Rita Skeeter Is an Excellent Reporter / The Veteran Reporter Knows Which Way the Wind Blows

He had to take the OWL exams early, just like me, and he started taking them in his third year, a whole year earlier than me; what's even more terrifying is that one of the subjects he was taking was Potions... the most difficult course in OWL, by far.

Moreover, besides taking the exam ahead of schedule, he was also able to question the textbook. Even Professor Binns, who taught the History of Magic, regained his senses because of him and began to investigate previous materials, preparing to re-edit the History of Magic with him!

As for his girlfriend... by now the whole school probably knows about his relationship with his adopted sister.

Although Percy Weasley wasn't one to gossip about these things, he had heard from his girlfriend that Hermione Granger was becoming more and more beautiful and was gradually transforming into the most beautiful girl in the school.

Of course, none of the above is what bothers Percy the most. His biggest problem right now is that he had planned to get a good job at the Ministry of Magic after graduation, but now that plan has completely fallen through, so he has no choice but to follow his family's arrangements and work for Harry Granger.

"Professor Binns wasn't helping me; he was fulfilling the duty of a historian," Harry said calmly. "He's lived far longer than * The History of Magic *. He used to just recite from the book because he was confused; now that he's clear-headed, he won't do that anymore."

Having received Rowena's reminder, Harry has now truly mastered the method of using wind elemental enchantment to make ghosts drink Potions, thus Professor Binns has been confused for hundreds of years, has finally come to his senses.

Naturally, he readily agreed to revise the History of Magic.

In his view, while the book "History of Magic" is quite well written, many early histories inevitably contain inaccuracies, and the changes needed are not limited to the Arthur legend.

Harry highly praised Professor Binns's dedication... partly because Professor Binns also agreed to have Harry's name credited after the compilation was completed.

"Don't you understand?" Harry raised an eyebrow, noticing Percy's thoughtful expression. "If you can show more magnanimity than the average student, the teachers won't just treat you like a child. Your parents are the same; you're an excellent student, but you're still just a student. So... they won't listen to your side of the story when it comes to decisions that might affect the family's future."

Hearing Harry's words, Percy pursed his lips and remained silent, but he had to admit to himself that what Harry said was entirely true.

He never understood why his father, a mere insignificant official in the Ministry of Magic, still clung to unrealistic fantasies of being reinstated... while he, who had surpassed his father in every way, was still forbidden by his parents from taking a position at the Ministry of Magic.

Yes, the Ministry of Magic is now controlled by those extreme Pure-blood Family, but it remains the most legitimate authority in the Britain Wizarding World.

Moreover, Percy believed in his own abilities. He was confident that as long as he could enter the Ministry of Magic and make a name for himself, even if all his political enemies joined forces to suppress him, he would definitely be able to achieve great things!

To be honest, Harry saw right through his little scheme in Legilimency.

To this somewhat naive and reckless idea, Harry could only offer this piece of advice to the impetuous young man: wizarding isn't about fighting and killing, it's about understanding human relationships and social dynamics.

Percy Weasley may be talented, but he's far from being as good as his parents.

"Alright, Madam Pince is already urging me, just give me the things." Harry knew exactly what the other party wanted, so he didn't hide anything and directly opened his palm to ask for it.

"Here you go." Percy handed Harry a roll of parchment, his face stern. "This is what my father relayed; I just roughly organized it. Although I agreed to work for you after graduation, I need to prepare for the NEWT exams, so I can't work as an editor on the side."

"It's alright, someone will temporarily take over your work," Harry said with a nonchalant smile.

He's also preparing NEWT; it seems he's still not giving up on his position in the Ministry of Magic. That ambition is certainly commendable.

But...

"Hey, Weasley ..." Just as Percy was about to turn and leave, Harry suddenly called out to him from behind.

"Take my advice: if you plan to continue your relationship with Senior Clearwater, it's best not to get involved in Ministry of Magic affairs anytime soon... otherwise, graduation season will be your breakup season."

Chapter 452 Rita Skeeter is an excellent journalist

Diversify your investments; don't put all your eggs in one basket. This will help protect your family to the greatest extent possible in the event of future conflicts.

So Percy Weasley was still too inexperienced; he didn't even realize that it was such an obvious strategy of splitting his support among three factions, just like Zhuge Liang.

The reason Arthur Weasley refused to cooperate directly with Harry was that he didn't want to break ties with the current Ministry of Magic. Although he didn't hold a high official position, he was well-liked, and most of the connections he had built up at the Ministry of Magic over the years should still be there.

Percy, a greenhorn fresh out of school, was certainly not someone who could handle the relationships between his parents' generations.

Therefore, Percy will definitely have to give it to Harry in the end. This way, he can repay Harry's gratitude, have Harry protect Percy, and also have Percy keep the Weasley Twins, who have already pledged allegiance to Harry, in check.

As for Molly Weasley, both of her brothers from the Prewett family died at the hands of Death Eater, so Mrs. Weasley and Voldemort were practically sworn enemies... Even if she wasn't a member of the Order of the Phoenix, she was definitely a staunch supporter of Albus Dumbledore.

Including their two sons, Bill and Charles, who work abroad, they might also be unofficial members of the Order of the Phoenix in private.

Well, Harry found the Weasley family' strategy perfectly acceptable, and even admired their decisiveness.

This was a plan only a smart person could make. No matter how chaotic the Britain Wizarding World became afterward, the Weasley family would be invincible.

Because they wouldn't offend any faction, the only true enemies they could be considered were Voldemort and the Death Eater... and these people were undoubtedly villains, and if they showed themselves, they would be attacked by the entire Wizarding World.

As for Harry's final reminder to Percy, that was purely on a whim.

However, that is indeed the case. Penelope Clearwater is a wizard of ordinary background. After graduating, she may stay in the Wizarding World, but she will never enter the Ministry of Magic, which has almost become a Pure-blood fortress.

In this situation, if Percy continues to be obsessed with getting into the Ministry of Magic, he will definitely be dumped.

So, as I said before, the young man may be talented, but he's still young and it's hard to tell just by looking at him.

However, Harry didn't mind. After all, he hadn't started working yet, so it was understandable that he had high aspirations. He could learn from his experience in the future.

As for his current refusal to take up the post, Harry doesn't force him... In any case, all the inside information he passes on will eventually need to be embellished by a skilled gossip writer.

And this elaborately crafted pen is now on its way on horseback.

On a weekend in Hogsmeade Village, in a private room of the Hog's Head Inn, a place known for its diverse and sometimes shady dealings, Harry and Sirius met with a fellow alumnus from Eagle House, whose reputation was infamous.

Rita Skeeter, who previously lost her job due to a news fabrication scandal!

Today, she was completely different from her usual brightly colored outfit. Instead, she wore an inconspicuous robe and covered her face and her exquisite but strangely curly hair with a silk scarf.

After entering the bar, she carefully observed the area in the lobby for a long time before quietly sneaking into Harry's room.

"Mr. Granger, I have to question your taste." Rita, having just entered the room and removed her silk scarf, began to harshly criticize the space. "This place hasn't been cleaned in ages; the air is thick with the pungent smell of cheap alcohol and spoiled food. I really don't know how you all put up with this."

"If you can't stand it, you can find a way to shut your nose." Sirius glared at the other person unhappily. "And thanks to you, the smell in the house is even worse."

Rita Skeeter was wearing a heavy perfume, most of which was concentrated on her scarf. The way she waved it just now would have been a disaster for anyone with a sensitive sense of smell.

"Miss Skeeter, I think you should be more careful when giving your evaluation." However, Harry didn't seem to mind Rita's sarcastic and rude behavior. He simply reminded her, "The owner of this bar might be eavesdropping outside. Even if you don't want to praise him, at least don't openly speak ill of this place."

"Mr. Granger, that's one of the reasons I don't like coming here," Rita shook her head with obvious disgust. "It's a bar, but the Three Broomsticks are much safer here. At least we don't have to worry about our conversation being overheard."

"That's true, but I really need someone to eavesdrop on our conversation today," Harry said with a mysterious smile.

Harry's plan to recruit Rita Skeeter as his subordinate should have been kept secret, but he insisted on letting Aberforth Dumbledore know.

Because if Aberforth Dumbledore finds out, his brother, who is the headmaster, will find out as well.

At that point, Albus Dumbledore will understand Harry's determination to confront the Ministry of Magic and the Daily Prophet head-on, and see if he'll still have the nerve to dawdle.

Honestly, all he did was ask him to swindle some money from the School Governor. We even found an inside man for him, but there's still no sign of it.

"Let them eavesdrop?" Rita's mind raced slightly upon hearing this. "Mr. Granger, what do you mean by that?"

"Miss Skeeter, you are undoubtedly an excellent journalist with a keen news sense... but before you officially become my employee, I still have to give you a little reminder." Harry glanced at Rita indifferently, "Being good at digging inside stories is indeed a necessary condition for becoming a good journalist, but if you want your career to last, then remember not to ask what you shouldn't ask, and never to write what you shouldn't write, understand?"

"Mr. Granger, I'm wondering... has anyone ever told you that your forced adult act looks a little ridiculous?" Rita Skeeter deliberately flashed a seductive smile, even puffing out her chest for Harry ...

But without a doubt, she was provoking Harry.

"I haven't even agreed to become your employee yet. Do you think you can boss me around or do whatever you want to me now?"

"I have no interest in doing whatever I want to you, and... you have no right to refuse me." Harry's gaze suddenly turned cold, a look that sent a chill down Rita Skeeter's spine.

"As far as I know, you're an illegal Animagus capable of transforming into a Beetle... Miss Skeeter, if the Ministry of Magic finds out about this, you're sure to be in jail in Azkaban!"

"You?!" Rita Skeeter's face froze, almost speechless with anger at Harry.

She had been disturbed by a strange voice at home before. The voice not only gave her frequent nightmares, but also kept saying that it 'knew all her secrets'.

Rita was finally fed up with the constant chatter, and reluctantly followed the voice's guidance to meet Harry.

But now she finally understood that it was all a scheme set up by the boy in front of her!

The other party's goal was clearly to pull him onto their side!

Chapter 453 The veteran female reporter is still quite pragmatic.

It should be said that, apart from not being able to help Harry find any trace of Peter Pettigrew, Greengrass's ghost performance has been truly outstanding.

He could hide almost anywhere and easily get the information Harry needed, making him arguably the best secret agent.

Moreover, he possesses an ability that ordinary ghosts do not have: to influence the minds of others in dreams. He is also adept at using manipulation and psychological suggestion.

It was thanks to him that Harry was able to easily uncover Rita Skeeter's secret and gradually force her to comply during this meeting.

At this moment, he was calmly awaiting Rita Skeeter's decision, a confident expression on his face.

"Mr. Granger, I don't understand... there are so many reporters in the world, why are you singled out and won't let me go?" After staring at Harry for a long time, seeing that he had no intention of showing any mercy, Rita couldn't help but sigh helplessly.

"That's because you got involved," Harry said coldly with disdain. "You don't actually think that you reporters can criticize everything without any scruples, and then walk away after you've gained your share, as if it's none of your business, do you?"

To be honest, Rita Skeeter's professionalism is beyond question, and Harry genuinely admires and even respects her abilities.

But at the same time, Harry also felt utter contempt for her behavior.

Transforming into Beetle to spy and eavesdrop, reporting recklessly regardless of the wishes of those involved, and frequently exaggerating and fabricating fake news...

She was dedicated to her work, but she was also the kind of reporter with the least professional ethics. If this were Harry's previous Great Celestial Empire, she would be exactly like those bastards who would profit from others' suffering.

Especially when it comes to the birth, aging, illness, and death of public figures, these guys always line up at the hospital entrance, even wanting to rush into the ward and shove cameras and microphones into the person's head, just to get the headlines they need a few seconds earlier and grab the public's attention... Sometimes they even make the blunder of repeatedly debunking rumors in a short period of time.

Regarding this behavior, Harry really wants to ask a question from the bottom of his heart...

Where's your face?

So you're just stuffing them under your feet like insoles?!

Therefore, Harry will not let Rita Skeeter, who has lost her job, run wild on her own. A capable troublemaker like her should be kept under strict control and made to do his dirty work!

"Excuse me for being blunt, Mr. Granger, but I find your words utterly absurd. I am a journalist; digging for news is my job and my right. I have no intention of interfering in anything; it is simply that the general public needs to know the hidden truth," Rita Skeeter retorted stubbornly to Harry. "Therefore, I strongly object to, and even protest against, you forcing me to work for you."

Look at this attitude and rhetoric—this complete lack of awareness of wrongdoing, coupled with an unwavering sense of self-righteousness—isn't it exactly what Harry predicted?

She has the audacity to say she has any rights whatsoever?

Of course, Harry didn't bother to listen to a single word of Rita Skeeter's sophistry.

So what if he forced her?

If you're so great, try refusing one!

"Miss Skeeter, I think you still don't grasp the seriousness of the situation." Harry slowly raised his head, his two sharp gazes flying towards Rita Skeeter like sword blades, piercing her heart with fear and even causing her to tremble uncontrollably.

"The Ministry of Magic forced you to stop writing with an authoritative decree; I don't have that kind of Ministry of Magic now, so what do you think... I could use to make you obey?"

"You... Mr. Granger, this joke isn't funny at all..." Rita Skeeter said with difficulty, but she could tell from Harry's eyes that he wasn't joking at all.

"Miss Skeeter, do you think I'm joking?" Harry slowly rose, a slightly sinister smile playing on his lips. "Do you know... who you're talking to?"

"Ugh..." Sensing the dangerous aura emanating from the other party, Rita Skeeter felt as if someone had grabbed her by the neck, making it impossible for her to even breathe or speak, and cold sweat instantly streamed down her face.

"I've fought off Voldemort's return, and I've killed people, as well as Troll, Basilisk, Centaur, Inferi, and many other different creatures..." Harry slowly stepped forward, looking down at Rita Skeeter, who was almost frozen in terror. "So you'd better not try to provoke me, because if I really want to kill you, I'll find you no matter where you run... Even Dumbledore couldn't protect you!"

After hearing this, Rita Skeeter was completely stunned, while Sirius, standing to the side, opened his mouth slightly but ultimately said nothing.

His son is a notorious gangster who commits murder and arson. Should the father "go along with him" or report him to the authorities?

If this question were posted on Zhihu (a Chinese Q&A website), it would probably get a lot of likes...

"So, have you made up your mind?" Harry asked Rita casually, giving her a quick glance.

He's not in a hurry at all, because, as mentioned before, Harry is completely confident.

Dealing with a journalist like Rita Skeeter who has no moral compass is completely useless. You can't reason with her about law or morality, or offer her some huge benefits. She's a heartless person who would betray you at any time for greater gains.

But guys like them are often afraid of ruthless people, especially ruthless people who can disregard the law and kill them on the spot!

And without a doubt, Harry is a wolf-killer.

"What... can I do for you?" After a silent sigh, Rita finally put on a smile that was clearly obsequious.

Yes, she gave in.

Having worked as a reporter for so long, Rita, while not a master of judging people, was certainly quite adept at it. Therefore, she finally understood... she had no choice at all.

Since Harry Granger dared to say it, it means he wasn't afraid to expose these things.

If I dared to disobey him, I would probably be turned into a Beetle specimen.

"Keep all my secrets, and then work for me wholeheartedly for ten years, as I demand!" Harry said sternly, glaring at Rita Skeeter. "If you agree, I'll have my godfather help me make Unbreakable Vow, but if you don't..."

"It's my honor!" But before Harry could finish speaking, Rita stretched out her hand and even knelt down in front of Harry.

Making a vow is tantamount to signing a contract of servitude, but if she doesn't, she probably won't see the sun rise tomorrow...

Rita, being a pragmatic woman, naturally knew exactly what to choose.