Re: Rita + Kingsley
"Good, because you're playing with fire if you think you can use Lucius Malfoy for a bloody headline, petty gossip or not," Kingsley said, volume also rising more than he'd meant it to. He took a breath, and reminded himself of where he was and who was here.
Another breath, and this time he held it for a couple of seconds before letting it out slowly. "Fine," he said, and turned to lead the way out, trusting her to follow him.
Luckily, the courtyard was still mostly deserted when they walked out, and he led them over to a bench in the far corner. It was just out of sight of the main gallery, but not so private it would set tongues wagging if they were spotted together. Best of all, he was able to cast a simple silencing charm around them, so that they couldn't be overheard if anyone got too close.
"Just promise me you'll keep your distance from Malfoy, all right? You can't manipulate him the way you do everyone else."