beetle on the wall.

Isn't it l o v e l y, all alone? Heart made of g l a s s, my mind of s t o n e Tear me to pieces, skin to bone Hello, welcome home rita fucking skeeter. twenty-two. former raven. beetle in disguise. queen of the media. gossip keeper. send me shit.

[theskeeterbeetle]

sybilltrxl‌:

Sybill wasn’t often called outside of the Ministry for meetings- it was actually kind of exciting, made her feel quite important. Sorry I can’t sit here and listen to you complain about paperwork or the Minister’s schedule, I have a meeting to go too. Of course she knew whatever Rita had to talk to her about must be very important, because otherwise she simply would’ve stopped in for a chat next time she was in the Ministry to interview someone.

She waited quietly in the doorway while Rita wrung out that poor bloke- what for she didn’t know, but her office did seem to be a bit more of a shambles than usual. “I hope you didn’t have anything valuable taken.” She commented as she followed her into another room, settling into one of the offered chairs, “it’s no problem. Why is it that you needed to see me exactly, is everything alright?”

Rita gave a nod of thanks at the mention of the office, “They were just looking for something that I luckily decided to take home yesterday evening.” At the mention she produced files from under her desk, the stack held five manila folders and she slid them across the table towards Sybill. “That person was a disgruntled ex-employee who wanted to use these in her articles. Apparently, she bought them off someone who stole them during that whole Halloween fiasco.”  Rita took a moment to let the knowledge settle between them, pouring two cups of tea and offering one to Sybill before sitting down across from the woman with her own cup. “No one besides her and myself has seen the contents of the files, it looks like folders for unsolved cases nabbed from Godric knows where.” Her head shook at the notion before looking at Sybill for a moment. “I made it very clear that it not the way that Witch Weekly gets out information. If she’s going to use stolen material the least she could do is have the drive to steal them herself.” Perhaps the last bit was add for a hint of humor it what could only be described as a mess that had only grown since Halloween. 

[theskeeterbeetle]

what in the holy hell / ritavan

[theskeeterbeetle]

oceaneyesrosier‌:

There were a great many reasons that Evan loved Rita. She was always honest- and she was well spoken. But he often hated that she chose her words carefully around him. If there was anything she had to worry about, it wasn’t him lashing out at her first thoughts or reactions to any given situation. What Dorcas had once been for him, Rita was. She knew everything there was to know about him. All of the vile things and all of the good things. She’d stayed- she’d stayed even after he’d done the worst thing a person could possibly do to another person. And for that, he owed her his life. And he knew, without a doubt, he’d gratefully give it. 

“Mmm. Rita, in case you forgot, I live on an island. So, I have a whole island. I know there’s muggles here but it’s not that many and honestly they’re all a bit mad cause there’s so few of them. I registered Ember so the council knows he’s here and he’s bound to be flying about everywhere. Nothing to worry about.” He glanced to her eyebrows and smirked, “They look lovely. Perfectly shaped for your face. And I promise, he will not burn you. Trust me.” 

Hands raised in mock defense as she certainly hadn’t forgotten by any means that Evan lived on an island. “I’m just asking the obvious questions because, in case you forgot, it’s my job to keep an eye on you.” She was more than aware that he knew these things but it didn’t make it any easier keep him in check given that the stubborn arse was used to do things on his own. “As long as you’ve dotted your ‘I’s’ and crossed your ‘t’s’ then I will be nothing but supportive. Just don’t expect me to pet sit.” She teased as another step was taken hesitantly forward.

“And don’t be complimenting my eyebrows just to soften me up.” The blonde murmured as another step was taken leaving only a yard remaining between herself and the pair before her. “What’s he eating right now?” Rita questioned studying the creature with careful eyes that had already begun softening due to the joy the dragon was bringing to Evan’s face. 

[theskeeterbeetle]

antonin-dolohov-x‌:

“I came as myself” Antonin replied, not having bothered to dress up; feeling both too lazy and too old.

“I know, a frightening prospect”.

“Ah, well, how absolutely terrifying of you.” Rita offered with a shrug of her shoulders. “Now, the real question would be why you didn’t dress up? Doesn’t everyone want to pretend to be someone they’re not?”

[xcyrus]

Loc.: Hogwarts Castle Open to All

Mask over his face, costume concealed beneath his black robe, Nathanial brandished his wand close, leaving the corridor when the call to arms was raised. Moving quickly out and into the familiar stone hallway, he cast a spell to block off the stairs to right, a massive wrought iron gate appearing at the mouth of the steps. More borders that twinned the one in the corridor  sealed off every mouth to every hallway that veered off toward the classrooms. The only way to freedom was out, toward the forest, where more of their dark fleet lay in wait. He rushed outside, using his magic to whip the robes off, costume pristine beneath the dark coverings. He leaned against the wall and lit a cigarette, raising a brow as people began pouring out. Blood and candle wax stunk up the hall, the corridor and leaked outside, panic filling the corridors with a wicked sweet stink. Horror seeped through the frantic rush of people like fog through headstones. Happy Halloween. Nathanial wasn’t one for messes, especially those made and aired so publicly. He understood why the Dark Lord had chosen to slaughter the minister in such a fashion, though it didn’t mean he agreed with it. He flicked his cigarette, feigning terror. He reached forward, gently taking someone’s arm as they rushed out.  “What’s happened? I stepped out for a smoke, I didn’t see?“

[theskeeterbeetle]

Unlike the ones clamoring around her in terror, there was adrenaline coursing through Rita’s veins. There was news to be published! And while she genuinely liked Sybill, there was a reason that she didn’t work for the Prophet. She controlled the narrative of Witch Weekly and that meant that she got to post what she wanted when she wanted to. However, despite these notions playing through her mind the least that she could do was give Sybill fifteen minutes before she had the article posted online with the news of what had happened.

Her feet were moving to keep up with the crowd while eyes were on her phone texting anyone on the payroll at the magazine. If they wanted to keep their jobs they’d beat her there. The hand on her arm causing blue hues to move to the face as she sidestepped out of the way of the crowd behind her to focus on the question despite the fact that her fingers were still moving furiously on the phone in her hand. 

“Oh, uh, The Minister is dead. They’ve called for all nonessential personnel to exit the building.” Rita spoke, voice even and calm as eyes moved down to proofread and send her message off. “But I think majority of the panic is stemming from the fact that You-Know-Who did it, not from the actual fact that she’s dead.” Her words likely coming off as uncaring as she moved to glance behind her before back at Nathanial. “Probably best not to go back in there.”

[theskeeterbeetle]

“And pray tell what are you supposed to be?” Rita questioned her eyes taking in the sight of the person before her with a smirk. It was clear that she already knew the answer to her question but it didn’t stop her from asking the obvious. 

[theskeeterbeetle]

littleking-toujourspur‌:

Having nothing better to do, Regulus decided to call into Hypnos to finally catch up with Evan, hoping he wouldn’t be too busy as Regulus was yearning for a familiar face. After searching aimlessly and undoubtedly indolently, he decided to give up and order himself a drink - he had already had a few glasses of red wine in Grimmauld Place, so why stop now?  Regulus had no problem with drinking alone - in fact, most times he preferred it but tonight he needed company;  even if that meant sitting alone among strangers. He enjoyed people watching, watching people’s mannerisms and wondering what their day to day life or relationships were like. Sometimes, he would strike up conversations with other lone punters.

A familiar, but instinctively unpleasant voice to Regulus’ ears, caught his attention. Regulus raised an eyebrow as he stood with a drink in his hand looking dumbfounded; if he was sober, he might have been a bit more panicked by the accusation but the wine gave him a superficial confidence and he couldn’t help but take the bait.

“Pray tell, what is my secret? You seem to know more than me”.

To be frank, she hadn’t planned on the words coming out of her mouth but now that they had tumbled out Rita couldn’t very well take them back. As far as the youngest Black was concerned it was merely a drunk speaking out of her arse--not an animagus who could be places that she wasn’t welcome. For that reason the blonde sat a little straighter in her chair, finishing the liquid in her glass before shaking it at the bartender for a refill.

“Well, Regulus,” Her head-turning and looking back at him before shrugging. “If I told you what I knew it wouldn’t be a secret.” As the drink was set back in front of her fingers handed a tip over without hesitation, knowing full well that she’d likely paid the bloke’s rent for the month but alas it didn’t stop her. The glass was loaded with three olives but it was the bowl placed beside that glass that kept the money falling out of her pocket.

“You know, I could probably take out stock in olives and not spend nearly as much as I have here.” Rita spoke looking back at Regulus. It wasn’t a smooth topic change but she wasn’t in a mood to continue what they had just been speaking about. Secrets made the world go round and she needed to keep what she knew about everyone under lock and key. 

[theskeeterbeetle]

what in the holy hell / ritavan

[theskeeterbeetle]

oceaneyesrosier‌:

The dragon he’d been gifted by Emmeline was growing nicely. It’s shimmering white wings spanned half the table now and he spent most of free time cooing at him and giving him all the love and attention and attempting to teach him what his name was. “Ember,” he cooed at the Antipodean Opaleye. The sound of his front door opening drew his attention but at the click of heels he knew exactly who it was. He returned to his cooing and awwing, barely giving Rita a glance a he grinned.  “Well, Skeeter, it’s a blast ended skrewt obviously.” He winked, before lifting Ember onto his shoulder. “His name is Ember, and Emmeline gave him to me as a gift because I helped her start her dragon sanctuary. She figured it was a solid repayment and I’m not complaining. He’s so sweet, look,” he made kissy faces at the baby, and it’s tongue flicked across his cheek in response. “My sweet boy. Want to pet him? He won’t fire at you. I’ve showed him pictures.”

Lips pursed as she took in the sight before her, her mind quickly processing and finding the best route to take before electing to speak. For most, Rita didn’t give that courtesy, electing to speak the first thing that came to her mind but with Evan things were different. She had to choose her words carefully because she owed him that respect. Mouth opening slowly, it was clear from her mannerisms that she was uncertain of the situation before her. 

“Might I ask, where you plan to keep this skrewt when it’s not so tiny and cute?” Her tone was light despite the fact that she could feel the pressure of the situation. “Because you know I’m all for a pet as long as everything is well thought out.” Rita hadn’t a doubt that Evan likely had a plan but that didn’t mean anything until she heard it. “And I mean that--that he’s tiny and cute. But I’ll keep my arse over here until we’re sure he’s not going to cause me to lose my eyebrows... just got them done.”

[theskeeterbeetle]

Rita Skeeter  2019 Halloween Costume

[theskeeterbeetle]

what in the holy hell / ritavan

Apparating to the doorstep of the house there was a knock before electing to take matters into her own hands, unlocking it with the key she had and entering. She was, however, careful to remember to lock the door behind her before moving into the foyer, “This had better be as miraculous as your text made it out to be.” Rita called as she moved into the direction of where Evan answered.

Her heels clicked against the flooring as she moved swiftly, stopping in the doorway as she took in the sight before her. It was a miracle to leave Rita Skeeter speechless and Evan seemed to be the only one capable. For a moment, a part of her was grateful that there wasn’t another dead body in the middle of the floor but just as quickly as she felt relief there were a few other emotions, “Evan, what in the holy hell is that?”

@oceaneyesrosier

[theskeeterbeetle]

“I don’t think you’re really hearing me.” Her voice carried through Witch Weekly despite the fact that Rita was fixated on one person in particular. “My office was ransacked which means that someone was able to get in here after hours. What am I paying you for?” As the blonded finished the man in front of her was good, no doubt going to check the footage as she turned to spot a friendly face. There was no chance of her hiding her shock as her face lightened into a smile from the scowl she’d just been wearing. “Sybill! It’s nice to see that you got my request for a meeting. Come on, let’s take you into a meeting room since my office is currently in the process of being restructured.” 

Moving into the meeting room she was careful to shut the door before gesturing towards a seat and sitting in on herself. “I wouldn’t have put in this request if it wasn’t urgent so I appreciate you coming down here so quickly.”

@sybilltrxl

[theskeeterbeetle]

LOCATION: Hypnos WHO: Rita & Open

After a particularly long day, Rita usually was one to go home and unwind, a process that tended to involve a bottle of wine but this one warranted something far stronger than wine. Granted, she’d lost count of the number of Martini’s she’d drank but she was next to certain that she had put away a jar of olives without question. Truthfully, that was likely the only food that she had eaten today which wasn’t doing a lot for the drinking.

It was a voice that pierced through the latest glass in her hand, placing it on the table slowly as she focused on the person that stood just a yard or so down from her. “Oi!” Her nose scrunching as she spoke, a perfectly manicured finger gesturing for them to make their way down where she sat. And it was only as the person closed in that she was able to lean forward, despite the smell on her breath the words coming out perfectly intact in a particularly low voice. “I know your little secret.” 

[sfelicitysmoak]

[theskeeterbeetle]

Besides in passing the contact with Dorcas had been limited since the incident with her former boss. Rita had stayed back and minded her own given that the news had taken off lately, she could only imagine the place that Dorcas was in recently. With a bottle of whiskey in hand, there was a light knock on the office door, waiting until she heard the okay to come in to turn the knob. “I figured it was about time that I stopped in to see how things were going over here. Any other messes lately?”

@doexaxdear​

[demonixcarrxw]

Loc: Witch Weekly

Who: @theskeeterbeetle

He’d walked into Witch weekly with the sole intent of finding out what Rita had to say about the attack on Ollivander’s, but the second his presence had been announced he’d seen her bolting from the office and out the door. This was a very common occurrence for them, it seemed, and every single time, she came back she smelled of stale cigarettes. As if she only ever smoked them when things were too much. This lead him out the door to her, where he stood against it and smiled softly. 

“Smoking gives you cancer, or something along those lines, didn’t you know?”

[theskeeterbeetle]

When Antonin Dolohov walked into a room anyone who was with Rita usually found a reason to leave--or in some case just fleed without so much as a word. Often, the blonde would double over in laughter as she saw the sight before her and move on to the next topic with her most loyal ad placement. However, Rita wasn’t foolish enough to believe that she could relate with the people who were running out the door.

When it came to Amycus Carrow there wasn’t fear in her when she saw him but more so a healthy amount of respect that stemmed from the fact that he gave her a terrible feeling. Intuition was a powerful thing and Rita was adamant that hers wasn’t something that would be ignored. While some people would keep a fire extinguisher behind a piece of glass labeled break in case of emergency, there was no secret that the Witch Weekly editor kept a pack of menthol cigarettes behind her glass. She hadn’t a clue how old the pack was but she knew that currently there were six missing from it, four of which she could account to the shear stress of the Carrow’s presence.

The sound of his voice was enough to make the hairs on the back of her neck stand straight, attempting to hide the smoke as if he hadn’t seen or smelled it. 

“Ah, Mr. Carrow, as always it’s nothing but a pleasure to see you.” A genuine smile coming to her face as she nodded at him. “What brings you to my neck of the woods?”

[theskeeterbeetle]

antonin-dolohov-x‌:

Antonin sauntered casually into Rita’s office, taking a note of the assistant’s reaction. It was more amusing to him than anything else. He was used to that kind of reaction, understandably, but he almost always choose a calm and approachable demeanor which made people’s extreme reactions all the more amusing to him. “Think of it as free money” he tutted, a smile dancing around the corners of his lips. Antonin couldn’t begin to imagine the half-wits that Rita had to deal with on a daily basis and he was thankful that she dealt with most of the public relations aspects of the business for him. All he had to do was slap a photo or his name on the business from time to time.  

Admittedly, half the time he came to visit Rita, it wasn’t for business purposes; he just liked to check in on her, pretty frequently, to ensure that she wasn’t having any problems with anyone or anything. Unbeknownst to her, she was probably one of his greatest assets. He had to ensure it stayed that way. “I think your assistant is rather fond of me” he laughed, taking a seat in front of her.

"Free money.” Rita snorted knowing full well that he made an excellent point that she likely just needed to shut up and take it. "If only the people giving it made it that easy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to wash my hands of the lot of them.” But she knew well enough that she didn’t have to tell Antonin of the cost to keep a successful business afloat. “S’not like I’m the Prophet and supported by the bloody mess that is the Ministry.” Her quill in her hand twirling between fingers as she mused more on the thoughts that she spoke. “Tell me, have you ever heard of the value of The Daily Prophet? I can’t seem to get a straight answer from anyone over at that hot mess.”

Looking at where her assistant had exited there was a wave of a hand to brush the words off, “Please I’ve seen the woman jump at her own shadow. I think the only reason she sticks around is that no one will pay anywhere near what I pay her.” Rita offered knowing just the hell that she put the person who worked for her through, that was large part of the reason that she paid so high. “Before I ask how you’re doing and offer you a drink, we should handle the business side of things. Did you have any concerns with this ad placement?” The magazine in front of her turned in his direction so that he could get a proper look. 

[theskeeterbeetle]

The day was filled with mindless meetings that would likely end with Rita wanting to take the next week off to recover from it all. People who wanted their ads biggers, others who wanted to try and haggle her prices but her favorite was the ones who thought that paying for an ad earned them the right to tell her what should be published. Those were the ones that she usually ended up refunding and pulling their ads, she’d come too far to be told what to do by others after all. 

As her most recent client left she waved her assistant in without looking up from the page layout she had in front of her. “Who’s next on the list?” Rita questioned as she noted the coffee that was being placed in front of her. But there was no time for an answer as the door opened and Antonin walked in, leaving her assistant to flee like an animal running from a storm. The reaction earning a snort from Rita as she stood and offered the seat across from her to Dolohov. “Thank Merlin, someone with an actual brain. This mornings clients were most certainly not worth the galleons they pay.”

@antonin-dolohov-x

[theskeeterbeetle]

Meeting up with Evan at Hypnos had been the plan, however, she’d only been seconds away from entering the club when she’d gotten the text that he was running late in a meeting. Rita’s options were going elsewhere or making her way into the club and wait on him inside. There was a clear debate for a moment before she’d elected to finish her walk into the practically empty location and sitting comfortably at the bar. Electing to use the time to finish writing out the article she’d been working on as she noticed Severus working away. “Do you mind if I set up here? The Three Broomsticks won’t let me work out of a table there, figured my best bet is asking first.”

@bxttlescarred