Daily Prophet newspaper, editor's office.
Editor-in-Chief Cotton sat at his desk, listening quietly to his subordinate Bolin's constant complaints and expressions of loyalty.
"Editor-in-Chief, you've worked hard for decades to reach this position."
"And now, Rita Skeeter, a reporter who only knows how to chase headlines, becomes the deputy editor because of a pure-blood family's influence."
"Is this fair? Such people can become deputy editors while we editors and reporters are completely unconvinced."
"Editor-in-Chief, what should we do?"
"As long as you say it, no one in the office will pay attention to this woman who got here by selling herself."
Cotton squinted, listening to Bolin's tone. His experience allowed him to hear the envy beneath the complaints.
Rita Skeeter, a shallow reporter who only flaunted her writing skills, had gained such a position through a pure-blood family.
This was beyond his expectations.
Normally, Cotton had a hundred ways to make such a person unable to stay at the Daily Prophet.
However, the backing of several pure-blood families made this troublesome.
If he acted directly, it might lead to more trouble.
Therefore, he should be cautious with this woman.
He hoped Rita wouldn't show off her scheming in the office, or he would be forced to act ruthlessly.
Cotton interrupted Bolin's complaints and said, "Bolin, I understand everyone's feelings."
"Don't worry, everything is under control. Let everyone continue working. I'll call you when needed."
Bolin, interrupted, hesitated but then nodded, "Okay, editor, I'll go back first."
He left, and Cotton looked at Bolin's departing figure, tapping his desk and falling into deep thought.
Why did Rita Skeeter have the support of so many pure-blood families?
There must be a reason.
Finding the root of this could help him drive her out of the Daily Prophet without hidden dangers.
The next day, Daily Prophet conference room.
Editor-in-Chief Cotton sat in the main seat, observing the editors on either side of the long table with solemn expressions. He glanced approvingly at the empty chair to his left.
A trace of ridicule flashed in his eyes as he waited silently.
After a while, the door opened, and a woman wearing jewel-encrusted glasses and emerald green clothes walked in—none other than Rita Skeeter.
Rita looked around at the people staring at her and at the seat designated for her, feeling an unknown fire inside.
However, recalling her master's instructions, Rita walked to her seat and sat down expressionlessly.
Cotton, seeing Rita's expression, was surprised as it was somewhat unexpected.
But he didn't dwell on it and clapped his hands, "Let's welcome our new colleague, Ms. Rita Skeeter."
All the editors applauded.
Rita, having just sat down, stood up again to thank everyone.
"Deputy Editor Rita, please sit down. I'll announce your appointment first."
Interrupted by Cotton, Rita felt a bit aggrieved and almost cursed but remembered her master's tasks and Ms. Peggy's instructions. She sat back down expressionlessly.
Cotton, seeing this, was even more surprised. Could Rita be so calm?
He had expected her to make a scene upon entering.
Shaking off his thoughts, Cotton stood, took out a piece of parchment, and read, "After research and decision by the Board of Directors of the Daily Prophet, Rita Skeeter has been appointed as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief."
After reading the appointment, Cotton applauded again, "Welcome Deputy Editor Rita to the Daily Prophet."
The editors applauded in time.
When Cotton stopped, all the editors also ceased applauding.
Rita once again felt Cotton's power and wanted to give him a piece of her mind.
But she forced a smile and said, "Thank you all. I will need your support in the future."
Cotton did not interrupt Rita this time, allowing her to finish her thanks.
The brief test had shown Rita's character was different from what he imagined, and it had little practical effect.
Thus, he gave up small means of undermining her.
Soon, Rita had finished.
Cotton gently applauded and said, "Deputy Editor Rita's speech is very reasonable. Everyone should unite and cooperate to make the Daily Prophet better."
He then addressed Rita with a tone of discussion but with an underlying command, "Deputy Editor Rita, you've just arrived. First, you can manage the photography department. If you feel your energy allows, you can also handle logistics."
Rita's face darkened upon hearing this.
Having worked as a reporter at the Daily Prophet, she knew the tricks of the various departments.
The photography department had little status, and logistics was more of a chore department with complicated and mundane tasks.
As a deputy editor, she shouldn't be relegated to these non-core departments.
However, Peggy Carter, observing the situation through the contract, seemed to sense Rita's hesitation and quickly advised.
"Rita, agree. These two roles will be very helpful for our subsequent plans."
Receiving the message from the golden dragon's magic brand, Rita hesitated but nodded to Cotton.
"Editor-in-Chief Cotton, I have no problem taking charge of these two departments. However, it was mentioned before at the board meeting."
"The Daily Prophet will establish a new department under my charge, responsible for interviewing famous figures in the wizarding world."
"For instance, Dumbledore, the principal of Hogwarts, Lockhart, the founder of meditation, etc."
"Editor-in-Chief Cotton, I would like to recruit some editors and reporters for this department. Do you think it's okay?"
Editor Cotton had a headache hearing Rita's request.
This department was created at the behest of the pure-blood families behind the Daily Prophet, named directly after Rita.
He wasn't foolish. He knew this was related to the meditation method and that the pure-blood families had no intention of giving up.
Such behavior mocked the future of the Daily Prophet.
For a newspaper, fairness and objectivity are core elements.
Even though Rita had distorted reports in the past, it was her personal view, not the Daily Prophet's.
To reduce potential risks, Cotton did not suppress positive reports on Lockhart and meditation.
During that time, there were praises and criticisms, but the Daily Prophet's reputation and interests grew.
But if Rita Skeeter controlled this column, it would certainly affect the future and reputation of the Daily Prophet.
Despite his reluctance, the board behind it had passed this decision, and he couldn't block it, only reduce its impact.
So he hadn't mentioned it in the meeting, planning to address it later.
Now, Rita had brought it up directly, making it impossible for him to refuse outright.
After a moment of silence, Editor-in-Chief Cotton said coldly, "Okay, Ms. Rita Skeeter."
"You may recruit some voluntary editors to join the department you are responsible for."
Rita's face brightened with a faint smile, and she recalled what her master had said.
"Rita, pure-blood families influence all aspects of the wizarding world, with public opinion being crucial."
"The Daily Prophet can be seen as the mouthpiece of the pure-blood families. Controlling it with their help will be significant at critical moments."
Hogwarts, Defense Against the Dark Arts Office.
Lockhart sat at his desk, reviewing information from the Golden Dragon Magic Brand and smiled.
He had seen the power of public opinion before.
Black could be white!
If no action was taken in advance, it would be too late.
Lockhart's attention shifted to the black notebook on his desk.
He closed his eyes slightly, and the ring on his right hand began to glow. Concentrating his energy, he performed Soul Projection.
In an instant, Lockhart's soul left his body. After a brief look around the office, he focused on the black notebook—Voldemort's Horcrux—and entered it.
The scene changed to a spacious space.
Tom stood in the center, with a large area of text, runes, and numbers floating before him. Tom's fingers traced them, adding new words and runes, enriching the content.
"Professor Lockhart, you're here," Tom, sensing movement, turned and spoke.
"Yes," Lockhart nodded and observed the floating text.
Tom continued, "Professor, this is the analysis of the crushing curse."
"Most of it is done. I believe it will be usable through runes soon."
Lockhart nodded, scanning the text quickly and making deductions.
After a moment, he said, "Okay, Tom, keep up the good work. I won't let anyone who works hard down, even if it's just a broken soul."
Tom's heart trembled. Would his soul's condition be exposed?
Before he could think deeply, Lockhart spoke again.
"By the way, Tom, how is your soul meditation practice?"
Tom responded with delight, "Professor, the meditation method is very effective. I can feel my soul improving and stabilizing."
"The control over the soul space has enhanced, allowing deeper changes."
Lockhart nodded, "In that case, let's have a good rest."
He then asked Tom meaningfully, "Tom, let me ask you a question."
"I've been studying how to perfect oneself after resurrection."
"If, after resurrection, a bunch of other memories appear, are you sure it is you who has been resurrected?"
"Ensure your will at that time is your current will."
Tom's heart skipped a beat, almost certain Lockhart knew his true Horcrux identity.
Lockhart continued, "There's a saying, 'I think, therefore I am.'"
"Having more memories doesn't matter, but you must ensure your will and way of thinking haven't changed. If after resurrection, your mind is distorted and thinking changes, is it really your resurrection or someone else's?"
"Do you agree with my idea?"
Lockhart's question stirred deep thought in Tom. After a long silence, Tom said hoarsely, "Professor, I need to consider this carefully."
Lockhart, seeing Tom's reaction, smiled faintly and suggested, "Yes, it's an interesting question. You should think more about it."
"Otherwise, all your efforts could benefit someone else. Remember to tell me when you have an answer."
Tom nodded silently, his expression gloomy.
Lockhart left with a faint smile, and Tom watched him go, deep in thought.
Meanwhile, a voice echoed, "By the way, Tom, you stayed in this notebook 50 years ago."
"You may not be aware of the changes in the wizarding world over the past 50 years. I brought a book with me detailing all significant events. You can read it when you have time."
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