Julia Swan-Black

Chapter 11

The time had finally come. The first task was upon them, way sooner than the duo wanted. They had trained and prepared but nerves were a funny thing, especially when they fill your body. Julia was so nervous she couldn't even control her own body anymore by the time she was fully dressed breakfast was almost over. 

She hurried off to the Slytherin table, glad to see her friends had saved her some toast and were eagerly awaiting her arrival. She absently noticed that Harry wasn't their yet. She played with her food slightly, feeling a little to queasy to eat even through her hunger. Seeing Harry finally get to the table she gave him a small smile as a plate of food was pushed in front of him too. At least their friends didn't try to force conversation. 

The atmosphere in the group was one of great tension and excitement, they believe in their friends after all.  Lessons that day were to stop midday though the champions weren't included in the morning lessons. They were instead informed of that days task dragons, allowing them a half day to plan strategies before everyone is to watch them compete. 

They managed to act mock surprise but it was quickly figured out they were already informed of the task beforehand. While they practiced spells and strategies time was moving too fast for Julia. It seemed one minute she was talking to Harry, next they were walking into lunch. Harry was holding her hand tightly in comfort. 

They sat down to eat lunch, Julia wasn't able to stomach this time either which worried her friends. She had used a lot of magic and she needed to refuel her supplies. "Julia." Harry said as he nudged her arm. " Please try to eat something, we have a big fight coming up after all." The others nodded at her in agreement. Julia reluctantly  tried to eat some more but only managed a few bites before feeling sick. 

Next thing the group knew Professor Snape was approaching the group, Lots of people watching them curiously. "The champions have to come down into the grounds now ... You have to get ready for your first task." He says in a cool tone. Victor Krum stood up quickly, followed by Harry as they started heading out of the great hall. 

Julia slowly stood up, ready to follow them out when Draco grabbed her hand. "Stay safe, ok?" He asked, slightly nervous. Julia gave him a stiff nod. She slowly walked down the table hearing good lucks and small smiles from her housemates as she left the great hall. Seeing Harry waiting for her as he grabs her hand and leads her outside following Victor who gives her a reassuring smile as they follow Snape. 

As they were approaching the  tent Professor Snape turned to them with a smile much unlike him. He didn't look like himself, not nearly as composed almost as if he was nervous. Maybe he really did care about them. He slowly reached out to them, putting a hand on both Julia and Harry's shoulder, trying to reassure them. 

"I don't like this but try not to panic. Don't let your magic go out of control that could be your downfall. Just try to keep a cool head, we have people on hand to control the situation if it gets out of hand. I have my utmost faith in you and nobody will think any worse of you if you fail. Just do your best you two, alright?" He says to the duo. 

Harry looked up at him worried before a small smirk covered his lips. "I knew you cared about us really." He says as Professor Snape gives him an aghast look for him. "Thank you Professor, we appreciate it." Julia says with a smile as Professor Snape nods leading them the rest of the way to the tent. "You are to go in here, the other champions should be arriving shortly. Mr Bagman should be in there and he will be telling you the coming procedure. Good luck little snakes." He finishes before striding away. 

The trio head inside the tent and Harry immediately starts pacing as Victor heads to a corner to think. Julia merely heads to a chair by the side pillar and sits down feeling her legs go like jelly. The next to enter the tent was Fleur, she looked over at Julia before going over and sitting next to her nervously. She gave her a small smile but it didn't do much.

The last to enter the tent was the twins who were followed by professor McGonagall though she left rather fast. The twins retreated to a separate corner as the murmured to each other excited. Finally Bagman joined the tent, looking as joyful as ever. 

"Sorry I'm late champions but know that I am here lets begin. I have got a bag here with 6 small dragon models inside, their are different types of course for each of you. Once the audience is fully assembled you will leave in the order from the dragon models as they are all numbered. Ah yes and your task is to collect a golden egg from the mothers nest. Good luck champions!" He called out before pulling out a small purple silk bag. 

Harry glanced around nervously as they slowly all grouped in front of Bagman. Bagman was opening the neck of the purple silk sack. "Ladies first." He says, offering it to Julia and Fleur. Julia slowly put her hand in, feeling around nervously in the bag before pulling out a Antipodean Opaleye, number 5. Fleur went second and pulled out the common welsh green with the number 2 on it which she seemed ok with. 

Harry went next as Bagman offered the bag to him. He pulled out the Hungarian Horntail and by the sharp intake of breath that isn't a good thing, he is number 3. Next was Victor Krum and he pulled out the scarlet Chinese fireball and number 4. He seemed slightly sad at his chose but said nothing. Finally it was the twins turn, they put their hands in together. Fred pulling out the Swedish short-snout, number 1 and George pulling out the Ukrainian Iron belly, number 6. 

(Sorry this took so long, I have a lot going on and I am still recovering. Hopefully my schedule will go back to normal soon.)