Flitterblooms and Firewhiskey

We know that Harry was interviewed by Rita Skeeter and the story published in The Quibbler. In order for that to happen, Luna and Hermione had to arrange the plan together. In order for THAT to happen, Hermione had to go to Luna and ask for her help. Thus the question: how awkward was that?

Luna never expected to get an owl from Hermione, of all people. Yet there it was.

Hermione gives her explanation, Luna gets her answer. Obliteration charms and Flitterblooms are put to good use, Harry's name gets dragged into it.

Harry spotted Hermione sitting with the unlikely drinking mates of Luna Lovegood and Rita Skeeter in "The Beetle at Bay" in OotP. This is what happened before he spotted them. Ever wondered how Rita Skeeter felt about not only seeing Hermione again, but also meeting Luna Lovegood for the first time? We did, too.