I don't own anything, wish I did but I don't.

Hermione never really thought about school these days, her mind was more focused on keeping the two guys in her life from killing each other.

No place in the castle was safe from yelling, fighting, or even spell casting. Going to class was an adventure, socializing was not even a possibility. She spent most of her days in her dormitory, since she expressed her love for her best friend Harry Potter last year.

This is the beginning of their fourth year at Hogwarts, and of course the tri-wizard cup is beginning in a few weeks. Harry's name was drawn from the goblet, he will be set against some of the most deadly challenges ever put in the competition, and his best friend isn't talking to him because of her.

"Hermione?" A voice drew her out of her deep thought. She was looking into the eyes of Fred Weasley, maybe it was George.

"Oh, hey"

"What are you doing in here, alone when the tournament is so close?"

It was hard for her to look at him and not see Ron.

"Studying" she said bringing her book up to her chest.

He could see through her per sod, squatting down to eye level with her and putting a hand on her shoulder,

"Hey, if my little brother can't see how great you are and how lucky he is just being your friend, then he's not worth a second thought."

Looking down at her book she could pretend he wasn't right. Giving him a half smile was the best she could do.

"George Weasley!" A girl came running up to them faster then she'd ever seen.

"Sorry wrong twin, I think he's...in the great hall" he said pushing her out of the door, looking back at Hermione he gave her a quick sshhh. Ok so it WAS George.

Sitting back in her chair she started to realize the dorm was almost empty. Where was everybody? Had she missed an important announcement? Setting her book aside she gets up and starts to realize how long she'd been sitting there; her back was stiff, legs wobbly and eyes sore. What time was it anyways? Looking at the clock above the fireplace she understands why the dorm was empty, dinner. Anxiety started welding up inside of her as she walked out of the portrait of the fat lady and headed down the stairs. What was going to happen tonight? Could she make it through one meal without a fight starting? As she headed down the moving staircase she almost run into Luna Lovegood.

"Hello Hermione, how are you doing this fine night?"

"Hi Luna, I'm fine"

Luna had on one of her many hat, tonights hat was a homemade version of an old gray owl sitting on a mossy branch with a pink mouse in its mouth.

"Uh Luna, please tell me the mouse... isn't real" she said with a worried look on her face.

"What? Oh, ya. Of course it isn't. I was thinking of using; a snake, a frog, or even a fish, but I think the mouse works better. Don't you?" She said all in one breath.

Putting on her best friendly smile Hermione shook her head in agreement. Turning on her heals Luna finished her climb up the stairs and vanished from sight. It was hard getting in Luna's head some times. She didn't even notice the students in the corridor as she continued on her path to the great hall. She tried to hide her anxiety as she walked pass Filch and Mrs. Norris and entered the great hall.

A rush of emotions hit her as she took in the image that was in front of her. The Hogwarts house tables were set up in the usual way, with an addition of an extra table on the end of Slytherin and Gryffindor. The visiting students of Beauxbaton Academy of Magic and Drumstrand Institute sat at the additional tables. Now she had a choice to make between the two most important men in her life, the "chosen one" and the "jealous" friend. Harry was sitting with Neville and Ron was sitting with the rest of the Gryffindor fourth years.

Sitting with Harry would start the rumor mill. If she sat with Ron then she can't talk to Harry again, or until the two friends made up. Noticing her first Seamus motioned to her as he bumped Ron with his elbow, as he looked up at her his expression changed from contentment to deep sorrow and longing. Trying not to show that it hurt her, she set out to find a seat near the middle. Seeing a vacant space near Harry, but not next to him, she took the seat. Looking at Hermione then at Harry, Neville tried to engage his friend in conversation.

thanks for reading, I hope I was able to keep your interest.

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