Ch. 125 Wand Weighing

Time passed for everyone as they fussed over the newly crowned champions.

Many in Hogwarts celebrated my obtaining the role, believing victory was at hand due to my past displays of excellence. I was seen as The Hogwarts champion. This was unfortunate for Harry as he had to deal with three of the houses and even some from Gryffindor slandering him. A pleasant surprise this time was Ron standing beside his friend. Ever since he had found a stable place to show that he is not just another Weasley or just the Harry Potter's friend, he has become a lot more sure of himself. So although he had doubts about his friend, having myself and 'Moody' claim this could be the work of someone who means Harry harm was enough to convince him.

To remedy this, I tried to announce that I believed someone entered Harry into the tournament in the hopes of harming. I did this in the Exchange and the Dueling Club. I tried to give them a tiny bit of logic. Asking how a fourth year would be able to fool a powerful magical artifact which has been used for centuries? How would he have gotten pass the age line? Who would even help him in good conscience? Why would he look so distraught over his participation? And even if he was the only Hogwarts Champion, why would the cup choose him? This leading to the troubling theory that someone who supported his famous foe, might have done this in the hopes of at the very least injuring him.

Although some started to believe Harry might not have wanted to be in the tournament, it is still a relatively small number.

The Slytherin house is doing the same crap they pulled for Cedric, only this time I am the one who is supported. This is pretty much done by the process of elimination. They hate Gryffindors and Harry is particular thorn in their sides, whilst I am a more neutral Ravenclaw, a best friend of their Queen, and a person who has repeatedly helped and defended members of their house. So although I have an amusing relationship with the Malfoy family, I am still respected within Salazar's cohorts. This means badges have been made to show support for me, and a lot of people are wearing them.

I had actually forgotten about an event before the actual task: the weighing of the wands.

It is the first time we actually see Rita Skeeter in the canon, and when she starts messing with Harry's life just to get attention. She is one of the cancers of Britain. She feeds easily digestible falsehoods to the people, causes unneeded outrages and panics, whilst never doing any actual good with her talents.

The worst part about her is that she tried to slander mother. The insect made her life harder than necessary.

'Should I have Geri silence her or should I do it myself?' I thought as I headed towards the classroom they set aside for the weighing.

It was just a small classroom in which they pushed the desks to the sides, formed a little judges panel with a few desks, hung a drape behind it and left a some chairs to sit on. Nothing complicated for this minor event.

It looked like I was the second to arrive, since Krum had already sat down on his own.

I simply joined him for a little chatting about when it would be good to train together and what type of education we've received in our respective schools.

Apparently Durmstrang is a lot more like a military academy than a boarding school. They have a strict code of conduct and a different teaching philosophy. From what Krum told me, it sounds like the old aristocratic officer schools. A place where noble youths would learn how to lead, fight and act in high class society. It would have a classes on what noble lines would consider important for their progenies to know. This is why Dueling is still very favored in the institute, but it is also why the Dark Arts are still taught. There are also some rumored secret chambers left behind by Grindelwald, in a manner akin to Salazar's Chamber of Secrets, or any other number of hidden truths in the castle.

He on the other hand, was against the dark arts in general. Even though he was forced to learn and practice a few, Krum saw them as a sort of gateway drug, slowly pushing you to cease being a true human being. His point of view came from the fact that Grindelwald himself murdered his grandfather, leading him and some like-minded individuals in Durmstrang to discipline those trying to follow in his footsteps. This is why his core only had an inkling of darkness compared to the rest of his schoolmates.

While we were talking, Fleur arrived and decided to join in on our conversation about our schools.

Her Academy was centered around more magical crafting and stylish magical abilities I would say. There is a stronger focus on the artistic aspect of magic over its utilitarian uses. And with the Flamel's having supported the school as alumni for centuries, they had very strong potions and alchemy programmes. There was also a special seventh year course for those wishing to become healers, sponsored by Perenelle Flamel. They have more discipline than Hogwarts, but not even close to Durmstrang. And the campus is filled with the artistic spirit of France, its visual appeal far ahead Hogwarts.

Fleur was simple happy to be able to talk so openly with her peers, since she is almost isolated in the school. The boys pursue her out of lust and lose any reasoning when near her, while the girls are spiteful and jealous of it, not realizing how disgusting it is to constantly be lusted after and how hurtful it is to not have anyone to support you. This is actually the reason she is so protective of Gabrielle. She simply doesn't want the child to have to go through what she had.

Although they were depicted as a dour man and overly proud woman, I can see why they had developed to act that way. They were both good people influenced by their environment.

'Kinda preferring Krum ending up with Hermione the more I talk to him.' I thought for a moment.

That thought was interrupted by the Ludo walking in as he excitedly talked to the woman I assume to be Rita Skeeter.

Her hair was set in elaborate and curiously rigid curls that contrasted oddly with her heavy-jawed face. She wore jeweled spectacles. The thick fingers clutching her crocodile-skin handbag ended in two-inch nails, painted crimson. She was wearing a bright green dress, which was odd for a witch, but it was also way too flashy. It was like the woman had to be the center of attention.

"Be very careful what you say or do when that woman is anywhere near you. She will use anything and everything to have gossip to write. She will twist the truth and create facts, forming a story about you which you will never be able to stop." I warned my fellow champions with a whisper.

"Sûrement elle ne peut pas être si mauvaise que sa?" Fleur asked in a surprised tone.

"She is Rita Skeeter. If you've ever seen one of her articles not ruin someone's life then I'll applaud you." I respond in a whisper.

"Разбира." Viktor simply said with a nod.

The woman was very curious about our little group since I could feel her gaze on us continuously. Fortunately Bagman was blocking her with his incessant talking.

A few minutes later, a head of messy black hair could be spotted coming into the room, making Ludo happily greet him.

That was until Rita tried to take Harry away for an interview without his actual consent.

"Miss Skeeter, please let Harry go this instant or I will be forced to bring up charges for forcing an interview without his guardians permission." I say to the flashy woman.

"You seem to not know how these things work child. Now run along and let the adults do their jobs." She said dismissively without giving me a proper look.

I took a second before responding as I make my magic cascade over her, forcing her to almost be unable to breath due to the overwhelming pressure.

"That is an interesting way to talk to a lord of a noble house Miss. Care to repeat that sentence?" I ask with a cold smile on my face.

Bagman was opening and closing his mouth as he didn't know what to do, while Rita was shivering from the pressure she was under.

"Harry, you never have to tell anyone what you do not wish to. If these people try to force it, you can simply go to Sirius and he will be more than capable of handling it. It is part of his role as your guardian. Now come on and join us, we were talking about each of our schools." I said with a bright smile towards the teen, whilst not letting Rita off just yet.

Harry couldn't get away from her fast enough, joining the three of us with a bit of a nervous smile.

"I will be talking to various news outlets about this behavior of yours Miss Skeeter. If you try to paint this event in your characteristic style, I will be forced to respond with the charges of defamation. Honestly speaking, you can barely get an article out anymore due to The Herald's standards and how desperate the Daily Prophet has become. So I suggest you think about your next course of action carefully." I say as I turn around and remove the pressure I had put on her.

As soon as it was done, her legs gave out from under her, forcing her to catch her breath on her knees as she shivered.

"Are you sure you wish to do zat?" Asked a worried Fleur.

"She actually deserves much more. But it'll be fine. I am a legitimate lord. I've been offered a position in the Wizengamot after I graduate, as well as a position on the Board of Governors for my work in improving the school during my studies. Add in my massive wealth and international connections, and it makes me a very dangerous person for her to try and take on." I answer with a smile.

"You're going to be a Governor!?" Asked a shocked Harry.

"Yes. They've had trouble filling in two of the spots since last year, due to Lord Malfoy and the others actions and dismissals. I was nominated because of my record, wealth and influence, even if i am still in school." I answered calmly.

"Zat is impressive." A stunned Fleur said.

Viktor simply nodded again, preferring not to speak in general, but he was surprised as well.

While ignoring the two behind us, we began talking about some future plans for a while. That was until the rest of the judges panel and Mr. Ollivander arrived.

The Headmaster noticed the weird atmosphere going on with Ludo and Rita, but because of the time and place he decided to ignore it for now.

The weighing of the wands was very simple as formalities go. Ollivander would look at the wand, its core, condition and performance, then declare it fit or unfit. It is done to protect the champions from unknown defects or damages the wand might have, which could led to failure when trying to cast spells in a key moment.

Fleur went first, with her Veela hair wand. Viktor showed his Gregorovitch wand. I let Harry go third, letting his fate bound wand be looked over. Then it was my turn.

"Ah yes, I remember this wand very well. Ebony wood, Phoenix heart feather and Wampus cat hair, 11.5 inches, slightly flexible. The most unique custom wand I've ever had the pleasure of making." He gleefully said as he looked over the sleek black wand.

"Very well maintained, extremely loyal as well. You've nearly become one with this wand Mr. Bones, impressively done." He added after a moment.

"It is one of the most important things in a wizards life after all." I humbly reply.

Only giving me a knowing smile in response, he waves my wand and simply says "Incendio Tria", making a small blue flame appear from my wand.

"Perfectly fit to wield. I hope it continues to serve you well." Ollivander said with a sagely smile as he hands it back to me.

With that little interlude done, Dumbledore tried to dismiss us, only to have Bagman insist on taking photos.

Fortunately my little lesson smothered Rita's passion for the moment and let the process be relatively smooth. We had individual pictures, some with all the champions, then with the judges, after that it was all champions and judges, finishing with only the judges.

After which we were free to go.

I bid farewell to Harry, Fleur and Viktor, then headed back to my class.

'Let us see how the insect will retaliate.' I thought as my little devil horns seemingly appeared again.