Julia Swan-Black

Chapter 25

The final task is finally upon us. I thought I would be used to this feeling like before the last two tasks but for some reason it is so much worse. I wake up to my head pounding and my mouth dry. I get up and have a long drink before brushing my teeth. I stretch and go over my spells. All I know is that we will have to navigate a maze and face many challenges inside. When I get to the middle, well if I get to the middle I have to grab the cup to win. 

I woke up early this morning so lucky I had plenty of time to get ready and plenty of time to worry too. After getting dressed I headed down to the common room. I had already gone over all my spells so I did again and practiced them before doing some homework as I waited for my friends. I really didn't feel like going to breakfast by myself. 

I felt like I waited for a long long time but that was probably just my anxiety acting up. I was really concerned. I didn't want to do this today or at all for that matter. Finally though they came down and I walked to breakfast with them, trying to keep a calm facade up. It's a big day today. I felt a few of them gently rub my shoulder and try to talk or question me but I didn't hear them. I felt a buzzing in my ears and nothing was getting through to me. 

As we got to the table I grabbed some pumpkin juice and sipped it gently, none of the food really catching my interest as it normally does. I sighed silently, this whole thing was really starting to bother me. I felt a squeeze on my shoulder and then a plate of plain buttered toast in front of me. I looked at next to me, it was Draco. I nodded thankfully at him as I noticed Blaise doing the same with Harry. 

Draco deliberately tapped me again and pointed to the toast. I gave a resigned sigh as I grabbed a bit and nibbled on it nervously as I watched people entering the hall. I could hear noise but I couldn't distinguish words as my head throbbed. It was nerves, it was anxiety. There is nothing else it can be today. I felt Draco rubbing my shoulder he was looking at me concerned and clearly trying to talk to me but I couldn't focus. I felt my chest tightening. I closed my eyes as I took calming breaths and tried to breathe. After getting that under control I looked up to see Dumbledore making an announcement, I was glad I couldn't hear. 

Once he sat down I continued to nibble to toast as I waited. As I saw Fred and George get up I made an effort to get up and follow them, glad I didn't feel guilty as I couldn't hear Draco calling after me. I caught up to the too and as George saw me his face creased in worry. I tried to give him a reassuring smile but it failed when I couldn't respond to him. He squeezed my hand as we walked to the quidditch pitch. 

I felt myself pause as we approached. Regulus, Sirius and Remus were chatting to Lucius and Narcissa. I smiled and it grew brighter as we got closer till I let go or George's hand and threw myself at regulus. Sound filled my ears, far to loud as reassuring hands patted my head and stroked my hair. I felt tears come to my eyes but I didn't let them fall as I pulled back and smiled at him. "Hey, hey jewel are you ok? My little Julia are you alright? Shhh shhh I believe in you. You are so strong." Regulus whispered in to my ear as I giggled and let that anxiety leave me while in his embrace. 

As soon as he released me I felt another pair of arms wrap me up and swung me around as I laughed. It was Sirius of course. He brought me in close, almost crushing my ribs. "I'm so proud of you. Oh you have done so well and I know you are going to crush this." He said with a bright smile. "What about Harry or the other champions?" I asked, feeling shy again. Sirius paused before putting me down. "They don't stand a chance against you. I know that for sure." He said to me. 

I hear someone shout "Hey!" in an offended voice. I recognised thsat voice as I held back a laugh as we turned to see the group with Harry approaching. Draco gave me a look filled with concern and annoyance. I noticed both Fred and George had moved to allow them closer. "Oh you know I didn't mean anything to spite you by it." Sirius said as Harry gave a short huff as he gave Regulus a hug. I smiled as I went to Remus to hug him him next. He seemed tired but hugged me tight regardless. 

We heard Narcissa gasp and I turned to them to see her talking to Draco who was smirking. oh no... "So dear when were you going to tell us you were dating?" Narcissa asked. I felt Remus stiffen. Shit. "Huh" I mumbled quietly as Narcissa turned to Harry as I was silent. "Who?" I heard Remus practically growl in my ear. "I'm not going to ask nicely again." He growled as I stayed silent. Draco you fucking snitch. Right now really. This is awful timing. 

"Oh yeah, she went to the yule ball with George Weasely and they have been dating. It's so cute. I have pictures." Harry said gleefully as he went to Narcissa and started showing pictures. I facepalmed as Sirius, Remus and even Regulus damnit where glaring at the twins. "Which one of you is it?" Regulus asked, faking a polite tone. It didn't work. Fred pointed at George and George gulped and pointed at Fred trying to save himself as I laughed. Well this is a good distraction I guess.