There are limits to being a journalist.
Pressure from above, criticism from the public, and sales figures from readers.
However, Rita Skeeter was no longer an ordinary reporter; she was the Queen of news in the entire British Wizarding World.
The editor-in-chief of The Daily Prophet, Chief Editor Gufei, has been agonizing over this all day.
He couldn't ignore the animated magical photograph on the table, but he couldn't ignore the pressure from the Ministry of Magic.
Since Fudge took office, their newspaper has become an important mouthpiece for the Ministry of Magic.
Whenever something major happens, The Daily Prophet is ordered to quickly cover it up, leaving it with almost no independence.
"Editor Chief Editor Gufei, are you planning to be the Ministry of Magic's dog for the rest of your life...?"
Rita's parting words echoed once more.
He took a deep breath, picked up the photo, and examined it carefully.
It's not just shocking, it's downright soul-crushing.
"To hell with the Ministry of Magic!" Chief Editor Gufei put down the photo, his eyes no longer hesitant.
Three days later, on February 11, The Daily Prophet added a new reporting section.
"The Truth?" Fudge leaned back in his office chair, ready to take a closer look at this so-called new column.
"I am Rita Skeeter, and I swear on my 23 years of experience that everything I am about to say is absolutely true and credible, and I guarantee there is no artistic embellishment whatsoever..."
Making vows and guarantees, they're really going to go all out with this new column.
"According to information provided by my informant at Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic's deployment of a large number of personnel to the school this time is not for simple reasons..."
Fudge's hand holding the newspaper was trembling slightly, and his expression was no longer as relaxed as it had been at the beginning.
"The following photos were provided by informants; their authenticity remains to be verified..."
There are two animated magic photos in total:
One of the figures is a short, chubby roly-poly Roly-Poly, yelling at several students before proceeding to conduct a particularly brutal body search.
The other picture shows Clownish Monkey with an ugly appearance, standing far away at the entrance of the girls' dormitory, its scrutinizing gaze sweeping over every female student who comes in and out.
"I'm sure everyone is wondering why these two Auror from the Ministry of Magic would do such a thing..."
Fudge gripped the newspaper tightly, as if he wanted to tear it to shreds.
"I can assure you that they are carrying out a search mission assigned by the Ministry of Magic..."
With a "rip," the newspaper was torn diagonally.
Why did this happen? Please enjoy the following photos—(Friendly reminder: Please be prepared)...
The photo shows two people hanging upside down; they are easily recognizable as the Roly-Poly and the Clownish Monkey from earlier.
"I cannot disclose the source of the photos, but I can guarantee that they have not been altered in any way..."
The next image shows other Auror searching a corner of the castle.
His body language was exaggerated, as if he was eager to discover something.
"They behaved rudely, treating students like criminals, just because of the alleged attack?"
Next up is a large photo.
A figure was imprisoned in a gloomy, dark cell.
Although his face was not clearly visible, it was not difficult to recognize him as Snape from his black robe.
"This is one of the suspects in the incident that the Ministry of Magic has not publicly announced, so why are the Auror and the scouts still being subjected to the so-called attack?"
Based on their current strength, they should be able to break into the prison and rescue their trapped comrades, right?
Rita's writing was highly inflammatory, Fudge almost tore the newspaper in half; it's not hard to imagine the public's reaction.
The feature report ends with a paragraph in bold red.
"This is not an attack! This is protest against bullying and tyranny! This is justice!"
"Aaaaah—" Fudge roared angrily and tore the newspaper into pieces.
It's only 8 a. m., and there are probably still many people who haven't received their newspapers.
"Dolores!"
Upon hearing the shouts, Umbridge hurriedly entered the office.
"Immediately send everyone to intercept all magazines and newspapers published today! Then shut down this damned the Daily Prophet!"
"Yes, Minister." Umbridge avoided Fudge's eyes.
She quietly left the office, closed the door, and then strode confidently toward the Auror Office.
When she left again, Scrimgeour slammed his hand on the table.
"You filthy bitch who bullies others!"
Despite it being Fudge's order, Umbridge's attitude was absolutely appalling.
Half of the Auror Office had already been dispatched to Hogwarts, and the Magic Law Enforcement Team and the Detective Team had also been almost entirely deployed. The remaining staff were all busy capturing Sirius Black and could not be mobilized at will.
Must all magazines and newspapers be confiscated today? Otherwise, will Minister Fudge hold us accountable?
The confiscation of magazines and newspapers was probably done on their own initiative! If anyone should be held accountable, it should be Dolores Umbridge, that ugly pink toad!
After venting his anger, Scrimgeour quickly calmed down.
He was panting heavily as he put on his coat and walked out of the office.
If you mess things up, you'll have to take the blame. No matter how unhappy you are, you can only carry out orders from your superiors.
139 Oxford Street, London, the Wayne family home.
Eric, sitting at the table, spread out the newspaper and pointed to the photo of the Auror hanging upside down. "Look, it's our son's masterpiece!"
Evelyn examined it carefully, then nodded gently, "It is indeed our son's work."
Her gaze fell, settling on the prominent red, bold text. "Justice and punishment? Is this kid planning to form Justice League?"
Eric shrugged the newspaper dismissively. "He's not stupid. If he really did that, everyone would know he's Batman."
"Too."
Just as the Wayne were about to continue their breakfast, the doorbell rang.
Evelyn got up and opened the door. The person who came in was a tall, muscular man.
The two Wayne bodyguards Night Wraith and Nightmare Killers, stood behind him with wary eyes, full of hostility.
"Good morning, Mrs. Wayne." The burly man introduced himself politely. "My name is Lisbon, and I am Auror from the Ministry of Magic."
"Hello, Mr. Lisbon." Evelyn glanced at Eric, who had come to her side. "Please come in."
"Good morning, Mr. Wayne." Lisbon smiled apologetically at Evelyn. "Madam, I'm very sorry, but I'm here today to confiscate some contraband items that the Ministry of Magic just listed."
Eric frowned. "Oh? I wonder what kind of contraband it is?"
"All magazines and newspapers published today."
After receiving Lisbon's answer, the Wayne couple exchanged a knowing glance.
The Ministry of Magic acted quickly; if it weren't for their habit of eating breakfast while reading the newspaper, they probably wouldn't even know what had happened.
"Mr. Lisbon, please wait a moment."
Every family that subscribes to the Wizarding World newspaper has their information recorded; it's impossible to keep it secretly.
As Vincent's parents, the Wayne had no reason to refuse the Ministry of Magic's actions.