?" Fleur asked.
"I don't even know who she is," Tristane answered honestly.
Draco and Hermione exchanged glances.
"I know her, but I haven't talked to her since Fourth Year," Draco admitted reluctantly. "And we parted on good terms, so I have no idea why was she mentioning me."
Hermione snorted. "She's an attention-seeker, Draco. She'd write about anything, and even make up stories if she has to. We have a feud of sorts, she and I. I know her secret and threatened her with it if she won't stop writing lies about Harry a few years back."
Everybody looked interested.
"Dad said Rita Skeeter is part of the conspiracy to subjugate the elderly, trying to harvest their spinal fluid to strengthen anti-ageing potion," Luna said seriously.
The rest just stared at her.
"That… could be a reason in the whole grand scheme of things, but what is this secret you're talking about, Hermione?" Fleur asked, tactfully not touching the bomb dropped by Luna.
"She's an unregistered Animagus," the Head Girl answered.
"That is a serious offence and could be highly jeopardising her future and career," McGonagall said. "Unfortunately, she had just painted the Ministry as untrustworthy. Even if we report it, the public will be backing her and cast us in a negative light."
Hermione did not want to raise her hopes up with the Headmistress' usage of "us".
"That aside, I want the both of you, Draco and Tristane, to know that my father, Cygnus Black, would never do what he's alleged to have done," Andromeda spoke quietly, her eyes looked straight at her niece and nephew. "Cygnus might not be the best father I've had, but he would never raise his wand for murder. He's too much of a coward."
The portrait of Phineas Nigellus protested, which was immediately shushed by the rest of the portraits.
"I will add layers of protection to the castle to make it unable for people to transform into an Animagus," McGonagall decided. "Animagus must get my special permission to be able to transform. Unfortunately, I can't impose the same on Hogsmeade. But at least I can ensure she will not be able to run freely in the school." The Headmistress' face turned stern. "I must add, why are my Head Girl, Head Boy, Gryffindor Quidditch Captain, and school Prefects (Luna and Pansy) not in their respective classes?"
The group were silent, ashamed of being caught. Luna, however, looked serene and innocent. She started to hum 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen'. McGonagall wisely chose to not address the eccentric girl.
"All of you aside from Miss Black have faced adversaries far worse and stronger than Miss Skeeter," McGonagall continued. "Tell me, Miss Granger, why did you fight Voldemort?"
Hermione closed her eyes. "To protect all that I cherish and love, Professor."
"And you, Mr. Malfoy," McGonagall turned to Draco, "why, at the end of the day, did you fight him?"
Draco looked at his clasped hands. He was uncomfortable. "He was hurting my family."
"Is Miss Skeeter not hurting your family now? And is she not attacking all that you cherish and love as well?"
Both Draco and Hermione flinched; this reprimand somehow cut their hearts deeply.
"I am expecting you to attend your respective classes starting from the next period. I will write a note to each of your professors, excusing whatever classes you are currently skipping. I expect better from all of you."
Feeling the dismissal, the group left.
"Luna, please stop your incessant humming," Pansy pleaded.
Luna looked surprised. "Why? I was merely increasing our group morale."
Ginny snorted a laughter. "You're crazy, Luna," she said fondly. "I do wonder why I was even called in."
"Me too," added Pansy.
They looked at Luna, who chuckled.
"We have the brightest witch of her age, three Slytherins, one Ravenclaw, and one particularly stubborn Gryffindor," the eccentric witch commented. "I'm pretty sure McGonagall was asking us to fight back."
Tristane suddenly lighted up.
"Hey, Drake," she said excitedly. "How do Slytherins usually fight?"
"Uh, preferably not head-on and in a sneaky way. Why?"
"Would you consider the article as a sneaky way?"
"What do you have in mind?" Pansy asked, curious.
"Would Slytherins consider fighting through words a sneaky and not head-on attack?" Tristane pressed.
Both Pansy and Draco nodded.
"I have a plan," the one-eyed witch announced. "Meet me in the Head's Quarters this evening after class. I'll tell you guys later."
"Well, we do need to get to our next class anyway," Ginny interjected. "But I can't wait to know what your plan is."
"Yeah, make sure it's worthy of the Slytherin House," Pansy added.
Tristane was excited. She and the group were up till very late the previous evening, planning and strategizing their counter-attack. There were a lot of owls involved, and they even used the fireplace in the Head's Quarters to make floo calls. The group slept there as well, not willing to leave Draco and Hermione unprotected. Even Daphne, Blaise and Theo joined in.
The previous day was not a good day for Tristane, Draco and Hermione. Draco was used to be viewed and treated with contempt by the student body. Tristane and Hermione, however, were not. Ginny had to threaten some onlookers before they stopped throwing insults at both Tristane and Hermione. During lunch, Neville had announced publicly that 'if people were stupid enough to believe Skeeter, they have no right to ask for Hermione's help in future' and promptly sat at the Slytherin table, next to Hermione, staring at the student body defiantly.
Some students, especially those from the DA group, went to talk to Hermione and showed their confidence in her. But for Tristane, who was a Black and a Slytherin, none of the student body supported her. Nobody spoke up for Draco either, which the boy could not blame. After all, he had been a prat to everyone since his first day.
Hermione had sent the three parchments to Harry, asking his help to investigate. She felt he would have access to better resources to deal with such matters. For a moment, she entertained the thought of joining the Aurors. But she shook her head. While she enjoyed exerting her mind, she did not enjoy exerting her body.
The morning after the article was published, both Draco and Ginny decided to cancel Quidditch training, not wanting to create chances for fights. The first match was still in a couple of weeks anyway. Tristane harassed everyone to get ready quickly to go to the Great Hall for breakfast. The one-eyed girl was impatient; excited to see her plans come to fruition (hopefully).
Due to Pansy's insistence have a long bath and an equally long make up session, by the time they descended to the Great Hall, the place was already filled with the rest of the student body. As they entered, the area fell into a hush, but instead of giving an unfriendly vibe, the student body looked at them with… admiration?
The group acted as if they did not notice the change and walked in their usual pace to the Slytherin table. Neville was already there, chatting with a third year Slytherin. He waved enthusiastically at them and once they took their seats, the Gryffindor shove a newspaper at them.
"Look! I can't believe what I've just read!" Neville exclaimed.
The group huddled to read the front line. Tristane grinned triumphantly.
RETRACTION AND APOLOGY
The Daily Prophet would like to retract our article published under the title RISE OF A DARK LADY? and offer our sincerest apologies to Mr. Draco Malfoy, Miss Hermione Granger, Miss Tristane Blac, and others who may be directly or indirectly affected negatively by the article. It has come to our understanding that the article stated above was never verified independently and there is not a shred of truth in any of the claims and allegations presented by the article.
As of today, Miss Rita Skeeter is not affiliated with the Daily Prophet any longer. We strive to keep our standards to the highest possible and we are regretful to cut off ties with Miss Skeeter, who has been our partner for many years.
"It worked!" Draco could not believe his eyes.
"What did you guys do?" Neville whispered.
"One word. Lawyer," Tristane grinned.
Tristane, with the aid from Draco, had owled the Black family's head solicitor and ordered for him to "deal with this mess". The head solicitor, Mr. Thomas Burns, went to work immediately and coordinated with them, Harry, and Narcissa. Burns threatened to sue newspapers and magazines that published the offending article, as well as one Miss Rita Skeeter. He had also arranged for Harry and Narcissa to give a press conference together and worked with all of them to write a joint statement which both Harry and Narcissa would be reading, on behalf of everybody involved. The press conference was due this afternoon, and the group could not wait to read the evening papers.
Skeeter had disappeared, understandably, and the offending newspapers as well as magazines retracted the said article and offered their apologies. With the choice of either that or facing the Blacks' and Malfoys' army of solicitors (with endless galleons as their backing), no sane newspapers and magazines would elect for the second choice.
Tristane scanned the rest of the newspaper and, once satisfied, closed it with a triumphant grin. She looked around the hall and caught Professor McGonagall's eyes. Tristane swore the professor gave her a wink before returning to her impassive expression. The Slytherin was happy. Part one of her plan had worked. She could not wait to see the evening edition of the papers.
"Pass me the butter, Draco."
Books flew. Glass smashed against the wall. Tables and chairs were thrown out of the windows. On the floor, ripped pieces of The Daily Prophet were scattered. Uncontrollable rage drove her actions, pure hatred consumed her. She screamed, letting out the pent-up frustrations.
"Destroying my place is one thing. But destroying your body?"
She turned and narrowed her eyes. This was not her enemy, this was an ally. The broken champagne bottle in her hand did not fly to the intruder; its contents had been downed hours ago. He took a sure step toward her, assessing the damage she caused. He noticed the deep cut on her hand that was holding the bottle and sighed. He took that hand and gently kissed it, licking the mixture of blood and champagne.
"Oh Rita, what am I going to do with you?" he murmured, caressing her cheek.
She fell into his arms, sobbing and shaking with rage.
"I will destroy that little shit, Jerome, I swear I will."
He gently pried the broken bottle from her hand and carelessly threw it away. He hugged her and made soothing noises.
"This is just the beginning of the battle, sweetheart. Don't fret about it. I'd like to see the extent of their abilities. I was afraid they'd disappoint me and crumble instantly."
Rita raised her head and looked into his cold, calculating eyes.
"You have a plan."
Her tone was not questioning – it was an observation. He nodded.
"A tactician always has backup plans to the backup plans of the backup plans." He released her and took a step away, kneeling on one knee. He picked several of the ripped pieces and examined them. "You were successful, my dear. I was merely luring all of their players out to the open. Now we just need to find an opening and strike." He looked thoughtful as he read the words on them.
…Mr. Potter, the Boy Who Lived, vanquisher of Voldemort, one of the Golden Trio, and now Auror Trainee, emphasized that he and Miss Hermione Granger had never dated. "What Skeeter wrote about us were lies aimed to improve her ratings. Hermione is just like my sister – there's no way we would ever date." This is good news for Mr. Potter's fans worldwide, as the currently single hero will never need to fear competition from one of his oldest friends!
…...in a joint statement. This is a historical event, as it was widely known that the Malfoys and the Potters never see eye-to-eye. However, the pointless…
…be. Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy, speaking on behalf of her niece, Tristane Black, condemns Miss Skeeter's actions. "As dictated by tradition, the Black household has requested for the media to not publish my niece's name and details until the day she is of age. We have hoped the media would respect our wishes, as is expected of a profession that understands our traditions and values. We felt let down by an institution we trusted." Both Mr. Potter and Mrs. Malfoy also stated that the media targeted school children and had shamelessly publicized lies that excited the wizarding community, without regards to these children's future.
On a related event, the Department of Public Relations and Information has raised the issues of child protection in the media. The minister in charge, Mr. Jonathan Bohern, made a statement promising to strengthen laws in relations to child protection in the media, claiming that a revamp in the industry is long overdue. While majority has reacted positively, some factions, especially the….
Jerome crumpled the pieces and set them ablaze, watching them slowly turned to ashes.
"Are you still interested to see this to the end, Rita?"
Rita nodded firmly. There was no way in hell she would let these brats go just like that.
Jerome stood and offered a hand to Rita, which she took. They Disapparated.