The hall was masked with noise, the three Tri-Wizard Champions had just been announced.
Hermione Granger paid no mind. She was fully against this death match, and would not support it in any way, not that any student would listen to her ramblings anyway.
The three Champions disappeared behind a door, their school heads not far behind.
"And so," Started Dumbledore, "We have come to the end of-".
The goblet lit up, sparks flying everywhere. Students hushed, and teachers stared in wonder. Even Hermione looked up.
Hadn't all the Champions been picked?
With a burst of light, a single note of paper fluttered out, landing in the Headmasters outstretched hand.
Confusion passed over his features. Looking up, his suddenly serious eyes glanced about the room.
"Hermione Granger." Silence followed, though Hermione could of sworn her heart was in her head from how loud it was. She didn't dare move. "Hermione Granger!" A hand pushed her out of her seat, and she fell to the floor, papers scattered. Gulping, she made haste to pick them up. Most of the eyes on her were accusing.
A fourth year? Much less one as...pitiful as they called her. And a Muggleborn! How could she be picked? Surely this is a fluke!
Eyes searching for anyone to help, though with what she wasn't sure, Hermione stuffed her papers in her bag, and moved towards the front.
She could feel tears, something she rarely let happen, build up, but she kept a straight face. The whispers started.
How did she enter?
Stupid Mudblood.
Where they going let her compete?
One less Mudblood to worry about.
She let out a shuddering breath as she stepped towards the Headmaster. His eyes were full of hesitation, and pity. After all, she knew once a name was called, the contract was sealed. Its not like she had parents to breach the contract. She had no one.
Dumbledore gestured to the door where all the other Champions had exited, and with a solemn nod, she went.
OoOoOoO
"Vhat are you doing 'ere?" Asked Fleur Delacour, the Beauxbatons Champion.
Hermione couldn't answer, for she did not know herself. What could she say? That it was a fluke? In her life, nothing was ever a fluke.
Dumbledore came into the room calmly, followed by her head of house, Professor McGonagall. The women had a stern look on her face,her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Miss Granger," Started the Headmaster, "Do you have any clue of how your name entered the cup?" Hermoine bowed and shook her head.
He let out a sigh. "Do you know about the contract?"
She nodded.
"Then you know that there is no getting out of this. This is a very dangerous game, and not all survive."
"I know, sir." She whispered, bile rising in her throat. She took a shuddering breath before raising her head and squaring her shoulders. "I do not know how my name got in the cup, but I accept full responsibility and will do the Gryffindor house proud." McGonagalls lips twitched with barely concealed pride.
And with that, Hermione Jane Granger became the youngest Tri-Wizard Champion. But, if only her troubles stopped there.
OoOoOoO
Hermione dragged her feet as she went back to the Gryffindor Common Room. Thankfully, the Great Hall was deserted after the meeting was over, she wasn't quite sure she was ready to face her housemates yet, but they hadn't really cared before, so what would change now?
"Flugger nugget," She said to the fat lady.
Just as she stepped through the hole, all conversation hushed.
It was the youngest male Weasely who approached her first.
"So, how'ja do it, Granger? Put your name in the cup? Want all the glory for yourself?"
"Even if I did put my name in the cup, which I didn't, I wouldn't share it with the likes of you if all you care about is glory and fame." She tried to sidestep him, but he blocked her path, letting out a cruel laugh.
"That is all its about, bucktooth. Glory, Fame. Money." His eyes sparked at the word.
"Well, believe what you want, I could really care less." She purposely bumped his side as she headed for the stairs.
"You just wait, Granger, Wait till everyone is supporting Diggory and hopes you fail."
"It wasn't until she was safely behind her bed curtains that she let out, "Don't you already?"
A/N Reviews make me write, though I feel that goes for any writer. This story came to me after I had a nightmare, it is centered around hermione. I am trying to not explain how it is different from the books. Afterall, this is their new reality, they dont know what happened in the books. What is happening in this story is completely normal for them. Answers will be given throughout the story.
Please Review!
Julia