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[thequeenofquills]

ofcvrnge​:

       Bellatrix sat at the far dark corner of the bar as she indifferently watched those around her come and go.  The bar is hundreds of conversations told in loud voices, all of them competing with the music that dominates the atmosphere. Yet she heard every last one of them. Some interesting conversations. Some useful along with the useless. Bella leaned on the bar, her dark curls lying over one shoulder of her dark attire. tapping on her glass, as she made eye contact with the bartender for a refill. “–Be a doll, darling.” 

Rita had been sitting at the bar. She was grateful she had a high tolerance for alcohol, because after two beers, she barely felt buzzed. For some reason, despite the potential for gossip, she felt restless. She moved closer and happened to sit next to a brunette woman. At first Rita didn’t recognize her, until the woman spoke. Then, with a smile, she turned to her. “Well, well, Bellatrix Lestrange. Fancy meeting you here.” She replied. She then turned to the bartender. “Excuse me, I’d like something stronger. Whiskey, neat.”

[thequeenofquills]

marymacdonxld​:.

as an intern, coffee runs were part of the daily routine. she’d been sent to get four coffees for various wizengamot members, and as much as she was supposed to be in a hurry, she was also desperate to get away from those people for as long as she could manage. she had the piping hot coffees in hand as she began to leisurely walk back, looking around for distractions. at the sight of rita skeeter, she hesitated: were the perils of talking to such a dangerous woman worth the break from the monotony of work? since mary considered herself to be wholly un-newsworthy, she decided that yes, they were. 

“good afternoon, ms skeeter,” she said, aware that the older woman likely wouldn’t have a clue who she was, since mary wasn’t very remarkable in the wizarding world of politics and intrigue. “my name is mary macdonald, it’s good to meet you. i hope you’re having a pleasant afternoon?” maybe this could be fun… after all, her job involved being around a lot of gossip, and wasn’t that what the other woman thrived on, from mary could tell from her writing? 

Rita took a sip of her coffee and when she heard her name, she looked up. She wasn’t at all surprised that the young woman knew her. Everyone knew her. She surveyed her, as if trying to figure out if the woman was worth her time. Mary MacDonald. She committed that name to memory.

“No need to be so formal. You can call me Rita. And I am having a great day. You, however, seem to be avoiding something.” From the looks of the four coffees and the fact that the young woman appeared in no hurry, it seemed she was looking for an escape. Maybe an assistant or an intern. “Let me guess, an assistant. Or perhaps an intern. They always have the grunt work.” She shrugged. “But, they always get the best gossip. Because you’re invisible, Mary.. No one sees you. So, no one cares what they say in front of you. That’s a powerful place to be. If you know how to use it.”

[thequeenofquills]

Rita made it her business to be everywhere and anywhere. And right now, she was lurking around the Ministry because that place was sure to have some good gossip. She’d gotten herself coffee and now was simply waiting for the story to write itself.

[thequeenofquills]

“Look, not everyone can be as smart as I am, but it doesn’t take a genius to get coffee right. I said two sugars and milk. Try again.”

[thequeenofquills]

lucixtalkalot​:

Where: Quality Quidditch Supplies, Diagon Alley When: Early morning Open to: everyone (preferable 4 max.)

With her hair pulled back into a high ponytail and sunglasses on her nose, Lucinda had sneaked into the shop through the back entrance. It was early in the day, but there was no way that she wanted to be recognized this early on the day. She was not a morning person at all. Her Beater’s Bat had been in need of a new one. Even though there were enough of those that would be sent as possible sponsorship deals, she never accepted them. She had always bought it at Quality Quidditch Supplies, so she was not going to change that. Even when it meant that she had to come into the store to arrange the right grip on the Bat. She went into the front of the store, but before she could find a shop assistant, she bumped into someone. “You do not work here. Any chance you can help me find someone who does work here?”

Rita made a habit of being anywhere and everywhere. After all, gossip didn’t simply fall into her lap. Well, sometimes she was lucky enough to get anonymous submissions but she could hardly sit around her office all day. Though, it was a cushy office.

Always the picture of perfection in public, she was once again, looking fabulous, if she did say so herself (and she did). That particular morning she had wandered around Diagon Alley for a bit before entering Quality Quidditch Supplies. Rita had considered using her animagus form, something she had recently perfected. However, she decided the direct approach was better this morning.

So, she waited and sure enough, she was spoken to. A Cheshire cat like smile crossed Rita’s face as she saw Lucinda. “Thanks for noticing that I am not some common shop worker. But, since you noticed that then surely you know that I am not your servant. You have two legs, better yet, a voice. Why don’t you use it and call out for someone?” Rita gave her a pointed look. “Excuse me! Yeah, you!” She saw a shopboy. “Yes, I’m talking to you. My name is Rita Skeeter. But, you already know who I am don’t you? Hm. Now, see I’m looking for another headline and I would love to feature how amazing the service is here, but unfortunately, we haven’t gotten any.” She shrugged. The boy’s eyes widened and then he looked as though he was about to apologize. Rita waved a hand. “No, no. No apologies needed. Just help out Lucinda here.” She grinned at Lucinda, making it very clear that the brunette owed her one. Again.

[thequeenofquills]

siriuslymarauding​:

“Again, I can fix my with a sorry, you can’t fix your situation no matter how hard you try.” He added simply, there was not denying he would rather die than go back, but in that society purebloods, even blood traitor ones, were better looked upon that anyone else. “I’m sure she send Regulus to do her bidding, after all that’s what the heir is for.” mentioning his brother was something he hated, he knew that Regulus would be there, and probably would be licking the proper boots, with a dark mark under his arm, but he wasn’t there to start drama, “Don’t let me stop you, love.”

“And what situation is that? Because from where I’m standing my life is pretty damn good.” Rita rolled her eyes. “Ughh, really? Regulus?” She had plenty to say about his brother, but she decided it would be wise to keep her mouth shut this time. Rita shoved her glass at the bartender. “Anything alcoholic. Make it snappy.” When the drink arrived, she downed it quickly.

[thequeenofquills]

potterxjamesf​:

James nodded, although there was a little voice in the back of his head reminding him that he had to be smart - if he did anything. Much as he enjoyed a good prank, doing something here at a Ministry function seemed a little risky. Besides, he was trying to prove to Lily that he had grown as a person, and he didn’t want to do something to ruin what they had. “You have to be careful with that though. Don’t want to draw too much negative attention either.”

Rita laughed lightly. “Oh, Potter. You’re so young. You have a lot to learn. There is no such thing as bad attention.” It was all about control. “See, you have to learn how to manipulate people, how to use the attention to your advantage. Take me for instance. A lot of people don’t like me. They think I’m nothing more than a gossip. But, that doesn’t change the fact that they all read my column. They all want to hear what I have to say. Because, it doesn’t matter if they like me, they want me to like them. That’s why gossip is so popular. Because people care what I think of them, whether they admit it or not.”

[thequeenofquills]

bxllatrixlestrangc​:

Bellatrix looked up at the voice of Rita Skeeter and she glared at the woman. “Be careful with what you are saying, Skeeter. Don’t take it out on me that you got caught.” The raven-haired woman brought the cigarette to her lips for a moment as her eyes were focused on the reporter in front of her. “Also, don’t assume things when you don’t know. You might do it for your work, but I advise you not to do so with me.”

Rita narrowed her eyes. “You know, the whole bossing people around might work for other people but not for me. Know why? Because I’m not afraid of you.” She replied simply. She had heard things about Bellatrix, and if any of them were true, then she would be wise to be afraid, but Rita wasn’t afraid of much.

[thequeenofquills]

lucixtalkalot​:

A cold laugh left Lucinda’s lips when Rita started about a pajama. “Really? A pajama is the best thing you can think about for a suit? I’m quite disappointed here.” She had specifically picked a suit and not a dress, simply because this worked better for her. Next to that… This suit put her strong points on display. “A buzz is quite understandable tho. This thing is boring.”

“Yes, well you’ll have to forgive me. I used all of my best insults on the last sad pathetic person that chose to bother me.” She quipped. She then snorted, lightly. “No kidding. I’m almost tempted to make some drama of my own just to make things interesting if it doesn’t heat up on its own. After all, drama is what I do best.” She flashed a smile.

[thequeenofquills]

potterxjamesf​:

“Well, when it’s boring you have to make the exciting things happen on your own,” James said. It had always been his philosophy, although he liked to think he had outgrown his more childish stage. And also someone like Rita Skeeter would be above that - presumably.

“Well, now you’re speaking my language.” She said. “But, it can’t be something childish. No stupid pranks. Those are lame.” She couldn’t stand lame pranks. “No, we need something big. Something people are going to be talking about for weeks to come.”

[thequeenofquills]

mollsweaslxy​:

molly looked down at the baby she was holding again at the question of what she would do if her babies didn’t have magic. she knew with three previous kids showing signs of magic, with her and her husband’s genes, it was unlikely she would have kids that weren’t matical. “i would raise them like i would their brothers. it wouldn’t change the fact that they’re my children.”

“You’re saying you wouldn’t love them any less or treat them any differently?” There was a note of skepticism in her voice. It wasn’t that she thought Molly was a liar. She just couldn’t fathom that kind of unconditional love from a mother. “That’s a big promise.”

[thequeenofquills]

mollsweaslxy‌:

molly could certainly understand the appeal of not having children. she had been adamant about starting a career for herself before she had children. she wanted to be able to have some form of life outside of hogwarts and outside of being a mother before having kids. she wanted to be able to find herself outside of being a student first and foremost. “my oldest two started showing signs around three. my third was about two when he first started showing signs.”

“And your babies? What if...” Her voice trailed off for a moment as she looked at the twins before returning her gaze to the woman before her. “What if they don’t have magic? What then?” Of course, with the Weasley genes, Molly’s kids were probably all going to be magical. But, still. She couldn’t help the curiosity. Molly seemed like a good mother. What would she do?

[thequeenofquills]

siriuslymarauding‌:

“And you think that a Black, even disowned, is less than a halfblood? You are in for a rude awakening.” he pursed his lips like in a shrug. He didn’t want her to know that seeing Walburga wasn’t exactly something he was looking for. “Too many half-bloods, muggle-borns and blood traitors for her liking. don’t think you’d see her.”

“I think there is nothing a Black hates more than being betrayed by their own.” She imagined that if it were between having a conversation with a muggleborn or one of her own who betrayed her that Walburga Black would subject herself to the former, if she had to choose. “Perhaps. But, whether you see her or not, she’s here. Because there’s power and money here. And where there’s power and money, there’s people who enjoy those things. Which is why I’m here. Power and money are two of my favorite things. And alcohol, which reminds me, I need a refill.”

[thequeenofquills]

potterxjamesf‌:

Upon second look, James did recognize Rita Skeeter - he thought anyone from the wizarding world probably would, given her reputation. “Potter, yeah,” he said easily, adding, “But it’s actually Algernon, not Jordan or Joshua. Close though.” He reached up to run his hand through his hair, thought about how that would ruin all the work he had put into it, then decided it didn’t matter; it wouldn’t stay neat anyway. “Are you enjoying the night? Seems like a good place to get some gossip for you writing.”

“Right, whatever.” She shrugged. “It’s kind of boring, actually. I’m hoping for something exciting to happen. But, with a crowd like this, there’s bound to be some drama. Drunk people, lots of money being spent, it’s a night where anything can happen. And I love it.”

[thequeenofquills]

siriuslymarauding‌:

Sirius rolled his eyes and scanned the crowd not really wanting to be pestered by Skeeter. If she wanted to poke the proverbial bear she would have to try harder. “That’s where you are wrong, I never loo out of place.” he smirked taking a dip of his drink.

“Nice try, but we both know this is not your scene. For one thing, it’s not a pub.” And thank Rowena for that, Rita thought. “And for another, you’re bound to run into someone from the Noble and Ancient House of Black. Oooh, maybe it will be Walburga herself. This could be interesting. You know, I might actually stick around to see it.” She shrugged casually.

[thequeenofquills]

andytnks‌:

There were many in the room that evening that Andromeda would have wished to stay far from. Her presence at this gala was already a risk, when she took into account the fact that there were some who simply despised her and her choices. Staying away from them had almost turned into a dance as she stuck to the outer ring of the room, avoiding faces from her past and searching out friendlier ones. A drink that certainly been necessary, but what hadn’t been necessary was running directly into Rita – arguably, just another face that she had wished to avoid.

“I’m just full of surprises,” Andromeda answered, forcing a polite smile despite the slight sarcasm in the edges of her voice. She had never forgotten Rita’s writings once she had left the family, or married Ted. For a private person such as Andromeda, Rita’s accelerant in airing all of her family’s dirty laundry didn’t place the blonde high on the list of people she wished to see that evening. “Hm,” was merely the response received when asked about her mother’s galas, the thought bringing a pang to her chest as Andromeda picked up a champagne flute. “They’re all the same. What are you doing here, Rita? Sniffing out a new story?”

Rita noticed the younger woman’s discomfort and it brought her unspoken joy. She loved making people feel uneasy. She waved her hand at the party around them. “This...this is my element. Because places like this, this is where magic really happens. The magic that makes stories.” She winked at her. “See, people hate me because they think I cause drama but the reality is I don’t have to do anything. People create their own drama. I’m just a spectator. And when the drama unfolds, and I can assure you, it will. I’ll be watching. And as is my duty, I will be reporting to my loyal followers. Because the people have right to know the truth, wouldn’t you agree?”

Rita had a very loyal fan base, despite her reputation. For all the people who said she was nothing more than a gossip, there were quite a few people who read her column daily.

[bxllatrixlestrangc]

Open starter

The fact that in her short time at the Gala, Bellatrix had already bumped into both her sister and her cousin, was another confirmation to her that she regretted going to this thing in the first place. She had found a rather quiet spot in the garden and she had lit a cigarette, playing with the thing between her fingers and a glass of wine in the other hand. And while she had hoped she had found some kind of peace from the busy night, a sound gave away that it was not the case. “If you want to come over her, just do so instead of peeking around the bush.”

[thequeenofquills]

Sneaking around was what Rita did best. She’d been lurking for awhile, just trying to find out what people were up to, and whether she wanted to waste her breath on a conversation with someone. She winced when she realized she hadn’t been as quiet as she thought in her spying this time and stepped out of the shadows. “Wallowing isn’t a good look on you, Bellatrix.” The blonde replied. “Actually, it’s kind of pathetic and most certainly beneath you.”