Chapter 4

Hermione was doing everything she could to keep her eyes off of the former Auror after he had been introduced at the beginning of dinner. She knew that the longer she kept his attention off of her, the better it would be for her, but her curiosity was growing by the minute. He had taken the seat on Dumbledore's right, and she knew they were talking, as she could feel their eyes on her.

"They're still looking, aren't they?" Hermione whispered to Draco, who cast a quick glance at the head table. He subtly leaned closer to Hermione, trying to act natural,

"Yes," he muttered. Draco glanced across the table where Blaise and Pansy were sitting uneasily, "Everyone have their minds guarded?"

They nodded.

"I know that it feels uncomfortable keeping up the shields constantly, but it gets easier the more you do it," Hermione assured them. She, herself, knew that her mind barriers were strong, and it was hardly exerting any energy on her to keep as such. Although it would be rare for anyone to be able to infiltrate her mind from across the room, she knew that Dumbledore and Moody were no ordinary wizards—they could easily attempt it if they so desired.

"This is going to be a long year," Blaise declared. Hermione nodded, knowing that this was going to be the most challenging school year yet, but they had to complete their missions for the Dark Lord. It was time for them to really excel and rise through the ranks. Hermione had a feeling that if they succeeded this year, the Dark Lord would have no choice but to give them the Dark Mark and let them become official Death Eaters. After all, Draco had turned 15 only a month prior, and Hermione's birthday was in a few weeks. Blaise and Pansy would be 15 by the end of the school year. They would be the youngest Death Eaters in history, but it wasn't too impractical.

"Students, before we eat, I do have an announcement to make. I know that there have been rumors of something exciting happening at Hogwarts this year, and after a long summer of mystery and intrigue, it's time for me to finally tell you all.

"This year, Hogwarts will be host to a legendary competition—the Triwizard Tournament."

Hermione listened to the surprised gasps throughout the room, taking note of the confused looks of the Mudbloods with a snigger. As her gaze circled the room, she made the unfortunate mistake of glancing at the head table again—this time making eye contact with Moody. Both his real eye—dark, and beady, and his fake, electric blue one—were glaring at her suspiciously. Though she knew she should look away, she sensed the challenge in his eyes and felt a slight pressure in her mind. It was small—small enough that if she weren't trained in Occlumency, she wouldn't have even noticed it. She pushed him out a little bit too aggressively, if the flicker of surprise on his face was any indication. He leaned in toward Dumbledore, muttering something without ever taking his eyes off of her. Shit, she thought, turning quickly away to look back at her friends.

"The competition hasn't been held in over a century, and there have been many attempts throughout the years to revive this competition—none of which have been successful. However, we will talk about that later, after I have introduced our guests for the length of the competition. So first, let us welcome the students of Beauxbatons Academy and their headmistress, Madame Maxime."

The double-doors swung open right as Dumbledore finished the sentence. Students flowed into the Great Hall, in a swirl of light blue robes. There was a mixture of witches and wizards, all with an air of haughtiness that, in Hermione's opinion, came with living in France. She knew she had to keep a close eye on these students, looking for possible followers. However, Hermione thought for certain that the Durmstrang students would have more potential. Her father had friends in Russia, and she knew that she would have more of a kinship with the wizards from that region. She watched as the French students filled in seats, mostly at the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables. No one at the Slytherin table made an attempt to move for the newcomers, obviously biding time until the Durmstrang students showed up.

"And now, please welcome the students of Durmstrang Institute and Headmaster Volkov."

Immediately, the members of Slytherin house began to shove over, making enough room for the incoming students. Hermione twisted her head quickly to look at the entrance of the new headmaster. She wondered if he would be interested in joining them, as Durmstrang was known for their practices of the Dark Arts. She watched in interest as he led his students into the room. Hermione was staring so intently at him, she didn't notice the former Auror's magical eye watching her with suspicion and barely concealed ire.

Headmaster Volkov was tall, with light brown hair pulled back by a leather cord. He had a severe face, but more of an approachable air to him than Karkaoff had had. Beside him stood a younger man that looked vaguely familiar, though she couldn't place how she recognized him—until she heard the murmurs of 'that's Viktor Krum.' She could see the Weasel's eyes bulging out of his head as he noticed the Quidditch player.

"Do you think Viktor Krum is viable?" Pansy asked, "I wouldn't mind sitting next to him at meetings, if you get my meaning."

"He would be a score," Hermione conceded, "We'll have to keep an eye on him. Headmaster Volkov too."

Hermione watched as the Durmstrang students began to sit down, almost all of them going to the Slytherin table. Viktor Krum sat a few seats down, on the opposite side of the table.

"Now, to give more information about the tournament, we have Mr. Crouch, the head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Mr. Bagman, the head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports."

There was a smattering of applause as the extra men, who had been sitting at the head table, stood up to address the crowd.

"Barty's father," Draco noted, "Wonder what he'll have to say about that."

"Oh, Barty knew that his father would be here," Hermione told them, "He told me to expect him."

The three friends looked at her in surprise, "You've been having conversations with Barty Jr.?"

"How is that possible—don't you have some sort of strange rivalry with him?" Pansy asked.

"Keep your enemies closer." She said, tersely.

Draco shook his head, laughing. Hermione shoved him, grinning, before looking up at the head table as the Ministry employees begun to speak.

"For those of you who have not heard of the Triwizard Tournament, I will explain it briefly. One champion from each school will be chosen by an unbiased judge to compete in three tasks. Due to the dangerous aspect of this Tournament, we have added a new stipulation—no one under the age of 17 may enter into the competition." Barty Crouch cut off as people reacted to the new requirement.

There was a roar of outrage, particularly at the Gryffindor table. She specifically heard several Weasley's yelling. Lugo Bagman took over the speech, talking over the shouts until they died down.

"The winning champion will receive 1,000 Galleons, as well as this." He revealed the Triwizard Cup, a shining trophy to help stroke the winner's ego, probably for many years to come.

"Look like the twin Weasels are a little put out," Draco said, "They could use that reward money."

"This competition will prove to be a good distraction," Pansy said.

"Yes, possibly, or more likely it will just flood the school with Ministry employees." Hermione replied.

"Well, that's one way to be a pessimist," Blaise cut in, "though you're probably right."

"I'm more worried about Moody and Dumbledore," Draco said, "if Potter really did tell Dumbledore that we're loyal to the Dark Lord, it'll be hard to make any moves without them down our throats."

"Let's not worry about any of that now," Pansy suggested, "we'll get this all done. Speaking of which, Hermione, when are you going to try to enter Professor Snape's mind to get the information we need?"

"I'm going to try to get a detention with him as soon as possible, so I can get him alone. Then I'll bring up something relevant to see where his mind goes."

After Crouch and Bagman had finished speaking, they sat down at the head table as well. Everyone began to eat then, conversing with each other. Hermione rotated between keeping an eye on Moody, Dumbledore, Snape, Potter, and Viktor Krum, only managing to eat a few bites of food while talking casually with her friends. Blaise hadn't been exaggerating, it certainly was going to be a tiring year.

When dinner concluded, Hermione hooked arms with Pansy and hurried up to a group of Durmstrang students, including Viktor Krum.

"Remember, he's a celebrity," Pansy advised, "he's used to girls fawning all of him—we need to just introduce ourselves, but talk to him the least. Ignore him, even, but be cordial."

"Wow, I think this is the first time we've ever talked about flirting advice," Hermione said, laughing. Pansy nudged her, with a smirk, before reaching Krum first.

"Mr. Krum," Pansy said, coyly, holding her hand out, "Pansy Parkinson."

"It is nice to meet you," he said, taking it and bringing his lips to it for a kiss. He then turned to look at Hermione.

"I'm Hermione Granger," she said, with a smile, accepting his offered hand as well. Pansy and Hermione glanced at his three friends.

"This is Aleksei Pozniak," he said, "Dmitri Sokoloff, and Ivan Volkov." All three of his friends looked alike, with dark hair and eyes. They were all quite handsome, including Viktor. Hermione turned to Ivan, while Pansy began talking to Dmitri.

"Volkov—any relation to your Headmaster?" Hermione asked, with a curious smile.

"Yes, he is my father," the man said, with a small smile.

"How fascinating," she replied, smirking at her good luck, "would you all like to come down to the Slytherin common room so we can all get to know each other a little better?"

"Headmaster Volkov said ve aren't allowed to go to the dormitories—it vas your headmaster's rule." Aleksei told them.

"Well, you'll learn quickly that Slytherins, especially us, don't like to follow the rules—particularly ones made by Dumbledore." Hermione quipped, grinning.

The four boys smirked, and followed Hermione and Pansy to the dungeons.

Author's Note: Here's another chapter for you, finally Viktor Krum is here! I'm looking forward to Hermione trying to seduce him (not literally, come on, guys..) to the Dark Side. Maybe Pansy can convince him... who knows? Anyway, please review and tell me how you liked the chapter.

Thanks to Isabella Nicole Night, Lorna Potter, emily. .5, Pank98, Aghaliam, AmayaBlack, atlas-graceland, CassieRenee333, LadiePhoenix007, remicapulet, and two guests for reviewing.

Please review and make me happy and make my day.. or night, I guess! :D