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Title: Let It Go
Author: enchanted_jae
Character(s): Harry, Kingsley, ocs
Rating: PG13
Warning(s): Mild language, suggestion of off-screen violence
Word count: 620
Summary: Maybe this time, Skeeter will learn her lesson.
Disclaimer: Characters are the property of JK Rowling, et al. This fic/drabble was written for fun, not for profit.
Written for: S and G (Shits and Giggles!)



Harry took a deep, calming breath, followed by another. He should have anticipated Rita Skeeter, that conniving cow, wouldn’t simply report on the fact that the Potter-Malfoys had treated their children and friends to Madam Puddifoot’s before taking them to meet the Hogwarts Express.

No, Skeeter had opined about Muggleborns and Squib-borns, as if that was even a thing. She’d also referred to Carolyn, Ben, and Jasmin as foster children, ignoring the fact that they’d been officially adopted by Harry and Draco.

Harry strove to keep his temper under control. Otherwise, he’d be tempted to--

“Shit!”

“Daddy, that’s a bad word,” Jasmin scolded.

Harry cringed and cut a glance at Frances. She’d seen the Daily Prophet, and her return gaze was comprised of compassion rather than censure.

“You’re right, Jasmin,” said Harry. He pushed his chair back and stood, leaving half of his breakfast untouched. “I shall go put soap in my mouth right now.”

Harry exited the kitchen and nearly broke into a run on his way to the parlor. He dropped to his knees and skidded to the Floo, wincing at his knees protested. He placed the firecall and waited impatiently until he got a response.

“Did you see the Prophet this morning?”

“I did.”

“Please don’t do anything rash.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Harry winced again. A casual listener would infer that it was ridiculous to assume anything would happen as a result of Skeeter’s article. Harry knew better. That Don’t be ridiculous meant Too late.

“Shit.”

~*~

Harry strode through the Ministry, his irritation growing as people scrambled to clear a path for him. He didn’t know if it was due to his grim expression or because of what had undoubtedly transpired, which everyone assumed he was responsible for. Harry bypassed the Auror department and the trainees who were waiting for him and went straight to the Minister’s office.

He rapped once on the open door’s jamb and poked his head in.

Kingsley looked up from a report on his desk. “Ah, Harry. Just the man I wanted to see. Come in and close the door, would you?”

Harry did as instructed, took a seat across from Kingsley, and set his wand on the desk.

Kingsley looked from the wand to Harry and raised his eyebrows.

“I reckoned you’d want to perform a Priori Incantatum,” said Harry.

Kingsley sat back and clasped his hands over his stomach. “What would be the point?” he asked. “We both know you are capable of powerful, wandless magic.”

Harry sighed and retrieved his wand. “I didn’t do it.” Whatever it was.

“If not you, then who?”

Harry opened his mouth to offer a rebuttal, but he changed his mind. “You know what? If that’s what everyone already believes, I won’t disabuse them of it. My official statement is that I didn’t do it; your official statement can be that you believe you know who did it but have no proof.”

Kingsley sat forward again. “Very well, Harry,” he said. “It would be appreciated, however, if I were to receive an anonymous message providing the counter spell. The Healers at St Mungo’s are stymied.”

Harry stood up. “I’ll, erm, see what I can do.” He had no idea how to come up with a counter spell to something he hadn’t even cast. “For now, I need to meet with your latest crop of Auror trainees.”

~*~

Harry wrapped up his training session and looked over the eight novice Aurors. “You all did well today,” he said. “Are there any questions?”

A hand was tentatively raised.

“Yes, Rao?” Harry acknowledged him.

“Can you teach us that hex, Mr Potter-Malfoy?”

Harry frowned. “Which hex?”

“The one you used to turn Rita Skeeter’s kneecaps backwards, sir!”

I’ve Told the Truth