Chapter 1: Argument

The Great Hall was buzzing. Laughter and conversations echoed through the hall. Then all was silent as Dumbledore got up onto the steps.

"As of today, Hogwarts will be having a talent competition to lighten the mood of the Triwizard Tournament. The Yule Ball will also be held, but until then, we look forward to all your talents. Carry on." He waltzed off the steps and excited whispers started over again.

"'Mione, are you doing it?" Ron asked his best friend. She smiled.

"Probably not. Are you?"

"No. Absolutely not." He replied quickly. Hermione giggled at his quick answer. She resumed to eating and reading Hogwarts: A History.

"Oh, I forgot to mention," Dumbledore was speaking again, "each house must host their own nomination competition for representatives. There must be at least 5 and all houses should have members in the show. Take care!" Everyone filed to their own common rooms. Hermione lagged, her nose stuck in her book as she walked. When she got there, Ginny suddenly clapped her hands.

"Hermione can sing! Why not try her?" Ginny squealed. Hermione looked up from her book, shock etched onto her face. Everyone looked to her expectantly. The fourth year was frozen.

"Guys don't make me do this," she whispered.

"Oh, come on Hermione. How bad can it be?" Lavender pressured.

"No." Hermione insisted.

"What's wrong with it?" Lavender persisted, not noticing the tension in the room or the tears in her roommates' eyes.

"I said no." Hermione said, her voice rising.

"Well, what's in your way?" Lavender retorted, her voice also raising.

"Lavender don't." Ginny murmured, scared of the tension that they were creating. Hermione's eyes flashed dangerously.

"No, Lavender, and that's final!" Ron and Harry backed away. They weren't used to seeing Hermione so mad.

"Well, why not?" Lavender yelled.

"BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO! IS THAT SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND? I JUST DON'T WANT TO, AND YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!" Hermione yelled back.

"WELL, MAYBE IF YOU WEREN'T SUCH A SELFISH MUDBLOOD, YOU'D TAKE THE WISHES OF OTHERS INTO YOUR COLD AND INSENSITIVE HEART!" Lavender screamed, instantly covering her mouth as gasps sounded. Hermione had tears spilling over her eyelids.

"Thank you for the compliment, Lavender." With that, Hermione raced to her dorm, sobbing all the way.