Ron Weasley was not happy. Sure the first couple of months of fourth year were good, not great, but good. Great would have had him trying out for keeper and leading the Gryffindor Quidditch team to their fourth Quidditch Cup victory. Great would have had his choice of hot birds fawning over him and telling him how amazing he was (all while feeling up his manly muscles). Great would have had Hermione agreeing to do his schoolwork for him so he wasn't so far behind in his classes he was getting extra work on top of the work he already was late doing.
But no, bloody Harry 'The Boy Who Lived' Potter had to show him up again. As Ron lay in his four post, he kept stewing. Harry ruined everything Ron Weasley had going for him this year. Why Harry had to keep getting everything was beyond him. Now Harry was going to have the entire school watching him compete against that French tart and Viktor Krum. The fact the competition could be deadly didn't stick in Ron's mind. As far as he was concerned Dumbledore would never let anything happen to the Golden boy of Hogwarts. It was like the Forbidden Forest, dangerous sure, but not really forbidden. Harry had to be lying about putting his name in the Goblet. He seemed eager to go after the Sorcerer's stone and to hunt the basilisk, so why would this be any different?
The more he thought about it the angrier he got. Looking over at the closed curtains to the left of him, Ron continued thinking about how unfair it all was, not really considering the jinxes and shoves Harry(and by association Hermione though she always had someone making fun of her, really) had been dealing with all week. The not so quiet whispers in classrooms and in the common room saying he was a show off. Finally fed up, Ron threw a pillow full force through Harry's bed curtains and was surprised when more than one yelp came from within.
The resulting noise woke the other three occupants in the room and when Ron yanked back Harry's curtains back so hard they fell off the track, they all came face to face with a very disheveled and angry Harry…and Hermione.
"What the actual…? I mean what are you….? HERMIONE YOU BLOODY SLAG! HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SLEEPING WITH HIM, HUH?"
That got everyone in the room's attention. Four pairs of eyes were now focused on the duo in Harry's bed. Harry did his best to keep Hermione out of view but after what Ron said she was livid and didn't care who heard her. Ron was supposed to be Harry's best friend. He was supposed to support Harry in all this. And he was a prat. She stood and moved around to face the steaming red head.
"As if I care what you think of me, Ronald Bilius Weasley! You don't speak a word to me for a week and then beg me, not for help, but to catch you up on your homework by doing it for you! You're supposed to be Harry's best friend. Isn't that what you're always bragging about? Being Harry's best mate? Or is that only when it works in your favor?"
"ME?! I haven't done anything!"
"Exactly! Where have you been since Harry's name came out of that damn cup?"
Ron ignored her. "You're the one who's been hanging all over Harry this year. Don't deny it. It started when the two of you disappeared this summer. And now he's got you shagging him in the bloody dorms - "
The sound of Hermione's hand cracking against Ron's cheek echoed in the silence of the early morning. Unfortunately, for everyone (and most especially Ron) his first reaction was not to grab his cheek and gape but to swing back.
Three things happened almost simultaneously: the first was Ron's hand impacting Hermione's cheek hard enough for her to stumble into Harry's bedside table; the second was Seamus, Dean, and Neville jumping and yelling at the redhead; and the third and probably most impressive thing was Harry Potter's eyes glowing bright green and Ron flying backwards and impacting with the wall a good five feet off the ground.
"What the hell?! Harry let me down!"
"Ron, I'm going to say this once and I want you to listen, really listen and not with the part of your brain that isn't interested in food but with your whole brain because this is the only time you are going to get this warning. Never and I mean NEVER lay a hand on Hermione again or I promise you it will be the last thing you do. I will remove that hand. I don't care that you've been spreading rumors about me to the other houses, I don't even care that you've been talking about me in the common room for the past three years to make yourself look better. What I do care about is you talking about Hermione." Harry said from his place on the floor next to the shocked witch. When she wiped a bit of blood from the corner of her mouth, Harry went very still for a moment before touching Hermione's cheek briefly then rising and walking over to his former first friend.
"Are you honestly that jealous of me, Ron?" Harry asked quietly, not yet meeting the redhead's eyes.
"Bloody hell, Harry, you have everything! Everything! You think Mum didn't mention what your vault looked like when she went to get your school stuff? You have people talking about you all the time. And now you have Hermione there doing not only your homework but YOU!"
"Why you foul mouthed little…" Hermione began before Harry stopped her with a look.
Harry stood up now, hard green eyes staring into Ron. "I warned you already about saying shit about Hermione that you know nothing about. She's stuck by me this whole time. She's been tripped and jinxed even more than I have and you still talk out your arse. And what about what I was wearing when we first met? The ratty, too big jeans and thread bare flannel shirt? Or my trainers being held together with tape? Did any of that stick with you? Or did you only notice that I bought some of everything on the trolley - after I saw your smashed sandwiches."
"So what? You could buy whatever you wanted new you just never did. I never could figure out why you didn't rub your money in those muggles faces. Maybe you just liked having something to complain about. Not my fault they couldn't be bothered with you." Ron spat.
"Couldn't be bothered? Does this look like the muggles couldn't be bothered with me, Ron? Does this help explain in your tiny mind why you and the twins had to come for me second year? I lived in hell for eleven years and I go back to hell for two months out of the year and you think that having money or fame makes up for it? Does this look like 'something to complain about'? I'd rather have my parents back any day, mate."
Ron gaped at the network of scars crisscrossing Harry's back. Even at the Burrow Harry tended to keep a shirt on most of the time, so this was the first time in nearly three years of knowing Harry that Ron got a good look at his back and chest. Harry didn't wait for a reply though. He took his tee shirt and dressing gown from Hermione and was leading her out of the boy's dorm.
"And don't worry about your 'delicate sensibilities' Ron. If everything works out today, I should be out of the dorm and out of the tower tonight."
"Um, Harry? Hermione? Are you still going to be in the castle?" Neville asked quietly from his place on his bed, Trevor the toad staring longingly at Ron as if he was a giant bug on the wall.
Harry gave him a small grin. "We don't know yet, Neville. I don't think it's turning out to be such a good idea." With that, the two disappeared leaving the other boys to deal with Ron Weasley.
Hermione and Harry left the Hospital wing showered, dressed and having had breakfast all courtesy of Dobby. Madame Pomfrey was livid when she saw Hermione but couldn't convince the two teens to explain what happened. All she could get out of them was that it wouldn't be a problem after the weekend. And neither of them killed or permanently maimed anyone. The two left the Matron's tender mercies and headed out to Black Lake for a much needed walk and to await the arrival of Remus, Padfoot and the Goblins.
"How much do you want to bet Ron will have me spending the night in your dorm all over the castle before breakfast is over?" Hermione asked, skipping a rock and watching with some amusement as the giant squid skipped it back to her.
"That's a sucker bet. If you want something to spread it's a toss up between telling a Weasley and telling Lavender or Parvati. It's Ron's fault he never paid any attention to you crashing up there before. Neville, Dean and the twins will set the story straight."
"Yes, but it's not like anyone will actually listen to them. It's more exciting this way. Oh, Harry, can you just imagine what it's going to say in the Daily Prophet?"
Harry sighed. "What's one more thing? The Boy-Who-Lived breaking the rules at Hogwarts! Has the brightest witch of the age in his bed! For exclusive interviews with no one who even knows them, turn to page three. It's not like it can get me kicked out of the tournament." Harry paused and raised a hopeful eyebrow to Hermione.
"No, Harry, I don't think me sleeping with you will get you out of the tournament. One way or the other, you git! At least try and keep your mind out of the gutter!" She smacked him lightly on the upper arm when he waggled his eyebrows at her.
"Oh, well, it was worth a try. Then the most they could do is expel me and I know they won't do that. Dumbledore won't let that happen." He looked at her through his lashes (which in Hermione's mind had no business framing his eyes like that). "And the gutter is about the safest place right now. What else do I have going for me?"
Hermione clapped her hands together abruptly. "Okay, this is getting depressing. I don't want to think about either of us getting expelled from Hogwarts, mainly because I think I can still be expelled at least. Let's talk about something else."
"Really, Hermione? Okay, let me think…no gutter talk, so what's left? I have to steal from a dragon, so there's that. BOTH of us are leaving Gryffindor Tower to stay in Goblin housing…okay that might not be depressing. That might actually be kind of cool. Do you know how Goblins live?"
Hermione shook her head before sitting back against her favorite tree. "The Goblins are classified as magical creatures by the Ministry and they live under Gringotts which was founded as a bank in 1474. Under the bank though is a whole country basically. Wizards aren't welcome below the bank so no one really knows how deep or how large the Goblins home actually is. It could conceivably run under all of Diagon Alley."
"Really? So wizards trust the Goblins with all their gold but don't see them as people and make them live underground? Then nobody really knows how many Goblins there are?"
Watching Harry pace at the edge of the lake, Hermione smiled slightly. "No. But it will help you in the end. Goblins are great warriors and since the Ministry doesn't allow them to carry wands, their skills and magic are different from what we learn. Plus the oldest vaults in Gringotts are guarded by dragons."
Harry spun on his heel, "Wait, the Goblins have dragons?"
"Yes, pup and they also hate to be kept waiting so now that I've found you both, we can meet everyone." Remus said from behind the teens. He was surprised when both met him in a crouch with wands drawn before he finished speaking. Then he noticed Hermione's face.
"What happened, Hermione?" It came out in a growl.
Harry tucked his wand back in his pocket and helped Hermione to her feet. "It's fine, Remus. Madame Pomfrey took care of it and the bruising should be gone by tomorrow."
"It's a good thing the two of you are getting out of the castle. Ironfist's paperwork was well, ironclad and Dumbledore couldn't argue with the harassment you two are dealing with. The goblins don't follow the 'children being children' line Dumbledore spouts," Remus said as he fell into step with the two. "But I want to know what happened to Hemione."
She sighed as Harry wrapped an arm around her waist. "Ron was…well, pissy…this morning and threw a pillow through Harry's bed curtains. We had a disagreement and I slapped him."
"Wait, you slapped, Ron?" Remus asked.
"Yes. And he slapped back. It's over for now, Remus. Will he still be a prat? Probably. But I don't think he actually meant to hit me. I think it was more of a reflex."
"Reflex or not, I meant what I said. I'll take his hand off if he touches you again." Harry grumbled.
"Let's try not to have that happen, Harry because if it does, I want first go at him. And I won't guarantee to leave you anything once I'm done with him. Oh!"
Harry was pulled to a stop when Hermione paused. There was a bank vault on the lawn of Hogwarts. It wasn't huge but it was bigger than the flying pumpkin stagecoach the Beauxbatons students were staying in. But it wasn't quite like any bank vault Harry imagined. It was made of stone, with three arches containing three locked doors. Each door had some sort of keypad next to a giant handle. Harry wasn't sure he'd even be able to turn the handle to get inside.
Waiting at the archway facing them was a well dressed Goblin with the wildest eyebrows Hermione had ever seen. Next to the Goblin was Padfoot.
"Ah, you have found them! Excellent. Mr Potter or should I say Heir Apparent Potter and Miss Granger, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Ironfist and I am in charge of the Potter and Black accounts. I believe the first order of business should be…Miss Granger, may I ask…" the Goblins eyes narrowed on the young witch while Padfoot growled.
Hermione sighed and opened her mouth but Harry beat her to it. "It's been taken care of, Mr Ironfist."
"Really, Harry, maybe I should just go and stand in the Great Hall until Ron comes down for breakfast? Let everyone get a good look all at once and then we can see what nonsense Ron spouts."
The Goblin frowned and Harry noticed the guards were paying close attention to them.
"We don't have to see anyone else until dinner, Mi, that's the only meal we're required to eat in the Great Hall. By then everyone will know something happened."
"Yes, and then everyone will stop and stare. And you HATE when people stare. Maybe I should go in at lunch to get it out of the way."
Harry shook his head. "No way are you going back to the castle by yourself. And people will stare at me anyway because it happened in the boys dorm."
The Goblin interrupted. "Please, just Ironfist, Mr Potter and I will take your word for it this time. You both will have gobin escorts when you are outside your quarters. Whether or not you decide to have them in the castle will be up to you but I highly recommend it. I will be having words with the Headmaster to ensure these steps are followed. Miss Granger, Mr Dumbledore was most insistent about you remaining in the dorms."
Shaking her head, Hermione frowned. "I don't think that's going to be the best idea after this morning. The … incident was loud and the Deputy Headmistress has already been informed that my things are being messed with."
"I agree, Miss Granger and you will be staying here. We Goblins do not tolerate abuse of children. Goblin children are well trained but cherished by the entire clan. If Mr Dumbledore has a problem with that, well we can bury him in so much paperwork the tournament will be over by the time he sorts through all of it. Now, let us look at your new accommodations."
A regular door appeared when Ironfist pressed his palm to a panel next to the enormous door handle. The initial antechamber they entered was open and spartan, To Harry's surprise the vault magically expanded both up and down with an impressive gym and sparring room spread out below them. It was up that Ironfist led them first, the first floor holding an open common room with two large fireplaces, several overstuffed couches and armchairs, and multiple floor to ceiling bookshelves all crammed with books. Hermione was practically vibrating next to him.
The goblin beside them noticed the young witch and smiled. "I was warned of your thirst for knowledge Miss Granger and while this library should hold all you need - more emphasis will be placed on the physical training of Mr Pott - excuse me - Harry for the tournament. But Gringotts will be providing tutors for your classes if you are both interested. With your position as Harry's advisor you will be excused from graded classwork and exams as well."
Hermione nodded. "I'm not a particularly physical person but I would like to train with Harry if it's possible. I think that training would come in handy considering how often he attracts trouble."
"Hey now!"
"Please feel free to look around and then meet Remus and myself in the training rooms below. I will introduce you to your tutors then."
The rest of the upstairs consisted of four bedrooms all with private baths attached, a small greenhouse, a potions lab, and a stairway leading to the roof. After calling for Dobby and asking him to bring both of their belongings to the bedroom they chose and to be careful not to get caught, Harry and Hermione moved to the training room.
The large space held what appeared to be an obstacle course, a track, weights, and a warded area to duel. Several large Goblins wearing what looked like dragon skin trousers were sparring with swords.
"Ah, did you find everything to your liking, Harry, Hermione?"
"Yes, Ironfirst, everything is more than perfect." Hermione replied watching the Goblins finish their bout and head towards the small group.
"I'd like to introduce you to your tutors. This is Ironclaw - my son and one of the Nation's finest swordsmen. Lockjaw - a hand to hand specialist, Barloot - your tutor for general classwork and lastly Grimlock- our potions Master. They will be helping the both of you throughout the tournament. Goblins - Miss Granger would like to train with Harry as Mr Lupin indicated would most likely be the case."
The tallest of the Goblins stepped forward. His eyebrows were just as wild as Ironfist's and it was easy to see the two were related.
"Mr Potter, Miss Granger it is an honor to train two such as yourselves. The Nation is…disappointed in the way the Headmaster is treating your inclusion in this event and will assist in any way we can."
Harry smiled and offered his hand to the Goblin. Startled, the Goblins began shaking the two teens' hands, Grimlock pausing when he got to Hermione.
"Miss Granger, I was unable to arrange a viewing of the Goblet of Fire for you, however, I was able to spend some time examining it and making notes of the runes on the cup. In order to ensure the accuracy of my notes I also have a memory crystal included of the cup to allow you to examine it at your leisure."
Gobsmacked, Hermione couldn't speak for a moment. "I…thank you so much, Grimlock. I can't tell you how much this means to me. I don't believe for a moment that a simple Confundus charm could have gotten past an artifact so ancient."
"You are most welcome. It is most refreshing to meet a magical who thinks outside of the proverbial box."
Turning serious, Harry looked at the group assembled before him (Sirius now back in his human form). "Okay - this is where we stand right now. I know I have to get past a dragon and collect something. Moody told me that much already. I don't know if he told Cedric or if the other champions know about it yet. Moody suggested I learn the summoning charm and out fly the dragon. I've gone through a 'weighing of the wands' which was nothing more than fingering our wands and the papers trying to get us into broom closets with the reporters. I have until November 24th to not get barbecued. Thoughts?"
Lockjaw laughed - at least Harry thought it was Lockjaw. It was difficult to tell the warrior Goblins apart. Some had facial hair or eyebrows to distinguish them but others it fell to height or ear shape to tell the difference.
"Well met, Harry! Straight to business! First of all, NO FLYING. You would be an insect to a dragon and an annoying one at that. It's unheard of to out fly a dragon. Not impossible I'd think, but not something I'd want to attempt. First we will check the list of Magical Creature imports into the country. They must register the dragons they are bringing into the country. We will find out the four types of dragons and their strengths and weaknesses such as they are."
Hermione jumped in, excited. "Yes! From there we can focus on the most probable dragon Harry will get - regardless of how the dragon is chosen for the champions it's likely he will face the most dangerous of the bunch."
"Exactly, Hermione. For now - both of you get changed into sparring clothes. We will begin with speed and reflex drills. Those will help you throughout the tournament."
Remus nodded to the teens. "I will be heading up to the castle along with Ironfist to meet with Minerva before we see Dumbledore. I'm sure Hermione's incident will have reached at least Minerva by then and you be your arse I will use it to keep her here. Sirius will be staying here with us until his trial, which the two of you have been requested to attend. I will also be getting permission for you to leave school grounds for that. For now, get to work, the both of you."