Kyle picked up the telephone from the side table and pressed the intercom to the shooting range. The call was picked up after three rings, and Kyle spoke cheerfully, “Is William there? Yes, thank you, Ron. William? I remember we bought a Sony Handycam a few months ago. Did we bring it here? Great! Bring it to the living room now... yes, serious meeting, not exactly child-friendly... Sure, Eko should be able to keep them entertained. ‘Kay.”


    He hung up the phone with a smirk, glancing at the paper cage held by Meiko’s fingertips. “Now, let us present our tiny little intruder.”


    “Rita Skeeter, the famous journalist with great influence in the Britain Wizarding world,” Kyle studied the green beetle in the cage, his brow raised in amusement. “Apart from the pattern that looks like a pair of glasses, it looks just like a normal beetle. How did you spot it?” he turned to Meiko, curiosity in his voice.


    Meiko replied politely, “It’s Nekhi’s Robin. The charming furball scouted the garden and found something odd in our backyard, then quickly plucked the beetle and passed it to Nekhi, who reported to me immediately. I feared it would escape if we just kept her trapped in a regular jar, so I caged it with shikigami.”


    Kyle rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he continued to study the beetle. Of course, he couldn’t see or understand the beetle’s expression, but he couldn’t help but be amazed at the chance to get a glimpse into the Britain wizarding world, the magic being so different from what Scarlet had shown him. He said, teasing, “Let me guess, the popular journalist’s arrival must have some reason. Not for me, of course, not for you either, Lupin, and it’s definitely not for my dear daughter. Hmm... Sirius? The Weasley boys? Or... Harry? Aha! I see the antennae twitching! You’re here for Harry, aren’t you?”


    Alexis watched in awe. She’d known this man was slick and cunning when he’d baited her into his company with the animation studio, but she hadn’t expected to see him in this scene, interrogating a beetle.


    “Sir, I’ve brought the Handycam,” William entered the living room, his gaze immediately catching the peculiar scene of everyone staring at the paper cage. With a quiet pause, he turned on the camera and began recording. “The camera is rolling, Sir.”


    Meiko glanced around at the audience present, nodded, and placed the paper cage on the floor. Taking a few steps back, she readied her paper fan, and the paper cage transformed back into a paper figure that flew back into her palm.


    The beetle stayed a beetle for a long moment, but none of the people in the room looked away from it. Kyle smirked, extending his hand toward Scarlet, signalling her to hand over the yellow pages she still held in her hands. He took the thick phone book, stood up, and raised it high. With a theatrical tone, he said, “Oh, I just hate bugs in my house. Smashing it into a smear would do the trick, and I’m going to do it now.”


    The beetle lingered in a small circle, its antennae twitching rapidly, as though weighing its options. Just as Kyle started lowering the book, she finally transformed with a crack, straightening her glasses indignantly.


    “Well,” she said, smoothing down her green leather robes with maroon furs at the collar and sleeves, “you could have simply invited me for tea like civilised people...”


    “Ah, the wise words from an intruder,” Kyle said, narrowing his gaze, his tone menacing even though a wide grin spread across his face. He tilted his head as he observed the woman from head to toe. “I suppose you didn’t tell anyone you’re here, being an illegal Animagus... You know, I wouldn’t mind having a body buried in my backyard. It’d fertilise the land and benefit the trees.”


    The faint smile on Skeeter’s face froze, and she stiffly replied, “It’s rare to see someone with such a bad sense of humour, telling jokes that aren’t funny...”


    “I’m not joking around,” Kyle chuckled, his voice low. “I really don’t mind silencing you with the simplest method – after all, only the dead keep the best secrets.”


    A cold shiver ran down Skeeter’s spine. From the man’s gaze, she knew he meant every word, and he wouldn’t hesitate to take her life if she didn’t go along with him.


    Who is this man? Skeeter mused, her heartbeat pounding in her chest as she tried to recall every family she knew in the wizarding world. Such words could never come from random wizards or Muggle-borns. He must be from a pureblood family. But which one? Which family has the audacity to speak so casually about taking someone’s life... ?


    “Ah, I see you finally understand your situation!” Kyle nodded approvingly, not giving her time to spin the situation in her favour. “Wouldn’t it have been better if you’d just minded your tongue from the start? Saved us all some precious time.”


    Kyle settled back into his armchair, gesturing lazily toward the seat opposite him. “Have a seat... but hands off your wand. You wouldn’t want to know what would happen if you tried using magic here.”


    Skeeter sat stiffly in the seat he’d pointed to, her hand twitching towards her crocodile-skin bag before she quickly withdrew it. Her lips tightened as she adjusted her jewelled spectacles. “What do you want me to do in exchange for my freedom?”


    Kyle feigned hesitation. “Do as I say, or should I report you to the Ministry?” he said, voice light as he chuckled upon seeing Skeeter almost leap from her seat, her fists clenched. “Oh, you’ve probably thinking too kindly of me. I won’t just report you to the Ministry. No, no. I’ll also report to whoever you’ve eavesdropped on. I bet there are some victims of your juicy articles who would gladly take your life when they hear the news, and I could even arrange a friendly chat with them. Don’t you agree?”


    Skeeter knew then that if she didn’t follow his instructions exactly, it wasn’t just about dying right here, in this moment – no, if she escaped, she’d be hunted by the very people she’d wronged and placed on the Ministry’s most-wanted list. And it was clear, this man wouldn’t let her escape so easily, not with so many forces encircling her – and he was likely to play a part in that hunt.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    “Just tell me what you want,” Skeeter narrowed her eyes, frustration evident in her tone. “You must need something from me, or you wouldn’t be babbling on so much.”


    “In fact, I do need your help.” Kyle waved dismissively at William, who stood silently behind his armchair. “William, keep the camera rolling. Since Ms. Skeeter kindly provided her very valuable footage of the Animagus transformation - beetle to a human form - I might as well turn this clip into the perfect evidence for my brilliant plan to overthrow the current Ministry of Magic, led by... what’s his name again? Oh, yes, Cornelius Fudge.”


    “You recorded me transforming?!” Skeeter’s first thought was shock, but then her mind focused on his words, the gravity of his intentions crashing down on her. “Overthrow the Ministry... how dare you?! I would never--” Her voice trailed off as she realised the situation she was caught in. Her eyes widened, and her hand instinctively moved toward her wand, but a sudden, sharp pressure of two wands pointing directly at her silenced her. She froze, slowly withdrawing her hand from her handbag.


    One of the wand wielders was unmistakable - the only heir to the Black family.


    This is a plot staged for the Ministry by two pureblood families! The conclusion hit her with chilling clarity, and her hands trembled in horror.


    Cold sweat ran down her back, and her fingers felt as though they were made of ice. She regretted tailing Harry Potter to this place and stumbling into this secret rebellion plot. Screaming internally, she wished for nothing more than to escape. Death, at that moment, seemed inevitable. No one would be there to avenge her.


    “Now, I trust such a kind lady would understand and align herself with my ambitions, wouldn’t you?” Kyle smirked, a devilish gleam in his eyes. “I trust that you’ll follow through and write an article – something as juicy as the Chimaera incident – about the person I need you to eavesdrop on, in exchange for your life. What say you?”


    “Yes... yes, I will,” Skeeter replied with a stiff nod, her voice tight with anxiety.


    “Dolores Umbridge,” Kyle’s tone turned cold and precise, “A woman in pink. I have reason to believe she’s been in possession of dark artefacts since she started in the Ministry, and she’s been controlling some Ministry staff, turning them into her lackeys. Follow her, gather evidence of her using and possessing those dark artefacts, and report it in the Daily Prophet within two months. I trust that two months will be more than enough for you to produce something truly groundbreaking.”


    Skeeter nodded again, her muscles stiff with reluctance.


    “You’re not my only option, you know,” Kyle continued casually, as though discussing the weather. “I hope you prove useful. Otherwise... death will be the most merciful option I can offer. And I’m sure you won’t want to know what the alternative could be.”


    “Meiko, mark the lady who has so kindly contributed to our little plan for the betterment of the wizarding world,” Kyle said, dismissing her with a wave. “We can use a tracking spell if we ever need to meet. Or perhaps a curse to ensure her silence?


    Meiko flicked her fan, and a tiny, red dot appeared on Skeeter’s hand as if a new mole had sprouted there, like a spot of red ink. The shrine maiden’s voice was cold and stern as she spoke.


    “The mark will stay active unless Young Master decides otherwise. No matter where you hide - no matter how well protected by spells or charms – I will be able to find you. If Young Master decides your silence needs to be enforced, I’ll make sure it’s done. Don’t try to flee to another country, either. I’ll know immediately. Removing the mark will lead to consequences beyond your imagination.”


    With a brief flutter of her fan, Meiko muttered an incantation under her breath. Skeeter felt a sudden warmth brush across her body, though it did nothing to ease the cold dread that now gripped her. Her spine stiffened when she realised what had just happened - she had been cursed.


    “It’s just a small trick,” Meiko added, her voice almost casual now.“It won’t take your life, but it will blind you instantly. If we hear that you’ve gone blind, we’ll know you’ve spoke about this incident. And I’ll come for you, to hunt you down.”


    While none of the others were looking, Scarlet subtly marked Skeeter as well. Her mark was far more discreet, invisible to human eyes but visible only to her, the priestess of the Queen. However, she was surprised to learn that Meiko had the ability to cast curses. Perhaps I could learn something from her, she thought, a way to research a counter-curse for the Killing Curse?


    Kyle glanced at Skeeter, who looked both defeated and depressed. “What’s the matter? Say something! I thought the famous journalist was known for her silver tongue, always prying information from anyone?”


    Skeeter shot him a glare but quickly lowered her gaze, fearful that her hatred would provoke him. “If I do as you say,” she said, her voice tight,“will you leave me alone?”


    “Of course,” Kyle replied with a grin. “I’m a man of my word. If I like your juicy articles on Dolores Umbridge – of course, I prefer solid evidence, not just rumours - then I won’t make use of your little secret at all.”


    Skeeter forced a smile as she stood, trying to maintain composure. “My readers will find the story behind the Senior Undersecretary quite intriguing very soon.”


    “Perfect!” Kyle said cheerfully, bidding her goodbye as he watched her, clearly uncomfortable, open the door. She turned into a beetle once more, and left without another word.


    After a long moment of silence, ensuring Skeeter hadn’t made an abrupt return to spy on anyone in the Red House again, Kyle leapt from his seat and let out a roaring laugh.


    “All done!” Kyle declared, beaming. He clapped Black on the shoulder, adding, “Mate, thank me for saving you some money.No need to waste handsome rewards on her!”


    The wizards exhaled in relief as Meiko quietly slipped out of the room. William, sensing they needed privacy to continue their discussion, ensured he had recorded everything before turning off the camera. “I’ll go make a few copies of this tape andsend one to Japan and another to Hong Kong for safekeeping,” he said before excusing himself.


    “Thanks, William!” Kyle waved cheerfully, his gaze apologetic as he turned to the rest of the group. “Sorry for taking charge of things earlier. The timing was just perfect. Thought I’d save you all some trouble by getting a professional to handle the Umbridge situation.”


    “Don’t apologise,” Black said earnestly. “We should thank you. I’m not exactly good at this kind of thing, and you’ve done us a great favour.”


    Lupin, now visibly more at ease than before, laughed. “Kyle, you really surprised me! You make it sound like we’re actually going to overthrow the Ministry!”


    “Well,” Kyle shrugged, “she definitely wouldn’t have believed our real motive if we’d just said we wanted to stop the Ministry from sending anyone to Hogwarts. I figured I’d go with something she’d actually believe. Sorry for painting your family in black, Sirius.”


    “Well, I was ‘Black’,” Black smirked, “I don’t mind at all.”


    Laughters spread among the adults. Meanwhile, Alexis, sitting closely with Scarlet, whispered, “I really think I shouldn’t be here.Like, I didn’t help with anything.”


    “You’ve helped a lot, Alexis,” Scarlet reassured her. “If it wasn’t for the information you exposed to my dad, he wouldn’t have been able to blackmail Skeeter so easily.”


    “Really?” Alexis replied, puzzled.She thought about it for a second but decided to let it go, figuring she wasn’t very good at thinking through these things.


    Two months... Alexis mused bitterly, That means everyone at Hogwarts is gonna stuck with that control freak for two whole months before Skeeter can drop the articles to, like, totally wreck the Ministry and kick Umbridge out. Ugh, life’s gonna be pretty miserable after Christmas break.