Wild child

It was another night of camping out in the cold raining forest, and Fanny wished no one had followed her as she waited in a Muggle café at noon the next day.He hasn't had a good voice since he was on shift at night, and he deliberately changed his face into a rough and ugly look when he set off. She has seen the waiter at the counter pointing at him twice.This is great, originally she was talking about meeting people with Wenbian, but this situation looks like she brought a thug.

For heaven's sake, the people she was about to meet were tough enough.

A few minutes later, a woman in a half-worn dark blue suit walked into the café.She was about forty, with thin-framed glasses, dull brown hair pulled up in a low chignon, her neck and shoulders pushed forward in a tired arc.

This woman is unremarkable, she seems to be a clerk who has worked in a small company or newspaper for half her life.After looking around slowly for a week, she fixed her eyes on the corner where Fanny was. Fanny calmly pushed the cup to the side of the table against the wall, which was a signal of safety.A courteous smile immediately appeared on the woman's face, and she walked straight towards this side.

"Hi, Miss Megan. Nice to meet you." She said, shaking hands with Fanny who stood up, "This is...?"

"Sean Bridges, my partner." Fanny said, annoyed to find Sirius sitting still, "He is also here to discuss matters related to the job you applied for."

"Mary Foster. Nice to meet you."

Sirius didn't look at Mary's outstretched hand, and picked up the glass to drink water.Mary's face turned gloomy, and then she calmly withdrew her hands and reached into her bag as if she was looking for something, keeping her eyes on Fanny.

"What do you want in your life?" Her lips barely moved, and she asked in a volume that only the three people in the corner could hear.

"The greater good." Fanny replied in the same voice.

Mary then sat down across from Fanny and ordered a cup of espresso, while Sirius and Fanny each ordered their own.After the waiter delivered the coffee, Fanny silently cast a few spells to make sure no Muggles could come near or hear what they were talking about.

Picking up the cup and taking a sip, "Mary" cleared her throat: "Then..."

"Seriously," Sirius cut her off abruptly, "that's how she made you read that rubbish? For a code?"

"I think this is……"

"It's really mentally retarded." Sirius interrupted again, still looking at Fanny, as if the person opposite her didn't exist at all.

"Can you say a few words less?" Fanny said to him, suppressing the fire.

"It's wonderful." "Mary" said coldly. "If this is your attitude, I don't think this conversation is necessary at all."

"Thank you so much," Sirius said mockingly.

Fanny resisted not kicking him.

"Our attitude has always been clear, and let me remind you who is the one who initiated this conversation." Fanny remained expressionless, "Come to the point as soon as possible, Ms. Skeeter?"

"Okay, Melissa..."

"Miss Megan."

Seeing that the person opposite froze for a moment and took a deep breath, Fanny suppressed her smile.It's not unusual for Sirius to be a bastard at all, and she would undoubtedly like to see this woman provoked.

"Miss Megan." She put her forearms on the table and leaned forward slightly. Fanny immediately saw Rita Skeeter through the appearance of the down-and-out clerk. "I have noticed that you have botched the falsification of my report on the unfortunate accident in Leicester."

"I believe I've stated EYE's request in the last conversation. We don't need extra rendering, and we won't allow you to wreak more havoc on that family with that fancy quill."

"With all due respect, the kind of bland articles you write aren't going to sell anything."

"You don't need to worry about it. If my purpose is to make money, I can just sell people like you who come to me to the Ministry of Magic."

Skeeter stirred the coffee, making mocking noises.

"It's so cute, Miss Megan." She looked at Fanny, "Even if your touching sentiment and bottomless wallet are enough to keep it going, a publication that no one is interested in reading What's the point of existence?"

"I'm afraid the reader's interest is not exactly the same as you imagined." Fanny said coldly, "If you want exaggerated stories, the Daily Prophet is enough to satisfy them, and I believe Mr. Lovegood will also welcome you What an impassioned statement for the 'righteous side' - especially since you contributed so much to his magazine sales."

Being coerced by Hermione into writing Harry's interview was a shame for Skeeter, and the muscles in her face twitched as if Fanny had just hit her.

"That's the end of the childish quarrel, Miss Megan." Skeeter said coldly, "I don't bother with your wallet, if you want me to abide by your ridiculous principles and continue to write for your magazine, Then the two conditions I set forth must be met."

"Come on, we're begging you to write something."

Skeeter ignored Sirius' sarcasm and continued: "First of all, my article cannot be tampered with, not even a single word."

"It can only be on the premise that your article meets our requirements. Delay in revealing the truth and danger to those who know are not allowed by us."

"I didn't earn my place in the press by virtue of my looks, miss," said Skeeter contemptuously.

"It can be seen." Sirius answered, and Fanny held back her smile again.

"Secondly, all my articles must be signed by my name."

"That's impossible." Fanny said dryly. "Once you do this, you will immediately become a target of the Death Eaters. I will not risk the safety of so many people for your reputation."

"I appreciate your confidence in your magazine's popularity," Skeeter said equally dryly, "but that's non-negotiable."

"What a pity then." Fanny relaxed and leaned back, "Ms. Skeeter, you are a very 'capable' reporter, but not what we need. I believe you will find broad room for development."

"With your kind words, Miss Sanchez."

It took Fanny a second to realize what Skeeter had just said, and when she saw the smile on his face, she knew it was too late to cover up.She stared at Skeeter as he quickly considered a countermeasure, and out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Sirius reaching into the pocket of his coat.

"If you can't remember Miss Meghan's name, I don't mind repeating it," Sirius said.

"I completely trust my memory, Mr. Bridges." Skeeter took out a copy of "The Quibbler" from his bag and put it on the table. In front of Fanny.

Sirius looked at it inexplicably, then turned to look at Fanny.

The title of the article facing Fanny was "The Official and Hogwarts", and the author was signed by Christophe. She almost understood what was going on.

"I have to say, though still dull, that you've come a long way from what you were two years ago, Miss Sanchez," said Skeeter smugly. "It's not difficult for me to spot articles by the same author .”

"Admirable." Fanny didn't know what else to say.

"Thank you for the charade that everyone can participate in. Can you explain it in kindness?" Sirius said gruffly.

"I wrote this article when I was in fifth grade," Fanny replied. "You know, at that time the Ministry of Magic sent a woman named Umbridge to interfere with Hogwarts. Because the more authoritative newspapers were all The Ministry of Magic took control, and after Skeeter's interview with Harry made The Quibbler a hit, I mirrored some of what was going on at Hogwarts at the time." She shrugged with feigned ease, "In general That’s what inspired me to start EYE, I never thought anyone would remember it.”

"You are underestimating yourself, Fanny. The aftermath of this article has caused some shocks to the Ministry of Magic, and a real reporter will not let go of any point of attention." Skeeter obviously liked I am very satisfied with the impact I have had on the two of them.

"That's it? You admit it when she puts an article in front of you, and this article is not even signed by your name?" Sirius still ignored Skeeter's existence and stared at Fanny.

"She's confident about it, and it doesn't matter if Rita Skeeter admits to a fact when she thinks she has it — or whether the fact itself is true. I'm just trying to save time."

"Brilliant and sensible." Skeeter looked more comfortable. "Remember our last meeting? You taunted me about that Granger girl, in a friend's way, not a bystander's way. Granger I've figured out her social circle a long time ago, and as you said, she's not much of a social butterfly. Excluding those of her friends who have returned to Hogwarts, it's a very small range. Just look it up again The delivery records of the Owl Post Office are very clear, and it is a common omission to deliver with your real name."

Skeeter said it lightly, but just looking for a record of the Owl Post Office two years ago represents a considerable amount of engineering. You must know that there are hundreds of letters and parcels that are turned over every day.Not to mention that she can still clearly remember the style characteristics of an article so long ago.

"Don't be so surprised, your identity is far from the most troublesome material I have dug up. But you should really spend more of your wisdom on restraining yourself rather than domineering, Fanny."

Fanny could feel her face burning, and she really wanted to slap that smug face right now.But she knew that what Skeeter said was right, she was still too young, and her thoughtful arrangement was actually full of loopholes.There were plenty of people who outmatched her in every way, but very few who really frustrated her, especially when it was Skeeter.

"Miss Sanchez."

Both Skeeter and Sirius looked surprised.

"Or Miss Megan, you can choose." Fanny relaxed her clenched hands, "If you want to continue this conversation, we'd better adopt a more polite way."

Skeeter laughed contemptuously, and Fanny cut her off before she could speak, not sure she could take another round of insults from Skeeter.

"I have to admit that I did underestimate you before, thinking you were just a big talker who could 'wiretap' (the "turn into a beetle" meme). But first, I will not apologize for that."

The change in the face of the person opposite made Fanny somewhat more comfortable.

"You can't fool the public with sheer lies, though most of them singled out aren't much smarter than a Flobberworm." Skeeter resumed his icy tone, "Well, it seems we It's equal now, Miss Sanchez."

"Still wrong. As long as you still plan to write to me, I'm your boss. Remember that," Fanny said.

After a stalemate for a while, Skeeter's body retreated slightly.

"Well, don't think I can't see that you and your friends are ready to knock me out and wipe my memory at any moment. If I really planned to blackmail you with this, you wouldn't show up so unsuspectingly. The famous reporter raised one eyebrow and said provocatively, "I just want to tell you that you are no more credible than me in not getting caught. If I want to risk writing for you, then You have to have the corresponding trust in return.”

Two pairs of eyes looked at Fanny, Fanny pursed her lips and thought for a while, then nodded.

"As you wish, your article will be signed by your real name. But don't forget my request, be truthful and objective, and not leave trouble for those who know."

"Fine." Skeeter nodded, with that smirk that looks genuine when she wants to put someone at ease, "then we're a partnership now. Maybe you won't admit it, but we have a lot in common .You don't think..."

"Stop." Fanny made a pause gesture, "We all know that sooner or later you will print every sentence between us in the newspaper, so there is no way."

"It's always worth a try." Skeeter picked up his bag and stood up, pointing to the magazine on the table, "You can keep this as a souvenir, and read it when you have nothing to do. Happy cooperation, Miss Sanchez. "

"Enjoy your last days off Voldy's kill list," Sirius said.

Skeeter's sudden leaning made Sirius' body tense for a moment, and then he returned to his indifferent expression: "Why, want a goodbye kiss? But I don't want to vomit in public."

"Unfortunately, I don't want to." Skeeter looked at Sirius with her characteristic aggressive look, "There are more people who want to kill me than you have ever seen in your life, so don't worry about it. My job is My life, none of them will end because the wizarding world has changed power."

The clicking sound of the heels colliding with the ground gradually faded away, leaving the cafe.Sirius returned to normal, took a sip of his cold cup of coffee.

"Explain your so-called equal relationship." In a flat, commanding tone.

"It's nothing, Skeeter is an unregistered Animagus, Hermione found out." Fanny threw sugar cubes into her cold coffee, "As far as I know, she hasn't registered yet."

"What?" Sirius raised his eyebrows in disbelief, "You want to use this to restrain her? This is not a level of secret with her mastering your identity! Do you think that after she betrayed your real identity, the Ministry of Magic still Care if she's an illegal Animagus?"

"No, but the public cares." Coffee wasn't Fanny's favorite in the first place, and it got even colder. She pushed the cup away in disgust. "If this is announced, her career as a reporter will be over, and everyone who has been attacked by her will take the opportunity to step on it. She is very clear about how much she is hated."

"You really believe her 'career is life' nonsense?"

"I don't believe any of her nonsense, but the request she made will not be false." Fanny picked up the water that had been left aside, "Once there is an article in EYE with her name signed, she and you and I will be together The boat is on board. She didn’t mention it the last time we spoke, and a person like her wouldn’t be comfortable not picking someone up when it’s time to pick a side.”

"It looks like she's become your 'one'. Quick enough."

"No way. Is she a scum? Obviously. But she's definitely an unscrupulous careerist, so I can accept being on her side."

Fanny thought that her words would cause new sarcasm and even outrage, but Sirius laughed out of her expectation.

"You know you're killing us, don't you?"

Fanny didn't answer.

"Now, how about we talk about Skeeter's easy identification of you?"

"To shut up."

Sirius didn't fight back, he beckoned the waiter who was a little scared of him to order breakfast for himself and Fanny.Fanny has no appetite, poking the fried egg in a daze.

"Since even Skeeter can be hired, it seems that you won't do anything to that Sarah." Sirius said suddenly.

"She's pretty good." Fanny was absent-minded, "It's an old-fashioned idea to be prejudiced against young and promising beautiful girls."

"I don't think I will be threatened by someone who regards Skeeter as an idol." Sirius snorted, "Don't you think they are the same thing? If she can betray you to Skeeter, she can betray you too." to others."

"After using the current communication method, it is impossible for someone to find us through her, unless the anti-tracking spell you set up is not reliable enough. And it's hard to say whether Skeeter's coming to our door through her is a bad thing for us."

"Yeah, that's right, she doesn't even know your name except for a parchment that conveys a message. Who are you to her, Rachel?"

"Rachel Alves." Fanny gave him a strange look. "Aren't you complaining about her?"

"Of course not. Any kind of parallel connection is dangerous at a time like this, let alone she's even thinking about making friends. Funny isn't it?"

Fanny thought of Sarah Kenny's sincere smile and the hand she reached out to shake with her after receiving the parchment representing her. She has not been a reporter for a long time, but she is alert and calm. Ni's heart.If there is any dissatisfaction, it is that she has identified "one of my own" too quickly.Fanny nearly fired her when she learned she was trying to confer with Todd, another reporter at EYE, and her drafts no longer included sentences like "hope you're doing well."

"Not at all. But what are you trying to say?"

"I just wonder how you can remember who you are." Sirius shrugged.

It's not uncommon to have endless conversations, and since he shut up, she doesn't bother to ask more.Sirius seems to be angry all the time, and he's terribly outspoken, but you'll never know what he's thinking when he's looking darkly at you.Fanny was no stranger to dealing with such people, and her method was not to think about it, and not to try to lie.On the contrary, Fanny sometimes felt that Sirius' actions—including those untimely picky complaints—was like some kind of temptation. She was sure that Sirius was not the kind of person who was rich in emotion or fastidious, and she I didn't even try to figure it out.