AN: Sorry for making the challenge two parts, but I needed some time to collect my thoughts. Thanks about not forgetting about me. Enjoy.
Hermione stroked Kati's head in a hypnotic pattern, lost in thought as she mulled over what her mentors were keeping from her. Suddenly, Kati jerked her head up and swiveled from side to side. It reminded Hermione of a dog being alerted to something.
"What is it?" Hermione asked in a low voice. She looked around, as well, but only didn't see anyone or anything in the forest.
Kati got to her feet and coiled her tail around Hermione in a protective stance. The young witch watched the area that her dragon friend glared at in front of them. Then she heard panicked rustling that was headed their way. Kati growled deep in her throat, spreading her wings menacingly. The bushes rustled again and Adrian stumbled out, gripping his wand tightly in one hand and his arm with the other.
He fell to his knees in the dirt, his face pale and drawn. "Hermy-own-ninny," he said, his voice coming out low and pained.
"Adrian," she said. "Are you okay?"
He shook his head. "Vrong...bell...elf," he said.
Hermione stood up and placed a hand on Kati's shoulder. "He's hurt, Kati," she said. "He won't hurt us." Kati folded her wings, but didn't stop watching Adrian. Hermione stepped forward and knelt down next to him. "Now, what happened?"
Adrian took deep, panting breaths. "Vrong bell...to vrong elf...angry and attacked..."
Hermione looked at his arm and noticed blood seeping through his fingers. She pulled his hand away and gasped. The wound was deep and spread across most of his arm. She pulled her scarf off and wrapped the fabric around the wound, tightening it in a knot. Adrian hissed at the pain.
"Sorry," Hermione said.
"I deserve zhat," he said, giving a pained smile.
Hermione snorted. "You do," she said. "But, right now, we need to get you to the medical tent. Can you stand?" Adrian tried to push himself up, but wavered and fell back to his knees. Hermione looked over at Kati. "Let Adrian lean on you, Kati." The dragon took a step forward and Adrian leaned on her after Hermione helped to his feet. "Let's go slow," she said.
They started to move, then Hermione felt her chest grow warm. She paused and looked over her shoulder. Standing under a tree was a tall woman with long brown hair falling to her hips, framing a dark tan body dressed in a dark green dress. Hermione stared at the beauty of the woman before she realized that the woman was actually an elf. Hermione stepped in front of Adrian and spread her arms out as if to protect him.
The elf raised an eyebrow. "Do you believe that will protect him, human child?" the woman asked,her voice sounding light and musical.
Hermione swallowed nervously. "No," she said. "But I'm not going to let you hurt Adrian again."
The elf laughed, sounding like a flute being played. "Oh, child," she said, smiling. "Why would an elf harm this boy?"
"Because he gave you the wrong bell," Hermione said.
"It is true he gave us the wrong bell, but that would hardly warrant hurting him," the elf said.
Hermione blinked. "But aren't you and the other two clans waring? Wouldn't getting the wrong bell-" She was cut off as the elf laughed again, raising a delicate hand to her lips.
"Oh, child," the elf said. "I am sorry to laugh, but the Minister of Magic wove that tale so to add a little danger to the challenge."
Hermione lowered her arms slightly. "Does that mean you're not going to hurt Adrian?"
The elf smiled. "No, I am not going to hurt him. In fact, I am here to help. May I look at his wounds?"
Hermione paused for a moment. She looked over her shoulder and saw that Adrian was sitting on the ground, his face turning even paler than it had been. "Please," Hermione said.
The elf moved forward and knelt down next to the injured champion, sliding the scarf way from the blood. She reached for the bag at her waist and pulled out some powder that she sprinkled on the wound. Adrian grunted and gritted his teeth together. Hermione watched as the bleeding slowed and then finally stopped. The elf put the scarf back in place and smiled at Adrian. "You will be fine," she said. "The wound needs to be properly bandaged, but the powder should keep the wound from bleeding."
"Thank you," Hermione said.
The elf nodded and stood. Folding her hands in front of her, she turned to Hermione. "You are welcome, human child."
"May I ask a question?" Hermione said. The elf tipped her head slightly forward. "If you did not hurt Adrian, then who did?"
The elf gave a soft sigh. "I'm sad to say that it was the centaur clan. They are not very pleasant when it comes to outsiders. Especially humans," she said.
Hermione nodded in understanding. It had taken a long time, and Hagrid's influence, to get as far as she had with the centaur herd back at Hogwarts. And not all of them trusted her still.
The elf reached out a slender finger and tapped the locket around Hermione's neck. "You have been given a gift," she said.
"It was a birthday present from the centaur clan back home," Hermione said.
The elf smiled. "It may have come from the centaurs, but this craftsmanship is familiar. Tell me, have you met the elves in your forest?"
Hermione shook her head. "No," she said. "They live too far into the forest. I'm not allowed that deep."
The elf nodded. " I believe we should lead your friend to the others, now."
Hermione nodded and helped Adrian to his feet. He leaned against Kati and they slowly walked out of the forest. The elf didn't say another word as they arrived at the medical tent.
The Medi-witch there was shocked to find them walking in, but quickly attended to Adrian, pulling him over to a cot. She sent one of her assistants out to tell the Minister that Adrian was back, then pulled Hermione's scarf away from the wound.
"What was used to stop the bleeding?" she asked.
"I used some of the elf dust," the elf said.
"Who are you?" the Medi-witch asked.
"My name is Corell," the elf said. "I am a representative of my clan and followed this boy when I saw him being attacked by one of the centaurs. He trespassed on their land. I doubt he realized he had done so."
The assistant returned with the Minister, Karkaroff, Albus, and Madam Maxime behind him. Karkaroff stepped up to Adrian's side, checking the boy over. "Vhat happened?" he demanded, his gaze fixing on Hermione for a split second before looking to the Med-witch.
"He was wounded by a centaur when he trespassed on their land," Corell said.
"Did he at least give you the correct bell?" Karkaroff asked.
Corell shook her head slightly. "No. He did not," she said. "Because he gave me the wrong bell and trespassed on centaur land, bringing their wrath upon him, I am sad to say that your champion has failed this challenge."
The Minister cleared his throat. "Then that means Hogwart's champion, John Ellington, has won this round. He was the first to return successfully. Ms. Smith was only a few minutes in front of Mr. Dubinich," he said. "I will go announce the results." He turned and left.
The Medi-witch looked at the remaining people. "Please leave so I may care for Mr. Dubinich's wounds."
Corell bowed slightly and left without a word. Hermione turned to go and noticed Karkaroff stayed till for only a second before leaving. Once outside, he looked at Hermione. "You vound him, yes?" he asked. It was the first time she'd heard him talk. His voice was deep and rough.
"Yes, sir," she said. Kati walked up behind her and stared at Karkaroff.
His gaze landed only momentarily on the dragon before looking back at Hermione. "Thank you vor helping him," he said.
"He needed help and I wasn't going to leave him there," Hermione said.
Karkaroff nodded slowly. "Yes," he said, though it sounded hollow. He stared at her again. "I vondered vhat kind of child Severus had become attacked to. Now I zee."
Hermione stiffened at his words and tone. "What do you mean, sir?" she asked.
Karkaroff shook his head. "Only a question. How vell do you trust Severus?" He turned and left, leaving Hermione feeling just as confused as she had been when in the clearing. What was everyone hiding?
"Some things can only be answered with time," Corell said, coming to stand next to her.
"But what are they hiding from me? And why?" Hermione asked.
Corell looked down at her and her almond shaped eyes sparkled. "I do not know," she said. "But sometimes it is best to not question until it draws closer to when you will know."
"But how will I know when I'm suppose to know?" Hermione asked. She paused, then nodded over the sentence.
The elf smiled and said, "Shall I read your palm and tell you your future?"
Hermione paused again. Elves were just as magical as centaurs, and they were just as good as telling the future. And if it gave answers, then what would she lose? Slowly, she extended her hand. Corell cradled her hand and took the glove off. After studying the lines for a moment, Corell met Hermione's eyes. "Your friends are destined to fight, but you will be level headed," she said. "Learn what you can and remember that anything and everything can change."
Hermione waited, but Corell didn't say anything else. "Is that all?" she asked.
Corell nodded. "Also, try not to be too angry to those that betray you," she said.
"Betray?" Hermione asked, shocked. "Who is going to betray me?"
The elf smiled and folded her hands. "Some things you do not want to know yet," she said.
"You sound like Albus," Hermione said.
Corell laughed her flute like laugh. "Albus is a wise man," she said. "But he does things for a reason." She placed a comforting hand on Hermione's shoulder and said, "My best advice is to be patient and keep your eyes open." Corell folded her hands and turned, walking to the forest. Hermione watched her go.
"Hermione!"
"Hermy-own-ninny!"
She turned around and saw Draco and Viktor running toward her. She put on a smile and embraced them one by one. "Hey," she said.
"Are you alright?" Viktor asked.
"I'm fine," she said. "I just ran into Adrian and brought him to the medical tent."
"Is he okay?" Viktor asked.
"He's fine," Hermione said.
Draco touched Hermione's shoulder. "Are you sure you're fine?" he asked. "You look a little pale."
Hermione took a deep breath and said, "I think I'm just a little tired from everything. I think I'll go lie down while the train is still empty." She turned and walked away, Kati following her.
Draco followed her and took her hand. He didn't say anything; just squeezed her hand. Was he the one that would betray her? Please, Merlin, she hoped not. He was her first and best friend, and she cared about him. She trusted him and if he betrayed her...well, she didn't want to dwell on that thought. She turned to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, suddenly bursting into tears.
"Hermione?" he asked once she'd calmed down.
Hermione gave him a watery smile. "I'm sorry," she said. "I've been crying into your shoulder and using you as a comfort pillow. You must be getting tired of me doing that."
"A little," Draco said. "But I'm glad you turn to me for comfort. Better me than Viktor."
Hermione shook her head. "What is with you and keeping me away from Viktor?"
"I just don't like you turning to him for comfort," Draco said.
"You're jealous," Hermione said.
Draco raised his chin and said, "I guess you could call it that."
Hermione smiled a small genuine smile. "I'd call it that," she said. He kept his chin held high with pride. Hermione kissed his cheek and watched him start to blush. He then turned to look at her. His eyes softened and he lowered his chin to study her.
"Hermione," Draco said. "Are you sure you're alright? What did that elf say?"
She met his silver gaze and felt the tears start up again. "She said that someone would betray me," she said. Draco's mouth fell open slightly. "I don't want that person to be you, Draco."
He took her hands and said, "I will never betray you, Hermione. I care about you too much. Even if you weren't my girlfriend, you're still my closest and best friend."
Hermione studied his gaze. There was nothing but truth in them. "Promise?" she asked.
"Promise," he said.
She raised her pinky. "Pinky promise?" she asked.
"What is a pinky promise?" Draco asked, staring at her hand in confusion.
"It's something some of the muggle borns showed me," Hermione said. "It's a way of sealing a promise. To make sure that you don't break the promise."
Draco raised his pinky awkwardly and Hermione hooked hers with his. They shook and then dropped their hands. "Mind if I seal our promise a different way?" Draco asked. "I saw some wizards and witches doing it."
"Sure," Hermione said.
Draco took her hand and pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her waist. He pressed his lips to hers in a kiss. It was better than the one they'd shared in the snow. It was less awkward and one full of trust. Hermione smiled against his lips and kissed back the way she'd seen some of the other girls do. After a moment, Draco pulled back. "Promise," he said.
Hermione licked her lips and smiled. "I like that way of sealing a promise," she said.
"Me, too," Draco said, smirking what she'd come to recognize as purely him.
She took a deep breath and let it out through her nose. "You know," she said. "I feel much better."
"Well, I have been told I can work magic," Draco said, looking pleased with himself.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really?" she asked. "And who's told you this? Aren't you suppose to be my boyfriend?"
"Of course, babe," Draco said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
Hermione nudged his ribs. "Don't call me babe," she said.
"Yes, dear," Draco said, rolling her eyes.
"Remember that phrase," Hermione joked as they arrived at the train.
What little hope Hermione had had of being alone in the train to relax was dashed as they came over the hill and saw students from all three of the schools dancing on the lawn in front of the train, music blaring from the air. Probably a spell from Azura's collection. Everyone was dancing, drinking butterbeer, and laughing. They didn't care about the snow or the cold. They just mingled and enjoying themselves.
Draco turned to her and offered a hand. "Care to dance?" he asked.
"Love to," Hermione said, taking his hand and let him pull her into the dancing fray. Kati took a seat on the side, but watch everything. A few brave souls came up to her and fed her some food they'd brought out to the kitchens for their little celebration.
Hermione didn't think about Albus and Sevvy being secretive or Karkaroff's creepy talk, or even Corell's predictions; she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind. As long as she had Draco on her side and Kati watching her back, she could think about everything later. Tonight, she was going to celebrate Hogwarts' success.
AN: So, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and that it was long enough. I enjoyed it and can't wait to hear what you think.