she knew everything ~

Damaged people are the most dangerous. They know they can s u r v i v e .

[rebellious-marlene-blog]

Blue eyes flickered up to see Rita.  She was actually happy to see her, even if she couldn’t muster the strength or the motivation to smile at the sight of her.  Laying her head back against the cool pillow, she sighed deeply as she nodded her head.

“As much as I hate that shit hole, I wouldn’t mind grabbing a drink there right about now,” she said, turning her head toward Rita.

[truthfuliarx-blog]

Seeing Marlene weak and unable to feel made Rita feel her guts turn upside down. She knew the other blonde was anything, but that. “Well,“ Skeeter started, opening a medium-sized package, that she had brought with herself. “I wouldn’t be a good house-mate if I didn’t bring the ill one’s her greatest desire.” She smirked, pulling her hand out of the bag to reveal a bottle of some old dark-red wine.

[truthfuliarx-blog]

The pigs at the Daily Prophet tormented her, they wanted every single detail out of her, while she knew next to nothing; it wasn’t like she couldn’t just make something up for in front of them and for her own articles, but who cared anyways? However, this was the perfect time to throw dirt at anyone she’d wanted or hated. For Rita, the whole situation really wasn’t all that much of a matter. She was close to the impact upon Hogwarts, but she was well and alive right? Breathing. However, she knew she had to make a choice soon, and Skeeter finally felt, despite her pissed off attitude at the moment, her grand plan coming to a finalization in her head.

Feeling a confused look pointed at her, she turned her head abruptly, meeting the face of whoever had the bravery to stumble upon Rita Skeeter in this exact mood. “What are you looking at?“

[rebellious-marlene-blog]

Fingers fiddled and looped with the blankets over and over as she sat there, waiting for a nurse to check on her wound.  She was beyond sadness at this point, no tears left to shed.  Everyone had a rough night, not just her.  When she heard someone enter the room, she didn’t bother to look up, but she did answer.

“If you’re here to give me sad eyes and a deep talk with best regards, I suggest you come back at another time,” she said, voice firm but not loud nor carrying.

[truthfuliarx-blog]

Rita took a sharp turn to the left, finding herself in one of the hospital rooms, a certain blonde catching her attention in the beds. Those last twenty-four hours were confusing, messy and Rita didn’t like that. She approached, hearing her words and chuckling loudly.

“When was I that boring? I hoped for another drink at the Hog’s Head, but we have only this now.” She pulled a chair, and sat next to Marlene, still at quite the distance.

[miriamstroxt]

Lucius was pretty much delirious from confusion. He knew why he had been left out of talk of this attack. After all, a parent’s death seemed like a good way to keep someone out of a war. But now, it seemed like it was planned. Like someone wanted his parents gone so that he wouldn’t be able to participate in this battle. And if he had, would 75 children and professors still be dead? He didn’t know.

So, tonight, he found himself sitting at a pub, a drink in his hand, as he tried to forget. As he felt someone sit down beside him, he glanced over, raising an eyebrow and tilting his drink at the person in silence. He paused and then stared at them, eyes intensely boring into the side of their face. “What’s brought you here?” 

[truthfuliarx-blog]

Rita chuckled at Lucius. “Same reasons as yours - confusion.“ Rewinding back to that night, where Emmeline and Rita herself were just relaxing, throwing friendly trash at each other, before the explosions and chaos. Back to the night, before shadows popped from everywhere with one destination - Hogwarts. Over hundred and twenty people killed, it was a close shot to the writer herself. She was in the radius of the battle, yet she was unhurt, as well as her friend.

“What’s brought you here?“ Rita truly did have her suspicions about the man’s affiliations before time, but seeing his parents falling victims and his confused look surely because of what had happened dropped the percentage by a lot. Skeeter had just applied common sense. “Two whiskeys here, please!“ She addressed the bartender, turning her head to Malfoy.

[aidanxavery]

☔️ He found himself continuing this chain of kisses, once, twice, and so on, Severus could not stop kissing her and he kept questioning why, why in hell was he kissing her out of all people, why in hell had he been drinking, Snape was petrified and slightly scared, it was the first time this type of incident was happening and for him it was something completely new. 

Snape knew this was a no happy ending type of thing, he wasn’t there for romance, nor love for fuck’s sake and knowing this would only end in them parting different ways made no difference, in fact he was more than ok with that. Severus was afraid to break the kiss, fearing they would never come back to it, but he did it because he needed to speak.

“Sorry.” He spoke, nearly errupting in giggles but then he kissed her again, this time longer, even though he was not quite sure about his kissing skills (he wasn’t a romantic either), he wondered what was she thinking about and if she thought he was a bad kisser, god he had to be, Severus had only kissed a few girls and most of the times he was pissed drunk.

[truthfuliarx-blog]

His lips stung with alcohol, but so did hers, so she didn’t mind it. The mix of wine, beer, whisky and whatever alcohol they had drank felt weird, but the sweetness of the kiss itself overwhelmed that, making it feel unique, of some sort. It was odd - Rita liked it, despite the full awareness, that it was all just a one-time thing; however, she tried to forget that.

Skeeter had kissed a considerate amount of men, and Severus was nothing too special to her. Judging by his depression meter being high, it was no wonder if he didn’t do this too often, but she took the lead by initiating the next few kisses herself. The major mood killer, though, was the line he had said in the middle of everything. She didn’t react neither to the words, nor the kiss following, one eyebrow up.

She pulled away and got her hands away from him, forcing a slight smile. Taking another sip from her drink, she practically hissed. “Sorry, huh?“ She chuckled, feeling how the dark side of Rita had been unlocked from the terrible amounts of alcohol that she’d drank. “So, potions, right? Which one’s your favorite? Did Slughorn retire, that’s quite the shame...“

[miriamstroxt]

“Well, you should try being compassionate more often,” Lucius said, not rudely, but sincerely. It was actually nice to have someone here with him. Especially because she wasn’t coddling him, or treating him like he needed to be coddled. She was just here. Supporting him. That was a nice feeling. “Ah, yes. Those bastards. I found Narcissa not too soon after, but thank you, for the thought.”

“Probably not,” he found himself agreeing, shaking his head. “We are a privileged bunch, but I quite like my seat of power, don’t you?” His shoulders shrugged a bit, figuring that he didn’t care what he said now. The Ministry was not going to touch him any time soon. They were too worried about his keeping a mental stability that allowed his work to be done. “I’ve never really thought about distractions. I’m a very focused sort of person, I suppose.”

[truthfuliarx-blog]

Maybe Lucius was right, but that wasn’t going to happen any soon. As soon as Rita showed affection and softness, she opened the gates to the parasites to infect her. And she wouldn’t let that happen ever, not until her last breath. She didn’t know, if either she would join a side in the future or stay neutral - one thing would never change. Her iron-waled heart. “Maybe. And I’m glad she was there. I didn’t see her, thought you were alone. That’s why I tried to follow you, before my champagne got knocked out by the crowd.“ She smirked, standing up from the chair and going next to a painting of two tall figures. His parents, she figured.

“I guess I do. It can change you for the good and bad.“ Lucius would never understand her situation, as he did not know her history at all. “There must be something. I go to Hog’s Head, to be quite honest. Alcohol is my to-go. Have you tried books? The Daily Prophet?“ She talked about being bold, but she was soft yet again now, smirking at her intended joke.

[bellatricks-b-blog]

“Oh,” she mused out loud when Rita said she did not have a significant other. She had known that Rita and Rod had something going on back when they were all young at Hogwarts, but to Bellatrix, she thought it was a harmless crush. Besides, Rod only mentioned it once, and that was with liquid courage. She did not hold that over Rita’s head - she knew how attractive and charismatic her husband was; she wouldn’t blame anyone for having a crush on him. 

Bellatrix stood up, taking her wand off the table and putting it in the pocket of her robes. “Well, work can wait - you’re practically your own boss.” She pushed the chair back, “yes, let’s.” She led the way out, turning her head behind her to make sure Rita was still following. Bellatrix waited until Rita was alongside her, “so, what were you writing about?”

[truthfuliarx-blog]

“You can say that,“ she chuckled, as it was practically true. The Daily Prophet sometimes went down two different paths - the one that everyone else was walking on and the one Rita was controlling. Nobody could be left unnoticed once they stray away too much from the safe path, as Rita constantly made the ‘road‘ bigger and bigger, taking more victims each time. But that sounded too barbaric.

“The lock down.“ She navigated out the door, carefully observing as Bellatrix did the same. The door closed with a slight slam, before they took the path to their friendly talk. However, she had traps to lay, but subtly, not too suddenly, while keeping herself safe from such. “What’s up with you? Anything interesting around?” She almost puked while trying to befriend Bellatrix Black.

[daisyshook-mock-deactivated2017]

“We haven’t– whoever it was left no evidence behind,” she fed Rita the party line  In reality she had been very uninvolved with the case.  She primarily focused on the original scene– the post discovery investigation was something she was rarely involved in.  “I can leave a note for you, Ms. Skeeter, but that’s as much help as I can give.”

[truthfuliarx-blog]

Rita felt quite suspicious of the young Auror. The Longbottom had her reputation, and was known to be deployed into many missions, yet again, Skeeter did not know much of how the process went. “Don’t leave it to me, just leave it to the Prophet’s Headquarters. I was just sent here, as much as I don’t like it.” She paused, tilting her head. “Don’t take it personally, if you may.“

[marvmacdonald]

A strong female character is one who is defined by her own characteristics, history and personality, and not solely by the actions or needs of other characters.  She is a person in the story, not a prop.

@the-alicelongbottom @lilyevanssx @rebellious-marlene @bellatricks-b @nrcissamalfcy @truthfuliarx @daisy-h @dcrcas-meadowes @oneandonly-lucinda

[truthfuliarx-blog]

don’t let me go | Rita&Rodolphus

[rodolphus-lcstrangc-blog]

“Well, I’m not going to force it out of you,” he chuckled, before the easy smirk fell off his lips. “But I did think we were better friends than this,” he pointed out with a slightly accusing look, his voice, however, was light as ever. He did want to know, and by Merlin, he had miscalculated. He had figured that if anyone liked a direct approach, it was Rita. He could do sly and manipulative too, it just took a lot more energy and concentration. The easiest way to manipulate someone to spill the beans was to guilt trip them. 

He sighed and draped a lazy arm around her shoulders — which was rather difficult since they were walking. He made it work though, slowed down to her pace and let her lean into him slightly. “How awfully, dreadfully rude of me. Rita, you do know that I’m all ears. I just don’t think I need to make my words saccharine around you. You’ll either tell me or you won’t, I can’t really help it. No matter how kindly or politely I’d ask.” He held a small pause as they sat down, he sat on the other side of the windowsill and looked at Rita’s pale complexion. “Seriously, what’s the matter?”

[truthfuliarx-blog]

“Yes, you won’t be able to force it out of me..“ Rita said, sounding offended, but a smirk playing on her lips. “I do so too, I’m just somewhat insecure to some more sensitive subjects. I know, it doesn’t seem like it., but it’s a fact.“ She had no idea, as of why she was sharing that much over this field - her weaker field. But she felt her stomach going nuts at his arm wrapping her closer to him. She knew she was falling for him, but Skeeter would never admit it first, nor out loud. Regardless, she felt different around him. She didn’t have to cast him off, or make him go away; she was herself.

She got comfortable in her spot, sticking her eyes to Rodolphus’ hard features. Rita wanted him off her mind, but she didn’t know if she’d been able to make that happen. But there he was, asking again. She gave it a second thought. What would so much happen, if she told him. It’s not like it was a secret. “I hate Christmas, because I have no one to go to. My parents are dead since... ten years? I only have a bitch of a lady in an orphanage to go to.“ Rita didn’t expect the Slytherin boy to be compassionate or understand what it felt like - his family standing was much more different. “Ever wondered why I am so cold to people? Here’s your reason.“

[bellatricks-b-blog]

“Just a hunch,” Bellatrix replied, the tiniest of smiles tugging on her lips. Bellatrix didn’t have many people she could call a friend either; the ones who did only felt obligated to be her ‘friend’ and to trust her because she was simply family to them. The only person she truly considered a friend was The Dark Lord, whom she hoped that he saw her as a friend too, and not just a pawn in the grand scheme of things. 

She nodded, listening to Rita speak. “Okay, great - er,” she scrunched her nose up, thinking. What did friends typically do? Grab a coffee, drinks, gossip? That all seemed a bit too fast for Bellatrix, so she decided to take it a bit slow. “So what are your plans for the rest of the day? Spend the evening with your significant other? Write more articles?” She asked the questions a bit cautiously, noticing that Rita was eyeing the wand on the desk. Bellatrix would leave it, she needed to gain trust in order to build a friendship. 

[truthfuliarx-blog]

It was odd. Even if Rita didn’t do it because she wanted to, but rather because of her own suspicions and needs, acting like a friend to the wife of her school crush was confusing. However, she was good at putting masks, pretending to be someone she’s not, and perhaps that was the field she excelled at after all. She saw the smile, that Bellatrix’s lips produced, however small it was. Was she really honest here? Or was Rodolphus trying to do something?

It quickly became awkward and tense around them. It was an unexpected turn of events, and while pretty sure, that if Rita ever witnessed the sight of a Boggart, it would take the form of Bellatrix Lestrange, perhaps that would change in time. Anything was possible these days. “I don’t have a significant other. And about articles, well, I’m done with that soon. Or I can continue later, I don’t know.“ Rita put a smile on her face, her best acting game had started now. “Let’s grab some coffee, shall we?“

The game had begun.

[miriamstroxt]

Lucius watched her, suspicious, but only because of the rumors he’d heard about Miss Skeeter. It wasn’t as though she was a horrible person; she had come after all. Lucius was generally a good judge of character, and Rita did not seem like someone who would be here unless she actually cared (or at least cared a little bit). He swallowed his pride and gave a smile, small but genuine, and leaned forward. 

“I appreciate that,” Lucius said, with a nod, and quickly rang for a house elf to bring him some tea. “I appreciate your coming by. I know that the weekend was, horrible, to say the least, and I apologize for my behavior. I know I ran out on you and it was only because I thought… Well, anyways. I appreciate this.” The tea arrived and he thanked the house elf, who hurriedly poured them each a cup. “Best tea the ministry has. They’ve been awful nice to me this week.”

[truthfuliarx-blog]

“I’m glad. It’s rare for me to be compassionate. And don’t worry about it, people kind of blocked my path anyways.“ Rita chuckled, thanking the house elf as the tea was served. The feeling was odd, her in Lucius’ cabinet, at her own will. It was anything but natural. If Narcissa had entered, it was quite possible that she’d rip Skeeter’s head right off.

“Well, it’d be plainly rude if they weren’t. I’d imagine most of them don’t even know what loss is.“ Malfoy didn’t know her history, and that was something normal. She didn’t share it with anyone, and the people, that actually knew the real deal (she sometimes lied for it, just to get people off her) could be counted only on one of her hands. “I’ve figured distraction helps a great deal.“

[bellatricks-b-blog]

Bellatrix let out a frustrated sigh. This was going nowhere; but she was not going to give up. “I never mistook you for a fool,” she spat back, inhaling once more, trying to calm herself down. “We both share some of the same tendencies; one of them being manipulative”, she started. “But I can assure you that I am a woman of my word when it comes to this.” She wanted to scream aloud, telling her she was desperate; but Bellatrix would rather die than admit that she needed help.

She looked down for a moment, yes, Rita did destroy her family, her articles and lies left a tarnishing scar on the Black and Lestrange reputation, but she was willing to put that past her. “That does not matter anymore,” she said confidently. “Why you? Like I said, we have similar tendencies, and because of that I would think it would help our - er, trust issues with one another, and to be honest, in your line of work, I don’t think you have many people you can call your friend.”

[truthfuliarx-blog]

“Glad to hear that, I guess.“ Rita’s eyes remained narrowed, but Bellatrix had a right. Rita herself had told her, that the two women share common traits, but there had to be a reason, different than this absurd one, for which the Black would want her in her friends’ circle. It was unimaginable to even think sharing something with her, and not being inflated with dark thoughts around Bella. But then again, she could be a great weapon.

“And how are you so sure in that?“ Rita chuckled. While she didn’t have many friends, she had enough in her use, and kept it that way. She met new people all the time, and while not exactly friends, some of them craved for her attention - they craved to expose someone, to make them feel the dirt around them. “Look.. I don’t believe you’ve gotten over whatever I’ve done in the past, but you aren’t a pretty flower either. I could safely say you are darker than me, which is fine, but..“ Skeeter thought of her chances. If Bellatrix truly was what Rita was bluffing and believing she was, that would be a great chance to fish out more than she’d ever expected. “We can give it a try, I suppose.“

She eyed the wand on the desk once again. Don’t fall into traps, Rita, she thought.

[daisyshook-mock-deactivated2017]

“It’s obviously not my call.  You’ll have to speak with Frank or with Mr. Moody– however, in my opinion it is a poor decision.  We don’t want to let the other side know that we’re struggling.  It’s a bad idea in the midst of a war.  We should be presenting a strong, united front.”

[truthfuliarx-blog]

“I guess you’re right. It’s not like the idea is mine. The heads of the Daily Prophet are just lazy and can’t separate their lazy arses from the chair all day.“ She took a deep breath, sighing loudly. “How’s the situation been lately? I mean after the attacks.. Did you find killers?“

[mxrlenemckn]

“Order?”  He furrowed his brow, feigning confusion.  Rita and Marlene looked frighteningly similar from behind.  “I said Marauder, which of course you aren’t.  That’s the name me and my mates gave to each other at Hogwarts.  But really, should I blow up fireworks in their faces or challenge them to gobstones?”

[truthfuliarx-blog]

The repetition of the word sounded even more doubtful to Rita; she only smirked at the following words. “A Marauder? That sounds childish, to be honest.” She tilted her head sideways, inspecting her surroundings, sticking them to the foreign one after a few seconds. “Do whatever you want, but do tell me your name. Cuties like you must have one.“

[aidanxavery]

☔️ He felt tempted, like he was falling into some kind of trap and the alcohol would cover all of his senses, would make him forget who he was; Severus enjoyed it, the numbness, the relaxing feel alcohol would bring. “My parents weren’t very… nice; I was bullied during m,y Hogwarts time; ruined my relationship with my best friend. Want more?” If he hadn’t been affected by the substance, he would have started feeling slightly sadder than the usual, but instead he felt nothing, not even regret as he inched closer to her.

“Manipulating is the only way to survive, Rita.” Severus whispered, not feeling the need to speak any louder when they were already that close. “What do you want to know more, uh?” He quirked a brow glaring at her. “Do you want to know if I’m a good kisser?” Snape chuckled, cursing himself mentally, telling himself he was going to regret anything he did.

He inched closer, still tempted, his face mere inches away from her, it was becoming nearly impossible to breath and the air felt heavy just like his head; his lips dared to touch hers in what he though was a signal he was going mad, this was not him, but someone else. Anyways, he wouldn’t probably remember it the next day and she wouldn’t remember it as well, he wondered what could go wrong.

[truthfuliarx-blog]

“Bullied through Hogwarts? Now that explains your mood..“ Rita ran her finger over the loop of her glass, seeing her reflection in the drink. She could feel the alcohol in her veins, but a fun fact was, that even when drunk, she was able to somewhat control herself, though highly more less than normal. It didn’t mean she had full control, but sometimes, Skeeter herself couldn’t define if she was more dangerous sober or drunk.

“Manipulation is something I developed, I suppose. It’s the only way, I agree.“ Her eyes were stuck into his, still, and his next words petrified her. She rose an eyebrow to his question, before feeling his lips on her own. And that’s when her brain exploded.

The kiss lasted for a second, probably two; while nothing special, it was her award for finally lighting up the spark in that foreign man, who dared to engage into a conversation with Rita. But she felt, like this was going to be the next casual hook up, with Severus this time. Their lips separated, the air around heavy as metal, and electricity running through her blood. Rita’s eyes were stuck onto his own, moving down to his lips, wishing more.

She leaned in for another one.

[bellatricks-b-blog]

Bellatrix frowned, yes, the information Rita told Rodolphus went to him, but Rod wasn’t one to discuss a lot of private matters. Which often led to Bellatrix investigating on her own time, finding out things for herself. 

She let out an audible sigh. “Let’s not play games, Rita. You tell me what information I want to know, and I’ll leave you alone - no threats on the street,” she added, unable to suppress her eye roll. 

“Would you believe I was here because I’m trying to make new friends?” She asked, an eyebrow raised. She knew Rita wouldn’t believe her; nobody would if they heard Bellatrix. Unfortunately, it was the sad, pathetic truth. 

[truthfuliarx-blog]

“Yeah, right, you’ll leave me alone. How many people did you jinx, before you reached me? Don’t think I am a fool. We both know that we both are anything, but fools.“ Rita practically hissed, flicking her head back to move any fallen or messy golden locks. Her formal dress was feeling tighter than ever, as if something was strangling her. Perhaps the unsettling presence of Bellatrix.

She listened to Bella’s next works, and at first, Skeeter did not know how to react. Friends? With Rita? Wanting information and trying to make new friends? What was that, a comedy show? “I am afraid you are a worse cause, than I am.“ Rita smirked, eyeing the wand on the desk and returning her ocean-blue eyes back to the woman. “Why me? The one who destroyed your ‘family’, although I still don’t understand which one exactly..“