Inside My Mind (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Chapter XXXVII

Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain

Friday the 13th of November 1994

2:00 PM

Bella glared Colin Creevy into silence as she walked to the meeting room. Her wand was polished as always but it hadn't been working as well for her lately. She knew exactly why, somehow, but she wasn't quite sure how to say it. She walked into the room and Bagman stood waiting.

It was a fairly small classroom. A not completely unfamiliar witch with long jeweled fingernails was giggling at whatever Bagman was saying. Krum was standing in the corner of the room, moodily and Fleur was speaking with Cedric. She continued to toss her hair back and laugh.

"Ah! Here she is! Our fourth and rather unwilling champion. Come in, Bella, come in" Bagman said, enthusiastically. Bella looked at him with pursed lips.

"Hmph."

"Oh, it's just the wand weighing ceremony. Nothing to worry about. The expert is upstairs with Riddle. Apparently, Dumbledore is taking over his DADA class for him. He's been wanting to be a substitute for the class for some time, he said," Bagman said, off-handedly. Bella's lips curled into a slight smile at the mention of Tom. The reporter didn't miss it.

"Hi, Bella!" Cedric called, turning from Fleur and waving at Bella. Bella gave a soft smile and smiled back. Fleur scowled at the girl. Bella smirked.

"Hey, Cedric."

"Hello, I'm Rita Skeeter of the Daily Prophet. I'd like to have a few words on you, since you're the youngest Champion of course" the woman said. Bella tilted her head and knew suddenly who the woman was. She was Rita Skeeter…a woman who had destroyed several. Including, Gilderoy Lockhart's remaining reputation.

"Sure. I'd be happy to speak with you. Follow me" Bella smirked, willing to indulge the woman. Bella led her to another empty classroom across the hall and Bella sat down on the desk, cross-legged.

"You won't mind, Bella, if I use a Quick-Quote Qui—"

Rita was cut off as Bella nailed her with an unnatural stare. Rita cleared her throat, awkwardly.

"Rita. Rita, Rita, Rita. Let's get something straight. If you're going to interview me, you'll get the honest truth. But you won't be making up shit about me. I know you're kind. You'll do anything for a good story. Well, I'm not having it. You'll swear on your name to tell the truth and nothing but the truth about me before I let you ask me a single question. And you'll use a normal quill" Bella said, sharply. Rita glared at the girl suddenly.

"You don't want me as an enemy."

"You don't want me as yours."

"Fine. I promise on the name of Rita Skeeter that I will tell nothing but what I perceive as the truth about you in this article."

Rita's wand glowed slightly and Bella's lips curled into a smile.

"Perfect. Now, ask away."

"How did you enter the tournament, Bella? And why did you enter under a false name that everyone seemed to recognize?" Rita asked. Bella sighed.