HP Magic Biography

Don't say unnecessary things, Rita... Fan Lin said a little coldly. Although Rita's ability is there, the confrontation between her and Hermione is also written on his face.

Okay, okay... Rita was a little impatient, Although you are capable, I am obviously better at this aspect, otherwise you wouldn't have put me back in the Daily Prophet.

The Daily Prophet? Didn't you get fired? Harry asked in disbelief.

Interests and values, there is nothing that cannot be compromised. Rita said, looking a little upset, Okay, let's not talk about this, before that...

Rita said, looking at Harry over her glasses, adding, How do you feel, Harry? Betrayed? Mad? Misunderstood?

Of course he's angry, said Hermione stiffly and clearly. Because he told the Minister of Magic the truth, and the Minister, like an idiot, wouldn't believe him.

Rita said nothing, lowered her glasses to stare at Harry as if to see right through him, and moved her fingers from the button of her purse.

That nonsense that you and Dumbledore told everyone about the return of You-Know-Who and that you were the only witness?

I'm not the only witness, Harry yelled. There are a dozen Death Eaters, do you want their names?

Rita took a breath and fumbled in her purse again, staring at him like Harry was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

A big headline: 'Potter's Indictment.' A small headline, 'Harry Potter calls out the Death Eaters among us.' Then, below that, a picture of you, 'Survived by You-Know-Who The boy, Harry Potter, fifteen, furiously accused some prestigious wizards of being Death Eaters yesterday.' The euphoria faded from her face, pen in hand, mouth half-open.

But of course, she said, putting down her pen and glaring at Hermione, Madam Prefect doesn't want this story published, does she?

Actually, Hermione smiled sweetly, that's what Ms. Prefect wants to do. Rita glared at her and then looked at Fan Lin, but Fan Lin let Hermione make the decision It surprised Rita, and Harry and Luna stared at Hermione.

And Hermione, humming softly to the tune of 'Weasley is Our King', stirred her drink with a cocktail onion on a stick.

Rita asked in a quiet voice, Are you sure?

Yes, said Hermione. About the truth, in all respects. It's like Harry was writing. He'll give you all the details, he'll tell you the names of the Death Eaters he saw that didn't go unnoticed, he'll tell you what Voldemort looked like — oh, hold on tight, she said contemptuously, throwing a napkin on the table, and when she mentioned Voldemort's name Rita jumped up, knocking the whiskey glass over herself. The front of Rita's scruffy raincoat was stained, but she still stared at Hermione.

Then Rita said bluntly: It won't be published. You probably haven't noticed that no one believes his ridiculous story. Everyone thinks it's his delusion. Now, if you ask me to write—

We don't need to write a story about Harry's lost toys! said Hermione angrily.

We already have a lot, thanks to you! I'm going to give him a chance to tell the truth! Rita said nonchalantly.

You're saying it won't be published because of Fudge's ban, said Hermione impatiently.

Rita looked at her for a long, steady moment, and then, leaning back on the table, she said in a businesslike tone: Yes, Fudge is in the paper, but it doesn't make any difference. They won't run a story to Glossing Harry. No one wants to read it. It's against the public will. The last Azkaban breakout has upset people. People don't want to believe You-Know-Who's back—

In other words, newspapers only exist to publish what people want to see, right? said Hermione sternly. Rita sat up straight, raised her eyebrows, and downed the whiskey in one gulp.

Newspapers exist to sell, you silly girl, she said dryly.

My dad said it was a bad paper, Luna said, cutting in unexpectedly. Stirring her drink, she looked at Rita with her large, bulging, somewhat fanatical eyes. He publishes important stories that he thinks the public needs to know. He doesn't care about money.

Rita looked at Luna contemptuously. I suppose your father runs a stupid rural tabloid? she said. Something like: twenty-five ways to mess with Muggles, and the date of the next sale?

No, Luna said, dipping the stir stick in the drink, he's the editor. Rita snorted loudly, and everyone around her looked around in surprise.

An important story he thinks the public needs to know, eh? Luna said dryly. I could use its contents to fertilize my garden.

So, now's your chance to elevate it, don't you? said Hermione cheerfully, Luna said her dad was happy to see Harry's interview and publish it—

Rita glared at them both for a moment, then laughed out loud. ! she said, laughing non-stop, do you think people take what's posted here seriously?

Some people don't, said Hermione in an equally loud voice. But there are so many holes in the news about the Azkaban escape, I think there are quite a few people who would prefer to see other better explanations, if given the choice, even if it was published in— She glanced at Luna, In—an unusual magazine—we and the girls will read it too.”

Rita didn't speak for a moment, but her eyes glanced shrewdly at Hermione, and her head tilted away again.

Well, if I do it, she said suddenly, what do I gain?

I don't think Dad pays people who contribute, Luna said dreamily. They submit because it's an honor, to see their name published. Rita. Skeeter seemed to gulp again, and she turned her head to Hermione.

You want me to do this for free?

Yes, said Hermione quietly, taking a sip of her drink. Otherwise, as you know, there's a good chance I'll notify the Council of Magic that you're an unregistered Animagus. Of course, maybe pay you more, because you'll be able to provide Azkaban internal news.

Rita looked as if she wanted to rip the little paper umbrella off Hermione's drink glass and poke it up Hermione's nose. said Rita, her voice trembling slightly. She opened her crocodile bag again, pulled out a piece of parchment, and held up her quill.

Daddy will be happy, Luna said cheerfully. A muscle in Rita's jaw twitched.

All right, Harry? Hermione turned to Harry. Ready to tell everyone the truth?

I think so, said Harry, watching Rita place the quill on the parchment.

Please, Rita, said Hermione calmly, sucking a cherry from the bottom of her glass.