Deal with the Devilish Reporter
Maya knew that beasts and beings were sources of heat, but she hadn't fully realised how much warmth they gave off until now. With almost all of the Hogwarts students and their pets gone for the Christmas holidays, the temperature had dropped quite dramatically. To make things worse, it was just as cold outside the castle as it was inside.
To put it simply, Hogwarts felt dead. And Maya didn't mean "sterile". Sterile was when something was completely devoid of life, like an empty shop in Diagon Alley. "Dead" was when there were remnants of life. Like bones in a desert, or in the case of Hogwarts, a single glove that someone had dropped in the hallway.
And yet, vibrant and colourful as she was, Rita Skeeter didn't do much to help.
"Maya!" Rita Skeeter exclaimed, putting on a wide smile. Maya suppressed her desire to smack away the blonde witch's hand, allowing the reporter to pinch her cheek. "Still small and squishy, aren't you?"
"Hello, Madam Skeeter," said Maya. She kept her voice fluttery and sweet, though she doubted her smile reached her eyes. "I'd already decided to stay for the holidays when I heard you were coming, so I figured I'd say hi."
"Drop the 'madam', Maya. It makes me sound old. Just 'Rita' will do." Rita's pleasantries were clearly just as forced as Maya's. "And besides, aren't we past that point?"
Maya tilted her head. "Oh, are we?"
"Of course!" A hint of truthfulness entered Rita's tone. "After all, it was my article on your brother that launched my career."
Maya resisted the urge to launch Rita out the window.
"Ah, I remember it as if it were just yesterday... September 19th, 1981. The Daily Prophet had never sold better! If it weren't for You-Know-Who's fall..." Rita decided not to finish that thought.
Madam Pomfrey led Rita to Ben and Rowan. "Madam Skeeter, this is Mr Benjamin Copper."
"Well, I'm here to interview Mr Cooper—"
"Copper," Maya corrected the reporter.
"—to let inquiring readers know more about the situation at Hogwarts." Rita sat down in front of Ben, who watched her silently with round eyes. She whipped out a roll of parchment and a bright red quill. "Mr Cooper—"
"Copper."
"—on the off chance that you don't know who I am, I am the popular, attractive, and objective star reporter for the Daily Prophet, Rita Skeeter."
"Pfft." Rowan rolled her eyes at the bit about Rita being objective.
The blonde witch raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"Nothing. Just a sneeze," Rowan said calmly. "It's been cold recently..."
Rita turned her attention back to Ben. "So, Mr Cooper—"
"Copper," said Ben glumly.
Rita clearly wasn’t listening. "I hear that you were frozen in ice. How did your family react to this news? Do you have any relatives at Hogwarts?"
"No," Ben replied nervously. He eyed Rita’s bright red Quick-Quotes Quill, which was twirling around as it scribbled down... something. "I'm Muggle-born, you see..."
"Muggle-born?" Rita repeated. She paused for a moment before continuing, her tone brisk. "How did you get trapped in the ice? Were you attacked? Set up? Perhaps—"
"I don't remember anything," said Ben.
Rita blinked. "Nothing? That can't be, you must remember something—"
"Excuse me," Ben interrupted. "Aren't you supposed to be writing about the situation at Hogwarts? In that case, I'm the last person you should be interviewing."
Maya was taken aback, and also very impressed. Apparently not even Ben would just stand back while Rita did whatever she wanted.
"Oh? And why is that?" Rita asked.
"Because Ben was missing for over two months and doesn't remember anything from that time period," said Rowan flatly.
Rita stared at the dark-skinned girl in hospital robes with a scrutinising expression. "And what happened to you?"
"I tripped," Rowan lied.
Rita's Quick-Quotes Quill bristled as the witch straightened herself. "How did you lose your memory? Do you have any enemies—no, scratch that." The Quick-Quotes Quill did as told. "Can you tell me more about your situation?"
"I'm afraid that's not possible," said a slow, deep voice, making Rita jump like a startled cricket.
Maya beamed. "Auror Shacklebolt! Hello! We didn't know you were coming."
The wizard nodded at her. "Hello, you three. To explain my previous statement, Madam Skeeter, Mr Copper's current predicament is the subject of an ongoing investigation at the Auror Office. I'd like to keep any more knowledge on the matter from becoming public."
The witch wasn't easily deterred. "An investigation? Perhaps you could make a statement? Even a simple 'we will do all we can' will do—"
But Auror Shacklebolt wasn't a pro for nothing.
"I'm sorry, madam, but all of the information on this investigation is highly confidential. Thank you for your understanding."
Rita flashed a smile that matched Madam Malkin's after fitting a customer for three hours."Of course. I'll make do, or my name isn't Rita Skeeter!" She pinched Maya's cheek again. "Thank you all for your cooperation. Naturally, I'll need to validate your claims. I can't publish unsubstantial rumours in the Daily Prophet..."
Rowan let out another "pfft."
"..."
"I sneezed again."
"It's cold, y'know?" Maya added.
Rita huffed and scuttled out of the hospital wing. Maya could almost feel the annoyance coming off the witch's back.
Ben was still utterly perplexed. "What 'claims'?"
"Excuse me," Maya said, following Rita. She couldn't have gone far...
Rita Skeeter was skimming through her parchment. She said something foul under her breath, crumpled it up, and tossed it into her handbag with a low mutter of, "This won't do..."
Maya leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Something the matter, Rita?"
Rita scowled at the short girl. "I thought you were clever. Obviously, any article about the situation at Hogwarts will be mostly read by parents. Parents who can now just ask their children now that they're home for Christmas."
"So you need something to spice up your article, and Ben won't cut it?" Maya confirmed.
Rita tutted. "The art of journalism requires one to strike while the iron is hot, but striking too much can kill all interest. We've had a million stories about Muggle-borns being murdered, Maya. The truth is, the only way people will read about yet another Muggle-born being attacked is if his attacker is someone special. And if I take the Death Eater angle, our dear Minister of Magic will have my hide for, ahem, 'sowing unrest'. And I'm not about to risk the wrath of the Auror Office by reporting confidential information."
"Sounds like you're speaking from experience," Maya noted. "A lot of information must go unreported for various reasons."
Rita observed Maya carefully. "We both know that you didn't come here to say hello. In fact, you've got every reason to want me in St Mungo's. What are you really after, Maya?"
"You investigated my brother's case. You must know more than what you wrote back then," Maya said calmly. Maintaining eye contact, she continued, "If I had to guess, you gathered enough information to write several follow-ups, but that all went down the drain when Harry Potter defeated You-Know-Who. Jacob was no longer a topic of interest, and your information never saw the light of day."
Rita smiled wryly. "So it's my information that you want. Then I'd like to see what you're offering in return."
"My respect?"
"Very funny."
"Almost everyone left for home instead of staying here and dealing with this ice. You don't have much to work with. I'll help you with your article, but only on the condition that you answer my questions. Truthfully," Maya added. "Trust me, Rita, I will know if you lie to me. And you already know that I'd love to hex you, so you'd better not give me any more reason to."
That was actually a bluff—Maya had no way to guarantee that Rita would tell her the truth. But she did view Rita as an enemy, so if the reporter couldn't be an informant to her, she would gladly test out her new spells on the witch.
"We can talk to the professors, ask them questions," said Maya. "About Hogwarts, or Jacob... or me. That's what you want, isn't it?"
Rita's eyes widened for a split second, fear and surprise flickering behind her spectacles. "You're an interesting one, Maya. Very well. I accept your proposition."
Maya held out her hand. "Why don't we make an Unbreakable Vow, just to be safe?"
"I am not making an Unbreakable Vow with an underage witch, not when there's an Auror right behind that door."
Professor Flitwick seemed like a good place to start, so Maya led Rita to the Charms classroom. Rita towered over the professor, making him seem especially small.
"Miss Shafiq! Merry Christmas," said Professor Flitwick. He raised a quizzical eyebrow at Rita but didn't question the odd combination of her and Maya.
"Merry Christmas, Professor Flitwick," said Maya. She used to get confused by the "Happy/Merry Christmas" phrases, but now she just didn't care. No one seemed to mind, anyway.
Maya noticed Professor Flitwick had a plate full of what looked like fudge. He followed her gaze and nodded in understanding.
"Every year, Hagrid makes treacle fudge for the Hogwarts staff. It's his personal Yuletide tradition," Professor Flitwick explained as he whisked away the fudge with a swish of his wand. Maya figured he must really like Hagrid's fudge if the ever-kind professor didn't want to share. But she was pretty sure her latest batch of fudge looked better, so she decided it was time to eat it with her friends.
"Now then! How can I help you?"
Rita cleared her throat. "Professor Flitwick, I am Rita Skeeter from the Daily Prophet."
"Oh, I know who you are, Madam Skeeter," said Professor Flitwick. He didn't elaborate, making the comment sound somewhat foreboding.
"Good. Then I'll cut right to the chase." Rita produced her Quick-Quotes Quill and parchment in a flash. "I was hoping you'd answer some of my questions, Professor."
Professor Flitwick dusted off his red and white cloak. "I don't see why not. I trust it won't take too long?"
"Of course not," said Rita with a flashy fake smile. "Ahem... It's very cold—unnaturally so. Can you tell me who or what is the cause behind this?"
"This is no doubt the work of a powerful curse," Professor Flitwick replied. "The headmaster refers to it as the Curse of Ice. As for who or what is behind it... I have my suspicions, but I'd rather not speak of them."
Rita's mouth thinned. "What are your thoughts on the current state of Hogwarts? I hear you've been busy with all the cursed ice."
"Hmm... The dangers themselves aren't quite as prevalent as you would imagine. It's mostly the cold that leads me to a bottle of Pepperup Potion. I find that the castle gets awfully quiet and dull during the holidays," said Professor Flitwick. "Especially now with this curse running amok."
"Yes, Maya's told me as much," said Rita. "Speaking of which, how's she doing at school? Living up to her brother's reputation?" She wasn't making much of an effort to hide her lack of satisfaction with Professor Flitwick's answer.
"Miss Shafiq is a wonderful student, yes," said Professor Flitwick brightly. "Just like her brother, she has a knack for Charms." He winked at the short witch, who beamed with gratitude for the professor.
Rita nodded stiffly. "I see... So she's the best in her year, too?"
"Nah," Maya said quickly. "Ben's the best, and I wouldn't count Rowan out either."
Professor Flitwick smiled at her. "True, Mr Copper and Miss Khanna are wonderful students as well. It's been a delight to teach such bright minds. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to resume putting up the decorations."
Rita's amicable demeanour vanished as soon as the professor did. Maya glanced at the tutting witch.
"I take it that's not what you wanted to hear. How about we visit my Head of House instead? His remarks are going to be nothing like Professor Flitwick's, that much I can guarantee..."
Strangely enough, Professor Snape wasn't alone in his office. Professor Quirrell was there too, badgering the Potions Master relentlessly.
"Come on, Severus. You use them in potions all the time, you have to know something—"
"That is not my area of expertise," said Professor Snape curtly. "Go ask a geography professor."
"We don't have a geography professor!"
"Exactly."
Maya paused, not sure what to make of the scene. "Er, Professors? This is Rita Skeeter, reporter from the Daily Prophet." She gestured to Rita, who waved. "We were hoping you would agree to an interview, but if this is a bad time..."
"There's nothing wrong with an interview. Our Muggle Studies professor just finally realised that he should have studied up on more than the mundane," Professor Snape said icily. "Too little, too late."
The Potions Master's remarks seemed to roll off Professor Quirrell's back. "Sorry if I'm a little, er, hyper. I was grading essays when I found Miss Dolohov's fascinating piece on Muggle mythos and how they might be the key to making the next academic breakthrough!"
Rita inhaled sharply as her quill (when had she brought it out?) started whizzing across the parchment. "Dolohov? Could you be referring to Yekaterina Dolohov, daughter of the Death Eater Antonin Dolohov? She takes Muggle Studies?"
Professor Quirrell beamed. "Why, yes! I try not to play favourites, Madam Skeeter, but I must say she's my best student!"
Suddenly, an idea hit Maya like a bolt of lightning.
"Yekaterina's one of the Slytherin prefects," Maya said gleefully. "She welcomed me in at the start of my first year, along with Felix Rosier."
"Despite the initial concerns, Dolohov and Rosier have both proven to be exemplary students," said Professor Snape with a snide smile. Maya got the feeling that he remembered Rita's article about Felix and Yekaterina getting admitted into Hogwarts, and how she had demonised them relentlessly. "Both of them are very well-respected by their teachers and peers."
Rita looked like she had been hit in the face with a sack of bricks. Maya nodded in satisfaction—she was going to have to tell Yekaterina about this.
"Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about Shafiq..."
"Oh?" Rita ripped off the top of her parchment where her quill had already written something, presumably very glamorous and exaggerated, about the prefects. "Would you care to elaborate?"
Professor Snape obliged. "She may have some talent in potion-brewing, but it is not enough to make up for all the trouble she causes both in and out of class. She's far too much like her brother. We've had exploding cauldrons, unsanctioned duelling, wandering about past curfew..."
It took all of Maya's willpower not to roll her eyes. She'd brought Rita here so that Professor Snape could trash talk her, but that didn't mean she had to enjoy it. For starters, the exploding cauldron was Merula's fault. And the duel. And the... Okay, breaking curfew was entirely on her.
Don't forget the Curse of Ice, Maya's conscience reminded her. That's your fault too.
I know. But I'm gonna fix it. Somehow.
"It wouldn't be much of a loss if Shafiq were expelled," finished Professor Snape. Rita's Quick-Quotes Quill did a little twirl, but the reporter herself didn't exactly look satisfied.
"Come now, Severus, there's no need to be so harsh," said Professor Quirrell. He gave Maya a kindly smile. "Don't take it to heart, Miss Shafiq. You have already demonstrated exceptional aptitude in Defence Against the Dark Arts, and I'm sure the other professors would say the same. Your Head of House just has unrealistic expectations when it comes to, well, everything. I'm looking forward to having you in my class next year."
Maya tugged on the brim of her hat. "Thank you, Professor. I'm looking forward to Muggle Studies, too. That, and Divination with Professor Trelawney."
Professor Quirrell's eyes widened. "Oh, I almost forgot!" The pale wizard whipped a pocket watch out of his cloak and checked it frantically. "I agreed to meet Sybill for tea, so if you'll please excuse me... Unless you would like to join us? The more the merrier, I always say! And I'm sure Professor Trelawney could provide valuable insight for Madam Skeeter's article."
Professor Snape shook his head, but Maya looked at Rita hopefully. A cup of tea with Professor Trelawney sounded really nice.
Please say yes, please say yes...
"I don't see why not," said Rita with another fake smile. "Where are we headed?"
Maya could tell that Rita was regretting accepting Professor Quirrell's offer. She huffed and puffed as she climbed up the North Tower. Maya and Professor Quirrell, who frequented Professor Trelawney's office, were doing just fine. But there was no denying that Rita was determined. She managed to get all the way to the silver ladder without turning back. Maya picked up a lot of muttered complaints, though.
Professor Trelawney's holiday plans seemed to consist of holing herself up in her office with a large stack of books and patterned blue cups of warm tea. She was glad to have guests, and quickly offered Maya and Rita a pair of steaming cups.
"Thank you, Professor," said Rita. She took a sip and set the cup on its matching saucer. Maya didn't bother telling Rita to drink the tea quickly before it froze.
"Welcome, Madam Skeeter. I am the oft talked about, rarely seen, Sybill Trelawney. Divination professor for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry since 1981." Professor Trelawney spread her arms, putting her glittering bangles and shawls on full display. "I understand that you are here for an interview, yes?"
"I'm a reporter, what else could I be here for?" Rita's parchment and quill were already out and ready. "Let's cut right to the chase then. Professor Flitwick previously attributed this cold to a 'Curse of Ice'. Could you share your opinions?"
Professor Quirrell started drumming his fingers on the rim of his teacup, just like Maya had seen Yekaterina do many times before. "Well, I agree that this cold and ice is the result of dark magic. A very dark, very ancient magic."
"It is coming from a Cursed Vault," said Professor Trelawney.
Rita raised an eyebrow. "You believe they exist? The Cursed Vaults?"
"Oh, they exist alright," Maya said firmly.
"I... see." The Quick-Quotes Quill jotted something down.
"Cursed Vault or not, I have my work cut out for me," said Professor Quirrell tiredly. "Teaching these students to defend themselves against such curses will not be easy..."
Professor Trelawney smiled, seemingly unconcerned. "You'll do fine, Quirinus. Professor Dumbledore appointed you with teaching additional Defence Against the Dark Arts for a reason."
Rita cleared her throat. "The two of your seem to be good friends. If you don't mind me asking, how exactly did that come to be? That's just a personal question," she told the red quill, which seemed to droop in disappointment."
"We were in the same house as students, so we passed each other from time to time," said Professor Quirrell. "But we only became close after becoming professors. Muggle Studies and Divination... As much as it pains me to say it, they're not the most popular subjects. Mine is considered especially boring."
Professor Trelawney shook her head sadly. "And mine, difficult. I cannot bestow the gift of Sight, which sets a tragic limit on how much my students can See, even with my assistance."
"And another thing..." Rita paused, thinking of how to word her question. "Professor Trelawney, what exactly is the nature of your relationship with Maya Shafiq? She's only a second-year, so she can't be in your class yet."
"Oh, I just give Miss Shafiq advice on how to control her Inner Eye," said Professor Trelawney. She cheered up pretty quickly. "I know I shouldn't be giving any students unfair head starts, but her ability is rare! It would be a shame if it were to go untrained like her brother's did."
Rita (and her quill) froze. "Are you saying that Maya... is a Seer?"
Maya nodded. "Yep!" Rita's gonna love this.
"She has reported visions of shocking clarity," Professor Trelawney added. "Especially for her age."
Rita exhaled, her joy obvious on her face. The news of the Shafiq siblings' ability must have met her qualifications for being scoop-worthy. Maya smiled too, knowing that the information she was looking for was mere seconds away.
"Well, I must be going now," said Rita, checking a pocket watch "Thank you so much for your cooperation, professors." The Quick-Quotes Quill was having a field day, scribbling through Rita's parchment at an alarming speed. Maya could tell that the witch was already thinking of how to spin this juicy information.
"I better see her off," said Maya. "Thank you for the tea, Professor Trelawney!"
Once they arrived at an empty corridor, Maya stopped Rita in her tracks.
"Alright, Rita. I've held up my end of the deal," said Maya. "Now it's your turn to answer my questions."
Rita smiled at Maya in a way that reminded her of the cat in the Gryffindor common room. "Yes, about that… I was very pleased with you today, Maya. So much that I'd like to propose a... a partnership."
Maya narrowed her eyes. Was Rita trying to pull a fast one on her?
"I will answer one question. Just one. And if you find me with more material for another article, I'll answer another. Do we have a deal?"
"One article for one question?" Maya tilted her head. "...Deal."
That worked for her. She could always develop more questions for Rita, and Rita could always gather more information for her.
"I knew you were clever," said Rita. "Now, ask away."
Maya cleared her throat. She'd approached Rita with the intent of learning...
"What happened to Duncan Ashe and Olivia Green?"
Rita paused. Then she scowled.
"That's not one question, Maya, that's two questions stacked on top of each other wearing a trench coat. But no matter," she said briskly, "as I can only answer one of them. I've never heard of this 'Olivia Green', but I assume she was another friend of your brother's. Duncan Ashe, however..."
Maya raised an eyebrow as Rita took her sweet time. The witch smirked—she was having a little too much fun. Maya refrained from snapping and waited patiently, but she was pretty sure she twitched once or twice.
"Duncan Ashe is dead. And Jacob Shafiq confessed to his murder."