savage quill

anything for a story, and anyone will do. rita skeeter, twenty-five, gossip columnist for the daily prophet. the quill is mightier than the wand.

[princesconsuela]

[quillskeeter]

GREEK GODS & GODDESSES.

RITA GOT : ATHENA.

Athena is the goddess of wisdom, craft, and war in ancient Greek religion and mythology. In later times, Athena was syncretized with the Roman goddess Minerva. Athena was portrayed as having a calm temperament, and moving slowly to anger. She was believed to only fight for just causes and never fight without a purpose.

[quillskeeter]

*✧·˚. MUNDUNGUS FLETCHER.

Mundungus widens his borrowed doe eyes as the other witch starts to bombard him with an explanation. Mundungus nods his head in understanding at key points of the woman’s rant of innocence. Unfortunate accident. Not able to hold their liquor. People causing a scene. In terms of deflection and distraction it’s all very good; and if Mundungus had been another humdrum guest he might have gone along with her tale, or at least been cowed down enough to take back the accusation.

Mundungus admires a woman of tenacity, and he certainly has some comradely for a fellow witch or wizard who has to talk their way out of difficult situations, so he doesn’t bother lording the woman’s cruel act over her head. “Beautifully said. If I were to play judge or jury I would be happy to denounce your guilt.” Mun says, tipping his own glass of champagne towards the woman, “but that’s not who I am. Nor am I some mother here to chastise you and shoo you off to apologize.” He teases, utilizing all of his temporary feminine poise to angle it soft and sweet, where it might have otherwise been construed as harsh and manipulative. “I’m but a curious spectator. But, really, I have to ask. What’d she do? Steal your ex? Outbid you on the item you wanted? Do tell.”

    it takes her a minute too long to decide whether she should ( or could ) trust the stranger in front of her. but seeing as it is fairly obvious that they have seen her cause the disaster, rita finds herself shrugging it off as she grabs another glass of champagne being served by an elf. “well, i do appreciate you not condemning me for my behavior. you know us women have to stick together, but the other witches of this place seem to have taken a liking is exposing their equals. it is truly sad”, she replies, sipping on her beverage as her mind searches for at least a plausible explanation. rita is not about to expose that sometimes, only sometimes, her column is not completely faithful to the facts -- she would rather die than have her secrets be exposed. 

     “she might have been flirting with my object of attraction -- and by that, of course, i mean the gorgeous crystal vase that is up for sale”, the golden-haired beauty replies, a chuckle escaping ruby lips. that is not a lie, yet not an absolute truth -- some would call it a rita skeeter specialty, slipping between the lines of a misunderstanding. “i can get... quite competitive, unfortunately.”

[quillskeeter]

*✧·˚. BARTEMIUS CROUCH JR.

barty was sure this time he had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time but he also had no doubt that rita would’ve just as happily targeted him. he was sure that the fact it had turned out to be him only brought her more satisfaction. he couldn’t help the roll of his eyes at her theatrics, “oh i know how much you care about me,” he replied with a sarcastic smile. now that the crowd had dispersed he was more concerned about his own disheveled appearance than whatever rita was planning next. he ran a hand through his hair to straighten it before grabbing another drink from a tray, carried by a passing house elf. “how dare you question my ability to hold my liquor?” he said in mock insult before taking a long sip. barty scoffed, “it’s not exactly keeping tabs if it’s being shoved in my face but if that’s how you want to put it,” he replied with a shrug. barty did sometimes check up on her simply to see if she was doing alright, not that he would ever admit it. he nodded along with her words, “you’re right. i’m just going to fade into obscurity now that my life is too… boring for you to print.” 

rita cannot help the bitter taste his words bring to her mouth. she used to care about him -- so much so it almost killed her. but of course, barty is in no position to hear that now. she can only hope her piercing gaze is enough to remind him of it -- remind him of how much he hurt her. “just because i believe you are a waste of oxygen and magic, that does not mean i want you to die in the middle of a gala that is focused on helping victims of actual tragedies -- not their failure to walk in fancy shoes and keep their hair in place”, she replies and, without so much as a second thought, her fingers are reaching out to play with his hair. luckily, rita realizes what she is doing and manages to drop her hand midway -- though she knows the movement does not go by unnoticed. stupid feelings. “well, there has to be an explanation as to why you are out here making such a fool of yourself, barty. if it is not the liquor or the shoes, than perhaps you have just finally lost it”, the blonde jokes, a chuckle escaping ruby lips. “well, i am not the one shoving it in your face. truth be told, i could not care less if you do know what i have been up to or not. you left my life a long time ago, barty. willingly so, i might add. that was the day i stopped caring”, she mumbles -- quiet enough so that only he can hear ( praying it has been long enough that he won’t recognize the trembling in her voice ). “perhaps you should. but i do hope you can win whatever it is you bid on.”

[quillskeeter]

*✧·˚. GILDEROY LOCKHART.

In theory, tonight’s event was an affair for the everyman — as far as Gilderoy was concerned, the real guest of honor had finally arrived. He watches with doting eyes as she sends relationships crumbling and cocktails flying with little more than an extended heel, waiting until the flushed witch scurries off before making his grand entrance. “Your gifts of spinning straw into gold never cease to amaze me, Rita.” Just the sound of her name on his lips feels incredibly intimate. Surely they were well past the initial formalities following their last moonlit encounter, but even still — just being in her orbit made Gilderoy feel undeniably stripped. Like those enchanting emeralds could peer right into his cavernous soul. “Forgive my candor, but you look absolutely stunning tonight. That gown is exquisite on you.”

most of the time, rita can feels his gaze on her. truth be said, she always feels people’s eyes on her, but there is something about the way gilderoy looks at her that feels different -- it feels warm, almost fluttering. she never allows herself to think of that, however. she cannot. when he speaks up, rita cannot help the way porcelain cheeks burn a shade brighter. “and that is the first lie you have ever told me, gilderoy”, she replies -- a sweet smile making its way to ruby lips. “because that? that is far from spinning straw into gold. that was a ridiculous attempt. i can do much better -- i should have done better”, rita whispers. it crosses her mind that she is never quite able to open herself up like with anyone else, but gilderoy is different from all others. it is frustrating, in most days, how easily the man can get a smile out of her. but now, when rita is feeling like such a failure? his charming self is more than welcome -- and she allows herself to wonder what it would be like if he was always around. at his compliment, the golden-haired woman cannot help but stand on her toes so that she can whisper in his ear. “i may have been inspired by your roses”, she admits, pulling away as her teeth dig into her bottom lip. she may be playing with fire, flirting with him in public, but he is the distraction she has been hoping for. “you look incredibly handsome as well.”

[quillskeeter]

*✧·˚. ANDROMEDA BLACK.

“ — how unfortunate, I do hope they send someone to clean up the mess. ” The woman deserved an award, feign all the concern she might, Andromeda had not missed the foot that sent the poor fool flying to their embarrassment. Thankfully, she had found herself in the opposite direction of where the champagne went flying, despite the charms performed to protect the dress, it would make for horrible publicity — especially when the handler of what could be considered the most dangerous quill was right next to her. “ Rita, darling, you look beautiful. I do hope you hadn’t bid on anything that was tainted? No doubt they’ll have a spell to clean it, but it’s hard to wash away a memory. ”

there is something about andromeda’s tone that sounds almost like an accusation, but rita knows better than to cause a scene -- with a black sister, of all people. instead, the blonde allows a shrug to roll off her shoulders. “firewhiskey is not a beverage for everyone, i am telling you. but luckily the zabini’s house elves seem to be fairly effective on their jobs”, she replies, discreetly pointing at the staff already cleaning the vase. turning back to andromeda, rita allows a genuine smile to make its way to her lips. “why thank you, andromeda. you look just radiant yourself. i am guessing it is the excitement about the wedding?” she replies. as for the bidding, rita shakes her head slightly. “oh no, i’ve got my eyes on something particularly special -- nothing that can be exposed in a living room. what about you? anything you bid on tainted with the memories of a witch who drank too much?”

[quillskeeter]

*✧·˚. PANDORA LOVEGOOD.

as soon as pandora spotted rita skeeter in the crowd, she could sense something was about to happen. something entertaining to rita but disruptive to most. xenophilius had described the woman to her as ambitious to the point of ruthlessness and not particularly pleasant but adept at faking it. in a way she supposed a reporter how to be good at presenting themselves in a pleasant light but pandora was wary of pretenders. better to find out about a person’s nastiest darkest inclinations from the get go than to be left to figure it out. she had never been good at guessing games. surely enough it wasn’t long before rita tripped someone up (quite literally) to provoke a scene and the other rushed to their head feigning innocence. she watched the exchange with disapproval and once the victim of rita’s game had gone away, she approached. “that was a cruel and wicked thing to do, skeeter. are there really no other worthy sources of entertainment for you here in this whole mansion?” she asked pointedly.

despite being a writer, rita lacks the words to describe her disdain to both xenophilius and pandora lovegood. the first comes from pure rivalry, the bitterness that the other of all people got their hands on the list of suspects still fresh in her mouth. but pandora? rita simply does not like her and how she seems to think she is much better than rita. after all, not everyone can find love and get married to a successful author -- some women actually attempt to thrive by themselves. or so rita tells herself. yet, it only takes a sentence from pandora to have the blonde rolling her eyes. “i have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, mrs lovegood. has your husband never taught you not to accuse someone without proof?” rita replies, only then turning around to glance at the other -- emerald eyes roaming up and down to judge her outfit before resting on her face. "where is xenophilius? i am truly missing his entertaining and completely opportune comments on life. you would think he would not miss a chance to be in the same room as the people whose names he published and abused of hideous crimes so coldly.”

[quillskeeter]

*✧·˚. ALECTO CARROW.

Alecto had just arrived at the estate a few minutes ago. With all the commoners around - who in all world had thought that it was a good idea to invite everybody? The best parties were always those with a very selective guest list, after all - it couldn’t hurt to be fashionable late. After all, she didn’t need to prove that she belonged here like so many of the other wizards so desperately attempted to. She simply belonged. And, unlike some other guests, she didn’t stuck out like a sore thumb because of the more than just poor choice of wardrobe. Honestly, she’d only been around for a few minutes and had already seen a handful of people in the crowd that looked like they’d simply grabbed the first thing they could find in their wardrobe. It was embarrassing to watch really. She was just internally making fun about one horrible dress when she stumbled and fell. Her first instinct was to lash out at the next best person, however, as this was a social event, she swallowed the anger with quite some difficulty and allowed the person next to her, who she identified as Rita the next moment, to help her up. “ Yeah, I’m fine, thank you for the help.” Carefully she brushed some dust of her dress and flashed a falsely sweet smile at the blonde. “Guess, I’m a bit clumsy tonight, though I suppose around you one’s clumsiness might just be somebody else’s intention to spice up a party.”

    rita skeeter is no stranger to the close ties amongst the sacred twenty-eight families. though, recently, the number of pureblood heirs seemed to be diminishing. but she is more than aware of alecto carrow’s reputation -- mostly of her brother. rita has heard the rumours -- after all, she does thrive on them -- and she has heard of the dangers that lie in being an enemy to the carrows. perhaps that is why the golden-haired woman finds herself swallowing hard. she does not show any sign of weakness, however, the smirk in her lips never faltering as a chuckle escapes them. “in a party full with so many people behaving themselves like animals who do not belong? do not worry about it, miss carrow. your indiscretion is far from top of my list. i do believe talking about the hoi polloi that seems to be taken over the zabini mansion will be much more enjoyable and juicy. i mean, between you and me, their ability to eat as if this is the first and last time they have ever seen food is truly... something”, rita replies, each word laced with the most dangerous of venoms -- instigation. if only she can get alecto carrow to express her opinion about the ministry’s initiative to allow everyone and anyone to attend the gala -- her job would be done.

[quillskeeter]

*✧·˚. SEPTIMA VECTOR.

Septima was not a clumsy person. Never was, never would be. She always calculated her steps, thinking before moving and analyzing each part of the way so she could gracefully move around — not touching anyone, not being close enough to be awkward. 

It was a surprise when she fell to the floor; her champagne spilling everywhere near her and on top of her black satin dress. “Oh, dammit, I spilled it even on the auction vases”, she cursed and let herself be helped by no one other than Rita Skeeter. The bad reputation personified. “Thank you for helping me, Skeeter.”

     whether rita enjoys it or not, it is her job to know everything about everyone -- including those she deems too boring to be featured in her column. septima vector is one of those people. while, yes, rita has been spending more time at hogwarts than planned -- all for the juicy book on its former headmaster, armando dippet -- she fails to see how one of its professors may be of usage for a gossip column. after all, there is nothing intriguing about the daily lives of those who spend the biggest part of their years dealing with quite deplorable students. 

      however, septima is still a source -- whose story and reaction rita can twist as she likes, if only she can give her some material. “i am just glad you are alright. that could have been quite the disaster”, she replies, emerald eyes roaming up and down the other’s dress. “that is a lovely dress, where did you get it?”

[quillskeeter]

ALL THE SYMBOLS

send “✆” for a morning text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] hello! sorry for leaving this morning without so much as a word. i just didn’t want to wake you up, you looked so peaceful. but i had a great night and i cannot wait to see you again. have a good day, gilderoy!

send “✉” for a text that wasn’t send

UNSENT MESSAGE [ text to: gilderoy 😘] you make my heart beat so fast and it makes me so scared because i don’t wanna fall in love with you but i think i might already have. i think i did the moment you smiled at me.

send “☎” for a rushed text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] have to cancel tonight, big drama with the greengrass wedding – tell you all tomorrow?

send “⁇” for a drunk text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] ure so haaaaandsome. i hate it. i wanna kiss alllll over your hot face. and abs. and leaf marks on yuor shirt so people kno w youre taken!

send “✿” for a suggestive text 

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] i was told banshees scream, but i bet you can make me scream louder and more. can’t wait to see you!

send “ø” for a late night text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] my pillow no longer smells of gilderoy and i cannot sleep. care to apparate by?

send “✘” for a hateful text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] you were just using me to a story, weren’t you? i knew it. men are trash. you’re trash. say hi to your new girlfriend narcissa for me!

send “#” for a random text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] do you think i should start signing my column differently? i think just my name is so… boring. i think it needs something extra. what do you think?

send “@” for a scared text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] i tried a new moisturizer and i look like a pumpkin and i’m so terrified this is forever. i cannot go out looking like this, gilderoy. will you bring me coffee if that’s the case? but leave it by the door, i do not want you to see me in such a state. and if i still look like this tomorrow, please remember me as the stunning and gorgeous woman who blew your mind. 

send “&” for a loving text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] i’ve finally read your book. you are truly as wonderful with your words as you are with me. it is no surprise that you have such a loyal following already – the wizarding world is definitely a better place with your stories. i can only hope one day i might be part of them too.

send “%” for a curious text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] what are these rumours i hear about you and charity burbage? are you actually seeing her?

send “ツ” for an excited text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] THE ARTICLE ABOUT YOU IS GOING ON THE FRONT COVER. I’VE NEVER MADE FRONT COVER BEFORE!

send “$” for an accidental text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] i know you don’t like him, bella, but you have to admit he’s looking super fine tonight.[ text to: gilderoy 😘] sorry, wrong person!

send “♀” for a heartbreaking text

[ text to: gilderoy 😘] please don’t hurt me. i know… i seem indestructible and like i don’t care but i do and i just… i like you, i do, but i don’t wanna get hurt again.[ text to: gilderoy 😘] please don’t hurt me.

[quillskeeter]

✆, ⁇, ツ, & -- bellatrix :)

send “✆” for a morning text

[ text to: bella 👑] good morning, bella! are we still on to go drink a firewhiskey later tonight? cannot wait to see you! kisses, my love.

send “⁇” for a drunk text

[ text to: bella 👑] bellaaaaaaaaaaaaa! yure so beeeeeauuuutiful. you knwo who else is beaaaaaautiful? glidorry! i am wiht him now. shhhhh tell no oen.

send “ツ” for an excited text

[ text to: bella 👑] THEY’RE PUBLISHING MY BOOK, BELLA! THEY ARE ACTUALLY DOING IT. I AM NOT GOING TO BE JUST A MERE ANNOYING GOSSIP COLUMNIST ANYMORE. I AM GOING TO BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR!!

send “&” for a loving text

[ text to: bella 👑] hi babe! i may or may not have bought you a gown i saw in this super fancy store during my paris trip. now, yes, i know you only wear custom made gowns, but believe me when i say this is to die for -- and completely you. black, with lace and just stunning. you will look divine.

[quillskeeter]

✉, ✘, ♀

send “✉” for a text that wasn’t sent

UNSENT MESSAGE! [ text to: barty ❤️ ] i miss you. merlin, how i miss you. i miss the way you smell and the way you laugh and the way your eyes become kinda green in the sun. why did you have to break my heart? why did you have to be such a horrible boyfriend? i loved you. i loved you and you broke me. and you didn’t even care. you just went out and cheated on me. and i hate that i can’t even hate you. because i still love you and worry about you. and you suck. and you can choke.

send “✘” for a hateful text

[ text to: bartemius 💩👿 ] i know making deals with satan is very dangerous, but i may or may not need a favour. you owe me. 

send “♀” for a heartbreaking text

[ text to: barty ❤️ ] happy anniversary. my present was finding out that you cheated on me. thank you for that, by the way. [ text to: barty ❤️ ] i don’t wanna see you again. ever again. you’re a coward, you’re ridiculous, you’re a piece of crap. [ text to: barty ❤️ ] go to hell, barty.

[rpmememaker]

Send “✆” for a MORNING text. Send “✉” for a text that WASN’T SENT. Send “☎” for a RUSHED text. Send “⁇” for a DRUNK text. Send “✿” for a SUGGESTIVE text. Send “ø” for a LATE NIGHT text. Send “✘” for a HATEFUL text. Send “#” for a RANDOM text. Send “@” for a SCARED text. Send “&” for a LOVING text. Send “%” for a CURIOUS text. Send “ツ” for an EXCITED text. Send “$” for an ACCIDENTAL text. Send “♀” for a HEARTBREAKING text.

[quillskeeter]

*✧·˚. MUNDUNGUS FLETCHER.

What’s fun about people is most of them are so self-absorbed in thinking about their own actions, or thinking about other people thinking about them, they become blind to their own surroundings. In Mun’s line of work, he’s never had the luxury; and in truth, he finds it far more amusing to allow his eyes to scan over the room and watch silent narratives play out.

For the most part there are usually only small, subtle gems—quickly covered expressions or micro-movements that hint about an untold story—but sometimes he stumbles upon a treasure chest and gets to see something truly entertaining. Something like a woman very intentionally tripping some poor witch. Mun finds himself wincing, eyes not on the fallen woman, but reacting to the drops of champagne hitting the antique vase—which truly is a tragedy. He prays the person in charge of cleaning the items knows how to properly handle such a piece. He has to force himself to pull his eyes away from the vase, reminding himself that tonight he’s not a person who would be concerned with such an item.

Luckily the show is worth returning his attention. The blonde witch, the very culprit of this disaster, moves to help her fallen victim. Thankfully she doesn’t have to offer much assistance before the woman’s date is helping the clearly embarrassed witch up and steering her towards the nearest bathroom. Servants of the gala already moving in the clean up the broken glass, assuring other passing guests that everything’s alright.

“For a moment there I was afraid you were going to offer her a helping hand.” Mun whispers, stepping near the devious witch. “I’m not sure she could have handled much more, after seeing how effective your foot was.”

   for someone usually so vigilant, rita certainly does miss the unknown witch’s gaze on her. the blonde is so concerned with perhaps getting a story out of the woman fallen to the ground that she forgets people might be watching -- and someone was, indeed. it is only when she hears the comment that rita realizes her mistake. expression suddenly becomes unreadable, eyebrows raising as if she is truly mortified by the accusation -- after all, her reputation is all she has and the devilish witch cannot bear to lose it. 

    “i am afraid i have no idea what you could possibly be babbling about. this was obviously an unfortunate accident. it is what happens when the ministry allows just about anyone to attend galas. you see, those who are not used to this type of event tend to not be able to hold their liquor -- and these situations happen. the zabinis should have thought better before agreeing to such a vacuous decision. especially considering the value of the pieces being exposed and sold. you never know who might try to steal something. or worse, damage it beyond repair.”

   anyone who knows rita skeeter would be able to tell that she is rambling a bit more than usual -- her careful word usage and rapid voice tone being the biggest signs. luckily, however, the few people who would be able to notice the difference are nowhere to be found. taking a deep breath, the golden haired beauty presses ruby lips in a thin line as her gaze roams up and down the other’s figure. “i am just content the vase is intact and the other guests have not caused a scene. it would be horrific if the true intents of the event were forgotten because people cannot behave in these scenarios.”

[quillskeeter]

*✧·˚. BARTEMIUS CROUCH JR.

the foot had come out of nowhere and before he knew it he was going flying towards the floor, the drinks in his hand spilling on the people nearby. there were horrified gasps and attendants rushing to clean up the mess and he closed his eyes for a single moment. he recognized the voice the second he heard it and if only barty had been paying attention, he would have seen this coming. of course something like this could be expected from her and barty usually tended to avoid her at these galas, for his own remaining sanity more than anything else. his eyes flashed with anger for a moment but barty really didn’t want to give her the satisfaction. “of course,” he finally said, taking the hand she offered but squeezing just a little bit more tightly than necessary. everyone was still looking at him as he stood up and merlin this was embarrassing but barty had learned long ago that almost anything could be fixed with a show of confidence. “that was clumsy of me,” he said with a small charming laugh as he quickly flicked his wand, drying off the clothes of the remaining guests. “i apologize.” barty straightened his tie before turning towards rita, “i can’t wait to read how you spin this in your column.” 

it may have been rita’s timely foot that cause the accident, but there is something about the sight of barty being on the floor that brings her a sense of justice. it is much like her mother used to say -- karma is not good company. much more so when you get to act on it. the golden haired beauty tries to hide her amusement, however, concern settling in delicate features. “i am glad you’re alright, barty”, she replies -- the nickname tasting both comforting and bitter on her sharp tongue. taking the hand back, rita brushes away some loose curls as her gaze focuses on the rest of the crowd. of course, not one of them makes a scene and soon enough barty has the situation under control. if it was not for the hilarious memory, rita would have said her whole scheme had been a waste. “what makes you think you and your inability to hold your liquor are juicy enough to be featured in my column? please, babe”, she mumbles -- the pet name dripping with sarcasm as long fingers reach out to place her empty glass in one of the floating silver trays. “i am glad to know you still keep tabs on me and my work though, barty. must be disappointing to see how little i speak of you -- how irrelevant your life is.”

[quillskeeter]

date: july 14th, 1979 time: 5:49 PM location: zabini estate status: open

delicate fingers circle back and forth on her champagne glass, a disinterested gaze gracing emerald eyes. she had never expected a gala to be such a bore -- especially not one she is supposed to write a gossip column about. rita is so desperate she is considering causing a drama -- if anyone can do it, it is rita skeeter. the blonde looks down at her golden gown making its way to the floor, eyes focusing on her sandals -- eyes sparkling with a bright idea. at the first sign of incoming, rita sticks her foot out slowly. within a few seconds, the disaster has taken place. her victim has fallen on the floor and dropped champagne on everyone nearby -- including one of the vases on auction that night. clearing her throat, rita makes her best concerned face as she leans forward to help the other. “oh merlin, are you alright?”

[wickedlvst]

“Clever as the devil and twice as pretty.”

— Holly Black (via emmaofthemoon)