There was one more week until the first task. Hermione woke up every day more and more nervous. She seemed to have permanent butterflies in her stomach and was constantly on edge. The continuous teasing Hermione received did little to make her feel good. Many Hufflepuffs were mad at her and Snape actively encouraged the Slytherin house to be mean to her. Potions' class was the worst, and whenever Harry stood up for her he would be punished.
Hermione spent more time practicing the Dark Arts now that she knew what the first task was. She also tried exercising a little more because a big part of the first task would be your skill at dodging large objects, such as a dragon tail, and running very quickly. Even if she knew what she was up against and tailored her practice, Hermione did not feel very confident and had a hard time not thinking of the worst-case scenario. Ron and Harry tried to encourage and comfort her and Hermione appreciated it, but it did little to appease her negative thoughts that constantly reminded her that she was not good enough.
Hermione had heard from Ron that supposedly Lucius had gone to see the Minister of Magic and expressed his opinion about Hermione being a part of the Triwizard Tournament. The Minister refused to listen to him, he kept repeating, "The rules are the rules Lucius, even I can't change them." This did not please Lucius, who stormed off. The threat that Malfoy had made to her earlier, resonated in Hermione's head. She knew this was just the beginning, especially if she made it through the first task, many purebloods would have a fit.
Hermione had been so busy daydreaming that she did not notice Colin Creavy entering the chamber.
"Hi, Hermione," he said in an overly enthusiastic tone. "I'm here to take you upstairs."
"Upstairs?" Asked Hermione, her brows furrowed in confusion "why upstairs Colin?"
"To get your picture taken, of course! They are gathering all the Champions for a group photo."
"Excuse me, Mr. Creavy," said McGonagall, "can we help you?"
"Um…sorry Professor McGonagall…I was just here to take Hermione upstairs," Colin answered stuttering slightly.
"Ms. Granger, it looks like your presence is needed upstairs."
"Thank you Professor," Hermione said timidly.
As Hermione walked out of the room with Colin, all eyes were on her. Hermione could feel herself blushing. Why did they need to do this during class time?
"Colin, who is this picture for?"
"The Daily Prophet! Rita Skeeter will even be there to conduct interviews."
Hermione rolled her eyes she despised that woman. She twisted everybody's words and only cared about getting a good story. Hermione was somewhat fuming and anxious by the time they reached the classroom upstairs. The chairs and desks had all been cleared out of the way except for one chair that was in the center. Fleur sat on it and looked dubiously at Rita Skeeter who was talking with, what Hermione could only assume was the photograph. Viktor Krum seemed to be bruiting in the corner; he was leaning against the wall and was radiating anger. Hermione guessed Rita had already managed to annoy him. Cedric was looking out the window; as soon as he saw Hermione, he smiled at her.
"Great, you are all here," said Rita. "Now, if you would please all gather around Fleur. Hermione, you should be directly behind Fleur, boys, you will be on either side of her. Now everyone smile."
Everyone forced a smile onto their face and waited for the flash of the camera to come.
"Lovely, that was excellent! Only one shot will be needed. Now, for the interviews, let's start with the youngest, shall we?"
Rita grabbed Hermione by the arm and dug her nails into her arm as she dragged her toward a nearby closet.
"Miss Skeeter, that's a broom closet," pointed out Hermione.
"Yes, I know dear. Small, enclosed spaces always make interviews more interesting. Come, come now."
Rita sat on an upside down bucket and Hermione was forced to sit on a stack of wooden crates that felt as though they might break at any moment. Rita opened her fake crocodile skinned purse and a quill and parchment paper flew out.
"You won't mind if I use a Quick-Quotes Quill, right? It allows me to talk more freely."
"No, of course not," said Hermione.
Actually, she minded very much, Quick-Quotes Quills usually did not write what people were actually saying, it usually wrote what the interviewer was thinking. However, Hermione knew that her protests would be ignored.
"Lovely," Rita said again. "Now, my first question is, of course, why did you put your name in the Goblet?"
"I didn't," replied Hermione. She noticed to quill kept writing, as if her response had been longer.
"Come, come, Hermione, my readers would love to know how you managed to put your name in the Goblet of Fire. This is the perfect time to reveal your strategy! You are competing, might as well let the world how you managed to pull it off. Everyone loves a rebel, Hermione."
"I didn't," replied Hermione through gritted teeth. "I was set up, I do not know who would do that, but I would never put my name in the Goblet."
"Do you think you did it to show up Harry Potter? He is, after all, your best friend, and he is always in the spotlight. I bet you have helped him survive in the past, but are always in the shadows."
"That's where I like being!" Exclaimed Hermione, who realized the mistake of what she had just said. "Harry is my friend; I would do anything for him."
"Now this is interesting. I heard rumors that you and Cedric were getting close and now you say you would do anything for Harry Potter. I think a love triangle is developing. Tell me, do you have feelings for Cedric?"
"N...no," Hermione stuttered, she was embarrassed and frustrated all at once. "Harry and I are just friends and same with Cedric."
Hermione looked over at the quill and caught a glimpse of what it was writing
Hermione blushed as talented Rita Skeeter uncovered her secret,
She loved both Harry and Cedric and realized she would have to choose.
"I do not have to choose! Harry and I are just friends!"
"Do not pay attention to the quill dear. I have another question for you; many Champions have died in the past, what do you think will happen to you? Do you have any strategies you would like to share?"
"I um…plan on trying to survive. I don't have a strategy exactly I will just try my hardest."
"Hmm…what a shame. Many winners usually had a game plan. How do you parents feel about this? I understand that they are muggles and are probably not very familiar with this event, how are they reacting to their daughter competing in deadly tournament?"
"They are proud of me for choosing to compete. They understand the rules and are worried about me, but trust my instincts."
Hermione looked over at the quill and was dismayed at what she saw.
Tears glisten Hermione's eyes as Rita Skeeter brings up her Muggle parents.
Hermione realizes what she has gotten herself into and seems to want to burst into tears.
"I am not tearing up! This is ridiculous," says Hermione.
"Now, now, lovely, those are valid questions. Our interview is done, but, I have to, I am sure you realize that being a mudblood in this competition puts you in the spotlight, is that maybe why you put your name in the Goblet? To prove to the world that even someone like you could win the Cup?"
Hermione was now furious.
"No," she replied coldly.
"Whatever you say dear," Rita Skeeter said as she opened the door. "Good luck next week. My readers and I look forward to seeing how you do."
Hermione brushed past Rita Skeeter and stormed out of the classroom. Never had Hermione felt more insulted in her entire life. Unfortunately, Hermione agreed with Rita Skeeter and her readers, she too looked forward to see how she would survive the first task.