Hermione looked about the Great Hall. There were so many people crammed along the four large tables. All the houses were mixed aside from Slytherin who took there normal seats and cursed anyone from another house who sat at their table. Cedric still held Hermione's hand but suddenly his grip got tighter as he searched for his friends. Hermione saw Ginny waving with a huge smile plastered on her face. Hermione giggled and waved back as she took a seat next to Cedric and Eddie across from the charming Alex.

"Hermione this is Eddie, Alex and this is Georgia Eddie's girlfriend. That's Dom and this is Emmett

Hermione loved the Hufflepuffs they were fun and smart and really, really nice.

"Don't worry Mione, they won't curse you if you forget their names. Me on the other hand." Cedric whispered to Hermione sending chills down her spine. She smiled.

"But you on the other hand what Mr. Diggory." She replied playfully.

"I might have to do something about it. I might curse you or kiss you so it's your choice if you study them or not" Cedric said smiling cheekily. Hermione was feeling brave and comfortable with Cedric. So why not be bold?

"I'm thinking I might not study if I get a kiss." Hermione dared.

"You don't need to stop studying to get a kiss from me Granger." The blonde boy said smiling. Hermione had no idea what to say now suddenly she didn't feel so brave she felt butterflies in her stomach, she was nervous as he leaned closer to her face. Cedric smiled she was so cute, she was nervous she didn't even notice Dumbeldore stand ready to announce the champions, demending the students silence. Cedric kissed Hermione on the cheek and grabbed her hand, which hadn't left his for long.

"I'll give you a real kiss later." Cedric smiled. Hermione's stomach did a flip. Dumbeldore walked to the goblet of fire and suddenly but surely it spat out a piece of paper with messy handwriting on it.

"And the champion of Dumstrang, Mr Viktor Krum. Congratulations please follow Professor McGonagall to the champions quarters just behind me, good luck." The goblet threw out a delicate piece of light blue paper next.

"This penmanship is wonderful, Miss Delacour from Beuaxbatons congratulations. Fleur please follow Viktor. Good luck." Dumbeldore said with a familiar twinkle in his eye.

"And finally our very own Hogwarts champion. Good luck-" Dumbeldore said as a piece of yellow paper was shot from the goblet. A few heads turned to Cedric and hands clasped his shoulders. Hermione's hand gripped his tighter as she focused on Angelina from Gryffindor who also entered. "Cedric Diggory!" Dumbeldore boomed. Cedric picked Hermione up and hugged her tight before hugging all his friends and clapping hands as he walked down the aisle to join the other champions. Hermione smiled and celebrated with the Hufflepuffs as Cedric disappeared behind a wall. Suddenly everything went quiet and heads turned to the goblet of fire Dumbeldore was walking over to the goblet and the professors followed him with their eyes with astonishment as the goblet turned blue and threw out one more piece of parchment and one more name. Dumbeldore grabbed the piece of paper and stared at the name "Harry potter he bellowed in astonishment. Hermione saw Harry shrink and saw a feeling of deep sickness wash over his face.

"Harry Potter ,"Dumbeldore said in urgency. Harry walked slowly to Dumbeldore after the third time his name was called. He almost looked ashamed as he walked through the silence of the halls.

***

Hermione Granger left the great Hall and her new found friends as soon as the students were dismissed. Dumbledore never emerged neither the champions nor other professors or head of schools. She was worried for both Cedric and Harry's safety throughout the tournament. She sighed knowing Harry would no doubt have to compete and that she would have to train him in some areas. Give him some more advanced spells to be able to compete with the other three. She knew Harry didn't put his own name in the Goblet he wouldn't wish that upon himself. Hermione knew something sinister was afoot(again) and here she thought it was almost turning out to be the trios first normal, no mystery involved year at Hogwarts. Cedric was the next thing running around her mind. She was so happy for him and for Hufflepuff. She was sure he'd be so proud of himself she also knew Cedric would never believe Harry would put his own name in the goblet. Harry and Cedric were on the same wavelength. What a wonderful day she had, had with Cedric. Hermione kept walking thoughts of her day with Cedric swimming around her head. She was almost at Gryffindor tower when the youngest Weasley joined her. Ginny walked alongside Hermione grinning from ear to ear.

"Would it be too soon to start planning your wedding?" Ginny asked.

"Would it be too soon to think he liked me, Gin?" Hermione asked the small girl.

"No, he definitely likes you the way he looked at you all day and held your hand and kissed your cheek." Ginny replied dreamily secretly a boy would do that to her.

"You watched us all that time?" Hermione questioned embarrassed.

"I thought you'd want some feedback. I just popped in and check up 3 or so times nothing stalkerish, just doing my best friend duties." Ginny said smiling again.

"So what do I do now? Play hard to get?" Hermione asked Ginny anxiously. Ginny smiled she had waited so long to help Hermione with boys it was going to be fun.

"No I think we should wait for him to come to you again. I'm sure he'll talk to you at breakfast." Ginny smiled as the girls walked up the long staircase to their dorms.

"Night." Both girls said in unison as they closed their doors.

Hermione smiled as she walked into her room and found a fluffy barn owl holding a peculiar piece of yellow parchment.

Hermione

I had a lot of fun today. It was nice getting to know the girl I can't help but stare at. Answers the mysteries. Anyways I'm writing this as the teachers interrogate Harry. I hope Barney doesn't wake you with this letter but I can't stop thinking about the day and smiling. What are you doing to me Hermione? Hope I see you tomorrow morning I always like Sunday morning breakfasts the best.

-Cedric

Cedric's smile was contagious as soon as it entered Hermione's mind she smiled as well. She also decided to spend a little longer on her appearance tomorrow morning. She smiled again. Oh what would her mother say? She would be so happy to know her little girl had finally hit the boy stage. Hermione was excited. She longed to run into Cedric all the time. He was like a breath of fresh air, exhilarating and cool. Hermione laid herself down to sleep that night thinking about the tri wizard tournament and the safety of her best friend and Cedric.

Hermione woke from a terrible dream that morning. She saw a maze and Harry in the maze fighting off magical beings. And then the cup was there and Cedric was too. Both boys grabbed the cup at the same time and Hermione smiled in her sleep but suddenly that smile was replaced with a small squeak and a look of horror as both boys disappeared with the cup. Hermione walked shakily to the showers with Ginny at her side that morning. She quickly showered throwing the dream into the back of her mind so she could tell Harry later. Hermione stepped into some tight jeans and a cute black sweater that hugged her curves. Ginny approved and cast a few spells on Hermione's hair so it was sleek and shiny and fell in big loose curls.

"There no more frizz." Ginny stated smiling, "Now the make up just some foundation and mascara I think. You don't need much Mione it's just a Sunday in Hogsmeade and we don't want to scare Cedric off at breakfast we want him to take you to the ball." Ginny laughed at Hermione's face as she applied the mascara what a make up virgin.

"What ball?" Hermione asked smudging the black liquid again.

"Oh there's always a Christmas ball tied with the tournament. That's why we had to pack dress robe's silly mum explained it to me in my last letter. Really Mione I thought you of all people would have figured it out." Ginny said matter-of-factly.

"Oh yes the Yule ball, I'm excited for that I packed my dress and all my accessories." Hermione blushed she was such a girl.

"What colour are your robes so we don't clash." Ginny asked.

"Periwinkle blue and who said you'll even come? It's for fourth year and above. Unless, you get asked by an older guy. Ginevra I demand to know your scheme." Hermione frowned at the young girl.

"There's no scheme Hermione. Neville will ask me if no one else does." The girl replied.

Hermione and Ginny finished up in the bathroom and headed to the great hall to meet Harry and Ron for breakfast. When Ginny walked into the Great Hall she immediately scanned the room for Cedric Diggory. She spotted him at the Hufflepuff table surrounded by his mates. She waited for Hermione to stop talking to fred before she pointed him out. Hermione looked at the perfect back of Cedric and nodded at Ginny as she took her seat next to Ron and Ginny walked over the other side to take a seat by harry so she could see if Cedric made a move. The four gryffindors had an awkward breakfast as Ron thought Harry put his name in the goblet some how and was upset Harry wouldn't have taken Ron with him. Hermione could see a fight emerging and Ginny could see Cedric Diggory standing from his friends, his eyes scanning the Gryffindor table. He started walking in their direction and Ginny smiled very widely indeed.

"Incoming Ced to your right Hermione." Ginny giggled as her friend briefly panicked. Hermione continued talking calmly Ron about his transfiguration homework. She smiled at Ginny as two big hands placed themselves over her eyes. Ginny laughed.

"Guess who Granger." Came an obvious deep and very fake voice.

"Judging by the rate of your breath, heartbeat, strong grip and sexy hands, I would guess Draco Malfoy." Hermione laughed causing Cedric to laugh too.

"Is not and malfoy doesn't have sexy hands but I do." Cedric squeaked.

"I know it's you Cedric." Hermione giggled as Cedric took his hands from over her eyes.

"No fair." He laughed sitting beside her, "So what is the illustrious miss Granger doing today? Going to Hogsmeade I hope."

"Yeah Ginny and I are shopping for the yule ball." Hermione replied.

"Perhaps I could steal you for the last half of the day? If its okay with Miss Weasly?" Cedric asked.

"It's fine with me what about you Gin? We should be done by lunch and you can try and get a date." Hermione asked her friend knowing she'd say yes.

"Actually if Ginny wanted a date she should come to lunch and meet one of my friends. Hermione knows him his names Alex I'm sure he'd like to take you he has a thing for pretty red heads." Cedric smiled at the youngest Weasly.

"I'd love to sounds fun." Ginny replied.

"Do you wanna meet him before you say yes?" Cedric laughed at the eager girl. Ginny nodded. "Both of you come with me then." He said taking Hermione's hand in his and walking of over to his friend. Cedric pointed the boy out. Ginny smiled.

"He's cute," She smiled. Cedric and Hermione laughed.

"Hey Alex this is Ginny and you must remember Hermione." Cedric said to his friend who had turned to greet the trio. Alex smiled at Ginny and waved to Hermione as he swallowed his toast.

"Hey I'm Alex. Are you both coming with Ced and me to Hogsmeade today?" He asked politely.

"Well we've agreed to meet you both for lunch. We have to some things for the ball." Hermione replied.

"Did you manage to find an older date Ginny?" Alex asked. Hermione found this part amusing it was the perfect conversation. She laughed as Cedric's thumb circled her hand.

"Not yet but I will." She said confidently.

"Interesting" Alex said. "Well we all better get a move on. Can we at least escort you to your first store?" Alex asked putting his arm out for Ginny to link hers with his.

"Yeah, that'd be nice." Ginny said excited. Alex smiled and led her ahead.

"c'mon munchkin don't wanna be left behind." Cedric said to Hermione as he pulled her after their friends.

The girls shopped quickly but thoroughly eager to get back to the boys. Ginny was buzzing like a bee she wouldn't stop talking about Alex then Cedric then Alex, Alex and more Alex. Hermione was happy her friend was so excited because it just intensified her own excitement. Cedric caught her attention from the corner of her eye he was waving to her and smiling from the tree broomsticks. It was such an infectious contagious smile that Hermione couldn't help but smile back. After two kind of dates Hermione was scared she was falling too fast for Cedric. Ginny finished her purchasing and they both walked over to the pub to meet the boys. Ginny quickly began talking animatedly to Alex whereas Hermione just stared in thought as Cedric's hand waved infront of her face. Hermione finally caught on and blushed.

"Don't blush Mione, its actually cute to be with someone who is so lost in her thoughts that she doesn't notice the outside world." Cedric said still smiling.

"What's that frown for?" Hermione asked as Cedric's face had scrunched into a ball.

"I was wondering if you were going to the ball with anyone."

"I actually did get asked by Viktor Krum back when we weren't talking." She replied.

"Good, good. And you're going with your stalker then?" Cedric questioned.

"Yes," She replied.

"Do you like him? Like more than a friend?"

"No I was just so excited that a boy had shown some interest in me that I jumped at the chance. I can't wait to shove it in everyone's faces and I'm going to be the most beautiful girl there." She sighed.
"I wish I could have asked you first Hermione. Krum's not the only one who's noticed you this year. I only agreed to go with Cho because I heard rumours you were going with Krum. Just don't be surprised if I steal you quite a bit." Cedric said smiling for the fiftieth time that day and it was only just 2 in the afternoon.

"I won't be surprised at all." The girl said sipping her butterbeer.

"This little ball thing hasn't got me disheartened yet Miss Granger I will win your heart."