Finally here at last.

Sorry for the delay had been busy and no time to myself let alone to upload, but its here and I hope you all like it. Not much to say other than I don't own HP but also if anyone finds any mistakes, sorry I did try my hardest but seeing as things have changed a little on here I for the life of me cannot anywhere seem to find the spell checker.

So just a heads up and apologies.

No sooner as Hermione entered through the door she was swept up into an iron clad hug. She muffled her surprise on feeling the lithe arms wrap themselves around her and hold tight but as soon as she breathed in the familiar scent of orange and lilies, she returned the hug just as strongly.

Minerva placed her chin on top of the younger girls head and exhaled shakily. She had been waiting on near egg shells the moment she returned from speaking to Albus. The older man knew from the message he got from the Aurors that the moment he and those who always believed was nearing.

The rise of Voldemort was imminent. It may have only looked like a prank played to scare such a large crowd now but he knew – this was the beginning. Minerva had been near apocalyptic with fear as soon as she came through the fire. He had tried to console her as she paced the floor talking at such a fast speed that he almost missed what she was saying.

But he didn't, he knew her fears. It took a lot to scare the deputy headmistress these days, after two wars ones outlook on life greatly changed and suddenly all those smaller fears, such as spiders or heights didn't seem to huge anymore. But there was always one thing that frightened her more ever since she accepted responsibility of a small child some fourteen years ago.

So just watching her pace now, her face a torn picture of worry and tears. Spoke home of just how much she loved the younger girl who had absolutely no idea what was to come, none of them did and for that he felt his heart grow heavier. She returned home once she felt a little better talking and smiled at him gratefully before leaving.

She made her way to the kitchen and Patches arrived with fresh tea. Nothing helped her relax better than tea and knowing her family was alright as she settled down at the table for the second to be confirmed.

Hermione, on finally finding Ron and in turn Harry – before almost being stunned into oblivion by several Aurors, had gone back to the burrow to gather her things. Ginny had pounced the moment she entered the house and engulfed her in a hug, since coming back with the twins she had worried for them all and so on seeing all three safe she let out the breath she had been holding.

Mrs Weasley had near torn her hair out worrying. She was startled when four of her of her seven children burst through the door to their home. She bolted upright in her seat on seeing the looks of terror on their faces as she tried to listen to what they were saying. Finally on silencing them and turning to Bill, who had brought them back, she heard how the tournament was quickly overrun with deatheaters.

It had shocked her to hear that and instantly her nerves were on edge. It didn't help when she heard that at the end someone had cast the dark mark in the sky. She had tried to get a hold of her husband after that but to no avail and so had been pacing like a high strung cat until finally the door opened.

They rushed from the living room to see Ron, Hermione and Harry all stumbling in through the door. All looking worse for wear and she saw the older Weasley move in after them, followed by the last two of her sons. She instantly pulled her three boys into a hug leaving Ginny who had struck when Hermione was close enough and grabbed her in a hug.

She was thankful that her brothers were ok but it was the other girl that had found the twins and pushed them to the shade of the trees before sending Bill after them. Hermione smiled lightly when they broke apart as Harry was being greeted by the twins. Before long the three found themselves being pushed into seats as Molly got about cooking them food.

Once they had been forced to eat under her strict watch. All of them got sent to bed. Even the two eldest who had ready to complain but saw the look on their Mothers face and so quickly scurried up the steps much to Fred and Georges delight as they traipsed after them. Early next morning saw Hermione up and dressed.

Normally when she didn't have to be she slept longer than the dead most times but today she just wanted to go home, normally she would kill anyone who dared suggest her a Mummy's girl – though really, the older woman was all she had – she just felt the need to be closer to the older witch.

Plus the frantic note sent to the burrow by Minerva might have also swayed her choice as she packed her bag and said her goodbyes to the family. Harry was staying with them as he had promised the Dursleys he would so hugged her goodbye as Arthur held on to her shoulder before they apparated from the garden.

They arrived outside the school gates as the slowly opened to allow them entrance. Not knowing the headmistresses house location Hogwarts was the next best place as they entered the school doors and up to the headmasters office. Albus greeted them soberly as Hermione gave him a small hug, a gesture rarer as she got older but he was still her uncle and so greeted him like she used to.

Once she had stepped away he turned around and opened the connection to Minerva's house as she smiled once more before stepping through, there she was pulled in all but instantly into the life squeezing hug.

Minerva felt her chest ease up once she had the younger girl safely in her arms. It was a testament of how much the match had shocked her as Hermione hadn't even complained about the tightness she was encased in as she merely stood there and allowed herself to be crushed. Minerva turned and kissed the top of her head, feeling more calmer now that Hermione was home.

"Are you ok my dear?" She felt the head underneath her arms nod. Finally parting she reluctantly pulled back but kept a hold of her as she inspected her appearance.

"Were you hurt?" She was relieved when Hermione shook her head as she pulled her to sit on the sofa. "No, just … not quite sure what to think of it really, it was weird seeing it in the sky, looking down over the ground."

But it she clearly meant the mark. The older woman had to bite her tongue from making a remark as she lifted her hand to brush some of the hair from the younger girls face.

"Were the rest of them safe? Did they make it back?" She nodded; she refrained from telling her about what she did for Ginny seeing as she didn't really want to make a big deal of it and so allowed herself to be pulled back into another hug, this one more gentler as they sat back against the sofa.

She smiled as the door was butted open and Crookshanks entered the room. He lifted his head and on seeing his mistress back, jumped and into her lap as she gathered him up and burying her face in his fur.

"Missed you, buddy." She smiled when a paw landed on her cheek as his purrs sounded through the silent room. They stayed like that for a while before Minerva asked if she was hungry. Yesterday had been a big dinner – Molly had seen to that but even with the amount the other woman had given her she did feel something akin to hunger and so nodded.

A cheese and toast later she told her Mother she was going for a bath. Minerva nodded and placed a final kiss on her forehead before Hermione left the room with the cat in her hands as Minerva watched on in deep thought, it was the last night before going back to school and in a rare form of leniency from the older woman – who was so adamant about keeping Hermione where she could see her, had asked Albus if she could return to school via the floo and not the train.

He had been a little weary but allowed it much to her gratefulness and so on telling the younger witch who was surprised and a little suspicious as to why but ultimately made her way upstairs to send a note to the other two, she decided to send Noctis again this time - he had been itching to stretch his wings and with all that had gone on she thought Ron was getting a little too comfortable with his food once more.

She also sent a note to Cedric to ask how he was and that she hoped he was ok, along with a small side message that she would see him at the feast as she wouldn't be on the train. Once she had sent the owl on his way she ventured back downstairs to spend what was left of her free time with the older woman, even making a visit to see Addie before she left.

The one good thing about the fact she wasn't going on the train the next day – was the lie in – seeing as she didn't have to rush around getting any and all things she had misplaced before making the journey to London. Minerva had allowed her to have an extra few hours in bed, the feast only started when all the students arrived and it did take a few hours for the train to get from one end of the country to the other.

Hermione had smiled joyfully at the news and had taken full advantage as she settled back under her covers, pleased with the fact she wasn't being forced from her cosy nest as the warm fluffy pillow at her side curled in a little tighter before following her into slumber. Three hours later however things were different as a hand gently shook her from much beloved sleep.

"Hermione – come wake up,"

"No" The reply was short but muffled as Minerva rolled her eyes and sat next to her, "Yes, now up – breakfast is downstairs and you do have to get ready at some point today."

She poked the cushy lump as Hermione did her best to swat the hand from under her cover but not having much luck. The older woman continued to prod the small blanket mound until Hermione growls and throws the cover from her body.

"Alright – I'm up, I'm up – Jesus it's bright." She lifts her hand to her face and squints. A small chuckle had her scowling before she sat up a little more rubbing her eyes, she sighed.

"Alight … what."

Minerva cocked a brow at the question. "What do you mean what? What missy, is you getting your arse in the bathroom and getting ready."

Rolling her eyes she exhaled heavily but started to move. Minerva stood and before Hermione could get up, she was pulled back a little as she older woman wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Oh come on—"She was interrupted by the kiss to her head before being shoved gently in the direction of the smaller room. She stood giving the older woman a weird look before shaking her head and retreating to get ready for the day as Minerva walked from the room.

She made her way down to the kitchen were the older witch was already sat she smiled on seeing Hermione shuffle into the room as she pushed the teapot over to where she had sat down.

"I hate the mornings."

Minerva didn't respond right away as she took a sip from her mug. "It's the afternoon, dear." Hermione lifted her head and looked at her Mother who calmly gave her a small smile in return. The younger girl frowned before glancing to the clock.

"Hmm – so it is," The other woman nodded again in silence. "So how come we're going through the floo and I'm not going on the train."

She looked to the other woman waiting as Minerva pondered what to say. Oh she knew the answer; it wasn't too hard to think about it to be honest. She had spent near a sleepless night thinking about it, with the mark out in the open and the mutterings that had already started to circulate, she had made the decision to keep the younger girl as close to her as possible.

For the foreseeable future she was making sure Hermione was where she could see her at all times. But it had to be done so not to arouse the younger girl's suspicion. Hermione was of course very perceptive and so would pick up on her tactics sooner than she would like. Turning she smiled lightly before shrugging.

"I just wanted to make sure you were ok. With what happened yesterday, I thought it would be safer if you went with me to school instead of the train." She turned to see the small eye roll.

"Call me silly but can't I worry?" Hermione looked at her and felt bad. She may have expressed her thoughts but inside she was secretly glad that her Mother wanted to keep her safe, was worrying over her – she had to admit the mark was both fascinating and a little disturbing to look at and so smiled as she nodded back.

"You're right."

Thankful that the topic was now over they got back to finishing their breakfast in peace before the mid-day rush began. After that it was Minerva shouting from various parts of the house as Hermione scurried to and fro gathering things as she went before dumping them in her trunk not once caring for neatness.

Finally after an hour and half of angry mutterings, annoyed eye rolls, small curses and one cat slipping and sliding along the floor before being scooped up and placed in his portable prison. They were ready, Patches as usual waited to see them off as Minerva stood by the fireplace waiting and watching her watch as Hermione dragged her trunk through to the living room.

"All done"

She smiled as she dropped her trunk to the floor not seeing the small wince at the sound it made as Minerva opened her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Couldn't of you have asked me to bring your trunk in?" She asked politely as Hermione frowned and looked pointedly at the item before shrugging.

"You always say bring it yourself, so I did …" She looked confused completely missing the point as the older woman exhaled silently before shaking her head.

"Never mind, just … come on." She turned to the fire and opened the connection like Albus had the other day as soon the fire was burning brightly. Picking up her trunk Hermione was about to drag it through when a hand implored her to give up that course of action.

"Just … I'll get it dear, just go through. Albus is waiting."

Shrugging she dropped it back to the floor again missing the wince the older woman gave when the heavy trunk banged on the hardwood flooring as she smiled and walked through the flames and to the other side into the headmasters office.

When Minerva finally made it through she greeted her friend before turning to Hermione and telling her that her trunk would be delivered to the tower, and that if she wanted to freshen up before the feast she could as the younger girl nodded and with parting smile left the pair to talk as she made her way to the tower.

Once she had changed into her robes under instruction. She made her way to the sofa in which was now earmarked as the three who always claimed it before opening the book she had been reading at before settling down, the cat that had been let out on reaching the tower moseyed around at her feet.

She got a message an hour later telling her that the train had arrived and so she should make her way to the hall. Sitting up, she tucked her book under the cushion and stretched out before moving to the door and telling the cat to stay put as the fuzzy orange cat jumped into her vacated space and made use of the warmth left behind.

Moving down the steps she idly waved and greeted the passing portraits who waved merrily back as she passed. On reaching the lower levels she could hear the rising sound of chatter and sighed. She had reached the hall too late and now had to join the crowd. She sighed and turned the corner seeing the long stream milling into the hall.

Shaking her head she slipped down the steps and into the line bustling with students all excited to be back as they joined their friends. Once inside she looked around to the Gryffindor table to find it already near full. She moved to sit down and was hurriedly joined by Ginny.

"Where were you?" The question was to the point and rather accusatory as Hermione blinked. "Pardon me."

"You weren't on the train. Where did you go, actually how are you here." The older girl turned to face her friend before explaining how the older woman wanted to make sure she was ok, with all that went on that the tournament she was a little apprehensive about letting her go on the train and so they went by the floo instead.

The red head's eyes widened on hearing that the deputy didn't want her travelling by the train – the school train as she looked to the top to see a mixture of teachers taking their seats.

"Wow – sounds like she was as bad as mum – she was a nightmare after you left. Near enough locked us in our rooms. Bill and Charlie too, bit of an argument after that."

Hermione smirked almost imagining the scene. "We all know who won that." Ginny nodded grimly. No matter how old any of them where, none of them could escape the overbearing middle aged witch as two heavy thumps had her turning to find Harry and Ron joining them.

"Where did you get to? You weren't on the train." Ron said immediately as they looked at her, she nodded silently not wishing to repeat herself but it was clear they were waiting for an explanation. Sighing she turned to Ginny.

"Would you," The younger witch laughed and nodded before she got round to telling them what Hermione had just told her, when she finished Ron whistled low.

"Blimey – she sounds like she was channelling mum." He shook his head sadly, "She practically kept us in our rooms until dad had to wrestle the wand from her hand and undo the charms she did on the door, bloody mental she was."

Whatever he was going to say was cut off by the sound of the doors opening and they turned to see the long cue of first years as they made their way to the front to be sorted. Ron nudged Dean and pointed at a few who looked terrified.

"Look at him, he's about to pass out." Only to get nudged by Ginny, Minerva as always was leading the way with everyone watching as the hat was brought out and into the middle, it started to sing scaring the smaller kids up top who jumped on hearing it open its mouth much to a few others amusement as they laughed.

Once it stopped Minerva undid the scroll and began to read off the names as one by one they came forward timidly and tried the hat until it called out a house. Finally once they had all been sorted she took the hat away allowing Dumbledore to speak.

He started off welcoming everyone back and to those just starting. Before adding what Filch had asked about forbidden contraband in the halls. Hermione had been eyeing the Yorkshire pudding and with carefully timed manoeuvres she had managed to pull the plate closer to her, smiling she picked up a small piece, about to sneakily put it in her mouth.

"It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."

"What?" Harry raged at the side of her startling her as the pudding she had so craftily snuck to her dropped to the table. She stared at the lowly item of food before turning to glare at the culprit who was looking the other way at Dumbledore shocked.

"This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy - but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely." He smiled not taking in the outraged looks coming from each playing team member before carrying on.

I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts -" That was the moment; there was a deafening rumble of thunder and the doors of the Great Hall banged open. A man stood in the doorway, leaning upon a long staff, shrouded in a black traveling cloak. Every head in the Great Hall swivelled toward the stranger.

Harry turned his body and once more knocked the second Yorkshire pudding that she had managed to sneak from the plate as it fell to the floor. She sat up straighter and pushed the plate away, giving up altogether and folded her arms as he looked to the floor and back to her petulantly frowning expression.

"Sorry, Hermione" She eyed his sheepish grin and lifted her lip a little before looking around. Clearly not eating until it was time she might as well see who it was that ultimately caused the fuss as she eyed the newcomer walking down the rows.

He looked ugly. Like really, ugly. She was actually glad she wasn't eating when he passed as she wasn't so hungry anymore. He made his way to the top were the older man was smiling joyfully.

"May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" said Dumbledore brightly into the silence. "Professor Moody." He seemed to turn and glare darkly at the crowd; needless to say he didn't get such a welcoming greeting from them.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued. "We are to have the honour of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."

"You're JOKING!"

Everyone turned to the speaker as all eyes zoned in on Fred, who had realized his outburst and chuckled nervously before sinking down a little in his seat, it seemed to have broken the slight tension as soon after the feast went much smoother and quicker, with the promise of more information on the tournament in the upcoming week, it was soon time to retire to the dorms as one by one the tables stood.

The conversations were unsurprisingly about the contest as they made their way up the stairs. They made their way behind a tapestry and up a smaller set of stairs before down a corridor; soon they came to the familiar picture of the fat lady.

"Password,"

"Balderdash," Said George, "A prefect downstairs told me." The others simply nodded. The portrait swung forward as they all made their way inside. The common room was a lot warmer now the fire had been going throughout the feast, already people were departing for the dorms as Hermione was about to bid them goodnight when a tug had her stopping to see Ron nudging his head in the way of the sofa.

She followed his line of sight and looked on. Crookshanks hadn't moved the entire time it seemed and was now being rudely awoken by some first years that had seen the large cat lying across the sofa. Not knowing who the cat was or who he belonged to, they had made their way over and was crowding round the half kneazle who was staring at them moodily.

She watched as they giggle and petted him, running their hands though his fur and tugging on it lightly before moving to his bottlebrush tail, he mewed unhappily but they paid no mind as both boys turned to look at the expression on their friends face, they knew no one touched her cat without hers or his permission and it showed by the almost fire spitting look she was giving the bunch of firsties.

"Be nice." Harry said as she moved away and over to where they were crowded. She reached the first one and pushed him out the way, he stumbled back on feeling her yank his robes before looking at her startled at the sudden gesture. Ron, Harry and Ginny all watched as she made her way through by pushing and shoving them out of the way.

"Move it."

The three sitting next to the cat all looked up on hearing the harsh sounding voice and gulped on seeing who was clearly a much older student baring down at them. They cowed at the dark glare she was giving them.

"Hand's off the cat." Her tone left no room for a reply as they yanked their hands away from the cat who had seen who was in front of him and stood. Stretching lazily he looked up at her as she took a step closer. The three seemed to shrink back at her movement and watched wide eyed as she bent a little.

Watching slowly as the feline lifted his head seemingly knowing who it was that had saved him, stood on all fours and allowed himself to be picked up. They watched as he placed his paws on her shoulder as she gave them another silent glare before turning and making for the stairs.

She passed the two boys who were watching her silently; she merely nodded at them before saying a single goodnight and up the steps, Ginny followed closely on after getting her bearings back leaving them at the foot of the stairs.

They watched as the first years scampered away and off to their own dorms before Ron nodded to the boys steps. They made their way up the stone stairs until they reached the fourth year room at the end.

"Already off to a good year," Harry muttered his mind going back those last few seconds as Ron nodded. "Yep, that's our Hermione – making friends and being nice wherever she goes."

The raven haired boy turned to look at his friend with slight disbelief before they both snorted as Ron shut the door behind him.