Fourth Year Part 2
Hermione felt the need to meeting her half-Giant friend, so she invited any of her friends that wanted to come. Seeing as it was near lunch and a surprisingly nice warm day, she ask Lemon if she could make her a picnic basket. She, along with Harry, Neville, Daphne, and Luna, were walking to Hagrid's hut, who just happened to be outside playing his flute.
"Hagrid! We came to see you, and we're hoping that you would join us for a little picnic."
"Oh 'Ermione, such a sweet child. Of course I'll join ya, and perfect timin' too. 'Arry, just the person I wanted to see."
They ate and had some small talk. Neville would ask about the plants in the forest, Luna would ask about the magical creatures, and some that they knew nothing about, and Hermione would ask about Hagrid's classes.
Hermione, now thinking of academics, spoke up of an interesting topic. "You know Neville, Luna, their an exchange program with Castelobruxo School of Magic, and they are big on Herbology and Magizoology. I was thinking of doing the program when I was looking to find a way that Viktor, Fleur, and I could go to school together. Sadly, Fleur is so family orientated that she couldn't see herself so far from home, Viktor was already establishing a relationship with his coach, and I had already made some good friends here. However, I am thinking of checking it out after I graduate from Hogwarts."
"What a nice food for thought, maybe we'll follow you when you do." Luna said as she gazed at the sky, and Neville looking to be thinking over.
"Are you really thinking of doing that Hermione? I thought you were going straight to the Ministry after Hogwarts." Daphne spoke with hope that her dear friends wouldn't go to Brazil after Hogwarts.
"Well, yes I would like that, but I would like to see the world, and see all the different magic cultures too. There's things I want to change in our government, so I will indeed work in the Ministry, but most likely not right away. Plus, I'm doing the new project in Lucy's journal that'll let us communicate faster and better."
Daphne, still unsure of what to think. Letting it go, for now, but when the time came, she would only hope her friend chose to stay home.
Their picnic was soon over, and Hermione, Daphne, Luna, and Neville walked back to the castle while Harry and Hagrid talked some more in private. On their way to the library, they came across all twenty Beauxbatons students in one of the many courtyard Hogwarts has. They were all rearranging the courtyard. Looked like they imported a few trees, planting some rose bushes, and cleaning the center.
"Looks like they're trying to do a makeover with the courtyard to remind the of their school." The blond hair, green eyes beauty stated.
"Well, it is a lovely time to be out and do it cause it'll most likely be clouds and colder weather after this." Luna replied.
"Yes, but sadly we have assignments to do."
"Well, we technically don't have to start them now Hermione. We could do them later, and enjoy the sun now." Neville said trying to lure his friend from not doing the assignments.
"If you guys want to enjoy the nice weather, go for it, but I'm going to do my assignments now. I'll see you at dinner."
Hermione walked to the library with Luna, as Neville and Daphne walked away together towards the lake. Neville was wanting to collect some water plants, and Daphne had volunteered to help.
"You know Luna, I have a feeling that Neville and Daphne will be something more than friends."
"Hermione, I'm sure we don't have to be a Seer to see that, but at the same time I have a feeling that we are the only ones to see that, sadly."
"DRAGONS! You got to be kidding me! They expect you to know how to fight that without any warning. Are they trying to kill you?" Hermione spoke with distress in her voice, for obvious reasons.
"I know 'Mione, but Fleur's Headmistress was there, and I saw Viktor's Headmaster there hiding, so they should know. We just need to inform Cedric." Harry replied, just as distress as Hermione, but paler.
Hermione had waited for Harry in the Gryffindor's common room. By the time Harry came back, it was past curfew, and the room was empty. Before they began their conversation, Harry place a muffler spell around them, so that no eavesdroppers could listen in on them.
"Okay, so let's think this over. The task is probably not to kill the dragon, or fight it for a time period, but what if they are guarding something like what Gringott does."
"That makes me feel a bit better, but it's still a bloody dragon." the fourteen year old champion stated with angry fear.
Before they could continue, Ron walk down the stairs. "What are you guys talking about this late at night?"
"Nothing." Harry answered back too quickly.
"Yeah, well it's not like you ever tell me anything now and days." And he walked back to his room.
Hermione, feeling that he gone for good now, spoke again. "Okay, we'll go to the library and read up on it. I'll message Ragnok to send me all the books on dragons in my vault. You have fifteen more days till the task starts, and classes on top of that. I need you to be committed to this Harry, this is going to be like second year all over again."
"I'm committed Hermione." Harry said with a determined face.
Harry looked like a zombie with his head on the table looking exhausted. Five days has past, but still, Harry felt ill prepared for his task. Hermione didn't blame him since they had no plan of action yet. She had a feeling Fleur figured out what to do by now and that she didn't have to fight the dragon. Viktor will probably thinks he has to fight the dragon, but was sure he'll figure out the real purpose before the task.
The two competitive friends agree no talk of the competition while they were together, but that they could run to Hermione for help. Viktor had beaten Fleur on asking for Lucy's book on dragons. Fleur had teased her by calling it favoritism, and how unfair it was.
"Harry, why don't you go walk around. We've already done our assignments and gone through all these books, so maybe some fresh air could help you."
Harry gave a sigh of relief at hearing that. "Oh thank Merlin, I don't know how you can do this for so long Hermione. I'll see you at dinner." And with that he made a hasty retreat.
Hermione set a timer for dinner on her wand, and started working on her third crystal ball. She was almost finished with it, and could move on to her fourth one. She was hoping to finish all five before the task so that she could give one to the Krums, Delacours, and Sirius. The one for her parents would be a bit tricky since all the crystal balls were meant for those who could use magic, but she would find a way.
Just when Hermione was halfway done with the fourth one, Mercury came flying in, and probably to Madam Pince displeasure. It was a letter from Sirius.
Dear Kitty,
I've been thinking of doing this for a while now, and with the incident at the World Cup, and now Harry in this Tournament, it made the decision for me. I put a Fidelius Charm on the house and Remu is the Secret-Keeper. He's still being denied a job anywhere he applies to, sadly.
Moony was always so studious out of our group of friends, I hate seeing him like this. I've try to give him money at times, but he won't accept it, and the only time he does is usually after he's helped me with some of the paperwork I have to fill out and dueling, but he won't even take the whole amount.
On a good note, he seems to have taken a shine to my cousin's daughter, Nymphadora, but just call her Tonks since she hates her name, but both of them have not made a move at each other. It was funny in the beginning, but now it's just annoying. You will be seeing her at the first task, if you know a way for either of them to make a move, go for it.
Much Love from this Dashing Lord,
Sirius Black
Hermione was now thinking about Remus. It's so unfair for him, he was so sweet, kind and fair when he taught last year. Unfortunately, Professor Snape 'accidentally' let it slip that he was a werewolf in front of students, and parents demanded that he was removed. It would be nice if he taught again, he always kept it fun.
Then a thought ran through her head. What if he became a personal tutor? Hermione remember him saying that he did travel around the world to do odd jobs, and that Professor Dumbledore had found him in Zimbabwe. He could teach Hermione the magical world culture that she was so hungry to learn about.
Packing her things, and sending Mercury back to her room, she walked towards Professor McGonagall's office. Professor McGonagall should have finished a class five minutes ago, so she was hopefully in her office by now. Knocking on the door, Hermione got no answer.
"Is there anything I could help you with Miss Black."
Hermione jumped at the sudden sound. Professor McGonagall must have gotten a cat stealth trait from her animagus.
"Good Godric Professor, you nearly gave me a heart attack." Minerva just raised an eyebrow, but there was a spark of amusement in her eyes. "I came to you to ask about a personal tutor."
Minerva waved her wand, and led Hermione into the office, and with another wave of her wand tea was being prepared. Taking her seat at the desk, she handed Hermione tea.
"So tell me Miss Black, why the sudden need for a personal tutor. Your grades are doing very fine, so I see no need for one."
"That's not the kind of personal tutor I was thinking of Professor. I want to know more about the world, more specifically magic culture. When I'm done with school, I've been thinking of traveling, but if I had someone to teach me about the culture, it might lessen my travel time, and not get into trouble if I accidentally offend someone."
The head of Gryffindor was thinking it over. "It can be done Miss Black, but it's just been so long since it happened. Your personal tutor won't be staying at Hogwarts, they can't interfere with your classes, you would have to pay them since they are not a Hogwarts Professor, and Professor Dumbledore or I have to approve of them."
"Well it's not going to be long process Professor, I already have someone in mind. Remus Lupin did say he's been traveling the world for about twelve years, so he's naturally the right person for the job."
"Hmm, yes, it seems so, and if parents argue, we can't do anything since he is your employee, Heir Black."
The older witch frankly emphasize Hermione's states and last name. After all, who would want to go against the heiress of the Black family that still had its reputation of dark magic lover. They two soon started working on Remus contract. He would come every Monday morning break, Wednesday afternoon break, and Saturday morning, unless it was a day before and after the full moon.
Entering her room, Hermione would called for Kreature. She smiled as the old changed house elf that was dressed in a white collared button up and black trousers that he made.
"What can Kreature do for Mistress Black." he said respectfully.
After destroying the necklace horcrux, Kreature really turned a new leaf, and was a more willing to change then before. She would of called for Winky, but she didn't think it was healthy to have a still recently free elf at the same place her previous master is at.
"Hello Kreature, I was hoping you could deliver this to Remus, and tell him that if he choose to accept he would have to give a copy to the Department of Magical Education, but before you go, let's talk. How is Winky do with taking care of a new family?"
Winky had initially had a hard time working, but Hermione was unsure if it was still like for the elf after the last time she saw her. Kreature then talked about Winky's time with the Blacks. She's been getting better so far, and she seemed to be helping Kreache get into better health that his limp on his right leg was gone, his hunchback was almost gone, and he has more energy than he used to as well as look less wrinkly.
Kreature soon went off, and Hermione headed to dinner. Hermione decided to sit with Hufflepuff. She spotted Hannah Susan, and Justin with no difficulties. She sat across the two, and they talked about almost anything, and some of the other fellow students in her year or lower would ask her question of things they didn't understand in class. Just another normal dinner. Sometime later, Cedric took a seat next to Hermione and they would debate about advance transfiguration theory that seemed like only they knew about since everyone else just looked confused within earshot distance.
Hermione said good night to everyone before heading out of the Great Hall. Fleur and Viktor met her at the door, and the three headed to the Gryffindor Tower. There they talked about their day, how they were remodeling the courtyard that would remind them of their school, and how their family were doing. Viktor said that Andrian, Marcella and Gabrielle were going to floo to Three Broomsticks this weekend, however Fleur had strongly advise they not bring Gabrielle to the task. Viktor and Hermione fully understood this, they could already see her crying out to them during the task. Lucky, Hermione knows her parents are free that day and that they always love taking care of Gabrielle.
Curfew was near and the two champions left. Before Hermione could go up her room, Harry pulled her aside.
"I know what to do for the task. Professor Moody helped me out. Can you help me with a summoning charm."
That was all Harry needed to say. Hermione would help the unwilling champion perfect this spell, and any other. He gave her details on his plans, and she check the rules, it was full proof. They had made arrangements to do this once their assignments were done. Sadly, for Hermione, it would most likely mean less time together with her friends, but they were probably just as equally busy.
Hermione walk up to her room to see that all her roommates were still up and gossiping. Hermione wasn't big on it, but she knew almost everything thanks to Lavender and Parvati. Getting out of her night clothes, she stripped naked, she really had no problem with nudity, and put on a large long sleeve shirt that stopped just under her butt and short shorts that were Mickey Mouse theme.
"Hermione, I don't know why you want to hide your figure in those uniforms. What are you, a C cup now and a nice arse, but I have not seen a single lump in that uniform." Lavender questioned, even though it was all facts.
"Well, I purposely ask Madam Malkin to make it that way, but it's getting harder to hide my breasts now, I'm almost to D cup now. It's also very comfortable to have my clothes done this way too, and from what my Mum says is that I'm almost done with my growth."
"I still don't get why you feel the need to hide your body, Hermione. It's almost sinful. Your like Lavender and Parvati put together." Lily said with Sally-Anne, Lavender and Parvati agreeing.
"Well, I guess it's because I don't want to be undermined. I'm sure it happens in the wizarding world, but in the muggle world a pretty woman gets judge a lot on their looks and body. They have lower standards to do anything important really." Hermione stated with Sally-Anne looking sad at this.
"I once had a teacher who told the class that if they weren't pretty enough, then they should get real smart to do well in life and he was looking at me while he said it." Sally-Anne voiced.
"Me too." Hermione and Lily, who went to primary school, said.
"Wow, that bad?" Parvati ask.
"Yeah, but luckily enough we are ugly duckling. Now enough about this depressing topic, how was your girls day?"
Lavender and Parvati looked at each other with confusion at the muggle saying. They two choose to ignore it and talk almost a mile a minute trying to tell Hermione any new gossip with Lily and Sally-Anne adding some they might of miss, but soon everyone went to bed. Hermione was now taking of her jewelry when she saw a letter from Sirius.
Kitty,
You brilliant witch, I forget that I call you The Brightest Witch of Your Age for a reason. This is perfect, Remus came running to me once he read through it. I honestly didn't know you could have a private tutor at Hogwarts. You probably read it in Hogwarts: A History. I'm assuming Harry is going to take the lesson as well, and you'll most likely open it to other students too. I'm offering to pay for Remus, but knowing you, you probably would want to split it. I'll take a copy of the contract to Gringott and tell them that I we will split the amount and have it transfer the money to Remus' vault. You have no idea how thankful I am of you for giving Remus this job. Now all we need to do is get Remus and Tonks together.
A Thousand Loves,
Sirius
P.S. Did you know that Kreacher is looking much better. Winky does miracles on his health, and a killer stew.
Hermione, Fleur, Viktor, Harry, Darcy, Macy, Gavrail, and Tihomir we all waiting at Three Broomsticks
Gabrielle ran out of the flames and into Fleur arms. Marcella and Andrian soon followed Gabrielle out of the fireplace, and Hermione ran into Andrian. As much as she loved Viktor, Andrian was always her hero.
"Andrian just got here, and I already feel like I'm forgotten." Came a teasing tone from Viktor.
"Did you hear something Andrian? It almost sounded like your brother." Hermione said just as teasingly.
Laughter filled the area from everyone. They soon took off, all the students restocked on ink and parchment, potion ingredient, looked at the clothing store, book store, and a deli shop, where everyone got jerky. They then went to the restaurant called Sally's, it does cost more than Three Broomsticks, but the food was delicious and it had a variety. After lunch, their last stop was Honeydukes, the sweet store. Fleur, Marcella, Darcy, and Macy bought all the different of chocolate to compare it to their sweet shop next to their school that claims it makes the best in the world. Viktor, Andrian Gavrail, and Tihomir bought a vast variety of sweet. Gabrielle got anything that looked fun which was Fizzing Whizzbees, Jelly Slugs, Pepper Imps, and Sugared Butterfly Wings. Hermione just got her all time favorite useable Sugar Quills, Chocolate Wands, and Pixie Puffs. Harry got his usual Cauldron Cakes, Chocolate Frogs, and Liquorice Wands.
After they bought their sweets, Harry, Darcy, Macy, Gavrail, and Tihomir said their goodbyes and headed back to the castle. Hermione, Viktor, Fleur, Andrian, Marcella and Gabrielle headed back to Three Broomsticks. They all hopped on doing this again, but they would have to see about it with how busy they were, it was a miracle they even did it today, but it was much needed and wanted so that they can talk about the wedding. Once they got headed back to the castle they were working on their school assignments none stop.
That task itself was difficult, Hermione, Harry, Neville, Daphne, Luna, Padma, Terry, Fleur, and Viktor were at the library doing their assignments. However with giggle fan girls, and some fan claiming they needed help from Hermione when really it was to get closer to Viktor. The only ones that actually needed help were Tracey Davis and Pansy Parkinson. Thankfully, Madam Pince shooed them all way. The nine friends took a sigh of relief, this was going to be a stressful week.
It was the day of the task, and Hermione hasn't see Harry, Fleur and Viktor at all. She met up with Xeno, Sirius, Remus, and Tonks. Remus and Tonks would save them spots, as Xeno, Sirius, and Hermione went to the champions tent so Xeno could do a before interview. When the enter, Hermione ran to Harry, he was pacing and looked pale. Hermione engulfed him in a hug, which he gave back, and a small pep talk. Suddenly, a flash came from their side, and they pulled away.
"Oh how lovely, young love. It would be a tragedy if you died Harry." Came a fake concern voice from a bespectacled blonde that had to be none other than Rita Skeeter.
"I'm sorry Miss, but I have not see my friends all morning and am very concerned about them. I am not in a relationship with Harry."
The reporter came walking closer to Hermione. That's when Hermione got a whiff of dirt from the blond, but it was underneath floral perfume. She looked at Sirius, who was now a registered animagus, who seemed to have smelled the same thing.
"Sure you are dear, now what's your name."
"Hermione Black." Hermione was hoping that the reporter was smart enough to not be splurging lies.
"This tent is for family and friends. You are a reporter that all Champions have refused to have a interview with again, so could you please see yourself out." Came a tight polite accent voice that belonged to none other than Viktor with Fleur and Cedric behind him.
With Rita now gone Hermione went to Fleur to give her a pep talk, hugs and a kiss on the cheek. Viktor came next and got the same as Fleur, it wasn't the kiss Viktor was hoping for, but he wasn't arguing. Hermione also gave Cedric a small pep talk, and was out of the tent before Professor Dumbledore came in.
Hermione found Remus and Tonks easily, but then again you can't miss the pink hair of the Metamorphmagus. Hermione couldn't find Apolline and Leon, or Ivan and Katrina, so they were most likely already seated with their old schools. Hermione, however, did see the twins run a betting system. She ended up betting the Fleur would finish the task the fastest. Luna, Xeno, and Sirius came back after five minutes.
The task was starting and the play by play spokesperson was none other than Ludo Bagman. She had forgotten to ask Ragnok about him after what happened that night. They had shared a couple of letters, but she completely forgot to ask about Bagman. The twins said he paid them back with leprechaun gold after the game.
Cedric was first and he was going against a Swedish Short-Snout. Cedric transfigured a boulder into a dog, but it didn't work as he plan. The dragon was too aware of his presence. He had transfigured a total of three dogs, which the dragon chopped away with its strong jaw, to get close to the golden egg the dragon was guarding. Feeling like the Short-Snout was getting bored by now, he transfigured two more dogs, a horse, and a cow, and made a dash to to the exit with his egg. He made the mistake of turning around, and made eye contact with it. He burned his back quite a bit.
Cedric's time was twenty-seven minutes, which earned him a ten points, magic skill was another ten points, no damage to dragon eggs got him another ten, but the burn on him got him five points. In total, he got thirty-five points.
Next dragon up was a Common Welsh Green. Fleur sang and dance the moment she got out of the exit, which rose a couple of eyebrows. The dragon did nothing, but listen to Fleur's angelic voice, and then with her Veela power she emitted the emotion of calm, safe, and exhaustion. The Welsh fell asleep, and she spoke softly as she got near it. Just as she got her egg, the dragon snorted and set Fleur's skirt to flamed, which she ripped off easily. Fleur, always hating to idea of running, calmly walked out with her egg as guy guys were going crazy that she ripped her skirt, but luckily she did have leggings.
Fleur's time was fourteen minutes earning her a ten, magic skills was a hard one to judge since she didn't use a wand, but got her three points, no damage to the eggs, and no damage to herself, but her skirt did catch on fire. She got a total of thirty-two points.
Viktor was up against a Chinese Fireball. He hid first, then shot a Conjunctivitis Curse at it, but it still had heighten senses. Every time he move, he would send a fireball, one of Lucy's spell, curved at the Dragon making the mother dragon go a different direction from the golden egg. The audience just loved watching it. When Viktor manage to finally get the egg, the Fireball was obviously angry, and was going in a rampage. Because of the rampage, the temporary blind dragon didn't notice that damaged other eggs, or Viktor running to the exit.
Viktor's time was twenty-two minutes, great spell work, no damage to himself, but three dragon eggs were smashed, but his performance was so well like that judges took only five points. He ended with a total of thirty-five points.
Viktor ended up feeling guilty about the death of three dragon eggs, that he said that he would make a generous donation to the dragon reservation. He was already well off with his family's money that he could use his Quidditch money to good use.
The last dragon to be chained up was a Hungarian Horntail, Harry's dragon. Sirius, Remus and Hermione weren't very happy that the most dangerous looking and temperamental dragon of them all is Harry's dragon. The minute Harry enter he did his spell, which disappointed the audience since they did not know his spell, and just saw nothing. The Horntail try to jump at Harry, but he quickly ran and ducked behind a large rock, something that Harry was grateful for Hermione training him for. Harry had to do this for a while before he saw his beloved Firebolt broomstick coming his direction. He speedily ran up a bolder, and jumped off to perfectly land on his broom. The crowd went wild at seeing Harry fly around the dragon. However, that quickly turned to scream when the chains broke.
"Why aren't the trainers doing anything?!" Sirius yelled.
"They can't, Harry hasn't collected his egg yet. He's still doing his task, he could easily be disqualified if they help." Hermione replied, as calmly as she could, but everyone could tell how scared she was for her friend.
"Fuck disqualification! I want my Godson alive!" Sirius yelled, with Remus fully agreeing. Harry was their last and only physical linked to James and Lily Potter, they couldn't let him die, he was too young, and still had so much to live for.
Everyone waited for fifteen intense minutes until they saw Harry with a smoking broom that could barely stay steady for long. Scooping his egg, he turned and flew to the exit. His time was nineteen minutes, no damage to the other eggs, he had a bumps and scratches getting him eight points, and he only used the summoning charm, but it was a great distance away, earning him four points. He had a total of thirty-two points.
Sirius, Remus, Tonks, and Hermione didn't wait long and ran to the champions tent, with Xeno following after, but walking. The tent was full of parents. Hermione went to Harry first to see if he was alright. Then went to the Delacours, they happily greeted her with hugs and kisses. Hermione gave them a Communication Lacrima, told them how to use it, and who will have one. She did the same with the Krums, much to their joy since it should be easier to the wedding with these. The parents gladly covered them as Viktor and Hermione shared a kiss. She then went back to Harry.
"Hermione what is Remus talking about? He says that you hired him as a private tutor for Magic World Culture, is it true?" Harry ask with excitement in his voice.
"Oh, I'm sorry Harry, but with all the focus on the task and classes I didn't tell you. Yes, it's true, Remus is coming to Hogwarts every Monday morning break, Wednesday afternoon break, and Saturday morning. It's mainly going to be lecture, but he will have pop quizzes, and test. Anyone is welcome join the class really."
Harry was excited, and talked animated with Remus about this. Hermione then turned to Sirius.
"Sirius, I made this for you, it's called a Communication Lacrima, it's one of Lucy's inventions. All you have to do is have the intent, like you would with a spell, to call someone. You can contact anyone that has a Lacrima. Now this one is for my parents, so make sure they get it since it has more magic it to be able to contact anyone without problems. I also need you to send me more crystal balls and iron."
"You got it, also here's the document on how much you will be paying." Sirius said as he went back to Harry.
The parents soon left, interviews were done, and students were going back to their respectful groups. Harry and Hermione enter the Gryffindor common room with people cheering. The twins carried Harry on their shoulders, and everyone was encouraging him to open the golden egg. Ron had entered when Harry opened the egg making a female screeching that pierced everyone's ears. The twins dropped Harry, and bend over to cover their ears like everyone else. Harry closed it as fast was he could.
"What the bloody hell was that?" Ron ask.
The twins try to give Harry and Ron space, but it didn't really work. They walked over to where Hermione, Neville, Lavender, and Angelina Johnson were sitting on the couch.
"Look Harry, I wanted to say I'm sorry, but I did try to help. I try to look for you to tell you about the dragons."
"No you didn't, you could of told me the night you found me and Hermione in the common room that night, but you didn't."
"Okay, I was still mad, and thought you put your name in without even telling me, and with everyone talking bad about you, it didn't really help my view."
"Well that makes me feel much better." He was interrupted from his depressing thought by two fake coughs of Neville and Hermione. "Oh, sorry."
"Look, what I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry. I see now that you wouldn't be crazy enough to enter it, and face a dragon."
The two looked at each other and laughed, and acted like the best mates they were.
"Boys, how I will never understand them." Hermione stated with Lavender and Angelina agreeing with her.
"What's not to understand, they just made up." Neville looked at the girls confused.
"Oh come on, I would hold a grudge against him. Turning your back against me in a time of need. I would need time to rebuild our bound, and actually be okay with you." Lavender explained with Angelina and Hermione nodding.
"Girls, and how I will never understand them." Neville shot back making the four laugh.
I am so sorry for my bad spelling and grammar. I should really get a Beta...
Hoped you enjoyed it!