A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback for the first chapter! I must say, I am pleasantly surprised by this, as I've never had as many favorites and follows in a single chapter up to this point. So thank you so much to everyone!

To be honest, I'm not very pleased with how this chapter turned out, so please forgive me if it isn't as nice as the previous chapter. This is quite a roller coaster of a chapter, as you will all see, because a lot of it focuses on Harry's emotions as the First Task approaches. However, if there is one thing I'm pleased with in this chapter, is the amount of Harry/Hermione in it. Now please do note, this story is meant to have a slowburn romance, so while Harry and Hermione will get a lot of time with each other, there will be very little (if any) 'romantic' interaction between them in the early and middle part of the story. I do understand that they both have a tendency for physical contact in canon (e.g. hugging, holding hands), but they do it platonically. This means that when Harry/Hermione hug or hold each other's hand, there won't be any blushing or butterflies in the stomach for either of them…for now.

In any case, this chapter was really meant to showcase what kind of friend Hermione is to Harry, since we all know that everyone pretty much hated him prior to the First Task. Hermione being Harry's closest confidant will be the main theme of their relationship (both friendly and romantic) for this story.

Anyways, I think I've babbled enough. On to review responses!

Review Responses:

aidansidhe: Thank you for your time! In response to your question, no, that will not be the case. Krum will NOT be with Hermione in this fic. Another reader (user ThehardcoreHarmony) actually sent me a PM regarding this, and my response was that Krum and Hermione won't attend the Yule Ball together. Instead, Harry and Hermione would be each other's dates for that event, but it won't be overly romantic. That will however, serve as a foundation for their eventual romantic relationship. I hope you stay tuned for the rest of this story

Guest: Thank you for your time! I'm happy you think so! I hope you stay tuned for the rest of this story

PairingMatters: Thank you for your time! Yes, the first chapter was really meant to follow the film. As I mentioned, I have not read any of the books, but I've watched all of the films. So my canon knowledge is only limited to that of the films. As for the first task, you'll just have to stay tuned hehe. I hope you keep reading as I update this story

Now, on to the story!

Harry sat on the carpeted floor in front of the common room fireplace. The first task was two days away. Professor Moody had been gracious enough to assist him in devising a strategy on how to deal with his dragon. It wasn't the most detailed of plans, but given what Harry could come up with, it was certainly something he could already work with.

The boy sighed in worry. Okay, maybe flying around wasn't the best idea, but it was all he could really do in a vaguely skillful manner. He was nowhere near as knowledgeable with spells and charms as his competitors, and he wasn't exactly the most creative person in the world either.

'At least I'll finally be able to use my Firebolt for a good reason' Harry thought to himself dryly.

"Harry?" a soft, feminine voice gently called.

Harry snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to the source of the said voice. There stood Hermione, dressed in her pajamas. From the looks of it, she hadn't slept at all either. Her hair wasn't nearly tangled enough, indicating that she was unable to catch even forty winks.

"Hi" Harry quietly replied with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

His best friend shot him a smile of her own "Do you mind if I join you?" she asked hesitantly as she gestured to the space on the floor beside him.

In all honesty, Harry wanted to be left alone at the moment. But this was his best friend who he trusted, so he shook his head and scooted over "Not at all"

Hermione then sat down beside her best friend. She hugged her legs to her chest and stole a glance at the boy beside her. He was just staring at the fire in front of them, a distant look painted on his face—a look that she recognized too well. It was the look he had whenever he would be thinking of things he'd rather not talk about.

The bushy-haired witch sighed to herself. She couldn't help but feel a tad bit awkward. And she hated feeling awkward around Harry. It was just not supposed to happen—he's her best friend. He would always listen to her rants, comfort her when she's feeling down, and defend her when anyone would insult her. And she'd do the same for him, because best friends look out for each other.

'But no, I just had to snap at him' Hermione thought, guilt and frustration filling her senses. Normally, she'd just get on with it and patch things up with him. It wasn't like this was the first time they've ever had a mishap in their four years of close friendship. But the problem was, this particular mishap couldn't have happened at a worse time.

Hermione knew that she was really the only person that Harry was comfortably around (aside from Neville, perhaps) these days. She was one of the two people who didn't unload him with insults and taunts wherever he went, and was the only person who explicitly expressed her faith and support in him after being named a Tri-Wizard Champion. Which was why guilt ate her up when she realized that she had made it seem like even she turned her back on him.

The brunette witch bit her lip. She was well aware that Harry liked to tackle issues and problems head-on, as opposed to beating around the bush. She was very similar to him in that regard, except she preferred to think more before acting whereas he relies more on his intuition. But this particular situation was rather different for her. She didn't want to mess up any more than she has.

She inwardly shook her head. It would do no good if she kept circling around her thoughts. She had to do, or rather say, something.

Hermione summoned all the Gryffindor courage she could muster as she hesitantly reached out to rest a palm on her best friend's knee. "Harry," she began, causing Harry to shift her gaze to meet her own "I'm sorry for snapping at you yesterday. I was just really…out it…for some reason. The other night, I was exhausted from finishing school work, and I didn't exactly get a good night's rest afterwards. When I woke up, I tried to eat hoping it would make me feel more energized. But before I could even go downstairs, Ron dragged me outside the castle to find you because he wanted me to tell you something. I kept telling him to sod off, but he wouldn't leave me alone. And when we found you and I had to relay his message I just couldn't pay attention enough to understand what he wanted me to say to you. But I just went with it so I could get on with my day in peace. Then when you couldn't understand me I just…lost it" Hermione's words were heavily laced with guilt and regret. It wasn't the most comfortable feeling in the world, but she believed Harry deserved an explanation. She squeezed his knee as she continued "I'm sorry, Harry. Things haven't been pleasant for you lately, and I feel like I let you down. I told you that I'd be there for you, but I made a mistake. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that"

The brunette hung her head and sighed. She could only hope that he'd forgive her.

"I know you didn't mean it, Hermione. It's alright" Harry's reply caused Hermione's gaze to snap back up to him.

"You…knew?" she asked, puzzled.

He nodded "I'm not going to lie and say it didn't hurt" Hermione flinched at his words, but nonetheless appreciated his honesty "But the look on your face told me that you most likely had just finished a little 'exchange' with Ron. And it's no surprise that it reflected on your mood as well"

"Oh. Well, Ron was being a rather persistent git at the wrong time" she remarked dryly "but still, Harry, I shouldn't have done what I did" she repeated.

Harry shook his head and shot her a genuine smile "It happens, Hemione. It's fine, really. Just please, do me a favor and remind me to not piss you off whenever you feel sluggish" he teased.

This earned a laugh from Hermione. And just like that, the awkwardness that blanketed them completely dissipated. Hermione returned his smile with one of her own before both teens turned to watch the fire in front of them.

Another moment of silence passed, but this time, it was a comfortable one. The two found the warmth of the fireplace cozy, which enabled the both of them to ease up.

"So, what were you thinking about?" Hermione broke the silence, but she kept her eyes on the fire.

Harry turned to her and raised an eyebrow "What makes you think that I was thinking about anything in particular?"

Hermione rolled her eyes "I'm your best friend, Harry"

Harry paused before answering "The first task"

"Oh" was all Hermione could say in response. That wasn't surprising at all, considering what the first task would require him to do. The young witch didn't know exactly what to say, so she settled for slipping her hand into his. She squeezed his hand, asking permission if he didn't mind having his hand held. He squeezed back in return, indicating that it was fine.

"Professor Moody helped me form a plan on how to go about it. But coming up with a plan is one thing, executing it is another. Besides, you would know that I'm not the most detailed planner around"

Hermione smiled "I assume that's the reason why you didn't show up for lunch today?" Harry nodded "What did you come up with then?"

"I'll try to outrun or out-maneuver the dragon. Long enough for me to accomplish whatever objective it is that they give us"

"I'm certain that's not the safest plan to stick with, but I suppose it's too late to try and learn an advanced spell that might help you" Hermione made no effort to hide the worry in her tone.

"I'm starting to understand why witches and wizards under age seventeen weren't allowed to participate"

She stole another glance at him. In the past, she found it difficult to read Harry in times such as this. The boy was simply too used to not showing his emotions to anyone. But as she had grown to know him, she began to develop a better idea of what was possibly going through his head in certain situations.

"You'll be okay, Harry" she declared softly, repeating her words to him three years ago before he had gone off to face Professor Quirrell. "You're a great wizard"

Another smile tugged at the corner of his lips "Thanks, Hermione" A moment passed before Harry continued "How about you? How have you been? Anything in particular preventing you from sleeping well?"

Hermione understood that Harry was basically saying that he didn't want to keep talking about the tournament any further. She gladly followed along "Well, I wanted to talk to you, but I didn't expect to still find you awake at this hour. Other than that, nothing noteworthy in particular. It's probably because I kept working on my Transfiguration essay earlier, and now my head's having a hard time calming down"

Harry chuckled "Only you would have trouble falling asleep because your brain is too academically active" she playfully swatted his shoulder at his remark, but nonetheless smiled at him.

The pair continued to talk about other mundane subjects, steering clear from broaching the topic of the looming First Tri-Wizard Task. Some time into their talk, Harry noticed that Hermione was becoming sleepier by the minute, as given away by her fluttering eyelids.

"You should go get some sleep, Hermione. I'm sure you've calmed down enough for a good night's rest by now" Harry suggested.

She pretended to roll her eyes at him "Look who's talking. If anyone should sleep, it's you. You're the one who's busy after all"

Harry shook his head "I'll go to bed in a little while. You go on ahead"

Hermione didn't really want to argue, given how they had just 'made up' and how sleepy she was. She simply nodded and stood from her spot. "Alright. Good night, Harry. I'll see you later"

Harry gave her a small smile "Good night"

As she went up the stairs, Harry stared off into the fire as he had been doing the entire night.

He lied.

He took more than a little while before he went back to his dormitory.

It was almost noon when Harry got out of bed the following day. It wasn't because he slept in, although Merlin knows how delightful that would've been for the poor boy (he only slept for a little over three overs). It was because he had nothing better to do. Since the first task was tomorrow, all champions were exempt from all school-related activities to ensure that they would be focused more on the tournament for the time being.

After taking a shower, Harry went down to the Great Hall to have his first meal of the day. Thankfully, classes were still on going for about another hour before lunch break, so there weren't really a lot of people around at the moment. Nonetheless, lunch was already served as usual.

He piled food on his plate and sat down on his usual spot on the Gryffindor table. No one was really around except for a bunch of upperclassmen that he vaguely recognized. He ate in silence, a part of him wishing that every lunch break would be like this—not much noise, not much insults, and not much chatter around him.

He finished his meal around ten minutes before students should start filing in the Great Hall. Not having anything specific in mind to do, he opted to walk around the castle for a short while to relax himself.

His feet dragged him along the various hallways of the castle. As he passed the sixth-floor corridors, he suddenly had the urge to use the loo. He entered the boys' bathroom and chose an empty cubicle to take care of business.

It was when he was rezipping his trousers that he noticed a particular object which piqued his curiosity. On the edge of the cubicle was what appeared to be a small bottle made of glass. With his forehead creased, Harry reached down and grabbed the said bottle. He inspected the small container, questions swirling in his head. The bathrooms were usually inspected multiple times every day so it's rare that any sort of object or possession gets misplaced and not be collected by Filch. Perhaps it was a container for some sort of cleansing potion? Unlikely. Cleansing potions weren't necessary in Hogwarts, since the brooms, mops and other cleaning instruments were charmed to automatically perform their tasks.

Unable to tame his curiosity, Harry twisted the bottle cap open and brought the tip of the bottle close to his nose.

He almost wanted to throw up his lunch once the scent greeted his nostrils.

The boy gagged and quickly resealed the bottle. The smell was bloody nasty, but also quite familiar. He couldn't pinpoint just exactly what smell it resembled, but this was definitely not the first time he had ever encountered this substance. Whatever this substance was, it would have to wait. The boy had other things to attend to, after all.

Harry pocketed the bottle and went on about his day.

For some reason, Sirius' warnings echoed at the back of his head for the rest of the day.

The day of the first task had arrived. When Harry woke up in the morning, he ironically felt better than he had in weeks. This was most likely because he slept for over twice as long as he usually has been able to lately. More importantly, he didn't have any nightmares the previous night. Perhaps the emotional, physical and mental exhaustion of the past weeks have finally caught up to him. And he could not be more thankful for it…had the circumstances been different.

He had spent the night in a tent designated for the four champions. They were required to sleep in the said tent the night before a given task to ensure that everyone would be punctual for the start of the task.

As he quietly ate breakfast with his fellow champions, he took the time to mull over his supposed strategy for the task. He made sure his Firebolt was well taken care of before he left for the champions' tent last night. He wasn't sure just how fast the dragon he's going to face would be. But he did know, based on what he'd seen from the Horntail a few days ago, that it would be one of the most powerful non-human foes he's ever going to have.

'People DIE in this tournament!' he suddenly remembered Sirius' comment.

The boy almost puked everything he'd just eaten back down on his plate. Harry couldn't help it. Of course, he was scared out of his wits. He was bloody fourteen years old, and he was being forced by who bloody knows who to compete for his life. He'd tried, to the best of his abilities, to conceal his fear regarding the tournament. But now that it was almost here, he just couldn't steady himself.

And it was apparent he wasn't the only one. Had Harry glanced around at his fellow champions, he would see that they looked as shaken as he was. Fleur's hands were shaking so much that she could barely raise her fork to her mouth whenever she'd take a bite. Viktor was eating a little too much and too quickly for a human being. And Cedric was gulping too frequently that it was a shock that he hadn't swallowed his Adam's Apple yet.

Harry felt his appetite go down the drain as he became increasingly anxious. However, he knew that he had to eat at least a full meal to keep his energy levels up for the First Task. He reluctantly forced himself to finish his plate, mentally reminding himself that it was for his own good in the end as he did so.

After breakfast, Harry went ahead and changed into his attire for the task. He saw no point in trying to shower, as he was sure he'd end up smelling like ash and dragon's breath afterwards anyways. Once he was dressed, he sat on his bed and awaited the official start of the tournament.

While the hours ticked away, Harry began to lose himself into…well, a lot of things. He felt what seemed like a myriad of different emotions in the span of…well, a few hours. At first he was nervous, his mind unable to grasp the fact that Professor Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic were really going to let him compete in this Merlin-forsaken tournament. It wasn't like two years ago when he entered the Chamber of Secrets and was forced to fend off a basilisk, since this time around there were people in power who could actually protect him from danger. Then, his nervousness turned into fear, his hands began trembling lightly as he imagined facing the dragon that awaited him. Then eventually, his fear turned into terror, as his entire body openly shook, his consciousness being crippled by the thought of his death.

The boy tried as much as he could to steel his resolve. But he simply couldn't.

This was too much.

All of this was too much.

He never asked for any of this.

To hell with the fame.

To hell with 'eternal glory'.

To hell with all of this.

He just wanted to be a normal teenage wizard.

He just wanted…home. A place where he felt safe. A place where no one called him 'liar' or 'traitor'. A place where no one expected outrageous things out of him.

A place where he didn't need to fight to prove his own worth.

He was shaken out of his stupor when he felt droplets of liquid hitting his lap. It was then he noticed that tears managed to escape his eyes and were now cascading down his cheeks. The boy quickly wiped his tears away, not wishing to be seen by anyone at such a state. Fortunately for him, his fellow champions were too preoccupied amongst themselves to notice him.

After drying his cheeks, Harry stood from his bed and began pacing around to tent in an attempt to get a better hold of his thoughts and emotions. Minutes into his pacing, he heard a hushed voice call out to him from one of the tent's entrances.

"Psst, Harry!" the voice called out.

Harry confusedly approached the particular entrance that the voice seemingly came from, inwardly thankful for the distraction from the thoughts that threatened to swallow him up. He looked around him to see if anyone else heard, before stepping outside the tent to see who called him out.

To his surprise, there stood Hermione, dressed in winter clothes. He watched her eye him up carefully.

"Hey" Hermione greeted with a small smile.

"Hi" Harry replied shakily, unable to return her smile.

This caused Hermione to frown. "How are you feeling?" she asked him hesitantly.

"F-f-fine" Harry croaked out, unable to conceal his emotional fatigue as tears began to form in the corner of his eyes again.

Without warning, Hermione walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She cradled his head to her shoulder, hoping to offer any sort of comfort that she possibly could to her best friend. Hermione felt the boy in her arms tremble; he was trembling to a point where he couldn't even reciprocate her embrace. This pushed the brunette to the point of tears. She wished she could've spent time with him yesterday, but she was so caught up in her school work that when she went off to see him, he had already left the common room to stay in the champions' tent.

She just stood there and held him as tightly as she could, occasionally running a hand through his hair to try and calm him.

He was scared.

And she was scared for him too.

A/N: Thank you for reading! How did you guys find that chapter? To be honest, I always found it weird how Harry seemed to take the fact that he had to compete in the Tri-Wizard tournament so casually, at least in the films. Even if he'd done some remarkable things in his first three years in school, I'd like to think he was terrified prior to the tournament. I mean, the dangers he faced in years one to three were out of necessity, but the Tri-Wizard Tournament, not so much. There were people who could force him to not participate, but instead everyone just watched him basically fight for his own life, which I deem unnecessary. I think a fourteen-year old would be scared at that. Just my opinion though. Also, I'm not quite sure how you guys would find the scene where Harry found the bottle in the bathroom. This is a key event that will be crucial to the development of the story, although I wish I could've made it longer. But alas, I really don't know how to extend that scene purposefully.

Anyways if you guys enjoyed please do leave a review. It helps me get a better feel of what you guys think of the story. And you can also ask me questions by doing that, or sending me a private message. Feel free to ask anything, and I'll respond to you as soon as I can.

Thank you and see you in chapter 3!