As the champions left the room, their faces each reflected a different emotion. Fleur was radiating anger. She glared at Hermione as she practically stomped her way through the chamber to the door; her perfect blonde ponytail swaying furiously back and forth as if to emphasize her fury.
Viktor stared at Hermione as he walked away with Karkaroff. His piercing blue eyes seemed cold and calculating, but also intrigued. He almost looked impressed.
Cedric was the only one who offered her a smile, even if it was one filled with sadness and pity Hermione still thought that was kind on his part.
Hermione let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and decided to wait near the large fire. She hoped that by the time she decided to leave, only Harry and Ron would be waiting for her; she did not want to deal with everyone's angry and confused looks.
She waited about an hour before leaving. The fire had not been able to fully warm herself up due to the shock and fear that remained within her.
"Hermione!" yelled Harry and Ron in unison.
As she approached them, Harry grabbed her into a bear hug. Ron also gave her a hug, but it was a little more awkward. She was definitely relieved to see them.
"What happened down there?" asked Harry, "once you left, the Great Hall erupted in shouts of protests and most of the teachers were quick to stand and follow you through the door."
"Everyone believes I put my name in the Goblet somehow," Hermione whispers, "I swear I did not. I have no interest in these games, I find them barbaric."
"Hermione," said Ron, "don't sweat it, we believe you. We know you would never put your name in that cup."
"You look exhausted," pointed out Harry, "let's at least go back to the Gryffindor common room so you can sit on a comfortable sofa."
As they left the Great Hall and walked up the stairs, Hermione's fear eased a bit. Her best friends believed her and that was what mattered the most.
Once they arrived to the common room, Hermione picked the plushiest sofa she could find and fell into it. Up until now, she had not realized how tired she really was, her shoulders ached from being tense and she felt as though every ounce of energy left her once she sat down.
"My question is who would benefit from you participating in the Triwizard Tournament?" Said Harry.
"I could understand why someone would put Harry's name in the Goblet," said Hermione "after all you are the 'Chosen One', only you can defeat You-Know-Who, but why me?"
Hermione stared at the fire; the flames seem to fascinate her as they slowly ate up the logs. Her mind seemed to slow as tiredness and confusion took over.
"Well…Maybe you are the 'Overly Helpful Girl,'" said Ron in a hesitant voice, "you are always the one to figure out traps and plots, like in second year, when the basilisk was roaming the school, you figured out what it was and how it was moving through the school and even who was manipulating it. It was genius and we would have never have figured it out without you."
Both Harry and Hermione nodded their heads; they were still both furiously thinking and only heard about half of what Ron said. Hermione had a hard time believing this, and even if what Ron was saying was true, that still did not give anyone a reason to put her name in the cup.
"Maybe Ron is right, I mean Voldemort wants me dead, but you keep figuring out his plans ahead of time. Remember during first year, you figured out that Voldemort was sharing a body with someone and you deduced it was Quill. I had to confront him alone, but you found the key and managed to get it by flying around on that broom. Also, during our second year, you came with me to the chamber of secrets and helped me not only keep Professor Lockhart at bay, but you also practically saved my life by distracting the basilisk multiple times. During our last year, you performed spells no one your age knows and went back in time to save Sirius's life. The more I think about, the more I think Ron is right."
Hermione was dumbfounded, could You-Know-Who really want her dead because she helps Harry when he is in need? She understood the logic of it but it seemed a little farfetched.
"Hermione? Hermione, did you hear what I said?" asked Harry.
Hermione realized she had been quiet for some time now.
"Yes, sorry, I'm just exhausted so I am having trouble putting all the pieces together."
"Why don't you go to bed?" suggested Ron, "you should get a good night's sleep and we can talk more in the morning."
"Yes," Hermione replied, "yes, I think I might just do that. Goodnight boys."
Hermione dragged herself up the stairs and through the dormitory door; her bed seemed like paradise right now. Once she had closed the door, Harry and Ron looked at each other, their faces full of concern.
"You know there will be no time to talk tomorrow, right?" said Harry.
"I know, but I wanted to comfort her. She looked so tired and scared."
" She is going to hate the spotlight this will shine on her…We should probably go to bed too, you know, because I have a feeling tomorrow will be a long day."