Four Dragons

George's point of view

It's odd how fast people jump to conclusions. I swear this school gossips as much as Rita Skeeter. The whole Great Hall was filled with fury and foulness, it made me sick.

"Potter is just looking for more attention, pathetic he is," said Justin from Hufflepuff.

"He won't last 5 minutes," Draco whispered to his gorilla goons.

"Stop being a fowl git Malfoy," I yell. "You know this is some kind of misunderstanding, stop being so jealous of Harry. Even if he did put his name in the goblet, bravo to him to trick Dumbledore! Not like you would ever in your life be able to accomplish anything REMOTELY CLOSE TO THAT," I said impressed with Harry but also worried after seeing Hermione flee the hall.

"Just because pretty-boy Cedric has some real competition from Hogwarts now doesn't mean you have to be such a girl, Justin. I'm sure Diggory will love you just the same without you bashing Harry's name," Fred yelled, standing up from the table.

"I'm going to go check on Hermione," I whispered to Fred, he nodded. Before I left I seen Ron still sitting at the table, sulking.

"You good Ron?"

"Fine," he said in a childish manner.

"Grow up Ron, you know as much as I that Harry didn't do this."

"Whatever," Ron said standing up from the table, walking out the hall. I shake my head and then run out of the hall. Now where would she run off to? I pace around for a second before it hits me, library! I rush to the library and open the door, sneaking in quietly. The library was dead as usual and extremely dark. It was almost pitch black but then I see a small flicker from a lantern out into the far corner. I walk over to the corner and see Hermione reading.

"What are you reading there," I said softly, pulling a chair next to her.

"Hogwarts: A History," she said with a tremble in her voice.

"Hermione," I start to say sympathetically.

"Zip it George, I don't need your jokes right now okay? I have to help Harry, there has to be something in here to get him out of the tournament. Now either help me or piss off because I don't need you doing what you do right now!" She snapped, looking at me with red puffy eyes. She looked back at her book and wiped her eyes.

"Ok, hand me a book then," I said pulling my chair closer to her. She hands me a book and puts the lantern near me.

"Thank you," she looked at me sniffling, and then returned to her book. I flipped through so many books, I started to lose count. The books started to form a fort around Hermione and I. My eyes were starting to burn and I must have dozed off because next thing I knew the sun was beaming through the windows and I had drooled all over the Complete History of Twi-wizard Tournaments. I jolt up and notice Hermione missing. I look over our fort of books and don't see her. Where on earth is she?

"Hermione?" I yell, trying to find the exit through this mountain we created. I hear books dropping and follow the sound to the other end of the library. I finally see her wild brown hair though the opening of a bookcase. I walk up to it and see her pulling and tossing books of the shelves.

"No, no, no…" she repeated, tossing more books to the ground.

"Hermione?" I said quietly, I notice she hasn't slept a bit, she had raccoon eyes the darkest I've ever seen.

"Chapter 23, Rules and Regulations of Twi…" she started to say but then she started muttering gibberish to herself I couldn't understand.

"Hermione," I said again, grabbing the book from her hand.

"What?" She snapped. I've never seen her like this before and I wish I hadn't. I guess she really did care about any of us entering. All these books drove her mad with information. Her eyes start to water and she drops to the ground defeated.

"Hermione," I said solemnly, resting my my hand on her back.

"I can't find anything George! It's a binding contract, he'll be in trouble if he leaves," she whimpered, tears pouring down her face. I pull her into my chest and let her cry for a bit. She starts to calm down and pulls away from me.

"It will be okay," I said reassuring her. "Harry is one of the bravest students of Gryffindor and you know that."

"You're right," she sighed wiping her face with her sleeve.

"Godric's blood, I bet my life on it. They have similar facial features. Have that whole Viking look down when he's angry. Plus I've seen Harry duel and Godric was known for that wasn't he?" I questioned, smiling at her. She smiles weakly and stands up.

"Yes, he was. Let's go find Harry," she said putting her hand out for mine. I stand up and we start heading out to find Harry.

"Now that I think about, Krum looks like a Viking, plus he's on the biggest ship I've ever seen," I say curiously, letting my mind wonder. "What heritage was Godric again?" Letting my whole point with Harry become pointless, obviously she knew I was full of it to begin with but still.

"Well, he's from England obviously, but his name comes from the Welsh orgin. Let's go," she said a few feet ahead of me. We walk a bit while she told me some random facts about Godic Gryffindor.

"You probably should get some rest," I suggested trying to keep up with her.

"I'm fine, let's just find Harry okay?"

"Okay," I sighed, knowing I couldn't persuade her.

"What time is it?

"You're really asking me that question?"

"I think we should be in Potions lesson next."

"Oh and how do you figure? Can you read the sky to know the time as well Granger?"

"Just come on," she said impatiently running to the dungeon. We start running and then I see Harry waiting outside Snape's classroom. Hermione rushed up to him, the girl can sprint and I have longer legs than her.

"Harry are you okay?" She yelled, hugging him instantly.

"I'm okay Hermione, where have you been? Ron is being an idiot, to think I actually," Harry started to say, trying to release her from the tight grip she had on him.

"I know Harry, ignore Ron. He'll come to his senses. I know you didn't do it but, someone did."

"Why?"

"I'm not sure mate, but according to Complete History of Twi-Wizard Tournaments, page 394, these tasks are not for the faint hearted. One of the most dangerous magical events in the world, surpassing Quidditch. Someone obviously is not a friend of yours to put you in this tournament," I said surprising myself. Even Harry was confused on why I just shot a random fact out of my mouth.

"Someone could possibly want you dead," Hermione said softly.

"Hermione I have to go find Fred, I will catch up with you later. She nods and I start heading up the stairs.

"Who would want me dead?" Harry said curiously.

"Loads of people," Draco interrupted, walking next to Hermione. "Like my badge?" He asked us all, showing it off. I stop halfway up the stairway.

"Potter stinks? Clever Malfoy, and I thought you dung brains couldn't spell," Ron said hovering over him.

"Would you like one Hermione? Just don't touch me with your muddy, bloody hands," Draco said in disgust. Before I had time to react, the comment caused Harry to explode and he and Draco both pulled out their wand. Flashes of color went each way and Malfoy hit Hermione, sending her across the hall hitting the wall. Something was happening to her mouth but before Harry, Ron and I could help she ran off. I hear someone coming and hide behind an opening in the stone wall. Snape runs pass and mumbles something. Harry and Ron looked livid, they rushed inside to the classroom. I see Malfoy laughing outside the door and I rush over and grab him by his robes.

"You do realize Moody and I are mates and one word to him I can have you turned back into the greasy, white-haired weasel?" I whisper, grabbing his robes pushing him against the wall. Draco eyes suddenly turned to terror but before he could respond, I hear footsteps. "Or maybe I could Transfigure you myself, could go wrong but, hey, I need the practice."

"George, it's Snape. Go check on Hermione," Harry warned me, poking his head out of the classroom. I let go of Draco, smiled at him before heading off. These pass two days are just ridiculous. Is this what it's like every year for those three because bloody hell. How are they even passing any of their classes?

"George! Where have you been?" Fred said running up to me.

"Have you seen Hermione?" I said, looking around the hall.

"Yeah, she rushed pass me a minute ago sobbing. I think she is headed to the Hospital Wing."

"Thanks, I'll catch up with you in a bit."

"Where are you going?"

"I'll explain later." I wave him off and rush to the Hospital Wing. I knock on the door and Poppy answers.

"Is Hermione here?" I question, trying to see over her head.

"She is but, I think you best get to class Mr. Weasley."

"Can I just talk to her for a moment?"

"No," she said sternly, slamming the door.

"Witch." I turn back and head to Charms even though I rather head to my bed at this point. I drag myself to my lesson and see Fred in the back row as usual.

"How's Hermione?" Fred asked anxiously, as I sit down next to him.

"I believe she will lose her mind... any day now," I sigh laying my head down on the table. This group is so much trouble, and Fred and I actually cause and look for our own, it just seems to follow Harry and them.

"How's Harry?" I asked, only being able to speak to him for a moment with Hermione.

"Well, everyone aside from a good portion of Gryffindors are shunning him."

"Why are we even at this school?"

"Something I ask myself everyday George. Ron is being a pissy git, fussing over nothing. Harry is his best mate but he's acting like Harry's cheated on him or something."

"In all fairness if your name was called from the goblet and you didn't tell me you had pass the age line, I'd probably break up with you too."

"Blimey, I forgot to mention to you," Fred started to say.

"What," I said yawning, waving my wand for one of the professor's pillows, it zoomed over to me.

"Charlie said he will show us the main part of the first task."

"You're joking?" I said jolting up from the pillow.

"He said just meet him by Hagrid's around eleven tonight."

"Brilliant, now cover me while I take a short nap. Tell him you hexed me or something if he freaks?"

"Anything for you brother," Fred said slyly.

"Do not burn off my hair making me have bald spots or I swear," I threaten him, laying my head down.

"Calm down, I won't mess with you. I'll wake you up with lesson is over," he said sincerely. I guess he noticed I had a long night. Thank Merlin we have that weird twin understanding thing or we probably would have killed each other by now. I doze off quickly.

"Sleeping beauty," I hear someone yell. "GEORGE!" Fred screamed so loud I thought my ear exploded.

"What in the bloody hell is your problem," I snap sitting up from the table, rubbing my ear.

"Want to grab a pint?"

"What time is it?" I asked curiously noticing everyone had left.

"Well, class has been over for a bit. I decided to snoop around the professor's office. Did you know he is a professional dancer? It's a hobby I guess. Can you imagine that little guy flowing around like a perfectly mustached, ballerina?

"He just let us stay here?"

"Well, I told Flitwick you were devastated over Harry being chosen to be in the tournament," he started off dramatically. "That you're scared you'll lose your one true love. Even though, you know deep down, he'll never love you back," he continued in fake devastation, sitting down across from me.

"You done?"

"He seemed to buy it because he shook his head sympathetically at you before leaving us," he said twitching his nose happily, followed by an obnoxious grin.

"Clever, you should major in theater," I said sarcastically, stretching my arms.

"So, whiskey or?

"Definitely. Can we invite Hermione though because I feel like she might need a break?"

"She needs to stop being so mental, Harry owns this school for Merlin sake. Dumbledore is like his best mate plus with Hermione on his side? That woman is a walking encyclopedia. He always finds a way, he's clever enough to win this thing. I'm kind of glad he's in the tournament, we have to admit he has made the pass few years for us most entertaining."

"Agreed. But, it's not just Harry it's Draco." Then I told him about the conversation outside of Snape's class today.

"Believe me, Draco will get what is coming to him, you'll see." Fred said, eyes twinkling. We walk up to the Gryffindor common room and see Hermione talking to the chair next to her, that was empty.

"You were right, she's losing it," Fred whispered to me as we walk over to her.

"Hey, was wondering if you wanted to joy us for a Butterbeer?" I asked sweetly, eyeing the empty chair next to her.

"Sure," she said nervously, quickly getting off her chair. I smile at her. "What?" She asked me annoyed.

"You're welcome to follow Harry," I whisper to the other chair, seeing Hermione roll her eyes.

"Blimey! That's Harry? Oh! Yes, totally forgot about his cloak. We thought you were losing your marbles Hermione," Fred laughed in relief.

"Shut it Fred, you idiot," Harry whispered.

"Hey mate, when are you going to let me borrow that?" Fred asked, poking his hand through the air. Fred walks ahead of us, chatting with Harry not caring he seems like a loon.

"You feeling okay?" I asked looking at her mouth.

"Yes, everything's okay."

"You look different," I said curiously, not realizing what it was.

"It's my teeth, I don't want to talk about it. But if anything, I'm glad Draco hit me, I like my smile now."

"I thought your teeth were fine before."

"Thanks George," she said smiling.

"Harry is going to be fine you know?"

"I know. Thanks for helping me."

"No problem Granger, I like having a 'you owe me' over your shoulder."

"Bet you do."

xxx

The Forbidden Forest is probably the one place Fred and I chose to stay clear of when it came to exploring. The rules were meant to be broken but I'm cool not breaking them in exchange for not getting my head chewed off by a giant.

"Why didn't we just tell Harry that Charlie invited us to see too?" I asked keeping watch of anyone in the halls.

"Because you dim-wit, Charlie could get in serious trouble. I know Hagrid is risking everything to show Harry. He has the cloak though so it's a bit easier."

"Coast is clear, let's head down, quick!" I whisper rushing down to Hagrid's. We see Charlie at the far end of Hagrid's hut and rush over.

"Finally you two, hurry before Hagrid sees you," Charlie says motioning us to a trail he made. We walk a bit in what seemed like pitch black darkness before we see fire blazing ahead of us lighting up the whole area around us and then hear a loud screeching.

"What in the bloody hell was that? Fred asked, speeding up his pace.

"Well, the first task is going to be," Charlie started to say.

"DRAGONS? YOU'RE JOKING," I say staring at a huge black, spiked lizard looking dragon, going ballistic. It's yellow eyes reflecting the flames that were going off everywhere.

"Horntail," Charlie said smiling like it was his own child. "Feel bad for whoever gets that one."

"You need to see someone at St. Mungo's," Fred said looking around at the other dragons.

"Sickle that Harry gets it?" I bet Fred.

"4 dragons I assume?" Fred asked Charlie.

"Yep."

"1/4 odds, sure I'll take that bet," Fred said getting a bit closer.

"You two are awful," Charlie says waving Fred back. Charlie shows us all four dragons, saying their origin and history blah blah blah. "You two get back to Hogwarts before someone sees you."

"We want to play with the dragons," I said looking at the Short Snout's long, ashy blue, scaled tail.

"Yeah, we listened to you ramble about each one, we deserve to get closer."

"Go," he said sternly.

"FINE!" Fred and I said in unison. We wave to Charlie and head back to the school.

"Hermione is going to lose her head," I said laughing nervously.

"Poor Harry, it was nice knowing him." We continue our walk to the portrait, and stop before the Fat Lady.

"Hello Fredrick," the Fat Lady said bashfully, giggling like a school girl.

"Mi-lady," Fred smiled bowing down. She opened the portrait without the password and we walk into the common room.

"Pathetic," I said laughing at him.

"Hey, she helps spread the word about our good graces to the other portraits. We may one day need an emergency exit strategy and who's the one preparing?" He whispered.

"Why are you two still up? Hermione said surprised, nervously standing up from the couch, by the fireplace.

"The question is not why are we, why are you? Fred said curiously, smiling.

"Studying," she said quickly.

"Hermione for once it would be nice if we actually caught you doing something worth detention," Fred sighed in disappointment. He starts walking upstairs to our room. "You coming?" He asked me turning around, half way up.

"In a minute."

"See you then," Fred said walking up the stairs.

"So, what are you up to? I know it's something, your nose does this weird puffy thing when you're lying and your voice changes," I asked intrigued.

"Nothing, and what puffy thing with my nose?" She exclaimed, touching her nose.

"Okay, why don't I keep you company then?" I said walking to the empty chair.

"No! I mean, no…don't you think you should get rest for the task tomorrow?" She said innocently.

"You can't fool me Granger, I've had the innocence look down since I was seven."

"I just need the common room empty, to help Harry with stuff," she said sounding like it was the truth just not all of it.

"Right," I said giving her a questionable look. "I'll go up to bed then, see you tomorrow."

"See you," she said quickly, rushing me. She watches me walk up the stairs and I rush into my room. I race to my product chest and grab my extendable ears.

"What happened to my ears?" I said asking Fred who was reading on his bed. The ear looked tore to shreds.

"Hermione's filthy cat used it as a chew toy ages ago."

"When?"

"Okay, I meant to say, I left mine out and Crooky tore it up so I switched with yours. It still works just, you hear more of the conversation in very faint whispers," he said calmly looking up from his book.

"Well, what's the point? Where's your then?"

"Lee has them, spying on Angelina."

"He should just give up already, she's out of his league." I said irritated, taking the ears back to the stairs.I creep down about half way down the steps as much as I could without being noticed and put the ear against the corner of the step. I run back to the top of the stairwell with the other ear and push myself as close to the wall as I could, waiting.

"Who we spying on then?" Fred whispered behind me, causing me to jump.

"You scared the piss out of me!" I whispered back. Hermione is hiding something and I'm finding out what it is, just be quiet."

"Brilliant," he said sitting on the step behind me. We sit there in silence for a moment before we hear the muffled voice of Harry.

"What's he saying?" Fred whispered.

"I heard dragons, he must be telling Hermione what we saw in the forest."

"What's he saying now?"

"Shut up, will you?" I whispered loudly. "Sirius?" I said to myself out loud, puzzled.

"I know you're serious, I shut up didn't I?"

"No, you idiot, Sirius Black."

"Black? What about him?"

"Something about him meeting Harry? Tonight?

"No!" Fred gasped softly.

"Shhhh!"

"Let me see that?" Fred said taking the ear from me, hitting it with his hand.

"Shit Fred, a shadow is coming towards us, run!" I whisper, quickly rushing into our room. We shut the door quietly behind us and sit against the door.

"You're right Harry, I just should tell George how I feel," Hermione said on the ear.

"Hey it worked!" Fred said proudly.

"Shut it!" I smiled, hands starting to sweat a bit.

"He's starting to be in my dreams too, it's starting to eat at me, I think I have to tell him," she said softly.

"Excellent, a dream score brother," Fred said punching my shoulder. Before I could reply there was a knock on our door.

"Shit!" I whisper. "Hurry, rush to bed!" Fred and I both rush to our beds, I throw the ear behind the curtain and grab a book.

"Come in," said Fred holding his book as well.

"Hey," Hermione said peeking her head through the door.

"Nothing," Fred said quickly, I shot him a death stare.

"How can we help you?" I said casually.

"Oh, well I just felt like I needed to tell you something George. I thought I'd just come out and say it, tell you whats on my mind," she started to say softly. I've been thinking how...you're a fucking prat. Left your other ear on the steps, idiot." She said annoyed, threw the ear piece at me and shot Fred and I the dirtiest look imaginable. "By the way Fred your book is upside down," she said before leaving the room, slamming the door shut.

"That didn't go the way I expected, I can't help but to think this is your fault," Fred said, setting his book down.

"Really mate? Upside down?" I said annoyed, falling down onto my pillow, letting out a huge breath.

"Hey it could have been worse?" He said shrugging. "Hermione could have hexed us."

xxx

Fred and I wake up early the next morning, we had to collect bets before the first task started. We get dress and rush down to breakfast.

"Who's up so far?" I asked Fred, walking ahead of him.

"Well, Krum is in favor to get the most points, Cedric close behind. I say we place everything on Harry and Krum to tie because no one is really thinking Harry will pull through," Fred said, reading over our little black book.

"What have we got to lose since Ludo fucked us," I said, regretfully.

"Don't say that, we will pressure him until he pays up, don't worry about it. I will get all of it straightened out with that two-timing troll." We walk in the Great Hall and go to the Gryffindor table.

"You okay there Harry?" I asked, sitting down across from him.

"Great," he said, sulking.

"If it makes you feel better, Fred and I are placing the rest of our galleons on you," I said trying to encourage him.

"Loads," he said reading some book on dragons.

"Hermione, help me out here," I said tapping her shoulder.

"Shh," she said looking down at her book which was also about dragons.

"Do all the champions know about the dragons?" Fred asked Harry without thinking.

"What," Harry said quickly, looking up from his book. I stomp on Fred's foot under the table.

"Oh, um, so you're reading up on your dragons? Charlie probably could give you a lesson, four year course in a couple of hours, at most," he said trying to save himself.

"Harry have you seen Ron?" Hermione said to Harry, eyeing me to death.

"No, and I don't care to. I have to go meet Moody see you," he said glumly, walking away from the table.

"Phew, that was close," Fred said smiling at Granger. But it quickly faded and he pretended to see Lee and rushed off.

"Seriously though, does everyone know?" I asked, grabbing some maple bacon.

"Well, Viktor and Fleur definitely know because Harry seen both Maxine and Karkaroff in the forest, by the dragons last night."

"I see. So, that leaves Diggory? This is good gambling info," I said, picking up my quill. Hermione grabs it and lays it down.

"Harry is telling him today."

"Why? If anything it helps him along?"

"Harry just is like that, he's a genuine person, likes everything to be fair."

"Fair? The other champions have what, 3 years on him? He needs all the help he can get. Dragons are serious Hermione."

"I know," she said waving her book in my face. "I'm doing what I can to try and help."

"I thought you knew everything, shouldn't this be cake?

"I'm slacking on my dragon knowledge at the moment," she said frustrated.

"Shouldn't you be off to a lesson?"

"I have a free period."

"Oh, so do i."

"Really?"

"No, I don't feel like going to Charms though, I think I'll just stay here."

"Great!" She said handing me, Taming Dragons Vol. 2.

"Damn, I didn't see that coming," I sighed, taking the book. We sit there flipping through pages and pages and my mind starts re-reading the same sentence. "Hermione, it's my free period," I said, laying my head down in the book.

"No, it's not you're skipping."

"Damn, all these books are messing with me, I forgot I told you." Next thing I know, I hear Harry rushing in on us.

"Hermione!"

"What?"

"I know how I'll be able to go against the dragon!" He said thrilled and out of breath

"Brilliant!" I said throwing my book across the table hitting some Hufflepuff in the head. I grab Harry and squeeze him tightly. "Thank you," I whisper.

"You're welcome?" Harry said confused.

"What do you need me for?" Hermione said shutting her book.

"To help work on my Summoning Charm."

"What do you plan to summon?" I ask curiously.

"The Firebolt," Harry whispers.

"Wicked! Fred is going to lose it! We can go to Flitwick's class? My lesson is about over and he won't mind us using his class."

"Even though you just ditched?" Hermione asked.

"I wasn't feeling well," I said hoarsely, fake coughing.

"Perfect," Hermione said, stuffing her books in her bag. We all three walk to Flitwick's class in excitement. I see Fred and Lee outside the class, collecting bets from the students for tonight's task. I tell Fred I'll meet him up later and follow Hermione into the classroom. The room was empty when we walked inside and we decided to grab random items, scattering them throughout the student's tables. We helped Harry for what seemed like ages.

ACCIO!

ACCIO!

ACCIO!

ACCIO!

We stop an hour before the task. "Harry you are ready," Hermione said delightfully after his 10th summon in a row.

"Hopefully it works with the Firebolt," he said smiling weakly. We walk with Harry and soon depart wishing him luck. We see Ron and Fred, rushing up to them. We chat with random Gryffindors until the task was about to start.

"Nervous?" Fred asked Hermione.

"Extremely," she said, scratching the same spot on her hand, causing it to bleed.

"Hermione chill," I said slapping her hand away.

We follow the crowd of students walking pass the champions tent. We see Harry about to walk in and Hermione rushes over and hugs him. He smiles and waves to us before walking in the tent.

"He'll do great, you'll see," I said, putting my arm around her.

The task went by extremely fast, I'm sure the reasoning begin that this is one of the most exciting things to ever happen at Hogwarts. The dragons were pissed from the start and there was no settling them down. I have a new respect for Charlie's line of work. They were not this bad when Fred and I seen them in the woods. Most likely because there were 20+ wizards surrounding the dragon, standing by with wands at the ready, where now it's just one puny champion and one giant dragon.

"One down! Three to go!

"Two down! Two to go!

"Three down! One to go!"

"POTTER flies by on the Firebolt, grabbing the golden egg!"