"But we're professors, we have no way to question her." Professor Sprout sighed.
"I understand." Vivi made an OK gesture.
Since they had already caught Rita Skeeter, the professors' task was complete.
Hermione's plan was simple. She suspected Rita just liked to create big news, and four professors suddenly visiting the Black Family Mansion was clearly a precursor to major news.
This was just a part of luring Rita to appear; it seemed she had taken the bait.
After a dinner with the professors, Vivi released the disheveled Rita once they had left.
There were only the two of them in the room, and Vivi didn't want to tarnish her image in Harry's eyes.
Rita, being released, was somewhat delirious from the burning of Ancient Burei Immortal Fire. Vivi didn't pity her; she raised her magic wand, and a gush of clear water like a spring pushed Rita against the wall.
"Spare me, spare me—Miss Grindelwald, Miss Grindelwald..."
As soon as she landed, Rita crawled over, begging Vivi for forgiveness.
"It's not that I don't want to spare you, Lady Skitt." Vivi sat in the chair, looking down at Rita at her feet: "But it's whether you're willing to spare yourself."
"I... I..."
Rita was speechless. She didn't know how she should answer to satisfy Miss Grindelwald.
Vivi didn't say anything, just silently watched her, occasionally taking a sip of tea, appearing completely unhurried to state her demands.
This pressure was far greater than anything Vivi could say.
"Then I, I..."
Rita tried organizing her thoughts multiple times, only to reject them herself.
What exactly should she say or do to appease the terrifying lady before her?
No... it's to satisfy the lady...
At this thought, Rita decided to take a gamble.
"Please command me, noble Miss Grindelwald." She fawned: "Any request you have, I will do my utmost to fulfill..."
"I have no requests." Vivi put the teacup aside, smiled at Rita: "It seems you still don't understand what I mean..."
"But I..."
Rita's mind raced frantically, after several intense thoughts, finally identifying the crux of the problem.
"I'll go back and rewrite the article—about you, Miss Grindelwald, why you fancy that boy Harry Potter..."
Vivi slowly raised her head, looking at Rita with eyes as if she were staring at a corpse.
Rita shivered, thinking to herself, 'Oh no.'
Smart as she was, she immediately realized the mistake in her previous words.
Judging by this look, Miss Grindelwald doesn't dislike Mr. Potter?
Thinking this, the ever-adaptable Rita quickly amended: "No, I believe the poignant love between Miss Grindelwald and Mr. Potter truly deserves my sincere writing!"
After speaking, she cautiously raised her head and saw Vivi's expression easing, secretly feeling delighted.
She had gambled correctly, it seemed...
She continued: "Additionally, regarding Mr. Regulus Black, I believe Prophet Daily needs to reassess, um... especially considering his past heroic acts as an undercover beside the Dark Demon King, we must spread his heroic deeds across every corner of the Magic World!"
Saying this, Rita cautiously raised her head again, only to see Vivi focusing on drinking tea and not looking at her.
"Furthermore, if you ever need anything, Prophet Daily will thoroughly assist..."
Rita finally said through clenched teeth.
Of course, she knew what the name Grindelwald represented, but she had no choice, as she was being held by her weakness.
Moreover, today she had witnessed Miss Grindelwald's methods, knowing full well she could die without a trace.
Since she was already caught in her hands, Rita had no choice but to accept defeat.
Hearing Rita's words, Vivi put down her teacup.
Of course, she wanted more than just Rita's help in clearing Regulus's name; she needed Prophet Daily to assist her in other matters too.
(Seeking monthly votes)
(The last 4000 words are a fulfillment of last month's wish for 50,000 monthly votes/deliverance; finally repaid!)