Time Turning Events

As Dumbledore and Snape escorted the newly found Alastor Moody to the Hospital Wing, Hermione stayed behind with Harry.

"Hermione, how did you know where I was? I mean, you got Dumbledore here just in time to save me from Crouch," Harry exclaimed, in awe.

Hermione sighed, "I'm just so glad you're safe. When I saw you and Cedric, my heart just burst. I couldn't believe he was dead, or that Voldemort was back. Then, in all the scuffle, I saw Professor Moody take you away. He had this weird look in his eye. I knew he was trouble, so I immediately told Dumbledore, who got Snape and we rushed to this classroom."

"You're absolutely brilliant, you know that," Harry smiled. "What would I ever do without you?"

Hermione smiled, "Harry Potter, you'd be lost without me."

Even though they were both happy to be together, both their thoughts were haunted by the loss of Cedric and the return of Voldemort.

Harry couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't hold back his grief or his tears. "It's all my fault, Hermione. I'm the reason he's dead. If it weren't for me, Cedric would still be alive," he cried, as he slumped on the stairs.

Hermione bent down beside him. "No! Harry, this is not your fault at all. How could anyone have know that Crouch turned the cup into a port-key? Even Dumbledore didn't suspect him, till now. Peter Pettigrew killed Cedric, not you!"

"He should never have been there in the first place! If I had just left him in the maze, then he'd still be here."

"You were saving his life. You didn't want him to be ingested by the Devil's Snare. Harry, you've got to stop blaming yourself! No one blames you. Do you really think Cedric would blame you?" Hermione asked, knowing she hit a nerve. Her eyes met Harry's and she added, "We both know he wouldn't."

Harry knew she was right. But, why did Cedric have to die? Why did that bastard have to kill him? "Why did he have to kill him?! He was innocent. He didn't do anything!" Harry cried.

"I know. Voldemort's a heartless monster! He'd kill anybody in his path."

"I just wish I could have saved him," Harry cried, tearfully, cupping his face in his arms.

Hermione caressed his shoulder, trying to console him. She hated the fact that Cedric was dead. She had just recently became friends with the talented Hufflepuff student. over Hermione's thoughts drifted back to their first encounter. She had found him in the courtyard, and asked to have a word. He agreed, and the two talked as they walked along the covered bridge.

"Cedric, I know Harry better than anyone. He's not the type of person who would ever so such a thing. He never entered his name in that cup. And even if he wanted to, we both know that would be impossible. Dumbledore's spell was absolute. We both saw Fred and George, with their ageing potion."

"I know. You're right. I've heard a great deal about you, and Harry. I know he didn't do it, Hermione. The question is: Who did?"

"That's what practically everyone would like to know. If only I could think of someone, who would have both the motive and the opportunity."

Cedric started to laugh, but tried to hold it held it back, but couldn't. He burst out laughing, holding onto a pillar for balance.

Hermione shot a glare at him. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing. I'm sorry, its just that... You act as though it's up to you to solve everything. Every single problem, every single question there is, you have to know the answer to."

Hermione's face turned pale. He had a point. She did always have to know the answers. She practically made it her life's purpose. "Well, what of it? Granted, yes, that is what I do, but it's to help Harry. I just can't stand people accusing him of something he didn't do."

"I can see that. Which goes to show you're a true friend. But, you have to relax a little. It's not your responsibility to solve problem. I'm sure Harry doesn't expect you to. He just needs your support.

Cedric was right. Harry never did expect her to know the answer to everything. Only Ron did. And of course, he's the one who's shunning Harry now, over something he didn't even do. Hermione had to admit, Ron was acting like an overgrown child.

"You're right. I guess it's not my place to solve everything. But, Harry will need your support to. Since you're in the tournament, you can vouch for him."

Cedric nodded, "I'd be glad to. If there's anyway I can help him, I will."

Hermione could hardly believe his words. She could see the sincerity in Cedric's face. He meant every word. Hermione knew she could count on him, to come through for her. Now, she just had to steer Harry in his direction.

"Now, for the first task, Harry is going to meet Hagrid tonight, to find out exactly what it is. Tomorrow, I'll make sure Harry will tell you what he's found out."

"Okay. I can't wait. Hopefully, this will give us a advantage over the other two."

"I hope so."

"I'm glad we had this little chat, Hermione," Cedric beamed, when they entered the courtyard.

Hermione couldn't help but smile back at him. "I am too. See you tomorrow, Cedric."

"See you then," Cedric replied, waving.

Hermione waved back, then hurried up to the Gryffindor common room.

Cedric's kindness meant so much to her. Hermione could feel her tears stream down her face. Cedric should not have died. If only she could have found a way to save him. Then it hit her: My Time-Turner! We saved Buckbeak's life and Sirius'. Why not use it to save Cedric's as well.

Hermione glanced down at Harry. "Harry, there is a way we can save him."

Those words sent a bold through Harry's body. "We can!" he shouted, quickly standing up.

"Yes," Hermione replied, pulling out her time-turner.

Harry's eyes shot up. "I'd almost forgotten about that. Hermione, you're brilliant! Truly."

"Thanks," Hermione winced, as she started to turn it. "Okay, now when we go back four hours, we'll have to fly to Little Hangleton. We have to beat Voldemort and Pettigrew to the graveyard."

"Okay. We'll do it. Let's go," Harry replied, excitedly.

Hermione placed the necklace around their necks, and started to turn the hour glass, four times. Soon, shadows began to form, they saw the past events in Moody's classroom play back in reverse. Then, the shadows disappeared, and Hermione took the necklace off Harry's neck. She glanced up at the clock. "It's 5:00. The third task is just about to start."

"We have to hurry," Harry exclaimed. "Let's get to the Gryffindor broom cupboard."

"Right."

They two made a dash out of the classroom, and hurried towards the Quidditch stadium.