Rufus Scrimgeour sat in his study, the steady tick of the grandfather clock the only sound breaking the silence. The warm light from the fireplace flickered across the room, casting a comforting glow on the dark wood paneling and polished furniture. The lunch Alby, his diligent house-elf, had prepared was still on the table, untouched. A steaming plate of roast beef, golden potatoes, and a colorful array of vegetables, all carefully arranged, stood as a testament to Alby’s culinary skill. Yet, Rufus’s attention was elsewhere, absorbed in his thoughts.
As Rufus savored a moment of quiet contemplation, he noticed a small beetle crawling across the floor near his desk. At first, he almost dismissed it, but then a sudden realization struck him. A wave of frustration washed over him as he cursed himself under his breath. How could he have forgotten about Rita Skeeter?
Rita Skeeter was notorious for her unscrupulous methods of gathering information. As an Animagus, she could transform into a beetle, an ability she used to spy on prominent figures and gather scandalous scoops. If she had been in his house unnoticed, she would have been privy to all his confidential plans and discussions. The thought was chilling.
Rufus’s mind raced. He had been so focused on the more obvious threats and his campaign that he had overlooked the possibility of such subtle intrusions. If the complex wards at Azkaban couldn’t detect Sirius Black, there was no way his own wards could have stopped a disguised Animagus like Skeeter. It was a significant oversight, and he needed to act swiftly.
With a determined set to his jaw, Rufus grabbed his wand and used the Homenum Revelio spell to reveal the hidden form of the beetle. The insect shimmered and transformed into the human form of Rita Skeeter. Rita, with her sharp eyes and calculating demeanor, looked up in shock, her green eyes wide with fear. Her sleek, dark hair framed her face, and her tight-lipped expression betrayed her anxiety.
Before she could react, Rufus immobilized her with a swift, practiced wand movement. Rita's eyes darted around the room, her usual confidence replaced by palpable terror.
“Rita Skeeter,” Rufus said coldly, his voice carrying an edge of authority. “How fortunate for me that you decided to drop by. I could have been none the wiser to your presence here.”
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Rita struggled against the magical binds holding her. “You don’t have to do this, Scrimgeour,” she said, her voice a mixture of desperation and defiance. “I’m just doing my job. Fudge put me up to this. He bribed me with money and promotions at the Prophet. He knew he was losing his support base and thought this was the only way to keep himself relevant.”
Rufus’s eyes narrowed. “So, Fudge was behind this. That explains why you were so keen on infiltrating my affairs. I assume you’ve been gathering information for him all this time.”
Rita nodded vigorously, her fear evident. “Yes, yes. But you don’t have to send me to Azkaban. I can be of use to you. I’m not loyal to Fudge; I’ll do whatever you want if you let me go.”
Rufus considered her offer. He knew Rita was a strong-willed individual, one who would not easily submit to intimidation or manipulation. If she was willing to follow Fudge regardless of her own interests, she would likely continue to act in her own self-interest rather than be a reliable asset.
“Very well,” Rufus said, his tone carrying a hint of reluctant respect. “I’ll let you go this time. But you will need to register as an Animagus. Consider this a warning. Any further intrusion into my affairs will be met with severe consequences. I’m aware of how the Animagus and Patronus forms are often the same, so I know exactly what you’re capable of.”
Rita nodded frantically, relieved yet still visibly shaken. “Thank you. I’ll register, I promise. I’ll stay away from you, just please, no Azkaban.”
Rufus watched as Rita, her composure still rattled, quickly made her way out of his home. He turned his attention back to his own thoughts, reflecting on the encounter. The episode had underscored a critical lapse in his personal defenses. He realized that while he had focused on the external threats and political maneuvering, he had neglected more obscure magical defenses.
The complexity of Animagus transformations and Legilimency had not been on his radar until now. These were magics that bypassed ordinary wards and required more nuanced countermeasures. Rufus resolved to address this oversight. He needed to strengthen his personal protections and become more adept at identifying and countering hidden threats.
As he sat back in his chair, Rufus allowed himself a moment of contemplation. He had come a long way in his political career, but the challenges ahead demanded more vigilance and preparation. The battle for the Ministry was far from over, and he needed every advantage he could get to secure his future.
He glanced at the now-cold lunch, his appetite lost in the whirlwind of his thoughts. With renewed determination, he began planning his next steps, aware that the path to power was fraught with unexpected twists and turns. The game of politics was as intricate as it was ruthless, and Rufus Scrimgeour was ready to navigate its complexities with unwavering resolve