A/N: Here we go again! Another chapter just to clean up my evil plot bunnies' messes. Here's the chapter that will take care of the Skeeter outrage. Hopefully, after this, it'll be all about the wedding (like it was supposed to from the start).
Many, many thanks to those of you who have stuck with the story through out. We're getting there! Also, I'm so sorry it's taken so long to get this chapter out, but I was working on getting this story under control. There's some fluff to make up for it in the next chapter. Also, I meant to get this out last night, but I'll admit, I was glued to my TV watching American Idol. YAY for Carrie Underwood! I've wanted her to win for weeks! But I loved Bo, too, so it was a great night.
Anyway ….
The movie quotes from the last chapter were:
From "Clue"
Wadsworth: Can you keep a secret?
Col. Mustard: Yes.
Wadsworth: So can I.
And from "The Matrix"
Oracle: No one can tell you you're in love, you just know it, through and through, balls to bones.
No one got them! (Though honorable mention to MapleMountain for bringing up the Clue quote.)
****
As the morning light wakes me, I realize that I didn't have those curtains open. I look towards the window and find Harry sitting with Hedwig on his arm, absently-mindedly petting her.
"Good morning," he says with that still-sleepy tone to his voice that I find so sexy.
"I take it Hedwig's arrival is what woke you?" I ask as I notice that it's still 15 minutes before the alarm normally goes off.
He nods and Hedwig hoots softly as if to apologize
"That's ok, girl," he replies as he sends her up to her perch. "I didn't mean to wake you, though."
"That's ok. What did she bring?"
"The article."
"Oh. Well, bring it over, let's read it together."
Harry climbs onto the bed and hands me the parchment. We both begin to silently read.
Skeeter Secret finally revealed!
By Luna Weasley
After years of never knowing just how Daily Prophet reporter Rita Skeeter always gets her stories, The Quibbler has finally found out! After interviewing just a few of the witches and wizards that she has placed into scandals with her "ground breaking" articles, this reporter has come to learn that Rita Skeeter is an unregistered Animagus!
That's right, in the tiny form of a water beetle, Ms. Skeeter has been able to spy on and report about topics that she should have normally known nothing about. How else would she have known so many minute details about Harry Potter's life (especiallyduring his days at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry) if not for her cunning and devious ways?
After years of maliciously "covering" the events in Mr. Potter's life, his silence has finally been broken.
"Of course, we knew. We caught her while we were still in school. But then, we thought that she had given up on all of that and would stop using that power to get unfair scoops. But once she spied on my best friend's wedding and reported about my own upcoming wedding, I knew it was time to admit what had happened."
Kind-hearted Harry Potter had hoped that Ms. Skeeter would change. He was actually willing to let her go with the promise that she never use such low tactics again. Well, once that promise was broken, Mr. Potter knew he had to act.
Other people affected by her sometimes libelous reporting include: Miss Hermione Granger, Mr. Ron Weasley (both best friends to Harry Potter), Mr. Sirius Black (who, after being declared innocent of all crimes, received no retraction from the stories of Ms. Skeeter's insisting his guilt), Mr. Albus Dumbledore (whose sanity was always in question by Ms. Skeeter) and countless others!
The Quibbler can only hope that this report will cause the authorities to act and finally put Rita Skeeter away and punish her for her crimes!
"Wow. Um, that was a bit harsh," I whisper.
I wait a few seconds before glancing at Harry. He doesn't read as fast as I do. Finally he looks up.
"I think it was fine. It said that she's hurt people, it told that she's broken the law and it calls for the authorities to charge her. Perfect if you ask me."
I bite my lower lip.
"Ok, then. Send Hedwig to tell Luna it's perfect. We'll probably see it in tomorrow's Quibbler."
"Hermione, we won't do this if you're uncomfortable. But remember what we said? We don't want her following our kids! Or our friends!"
"No, you're right. We have to stop her. Send Hedwig."
Harry rushes to the desk and scribbles a note for Luna and Ron approving the article.
"Ok, Hedwig, take this to Ron and Luna," he says as he tied the note to her leg. "And hurry, before Hermione changes her mind!"
He opens the window for the snowy owl and watches her take flight.
"It'll be fine, Mione. Honestly."
"Ok. Well, let's get ready. Don't want to keep your Slytherins waiting!"
"Hey! They're not my Slytherins! They're still Severus "I'm a greasy git" Snape's Slytherins."
I laugh as I leave to take my shower.
Once we get to the school, Harry runs to his classroom and I open up the library. It's so peaceful this early in the morning. It's on days like today that I like to pretend that life is just as calm as the library. That maybe I'm just engaged to a normal guy with anormal family. Not some famous avenger of the wizarding world. And there's certainly no psycho reporter stalking us.
Suddenly, I hear the clicking of heels rushing towards me.
"Hermione! Hermione!" Minerva calls to me.
"Yes, Minerva?"
"I was just wondering how the article came out? Harry mentioned to me that Luna was going to write it."
"Actually, quite well. It should be in tomorrow's Quibbler," I tell her.
"Smashing. Hermione, is everything ok?"
And at that moment, I realize why this woman is who I look up to. She's all business until it matters and then she's all heart.
"Minerva, I'm having such a hard time knowing that I'm sending someone to Azkaban! I mean, she's an awful person, but she's still a person."
"Oh, dear. Don't be so upset about it. Did you feel bad when Lucius Malfoy went to Azkaban?"
"Well, no..."
"And when his son and Bellatrix Lestrange joined him?"
"Of course not, but -"
"Then why are you so tormented about this woman? I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to make, but trust me, it's the right one. That woman has disrupted enough lives!"
"Minerva ... What has she done to you?" I ask, catching a glimpse of something in her eye.
My old professor sighs. "She's hurt a lot of people that I love."
I notice something in her eyes; something that says she's not telling me everything, but it's not my business to ask.
Just then, a group of students come into the library.
"Well, Madam Granger, I look forward to reading that article tomorrow," she states, now back in her "Professor McGonagall" persona.
"As will I, Professor McGonagall," I reply with a quick smile.
She returns the smile and leaves the library.
Before I know it, Harry is entering the library to bring me lunch.
"I had a feeling I'd find you here," he says.
"Gee, how intuitive, finding the librarian in the library," I tease.
"Hey, I don't have to give you the pumpkin pie I brought!"
"Ok, ok"
Harry knows how much I love pumpkin anything.
After a delicious lunch, it's time to get back to work. I'm currently ordering a new bunch of books for the school and it's time for Harry's favorite class, the 7th year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws.
"Have fun with your prodigies," I tell him before we kiss.
"I will. See you at dinner," he replies. "Love you."
"Love you, too." And I watch him leave, not realizing that all the students are giggling at us.
Finally, the time rolls around to head down to dinner. I hand the library over to Patty and make my way to the Great Hall.
Just as dinner is ending, Harry turns to me.
"Let's leave as soon as we're done. There's some wedding stuff we need to discuss."
"That's fine. Let me finish my pumpkin juice and I'll be ready."
As soon as I'm done, we say our farewells and floo home.
"Ok, what's up?" I ask.
"Well, it's aboutthebachelorparty," Harry rushes.
"Uh-huh. And what about it?"
"Well, I mean ... Ron ... he has these ideas ... and I don't want to do anything that will upset you ... and I ... and ... Merlin, Mione, say something and stop me already."
"I think you're doing just fine on your own," I laugh.
"Hermione!"
"Harry!" I mock. "Oh, come on. Look, do I like the idea of you guys going to some strip club and having you gawk at half naked witches - or worse - dancing? No, I don't. But I also trust you. I know that you would never do anything to hurt me. And besides, the press would have a field day if you got caught."
"I don't really want to go to one of those places. But Ron insists that it's the proper bachelor party kind of thing."
"Harry, it's your party. Do what you want to do. Don't let Ron push you into having a bachelor party for the both of you since he never got one."
He gets quiet as if he never realized that that was Ron's exact plan.
"Hmmm ... you know, you're right. That's exactly what he's doing!"
"Of course, Harry. So just put your foot down and go where you want to go. You defeated Voldemort! You can certainly tell your best friend where you want your bachelor party! Just don't give me any details."
"I wouldn't dream of it! Do you know where you girls are going?"
"Nowhere. I wanted to have an old fashioned Muggle sleepover. We're going to Ginny's apartment for it. But I know I won't be able to get completely away with a clean night. They're bound to have some surprise for me since Ginny will be there."
"Ginny! Surely not!" Harry replies with all the sarcasm he can muster.
"I know. It's shocking. Anyway, is that all you wanted to ask me?"
"Yeah, actually. I just don't want to make you mad with this."
"Harry, I know it's what you guys do. Like I said, just don't give me the details. Just try not to do anything that will get me mad or get you on the front page of the Prophet."
"Yeah, after tomorrow, I really want to try to stay out of the news. Merlin knows the papers will be all over the wedding."
"Let's not talk about that. Is there anything we've forgotten to do? I've got my dress, we ordered the flowers, the food and cake is taken care of, the Great Hall is booked and ready, we've got the bridal party together, the bridesmaids dresses are ordered and you guys have gone for your tuxes, right?"
"Er, um ..."
"Harry Potter! You guys haven't gone for your tuxes yet?"
"Well, it's very hard to schedule everyone ..." he stammers.
"You and Neville both have almost every weekend off and Ron doesn't have much to do since it's the off-season. Sirius certainly has nothing to do as well!"
"Ok, ok. We're being lazy! I'll owl all the guys very soon."
"You'd better. I know we've got 3 months to go, but on the other hand, there's only 3 months left!!
"You're right. I'll owl the guys during my break tomorrow morning."
"Good. Now, how do you want to spend the rest of the night?"
"Well, we could play chess ... or we could make out like 6th years."
"Why, Professor Potter! Are you flirting with me?"
"Oh, Madam Granger, I'm trying to do a lot more than that!" he says as he sweeps me into his arms and begins to kiss me.
Merlin, I can't wait to be married to this man!
After a very full night of that, bedtime rolls around and I'm thoroughly worn out.
And before I know it, it's morning and I'm left with sweet memories.
But, breaking me from my reverie is the sound of an owl at the window. It's the Quibbler delivery owl. Mr. Lovegood must have rushed us a copy, because it never comes this early. Harry is still asleep, so I slip out of bed to pay for the paper, but the owl flies away before I can pay it. Must be on the house. I walk back over and climb carefully onto the bed. But all the movement wakes Harry, so we glance at the paper together. Sure enough, front and center is the article about Rita. Nothing to do now but wait.
We get ready for the day as usual, but we're much quieter.
When we get to the school, we were mobbed just as we expected to be.
"Bloody brilliant, you two!"
"About time someone exposed her!"
"How long has she been at it?"
Harry puts his fingers in his mouth and whistles shrilly.
"Listen! There's not much I can tell you that you didn't already read. Hopefully, something will come from Luna's article."
Everyone pauses and begins to disperse, discussing the article the entire time.
"Well, I still think it was brilliant."
"I can't believe she's been doing that."
"How can anyone do that?"
"Well, that wasn't so bad," I say as Harry wraps his arm around my waist.
"Professor Potter, Madam Granger, may I have a word?" Professor Dumbledore calls from behind us.
We freeze. Even this many years out of the school and we're still scared of that man.
"Yes, Headmaster?" I reply as calmly as I can.
"May I see the two of you in my office?"
"Yes, of course," Harry says, grabbing my hand.
When we arrive at Dumbledore's office, we find there's a student already in there.
"Gina? What are you doing here?" Harry asks.
"Miss Gnatty has something she'd like to tell the both of you," Dumbledore says calmly.
However, I don't need to hear her explain. I know why she's here. I've pieced it together.
"Professor Potter, I'm so sorry! I didn't want to do it! But my aunt, she's got this way of making people do what she wants!"
"Gina, wait!" Harry interrupts. "What are you talking about? Who is your aunt?"
"It's Rita Skeeter, isn't it?" I ask.
Gina can only nod as she stares at the ground.
"It was you! You were her informant!" Harry says as the answer finally comes to him.
"I'm afraid so," Dumbledore answers for her.
"But, why?" Harry asks.
"I don't know. My aunt, she's got some sort of power where you just do what she asks."
"Did she use an unforgivable on you?" I ask, hoping that this girl (however much I don't like her) didn't have to be subjected to that.
She shakes her head. "I don't think so. But something she did made me spy on you both. I would wait for you guys in the halls or in the teacher's lounge, then I would listen if I heard you guys talking, especially if it was about the wedding. I really couldn't stop myself!"
For a few moments, the four of us are quiet. Finally, Harry speaks up.
"Why are you telling us now?"
"Because I saw the article this morning and I didn't want to get into worse trouble. I knew I was doing it and I knew I would be in trouble for it." She looks directly at Harry. "But you have to believe me, Professor Potter, Madam Granger, that I didn't want to make things worse for you."
She begins to cry.
"Miss Gnatty, would you mind waiting outside while I speak with Professor Potter and Madam Granger?" Dumbledore asks.
She nods and leaves. Dumbledore soundproofs the room - just in case.
"Do you believe her?" he asks.
"I do believe that she thinks she couldn't stop," Harry answers.
"Do you really, Harry? I mean, I believe that Rita can be underhanded, but mind control?" I say.
"I got a pretty good moment of eye contact with her. She's telling the truth," Harry says simply and Dumbledore smiles knowingly.
"Oh! Sneaky."
"So, what do we do? I mean, should she be punished?" Harry asks.
"I'm afraid I do not know, Harry," Dumbledore says softly. "She wasn't under the control of any unforgivable curses, yet she did do it."
"I don't even know what kind of a spell that is."
"She must have confused her somehow," I offer. "Made her think she wanted to spy on us, but she really didn't."
"So, do we punish her?" Harry inquires.
"Well, I don't want her expelled or anything, but I think I have a different idea," I begin.
After I explain my idea to Dumbledore and Harry, we call Gina back into the room.
"Miss Gnatty, Madam Granger and Professor Potter have an idea for your punishment," Dumbledore tells her.
She doesn't even bat an eye, as if she expected punishment.
"You are to be the founding member of The Hogwarts Spell. That's just a temporary name. It's a school newspaper. Or, at least it will be," I tell her.
"Come on, I can't write!" Gina yells.
"Gina, you could write well, if you only concentrated. I've read your papers, they're good, but they just need some polishing. And with some practice, like the paper, you'll be as good as the rest of your family," Harry says.
"This may be the strangest punishment ever," Gina sighs.
"Well, there's work involved," I begin. "You have to promote it, gather other writers, editors, illustrators, and such. I'll give you a submission deadline and you'll get others to enter writing samples to me and I'll assign students their tasks. I'll be the faculty advisor to the project."
"Um, ok. I think I can do that," Gina says shakily.
"Do you understand why we're giving you this task?" Dumbledore asks.
"I think so," she replies. "You want me to understand about truth in the media and how to be an honest reporter, and not like my aunt."
"You are most correct. And I also want written formal apologies to Professor Potter, Madam Granger, and Ron and Luna Weasley."
"Professor Potter, Madam Granger, I'm so sorry for what I've done. I never meant to cause any trouble. I can't believe my own aunt would do this to me," Gina cries.
"It's ok, Gina. Just don't let us down on this project, ok? Who knows, maybe you'll be the student to cover our wedding for the paper," I say with a grin. Maybe this kid isn't so bad after all.
She smiles at me and nods.
"Well, Miss Gnatty, I believe it is time for you to get back to class. Please tell Professor Sprout that I am most sorry for the disruption," Dumbledore says as he escorts her out.
Just as she is leaving, Professor McGonagall bursts in.
"Albus, Harry, Hermione! They got her!"
Those are the words I was praying for and dreading all at the same time. "They got her!"
"Rita? They picked her up?" Harry asks excitedly.
"Yes! I just heard it on the Wireless! They're holding her trial tomorrow."
"Can we go?" Harry asks.
"Well, I can only assume that the both of you will be called as witnesses. You'll probably have to go," Minerva says.
"That's fine with me. I can get Patty to cover for me in the library, Harry do you think someone can cover for you?"
"Shouldn't be a problem. I only have 2 classes tomorrow. Maybe I'll ask … Severus."
He looks like it may just cause him physical pain to ask.
"Yes, well, we'll have to see what happens. The point is that we all need to be at that trial!" Minerva says a bit louder than she meant to.
"And we will," Harry insists.
Poor Minerva. It sure seems like she's taking this Rita Skeeter thing just as hard as the rest of us.
"Very well," Dumbledore speaks up. "I will arrange for a portkey to take us all to the Ministry tomorrow to testify or preside."
"Just let us know the time," Harry says.
"Yes. We will see you later, Harry, Hermione," he says walking towards us and the door and basically making us walk as well.
I get the feeling that he's trying to push us out.
"Ok, well, have a good day, Minerva, Albus," I'm just barely able to get out before the door closes in my face.
"Well then. It's been an interesting morning," I joke.
"You could say that. I'm glad we found our leak, but I'm sorry that it was her. I've always suspected that she's had a hard life."
"Why didn't you ever tell me? I've always disliked her because I thought she was snippy!"
"I'll have to check her records, but I think it's possible that she's been living with her aunt recently. Her parents may be dead."
"Oh," is all I can say. I know how much Harry hates dealing with the subject of orphans, so I move on.
"Well, I should get to the library to help those thirsty-for-knowledge students!"
"Yes, and you should skirt the subject as well," Harry says with that grin of his.
I blush.
"It's ok. I know you're just trying to protect me. Now, get to your books."
I kiss him goodbye and we go off towards our offices.
The day goes by as usual and tonight we have dinner at home. It's better than being bombarded with questions.
As we get into bed, Harry turns to me.
"Will you be ok tomorrow? I can probably just do all of the testifying for the both of us. Merlin knows my testimony will probably count enough for 3 people."
"No. I want to do it. She's put far too much pressure on our lives and on the lives of our family and friends. I want to end it."
"Ok. Your choice. Good night, Mione. I love you."
"I love you too, Harry," I sigh as I cuddle against him and fall asleep.
As morning arrives, and we begin to get ready, my nerves begin to get the best of me. I've never liked places like that. Especially since Harry's trial there.
"Mione, trust me. This will work out," he says as he straightens his tie.
"You're right. Just let me find my other shoe. I know it's … here somewhere," I mumble from halfway under the bed.
"Accio Mione's shoe!" Harry calls and my shoe narrowly misses my head as it shoots past.
"Why do you always forget about magic when you're nervous?" he chuckles.
"I don't always. I remembered magic when you defeated Voldemort."
"When we defeated him. Never leave yourself out of that. And you never forget it when it really counts, but sometimes …"
"Look, I was raised Muggle. Sometimes it just -"
He cuts me off with a kiss.
"Yes, I know. I was raised the same way. Now," he helps me to stand and sits me on the bed. "Let's finish getting ready." He takes the summoned shoe and slips it onto my foot and then takes the other one from the floor and repeats with the other foot. "All set?"
"I think so."
There are tons of butterflies in my stomach, but it's not from the trial, it's from Harry's simple act of love. I can't believe he loves me.
Finally, we're ready to go and we floo to Dumbledore's office. A quick cleanup spell and it's time to leave.
Albus, Minerva, Harry and I each grab the giant ring that would transport us to the Ministry.
The place is packed as we enter and find our seats already waiting.
The whole thing goes about as well as I could expect. Harry and I each tell about the experiences we had in school with that woman and just what I learned about her. We each end expressing our fears about what would happen if she continued like this. Minerva then expresses her opinions on the stand as well. Harry gasps as she finishes like he's just had a revelation. I'll ask about that later. Lupin and Sirius each speak and even Dumbledore gives some choice words.
Finally, it's all over and Dumbledore stands.
"Rita Skeeter, this court has found you guilty on the charges of being an unregistered animagus. By using this power, you spied on others and slandered them in your 'journalism.'" (And Albus actually uses finger quotes.) "With the additional charges of harassment and slander, not to mention a separate charge of child endangerment, we sentence you to 25 years in Azkaban. My thanks to those who testified today."
And with that, Dumbledore joins his fellow judges and leaves the room.
"Damn you, Harry Potter!" Rita screams as they drag her away. "Couldn't just let things go! No, you have to protect your little trollop!"
Something in Harry's eyes glows and instantly Rita can't speak.
"I'd have loved to do something stronger, but we are in a courtroom," he says with a blush.
"My hero!" I cry as I hug him.
"Brilliant work, the both of you!" Minerva says happily as she hugs us both. "Thank you so much for being here."
"It's really no problem, Minerva," I reply, a bit confused.
"Well, I must check on Albus, then back to the school," she says. "I'll see you later!"
And then she's off.
"Is she acting strange today?" I ask Harry.
"Yeah, but she's got her reasons," he replies.
"And those would be?"
"I'll tell you when we get home."
So, we march to the lobby from where we can Apparate home.
I actually beat Harry to the Disapparating and leave before him, I'm so excited to be out of this place.
Once we're home, it's just time for lunch, but since we left our responsibilities to others, we decide to take the day off.
We go to the bedroom to change into our comfy lounging clothes.
I lie down on the bed and encourage Harry to follow.
He cuddles up behind me and begins the story, knowing that I'm dying for the answer.
"All right, now, this secret never leaves this room. Ok?"
I nod.
"Fine. Albus and Minerva are a couple."
"What?!" I screech as I sit up, almost knocking Harry back.
"Calm down! It's been like this for a while from what I can tell. Maybe since my parents were in school."
"Wait, how do you know all of this?"
"Well, apparently my powers of Legilimency have been growing. I made eye contact with her when she was on the stand and the thought just came flying into me. I didn't mean to! She was just projecting I guess with all the emotions flying around."
"Hmmm." I get to thinking. "Now I think I know what was bothering her!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Wait right there!"
I run to the fireplace and floo Patty. I warn her that I'm coming in, but not staying.
I rush to the old copies of the Daily Prophet and cast a spell that cross-referenced Dumbledore and McGonagall's names. Only one issue rises from the pile.
I quickly make a copy of the article and rush home.
"It's true!" I scream as I run back into the bedroom.
"Hmm?"
"They must be dating! Look! Skeeter tried to write an article about them! She wanted to expose them together! That's why Minerva was so upset."
I show him the article.
"Ok, but it's more than dating. Hermione, they got married."
"Huh?"
"Yeah. Well, it was way after this article; apparently right after the war. I guess they were waiting until it was all over like I was."
"Another couple eloped?"
"Well, not as much as the Lupins - now that sounds weird to say - but I guess it was an elopement. I think they just wanted to keep it out of the papers."
"But they have separate quarters at the school!"
"Mione, magic is a wonderful thing."
"Oh yeah. Wow. Well, our wedding had better get here soon."
"Why is that?" Harry asks.
"Because I'd like to at least beat Sirius down the aisle!"
Harry laughs and encourages me to take a nap. I'm not going to argue with him about that, but I just keep thinking about the day. We finally got Rita. We were safe for 25 years. And I heard rumors of trying to take her Animagus powers away from her. I don't know how, but I won't complain about it. And, another couple married. Maybe it was something in the water. Either way, just another reminder that my wedding was right over the horizon!
****
A/N: Ok, I know the Albus and Minerva thing may be a little out there. I've written it before and always thought it was kinda cute. And age is just a state of mind, people, especially in the magical community. But in this story, I just wanted to surprise Harry and Hermione with someone else that got married before them. :)
Also, I know a lot of you saw the Gina thing coming. I didn't try to hide her too much. I love when I, as the reader, can know something that the characters don't. Many gold stars to all you who knew Miss Gnatty was the culprit. (Eekii, Aundielen (I'm guessing you both got it), gerdieSI, jangel0982, HeidiHo (did you in fact know?), destroyerdrt, EtrnlSakura, Lady Starlight, happylady, hernndzzz, CrimsonTemplar, Lucifer - so sorry if I missed anyone, I was cruising my reviews at work for a list) I let Gina off a bit easier than I originally meant to, since her real life counterpart is such a thorn in my side. But, I decided to make Rita the real bad guy.