Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

A/n: I'm sorry if any of you get confused from when the characters are thinking, or talking since they're both in quotes. I originally tried to put the thoughts in italics, but half of them didn't show up on Fanfiction.net. So instead, I put them in quotes. I still use italics to emphasize something, but I try to keep it at a minimum (cause it's a real headache)

PS- I'm sorry if I'm a little comma happy.

Mr. Granger drove for about an hour, a completely silent hour. Harry didn't feel like talking much, and Hermione, who saw this, was willing to oblige.

"Hermione", Harry spoke up after being silent for about an hour.

Hermione looked at Harry concernedly and asked him what was up. "Well, what is it"? She asked in a worried voice, after he hadn't answered her the first time.

Harry thought about telling her what happened on the night he received her owl asking [or rather telling] him to come over; about how he was awakened by an immense pain, which persisted for about a minute after he awoke; about the dream, which he couldn't remember for the life of him. But "Thanks" was the only thing that could come out of his mouth. This was his burden to bear, there was no sense getting her involved in this as well. The very last thing that he wanted was for another person to end up in the same position as himself.

"For what"? Hermione asked him, knowing that, that was not what Harry really wanted to tell her.

"For going through all that trouble just to get me out of that place", Harry answered giving her a fake smile.

"It was really nothing", Hermione replied blushing a bit. "I'm sure you would've done the same thing for me, wouldn't you"?

"Yeah, I guess", Harry said, while turning to face the window. "Where do you live anyway"?

"Oh it's not much further". Mr. Granger answered for his daughter; completely surprising Harry who forgot that Hermione's dad was in the car with them. "Just a couple of more minutes". After a minute of silence Mr. Granger spoke up again. "Are you ready to have fun Harry"?

"Yeah, I guess", Harry answered gloomily, still staring out the window. Sensing the tone in Harry's voice both Hermione and her father just stayed silent for the last few minutes of the trip.

By the time they arrived at the Granger residence, it was nearly nine o'clock. Harry, and Mr. Granger carried Harry's trunk inside the house while Hermione once again carried Harry's broom and Hedwig's cage.

They entered the living room, and relieved themselves of their burdens, as Harry and Mr. Granger dropped Harry's trunk on the floor, and Hermione put his broom and cage next to his trunk. Mr. Granger jumped on the couch looking extremely tired, while Harry just stood there looking like he always did. Obviously, working non-stop this summer had given Harry a great boost in stamina.

"Say Harry"? Hermione started with curiosity in her voice. "What ever happened to Hedwig? I notice that she's not in her cage".

Harry turned to her not saying anything. He stared at her for a minute looking as if he were sizing her up. "Should I tell her where I sent her", thought Harry. "Nah, I'll tell her when I get the answer".

"I sent her away to deliver a very important letter someone", Harry answered after a minute.

"Are you telling me the truth"? Hermione questioned with a hint of doubt on her face.

"Of course", Harry replied nonchalantly. "At least it's part of the truth", he thought to himself.

"Ok", Hermione said. She was still disbelieving, but decided to let it go. It was really none of her business, and plus, Hermione knew that if it was something really important, Harry would tell her. "Shall I show you to your room"? She began to change the subject.

"Ok", Harry said just as Mr. Granger got up, ready for another round with Harry's trunk.

They arrived at Harry's room put the trunk near the bed, his broomstick in the closet, and placed Hedwig's cage on a stool.

"Well, how do you like it", Hermione asked rather nervously, hoping to get a good approval from Harry.

"It's great", Harry replied as he looked around the room. "It's…

"Well, we'll leave you alone to get better acclimated with the place", Mr. Granger interrupted. "If you want to go to the bathroom, it's out the hallway, to the left, two doors down on your left side. Better get a lot of sleep, you have a very busy day tomorrow".

"Uh, wait", Harry burst out as a thought crossed his mind. "Shouldn't I meet Mrs. Granger first"?

"Oh, that's right I forgot to tell you", Hermione said slapping her forehead for forgetting. "My mum is away visiting my ill Grandma".

"Oh, sorry", Harry said looking down.

"Don't worry about it", Hermione said reassuringly. "She'll be back in a couple of days, and you can meet her then. Right now you should better take care of yourself. Well see ya tomorrow". And she and Mr. Granger left the room, leaving Harry thinking.

"Take better care of myself", Harry began. "What does she mean by that? Has she already noticed how much I've changed? Yeah", he thought moving over to the window across his bed. "That's probably why she flinched when she saw me for the first time".

Harry's moment in thought was interrupted by some kind of tapping. He looked around, and realized that the tapping was coming from the other window near his bed. He walked over quietly, moved the window shades aside and realized that it was Hedwig. He immediately opened the window in order to let her inside. She flew across the room and landed on top of her cage. Harry quickly dashed over to his owl as if he was expecting something really important from her.

"Well, did you deliver it", Harry asked looking down at Hedwig.

She lifted her head up and hooted in a delightful manner, which signified a yes.

"Did, you get anything from them", Harry asked bending down to get a closer look on her leg. When he saw that nothing was there he began to get a little worried. "I don't get it, nothing at all", Harry said starting to get frustrated. He started pacing around the room wondering what he should do. It was times like this that Harry wished that the wizarding world used telephones.

After about twenty minutes of pacing Harry decided not to think about it anymore, he let Hedwig back into her cage, got undressed, put on his pajamas, and climbed into bed. He took his glasses off, turned off the light and hoped that he would be able to get some sleep that night.

After about two hours of tossing and turning, Harry finally gave up. He got out of bed, kicked open his trunk and took out the book that Hagrid gave him. By now the book was very interesting. At first the book just started out with the many different mistakes that you could make while trying to raise a baby dragon. Then it got into what to do when the dragon reaches adolescence. It was almost as boring as Professor Binns History of magic class. Now however, the book started talking about the many uses the dragon has to the wizarding world. It explained the differences between all types of dragons, and how those particular characteristics aided with making all sorts of different particular things.

At that moment he was reading about the Bulgarian Blower. The Blower's special characteristics were: it's ruby colored skin and it's ability to shoot fire up to one hundred feet. It was able to shoot so far because its lungs could hold in more air than any other Dragon on earth, thereby making it one of the most dangerous dragons on earth. Its only weakness seemed to be the cold, and if it stayed in the cold too long, its crimson skin would start turning blue, and it would die. It continued saying that when the dragon reached maturity, wizards would remove one of its lungs. This didn't kill it, but it greatly reduced the dragon's firing range. The lung would be cut up, and used in many extremely rare and important potions. An example would be cardisiolos, which was able to cure mortal heart wounds, and clear the arteries of any cholesterol. Another potion, vacilarias increased your body's production of stem cells, which could repair even neurological damage.

Harry was so into the book by now, that he didn't notice that the next page had a picture of a Hungarian Horntail, nor did he notice its name underneath the picture. If he'd noticed it, then he would've probably turned to a different page, or closed the book. However, he wasn't so lucky. He slowly started reading, quickening his pace with every word. So far, the book used the words "This Particular Dragon", whenever referring to the horntail. This dragon was more interesting than any of the others he'd read about so far. The book discussed, the many uses of the dragon's horned skin, and it's teeth. Every word that Harry read stayed in his mind. It was as if there was a small locked room in his brain, which was unlocked in order to receive this particular information. He continued reading, memorizing every single word that he read. That was until he came across two dreadful words: "Hungarian Horntail". Harry immediately slammed the book closed, and threw it on the other side of his bed.

Harry sat on the side of his bed trying to think about something else, anything else. But he couldn't, the information on the Horntail was the only thing that was on his mind. He tried desperately to forget, but couldn't. He got up and started pacing around, hoping a new thought would come into his mind. He paced up and down for about two minutes, hoping he could think of something else, pleading his brain to think of something else; but it wouldn't, the only thoughts in his head were: "The Horntail, The Tasks, The Tournament, The Third Task, Voldemort". And then he heard a voice, the voice that has been haunting him all summer. He didn't know or cared whom the voice belonged to; all he knew and cared about was what it said. "It's all your fault", the voice slowly began in a low whisper. "It's all your fault", the voice repeated a little louder. "It's all your fault…It's all your fault…It's all your fault", the voice kept repeating getting louder and louder each time.

"NOOOO"!!! Harry yelled grabbing his head. "I… COULDN'T… DO… ANYTHING"!!! By now Harry was on his knees shaking his head around harder than ever. "IT… ISN'T… MY… FAUUUUUUUUULLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLTTTTTTT"!!!!!!!!! At that moment the voice started laughing, as if it were laughing at Harry's suffering. The pitch of the laughter grew higher, and higher. "NOOOOOOOO"!!!!!!!!!!! Harry yelled holding his head tighter than ever; he felt that it would mentally split in two if he let go.

At that moment the door burst open, and Hermione ran inside. "Harry? Harry are you okay? What's wrong?" Hermione worriedly began while grabbing hold of his shoulders, trying to calm him down.

Harry, who was panting and sweating by now, blankly looked up at her, stared for a few seconds, and finally began to regain some of his composure. After about a minute of silence, Hermione finally spoke up. "Harry are you alright", she asked in a soothing voice.

"Yeah… I'm… fine… ", Harry answered, still panting. "Don't… worry… about me".

Hermione slowly kneeled down near Harry, until she was at eye level with him. For a minute, through his glasses Hermione stared directly into Harry's pupils. Tears somehow came to her eyes as she continued looking. Then, finally she opened her mouth to try to give Harry some comforting words, but the only thing that she was to say was "oh Harry". Immediately after that, Hermione threw both her arms around Harry and held him extremely tight. She started to release all the tears that she has been trying to hold back. Harry feeling all of Hermione's tears falling on his shoulder did the only thing he could think of, he put his arms around her. Neither of them knew how long they stayed in that position.

"Hermione", Harry said breaking the silence. "Are you ok now"?

Hermione pulled away and nodded. She stood up first looked down at Harry with a few remaining tears in her eyes, and asked "what about you"?

"I'm fine", Harry answered standing up. "I just had a bad dream, that's all", he said looking away.

Something about the way he looked told Hermione that it was more than just a bad dream; but she decided not to ask, "He'll tell me when he's ready", she thought. She wiped the remaining tears out of her eyes, put on her best smile and said, "Well, It's almost morning, I'm going to go shower up; you can go after me". With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the door, not noticing that Harry was watching her walk out of the room.

Harry wiped any remaining sweat off his brow, lay down on his bed and started staring at the ceiling. "Weird", Harry said to himself.

About an hour later, Harry and Hermione were sitting on the couching watching television, while Hermione was trying to explain the day's schedule.

"We'll leave in about two hours", she was saying. "I promised Olivea and Samantha that we'd meet them right in front of the mall at nine thirty. It takes around twenty minutes to get there by bus, so if everything goes right we'll be there ten minutes early. Once we all meet, we'll have some breakfast at a coffee shop".

"Great", Harry said turning his attention away from the TV. "So, who are these girls"?

"I was getting to that", Hermione continued, acting like she was rudely interrupted. "Samantha is my friend since forever. We've known each other since before we could talk. We even planned on going to the same school and college together, but well you know. She doesn't know anything about our school or the wizarding world so be careful what you say around her, ok"? Harry nodded. "We haven't been spending that much time together lately, because she's a muggle, so I thought I'd make it up to her", Hermione added in.

"OK, so who's Olivea"? Harry asked.

"I knew Olivea for about a year", Hermione started. "Olivea is a witch like me; that's how we met. We spent most of the beginning of last summer doing our homework together".

"Why didn't you invite her to the quidditch world cup"? Harry asked looking up at Hermione.

"Well, back then we only knew each other for a few months", hermione answered matter of factly. "I couldn't ask the Weaselys if I could bring along an extra person whom they didn't even know, now could I? I'm sure it was hard enough for Mr. Weasely to get tickets for you, his entire family, and me, without me bringing in another person at the last minute. Besides, Olivea never really liked quidditch anyway".

"What school does…" Harry started, but broke off when something else grabbed his attention. " It's the news, they might have more information about that robbery", Harry stated as he turned up the volume.

"And now reporting live at the seen is Ervin Bleiss, Ervin"? Said the anchor lady as she turned to the screen on her right.

The reporter just stood there not doing anything; then after around five seconds he picked up his microphone to his mouth and said "thank you, Alice". He turned around and faced the museum and started saying "as many of you loyal viewers already know, a little more than a week ago, the London museum has been broken into. The thief that broke inside left absolutely no evidence of ever being there. It took the people of the museum about a week to notice the robbery, that's how clever the crook was. The police have been very cautious about the amount of information they had disclosed. However, we were able to learn a fair deal on our own. First off, we know that it was a sphere made of ruby surrounded by bright gold decorations. Second, we know that it was the only thing stolen and third…Oh, hold on a second folks", the reporter said better adjusting his earpiece. "We have late breaking development in our story. It appears that the object stolen was in fact a quintuplet. There have four other objects just like that one reported. And". He stopped to listen inside his earpiece once again. "And yes, it appears that two others had been stolen from other museums, a few weeks earlier; one from a Museum in Germany, and another one from a museum in Japan. And according to the reports there, it appears the thief there was just as clever as the thief here. Our speculations are that the thief is building a collection out of these rare jewels. For security reasons we cannot reveal the locations of the other two, but we know that they are very safe in museums. We received word that the security is going to be tightened in those two remaining museums. And now I am going to ask the public for their opinion on the subject". He walked over to an old man with gray hair and a black coat and asked him, "Uh, excuse me sir what do you have to say about the robbery"?

"Well sir", began the old man. "I think that it is a horrible what, uh, I mean the things people will do for money now a days, uh, what was the question again"? Asked the old man scratching his head.

"Never mind", said the reporter as he moved away. "Excuse me miss, would you give us your opinion about the robbery"? He asked as he leaned the microphone closer to a young black lady's face.

"Well, I hope that they catch this bum, and lock him up for a long time", she said nodding her head.

"Thank you", he said as he moved to another person. "Excuse me sir, could share your opinion about the robbery with us".

"I most certainly will", a snarl came from the man who the reporter was talking to.

And to Harry's big surprise and embarrassment, the person was his uncle. "I think this is an outrage", uncle Vernon began. "Because this person was too lazy to get a job he had to rob this place and ruin the day for me and my family. I brought them here because my son had to do a report for his school about ancient artifacts. But when I got here, it turned out that the place was closed because the security couldn't do their jobs. I say that if the current security can't do it, then the museum should find someone who can".

"Yes thank, sir. This is Ervin Bleiss…"

"One minute there, I'm not finished", uncle Vernon interrupted trying to yank the microphone out of the reporter's hand. "I would also like to talk about the traffic lights in this city. I think that the traffic…"

"I'm sorry sir, but we really have to go", said the reporter throwing uncle Vernon's arm off.

"Just hold on a second, I am a tax payer and I demand the right to…"

"This is Ervin Bleiss signing off, back to you Alice".

"Thank you Ervin, well according…" But before the reporter could continue Harry turned off the television.

"Weird", Harry said, once again getting lost in thought.

"Yeah", said Hermione tucking her knees in. "Oh well", she said with a smile after a moment of silence. "It's none of our business. I'm sure the Police will be able to handle this".

"Yeah", Harry agreed. "I guess you're right. So as I was saying", getting back to the subject. "What school does Olivea go to? She definitely doesn't go to Hogwarts that's for sure".

"You're right she doesn't", Hermione said. "She goes to a wizarding school in America".

"Oh, really, I've read all about America from one of Dudley's school books".

"Really? You did? I'm proud".

"What's the name of the school"? Harry asked her seeming interested.

"S.I.T.", Hermione answered. "That stands for: Salem Institute of Triwizardry".

"Is this school in Oregon, or Massachusetts"?

"Massachusetts. They built it there in commemoration of the Salem Witch trials, where anyone who really was a witch or wizard was let go".

"Oh yeah, I remember reading about those", Harry said as he placed his chin on his fist trying to remember the details of what he read. "By the way, what do they mean 'Triwizardry'"? Harry asked while on the topic.

"Well, in S.I.T., oh would you look at the time. We have to go. I'll explain on the way to the bus stop". And it was true, with all the talk about America, and watching uncle Vernon make a complete fool of himself on national television, Harry and Hermione, didn't notice that it was ten to nine.

With that, they put their jackets on, Hermione took some money that was lying on the counter, and they were off.

Hermione stepped out of the house and Harry followed in suit. "Shouldn't we tell you're father we're leaving"? Harry asked.

"Nah", Hermione answered. "Dad never wakes up before noon on a Saturday". Hermione locked the door and led Harry along the driveway towards the street.

"Ok, so can you tell me about this triwizardry thing now"? Harry asked as he quickened his pace to catch up with Hermione.

"Unlike Hogwarts, S.I.T. offers you three majors which you can choose from: History, Potions, and Hexes", Hermione started explaining, while quickening her own pace.

"What do you mean three majors", Harry asked starting to get confused. "And don't we take those classes already"?

"Yes, in Hogwarts we basically have some required classes like: Transfiguration, Defense against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Potions; and then there are some classes which you have a choice in like: Arithmancy, Study of ancient Runes, and Care of Magical creatures", Hermione said taking a break to gather her thoughts. "Once you graduate Hogwarts, you get a normal degree, unless you took the N.E.W.T.'s, in which case you get a gold star on it. The Degree will say all the subjects that you studied".

"Yeah, I know that already".

"Oh, here we are", Hermione said pointing to the end of the street. "Looks like we're the only ones here", she continued as she stopped to look around. "I guess not too many people use the bus at nine o'clock".

"Ok, we still have five minutes left", Harry said as he stopped right beside her. "Could you continue"?

"Sorry", Hermione said. "Anyway, in S.I.T. you get to pick one of three majors. And once you graduate, your degree will say that you specialize in this particular field. Hold on a second", Hermione said as she was trying to remember something. "That and that", Hermione muttered to herself. "Yes, I think that's it", she finally spoke up. "Once you pick a major you have to fulfill all of that majors requirements. Olivea's major is potions. In order to get a degree in potions, she has to take: up to and including, advanced care of magical creatures-being that magical creatures have something to do with potions, like dragons for example". Harry looked away when she said that, but Hermione obviously didn't notice because she continued, "up to and including, advanced Herbology-being that a lot of the plants that we grow are used in potions, like mandrakes for example; and finally, you have to take potions of course".

"Really", Harry said as he turned back to Hermione. "I bet she wouldn't be so eager to take potions if Snape was her teacher".

Hermione chucked a bit and said "no probably not. I also asked her the requirements for Hexes". And before Harry could stop her. "Let's see, there's advanced charms, advanced transfiguration and of course advanced Hexes-In our case defense against the dark arts. It would be a very useful degree if you want to get a job as an auror. And I never asked her the requirements for History", she said looking up. "Oh, look here comes our bus", Hermione said waving her hand to get the drivers attention.

The bus stopped directly in front of Hermione and opened its doors. Hermione climbed on, paid for Harry and herself, and just before she was about to go find a seat she looked back and noticed that Harry was not inside. "Are coming inside Harry"? Hermione asked looking outside at Harry still standing there, seemingly lost in thought, thinking of what Hermione was telling him about S.I.T.

"Oh sorry", Harry quickly answered, as if he just snapped out of a trance. He got on the bus and followed Hermione towards two empty seats.

For about ten minute neither Harry nor Hermione spoke. Hermione was looking out the window enjoying the sights; while Harry was sitting arms crossed thinking about something. "Hermione", Harry said breaking the silence.

"What is it"? She turned her attention away from the window and towards Harry.

""Why does Olivea go to school all the way in America, instead of somewhere in Europe"? Harry asked uncrossing his arms to scratch his head.

"Well", Hermione said reluctantly.

"What is it"? Harry asked looking at her quizzically.

"I'm not sure if I should be the one to tell you this, but..."

"Then don't", Harry interrupted. "If it's something private, then it's none of my business", Harry stated as if the subject was closed. "And don't worry, I won't ask her either", he added.

"Thanks", Hermione said. "But I think that maybe you should know. I'm sure she would want you to know".

"Why? I don't even know this girl"? Harry asked looking more quizzical than before.

"You'll find out", Hermione stated. "Well, anyway it started with her parents. They met each other at work, and, well you the rest of the story. They fell in love, got married, and had Olivea. About two years after Olivea was born, her parents got a divorce. It was pretty bad between them. They couldn't even stand the sight of each other. So, when her father got offered a job in America, he eagerly accepted. Although, he really regretted leaving Olivea behind, he knew that if he didn't take that job, he would be very miserable. So, a couple of years past, Olivea was eleven when her father, you know, 'mailed her'", Hermione winked while checking to see if anyone was looking. When she saw that no one was she continued, "Asking her if she wanted to go to school there. Really wanting to spend time with her father, she gladly accepted. Oh, here comes our stop", Hermione pressed the button to signal the driver to stop at the next stop. "So now", Hermione continued as she stood up following Harry up front. "She goes to school there, and visits her father on weekends, and spends the holidays here with her mother. And that's about all she told me". Hermione finished as they got off the bus.

As soon as Harry got off, he saw two girls walking towards him. One was around Hermione's height, with jet-black hair, forget-me-not blue eyes, and a petite body. She was wearing a red top, a knee length skirt, and sneakers. The other was about eight inches shorter than Hermione, with a pink face, red hair, brown eyes, and a thick looking body. She wore a blue sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers.

"Hey Hermione", said the taller one. "I really like the new look. It really suits you".

"Huh, what do you mean"? Asked Hermione looking extremely confused.

The taller one took a strand of Hermione's hair and waved it in front of her face.

"Oh, no I forgot about that", Hermione gasped, looking extremely shocked.

"Don't worry", said the shorter one, noticing the look on Hermione's face. "It looks really good on you", she said reassuringly.

"Thanks", Hermione replied in a low voice. "I just hope it doesn't wear off anytime soon", she thought to herself.

"So, uh Hermione", the taller one began. "Are you going to introduce us to your friend here".

"Oh, of course, where are my manners", Hermione said shaking her head free of any thoughts that were in it at the time. "Samantha Hopkins", Hermione said looking at the short one, this is Harry Potter".

"Oh, so I finally get to meet you", Samantha said while shaking Harry's hand. "You know, Hermione here talks about you all the time".

"Oh, really, you don't say", Harry said giving her a fake look of amusement.

"And this is", Hermione quickly jumped in, in order to stop Samantha from saying anything else.

"Olivea det'Rugh (Day-Rooh) Mortsdam", interrupted the taller one, giving Harry a smirk while grabbing his hand.