Chapter 2

Tri-Wizard Tournament

The train sped along the tracks smoothly, taking us from King's Cross to Hogsmeade Station in Scotland. The Golden Trio, as we were dubbed by society, occupied a cabin. Neville and Seamus had stopped by for a while to talk about the World Cup. They heard about Krum's impromptu rescue and asked us if we had a clue of who the mystery dame was. We had all agreed to keep my identity secret. I was reading over the newspaper, The Quibbler for I didn't like the way some Rita Skeeter portrayed the 'fall of '94', when Harry started talking about the man he saw.

"Sirius said he'll look into it. He used to be an Auror, you know. He said the Ministry has offered him his job back, but he seems unwilling to take it again."

I snorted humorlessly. "I don't blame him. The people he trusted and worked with everyday threw him into Azkaban without so much as a trial. I wouldn't be too keen on rejoining a group after they all turned their backs on me either . You did tell him about those dreams you've been having right?"

My eyes narrowed on the guilty tilt of his head. "No… I just…"

I folded the newspaper and set aside, leaning forward in my seat. "You have to tell him, Harry. There is no such thing as coincidence. Your dreams and the attack at the World Cup are connected somehow. I know it and Sirius will see it, too."

I gave Harry some parchment and let him use my ink and quill. He tied the scroll to Hedwig's leg and directed her out the window with instructions to find his Godfather.

We spent the rest of the ride talking about the World Cup. Ron's admiration for the Bulgarian Seeker was blown into full scale adoration. He spoke nonstop about how brave and heroic Viktor was and how he would have made a damn good Gryffindor. 'Because there's no way he would be Sorted into any other House, right?'. The boy gave a blow-by-blow account of my fall and rescue. He said that the screens around the stadium had displayed Krum catching me and the Snitch. "It was bloody amazing! If you had turned your face, the whole stadium would have seen you. Why are we keeping it secret again?"

"Because I don't want to be hounded by the press, Ronald." I angrily snapped my paper and showed them the Sports article. "Honestly, how could you be so thick? Do you see what they're saying? If they find out it was me, they'll be breaking down the doors to harass me about me 'secret relationship' with Viktor! I'll never get a moment's peace."

Ron stared at me as if I were speaking advanced arithmancy. "Are you kidding? You'll be as bloody famous as Harry! It's only a matter of time before they find out that you broke two world records. Might as well drop that you're the girl saved by Krum."

Crookshanks sensed my growing anger and hissed at the ginger. "No Ron. Not 'might as well' as you so put it. Being the holder of the youngest and highest mark holder of the OWL exams will get me an interview and a day in the paper. I am perfectly fine with that. A rumored affair with a professional, not to mention the youngest, Seeker in the world will have me in the public's eyes for weeks if not months. Every owl I send, every word I write, every far off look will be considered proof that I am desperately in love with, and I quote, the Bulgarian Bon Bon! You may be okay with having your name slandered and such by those who have never even met you, but I'm not! Forgive me, Harry. That must really suck."

Harry ignored us and continued snacking on one of my pumpkin pasties. I didn't care that he was digging into my stash, so long as he left the sugar quills alone.

The train reached Hogwarts a little earlier than usual. The evening sun was shining brightly over the small town. Thanks to the official release of Sirius, Harry could now go to Hogsmeade without using secret pathways. He was looking at the buildings with bright eyes. I assumed the town would feel different to him knowing that he didn't have to sneak around it anymore. We joined Ginny, Neville, and Seamus in a carriage for Hogwarts. They asked me questions about the curriculum this year and I answered dutifully. After reading all the books for this year's classes and passing my OWLs, I took pride in the fact that my Housemates came to me for answers.

Still, for all I knew, I needed answers of my own. Like how many times I'd have to shift before my eyesight in my second form would stop being loony. I reached into my deceptively small bag in search of the Truths of the Animagi book I purchased not long before the World Cup. I tagged along with the Weasley family to do my school shopping and I saw it while browsing the Magical Creatures section. I got it to further study my 'kind', hoping it would hold some answers for me. The last time I remember opening it was in the hospital. I was extremely bored and the medi-witches refused to let me go until my tests proved I was healthy and fit. My digging yielded my Magical Creatures of the World book, but not the other. I tried searching for it some more, going as far as to call for it verbally, but it wasn't in my bag. Which meant I left it back in the hospital. I buried my face into my hands and groaned in pitiful frustration.

"What's wrong, 'Mione?"

I didn't look up at Neville. I was too busy wallowing in my stupidity. "I left my book back at the World Cup."

Ron was practically giddy. "Blimey! Hermione Granger, the uppity know-it-all, forgot one of her school books?! Bloody hell, someone mark the calendar!"

I heard the sound of a harsh slap and his grunt of pain and still refused to look up. "It wasn't a school book. It was…. more of a side project. Something I got for me."

Harry rubbed my back trying to sooth me. Always such a sweetheart when it came to my feelings. Sometimes. "It's okay. I could get you a new one if you want. My dad's family left me with an impressive chunk of change. It would be nothing to replace your book."

"It's not the book itself. I wrote notes in the margins. Notes I'd prefer no one else to see." They'd either think I was crazy and lock me away or mock me. Hermione: an Animagus with a tail as bushy as her hair. My hair wasn't so bushy anymore, but no doubt everyone will assume I couldn't take the teasing and drenched my hair in sleak-eazy.

"Well… then…." Harry paused to think. "Can't you just get a new one?"

I heaved a sigh and nodded. "I guess I have to anyway. I have to start my research all over again. At least it's not a new potion or anything. Someone might pull a Lockhart."

The carriage shook with the laughter of my friends. The sun was still shining as we hopped out of the cabin and started our hike up to Hogwarts. I glanced curiously at the Thestral (knowledge courtesy of Magical Creatures of the World) that pulled the carriages. It was black and boney and looked more like something out of a child's nightmares than an actual beast. It seemed docile enough so I gave it a grateful pat. It wickered and nudged my hand. I rejoined my friends after noting the strange looks I was getting from other students. No one in my group asked questions and I wasn't going to mention petting the Thestral. They all were happy enough to trek to the Great Hall in silence. We came upon a large crowd gathering near the windows. Harry and Ron leaped into the fray with Seamus and Ginny hot on their heels. Neville and I wiggled our way through to get a peek at what all the fuss was about.

My mouth fell open in awe of the pegasi drawn ornate carriage drawing closer to the castle. The students around chattered excitedly, making guesses about who occupied the flying cabin. It must have been someone important to make such a grand entrance. I was just thinking that nothing could possibly top it when Harry cried out and pointed to the lake. Not a moment later, a giant ship burst from the depths sending waves crashing to the shore. The sails unfurled and revealed a red image of a two headed phoenix. The seal looked familiar, but I couldn't quite grasp the significance of the symbol. I suppose we'd learn of it at the feast. Dumbledore couldn't exactly hide it.

The Great Hall was buzzing with whispered conversations that silenced long enough to listen to the newest Sorting. As soon as the last child was seated, Dumbledore took his place behind the golden podium. He raised his hands to quiet the room. "Good evening and welcome to Hogwarts. Now that we're all settled and Sorted, I'd like to make a few announcements." Filch slipped in through the doors and jogged down the aisle. "Hogwarts will not only be your home this year, but will also be home to some very special guests." Filch had finally reached the podium and whispered to Dumbledore. They shared a quick conversation before the Headmaster sent him back down the aisle. "Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event: the Tri-Wizard Tournament."

The students gasped and whispered their excitement to one another. Dumbledore continued to speak over them. "For those of you who do not know, the Tri-Wizard Tournament brings together three schools to participate in a series of contests to which three students are selected to compete. Just to be clear: if you are chosen, you stand alone. Believe me when I say that these contests are not for the faint of heart. But more of that later. For now, please help me in welcoming the lovely ladies of Beauxbatons Acadamy and their Headmistress, Madame Maxime."

The doors opened and a group of organized, blue silk-clad ladies strolled into the Hall as if they owned it. They captured masculine attention by sighing suggestively and pushing out their chests. The only boy trailed after them, winking at a few girls and dazzling them with a silent Avis Charm, commanding charming blue birds to sing sweetly into their ears. Ginny and I were not amused and watched with thinly veiled disgust as the arrogant tarts paraded themselves in front of the male populace. At the end of their little show, boys applauded and whistled their appreciation. Dumbledore silenced them. "And now our friends from the north, the proud sons of Durmstrang and their High Master, Igor Karkaroff!"

Muscular men donned in red and gray stormed into the Hall, banging their staffs on the ground and executing poor kendo moves like a bunch of children playing warrior. Perhaps it was due to the fact that they weren't actually fighting anyone. At least they are nice to look at or they might've been completely useless.

"Blimey, it's him! It's Viktor Krum!"

Ron's voice cracked and his eyes followed the muscular Seeker down the room. The man spared no glances to the people around him, exuding confident determination that had many girls swooning in their seats. Two young men blew on their wands and conjured fire in the shape of a phoenix. Much more interesting than blue birds and butterflies in my opinion, not that anyone is asking. Viktor and his peer parted from Karkaroff and joined their class before they reached the dais. Dumbledore and the man hugged, showing that they were on friendly terms. A group of four men trailed after, levitating a pretty gilded tower of silver and gold behind them to set at the foot of the dais. Headmaster Dumbledore placed his hand on the gleaming metal. "Eternal glory. That is what awaits the champion that survives the three tasks. Three. Extremely. Dangerous. Tasks. Due to the dangers of these contests, the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Mr. Bartimus Crouch, has been kind enough…"

The cloudy ceiling lit up with lightning. Thunder roared inside the Great Hall, growing louder the sound echoed off the stone walls. I was on my feet with my wand in hand. Recalling the counter spell from my research from first year, I aimed my wand at the sky and silently cast the Charm. Red lightning shot from my wand and the storm cleared. However, my own wand was not the only one to cast the spell. My eyes followed where the second spell had come from and landed on a rather ugly man with a big blue eye that was focused on me. It did not move as he greeted Dumbledore. From the friendly one-armed hug, I deduced that they knew each other. Dumbledore released him to pin me with his twinkling gaze. "Alastar Moody, I'd like you to meet Miss Hermione Granger. She will be one of your students in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Miss Granger here has broken, not one, but two world records and earned herself an Order of Merlin for it. She has completed all her OWLs in her third year and received the highest marks in recorded history."

The House of Gryffindor lost its mind while Professor McGonagall preened proudly at the success of her star student. I performed a sweeping bow for my adoring public and earned another round of applause. Ron didn't look too thrilled, but Harry was supporting me with a bright smile and loud whistling. I think he was just happy to not be the one in the limelight for once. As much as I hated the attention, I would go along with it to keep Harry comfortable. I took my seat, but not before shooting a smirk at a few scowling Slytherins and Ravenclaws. Especially the Ravenclaws.

A gray haired man in dark Ministry robes joined the Headmaster in front of the podium, giving me a warm smile. I remembered him from my medal ceremony. He, along with a few other Ministry lackeys, were frothing at the mouth as they asked me my plans for the future. "After due consideration, the Ministry has concluded that for their own safety, any student who is under the age of seventeen will not be allowed to put forth their name for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. This decision is final."

His voice was lost in the ensuing chaos of enraged teenagers. Fred and George were the most vocal about the unfairness of the Ministry's new age limit. Draco had lost his cocky, uncaring demeanor to shout his distaste. Even Ginny was upset. It looked like I was the only one who saw the reason in the age limit. Finally, Dumbledore had enough and used the Sonorous spell to silence the children. With a wave of his hand, the jeweled casing melted and vanished to reveal what looked to be a stone goblet with runes etched around the lid. Blue flames erupted from the cup, casting Mr. Crouch and the Headmaster in an eerie light that made Dumbledore's eyes even brighter. "The Goblet of Fire. Anyone who wishes to submit themselves into the Tournament must merely write their names upon a piece of parchment and throw it into the flame before this hour Thursday evening. Do not do so lightly, for once chosen, there is no going back. As of this moment, the Tri-Wizard Tournament has begun."

The foreign guests claimed their seats, Durmstrang with the Slytherins (Ron was most displeased) and Beauxbatons with the Ravenclaws, and the feast appeared on the tables. I was enjoying my lovely dinner of roast beef and mashed potatoes when Ron disturbed my peace. "Bloody hell. Snape just smiled. He smiled! What do you suppose he and Karkaroff are talking about? Sharing methods of torturing children?"

"Professor Snape and High Master Karkaroff, Ronald. And it's none of your business what they're talking about. They might be old friends reconnecting."

"Yeah, over the misery of innocent children."

I shot a glare at the redheaded witless wonder and continued eating. Until Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I think Krum is staring at me."

"Hm?" I twisted my torso so that I could get a look at the table behind me. The first thing I spotted was the blindingly white hair of Draco Malfoy. He looked as proud as a bloody peacock as he ran his mouth to none other than the Bulgarian Seeker. It looked as if Malfoy had yet to realize that his idol wasn't paying attention to him. The man's attention was indeed on the Gryffindor table. Though his eyes didn't appear to be focused on Harry. When he saw me looking, he smiled brightly and waved. I giggled at his exuberance and waved back. "There, see Harry? He just remembers us from the World Cup. We should go say hi to him. Offer to show him and his classmates around."

Harry's nose scrunched at the thought of approaching the Slytherin table. "Maybe later when he's not surrounded by snakes."

Ginny nudged me. "I think he likes you."

"What?"

Ginny jerked her head towards the Durmstrang students. "Krum! I don't think he was staring because you're a familiar face. I think he likes what he sees."

Ron snorted, "Yeah right. No one in the right mind would look at Hermione and like her. Even if he did, she'd chase him off soon enough. She's a right menace!"

I pushed away my plate. "I'm going to the library. I need to restart my research."

Harry stopped glaring at Ron long enough to be polite and ask about my newest project. "What are you researching, Hermione?"

"Nothing of consequence." I shrugged nonchalantly. "Just the process of becoming an Animagus and the side effects on the wizard's daily life."

The Boy Who Lived grinned. "Are you trying to become an Animagus?"

I crossed my arms in defense. "Maybe. It's my choice and last year's near debacle with Sirius had me thinking that maybe having a second form wouldn't be so bad. Being an animal could grant me access to places I am usually not allowed and gives me an advantage. No one has problems talking in front of a supposedly dumb animal. Unless you're a polar bear in the middle of Ireland. That would draw some unwanted attention."

Ginny did a spit take, spraying her pumpkin juice all over Ron and poor Neville. "Or worse: you could be wind up being a whale. A whale! Can you imagine that?"

I climbed over the bench and stood up. "Yes yes, very funny. Now if you excuse me, I want to go find a promising book so that I can buy it on the first Hogsmeade trip. Harry. Ginny. Neville. Bookends."

Fred and George snickered and offered mocking finger waves. As soon as I turned, I heard the multiple slaps on a startled Ron. My friends harshly berated Ron for his careless words as I started down the aisle. In all honesty, I knew he was right. I am no radiant beauty and I can be pretty irritating to those who are too stupid to keep up with my passion for learning. I even managed to chase Harry off a time or two, and he's the sweetest boy I know. Sure, I was no longer bucktoothed and all my baby fat had melted away, but I was still plain looking compared to those like Ginny and Greengrass. Even though I knew the truth about my looks, Ron's words still hurt.

I shook my head to clear away the pointless thoughts. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks of my looks. Beauty is only skin deep. It's personality that really matters. Besides, who cares if anyone fancies me at the moment? I have school to worry about. I am miles ahead of my class. The only reason I'm not taking my NEWT classes is because Harry wouldn't be in them. That boy needs all the help he can get. If it weren't for me, he'd be getting Trolls on everything due to half-arsed homework. If that boy put half as much effort in his other classes as he did in Defense Against the Dark Arts, he'd be right below me in grades. He could be quite clever when he actually tried. Yet still rather oblivious.

"'Ello."

I jumped and shrieked in surprise, spinning mid-air to see who had dared to sneak up on me. Seeing the amused expression of Viktor Krum, I relaxed. "Viktor… Hi. Um… Do you have a reason for nearly giving me a heart attack?"

"I am… sorry. I did not mean to… scare you. I have somezing zat belong to you." He pulled his arm out from behind his back. Staring bashfully at the ground, he held out my missing book. "You… leave it in hozpital. I…. hoped I vould see you again. To return."

I gently pried the book from his grasp and hugged it to my chest. "Thank the Gods! I was so upset when I couldn't find it! Thank you for returning it to me, Viktor. That was very sweet of you. How did you know we would meet again?"

His cheeks were stained in a subtle pink. "I did not know… I just… see book and hold it." He finally met my gaze and gave me a soft smile. "I am… happy to see you again."

"I'm glad to see you as well. How was your trip to the castle? You came by ship right? The one in the Black Lake? I hope the Giant Squid didn't give you much trouble."

His eyes widened in shock. "Sqvid?"

I held out my hands, as if approaching a wild animal. "No need to panic! He's harmless, I assure you! He has never harmed anyone. I swear."

Viktor choked out a laugh and crossed his, his eyes sparkling with mirth once more. "So… any ozer animalz you vant to tell me?"

"Well, there's a nest of acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest. Hence the reason it is off limits. A giant, three-headed dog with a rather nasty attitude problem, also in the Forbidden Forest. I know Hagrid keeps a slew of magical and non-magical creatures in his care. He really loves them, you see. Oh, and we did have a Professor that also happened to be a werewolf. He is the best Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor we've ever had and we mourn his loss."

His dark eyes widened and grew somber. "Oh, I am sorry vor…"

"Oh no! He's not dead. He.… people are really prejudiced against werewolves, you know? A lot of parents didn't want him teaching their kids. Total rubbish if you ask me. Werewolves are people just like us with a bit of a hairy problem once a month."

His smile returned three-fold. "I am happy to hear you zink zat vay. One ov vriend's vriend iz verevolf. Bulgaria much understanding ov verevolf."

I was nodding, about to go on a rant about corrupted the Ministry was and how unfairly they treated others, when movement behind Viktor's shoulder had me slamming the brakes. "Well Viktor, it seems that I'm keeping you from your dinner. And it looks like your friends are calling you over."

He paled and turned to peek at his friends. Each one was smirking mischievously and waving at me. I tried to wave back, but Viktor blocked them from my vision. "Pleaze come zit vith me. Zey vill pounce ven you leave."

I hummed and patted his cheek. "You're the world's youngest professional Seeker. I think you can handle a few teenagers."

"Don't leave me vith zem." He grabbed my hand tightly. "Vy don't you tell me of ze Bazilisk you face. Or ze verevolf. Don't leave me. I'll share my dez… dezzert vith you."

I was going to give in and just go sit with the man when Draco decided that he was Krum's new guardian. "Hey Krum, don't let her touch you. You don't want to dirty yourself with that mudblood filth." His possy snickered.

"Maybe later, Viktor." I growled and pulled away from Viktor's grip, smirking down at the cocky prat. "You know, Malfoy? It is very difficult for me to take you seriously when you go running to daddy to solve all your problems!"

I turned on my heel and laughed along with the rest of Gryffindor. The ones heard my comeback anyway. I had been sitting on that one for awhile. Now I could sit back and enjoy his ridicule. There were a few others I came up with over the summer. Maybe I'll share them with Harry. He's the one Draco goes after most.

I was so caught up in my moment of victory over the bleached blond that I didn't hear it coming. I didn't even think Malfoy would try anything in front of the entire school. "You filthy, little mudblood! Densaugeo!"

Though I knew it was too late, I reached for my wand to cast a Protego. I can't believe I'm about to be humiliated in front of Viktor. I watched in horror as the violet light came closer…

And hit an invisible barrier.

The bubble around me flashed a dusty purple before fading. Movement to my right had me gawking at Viktor, wand out and pointed at me. He lowered his wand, ending the spell. He rushed over to me, running his hands and eyes over me to check for any injuries. When he saw that I was alright, he turned a seething glare on a pale snake. "Пикльо! Coward! Attacking a voman vhile her back iz turned iz dizguzting!"

Draco's face dropped. He looked so… beaten down. Horrified. Crestfallen that his hero despised him for attacking someone he deemed lower than dirt. His eyes flickered through many emotions before settling on rage. All of it focused on me. "You can't hide behind him forever, mudblood."

Viktor straightened to his full height, towering over Malfoy and his drones. I enjoyed the flash of fear in their eyes. "Iz zat a threat, boy?"

I rolled my eyes and rubbed the Seeker's arm. "Calm down, Viktor. I didn't learn how to fight by watching. I can take whatever they dish out at me and give it right back."

Viktor appeared completely shocked by this revelation. Then he just got angrier. He started shouting something in bulgarian, inciting his classmates ire and soon all of Durmstrang was directing their fury at the Slytherin prince and anyone who dared to defend him. Even though no one besides them and their High Master understood a single word they said, they still made a frightening sight.

Speaking of authority figures, the Professors were coming to investigate and break up the brewing skirmish. Violence was pulsing in the air and it wasn't long until someone threw the first punch. A tug on my arm had me facing Harry and Ginny. The two had fought their way through the crowd to get to me. "Come on, 'Mione. Let's get you out of here."

Viktor felt me being pulled away and tried to lash out at Harry. Karkaroff immediately pulled Viktor back. He and Snape were fighting to keep Viktor's arms from swinging.

That is until he shouted something in bulgarian.

The Durmstrang men, and female triplets I just now noticed, went silent. Karkaroff loosened his hold on Viktor's arm and stared at him with wide eyes. Snape looked equally puzzled and irritated, but released Viktor as he was no longer thrashing for freedom. Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress finally got into the center of the fray. Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling with knowledge and humor whilst McGonagall was sparking with fury. "What is the meaning of this? Unless you want me to start handing out detentions, on the first day of the year might I add, then I suggest…!"

Karkaroff's voice was thick with a russian accent, but his english was understandable. "Mr. Krum has invoked the right of life debt."

The room itself seemed to gasp. Silence dominated the Hall for a mere moment before the whispers started. A life debt? With who? Why now? What is a life debt?

McGonagall snapped her jaw shut and leveled a stern gaze on poor Viktor. "Who?"

Viktor lifted a hand.

And pointed right at me.

The students grew louder. Speculation began and questions from my own mind were thrown at one another.

"Hermione Granger? Is he joking?"

"When did he save her life?"

"I know the Densaugeo hex. It wouldn't have killed her."

"So why is he laying claim to her life?"

"What do you think he's gonna make her do?"

Poor Harry was lost. More so than Longbottom. "I'm sorry. What's a life debt?"

Dumbledore waved a hand towards the duel doors. "Why don't we take this in my office. Mr. Krum. Miss Granger. High Master Karkaroff."

Try as I might, I could not hold onto Harry forever. McGonagall herded me along after Dumbledore with Karkaroff and Viktor trailing behind. The four of us walked through the corridors and up flights of stairs until we came upon the stone griffin guarding the entrance to the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore all but skipped up to the statue. "Gummy Bear." The griffin stepped aside and allowed passage up the stairs and into the structured chaos that was Dumbledore's office. The last time I was in here was in second year when I demanded entrance to defend Harry. Odd inventions that whirred and hummed and puffed out smoke were scattered about the room. Bookshelves lined the walls and hanging above them were slumbering paintings of the old Headmasters and Headmistresses that were long dead. The only one awake and aware was ex-Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black, a particularly nasty pureblood with the same narrow-minded view as the rest of his bloody family. And I do mean his entire family. Fucking inbreds.

Dumbledore took his seat behind the lone desk in the room and steepled his hands together in the cluttered surface. "Now, Mr. Krum, tell me exactly how our Miss Granger owes you a life debt."

"He saved me, sir. At the World Cup." I rushed to explain. I wanted to get through this quickly so that I could ask my questions. "I was knocked over the railing by a Bludger. If Krum hadn't caught me, I would have died on the arena floor. Can someone tell me what's going on? What is a life debt and what does it have to do with Viktor and me?"

McGonagall gave me a rare, comforting smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. It didn't soothe me. "A life debt is a bond between two people that is created when one saves the life of the other. In the old days, the rescuer would invoke the bond and that would place the person they rescued in their care while they paid off their debt. In some cases it was as simple as housework and other cases had them… Well, let's just say that…."

Phineas intervened with sadistic glee. "What she means to say, girlie, is that you are in that boy's service. His wish is your command until the bond between you is satisfied. You are to follow his every order as if it came from the Gods themselves. To refuse an order is to forfeit your life."

"Black!" McGonagall snapped at the painting. She turned to me and tried to soothe away the horror that was etched into my face. "Be calm, my dear. No need to worry."

"No need to worry? Viktor could order me to fail all my classes and I'd have to follow his orders or I'll die! Don't tell me not to worry! This is a perfect time to worry!"

Viktor harrumphed, drawing my attention to him. "I vould do no such zing."

"He's right." Phineas his two pence. "I remember this one lad who saved this lady's life. Had her birth him three heirs before her life debt was repaid."

I inhaled a shriek of despair. Viktor's expression darkened with anger. He pulled his wand out and pointed it at the frame. "I vill zet fire to you!" Phineas scowled and he walked out of the painting to who knows where. Viktor slipped his wand back into his pocket before turning back to me. "I vill not make you do such zing. I call life debt to protect you vrom ze annoying boy."

Dumbledore watched all of this with sparkling eyes. "As honorable as your intentions were, Mr. Krum, you still invoked the right of life debt. What is it that you wish Miss Granger to do? Just know that she is still a student at my school and I will object any unsavory favors you may wish to thrust on her."

Viktor mulled over his thoughts before answering. "I do not know. She iz in my care now. To attack her iz to attack me and I vill not take harm of her lightly."

McGonagall was not impressed. "You forget that she is also your responsibility now. Her health, mental and physical and emotional, fall on you."

Dumbledore glanced at a clock on the wall. "My my, it has gotten rather late. May I suggest that, since Mr. Krum does not have a method of payment in mind, he and Miss Granger can meet later and negotiate the terms and conditions of their bond. For now, I do believe both of you need to head to your dormitories. A good night's sleep certainly couldn't hurt. Professor McGonagall, could you escort Miss Granger to her dorm? I'll lead these men to their ship."

We parted with well wishes and I left the office after McGonagall. We walked through the halls with purpose when I recalled my former predicament. No better time than the present. We were alone in the corridors, after all. "Professor, I have a question about Animagi. I shifted into my second form…"

McGonagall brightened considerably. "Excellent! So which form did you take? Was it an owl as we guessed? I wouldn't be surprised. They are a symbol of knowledge and you, my dear, have that in spades!"

I blushed at my favorite teacher's praise. "Uh… no. I'm not an owl. Not if my bushy tails are anything to go by. I think I fox? I haven't gotten a chance to look in a mirror. Anyway, I wanted to ask you when the hallucinations will stop. You see, I had this crazy vision of having multiple tails and fire around my wrists. I read that some Animagi experience hallucinations during the first shift due to the sudden rush of magic. However, I have changed twice since then and the visions haven't stopped. I was wondering if maybe there was something wrong with me or if it will wear off in time."

We both stopped by a window that was cracked open. "That is rather odd. Hallucinations are a rarity among Animagi and it only occurs the first time for those few that do get them. Unless… Why don't you shift for me. It may not your mind playing tricks on you. Come now, don't be shy!"

I heaved a sigh and, with a burst of magic, I slid from one form into the next. I opened my eyes and the world seemed bigger. The ceiling was further away and McGonagall was much taller. And gushing like a schoolgirl.

"My goodness! Merlin! Look at you! Why, you take the form of a Kitsune! Never in my life have I heard of an Animagus taking the form of a magical creature! And look! You even have a Star Ball! Oh, this is so exciting!" She reached out with a tentative hand and took my right paw in hand. She ran her free fingers through the fire cuffs around my wrists, her smile growing wider when she remained unscathed. McGonagall looked into my eyes with wonder. "My dear, there is nothing wrong with you. I always knew you were a special girl and your Animagus form further proves your place in our world. Never in the history of magic has there ever been a magical Animagus. You should be proud."

My tails, all five of them, swished in happiness. McGonagall stood up, still wearing the biggest smile I've ever seen on her. "I'll get started on your registration papers. Until then, I'll have to ask that you keep this a bit of a secret. Once the Ministry gets hold of this, you will learn the true value of privacy."

The sound of a door opening had us both tensing.

McGonagall pushed open the window and gestured for me through. "Go on. Enjoy a bit of freedom. I suppose you already know a few ways inside."

Without further encouragement, I jumped onto the window sill and into the summer air. I caught McGonagall's greeting to Professor Snape before hitting the ground. Concluding that this was not an area I wanted to be in, I decided to go for a run.

The grounds of Hogwarts were beautiful, peaceful under the night sky. No one was around to bother me or make irritating sounds. I was free to run and play to my heart's content without the risk of being discovered. It's true what McGonagall said. In the entire history of magic and Animagi, there has never once been a Animagus that took the form of a magical beast. There have been some odd ball ones: a sloth, a goldfish, a labradoodle, a narwhal, but never a creature of that contained magic of it's own. My form would indeed attract attention. My only hope was that it would die down sooner rather than later. How long could people fawn over a single girl because she could change into a multi-tailed fox?

Kitsunes, as I recall, have many different breeds, each as elusive as the last. There were thirteen known types of Kitsunes; Wind, Earth, Fire, River, Ocean, Forest, Mountain, Lightning, Celestial, Dark, Music, Time, and Spirit. Though fre ringed my wrists, I couldn't confirm that I was a Fire Kitsune as all Kitsunes, save Lightning, could manipulate Fox Fire. The coloring of my cream and black forelegs most likely points to a Mountain Kitsune. I promised myself to go over that chapter again and do more thorough research now that I knew for sure what I was.

And then there was this… Star Ball that McGonagall pointed out. It was mentioned in the book as well, but I didn't pay much attention. What I remember is that the Star Ball is a portion of the Kitsune's mind, magic, and very soul. A Star Ball is the Kitsune's life.

A Kitsune's life.

An idea struck me. It's perfect. Until my debt was paid off, it would be a wonderful way to show Viktor my good will. Maybe if he saw I was willing to work with him, he won't force me into bearing his children. I have a school career to think about and a real career after that. I could not excel in my studies if I'm saddled with children. Not that I don't want kids someday, but not while I still have to worry over homework and exams. Not to mention all the trouble Harry attracts that I have to save him from.

Yes. It is a genius plan! The Star Ball is an extension of me. Should he ever need me, one tug would bring me to his side. When all's said and done and my debt is paid, I'll have him give it back. Everyone's a winner!

It's not so late. Viktor should still be up. I could give it to him now.

I was nearing the Black Lake, the Durmstrang pirate ship in sight, when I was caught within a large set of hands.