MY BAD FRIENDS XD, while I was uploading and all the copying and pasting, I must've ran chapters one and two together. I'm sorry! Thank you Scout for letting me know, tis fixed now :D. If anything else like this happens while I'm posting, feel free to inform me :3


Chapter 4: The Champions

The next day went buy fast for Hermione. She had spent the whole day getting her school schedule for the year and preparing for the classes she was going to be taking. She went with Ginny after lunch to buy their books at the campus store. There were lots of students there buying books and cloaks and supplies for their classes. Hermione was hoping to see Jade there, but to her slight disappointment she didn't see the blue eyed girl anywhere.

After buying their supplies the four decided to find their classrooms, out of the five classes they had for the first term Ginny had three with Hermione, two with Ron, and four with Harry. She had classes with other Hogwarts students. Hermione checked her watch and saw that I was almost two-thirty. She had told Ginny and the boys about the game today and they were more than eager to go watch. As they made it through the forest the four teenagers were in awe at the sight before them. Pegasus' were flying elegantly in the air while their riders were throwing a ball the size of a quaffle around.

"This is brilliant." Ginny said as they neared the stands that had been set up around the pitch. "I wonder if it's hard for them to maneuver on pegasuses."

Ron and Harry were also in awe as one team of eight players dressed in royal blue robes shot by, passing the ball back and forth. The other team was dressed in gray and white robes. Hermione was searching the sky for Jade, but suddenly, a familiar dappled gray pegasus descended and hovered in front of the group.

"Hermione!" Jade exclaimed as she hovered gracefully above the ground. "I'm glad you made it! Hello everyone!" Jade greeted the others graciously as she hopped off of Cirro and he flew off with a great flap of his large wings.

"This is amazing, Jade." Harry said, clearly interested being the captain of the quidditch team. "What position are you?" Hermione had done her best to explain the game to her friends before they arrived so they had an idea what was going on.

"I'm a striker." Jade answered as she sat down next to Hermione. "You'll notice me flying around like a crazy person trying to stay away from everyone else." Harry and Jade carried on for a little while, talking about flying and quidditch.

Ron was red in the face and trying not to stare at Jade, who looked amazing in her uniform. Her hair was pulled back in a pony-tail with her bangs hanging down. The robes complemented her eyes perfectly and made them almost glow. She looked at Hermione and smiled as she noticed that Ron was indeed not staring, but the brunette was.

"Is there something on my face, Hermione?" Jade asked looking at her. Hermione blushed and shook her head. Ginny looked at her and giggled. Ron suddenly chimed in and Hermione swore he puffed out his chest.

"So how long have you been playing?" Ron asked trying to hold his voice steady.

"I've been playing for five years." Jade answered as she looked at the conjured clock tower on the barn. "But hey I have to get going." She whistled into the air. Instantly Cirro was at the stands again and Jade jumped effortlessly on his back. The blue bridle and light saddle attached to the winged horse really brought out his color. "I hope you guys enjoy the game!" Jade waved as Cirro flew up and out into the middle of the pitch.

"This should be exciting!" Ginny said, almost giddy with excitement. "I'm really glad that it doesn't have the potential to last for days either." Harry and Ron laughed and they all turned they gaze back to the pitch as the pegasuses started to form a V formation in the air, the points facing each other.

The official was on a palomino pegasus about ten feet above all the other players and released two spheres, a little bigger than bludgers, that were enchanted as well. Finally, she pulled out the larger ball and blew her whistle throwing it high into the air, then swiftly moved out of the way. Jade and the striker from the other team shot up instantly, fighting for possession.

"This seems almost more dangerous than quidditch." Ron said, watching spells fly into the air after the strikers.

Hermione watched as Jade twirled Cirro and they ascended higher into the air. She saw Jade reach out and grab the ball and immediately Cirro dropped, heading towards the opposite hoop. Hermione was amazed at the versatility of the pegasuses as they shot through the air. Jade was swerving and dodging curses as they came at her. She neared the goal, throwing the ball and the keeper barely missed as it flew past their hands.

"Ten points to the Dragons!" Hermione didn't know where the announcer's voice had come from, but it was booming and excited. She watched as Jade's teammates went over to congratulate her.

The stands were cheering wildly, except for all the students dressed in the gray. The players formed again in the middle of the field as the official threw the ball up again. This time, the gray striker caught hold of the ball and Jade engaged him in a chase for control. Hermione winced slightly as a curse flew right by Jade's face and she had to lean into Cirro to dodge. Jade extended her arm and suddenly the opposing striker fumbled the ball, but one of his teammates recovered it, dodging almost effortlessly through the defenders, and scored.

"That's five points for the Golems!" The announcer boomed and the gray section of the crowd cheered. The game went on like this for a good while, Jade getting the ball and scoring, while the other team's striker only scored five times compared to Jade's six.

"Only three minutes left in the game!" Ginny said excitedly, getting engrossed in the high adrenaline game. "Jade's team is down by only five points though. She needs to score if they're going to win." Hermione smiled at Ginny's enthusiasm and then turned her eyes back to the sky, almost nervous as the ref threw the ball up again. The gray striker caught the ball and shot straight up into the sky making Jade chase after him.

"No doubt he is trying to run out the clock." Ron mentioned as they kept rising in the sky. "Sneaky blighter." Hermione saw Jade lower herself closer to Cirro to reduce wind drafts and kicked his sides. Cirro threw his head and flapped his wings hard to close the gap between him and the other pegasus. As Jade neared her opponent she started to stand up on Cirro's back.

"What's she doing?!" Hermione almost yelled as she resisted the urge to stand herself. She watched as the two pegasuses flew side by side and Jade punched the ball out of the boy's arm and it plummeted to the ground. She then saw Jade disconnect from her steed and dive after the ball.

"It's like Krum's move!" Harry yelled as he watched Jade fall from the sky. "But how is she going to recover? She's not riding a broom!" Hermione couldn't take her eyes off of her friend's falling form.

Through the gasps and cheering, Hermione heard a faint whistle and as if on cue, Cirro nose-dived after Jade, his wings tucked tightly to his sides to increase his speed. About one hundred feet before Jade hit the ground; she grabbed Cirro's saddle and pulled herself onto his back. He righted himself immediately by opening his wings and as they neared the other team's hoop, Jade stood up again and kicked the ball to score the last goal.

"The Dragon's win! What an amazing display of flying and skill by Jade McHale, and her pegasus Cirro!" Hermione sighed and sat down onto the bench while everyone around her stood up to cheer.

Jade was taking victory laps around the pitch on Cirro, holding the silver sphere in her hand. She landed in the middle of the field with her teammates as they roared towards her. As the cheering died down and people started to clear out of the stands, Hermione and her friends waited outside by the pegasus paddock to see Jade.

"That was amazing!" Ginny said still overly excited from the match. "It's one thing to do it on a broom when you have control, but to just jump off that horse and dive after the ball, she must have a large amount of trust in her pegasus."

Harry, Ron, and Ginny continued to talk about the game as Hermione eagerly watched for Jade to exit. As if on cue, she saw Jade leading out her large winged horse and release him into the paddock. He looked freshly bathed as he trotted around the paddock happily flapping his wings. Jade rested his lead rope and halter on the fence, noticing Hermione and her friends waiting for her.

"Hey guys!" She greeted as she walked over to them. She too, looked freshly showered and in her every day clothes. "How did you like the game?" Immediately Ron, Ginny, and Harry started talking in unison about how incredible it was and how her winning maneuver sent the crowd into and uproar.

"That was some way to end the game that's for sure!" Harry said finally putting a friendly hand on her shoulder. "I didn't think you were going to make it to be honest." Jade smiled and rubbed the back of her head bashfully accepting the praise. Abruptly there came a loud growl from Ron's gut. He looked up sheepishly and smiled.

"We should be heading to the dining hall; it's almost six." Ron put his arms around Ginny and Harry and started walking. "You coming, 'Mione?" Hermione nodded and began walking as behind her friends.

Jade followed next to her quietly. Hermione noticed a pleasant scent of peppermint and vanilla from Jade's damp hair. She tried not to inhale too deeply, but the scent caught her off guard and put her in a haze.

"So, how did you like the game 'Mione." Jade emphasized the brunette's nick name and smiled kindly at her. "Do you mind if I call you that as well?" Hermione shook her head and looked over at Jade.

"Most people do, it's a nick name that started to catch on around my fifth year." Hermione watched as Jade ran her fingers through her hair and the scent smacked her in the face once again.

"Well I think it's cute." Hermione blushed at the compliment and nodded slightly.

"Ahem, anyway, I really enjoyed the game. It's so fast paced and dangerous! I will admit…I was worried when I watched you jump off Cirro like that." They broke the tree line towards the campus, with the three other teens a few yards in front of them.

"I'm glad you liked the game." Jade said finally readjusting her bag on her shoulder. "I've only pulled that stunt one other time in my life, but once I knew Cirro was fast enough to catch me I decided to try again. Thankfully it worked."

They neared the dining hall and Jade bid her good bye since tonight was the night the champions would be announced and she had to sit with her school. As she entered, Hermione quickly followed her friends and sat down. It was almost dinner time when they joined the rest of their classmates.

"Who do you think the champion will be, Ginny?" Hermione asked as they were walking towards the dining hall. "With Harry not entering or Ron, or even you, I don't really see who else could be chosen." Ginny tapped her chin in thought.

"I'm not sure," The girls were meeting the boys, who had left while they were getting ready to eat. "There's always Neville, even though he's kind of clumsy. Maybe Dean, or Draco since he's not an evil git anymore." Hermione rolled her eyes at Draco's name.

Granted he had changed his ways and was much easier to tolerate, but he still would slip back to his insults and cruel ways. They entered the hall that was back to the way that it had been the first night there, similar to Hogwarts. After the feast had ended, Mr. Reaver walked up to his podium and put his want to the side of his neck to emphasize his voice.

"Good evening friends!" Mr. Reaver greeted cheerily. "I hope you are all excited to find out who the champions will be for this year's Triwizard Tournament!" Applause and cheers broke out as Reaver moved over to stand next to the goblet and dim the lights. The goblet did its characteristic change of color and spat out the first name. Reaver grabbed it as it floated down. "The champion from Dalgang is Sven Kodiak!"

Hermione watched from across the hall as a tall, well-built blonde boy stood up and made his way to the faculty table after shaking the Dean's hand. The goblet shot out another jet of fire and small piece of paper made its way to the headmaster's hand again.

"The champion of Hogwarts is Neville Longbottom!" Hermione smiled and looked over at Neville who looked scared, as well as proud. Neville nervously shook the Reaver's hand and stood next to Sven who towered over the brunette boy.

"I wonder who the Genesis champion will be." Ron whispered to Harry. The last shot of fire erupted and the headmaster grabbed the piece of paper and smiled as he read the name.

"And the Genesis champion is, Jade McHale!" The hall erupted in cheers and applause as a smiling Jade stood up, gaining slaps on the back and hand-shakes, made her way to the faculty table. She hugged Mr. Reaver and joined the other champions as they were hustled out of the hall. Hermione was elated that Neville had gotten to be champion since he very well saved their lives when killing Voldemort's snake. She was also happy and nervous for Jade, she knew she could handle herself, but as she felt her feelings start to grow she began to worry more.

"Well Jade is having a good day isn't she?" Ginny said to Harry as they started to leave the hall and head back to their dorm building. "Winning the ball game with a great move and then being named champion? I bet she's ecstatic." Hermione smiled to herself as they continued to walk to their dorm and discuss the tournament.

"You think Neville will last through the first task?" Ron asked irritation in his voice? "I mean, he's kind of weak."

"He did save our lives once" Hermione said. "Or don't you remember? It's not like you entered anyways." Ron scuffed slightly and kicked his foot against the ground. "You did enter?" Hermione was surprised that Ron hadn't told anyone.

"I thought when I got picked it'd be a surprise." He said sternly as they he plopped down on the couch in the common area. "Never thought I'd lose out to Neville though."

"Maybe it's because your ego is the size of the whomping willow." Ginny chimed in angrily at Ron for talking down on Neville. "Just because you're Harry Potter's best friend doesn't mean you're better than anyone else Ronald Weasley." Ron rolled his eyes and got up to retire to his room. Ginny threw her hands up into the air and turned to do the same. "It's like talking to a wall!"

Hermione laughed quietly and followed her friend to bed. When she got to her bed Hermione noticed a small piece of parchment on her pillow. As Ginny went to shower, Hermione opened the folded note and smiled.

Dear Hermione,

I hope Ginny doesn't get this before you, but I took the chance and sent it right as the meeting about the tournament finished. I'd like to talk to you about something if you don't mind. Meet me at the fountain in the quad at eleven tonight. Don't worry about getting caught unless you walk really loud. Mr. Reaver has never been too strict about the curfew.

Sincerely,

Jade.

Hermione smiled widely and checked the time, only eight o' clock. She had a while to wait so she decided to prepare her books and uniform for class the next day. After getting all her things ready and reading a little about wandless magic, she jumped in the shower. As she dried her hair and dressed in a pair of jeans and a long sleeve v-neck shirt, she grabbed her wand and stuck it in her boot. It was ten to eleven when she exited the room to see Ron back out on the sofa with an annoyed look on his face. Hermione rolled her eyes and walked towards the door, hoping he wouldn't notice her, but of course nothing happened the way she wished.

"Where are you going out to so late?" Ron said with venom in his voice. "Of all people, I thought you'd be in bed to start class early in the morning. Honestly Hermione, do you ever get tired of being a bookworm?"

"Oh please Ron," Hermione started as she turned to face him. "Don't take your bruised ego out on me because you didn't get selected for the tournament. And for your information I don't get tired of being a bookworm, I enjoy my privacy."

"Believe me I know, that's why I broke up with you." Ron spat as she stood up and glared at her. "You just couldn't handle Harry and me getting so much attention, you had to close yourself off!" Hermione was becoming enraged. She tried to cool her temper, but the way Ron was blaming her for their break up was low. She took a few short breaths and calmed herself.

"Please Ron, let's not start." Hermione breathed as she turned to walk out the door again. "Honestly you'd think we were in fourth year again."

And with that she left Ron standing alone with his thoughts. Hermione was fuming inside as she started mumbling to herself about Ron being a git and self-centered. She hadn't even noticed that she reached the fountain and walked right past Jade.

"Hey," Jade said as she gently grabbed Hermione's shoulder. "Are you meeting someone else besides me tonight?" Hermione snapped out of her stupor and looked at Jade who was smiling gently at her. A deep sigh escaped from the brunette's lips as she sat down on the fountain's edge.

"I'm sorry Jade, my mind was in a different place." She ran her fingers through her loose curls and looked up at her again to see those blue eyes piercing through her. "S-so, you wanted to talk to me about something?" Jade sat down next to her and gently waved her hand over the water that was still from the lack of the fountain actually running.

"I actually wanted to ask for your help with the tasks." Jade said sweeping her bangs away from her face. "I mean, I know you're probably going to be busy, but I'd like your help and input on my methods to get through this tournament." Hermione looked at her in surprise.

"But Jade," Hermione started as she watched the dark haired girl play with the water. "You seem more than capable of handling yourself. I mean, I'd be glad to help you, but why?" Jade smiled slightly and rubbed the back of her neck with her hand. Hermione smiled and blushed slightly when Jade looked into her brown eyes.

"Well when I'm under a lot of stress while in a duel or anything like that I can think clearly," Jade said finally looking up into the sky. "But it's the time before the task that will eat at me and make me nervous. That's when I need to have my game plan solid, you know?" Hermione nodded and thought about it for a minute. It would be interesting to help Jade with her tasks, and she was flattered that Jade had even asked for her help.

"I'll help you," Hermione said as she saw Jade's face light up. "But, in return, I'd like you to train me in wandless magic." Hermione stuck out her hand to Jade. "Deal?" Jade smiled and gently took Hermione's hand.

"Deal." Jade smiled at her and stood up. "It shouldn't be hard for you to catch on, since you're supposed to be the smartest witch of our age." Hermione was shocked and looked up at Jade. "What? You thought Harry was the only one known around the world?"

"I try to stay out of the public eye." Hermione said quietly, shaking her head slightly. "I don't much like to have my every move and thought documented for people to read about." Jade nodded in understanding as she turned to face Hermione.

"Everyone knows that Harry wouldn't have gotten anywhere without you." Jade said quietly. "You figured out a lot of the riddles and I doubt he would've found any horcruxes without your mind." Hermione smiled and sighed. She knew this to be true. If it would've been just Harry and Ron the poor boys would've been searching much longer than they did.

"I just want to be known for other things." Hermione sighed playing with a loose curl. "Not just for helping Harry Potter defeat Voldemort." Jade sat back down next to her and put her hand on Hermione's back. The brunette immediately got chills and her breath got caught in her throat.

"I know what you mean." Hermione saw a small shadow fall over Jade's bright blue eyes. "I've been trying to get out of my father's shadow for years, but it's hard when he's known for certain things." Hermione nodded, glad that someone besides Harry and Ginny understood how she felt. She felt Jade's hand run up to her shoulder and pulled Hermione close to her. "I guess everyone has shadows to overcome huh?"

Hermione was blushing furiously at the physical contact she was experiencing. She was glad that it was dark and Jade wouldn't notice the heat in her cheeks. They sat there for a while talking about how Harry had defeated the evil that plagued the world, and how Jade had come to find out she was a witch. Hermione looked up at the clock tower and gasped at the time.

"Goodness it's almost one in the morning!" She stood up suddenly and almost knocked Jade over into the fountain. "Oh my gosh, I'm sorry Jade!" She reached out and grabbed the other girl's hand before she fell too far back, but it was too late and both girls ended up in the fountain together.

Hermione had fallen clumsily on top of Jade with her legs between her and Hermione's face centimeters away from Jade's. They sat there in the foot deep pool of water just staring into each other's eyes. Hermione felt the heat starting to come back to her cheeks and averted her gaze. Jade chuckled softly and held herself up on her elbows. She lifted a hand and softly moved a stray, damp curl away from Hermione's face. The young brunette looked into those blue eyes one more time and instinct took over.