Sirius grumbled, "He was - why he wants the fraud to keep his job, I don't know." "He probably fears what the repercussions will be if the public finds out he hired such a fool," Remus said.
"It shouldn't matter, he has a duty of care and he's failing," Sirius said happily.
Remus chuckled. "Most people would look sad by that."
"I'm not most people."
"Are you going to let Harry or Lucius know?"
"Yes, I'll write to them both," Sirius promised. Oh, what a good day this was turning out to be. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft Wizardry, Late November 1992
and
Harry was counting down the days until the 21st of December; he wanted to see what would come from Luna's insight. He knew it would be spectacular thanks to the build up provided by Sirius and Lucius. Looking back, Harry was glad that the two had never teamed up in his last life - together they were a force to be reckoned with.
It had started up immediately after what Harry called his coming out—after he had set Rita onto Lockhart. Harry had waited with bated breath each morning, reading the subtle hints she would drop.
It had started with an article on the illegality of memory charms.
~
Ministry Blunders: Memory Charms Not So Charming
By Rita Skeeter
In a recent investigation, I, Rita Skeeter, journalist extraordinaire and seeker of truth, went undercover to discover the secrets of the Ministry's lack of control when it comes to one of the most delicate branches of mind magic…
~
The article had brought to light how easily mind magic, like the Obliviate charm, can be used and abused and how the ministry had no procedures set in place for the control of the branch.
After reading it, Harry had watched in fascination as Lockhart held his composure. The man really was a good actor when the situation called for it - the only sign he was bothered by the article was a slight tightening of his eyes and a subtle stiffening of his back.
Next came an article on Azkaban, the conditions, and a proposal for a tightening of sentences.
~
Azkaban: The Truth - Dementors
or Demons?
By Rita Skeeter
Many of us know the name, but how many can say they know the truth about Azkaban? I, Rita Skeeter, journalist extraordinaire and seeker of truth, decided it was time to really expose the deep dark secrets of the hellish island…
~
That article had made the man blanche and Harry snort. True, the prison was nothing to joke about and thinking of Sirius there made him shiver, but the man's reaction was gold. Severus also quickly caught on to the ongoing situation after a particularly entertaining article and cornered Potions lesson.
~
Truth and Lies
By Rita Skeeter
Harry
after
a
In a recent top secret investigation, I, Rita Skeeter, journalist extraordinaire and seeker of truth, have discovered something so shocking that I tremble as I write. But, before I say more, I must wait and verify more facts—never let it be said that I spread lies! However, I can say that my recent investigation involves none other than our beloved hero and winner of the Witches Weekly most charming smile award: Gilderoy Lockhart…
~
"Mr. Potter, if you could please stay behind."
Harry paused from packing up his things and nodded. "Yes, professor." Turning to see Hannah and Susan, he sent them both a smile.
"I will catch up to you in Charms," he promised.
After they left, Harry resumed tidying his things. "Is everything okay, professor?"
Severus snorted at the innocent tone. "Indeed. I simply wished to inquire as to what you have on Rita Skeeter - the woman is notorious for her articles, yet she seems to be firmly in your pocket."
Harry smirked and stopped what he was doing. "I haven't a clue what you mean."
Severus allowed a single eyebrow to rise. "Really?"
"Well, I may have found out about a... small condition she has."
Severus smirked. "I see. I had wondered why she decided to target Dumbledore and now that fool Lockhart."
"She's a very morally conscious woman," Harry said, nodding solemnly before smirking. The innocence of his expression was quickly turning into mischief.
"I have no doubt," Severus deadpanned.
"Was that everything, sir?"
"Not quite. I would like to know what it is Lockhart is hiding—I know you know."
Harry tilted his head as he considered the man in front of him. "Gilderoy Lockhart is a fool, but one you don't need to worry about for much longer." He didn't want to spoil Rita's or Lucius and Sirius' fun too early by revealing the truth. Severus hid his frustration at the vague answer and instead asked, "How did you manage to avoid my snake pit? You're sneakier and more cunning than anybody I have ever met - and I served the Dark Lord once."
Harry felt his smirk grow. "Could you imagine it? The famed Boy-Who-Lived a Slytherin? No, the hat agreed with me, I'm better off in Ravenclaw."
Severus considered the boy in front of him. "You made the hat put you there, didn't you?"
Harry smiled brightly. "I can neither confirm nor deny."
Severus snorted, flicking his wand so a note appeared. He passed it to Harry. "Get out of here, brat," he said fondly.
Harry smirked as he took the note. Snapping his fingers, the remainders of his potions supplies were instantly packed up. Severus shook his head at the casual display of power and control. How he had missed it to begin with he would never know.
The next morning was a Saturday and Harry finally got the confirmation he needed when Sirius' familiar brown owl landed in front of him during breakfast.
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