Chapter 588: The United Weasleys
"Well, happy collaborating," Kyle said with a grin as Rita Skeeter stood to leave the Leaky Cauldron.
"I just came in for a Butterbeer because I felt a bit tired of writing. There was no collaboration," Rita corrected as she snapped her handbag shut. "And we just happened to sit at the same table and chat about the Triwizard Tournament. I didn't say anything else, and I won't admit to anything, either."
"Ah, that's right," Kyle said with an amused smile.
With that, Rita Skeeter headed toward the bar's exit. As she reached the door, a subtle look of relief crossed her face. Now that she had secured the Animagus photo, she could finally breathe easier.
Her only lingering concern was whether Kyle would keep his word and not reveal her secret. But she doubted he'd go back on his promise—especially after she had paid for the information.
Fifty Galleons wouldn't normally buy a name and proof of Umbridge's credit-stealing, she thought smugly. Kyle surely understood the value of what she'd handed over.
As Rita considered it further, a new sense of excitement bubbled within her. She began to wonder what Kyle—and more importantly, Dumbledore—might be planning.
She didn't believe for a second that Kyle was merely curious about Fudge's secrets. His words and demeanor made it clear that he was firmly aligned with Dumbledore's camp. And if that was the case, they were bound to act.
A showdown between the headmaster of Hogwarts, the most powerful wizard, and the Minister of Magic?
Just imagining the potential conflict made her pulse quicken. Whatever happened next would surely be extraordinary, and it would be the kind of event Rita lived to cover.
But for now, all she could do was wait. With her Animagus secret compromised, sneaking around as a beetle for information was out of the question.