Warnings: Story contains scenes of violence throughout, swearing and scenes of sexual nature. Rated M for a reason. (Not in this chapter don't get your hopes up.) Story also deals with child and drug abuse.

Disclaimer: I do not own any recognisable characters and no money has been made from this.

Enjoy...

Chapter Six

The blade glides through the air, reflecting the sunlight, before striking another. A swirl; the person rivets swinging back once more with the blade. Clank. Duck, swiping for the legs blocking the attack from behind. It's a long staff with two swords on either side. They dance through the attacks defending with ease and knocking the attackers back as though pesky flies.

Swallowing, Hermione watches the display with slight fear crawling up her spine. Another person runs to attack and the fight begins anew. Their DADA watching from the side lines, ordering them what to do. The Professor is a tall man, intense green eyes, black hair gelled back, crooked nose. With a flick of wand he strikes one of his students with a hex keeping their footing in line.

The Russians are training, next to the lake and they have gathered quite a crowd. Sitting next to the tree, Hermione watches with her book open quill sitting beside her. Ginny sits next to her, watching in rapt interest but not for the same reasons.

"They can't actually use blades in the Tournaments can they?" Ginny asks, particularly interested in the blonde haired boy swinging his sword around.

"I have no idea." Hermione breathes.

"You've read the rules, doesn't it say?"

"It says we can only take a wand in with us nothing else. Whatever is in the levels we can use I suppose."

"Want a tip?" Ginny asks.

At that moment, one of the Russians is struck down by the handle of a sword. Blood rushes from his nose, an 'ohh' from the crowd and the shouting of their Professor. Wincing, Hermione glances at her friend who is smirking.

"What's the tip?"

"Leave the swords and run."

"If there's swords I'm going to learn to fly." Hermione whispers.

"You know it wouldn't be a bad idea, learning to fly a broom."

"I can fly a broom." Is the indignant reply.

"Learn to fly one in a straight line." Ginny is nodding to herself. "Yes we're going to do it!"

"Ginny no." Hermione begs.

"What are we doing?" They both jump as Luna appears out of nowhere behind them.

"Teaching Hermione to fly." Ginny informs her.

"That would be beneficial." Luna agrees.

"I hate flying."

"No you hate Quidditch trust me you'll enjoy flying, just don't let Professor Black get involved. She's worse than Hooch." Ginny grumbles. "Remember when she took over for a few months, I was bruised head to toe. I couldn't walk straight for ages."

"I believe that was Deans doing." Luna says settling next to them.

Hermione laughs at the statement as Ginny punches Lunas arm. Brushing a fallen leaf of her page, Hermione casts a withering glance at the Americans as they jog past. It seems that everyone involved in the Championships are preparing for war - except Hogwarts. She doesn't even know where Harry and Ron are, although she could take a good guess.

"We haven't done anything." Ginny argues.

"Then why were you making so much noise?" Luna asks.

"Plus he's a dick." Hermione throws in.

"Because he happens to be a good kisser and two he's not a dick."

"What did he get you for your birthday?" Hermione asks.

"Nothing, he said he couldn't find anything."

"What did he do for your birthday?"

"He went to play Quidditch."

"Point and case." Hermione answers smugly.

"He's a good guy."

"Famous last words. What about Harry?"

"What about him, he's after Cho."

Hermione doesn't answer that, instead she leans against the tree as Ginny sulks. Pulling the book from Hermine's lap, Luna plays around with it. Hermione ignores her weird friend's traits, focusing instead on the danger in front of her.

"Which one do you think it is? Which one do you think they made champion?"

"I have no idea." Hermione answers honestly.

Someone in the group was the one they elected amongst themselves as Champion. The one they were all trained to get to the end of the Championships for them to win. One of them will not reveal their true colours until half way through the games. Will not reveal their true talent until it is too late.

"You would think they would train behind doors." Ginny states.

"It's a scare tactic, they want to show everyone what they're capable off."

"It's working, I'm scared." Ginny says. "No one should have muscles that big. I mean look at them flex."

"Careful Ginny you're drooling." Hermione quips.

"Tell me you're not enjoying this."

"I'm not enjoying this."

"I am." Luna pipes in.

Glancing at her watch, Hermione realises she's almost late in meeting up with Tonks, she bids her friends goodbye. Deciding to leave her book with Luna it would be in good hands, returning with only a few extra hearts and weird creatures drawn on it.

Trundling back to the castle, Hermione passes the Japanese camp, two boys sat outside eating noodles, they nod at her and she returns it. Surprisingly Neville has made friends with one of the Japanese, which makes her a friend apparently. The American's she has yet to talk to, they are a lively group, and they also have a girl in one of the teams.

Crossing the rickety bridge, she eyes the arena in the distance, its quiet now. She pauses on the bridge leaning on the wood to stare at the looming building in the distance. It is crazy to think that in twenty-four hours she will be in there, battling for her life and that of her friends. A breeze whips through the grounds, she shudders. She wonders what their first challenge will be, as per usual, the first round and last round is created by the Minister himself. This is the fifth games, everyone knows the challenges will be bigger – grander. The final challenge and the first only the minister knows about.

The rest of the Championships is created between a select few, every five years. It is the duty of every winner to help prepare the Championships once more. It takes five years just to create the games. To gather everyone from around the world. This is the first time though, that Africa and Brazil are partaking in. Normally there are only forty-four students entered. To mark the fifth Championships there are sixty-four.

It was hosted in Russia last year, America the year before and France the year before that. Now it is back home, the stakes for Hogwarts higher than ever. She doubts any of their teams will make it through. Compared to everyone else, they are the least prepared.

"Wotcha." Tonks greets her, strolling over to her. "Thought I'd come to you, since your acting like a Philosopher, trying to discover the meaning of life?"

"Just thinking."

"Nothing new there."

"Have you seen the other teams?"

"I have, have you seen the Brazilian team, whew! Their DADA Professor is smoking."

"The Championships is barely a day away and all anyone can think about is how hot everyone is."

"Why do you think there's so many Aurors, we're not here to stop marauders we're here to stop you horny bunnies from having baby bunnies."

"Seriously?"

"Well no, but it's the perks of the job." Tonks grins. "Tell me there is no one here taking your fancy."

"There's no one here."

"I worry about you."

"I have other things to worry about."

"Like not dying?" Tonks jokes.

"Like not dying."

"Well word is Ron tried to ask one of those French chicks out, he collapsed in a heap."

"No surprise there."

"We're seriously lacking here, have you seen our lot compared to the other schools. Puberty seems to be a bit slow on our little island."

Hermione chuckles at that, she doesn't bother to point out there are good looking people here; Tonks is just so used to seeing them. It is then that she looks up, her brain stalls; her heart thumps to a standstill.

"Oh fuck." Hermione breathes.

Striding along the bridge, is a group of what Hermione would guess to be Aurors. It is not this, which makes her tongue tied. No it's the woman leading the group, tanned, toned body with flowing black hair, pierced eyebrow and lip. Intense brown eyes Hermione spots from many feet away, she can barely breathe, as the group joins them. The energy around the woman is like electricity the witch nods to the group to move on before striding up to Tonks.

"Hey, Cuz." The newcomer greets, her voice low and raspy.

"Hey," Tonks replies wrapping the other woman in a hug. "Took you long enough."

"Had to stop off at Azkaban." The woman answers, her eyes snapping to Hermione. "Who's this?"

"Ah, Hermione Granger meet my cousin, Raven Gonzales – Black."

"Cousin?" Hermione asks taking the offered hand.

"Correct honey," It's slight, but Hermione detects the Texas accent. "You may have heard of my daddy, Sirius Black?"

"Sirius is your dad?"

"He had a little rump in the hay with my ma, created me, rat bastard did a runner though."

"That doesn't really make you cousins." Hermione states, aware the witch hasn't let her hand go.

"No it don't but saves a lot of time. You got a firm handshake for such a slight creature."

"Erh, thank you." Hermione blushes as the witch steps closer.

"Not harassing my student are you Gonzales?" Professor Black calls startling Hermione and making her jump a few spaces away much to the amusement of Raven.

Hermione tries to control her blush, as Professor Black strolls towards them, coming from the grounds. One arm rests on her shoulders as one hand curls on her bicep. A warm breathe ghosts across her ear, and Hermione flushes once more as Raven whispers in her ear.

"She's a pussy cat really," Raven says watching Black walk towards them clearly unamused. "Like a lion."

"Lions eat people."

"Only if you go on their territory." Raven chuckles in her ear before walking past her. "Aunt Bella!"

To Hermione's utter surprise, the two women hug, before gossiping on the latest events. Raven informs Professor Black on all the goings on in the American camp. Tonks shifts behind her, and Hermione turns to find herself the sole receiver of a meaningful look.

"Tongue tied?" Tonks teases.

"Shut up." Hermione grumbles.

"You're a bit flushed."

"You could have warned me."

"What that I have a super-hot cousin that even Professor Black respects? Where would the fun in that be?"

"She really does respect her." Hermione says softly watching the two witches laughing between themselves.

"Don't know the full story, but the basics are, Raven found out who her dad was. She came to England looking for him, didn't go so well. Therefore, she searched for any other Blacks, got in touch with the likes of mum etcetera. from then on she is received by everyone. The reason my aunt likes her; is because Raven is not someone you mess with. When you inherit the name Black its more than just a name. It is a birthright it's about blood. She proves it every day, don't piss her off, she will kick your arse before you even pull your wand out."

Professor Black is almost carefree as she discusses the latest gossip, before talking in softer tones about what is to be expected in the Championships. Raven points to the sky, motioning something obscene, Hermione looks back to Tonks who looks almost sad. She wonders how Tonks feels when Bellatrix discounts her for blood. Silly question you know exactly what it is like to have some ignore you for the same reason.

"You want to know the juiciest gossip?" Tonks whispers, resting an elbow on Hermione's shoulder. "Ravens married to a muggle."

"What?" Hermione asks, wincing at her loud her voice is and earning two looks from the other witches. "But she's…"

"Tell me about it," Tonks grumbles. "Some reason my aunt couldn't care less. I met the guy too, built like a brick house, he's in the army or something."

"Special forces," Raven says walking back towards them. "All muscle, want to see a picture?"

Hermione doesn't get a chance to nod, before Raven flashes her a picture of her husband. Well damn. Tonks was right he is pure muscle, still though Hermione doesn't find it attractive, which earns her an amused look from Tonks.

"Well geez don't get too excited." Raven grumbles. "Most girls are asking questions."

"Is he on drugs?" Hermione asks instead.

Raven laughs. "No he's got a mistress called the gym."

"Well I'd hate to break up this lovely reunion however class is to begin. Granger don't be late." Professor Black warns before strolling back to the castle.

"Like I said pussy cat." Raven winks before walking away.

Watching the witch walk away, Hermione turns to follow Tonks back to the castle. Tonks chats aimlessly about how drunk she got last night. Informs her of the latest gossip amongst Aurors. How they nearly had to break up a fight between two volunteers. When Hermione presses for more information Tonks becomes very tight lipped.

Sighing, Hermione goes her separate way heading towards Charms, tension rising in her body. Neville joins her on the journey, unusually quiet. The lesson drags, she counts the words on her page, knowing soon she will be fighting for her life.

When evening comes, she sits solemnly at the table with the boys who happily discuss battle plans. They make signals with their hands, she nods her head in understanding. She has a feeling this won't be much use. The question she wants to ask is simple – when do they turn on one another?

Sleep won't come easy tonight, she knows this as she dresses for bed, her hands shaking. The arena is dark the odd torch flickers past. The campsites are alive with noise cheering, chanting and songs. Still her hands shake, she feels so unprepared. The door squeaks open, she expects the girls are returning for the night, she turned in early. Didn't want to sit up for hours thinking it all over instead she will lie in bed thinking it all through. A soft hand presses on her shoulder and she turns to find Neville standing next to her.

"Neville what you doing in here? If they catch you."

"I'll get detention I know." Neville answers. "But didn't want you on your own."

She smiles at the thought as they sit on opposite ends of her bed talking and taking comfort in one another. Ginny enters, smiling at both of them before launching herself in the middle of the bed. They giggle like little kids, Neville makes a comment about Ginny's weight and she kicks him. When Harry enters with Ron and the Weasley twins it feels like family. They settle on the beds, George sits next to Hermione offering her a sweet. She refuses on good grounds, but Harry risks it. They laugh as he breaks out in a cold sweat.

When the girls return to the dorms to find it occupied they call it an evening and she makes arrangements to meet the boys bright and early. Ginny stays on her bed though and they sit and gaze out the window. Ginny happily talking about the boys she met on the beach she's thankful for the distraction. They both doze off, only for Ginny to stagger off her bed a few hours later and collapse on her own bed. Tomorrow everything changes.

The ground shakes, the building above rumbles with cheers. Her feet work on auto pilot, she's just following the others. Above them is the arena, she feels like a gladiator. Waiting to be sent up, waiting for lions to rip her apart. A tension runs through her body as they are herded to their stations. Each team to be sent up through different doors. They have no idea what is waiting for them outside.

The halls remind her of the ministry of magic, black tiles guiding them to their access points. Volunteers mull around them. She spots Lupin at one stage, but she loses him to the sea of workers. The ceiling shakes once more, the thump, thump, thump of feet. The endless cheering.

"Welcome!" Lord Riddles voice booms, it causes her bones to shake. "To the fifth Championship games!"

An almighty roar erupts, it's a cue for the little floating cameras to turn on. Little glass balls following them around, watching their every move. Even as the Minister speaks she can imagine the giant screen showing shots of the contestants. They are being broadcasted all around the world. For the whole Wizarding world to see. They are live. Every second of their time will be filmed. She hopes she doesn't make a fool of herself.

They had a photo shoot a couple days ago, as a team as well as an individual pictures. Their faces printed throughout the community, they are stickers for children to collect. To stamp them in their books, only for their faces to be crossed out when they fall. The bets are high, the stakes even higher - eternal glory just waiting to be grabbed.

Shakily she sips from a cup, trying to calm herself. She has no idea what will be waiting for her outside the door. The anticipation is clawing in the room, suffocating them. Ron eats nervously, they are trained to ignore the camera. Professor Black forced them to have a ball follow them for the first couple days. Made them duel with the physic ball floating in their face. Least to say, Ron managed to knock himself out on one, Hermione tripped over another. Draco screamed after walking into one that made them all jump. Neville accidentally destroyed one.

They aren't ready. Marching of feet makes her glance behind as the Russians stalk past, without a glimmer of fear. They are ready for this, trained for this. She knows that Fred and George put money on the Russians, much to Molly's anger.

"Hermione." Startled, Hermione turns to the voice and notes Andy at the side.

Curious Hermione wanders over to her friend even more curious as to how the camera automatically drifts away from them. Then she remembers, the cameras are dispelled by the Volunteers and guards. They cannot record them, for fear their picture will become public knowledge and the workers bribed by bookies to fix the game.

"What you doing here?" Hermione asks, noting Nymph leaning against the wall just behind.

"Here to wish you luck." Nymph says with a nod. "Good luck."

Scowling, Andy pats Nymph on the shoulder in a silent order to be quiet. "Wanted to see you before you went in. Want you to promise me you won't do anything foolish."

"What happened to promising me the games were safe?" Hermione teases.

"Well they are, people make mistakes though." Andy says softly. "Anyway I wanted to give you something."

Brushing her brown hair out the way with her hand, Andy retrieves a necklace from around her neck. Frowning, Hermione glances to Nymph who winks at her. Andy motions for her to lean forward. She does so, as Andy places the necklace around her neck. Leaning back, Hermione looks down at the little pendant. Dark silver with black vines wrapped around it. She clicks it open, to reveal a small red diamond inside. Held in place with magic.

"It's beautiful." Hermione breathes.

"I've had that since I was born, the only thing I ever kept. It's supposed to bring luck. Don't worry I've already had it checked out your allowed to take it in with you. Keep it tucked in though."

"I can't accept this." Hermione says softly.

"Of course you can."

"It must have cost a fortune."

"Just a small one, but I want you to have it."

"Andy, this is yours I can't keep it."

"Yes you can and you will. I want you to promise me that when the Championships end, you will personally place that necklace in my hand. Promise?"

"Promise." Hermione breathes tucking the necklace away and securing it with a charm.

Andy swoops her in a hug, Hermione buries her face into the shoulder that has become her support over the years. Nodding, Andy pulls back before giving her a soft smile.

"We'll see you later then." Andy says.

"You will indeed." Hermione nods, heading back to her door.

"Kick some butt 'Mione! No prisoners."

"Nymph!"

Chuckling Hermione returns to her friends who are chatting between themselves. Neville spares her a look before offering a small smile. It's time.

"Hogwarts students listen up!" Snape shouts, earning their attention. Similar shouts from all the schools echo in the corridors. "The Championships are about to begin, prepare yourselves. Once you are in, there is only two ways out. Should you wish to exit at any time or become injured a red flare should immediately be sent into the air. Make sure you are safe and do not interfere with any other contestants. You will be retrieved immediately. Your aim is to get to the checkpoint this will be shown by a flag that is a portkey. What stands between you and the portkey will vary on each level. The last contestant to make it through will be disqualified."

"There is a catch." Professor Black continues joining them. "You must be able to stand on your own two feet. Any contestant dragged through to the end and failing to stand will be disqualified. So my advice is to make sure you grab the portkey in a respectable position. It won't do you any good landing on your head and knocking yourself out. Duelling is allowed, however the use of unforgivable curses will result in immediate disqualification and suspension. This stands for all contestants. Trying to kill a fellow contestant with bare hands or other magic will result in the same consequences. We are watching everything in there, we have a hawk eye view. Minister Riddle's verdict is law, should he find you acting in a harmful manner he will pull you from the championships."

"To make this a very special year, there are sixty four contestants!" Lord Riddle's voice interrupts making the students flinch and the crowd cheer. "We can only have one winner! Let the Championships begin."

"It's time." Professor Black says. "Work as a team! Be careful the games are monitored but stupidity can get you killed. Do not take any unnecessary risk for example, jumping long distance because you think you can make it."

She pauses a lingering gaze on all of them as though wanting to say something else. Instead she snaps her fingers at Draco. "Draco bring your team, good luck."

She guides them away as Professor Snape stands behind them. The cheering slowly dies down the clanking of metal. The odd hush that echoes from the crowd. The thumping of feet, the banging of drums from the band. Any second now.

Her skin crawls, ice engulfs her veins, her heart almost too petrified to move beneath her rib cage. A door shuts behind them, Snape stands the tall imposing figure behind, Ron and Harry scowl at him before turning back to the wooden door waiting for it to open. She glances back at the Professor; he sends her a reassuring smile, she swallows.

A clammy hand slips into hers and she squeezes Neville's hand in response. Harry looks at them, and she smiles. They can do this, they just need to stay together. Just for a few rounds.

"We've got this guys." Harry says confidently. "Just stay together."

She squeezes Neville's hand once more before letting it go. Her wand slips into her waiting hand, she prepares herself for anything. There could be a Dementor on the other side of the door. Could be a dragon for all she knows. BANG! A cannon sounds.

The door begins to squeak the hinges protesting, slowly it lifts upwards disappearing into the building. Taking a deep breath they take their first tentative steps forward, a strange smell filling her senses. She waits for burning sunlight, her feet touching gravel. They step out together wands prepared. Darkness engulfs them as the crowd becomes deadly silent. No noise to be heard. The door slams shut behind them. Leaving them in complete darkness. Let the games begin.

A/n: Soo you know I said Championships will start this chapter technically it did, but you'll have to wait till the next to see what happens. More importantly this is where it really starts! Whoa! I'm excited. The first six chapters have been mostly filler and now the party can start. It's gonna be fun. Hope you liked it. Be interesting to see just how many make it out the first round ;)

Till next Friday that chapter is going to be explosive... literally.