Daddy Dearest - (No Update, Edit)

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.
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Chapter 89 ~ The Next Day's News (Short Chapter)

The next morning, the Daily Prophet was found to contain the following column from Rita Skeeter. Barnabas Cuffe had been appalled at what happened to the witch, and published the article as much for her protection as for public awareness. The editor hoped that it might deter an attempt on the brave reporter's life.


WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE WIZARDING WORLD
Daily Column by Rita Skeeter

A Little Visitation from the DKV

Dear Readers

Yesterday after writing my editorial, I received a visit from a Mrs. Viola Sludge. She had no problem giving me her name. She was a pleasant enough looking woman, well mannered, dressed in a nice floral robe and matching witch's hat. She looked like the type of witch you would meet at a social.

Mrs. Sludge told me she would like to speak to me about the editorial and proceeded to inform me that the Dark Knights of Valor, better known as the DKV would appreciate it if I did not write any more articles concerning them or Hermione Granger's trial. She said I had incited riff-raff against the organization and they would like to maintain their "integrity"

When I questioned the "integrity" of such an obvious hate group, Mrs. Sludge informed me that the DKV promoted love, respect and advancement for purebloods and that they were a benevolent organization. Mrs. Sludge then offered me monetary compensation three times the amount of my pay per article as an incentive.

The witch was quite polite and persuasive. I find myself thinking that's how the DKV initially moved so many people to join…by appearing nice and up front about their motives and purposes, just as Mrs. Sludge was when she tried to buy me out. They make it sound oh so reasonable. Oh so right. As if you would be a fool to pass on the offer.

Well I did pass on it. And I told her that she had been brainwashed into believing Muggle-borns are the source of all pureblood problems in the wizarding world. Any truly rational person could see the fallacy in that belief. There are difficulties in every life, and they happen regardless who exists in our world. If purebloods want to be in positions of authority, they don't need bigoted reforms and unfair laws. They simply need to work at it, like everyone else.

Needless to say I insulted her by challenging her philosophy…her opinion. Oh, my readers if only the DKV line remained in the realm of opinion there would be no Hermione Granger trial occurring at this very moment. No sit-ins outside of shops guilty of discrimination. But it is not in the realm of opinion…it is in the realm of our society now, poisoning us and destroying our tradition of acceptance.

When I declined to play along with the DKV, that lovely woman, Mrs. Sludge became instantly threatening, although the threat was implied when she said she hoped I had the good sense to keep our discussion confidential. 

Well, guess what Mrs. Sludge (a very fitting name by the way)…I didn't keep it confidential. I want the entire wizarding world to know that I refused to be bought out by the DKV, and what's more, the organization's attempt to silence me.

Dear readers, I don't know if there will be other attempts to quell the voice of Rita Skeeter, but if I am to suddenly go silent, be assured it could only be foul play. To say I am not afraid would be an exaggeration of the facts, but I am equally afraid of what will happen to our society if no one speaks out. 

In the words of the muggle known as Helen Keller, a young woman who had to overcome great odds to live, much less become a pillar of strength and symbol of hope for others, I find comfort, strength and the will to continue. And these are those words.

"Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold."

And be assured, dear readers, in the face of whatever dangers may be in store for me…I will continue to be bold.

Rita Skeeter
Daily Prophet Columnist

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Readers also found this little gem on the front page of the Prophet. It had been hurriedly added before the morning edition went out.


Vigilant Pet Saves Columnist Rita Skeeter's Life

At approximately three o'clock AM this morning, an intruder entered the premises of reporter Rita Skeeter armed with a dagger and a wand, only to be killed and partially consumed by the reporter's weredog and companion Gabby, thus saving the witch's life. It is the opinion of the Aurors investigating the scene that the intruder intended on murdering the controversial reporter who has been deemed "the Voice of Conscience" for the wizarding world. The intruder's remains revealed that he was imprinted with the Dark Mark, a symbol of the infamous organization, the Dark Knights of Valor. Investigation is continuing to find out the identity of the intruder. Miss Skeeter was left unharmed.

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Voldemort's red eyes glistened as he sat on his throne and read both Prophet articles. He let out a roar, flinging the paper away from him, then blasting it to flaming bits with his wand. The expression on his scaly face was terrible.

All around him, his loyal followers were failing him.

Something had to be done.

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A/N: Wow…this ended ominously, didn't it? Just a short chapter to clue you up on what's being written. Please review.