Every sunrise brings a new day, new dawn, and a new beginning. It's the same for new relationships because it's a fresh start- a new page in the storybook of life. The best kind of relationship is those that sneak up unexpectedly. It's when an astonishing feeling takes over, and everything clicks. It falls into place and happens suddenly, without warning. Love comes at just the right time when it's ready and needed the most. It's the time and the thing a person never thought they would have.

And like any relationship, even those unexpected ones, it's launched on the foundations constructed together. Good foundations take precedence over the length of time people have known each other. It's also more than dates, holding hands, and kissing. Those things are part of the stages of the relationship's decorative exhibition.

Instead, it's about being yourself and finding happiness together. What it all comes down to is having the ability to see an imperfect person perfectly. Anyone could catch your eye, but it takes a remarkable person to capture your heart. That's what's happened to Hermione and Marcus.

They're two people willing to look past the things different people see as flaws and find something extraordinary in each other. For Marcus Flint, she's his new favorite feeling. The day after Hogsmeade, he told her, "I like how you make me feel, even when you're nowhere near."

The similar is true for Hermione too. Most of her best smiles begin with thoughts of him. He's brought happiness into her heart. The two were floating on cloud nine. It's a beautiful thing to have the person you like, like you back. Their new relationship had tiny buds that were slowly beginning to blossom.

The new couple has kept their relationship relatively quiet. So far, only Ginny, Adrian, and Graham know about it. The unusual thing about the boys from Slytherin is the fact that outside of Marcus's two best friends, none of them recognized Hermione at Hogsmeade. They all thought she was one of the girls that came from Beauxbatons. In fact, Bole was the one who said, "Marcus, who was that chick you were with in Hogsmeade? None of us remember seeing her before."

Then Higgs commented, "I think it was one of those Beauxbaton witches. She looked dishy, though, especially from behind." Malfoy agreed completely.

When Marcus told Hermione about his friend's responses, she got a kick out of them and attributed it to her dressed-up style and a bunch of Hot Hair. Days before the first tournament task, Marcus took Hermione to see the dragons. Her Slytherin explained, "In the dark ages, magic was used as a weapon because dragons were everywhere in the land. People had to defend themselves because the creatures were proud, fierce, and free. But the most fearless of men did not kill the winged beasts. Instead, they rode them."

That made Hermione think of Charlie Weasley. The second oldest Weasley brother loves dragons. He's an excellent example of being the kind of fearless man Marcus spoke of. As the two came near the dragon enclosure, sure enough, Charlie was there talking to Hagrid. The older men were deep in conversation and didn't see the two Gryffindor and Slytherin students.

The couple stayed close to the fencing. Having never seen a dragon up close before, the curly-haired witch's stomach knotted up at the thoughts of what the creatures might do. The beasts were noisy, and their magnificence was splendid and terrible. Holding hands, Hermione thought out loud, "So the first task has to do with dragons."

They both stood staring into the large enclosure that had magically been set up to resemble a dragon pit. "Yes. It looks to be that way," Marcus responded. As much as he loves magical creatures, he's thankful it's not himself as one of the chosen champions. Dragons are too unpredictable for his taste.

Hermione asked her Slytherin, pointing at two dragons on the rocks, "What kinds are they?"

Getting a good look at them, the muscular athlete thought about the many different types of dragons. In Care of Magical Creatures, Hagrid taught them about the scaley beasts in a lesson series. Then he noted, "The smaller one on the right is a Chinese Fireball. They can grow to be twenty-five feet in length. You can tell it's a fireball because of the smooth scales and the golden fringy spikes around its snub-snouted face."

He pointed to the other dragon his Minnie had inquired about. "That other one is a Common Welsh Green. It nests in high mountainous regions, primarily on a reservation. Unlike other breeds, this type is more subdued as it prefers to avoid human contact if possible. Its roar can actually be pretty melodious."

All of that information intrigued Hermione. Dragons are not something she's ever had the interest in researching before. However, it seems like she'll be doing precisely that in order to help Harry. Whatever happens with the task, the Gryffindor girl knows one thing to be true. Those fairy tales of childhood are correct because dragons and magic do exist. And because they are real, like the fairy tale heroes read about, dragons can be beaten. It's all in knowing how.

The very next day, Hermione got an early start before breakfast. The main objective is to find any kinds of counter-dragon spells. This goal took her straight to the library, where book after book floated to the table. Except there's a problem because she's not entirely sure what to be looking for. Nor where to find it.

When summoned, the books that came her way are part of children's fables and texts depicting the many different dragon breeds. Missing breakfast in favor of research, Hermione grew frustrated as time passed. With no viable results from the dragon spell investigation, she used the morning classes to clear her mind.

At lunch, Harry told her, "I overheard Charlie and Hagrid talking about the first task. We're expected to get past the dragons or something. I think I need to skip classes to research dragon spells." He pulled at his messy hair.

However, Hermione chuckled. Before taking a bite of the shepherd's pie, she informed him, "I'm already doing that. I went to the library this morning before breakfast and classes. My research came up empty, but I have an idea that may help. So, no. You can't skip classes to do what I'm already doing for you. I'll let you know if my idea pays off or not."

Looking at his best girl friend, Harry felt appreciative. "Thanks, Hermoine. You're the best. I don't know what I'd do without you."

To which she said, "Probably be lost somewhere in the castle." They both chuckled because they know it's true.

Before she left the Great Hall, Hermione made it a point to catch Marcus's eyes. Across the room, their eyes met, and she motioned with her head to the doors. He gave a slight nod. After saying goodbye to Harry, Neville, Ginny, and the twins, Hermoine exited the hall. As discreet as possible, she waited for her boyfriend. It's a weird thing to say- boyfriend. She has to get used to it.

The minute Marcus left lunch, he saw his Minnie motion for him to follow. They went to the second floor, where many abandoned classrooms reside, and entered one. The sun lighted the room and streamed in through the windows. Casting its rays into the unused chamber, the pair could see it's full of dirt, dust, and desks. The space is relatively old and disgusting. No one had probably been in it for ages.

Once they dropped their bags on one of the desks, the couple embraced. His Slytherin senses worked over time, with the tropical scent filling his nose, and hers did the same with his masculine fragrance. Pulling back, they held hands. Smiling, Hermione declared, "I need your help."

Marcus's eyebrows raised. It's not often a person hears the brightest witch of her age ask for assistance. He couldn't help but say, "If you need help, then we're all in trouble."

With a chuckle, she explained, "Well, it's true. I do need help, but not just any kind. I need yours. You see, I'm trying to find spells that will counter dragons. Harry needs to know them for his task. I realize the two of you are not friends. However, don't think of it as you helping him. Rather, think of it as you're helping me."

Marcus smiled a cheeky grin and thought of Potter looking like a fool without any dragon spells. While it would make him laugh, Potter looking foolish would make his girl upset. Despite the distaste for the scarred boy, Marcus replied, "Alright. I'll help you. Do you want to go to the library now or later?"

Although she would love to say, "Let's go now," Hermione didn't. Instead, her appreciative voice said, "Later. I have double potions in a little bit."

They made plans to meet in the library after dinner. Luckily Marcus had not accepted Bole's invitation to play Exploding Snap with him and Higgs. There's always lots of firewhiskey involved, which is snuck into flasks and delivered by their personal house elves. Before they parted ways, the couple hugged again, and Marcus kissed Hermione's forehead. He's been doing that lately. Those forehead kisses and big bear hugs get Hermione every time. It's nice to be cared for.

The afternoon passed much too slowly for her taste. An hour felt like an eternity, and it was very tortuous. Mainly because Hermione was ready to research something new, but she also wanted to see her beefy boyfriend. Double potions had always been a horrible experience for everyone except her. However, on this occasion, potions became tedious and pedestrian.

Unfortunately, Professor Snape noticed how she zoned out and didn't speak as often. The greasy-haired man asked, "Has a tri-winged jackanoump caught your tongue, Miss Granger? It's not as if I have not longed for this day, but surely you must know the main ingredient to the calming draught, unlike these other dunderheads?"

Raising her head from looking at the potions book, Hermione dared to say, "Peppermint oil, Sir. Adding too much of the oil could give the drinker a burning sensation in their mouth. It can also cause watery eyes or uncontrollable sobbing. The potion is used to assist with many psychological and neurological disorders."

The thin professor dressed in black strolled around the room. Before speaking, he slammed Ron's parchment book closed and confiscated Harry's quill that he was doodling with. "There it is. The return of the know-it-all. Today we will be brewing a calming draught. Mr. Longbottom do try to use correct proportions. None of us want to be subjected to troubling sadness."

The Slytherins snickered, and brewing commenced. Time began to move faster, with the rest of the class concocting the potion. Hermione's turned out perfectly, and she finished well ahead of time. However, Neville's potion ended up having regrettable consequences. He accidentally got some of the draught in his eyes and began weeping uncontrollably. Professor Snape docked him points and had Dean Thomas escort the sobbing boy to the hospital wing.

As soon as potions class ended, Hermione walked with Harry to Gryffindor Tower. While they walked, she told him, "If all goes well, tonight I'll share dragon spells with you."

Her dearest friend nodded and said, "That's great. I'm sure you'll figure everything out. You always do. Let me know if I can help since I'll be doing nothing but hanging out at the tower. The only thing I plan to do is talk to Sirius with a fire-call."

Then Harry thought of something else and wondered if he should say it or not. In the end, care for his best friend won over. "What's going on with you and Flint? Unlike other people, I saw you with him at Hogsmeade. He's a Slytherin, a seventh-year, and a brute. I don't want you getting hurt."

Its times like these, Hermione is thankful for Harry. He's the brother she never had but always wanted. Even in the middle of great stress, he always looks out for her best interests. "Thanks, Harry. I know you're just looking out for me. But I promise you, Marcus is not what he appears to be. He's changed; part of it started with my tutoring of him."

Accepting her response, Harry still requested that she use caution and protect her heart. Her messy-haired friend promised he would not tell a soul about their relationship. Even though Hermione didn't need her friend's approval, the fact he gave it took a weight off her shoulders that she didn't realize had been there. It was a blessing.

The duo hung out together in the common room. They talked about the tournament and wondered what the second task would be. All things considered, if Harry made it past the first one. A little before dinner, Hermione went to her room and freshened up. Her roommates were there, and she promptly ignored them or tried to. The minute she reached for Witches Brew 25, her favorite tropical scented one, and a peachy kissing potion, Lavender noticed.

The nosy girl wanted to know, "Why are you wearing kissing potion? You never wear that. It makes me wonder if you're secretly meeting Krum. I just bet you are."

Sometimes, a person can really get under your skin every now and then. That is Lavender Brown. "Great balls of fire! I have said repeatedly that the article was a bunch of codswallop. I am not meeting Krum, and no longer will I defend myself over this nonsense. If I want to wear kissing potion, I will wear the kissing potion." She put the lipgloss on her lips and rubbed them together. Then reapplied some more just for the heck of it before putting it in her pocket.

Hermione left the room in a huff of hair, which decided to poof a lot due to her irritation. However, Ginny saw her friend's hair before she saw her friend and rectified the situation. Pulling the troubled girl into her room, Ginny ran a dollop of Sleekeazy's over the fluffy locks and proudly stated, "It works every time like magic."

The two laughed at the joke and walked to dinner together. On the way, Ginny shared, "Charlie is going to take the twins and me out for a meal once the task is over. I can't wait. I know you're not supposed to have favorite brothers, but Charlie has always been the best."

Comments like that unfailingly make Hermione wish she knew the second oldest Weasley brother better. However, "You didn't mention Ron's name. Why isn't he going?"

Ginny laughed and let her know, "Because he's an idiot. Did you know he didn't even say hello to Charlie? Anyway, Ron did what he does best- complain about everything. Charlie hates complainers and whining. That did not go over well with him, so he told Ron to suck it up. He also told him to stop whining and find something useful to do. As you can imagine, Ron took offense and has added Charlie to his hate list."

Shaking her head, Hermione thought her other friend to be ridiculous. When is Ronald going to ever grow up? "At least he didn't write home to your mother about it," she mentioned.

Ginny gave her the side-eye and stated, "Oh, but he did. Mother wrote back and chastised Charlie for saying hurtful things to Ron. Can you believe that? So naturally, Charlie and the twins scolded him for that childish stunt. But it didn't phase him. These are all the reasons why Ron isn't going to the meal with us."

All Hermione could think was what nerve he had. Ron really needs to stop thinking of himself all the time. If he doesn't, it will have lasting unfavorable effects. But she can't be bothered by his drama because Harry needs her help. Plus, there's a boyfriend to think about. Actually, Marcus was the first thing Hermione thought of when entering the Great Hall.

Trying not to be obvious, she looked at the Gryffindor table before scanning the Slytherin one for him. Dressed in his uniform with his tie and top buttons undone, they made eye contact. He smiled with acknowledgment, and she did the same in return. Hermione sat with Ginny, Harry, Neville, Dean, and Seamus. The boys wanted to discuss the first task, while Ginny quietly mentioned, "Krum is looking at you, Hermione."

That made the petite witch roll her eyes. "I'm beginning to think he had something to do with that article. Before leaving my room, I told Lavender that I'm not dating Krum. I feel like that's all I say these days. I have someone wonderful already," she explained.

Forking a few roasted potatoes, Ginny stated, "Well, I think Krum is interested in you, but like you said, his affections aren't needed."

Hermione smiled and put a fork of green beans into her mouth. While sitting there, eating, she tried to think of how to get this whole Krum thing to go away with little success. The surefire way would be to come forward with Marcus, but she's not going to risk setting his father off. So that's a big no. With a sigh, she settled in to eat her roast beef.

After dinner, Hermione left the Great Hall first and headed to the library. Marcus saw her go and finished his dinner to follow after. Bole tried once again to entice him to play cards. "Besides the firewhiskey, there will be chocolate frogs, chocoballs, fudge flies, jelly slugs, and licorice wands. You love the fudge flies, Marcus."

He does love the fudge flies, but "Not tonight. I have something else I need to do. If you play another night again, let me know."

Much to Bole and Higgs's dismay, Marcus left for the library, where he found Hermione sitting at their table waiting. His girl had multiple books scattered around the workspace, but not the right ones. Sitting in front of her, he summoned the book Dracopedia: An Anthology of Dragons and Antediluvian Spellwork and another book Draconis Archanis.

Like a deer in the headlights, Hermione was astonished. "I've been looking all day long at dragon books. Then you come in and immediately get two I haven't seen before. How did you know to do that," she asked?

With a big grin, he remarked, "Magical creatures are my thing, Minnie- besides you and quidditch, of course." She reached across the table and gave his hand a light squeeze. They both traded smiles as he opened the Dracopedia.

They got to business when he began to describe, "The three main spells used for dragons are the stunning spell, conjunctivitus curse, and draconifors. But then there's one in the Draconis book that works too. However, it's not as readily used anymore. The spell is called draconice, and it turns fire into ice. I'm going to go off the assumption you already know about the stunning spell and move on to the conjunctivitus curse."

Pointing at the page, he showed her the curse and how it works before he did the same with the other two. Like the outstanding student Hermoine is, she wrote everything down from the book and what Marcus was saying. Before they left the library, he showed her a couple more ancient dragon spells.

Once the pair did leave, they held hands and talked in the courtyard under heating charms. It's there Marcus learned that Hermione hates flying. His mouth dropped open in shock. When he gathered his wits about him, he wondered, "How can you not like flying? It's flying!" What an ironic twist of fate that he would date a girl who loathes what he loves.

Prim and properly, Hermione fixed her skirt over her knees and told him, "I have a fear of heights. Just because I don't fly doesn't mean I don't enjoy watching others do so."

Still staring at her, astonished, Marcus decided he would get her on his broom even if it's the last thing he does. If she rode with him, perhaps she would see that it's not so bad. Even if his girlfriend doesn't enjoy flying after that, she might appreciate it a little more. Either way, he threw his arms around her waist and pulled her into him. They sat cuddled on the stone bench, relishing each other and the time spent together.