"No problem, Minister Fudge!" A middle-aged witch emerged from reporters and pinched sharp voice like little girl's affected tone. "Mr. Lovegood, come with me!"
Watching middle-aged witch's smile on sagging face, Wizette's brow involuntarily furrowed.
Middle-aged witch wore pink robes—on Lockhart-like curled hair clipped black bow. Combined with that bizarre smile, like toad hunting butterflies.
She handed over parchment and made little-girl-like affected sharp voice. "Let me introduce myself—I'm Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister."
"You just need to read content above—this shouldn't be difficult for you? Including later reporter questions, all written there, you can familiarize yourself first."
Dolores Umbridge obviously more concerned about those reporters—after brief words, immediately approached reporters with beaming smile.
Cornelius Fudge also not idle—face showed sincere smile, constantly waving hands, humble and kind posture.
Reporters likewise—some reporters surrounded Dolores Umbridge asking about Ministry's upcoming work.
More reporters surrounded Cornelius Fudge and Dumbledore, recording their conversation content.
"Ah, they seem to have forgotten who the protagonist is." A middle-aged woman walked over.
Woman's full blonde hair styled in large curls, wore extremely exaggerated glasses with frames covered with jewels, looked extremely heavy.
She carried crocodile-skin handbag, had very long nails painted gem-red nail polish, like clawed female ghost.
Woman extended hand. "Let me introduce myself—I'm Rita Skeeter, special correspondent for The Daily Prophet."
Rita Skeeter...
Wizette hearing this name instinctively thought of past reports.
But he didn't show it and briefly shook hands. "Ms. Skeeter, hello."
"Ah, hello Mr. Lovegood." Rita Skeeter's tone revealed slight surprise. "Let's find another place to chat—there's a room there."
Beside staff table was small room—inside hung many portraits but seemed all out visiting, not staying in portraits.
Rita Skeeter opened crocodile-skin handbag—out flew a quill and several parchments. Obviously a Quick-Quotes Quill—they hovered mid-air positioned for writing.
She raised eyebrow. "Mr. Lovegood, very interesting—seems Headmaster Dumbledore wasn't wrong, you're different from others your age."
"I just thought you'd refuse handshake like before or show disgusted expression—seems I'm not as detestable as Minister Fudge."
[Blonde beauty Rita Skeeter, now forty-two, her charm still captivating—even Hogwarts rising star who once had conflicts with her couldn't resist her allure.]
This was Quick-Quotes Quill's content.
Wizette felt somewhat nauseated—even when first cutting dragon liver, never had this feeling.
Seeming to notice something, Rita Skeeter adjusted glasses. "I'm used to this—I trained it well and connects with my mind. This way, we can focus more on topic itself."
"I see." Wizette nodded and put hand in pocket gripping wand. "What do you plan to interview me about?"
"You don't need to stare at it." Rita Skeeter noticed Wizette's gaze. "About entire paper-writing process and who exactly provided help..."
"Oh?" Wizette somewhat surprised. "I've read your articles—will you really report truthfully?"
"I just polish." Rita Skeeter emphasized. "If article too boring, no one willing to read..."
"Moreover this situation different—I made deal with Headmaster Dumbledore. That's main reason I'm interviewing you."
"What deal..." Wizette frowned slightly. "About Gilderoy Lockhart?"
"You're Ravenclaw right?" Rita Skeeter showed smile. "Seems an excellent Ravenclaw, just like me..."
Wizette smiled slightly. "Gilderoy Lockhart also Ravenclaw."
"Indeed, so we must eliminate some scum." Rita Skeeter's smile unwavering. "Dumbledore gave me much material..."
"Letting me expose Gilderoy Lockhart's fraudulent behavior and adding brilliant stroke to my resume..."
Interview officially began—Rita Skeeter as reporter, interview skills still commendable and always asked pointed questions.
"Mr. Lovegood, with your magical understanding, really hard to believe you're only second year." Rita Skeeter stood up and Quick-Quotes Quill flew back into her bag.
"Perhaps I'll witness birth of second Albus Dumbledore—of course, Headmaster Dumbledore's view is you'll only be first Wizette Lovegood."
"Actually I have a question." Wizette took hand from pocket. "Why did you smear Headmaster Dumbledore?"
"Very interesting question." Rita Skeeter raised eyebrow. "Many people dislike those high and mighty, and I'm willing to pull them off pedestals."
"Like that Gilderoy Lockhart and Headmaster Dumbledore—more glorious and great, bigger shadow behind. That's my view."
"Honestly, after today's conversation with Headmaster Dumbledore, I seem to have changed opinion slightly—so powerful yet so gentle..."
"His current manner actually more fits my thinking—why did he change? Mr. Lovegood, because of you?"
Before Wizette could answer, unfamiliar voice came from outside. "Mr. Lovegood, you're inside right? Award ceremony about to start."
"Truly pleasant exchange." Rita Skeeter helped open door. "Looking forward to next meeting—hope someday I can also dig out some shadows from you."
"Really?" Wizette smiled slightly. "Actually I also look forward to digging out some secrets from you."
"For example why you always make timely reports and even obtain photos you shouldn't have—believe it'll be interesting process."
He seemed to remember something. "Oh! Ms. Skeeter, actually some academic term spellings you wrote incorrectly, but no worries—I corrected them all for you."
"Corrected for me?" Rita Skeeter's expression changed and quickly ran toward parchments floating mid-air...
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