Hello!

Hope everyone is staying safe and well during the isolation!

Here is another chapter for you you all!

This one is from the day Rita Skeeter receives her letter from Hermione!

...

It was Monday the twenty third of September and Rita Skeeter, of the daily prophet, had barricaded herself into her office.

It had started out as a pretty normal day, as normal as days at the prime wizarding newspaper can be anyway. She had arrived via floo, received her morning coffee and pastry from the trolley witch in the entrance hall, and greeted her co-workers with a smile that promised devastation to any that tried to out scoop her.

Barnabas Cuffe even complimented her on her outstanding article for the day before. But, of course it was outstanding, she had written it. If anyone else had taken such an interview, it would have been boring and full of absolute drivel. Not anything written by her, oh no, Rita prided herself on finding the juicy details and getting to the heart of the issue.

So what if there had been a few embellishments? All the better to sell papers, all the better to please her adoring fan base.
Smugly satisfied with herself, Rita entered her private office, hard won after many years of journalism, and settled at her desk to enjoy her breakfast.

It was only when she had finished her pastry, and was idly picking at letters in her inbox, that she stumbled onto a rather official looking envelope; one that just screamed super important, highly classified, confidential information.

Eagerly Rita tore into the paper, green nails clacking against each other in her haste. Greedily she devoured the words, her heart rate increasing as the most delicious tale was being woven before her.

Ministry scandal? Check

Bribery and corruption of the Wizengamot? Check.

Malpractice in the judicial system? Double check.

Rita was shaking in place by the time she reached the list of official names and she almost screamed in excitement.

This was it! Everything she had been working towards! If she could verify this information, her career would launch itself into new heights. Not only would she be synonymous with human-interest pieces, but with hard-hitting crime journalism.

Rita could barely focus on the rest of the letter, her eyes unfocused and hands shaking as they were.

The paper in her hands however, began heating up and in a panic she clutched it tighter. She could feel it burning her skin, though there were no flames. And try as she might, her hands would not unclench.

She let out a whimper of relief and the burning eased off, she quickly dropped the parchment to her desk and watched in terror as new words formed floating above the paper.

'I apologise for the pain Rita; I hope I can call you that? I am sure you have many questions, but for the moment it is unsafe to meet.'

Rita stared in shock as the words faded into smoke, before new ones twisted into the air.

'I have bound this parchment to your magical signature, only you will be able to view this information. One cannot be too careful in these dangerous times.'

That was very tricky magic, Rita thought quickly. Whoever her new contact was, they were probably an extremely accomplished witch or wizard. Possibly with a very high ranking job, to have access to information such as this.

The words twisted again.

'I understand that you may be sceptical, but I assure you that my information is factual and if you follow the steps I have listed on the back of this parchment, evidence will not be hard to find.'

'I am taking a big risk sending you this information Rita. I hope my trust has not been misplaced. It would not work out well for you to betray me.'

The final words disappeared, only to be replaced with a pair of monogrammed initials, ones that were on the bottom of the parchment too.

'M.G'

Rita took a shaky breath, slumping back into her chair. Her eyes glued to the letters that had yet to fade. They did twist slightly, condensing into a small ball.

Rita watched in horrid fascination as a very familiar shape began to form before her, a small beetle… with a very distinctive pattern along its face.

And this is how Rita found herself barricaded in her office, hiding under the desk and shaking pathetically.

Whoever M.G was, they were powerful and extremely dangerous to Rita's continued freedom. Being an illegal Animagus was a guaranteed prison sentence. All thoughts of discovering M.G's identity and lauding them as the informant were banished from her mind the minute her Animagus form was presented before her.

Taking a deep breath, Rita pulled herself firmly from under the desk. This would not do! She was Rita Skeeter! The magical world's best reporter, bringing people the information they wanted and deserved.

With only the slightest hesitation, she reached for the parchment and flipped it over.

First stop, Bertha Jorkins.

…..

Bertha Jorkins, as it happened was not that hard to track down. Talking to her however, was an almost painful experience.

It had taken Rita only a few hours to locate Miss Jorkins. And after speaking to her for only minutes, Rita understood why the witch seemed to have no real responsibility at work.

The woman was scattier that a box full of kneazles. She couldn't seem to hold a thought in her head for longer than five minutes, and that was being generous. It was clear something had happened to her mind, which made it all the more unnerving that everyone was dismissing the woman's behaviour.

'Hit by a bludger I heard' one wizard said to her.

'Oh Bertha's always been a bit absent minded' another interjected.

But here was clear evidence of memory tampering and someone was covering it up. Bartemius Crouch Sr. to be precise.

Rita would have jumped for joy, if she weren't absolutely seething in rage. This wizard- charged with upholding the law and protecting them all- had breached the very basics of human rights to hide his own criminal behaviour. If M.G. was being truthful, and it was very much looking that way, he was responsible for the prison break of a known Death Eater.

Add that on top of sending people to Azkaban without trial and it was painting a very nasty picture indeed.

"Bertha, would it be okay if I ask you to accompany me to lunch with a friend of mine?" Rita paused and sent a significant look around the office, "Unless you are too busy of course?"

"Oh um. Lunch? Yes I have a lunch." Bertha mumbled, frowning at the ceiling. "I can leave, I think?"

"Of course you can go to lunch Miss Jorkins" Came a gruff voice from across the hall. "You deserve to have some time with your friends."

"Oh Mr MacFarlan, thank you Sir." Bertha turned to Rita with a smile, "I'll just go and put these files away and we can go." She then picked up a potted plant and wandered down the hall.

"Poor girl," MacFarlan said in a soft voice. "Since her accident she hasn't been the same." He turned to Rita with a smile, "It's nice to see she has good friends to support her."

Rita swallowed thickly, "Yes, what happened to her is terrible. I'll do what I can to help."

"Hamish MacFarlan," he held out his hand," Miss?"

"Call me Rita, Please." She shook his hand with a smile. "And I'll be honest with you Mr MacFarlan, I'm hoping to take her to a Mind Healer today. Or at least get an appointment scheduled."

The Wizard looked taken aback for the moment, before vigorously nodding his head. "Of course, of course, please take the rest of the day. Don't worry about getting her back, this is…" His voice was getting thick, "This is more important." He sighed deeply. "You know, before the accident I was hoping she would take over when I retired. Such a shame, a real shame, do what you can for her Rita, and I'll watch over her here."

Rita pulled on her most sympathetic expression, dabbing at her eyes for added flair, "Of course, thank you. It means a lot that she can have some semblance of normality at work. And I hope I can have your discretion in this matter?"

"Of course." He nodded solemnly.

They were interrupted by Bertha appearing next to them in the hall. She was smiling almost uncertainly. "Oh hello, was it you that I'm going to lunch with?"

"Of course Bertha, shall we go?" Rita held out her elbow and Bertha linked her arm in straight away.

"Mr MacFarlan." She nodded.

"See you later Mr MacFarlan." Bertha paused turning towards her manager; "oh someone put a fern in the filing cabinet by the way."

"Aye, I'll get someone on that, thank you Miss Jorkins." He watched fondly as Rita led Bertha from level seven.

Upon entering the elevator, Rita pulled out a sheet of parchment and her Quick-Quotes Quill. Scribbling out a quick note and folding it into a paper plane, Rita launched the projectile into the void beyond the grating.

Hopefully that would reach her Mungo's contact before they arrived, it wouldn't do to let too many people see her toting Bertha around, lest it reach the ears of a certain Crouch.

"Was that to your friend that will be coming too?" Bertha asked, humming. She was still holding on to Rita's arm, even as Rita had been writing.

"Yes, Bertha. Someone I think you would like to meet, they might be able to help with your concentration issues."

Suddenly Bertha's eyes were sharp and focused; she stared intently at Rita, "Yes."

Taken aback, Rita watched in shock as those vivid eyes began to loose focus, until once again Bertha was staring aimlessly at the walls.

Bertha was still in there fighting, which was good. Which was very promising indeed.

Holding in a giggle, Rita led Bertha to the nearest exit, before Appariting directly outside St Mungo's.

"This looks… Nice?" Bertha said, eyeing the mannequins with confusion. "Do they make the food?" she asked turning her head to Rita.

"What? No, of course not! This is where we are meeting my friend; just…" she glanced around quickly, "just not here. Come on Bertha, they'll meet us out back."

With no resistance, Rita dragged Bertha round the side of the building and down a cramped alley. It was a dead end, but Rita wasn't concerned, they wouldn't have to wait long.

"This is cosy." Bertha was smiling happily, tucked into Rita's side.

Poor woman probably hasn't been anywhere aside from work since Crouch violated her mind. This is probably the first time she'd gone out with 'friends'.

"Isn't it?" Rita said with a smile. "Don't worry we won't have to wait long, then we can all get acquainted, won't that be nice?''

The sharp gaze was back on Bertha's face, "Yes." And there it went again.

Both their heads snapped to the side as a horrible grating noise vibrated down the alley, it preceded the bricks all shifting aside to reveal a small spiral staircase. Giving Bertha a little shove, the two of them entered the staircase, which began twisting them up. The sudden darkness and grating from behind indicated that the entrance was gone.

"This is like an adventure isn't it? Are we going undercover or something?" Bertha's voice echoed.

"A little bit, I guess." Rita answered helplessly.

"I've always wanted to go on an adventure." Her voice was wistful and made Rita tighten her grip on the woman's arm. Barty Crouch was going to pay for this.

They came to a stop in front of a small wooden door; there was light leaking from underneath it, enough to light up both their faces.

Bertha went to push the door open, but Rita stopped her. It was best to wait for her contact to open it, when there was nobody else around. She put her hand to her mouth to indicate silence.

Bertha nodded back happily, she honestly looked like she was having fun. Rita had to tap her a few times to stop her from humming.

Eventually the door creaked open revealing a small woman in healer robes. Her hair was as blonde as Rita's, and was braided into an elaborate bun on the top of her head. Her face was set in a frown as she looked over the two women huddled together in the stairwell.

"This had better be bloody good Skeeter, you're eating into my lunch time." She stepped to the side gesturing for them to enter the hospital room.

It was small, with an observation bed and a desk and had a distinct unused look to it. Not taking any chances Rita immediately moved to the door and began layering on privacy enchantments.

"I had no choice Sallow, trust me on this. If it's found out what I'm working on, my life could be in danger."

Healer Sallow watched her with raised eyebrows, before turning to Bertha Jorkins. "Your note didn't say much, I take it you need me to take a look? What's wrong with her anyway?"

Bertha was spinning in place happily, swinging her arms round. She had started humming again.

"This is extremely confidential, you cannot tell anybody. It must stay within this room. Do you swear it?"

"I swear." She nodded firmly.

Here goes nothing.

"She is the victim of a powerful memory charm."

"I don't see why that has to be confidential…"

"That was put upon her by a high ranking member of the ministry." Rita finished.

"Well shit."

"According to my source, this was done to hide serious criminal activity. But the evidence I'll need…" she nodded her head towards Bertha.

"It's in there, right no worries, I'll take a look."

Healer Sallow moved towards Bertha and began running through what Rita could only assume to be a standard healer investigation; her wand waving and muttering spells under her breath, all the while chatting to Bertha and asking her questions.

Rita settled against to door listening for anyone approaching, the spells on the door should keep most people from noticing, but one can never be too careful.

After about thirty minutes, Sallow moved away form Bertha and slumped at the desk, dropping her head into her hands. She had left Bertha sleeping on the bed, a glowing cocoon surrounding her.

"I've put her into a healing coma." Sallow glanced up at Rita, "Whoever did this was sloppy and heavy handed, they've almost destroyed her short term memory. How long ago was she attacked?"

Rita shrugged, "No idea, a few years? Longer? It was only brought to my attention recently. Everyone keeps referring to it as her 'accident'. The man that did this has made up some kind of cover story, probably blaming Bertha herself." Rita moved to perch on the desk. "Can you help her?"

Healer Sallow let out a long sigh. "I don't know Rita, its caused scarring inside her brain over the long term. It's… it might take years to repair even a little bit of the damage, and if you have to keep it secret? Will people notice if she disappears? This is going to require almost twenty four hour monitoring." She let out another sigh, "What have you gotten yourself into this time?"

"Nothing I can't handle," Rita waved off, "Do it, I'll sort something with her boss. Say she is staying with family or going travelling for her health or something."

"You think they'll buy that?"

"People will believe anything that is convenient." Rita snorted disdainfully, pulling out her out her trusty quill and parchment. "I mentioned to him we'd be seeing a healer today, he's expecting something like this, I'm sure. I can make up some sentimental waffle and he'll likely choke it down then move on. I imagine it'd be a relief to some of them not to have to watch over her. Bastards." She began writing viciously.

"Never change, Rita." Sallow said with a laugh. "Alright I'll get her settled in and set up a team, completely discrete don't worry." She added at Rita's sharp glare. "I've got some good people in mind. I'll tell everyone else she's extremely contagious, and set up a guard. It will explain why I've got her in this section of the hospital anyway. What name shall I put?"

Rita considered for a moment before shaking her head, "Her name is Bertha Jorkins, but it's too dangerous to have her name on the records." Rita paused for a moment before smiling, "use Jane Doe."

Healer Sallow snorted a laugh, "I take it he's a Pure Blood then? Alright Jane Doe it is."
She leaned over and put a hand on Rita's arm, "Don't worry I'll take care of it, you focus on getting this arsehole. And next time you want something," she winked, "take me to dinner first?"

"Thank you Sarah, I will." Rita lingered for a moment, before heading back out through the spiral staircase and appariting directly to the Daily Prophet.

"Rita!"

A male voice yelled as soon as she entered the building, Rita turned to see Barnabas Cuffe, editor of the Daily Prophet, barrelling towards her.

"Barnabas," She smiled pleasantly. She had no patience for this man, she had a job to be doing, and what was he doing yelling at her in the middle of the entrance hall?

"I was just heading to my office is there something I can help you with?" She breezed past him, heels clacking as she refused to stop and have it out in full view of everyone.

"You office is the matter!" he hissed, struggling to keep up with her.

"Oh?"

"Where have you been? I've been trying to get a hold of you for hours! There have been a dozen owls swooping in and out causing havoc and no one has been able to get in there!"

"Is there a reason you need access to my personal mail Barnabas?" She asked, brow rising. "Only I was under the impression that my sources were to be protected. And all information I gather for articles were my personal property, until I submitted them to the Prophet?" She waited outside her office door, not willing to enter and give him a look at whatever was going on inside.

"Yes, yes of course, but the owls were causing mayhem, swooping about and…"

"My dear Barnabas, if you aren't used to owls by now are you really a wizard? Now if you'll excuse me I am currently working on something." And with that she entered her office and slammed the door behind her sharply.

On her desk was a large pile of letters and parcels, most with official looking stamps and wax seals. Could this be more from M.G? Cautiously Rita sat at her desk, and picked up the first let on the top, it was rather thick and had the stamp from the DMLE.

'Dear Miss Skeeta, Please see enclosed the transcripts regarding the sentencing of Bartemius Crouch Jr. I hope that this leaves our mutual acquaintance satisfied.'

There was no name signed, but Rita removed the top parchment to reveal her own handwriting. She had been a scribe at many of the Death Eater trials, and this information was supposed to stay in the DMLE.

Rita tore open more letters to find transcripts of Trials, visitor logbooks for Azkaban, a death certificate for both Barty Crouch Junior and Mrs Crouch and inmate processing for one Sirius Black (no trial).

She hesitated on that last one, no trial? That confirmed the information from M.G.

Her next letter was a Gringotts bank deposit list with over a dozen names and some quite large sums of money, all exactly one week before Sirius Black was taken from the DMLE holding and transferred to Azkaban. As well as a list of those who authorised this transfer, all the names on the Gringotts list to be precise.

Rita sat back in her chair. It was quite clear what M.G. wanted from her. Exposing large-scale corruption within the ministry as well as launching a massive investigation into the DMLE itself.

This was going to be chaos.

Rita laughed delightedly, kicking her feet and wiggling in her chair.