The Controversial Champion
Hermione
"I'm crazy" Hermione says after spelling her hair in the mirror, letting the strands gradually frizz as they reach the ends. She lays her wand on the dresser and scans herself in the reflective glass. After several seconds of critical analysis she adds. "Yep. Definitely crazy."
She isn't thick. Everyone knew that, but she is seriously debating if herself and everyone might be undoubtedly wrong. Maybe she misled herself to believe she is more than what she is in reality. Maybe she tried so hard to be noticed by Alexis that she completely missed the fact that she is practically killing herself. Does she honestly feel like she truly believes she can handle this or is this an act so refined that she very nearly convinces herself that she is worthy?
Hermione approaches her trunk, scrambling for a black cardigan inside.
Of course the goblet does have to choose her, and she is still life-guaranteed until her name is drawn. If it is drawn. She honestly has no clue which option she prefers, rejection or suicide. One thing she is guaranteed is the vow of friendship she received from Alexis. This is the only thing amongst her plethora of emotions that brings a happy smile to her face. But even this stirs up worries. Worst case scenario is that the goblet won't choose her as Hogwarts champion and her memory of the BIA shall be removed as a consequence. Not being chosen has a high probability of happening, as is one of the members personally performing the action for the sake of the team, all except for Alexis. Could Alexis look into her eyes and personally revoke her promise of friendship by removing all memory of her and the team? Logic tells her ''of course, she has known them far longer, trusts them so much more and logically it is the most responsible thing to do." But her heart believes, or wants to believe, that she could not complete the deed. Promises to Alexis were her bond, right? Why would she lie though? Alex knew she could easily not be chosen, so promising her friendship whilst knowing that was like shooting herself in the foot. But that would also require her to be cruel to promise her things she can't guarantee. Hermione could never imagine Alex being cruel.
Hermione checks her watch.
09:22
Has it really taken her ten minutes to put a cardigan on. This is so not Hermione in this body today. A frustrating thought but not a surprising one considering.
She has under eight minutes to be seated in the Great Hall to await the biggest junction in her life so far, and possibly the biggest that will ever come. No wonder she felt like a dozen chemical reactions were taking place deep in her abdomen.
Despite the danger of arriving late, Hermione takes as much time as she deems necessary. After all each step is a step closer to her destiny. This required a lot of time to dwell on, what she is signing up for and what she is sacrificing. Things she wants to not think about but knew she had to.
Way too quickly for her liking but right on time, Hermione reluctantly enters the heavily populated hall.
…
Harry
The fourth year boy's dormitory is buzzing with activity. Combinations of red, brown and black hair are whizzing around and the room has never been so loud before; and these are the boys who celebrate every Quidditch victory like they won the national lottery jackpot. Harry is the only weakly excitable person in the room. He would be lying if he said that this event didn't encourage a fraction of excitement to ooze out of him, but he also personally couldn't see no glory or honour in competing in a horrifically dangerous competition for a sporting event. The muggle world has it's share of inhumane sports, such as bullfighting, but the magical does have a knack of out-doing the muggle world in some way, mostly negatively.
But that isn't the only thing bothering Harry. In fact it is barely an afterthought. The crux of his worries is this unshakable feeling that something big is going to happen today. Something problematic. It is bothering him to no end. This isn't like his scar burning which he felt in his first year whenever danger was afoot, always accompanying a certain servant puppet with an evil master manipulating him from the back of his head. This is a gut feeling. An energy in the air. An alert instinct. Harry feels the sensation seep beneath his skin, attack his senses and settle within the very structure of his bones.
Harry has almost come to accept the sensation, considering that he feels it annually ever since he arrived at Hogwarts. And it's never been wrong so far. Another reason why he is concerned so much.
He prays to whoever would listen that he is wrong this time, or that if it is let it be him.
"You ready Harry? Don't want to be late do ya?" Ron hurriedly quips as he brushes past Harry and rummages through a drawer.
"I've never seen you so excited to start the day Ron. You normally haul your wand across the room when it wakes you up this early." Harry replies teasing.
"This is no normal occasion Harry, this is Judgement Day." he returns with a wink."Hermione will probably meet us down in the hall if she isn't there already."
Harry smiles upon hearing the name of his best female friend. Everyone with eyes, who isn't Ron, can see how happy the brunette has seemed lately. Her eyes sparkle and she has never been more carefree. She has seemed that way ever since she came out to them, almost like a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders. It probably had been too.
These eyes also see the signs of a girl with her first official crush. A crush on a very mysterious girl whose presence here is still a guarded matter. And one that seems like it will end in tears for Hermione.
But Harry knows it isn't his place to tell her what she should or shouldn't feel. Who she should or shouldn't chase. And he knows especially that his interference will not be well received and potentially lose him a very good friend if he even tried.
Besides it is better for her to find out these things than to be told them. And what did he know about the matters of the heart.
That being said conversations will be had with the crush in question.
"Who do you reckon will get chosen?" Ron asked on their way down.
"Knowing my luck I will".
Ron frowned. "But you didn't put in your name in the end did you?"
"No, but it wouldn't be the first time I did the impossible, on accident and/or by luck."
"I heard a rumour that Hermione was seen putting her name up for contention." Ron voiced.
"Pfffft, you know better than to believe a rumour. You heard her, she is not enthusiastic at all about this tournament. The last name we should be expecting to come out is Hermione's." Harry commented.
"Yeah, you would sooner see Dumbledore himself enter than Hermione."
They both can't help but laugh at this.
They continue this conversation the whole way through their entrance into the hall and onwards into their breakfast. All the while the uneasy sensation that Harry felt all morning still lies deep inside his head.
…
Ashley
Ashley is up first, as usual. The team always joke that the Master has a longer lay-in than her... still the probability of that is very likely. It isn't a sleep disorder or anything problematic like that, she just can't feel comfortable unless she is fully awake and alert before the other two even drift away from their dreams. This has only intensified since Mackenzie died. The protection of her team has reached borderline obsessive.
But today she has another reason to be up three hours before the assembly in the Great Hall. She personally has to sign the paperwork to clear Hermione's initiation, something she must sign likewise if her name is chosen. As team leader Ashley does have the power to overrule another members on any grounds she deems appropriate. She can even overrule the Master, once her signature is down on the paper though the choice is final.
So Ashley was reading through Alexis' reports, looking hawk-eyed at any defection on Hermione's behalf that is impermissible. But Alexis reports were vague, correctly filled and with just enough detail but still very conclusive that Hermione is a good candidate. Why would that be a concern? Because if the information was true then Hermione would be THE perfect hero of all time. Highly intelligent. Vigilant. Talented. Skillful. Intuitive. Courageous. It was looking like someone was describing a flawless super-warrior. And that raises eyebrows when, with what her own eyes tell her, that Hermione is not as invincible as the report made. She was not saying that Alexis was lying in the report, just reporting biased material.
Nevertheless Ashley was going to approve her initiation anyway. Hermione may not be the ultimate warrior as Alexis sees but she does have the drive of one. She also has a lot of room to improve, which is actually a good trait to have.
But Ashley still worries about Alex herself. She is way too connected to Hermione, so much that she is almost blinded. She seems unprepared for rejection, foolishly naive and thinks with the heart, not with her head.
Even now, two hours after Ashley awoke, Alexis too hops out of bed. She has a spring in a step that hasn't been seen in months and an enthusiasm that has no place this early in the day. She sweeps past Ashley's desk every half-minute or so, sometimes carrying stuff and sometimes nattering away to herself. If she wasn't so worried for the girl, Ashley would have ''politely" told her to be quiet so she could finish her paperwork.
Would she be this chipper in roughly two hours time?
Also yesterday evening Ashley heard Alexis whisper her bargaining chip to Hermione. Her promise of friendship. Ashley was very tactful at the time for the benefit of the mood of the moment, but she had hard work not snapping at her friend when she overheard it. How could she promise that? She was not a seer. And she knew full well what the consequences were for Hermione if she was not to be chosen. Ashley would be placed in a difficult position. To rip away someone's hopes that should not have been promised so prematurely. Ashley was not heartless, but for the sake of the team she has to be cold-blooded sometimes. As much as it would hurt herself and her friendship with Alex, she will have to obliviate Hermione if she isn't chosen. That must be the way. Nothing can stop that, and no one can either.
She needs Alexis to be prepared for this possibility but there is no sign of that, or enough time for Ashley to change her mind.
"On your head be it Alex." Ashley mumbles as she sprawls her final signature onto the form.
"What was that Ash?" Alexis inquires chirping from the shower.
"Nothing." she responds loud enough to be heard over the rushing water. She places the forms into the envelope sleeves unsealed and returns the reports back to the folder. "Jessie, get your lazy arse up now if you don't want to be late. I will not be waiting for you to rise from your pit."
A mumbled grunt is the only response she gets.
"Alex, quit hogging the hot water, Jessie will need some IF she decides to get up." Ashley calls through the door as she herself finishes getting dressed.
"Yeah yeah, I know."
"That means get out of the shower."
"Fine. If someone comments that I stink I will personally blame you."
"Darling, no one will notice the difference." Ashley chuckled.
"Is that meant to be funny? Soap in the eye kills you know, don't make me "accidentally" rub some into yours."
The shower cuts off just as Jessie enters from the bedroom, yawning like a hippo.
"Morning sloth, I was just about to head in there with a bucket of cold water. What a shame." Ashley teases.
"You wouldn't want to do that, you know my motto." Jessie says.
"What, cold potatoes ain't hot?"
"No, if you cut the head off my body two more grow back. In other words, don't mess with me sugar."
"Jess, if you are done threatening Miss Sunshine here the shower is free." Alexis says as she enters back into the room, clothed with a towel around her nude waist and a bra.
"Thanks Alex, at least someone is being nice to me this morning."
As she leaves Ashley continues. "In case you two have forgotten, or rather just Jess, we have a very important assembly to attend in forty minutes time. A girl named Hermione, remember her? She is our number and we have placed all our chips on her being chosen as Hogwarts champion, and therefore the new candidate for our team. Forgive me for not being a little laid back enough for you."
Gaining no response from Jess she turns to Alex who is smiling again.
"You nervous?" Alexis asks.
"Only for not arriving on time. Master will have our heads if we are late."
"Wow. You're bossy and Jessie is grumpy. Am I the only one excited?" Alexis says as she wriggles into a pair of faded denim jeans.
"No. I am a little...anticipated. We may be gaining a new team member today. But mostly i'm worried." Ashley perches herself on the arm of the settee.
Alexis laughs and says. "Ash, it'll be fine, believe in Hermione."
"It's not about her. Well it is, but it's about you too."
Alexis starts to button herself into a light blue blouse. "You've lost me, how am I in danger?"
"Not physically. Emotionally. You cannot afford another emotional blow Alex. Mackenzie was enough, losing Hermione will finish you for good."
"Ash, she hasn't even been chosen yet. Wait a year or so then have this conversation with me."
"Alex! You are not getting it!" Ashley exclaims. This sudden change in tone affects Alexis' mood too and the smile vanishes.
"I heard your secret promise to Hermione last night."
Alexis scolds. "You had no right to eavesdrop Ash."
"Maybe it is fortunate for you that I did. Alex, you promised her you will be friends after this."
"Yes I know. And?"
Ashley frowns. "This is worse than I thought. You are completely delusional. Where is your head at Alex? You don't even have an ounce of preparation or awareness of what can happen today. You are so egotistical right now that you can't even see simple setbacks when they are staring you straight in the face. You have wholeheartedly come to the conclusion that you have found your perfect candidate, no other option is available and you are convinced that she will be chosen." Ashley ends her rant so emphatically that she is now face to face with Alexis, waiting for the penny to drop in her friend.
"Geez Ash, calm down and tell me what's your point?"
"My point is Hermione might not get chosen. If that happens there is only one thing we can do...I want you to be prepared for that because if we lose Hermione we lose you too." Ashley is practically pleading with Alex with her eyes.
Alexis smiles slightly. "So that's what this is about? You are worried that Hermione will be obliviated and I won't be able to bear it."
Ashley nods and leans forward resting her forehead against Alex's. "I will not bury another friend this soon."
Alexis shakes her head. "You won't. You silly arse, of course i'm prepared for that. But just because I am doesn't mean I need to show it. I believe in her, and so should you. The only thing I'm worried about is if she doesn't believe. I don't need no goblet to tell me who's worthy or not, but if she doesn't believe then the goblet will know."
"Alex, do you promise me that if she doesn't get chosen that you will be ok?"
"I don't promise, I swear."
…
Hermione
Upon entering the hall she is bombarded with noise. She literally needs to cover her ears slightly. As expected all houses are ablaze in excited conversation. Every student is telling his or her peers about why they deserve to be chosen. No one is eating much at all. Professors just watch the excitement unfold as they wait for the Headmaster's announcement.
But the first thing she wants to see is the face of her new friend.
But she is nowhere in sight. None of the BIA were in fact. They must be running late, but where will they sit. No extra seats were provided to the side of the staff table and she hardly thought they would sit amongst the students. Were they even coming?
"At your five Granger."
She practically spins as that sweet elixir reverberates around in her head, birdsong at dawn is the only comparison.
Alexis stands to the left of her, clearly having just walked through the door.
"Alex. You made it. I was worried, for a second I thought you weren't coming."
"And miss out on the fireworks, hell no. Besides we HAVE to be here." Alexis tells.
"Where are the others?"
"That's the clever part, don't want snotty-nosed, observant little kids asking questions about the strange trio of girls hanging out at the back of the hall. We have permission by Albus himself to use disillusionment charms."
Hermione smiles satisfied. "That would make sense." Hermione unconsciously starts scratching her arm. Alexis raises an eyebrow at the gesture.
"Nervous?"
"Petrified would be more accurate."
"I understand, I was in the same position as you right now four years ago, albeit with slightly less on the line."
Hermione was curious. "What was it like for you?"
"My ego grew way too big and I almost failed the first challenge. I have a feeling that you won't have the same problem as me."
Hermione smiles at the modesty. "Wasn't a major setback, you did win the tournament. But thank you for the support...and for everything else you have done for me."
"Nonsense, I haven't done anything. It's just been all you." Alexis swats away the praise.
Hermione feels a surge of Gryffindor courage and blurts out. "I'm just grateful someone like you would give a girl like me the time of day. You really have no clue how much I need to thank you for."
Before Alexis can question her, Hermione waves goodbye and walks to join the boys at the Gryffindor table, planted with a cheek-to-cheek grin on her face. Taking her place between Harry and Ron she gives one last glance to Alex's glance position but she is already gone. The grin dissipates when Dumbledore stands to address the student body.
"Good morning to you all, it is incredibly pleasant to see the excitement invading our castle today. Today, of course, will be the life-changer we all want but may not necessarily understand. The goblet does not care for ambition. It does not allow enthusiasm. It does not encourage recklessness. All it knows are the physical and mental traits of those who are chosen. Three talented individuals, one per school, shall be drawn from the goblet. These three will face horrors and obstacles that fully grown wizards and witches would dread to face. This WILL be life-threatening for all who have entered their name, I cannot stress that fact enough. It will take the traits the goblet sees in you to beat the challenges, so do not take this tournament lightly. That being said, those who don't get chosen do not be too disheartened, this tournament is not the only life-changing moment you shall receive, neither is it the most important moment to experience. Now that I have cleared those matters up, it is time for me to still my speech. Without further ado, let's begin the choosing of the champions."
Then with an almost undetectable flick, he charms the goblet into action.
Hermione's mouth is bone dry at this moment and she is constantly having to remind herself that she can't leave for the toilet now.
She thinks the possibilities of this moment would have already dawned on her days ago or at least last night, but as she sees the calm blue flames turn to raging red she officially realises she is wrong. Now every second feels like an hour and every motion is slowed down, the wait is excruciating. Knowing that Beauxbatons and Durmstrang would be selected first is no help either.
A slip of paper darts out the flames and Dumbledore catches it rather impressively. "The champion from Durmstrang is Viktor Krum."
A chorus of cheers from Durmstrang and Hogwarts rings out, Viktor stands from his seat and heads off behind the staff table to the usually unused door.
The fire spits again barely after he leaves, cutting the cheers down instantaneously. When the parchment shoots out again Dumbledore is there to receive it.
"The champion from Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour."
Shrill cheers come from the french school and Fleur gracefully follows the direction Viktor took behind the staff table.
As soon as the fire spits one more time, Hermione claws her nails into the table and looks mightily uncomfortable. The sound of the fire ejecting the parchment makes her jump and Dumbledore catches it effortlessly. "And the Hogwarts champion is…"
Hermione draws a breath that both Harry and Ron heard.
"...Cedric Diggory."
Hermione collapses onto the table, exhausted from the tension. Emotions can come later, her body needs attention now. She barely heard the cheers as Cedric follows the way of Fleur and Viktor. She hears Dumbledore start to talk but she isn't listening.
Then a loud commotion starts and she can't help but look up. To her and everyone else's amazement, the fire is spitting still. Before anyone could charm it to stop, a fourth piece of parchment rises out the goblet and into Dumbledore's hand. He looks then looks immediately at the person the name belonged to. She gulps at the scrutiny and knows certainly what this means.
She is dead.
…..
Everyone is looking at her. Shock turning to disbelief turning to accusation. Harry and Ron are too shocked that they are unable to defend Hermione against the jeers and whispers being sent her way. Hermione hesitantly stands as Dumbledore beckons impatiently. Alexis herself wants nothing more than to stand beside her chosen one in support, but that would draw even more attention. Hermione looks for comfort at where she presumes Alexis is, it took everything in her to not call for her. Dejectedly, Hermione eases her way past Dumbledore and the staff table whilst looking no one in the eye. As soon as the door closes behind her, the fury begins. The organisers and headmasters all gather around each other shouting and raving. The students who are not Gryffindor attack the house with insults and even food from their plates.
Alexis takes a wary look at the others. Jessie just looks confused whilst Ashley looks caught between thoughtful and angry. Ashley meets Alexis gaze and she is surprised when Ashley narrows her eyes at her.
"What's that look for?"
Ashley just grabs her and Jessie and tugs them away with her, all still under disillusionment charms.
She drags them to another area of the castle that leads into that back room. Pushing the door open slightly she peers through the gap, Alexis and Jessie just follow her lead.
"Vot are you doing here, this room is for champions only?" Viktor questions.
"I...errr...I don't know...exactly. My name just...popped out and...now i'm here." Hermione nervously replies.
"'Popped out', what does zat mean, what 'appened?" Fleur arrogantly adds.
Hermione edges toward the door and looks ready to bolt at any second. "My name came out the goblet...and I don't know how or why."
The door is flung open and a mob of teachers and officials storm through. Dumbledore, Maxime, Karkaroff, Bagman, Crouch, McGonagall and Snape in a hoard of noise. Hermione drastically backs away but the adults approach her and corner her, Dumbledore at the front.
"Miss Granger, i'm sure this must be confusing and terribly overwhelming for you but we need your explanation on this serious matter."
"Explanations are not needed Albus. She is a filthy cheater." Karkaroff declares.
"I object, Igor. The girl has the right to defend herself against these accusations." Dumbledore replies.
"She eez a liar, 'ou cannot trust zis girl and anyzing she says". Maxime spits.
"I beg your pardon Maxime, Hermione has been my star pupil since she stepped foot in this castle, I refuse to believe she is involved in this mess deliberately." McGonagall exclaims in Hermione's defense.
"Maybe eet eez not just Miss Granger we cannot trust, bit of a coincidence zat 'Ogwarts gets two champions 'accidentally'".
"Your accusations are based on bitterness. Condemning this girl and Hogwarts staff without giving anyone a chance to explain is just foolish." McGonagall heartedly returns.
"Ladies, I must respectfully ask you to stop the quarrels so the girl can speak. Hermione, do you have any idea how your name was drawn out of the goblet?" Dumbledore softly asks.
Hermione replies in nothing short of a small squeak. "No. I don't know what to think. I entered but I did not cheat, I don't even know how to charm that thing."
"Lies." Karkaroff bellows.
"If I may speak" Snape cuts in "I can see the plausibility of Miss Granger's explanation. The goblet has a set of commands that are substituted for standard incantations for situations like this, am I right?" He looks at Crouch for confirmation and receives a small nod. "Therefore Hermione would not know the secret charms unless the headmaster voiced them, which he did not. However, if you are still doubtful then I do have a storeroom full of veritaserum that I would gladly administer to Granger to clear this mess up."
Hermione doesn't know whether to thank the greasy haired professor or scold him. She resorts to saying nothing.
"Severus is right." Crouch confirms. "Only a person who knows the commands or is very powerful can control the goblet. No offence, but none of those circumstances involve Miss Granger."
"Zo eet was a teacher zen." Maxime accuses.
"Do mind your accusations Olympe, you are making a complete fool of yourself" McGonagall chides.
Before the two witches can lock horns, Karkaroff adds. "Vot is to be done?"
"I am afraid as controversial as the outcome was, it is final. Hogwarts will have two champions and Miss Granger must compete beside the other three champions." Crouch clarifies.
"Zis eez absurd." Maxime complains.
"It is very unfortunate indeed. I will help with any enquiries and investigations made regarding this matter. Any staff or students under my responsibility discovered to have caused this will be dealt with appropriately and with the most severe of punishment. You have my word." Dumbledore announces.
"The culprit will be brought to justice, you can all be certain of that. But Miss Granger is nothing more than a victim of someone else's meddling." Crouch states as he turns to leave. "Now that this situation is under control, I shall leave you to work on the preparations. Farewell."
"Welcome to the tournament you four, we shall be speaking very soon. I can't wait to see you all in action." Bagman says as he follows Crouch out.
Maxime and Karkaroff approach their champion and whisper condolences and apologies to them. Cedric warmly smiles at Hermione who smiles back, apparently glad at receiving some mutual support in this. The look isn't missed by Alexis at the slightly open door. "Yeah right, like he really cares."
"Shhh…" Jessie hushes her.
"Igor, Olympe, would you mind escorting your students back into the Great Hall. I'm sure they could blow off some steam in there with their friends. Minerva, Severus, you may join them likewise." Dumbledore addresses them all, clearly wanting time alone with Miss Granger.
"Sir, would it be best if I stay to support Hermione." Cedric asks.
"That won't be necessary Mr Diggory. Thank you."
Alexis also quietly adds. "Yeah beat it Diggles".
"Will you shut your mouth hole!" Ashley hisses.
All the occupants of the room vacate with the exception of Hermione and Dumbledore. Alone finally, Dumbledore approaches a table with a jug of blackcurrant and mint juice, pouring himself a glass.
"I know you're there, you are free to enter you three." He says.
Knowing that he is speaking to them, the trio all remove their disillusionment charms and enter the room. Hermione immediately throws all sense of pride and self-consciousness aside and runs straight into Alexis chest, encircling her waist in a tight squeeze. Alexis gives a surprised yelp and pats her back.
"It wasn't my fault. I didn't do anything, I swear." Hermione quickly blurts.
"We know. We believe you…" Alexis is about to confirm that but remembers Ashley and her suspicious gaze earlier. "...don't we?"
Ashley just shrugs half-heartedly. "Sure. It's others I'm not sure about."
"Who might that be?" Albus asks.
"Im looking at her." Ashley answers, eyes connecting with Alexis.
"Me?!" Alexis says incredulously, letting Hermione out of her grasp.
"I can think of no one else. You cheated the system so that Hermione will be in the tournament and wouldn't have to be obliviated." Ashley accuses.
"Are you crazy?! Furthermore are you blind? I was standing right beside you surely you would've seen my wand out?" Alexis screeches.
Ashley is unperturbed. "You know that alibi won't stick. We are trained in intelligence operations, thinking outside the box is kinda our style."
Alexis' face contorts into a befuddled expression, eyes widen in disbelief. Jessie intervenes. "Can we all just calm down, and think rationally."
"What makes you think i'm not?" Ashley rhetorically adds. "I'm thinking perfectly rationally. Is there anyone else, besides Hermione, who would benefit from her joining the tournament?"
"You, Dumbledore, Hermione's friends, The Master." Alexis lists.
"Dumbledore was responsible for the choosing of the champions, his involvement would have been too obvious. The Master doesn't do subtlety, huge controversy is not something he would do. And as for Hermione's friends, how would they have the power and knowledge to manipulate the goblet?" Ashley states.
"Ashley, you're a nutcase. I'm tired of this conversation…" Alexis turns to walk out.
"Running doesn't prove me wrong." Ashley scoffs.
"You are supposed to be my friend, you bitch!" Alexis snaps back, changing directions to go face-to-face with her. Ashley stares back defiantly.
"Please, don't fall out over this. I feel bad as it is." Hermione pleads, at a loss for what to do.
Alexis gives her an apologetic glance but quickly stares a hole into Ashley.
"Miss Granger is quite right, I do believe it is she who has suffered this day. This petty squabble is quite frankly selfish of you both." Dumbledore sternly addresses the two girls.
Neither of them back down.
"How can you stand there and accuse me of this?" Alexis coldly asks.
"Because you haven't given me a good enough reason to convince me otherwise."
The air in the room is vibrating with tension and magical energy. Hermione has her hands over her ears, trying to work through this rollercoaster of events and emotions. Dumbledore is prone and ready for any sudden movement that resembles hostility, to defuse before conflict could start. Jessie is agitatedly thinking of ways to calm the situation down and failing miserably.
So, to the loud clap of thunder, every single person in the room jumps, even Dumbledore.
The Master appears at the door. Particles in the air close to his body are freezing over, the thunder rumbles still and his gaze is the most intimidating sight that any mortal being would ever experience in their lives.
He doesn't say a word as he strolls towards them, his cane the only sound almost in the now eerily quiet room. The startled occupants part as he veers straight through them. He stops in front of the table and reaches for a glass, similar to what Dumbledore did minutes ago, but as soon as his tight grip wraps around it the glass freezes and cracks. He keeps his grip steady. Doesn't move, doesn't speak.
Ashley is the only person brave enough to break the silence. "Master, I gather you have been alerted to the aftermath of this morning's assembly, sir."
"Indeed." his voice low and unpredictable.
"This controversy must be investigated. The guilty brought forward. As unfortunate as this scenario is for Hermione, this breaks the conditions of the contract. Hermione's initiation is null and void." Ashley states matter-of-factly.
Upon hearing this, Hermione feels a sinking feeling. She has gone through all this controversial turmoil for nothing.
"Miss Granger is yet to sign, is she not?"
"Yes."
"Then no clauses have been broken. What happened has no effect on Hermione's initiation."
"With respect sir, she was not chosen fairly. Her name was forced out of the goblet, so with all due respect to her she is not worthy of the tournament, or the BIA." Ashley debates.
"We are not mindless zombies Milanski, and we certainly don't live by what a magical goblet thinks. Use your initiative and trust in the opinions of your peers."
"Sir…"
The glass explodes in the Master's hands as he twists round in a flash of black. Ashley flinches and steps back.
"Argue with me one more time girl, I dare you." His words don't just sound threatening, they invade every sense and carve their way down their spines like a blade. He steps forward and leans on his cane that he is seemingly trying to crush into the ground. "Now, you all listen carefully. BIA or not, this affects us all. This is controversial, this is problematic and it is very much a case for investigation. But what it isn't is a bad thing. Because the true reason why Hermione wasn't chosen in the first place is not down to technical reasons, it's her mind-set that was her outweighing flaw. The goblet identifies what is and what isn't inside a person, but it doesn't identify what can't or can be in time. What a person is now is not what they will be in a month, or a year, or a decade. Under the right guidance a person can add and remove traits to improve and adapt. It's evolution in its simplest form. Hermione doesn't have the belief, the confidence or the commitment. The goblet saw that. I strongly, emphatically, wholeheartedly believe that had it not been for a sense of self-consciousness, Hermione would be the true Hogwarts champion right now. And at her age, who wouldn't have these doubts. Alex was in her sixth year when she was chosen, she had belief in her magic and an over-fed ego to boost. Hermione has much less amounts of that, but it nevertheless doesn't mean she is impossible of them feats."
The Master approaches Hermione much calmer and less imposing as before. He lays a comforting hand on her shoulder. "My dear, whoever constructed this controversy did us all a blessing, I assure you."
Hermione smiles at the encouragement.
"Ok sir, I honestly have no problem with Hermione, but it is morally correct for the person responsible for this controversy to face consequence, no matter how my relationship is with them."
Ashley tries to reason.
"You're unbelievable." Alexis huffs angrily.
The Master and Ashley ignore Alexis' comment. The Master faces Ashley, face hard once again.
"So, for the sake of impartiality, what if Miss Moon had constructed this conspiracy, what is your call of action?" The Master asks.
"I...I would... I would debrief her and take over her place as Hermione's trainer."
"Is that your way of telling your friends how caring you are, not immensely apparently, or are you just losing your sense of humanity?"
"Master...I am to do what is right, no matter the circumstances." Ashley defends.
"Circumstances are irrelevant in a friendship. Whatever the situation you always put the team first, have you forgotten that?"
"No sir."
A sharp smack of the cane against the floor and loud sparks send the room into a terrified silence. "Then what is the reason for this interrogation! Regardless of what Alexis did or didn't do, causing rifts in the team is something no person should partake in, especially the leader! I don't care if she cheated a system or murdered a hundred innocent souls, you stand by the mistakes of your team without question or hesitancy! The individuals in this team are not rule abiders, we are peace enforcers! We are warriors, soldiers, saviours! You three are heroes! You were created to question right from wrong yes, but you were not created to challenge the beliefs of the team! For the record, doing everything by the book is predictable, unimaginative, unsuccessful and sometimes downright foolish. And each of you have the right to break away from that, to take a leap of faith! What you believe in is far more valuable than what is right! Milanski, you were trained to know all that, so please do not insult my intelligence by telling me that these accusations are nothing more than personal worries." Master lectures, his smooth English tone replaced by roughness.
You couldn't expect anyone to still have the bravery to voice anything at all after that eruption, but by sheer miracle Ashley manages it. "Personal worries sir?"
"Of course, it makes sense now." Alexis replies scathingly. "You think I'm going to lose my mind over trying to make sure Hermione gets trained, you think I haven't got the mentality to accept defeat so you're looking for any sign that proves you right."
"Hush, Alexis. You and Ashley may have things to settle between you both but please do so in a more personal setting. Right now we need to get down to business." The Master whips out a sheet of parchment from his cloak, instantly unblemished.
"All of you gather round and hold your tongue unless spoken to or permitted. Reject all form of emotion, moral compass and unwanted, unidentified, unfabricated doubts. If you are a member you should trust your peer, if you are a leader you should trust your judgement, if you are a supporter you should trust in the team, if you are trainer for the candidate you should trust your instincts and, most importantly, if you are a candidate you MUST believe in yourself. This is not about you feeling unworthy or unconfident in your abilities now, it's about believing in your abilities and allowing us to make them better. If you have come this far then you have already made your decision, believe in that decision." The Master explains lowering the paperwork to the table. Everyone gathers behind him to look at it.
"I, Dominic Von Barr, founding director of the Brunettes In Arms initiative, hereby sign this contract in confidence that the candidate brought forward this day is of worthy heart..." He scrawls his signature on the first faded line but does not remove the quill from the parchment. "From this day forward I pledge my life to the welfare and guidance of the candidate, may my words be my bond."
He then abruptly draws his hand away from the parchment. His neat and intricate writing starts to glow gold, when it fades he steps away again indicating Dumbledore to sign.
"I, Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, hereby sign this contract in confidence that the candidate brought forward this day is of worthy heart. From this day forward I pledge my life to the support and guardianship of the candidate, may my words be my bond."
His signature lights up and fades, indicating the completion of his involvement.
Next Jessie signs, then Alexis (who can't help the wink at the end) and finally Ashley.
Upon finishing her signing, Ashley warmly hands Hermione the quill. It is at this moment that she realises that she has no clue what to say. 'I pledge my life to the protection of myself' does not seem likely. She finally voices her worries.
"I don't know what to say, the wording I mean?"
"It will come to you." The Master answers
"Huh?"
"Hermione, you will understand when you sign Ok?" Ashley adds, urging her closer to the table.
Hermione starts to sign despite her confusion. The moment the tip makes contact with the parchment a voice speaks in her head. It sounds distant and fuzzy like when you are drowsy and hear a conversation through a wall. She can make out what it is saying though. 'I, Hermione Granger, candidate for the Brunettes In Arms initiative, hereby sign this contract in confidence that I am worthy of my position in the team. From this day forward, I pledge my life to my peers and swear allegiance to them, until the day of my initiation and beyond until I die, by whatever cause. May my words by my bond'
She opens her eyes to repeat this declaration, but when she does she sees a bright gold glow that is her signature and five sets of proud faces staring back at her. Apparently this muffled voice was actually her own declaring to them and the parchment exactly what she heard it say in her mind.
Before she can say anything else, The Master speaks again. "Your adventure has officially begun, Miss Granger. Allow me to be the first to congratulate you and hope that you do spectacularly in the tournament." With another clap of thunder he is gone.
"He may be powerful enough to apparate on school grounds, but he should still show respect by using the doors provided." Dumbledore mutters as he leaves, much less suddenly than The Master.
Now only the three, soon to be rour, BIA members and Hermione is left.
Completely ignoring Ashley and waving to Jessie, Alexis takes Hermione's hand and leads her out. Hermione graciously waves to them both.
Now alone in the corridor with Alexis makes-sweat-look-good Moon, Hermione suddenly gets nervous. Things don't improve when she is stopped and backed up against the wall. 'Oh gosh, now I want her to kiss me. But I can't, we can't, can we?'.
"Relax. Just wanted to talk with you alone for a bit." Alexis assures.
Hermione semi-deflates. "Oh sure, what about?"
"Oh, you know, the weather and junk." Alexis says rolling her eyes. "You melon, what do you think? I just wanted to say how proud I am of you, that I'm sorry for all the controversy, sorry for showing you my feisty side, sorry for Ashley and that I hope you believe me when I say that I know what I'm doing and I'm not obsessed or anything."
Hermione frowns at trying to decide which statement she should reply to, but she decides on the final one. "I don't think that, I never thought that."
"Just a reminder then"
"Alexis, what are you really trying to say? Because a minute ago I would not be thinking about what you accused Ashley of thinking. And you know damn well that I never thought of that so why are you bringing it up?" Hermione might be nervous and shy but she can still tell when someone is fretting for some unknown reason.
Alexis blinks at her. "I...I...Fine. I don't want you to think that I like you more than a friend." Hermione is internally shocked and hurt by this, but she knows Alexis is only stating the truth like she told her too. "I DO like you, and I will kill anyone who hurts you, but I don't want to give you the wrong impression. The truth is we are friends and nothing more, and you probably already know this. But I just wanted to make sure you knew where I stood."
It took longer than it should for 'just a friend' to reply but reply she eventually did. "Of course. I know that. Thanks for being honest with me."
Alexis pulls Hermione into a tight hug. A hug Hermione feels is a modest solvent to the sting of her crush's words. They pull apart and Alexis ruffles her hair a bit before heading back to the other two girls. "I'll see you later at dinner. Save me a seat, won't you?" She adds jokingly as she leaves.
Alone in the corridor, Hermione says to no one. "No I don't think I will."
TBC- Friend Zoned
