Julia Swan-Black

Chapter 9

Julia and Harry were struggling, no people mostly weren't blaming them or saying they put their names in exactly. Obviously there were a lot of crazy theories to how they were responsible but none were proven. A lot of people though were helpful and kind to them, which they appreciated. Some of the louder people spreading lies about Harry were Ron and his friends though strangely they had nothing to say about Julia. 

Snape while semi-distant helped them and informed them that the first task was dragons and told  them which dragons were going to be used; Chinese Fireball, Common Welsh Green, Hungarian Horntail, Ukrainian Iron belly, Swedish Short-Snout and Antipodean Opaleye. They questioned him about the other trials but he said "I can't tell you until after the first. One at a time. Though I can suggest you practice your swimming and breathing underwater." He says with a wry smile. 

After that they got the idea, looking into dragons and how to fight them and get past them. As well as practising swimming which they hadn't done for years if at all. Now while they weren't meant to say anything to the others champions they told them a few days later to not only help them but also to get advise as while teachers were allowed to help them only Snape was and he wasn't the best with dragons. 

They were really grateful for the information and really helped the duo with spells and training. The twins were the best though as because of the fact Harry and Julia were entered everyone was focusing on them and ignoring the fact that the twins were underage yet still entered. Now while they were entered together it was explained to them they must compete separately which they explained they understood. They were disappointed though. 

The duo hoped things would improve but even a week later they were proved wrong. Julia and Harry could no longer avoid the rest of the students with classes back for them properly. They had a few days off classes to study with the other schools and champions to help improve their knowledge. 

Julia was normally on good terms with the other houses, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff and a I ignore you, you ignore me bias with the Gryffindor's. Though since being entered into the tournament thousands of rumours had spread about Harry but nothing about Julia which made her uncomfortable though secretly pleased.

 'I know Harry is famous and all but why is no one mentioning me at all. Not that I'm not happy about not being talked about but being constantly started and smiled at and the reassuring shoulder pats. Its not fair to be so nice to me but so horrible to my brother.' She thought bitterly. 

She tried talking to people but their answers only annoyed her. 'Well it's obvious he wants attention, we are so sorry you've been entered though.' , 'Don't worry we can help you study, but only you of course.' , 'Your too smart to enter like this, Harry though was stupid to enter.' It didn't matter how she explained neither of them wanted to be in the tournament they didn't care about her responses. They only believed what they wanted to believe. 

The wizarding world is not only toxic but just plain broken. It was at this point their transfiguration class was disturbed as Colin Creevey came to collect Julia and Harry for a weighing of the wands ceremony. He edged into the room as McGonagall looked up at him as he entered, "Yes Mr Creevey?" she asked. 

He looked up at her nervous, "Please Professor McGonagall I'm supposed to take Harry Potter and Julia Black upstairs for the Weighing of the wands Ceremony." He spoke quietly as She nodded at him, "Ah I forgot. Please collect your bags and follow Mr Creevey to the ceremony." They got up slowly as if just unhappy as they followed him upstairs to a classroom. He left them with a smile and a wave at the classroom. 

They entered a fairly small classroom; most of the desks had been pushed to the back of the room, leaving a large space in the middle. Several tables though had been lined up and surrounded by chairs, the table covered in a velvet cover. Ludo Bagman was seated at the table talking to a witch sitting next to him that the duo didn't recognize. 

Victor Krum was standing moodily in the corner of the room as Fleur talks to the twins next to him. Fleur looked a good deal happier than they had seen her so far; throwing her head back as she laughs at the twins jokes. Bagman spotted them pretty quickly as he got up and came straight over to them. "Ah your both here. These are champions 5 and 6. Come on in, nothing to worry about, Its just the wand weighing ceremony. The rest of the judges will be here in a moment." He says jollily. 

"Wand weighing?" Harry repeated nervously. Krum headed over with a small smirk as he responds for Bagman, " Well we have to check that all our wands are fully functional with no problems." Harry and Julia had a small smirk at Ludo's annoyed look at someone else answering for him. "They are important for the tasks ahead, we have an expert coming to check them, he is talking to Dumbledore in his office at the moment." Ludo Bagman says. 

A slight cough was then heard from the witch sitting at the table, Ludo looks over and then seems to remember something looking between us. "Ah yes we are going to have a little photo shoot later and this here is Rita Skeeter. She is doing a small piece on the tournament for the daily prophet. " He says with his bold gestures and movements. Julia looks over at Rita and upon seeing her predatory eyes knew they were not going to be talking to her any time soon. 

Rita Skeeter's hair was set in elaborate and rigid curls that constructed oddly with her slim jawed face. She wore jewelled spectacles and gave Harry and Julia the look of a cat that found her prey right where she wanted them. "I wonder if I could talk to Harry and Julia before we start. Get a sense of how they are feeling being forcibly entered in the tournament." Rita said to Ludo who looked convinced making Julia worried. 

"Certainly as long as they have no objection." Ludo responded, before Rita could ask them though Krum sent Ludo a glare and grabbed Harry and Julia's arm and led them over to the group away from Rita. Once they were a little way away from her he whispered in their ears. "Never talk to reporters alone, be careful with her too." He mutters quietly. They then chatted happily waiting for the other judges.