I don't own Harry Potter at all
A/N: okay, so here another idea I'm working on. This one doesn't have a title or anything. I'm still working on that.
TBA
By: Sheltie
The first task was over. Hermione was so relieved Harry had survived the first task. When he told her about the dragons she paled so much that you could've mistaken her for a vampire that was until she regained her color and became a volcano on the verge of erupting. She couldn't believe how idiotic the people in charge of the tournament were being. There's no way to have enough safety precautions with dragons, especially adult ones. Not just for the Champions, but for the audience watching. You cannot accurately predict what these animals will do. They are a class XXXXX according to the Ministry. They can't be trained or domesticated and were known wizard killers. So packing a small area with a lot of wizards and witches with an animal that can easily kill them. Well, that was a swell idea. Then when she saw the dragons and saw they were nesting mothers her temper bubbled up again as she muttered about complete and utter incompetent morons.
Her mutterings got so bad that those around her inched away from her as they sensed the rumbling volcano about to explode. She was close to swearing multiple times, but held herself in check though she used her vast vocabulary to great effect. Some of the things she wanted to do to the tournament organizers wouldn't be possible, but that didn't she wouldn't be willing to give it a go. It made those around who could hear her pale at what she seemed to be planning. They all made mental notes to never piss her off.
Her heart was in her throat the whole time as she watched Harry try and out-fly a dragon. It was one of the most terrifying and wonderful things she had ever seen in her young life. How she stayed conscious was by sheer willpower since there were many times she wanted to faint from the stress. She nearly did when the dragon snapped its supposedly unbreakable chain and flew after Harry. But she kept awake since she wasn't going to be any kind of dainty flower and she was going to make sure Harry came out of this alive. Not to mention she couldn't tear her eyes away from the spectacle. Since it was astounding watching Harry fly around evading a fire-breathing, flying dragon.
When Harry got the egg she was the first to leap to her feet to cheer, and she probably was the loudest out of everyone. She then raced down the stands to check on Harry as soon as he exited from the arena. She needed physical verification to know he was okay. No words or sight could do it. As she made her way through the throngs of people a voice called out. A voice she knew quite well.
"Yo Herms!"
Hermione growled upon hearing that name. She knew of only one person who'd dare call her that.
"What do you want Ronald?" she snarled.
Ron oblivious as usual to Hermione's mood walked over.
"I want to come and apologize to Harry" the lanky redhead said like it was no big deal. Like the spat he had with Harry was something insignificant.
"Oh, now you want to apologize? Now you want to apologize! After leaving Harry when he actually needed you to be there for him. You have the gall to come back after you openly called him a liar, a cheat, a, oh what was it, oh yes, a glory seeking prat" Hermione thundered, "you left Ronald, you abandoned Harry because of your own pettiness, jealousy, and self-confidence issues. You talked about Harry behind his back the whole time, you berated him. Ignored him. Joked about how you hoped Harry got hurt, possibly killed during the task. Don't think I didn't know you did, because I do. You didn't make it subtle or hide it very well at all. You make me sick. You sneered at him like Malfoy does. You were just like that ferret. All the while as I tried to repair the rift between the two, while I actually helped Harry get prepared for this tournament. Helping him train, research spells. No Ronald, you will not be coming with me to see Harry. Harry only needs me. If you want to apologize do it yourself, I won't let you piggyback on me just get back in Harry's good graces since it finally occurred to you that Harry wasn't lying."
With that she spun on her heel leaving Ron ignoring and all those who had witnessed the one-sided confrontation.
/Scene Break/
Harry was being patched up by madam Pomfrey in the medical tent. Compared to some of his previous adventures these injuries were quite minor. He had seen his fellow competitors Fleur and Cedric there after being in the tender loving care of the Hogwarts nurse. The flaps of the tent flew open and Hermione came rushing in. Thankfully Pomfrey was finished with Harry and not in the way of the Harry seeking missile. Hermione latched onto Harry tightly and he hugged her back after a few brief moments of tensing up.
"Oh Harry, I'm so happy you're alright. You frightened me so much" Hermione babbled out. "I didn't know what I would've done if something happened to you." Whatever else she was saying was lost as her emotions took over.
Harry gently stroked her back trying to comfort her.
"I'm fine Hermione, no major injuries" he said.
Hermione pulled away and eyed him critically like she didn't believe his assessment and needed her own look-see. She finally nodded seeing that Harry was correct and hugged him again though this one wasn't as tight.
They parted and went to find out Harry's score. After that they went up to the castle hand-in-hand and along the way Hermione told him about her 'nice talk' with Ron.
Harry shook his head.
"I just don't think I can be friends with him again, not like it was" he said.
Hermione nodded.
They went the long route back to the Lion's Den since they liked the silence. They knew as soon as they returned to Gryffindor Tower there'd be a party in full swing.
"Hermione" Harry said breaking their communal silence.
Hermione just looked at Harry.
"I-I want to thank you for all you've done for me. Not just for this tournament, but everything you've done since we've become friends. I don't think I'd survive this long without you" Harry said with full earnestness then a smirk appeared on his lips, "especially with my grades."
Hermione huffed good-naturedly at the last part, but a smile tugged at her lips.
"You're welcome Harry. I did all of this, everything I do for you Harry is to help you. I'd be a poor friend if I let you go through what you did alone. I couldn't live with myself if I did something like that" she said, "you don't really need to thank me though. You being my friend, my best friend is enough."
She gave his hand a squeeze as to reinforce everything she had just said.
"I have no clue how I got a great friend like you, but I won't let you go any time soon" Harry said.
"And you'll never have to since I won't ever leave" Hermione said firmly.
The two smiled at one another.
/Scene Break/
The party was pretty much roaring when Harry and Hermione entered the Gryffindor common room. Harry was greeted like a returning hero and as usual Harry wasn't used to all the attention. He smiled modestly as adoration was showered on him. Hermione stayed by his side though and that helped quell all the emotions raging in him. He got hugs from the girls, back slaps from the guys as they praised him for what he done.
"Bloody brilliant" one Gryffindor said.
"Some of the best flying I've ever seen" another said.
"Did you see Krum's face, he looked surprised. I bet he didn't think you could fly in the task" a third lion said.
Food and drink was passed around to Harry and Hermione and they found their spot. Harry had an armchair he kind of claimed and Hermione took the arm of the chair. Harry kind of looked like a lord after returning from a victorious campaign with his lady by his side as his people gathered around him to sing his praises. Though this was all quite unintentional.
The only one not there was the youngest male redhead, but Harry and Hermione didn't seemed to notice.
Calls to open the golden egg were being chanted and Harry opened the egg to get horribly screeching. Harry closed the egg immediately.
"What the bloody hell was that noise!" bellowed Ron from the top steps of the boy's dorm.
He got silence then he stomped off back up to the dorm.
"Sorry about Ronnie, Harry" Fred apologized.
"Yeah, we heard everything Hermione said to him after you finished with the task" George said.
Harry shook his head at the Weasley twins.
"It's fine. He made his choice. He's going to have to live with what he's done" he said.
The twins nodded and glanced at one another. They silently vowed to keep a better eye on their dear brother. They knew he had a wicked temper.
The youngest redhead of the bunch also made her own vow to watch her brother too. She also thought a letter home is due. They'd need to know about this.
/Scene Break/
There was buzz after the first task as the students regaled one another about everything they'd seen. Also it seemed the animosity Harry faced before the first task had died down, which Harry didn't care about. He had other things to worry about. The golden egg had the secret to the next task and he hadn't a clue how to get it. It confused him really. He and Hermione worked hard training for it even though they had no clue what it would be.
But there was of course no real peace for Harry as Malfoy destroyed it before it ever could gain roots. And of course Malfoy did it in public view since he was never one to be subtle. It was in the Great Hall during lunch.
"So you lucked out Potter" Malfoy sneered.
Harry ignored Malfoy like usual, which incensed the slick haired blond.
"Listen to your betters when they talk to you, you filthy half-blood!" he shouted.
The whole hall went silent. The other three houses watched on as another part of the Malfoy vs. Harry series was added to while the two visiting schools looked on confused and a bit intrigued.
Harry turned his head.
"You keep saying the same stuff since first year Malfoy. Come up with some new material would you please. Four years of the same crap gets old" he said calmly then went back to eating.
Snickering and chuckles were heard throughout the hall, most from the Gryffindor table. Even those from the visiting schools found amusement though they had no real context of the situation.
Malfoy was angered by this. He was not going to let this slide. He was a Malfoy, no one talked back to a Malfoy. He pulled out his wand, but before his mind could even decided what hex to use Harry had his out and pointed at Malfoy's face without looking back.
"Malfoy, I don't know if you're an idiot or naturally this dim, but I thought even most Slytherins have the common sense not to draw their wand and try to hex someone in the middle of the Great Hall with other students and teachers present" Harry said not even glancing at the Malfoy scion.
Malfoy's rage reached its peak. How dare this filthy half-blood think they could get away with this? He was a Malfoy, a pureblood. Potter and his ilk should be licking his boots if they're that lucky. With his rage blinding him a dark curse came to mind. He remembered reading about in a book in the Malfoy library. He just changed targets since he knew it would anger Potter more. He called out the curse and it flew out of his wand. But Harry's acute senses were already in action before Malfoy could utter the first syllable of the curse. He grabbed Hermione and pulled her out of the way of the curse so it hit the table and her plate. Destroying the dinnerware and leave a smoldering mark on the tabletop.
"MR. MALFOY!"
Professor McGonagall came steaming up red-hot. She had wanted to come sooner before it escalated, but Dumbledore hindered her. But not now. She had seen the curse and was pleased that Harry had taken a good course of action. She got there and glared down at the snake.
"That will be eighty points from Slytherin Mr. Malfoy for firing a curse in the Great Hall. Another sixty for attempting to attack another student and finally a hundred and fifty points for using a dark curse" the head of the lion pride said firmly.
Malfoy was about to open his mouth when McGonagall continued.
"And we'll be having words about your choice of spells in a series of detentions that you'll be serving for the next week. Never in my career have I've seen such a vile act come to pass" she said still steaming. She then turned Harry and Hermione. Harry was helping Hermione up. "Fifty points for protecting a fellow house mate Mr. Potter."
Harry just nodded at McGonagall as Hermione was trembling a bit. She was shocked at being attacked in such a way.
McGonagall then led Malfoy away.
"Are you alright Hermione?" Harry asked as he gently rubbed her back.
"I think so, I just never expected that" Hermione said as she tried to calm herself.
"The prick was going to curse you Hermione. Hell, I thought Harry'd have hexed him back" Seamus said.
"I thought about it, but then I'd be in trouble too" Harry said.
The other Gryffindors paused for a moment then nodded in agreement to Harry's assessment. They knew if Harry retaliated then they'd have Snape on their butts seething for expulsion and such.
As Harry was comforting Hermione he was thinking about something else and decided to act on it. His gut told him it was right, and he listened to his gut since it never led him astray.
/Scene Break/
Two Days Later
At lunch a snowy white owl delivered three letters to three people who looked baffled and then confused when they read the note. They glanced up at a certain person then read the note again.
/Scene Break/
Nighttime a Day Later
"Harry are you sure this is a good idea?" Hermione asked.
"It is Hermione. This tournament was set up to help relations between not just people, but countries. We haven't had much time to really talk and stuff. So I thought it'd best to do it now" Harry said. "Better late than never, right?"
Hermione nodded. She had to agree with Harry since he was right. She was amazed how smart Harry was now that he didn't have Ron holding him back. He was moving up the ranks even though he didn't need to take exams, but he still needed to do homework. So his grades reflected that.
Soon their first guest arrived. Harry had a nice talk with Dobby, who he found was working at Hogwarts. He got the excitable house elf to put on a small meal for the champions so they could talk and get to know one another better.
"Okay Harry, what's all of this?" Cedric asked curiously.
"Well Cedric, we're a part of a tournament that's supposed to be for building friendships between people and nations and right now we're not living up to that part. So I thought we could all have a meal together to try and uphold that part" Harry said.
Cedric paused in thought and then shook his head.
"You got me there" he said with a grin.
Fleur and then Viktor came in next and got a warm greeting from Harry then Cedric.
"What is this all about?" Fleur asked in a civil tone.
Harry then explained it to the two older witch and wizard and they were surprised by Harry's response. After that the four began to talk with Harry being the instigator.
"You fly quite well" Viktor commented.
"Thank you, but you're also a great flyer. I saw you at the World Cup" Harry said being modest about his own ability.
"Don't listen to him Viktor. Harry's probably the best Seeker here in school. The things he's done I wouldn't even dare try" Cedric said grinning.
Harry shot the older Hufflepuff a look who looked unrepented.
"Really, we should fly together sometime" Viktor said.
"I'd like that" Harry said.
The meal arrived with Dobby serving it. Hermione wasn't too pleased with this, but Harry talked her out of her growing snit over house elves. He told her to actually talk to them and find out what they want before going on a crusade for them. She listened to Harry albeit grudgingly, but in the end agreed with Harry. She was rushing to conclusions without facts and evidence. She should be talking to house elves and find out more about them before crusading for them.
Fleur and Viktor found Harry to be quite pleasant and modest. They both knew of his story even in their home countries and found he was nothing like the person he was portrayed as. Fleur slowly let her guard down around them as she didn't need to restrain her Veela Allure as much since the three boys were immune mostly. Harry the most which surprised Fleur a lot. Most boys Harry's age would be drooling over her. Due to their more budding hormones that they were trying to control.
Not Harry. Fleur could sense that it wasn't because he had a deep affection for Hermione. There was a solid friendship, but nothing deeper than that. No, it seemed it was just his own iron will and iron will alone.
Viktor was quite relaxed, the most he had been since losing the Quidditch World Cup really. Harry and Cedric were good company and didn't look at him as the sports star he was. They talked about the game, but it was in a such relaxed manner and neither Harry nor Cedric tried to pry anything out of him he didn't want to talk about. He hadn't had a talk like this in ages. He actually felt like his age.
Cedric enjoyed this a lot, actually talking to his fellow competitors like friends. He didn't think Harry had put his name in the goblet and had tried to sway his house to see the same. It had mixed results. But he stood by his reasoning. He felt Harry was probably the most noble and modest person he's ever met. The boy just didn't look like someone to do put his name in the goblet for fame and fortune.
"This has been a lovely evening" Fleur commented.
"Yes, it has" Viktor said nodding his head in agreement.
"Yeah, we should do this again" Cedric commented.
So it was agreed that the four Champions would have another dinner together before tournament's end since they enjoyed one another's company.
/Scene Break/
When news of the Yule Ball hit Harry knew he was in trouble. He had no date and didn't know how to dance. So he went to the only one who could help him. Hermione.
"I can help you with the dancing Harry, but the finding a date should be up to you" Hermione said, "I think it'd be better if the invite came from you than me asking for you?"
"Okay" Harry muttered.
"It'll be fine Harry. I don't think there's a girl here who'd turn you down" Hermione said.
"I guess, but will they want to go with me or the Boy-Who-Lived and Hogwarts Champion?" Harry asked.
Hermione paused for a moment as she thought about this then nodded.
"You're right Harry, but don't worry" she said.
"Yeah, we'd never let anything happen to our little brother" Alicia said.
The two fourth year lions turned their heads to find three lionesses, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell.
Harry and Hermione greeted them.
"Harry, Hermione" Angelina greeted back with a nod of her head.
Katie smiled, "so our little brother needs a date for the Yule Ball? We'll do whatever we can to help out."
"Yes, we won't allow any tart near our little brother if we can help it" Alicia said firmly.
Angelina nodded in full agreement with this.
"And how will you be able to help?" Hermione asked curiously.
She knew how protective the three older lionesses could be with Harry though they've never overtly showed it. They were subtle about it. But she had noticed a few girls who tried to talk to Harry and were never seen near him again. She knew this was the Chasers' work.
"Oh that's simple" Angelina said. "But first Harry can you leave, this is girl talk."
Harry just nodded and left not wanting to know what was going to be talked about after hearing all the 'horror' stories of girl talk from the boy's dorm.
"Works like a charm every time" Alicia said with a chuckle.
Katie and Angelina nodded amused as well.
"Yes, we all know boys run whenever they hear the words girl talk" Hermione said, "so what's this help you're offering?"
"Well, we've got an insider that gives us information if needed" Katie said.
"You do?" Hermione asked a bit skeptically.
"We do, and it's quite easy to access" Angelina said.
"It is?" Hermione asked a bit more intrigued.
"Yes, so simple I can't believe you didn't think of it Hermione" Katie said teasingly.
"Well, what is it?" Hermione asked as she tried to keep her patience.
"We have Lavender" Alicia said, "we get info from her on the other girls in the castle and then go from there."
Hermione's eyes widened hearing this.
"Are you sure you can trust her with this?" she asked.
"Hermione, Lavender may not be brainy like you are, but she'd never backstab a fellow member of the pride" Angelina said.
Hermione wasn't sure though.
/Scene Break/
Gryffindor Girl's Dorm
"You want a list of girls who are available and who might have real interest in Harry?" Lavender asked as she looked at her dorm mate and three older lionesses.
"That's what we need Lavender" Katie said.
"That's more than what you usually ask for, but I can do it" Lavender said as she began her list.
"Wait, what do you mean by that, you've done this before?" Hermione asked astonished.
"Well yeah, we have Lavender look into certain girls and if they're not up to our standards we have a 'chat' with them about leaving Harry alone" Alicia said.
"And they get the message with no harm, no foul" Angelina said.
Hermione was fairly sure how those 'chats' went.
"Right, here's a couple names I can think off right away. I might come with others" Lavender said as she handed over a list.
"Great thanks Lav, appreciate it" Alicia said.
"Of course" Lavender said with a smile.
The three older lionesses and Hermione looked over the list.
"There's this many girls who actually have an interest in Harry?" Hermione asked surprised.
"You wouldn't be surprised Hermione if you took the time to lookout some" Lavender said, "you're so locked on either studying or helping Harry that you don't see these kinds of things."
Hermione's feathers were ruffled by this.
"Now, now we can discuss Hermione's social inadequacies another day. We've got to find a girl we approve of for Harry" Angelina said.
Hermione let out a squawk of outrage at this, which made the other girls laugh.
"Lav, these girls you've written down don't have a boyfriend, right?" Katie asked.
"Right" Lavender said bobbing her head.
"And you put your name on this list as well" Alicia commented.
"Didn't think it would hurt throwing my hat in. I like Harry and gotten passed his whole Boy-Who-Lived thing a while ago" Lavender said.
"Um, Lavender, do you think you can make a list of girls Harry should stay away from?" Hermione asked.
"Why?" Lavender asked.
Hermione was nibbling her bottom lip, a sure sign she was concocting a plan of some sorts. Or at least thinking really hard on one.
"Well, I think it's be good to have a list, maybe several lists on people who Harry should associate with and not. We'd never enforce them unless they make a move. It's more of a safety precaution really" Hermione said then she became self-conscious. "I know I'm not very good socially, and I still have trouble making friends even with Harry and Ro-, I mean just Harry with my only other friend really being Ginny. I don't know if I'll ever be good at making friends. But I need help watching out for Harry since it feels every year Harry gets new enemies coming out that weren't there before. I made a vow to myself to do what ever I could to protect and help Harry."
The older lionesses looked a bit surprised at this then thought about it and had to agree with Hermione. This would help them greatly and wondered why they didn't think of it before. They were also impressed how earnest Hermione was being since they knew the girl was not one to ask for help easily nor one to really express herself like this, be so open. They were proud of her for taking this step forward.
"Aww, our little Hermione is growing up" Alicia said in a teasing way as she one-arm hugged Hermione.
"She's grown up so much" Katie said faking a sob.
Angelina played the role of the proud mama bear.
The three girls have hung around the Weasley twins way too long.
Hermione blushed embarrassedly as she tried to push Alicia away.
Lavender needed a bit more time since though smart she wasn't as smart as the older lionesses and Hermione. She then slowly nodded. Though she didn't interact much with Hermione she never outright hate her or anything. The girl just wasn't good in talking with others like she was. Plus secretly it made her feel happy that she was able to do something Hermione couldn't.
"So you want me to makes lists on those Harry shouldn't get close to and those he can?" she asked.
"Yes, though we might need to make the lists fluid, we can add or take off names if need be. Then they also need to be kept hidden, wouldn't want anyone to find them" Hermione said.
"That'd be a lot of charm work to put on them" Alicia said.
"I can research the spells simple enough" Hermione said.
"We can ask the twins too, they probably know some good spells since they're good at hiding things" Angelina said.
Hermione opened her mouth in opposition, but was stopped.
"If you can trust anyone it's the twins. They would rather die than tell" Katie said seriously.
Hermione's mouth closed and nodded. She'd admit that the twins were loyal friends. They stuck by Harry through everything so far. Unlike a certain redhead.
"Okay, several lists then. I can do that. I'll need to do some looking into since some of the information I have is old" Lavender said.
"We can help with that" Angelina said.
Alicia and Katie nodded on this.
"Good, lets get this together, and help Harry find a date" Hermione said.
She read through the list a bit more then saw something missing, a person.
"Ginny isn't on the list" she commented.
"Hm, yeah, I excluded her since there's some talk about her" Lavender said.
"Talk, what kind of talk?" Hermione asked since this was news to her.
"I think I know what talk you're speaking about" Angelina said.
"You mean the fact that she's still a fan girl" Alicia said.
"Or the fact that she's gunning to be Harry's wife and it's being pushed on her by her mom" Katie said.
Hermione looked shocked hearing this.
"Both and some other stuff" Lavender said.
"What, what do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"Well, Ginny's still a Boy-Who-Lived fan girl. She's just hiding it better than she was. She also trying to date other boys to get experience for Harry I believe. That's what I heard. As for her eyeing to be Harry's wife. I don't have anything concrete on that, but it's not out of the question given that I think many girls our age have thought about that one time or another" Lavender said.
"Really?" Hermione asked surprised.
"I think I heard the twins talking about that. How their mom is pushing Ginny into marrying Harry" Katie said.
"You're right. The twins though would like to see Harry a part of the Weasley family would never push anything" Alicia said, "unlike their mom."
"Yes, I've met Mrs. Weasley. She's… something" Angelina said.
"And that's putting it delicately" Katie snorted as she know what Angelina was trying to say.
Hermione's mind was swirling about hearing this. Odd connections were being made like lines of yarn being strung and wound around pins on a big conspiracy theory board. The connections being made weren't good for either Harry or herself. She knew she shouldn't jump to conclusions like this since she had no real facts, but she couldn't help it. But she then pushed it aside since this wasn't the time to divulge brain power in. She needed to help Harry.
/Scene Break/
"Here you are Harry" Hermione said as she handed Harry the list of girls who liked him for him.
"What's this Hermione?" Harry asked as he looked at the list.
"These are girls who actually like you" Hermione said.
Harry's eyes widened as he saw the list. He couldn't believe how girls actually liked him.
"You can't be serious" he uttered.
"Harry, you know I'd never lie to you" Hermione said.
"I know, I know" Harry sighed as he ran a hand through his messy black hair.
"Look Harry, I may not know a lot of these girls. But I think they're all nice" Hermione said. "I think you and which ever girl you pick will have a nice time at the ball."
Harry nodded as he went through the list over and over. His mind trying to figure out who'd be a good pick. He just didn't know since he didn't know any of the girls at all. He wished there was some way to talk to them.
"How am I supposed to do this?" he asked. More to himself than to Hermione.
"Well lets do a process of elimination, shall we" Hermione suggested.
Harry nodded since he didn't know how else to go about this. He was willing to try anything.
"Right, here we go" Hermione said as she pulled out a fresh leaf of parchment.
