Where Harry, Ron and Hermione see something they have never seen before.

HERMIONE X

Hermione, Ron and Harry all stood unmoving in front of the coach that stopped in front of them. There was something quite unusual about it. Instead of moving on their own, the coaches were now dragged by strange creatures that had the appearance of small dragons, black of color, their flesh outlining their bones, white eyes staring in front of them and not giving them any attention. They also had wings, although they remained firmly on the ground.

They just left the Hogwarts Express, on their way to the feast at the beginning of the year, and they came face to face with those creatures neither of them ever saw before.

"You see what I'm seeing?" Harry asked both Ron and Hermione.

"Yes," Ron replied. "What are… these?" He looked to Hermione, as if he expected her to provide an answer.

"I don't know. Why weren't they here in the previous years?" she asked, but none of the boys could answer.

"Ah, here you are?" Neville just arrived from behind them. The heavy rain had utterly soaked him just as it utterly soaked them. "Can I climb with you?"

Neville almost always came with them, so he didn't even wait for an answer and went inside the coach. A few instants later, he looked at them from inside. "What are you waiting for?"

"Neville? You didn't notice?" Ron asked him, pointing to the black creatures.

Neville peaked from inside the coach, then looked back at them. "You can see them now?"

The three were surprised. "What do you mean, now?" Hermione asked him.

"They have been there from the day we arrived in our first year. Remember, Hermione? I told you, but you didn't want to believe me."

Hermione dug into her memory, and then she remembered Neville asking her about the horses that drove the coaches. She had to rectify him, and to make him understand there were no horses back then.

"You saw them, three years ago? They were already there?" Hermione asked, totally taken aback.

"Yes. They're frightening, but they never harmed anyone. So, you're coming?"

With some reluctance, Harry, Ron and Hermione climbed into the coach, and it moved forward, just like every year before.

"How does it come we couldn't see them before, and now we can?" Harry asked.

"I don't know," Neville shrugged. "There aren't many people who can see them. I'm one of the few. Most people mock me when I talk about the horses leading the coaches, so I stopped talking about it."

Despite this surprise, their journey to the castle proved quiet and eventless despite the heavy rain. The trip aboard the Hogwarts Express had been quite different. They were interrupted by Malfoy, who threatened them, especially Harry. His friend Goyle looked very angry, probably because his father was sent to Azkaban. He had been the only Death Eater to be arrested following the events at the Quidditch World Cup. Harry and Ron didn't miss opportunities to entertain Malfoy with the perspective of his father being arrested one day, which made this idiot even more angry. The boys' discussion about the match of the Quidditch World Cup proved much more entertaining, although Hermione was tired of discussing Quidditch after a time and began reading. Now, they could look forward to the feast. Still, the beasts that dragged the coaches remained on Hermione's mind.

"Maybe we should ask Hagrid about these winged horses?" Harry suggested. "Perhaps he knows something."

"Maybe. I didn't think about asking him," Neville confessed.

"We should visit him tomorrow," Hermione supported. "To see how he fares. It's only been two months since… Buckbeak died."

No one dared to contradict her. Hermione wasn't proud of it, but she didn't think much about Hagrid and the hippogriff during summer. Too much was going on, between her stay at the Burrow, the Quidditch World Cup and all the events that followed. She should have written to Hagrid more often.

Another surprise awaited them when they walked into the Entrance Hall. The moment they stepped in, Ron received a large red ball similar to a Quaffle on the head, and it exploded into a large quantity of water that sprayed the four of them. Harry and Hermione got another one on their feet, before Professor McGonagall ended Peeves' dubious jokes. Hermione, and everyone else were glad when they sat down at the Gryffindor table, in the warmth of the Great Hall.

Harry was almost jumped upon by Colin Creevey, a third-year student who was a personal fan of him. Unlike Ginny, he didn't seem to have grown out of his fascination for Harry.

"I'm hungry," Ron said in the meantime. "I hope the Sorting ceremony will not take too much time."

"Did your stomach grumble so much when we arrived at Hogwarts three years ago?" Hermione asked, a little exasperated by his complains.

"Oh, I can say you were as voracious as you are today, Mr Weasley," Nearly Headless Nick said next to them.

"Well, you're lucky," Ron told him. "You're a ghost. You cannot be hungry."

Hermione rolled her eyes. Couldn't Ron be a little more tactful? Nick seemed a little offended by his words. "It is not because I cannot eat anymore that I do not feel the envy of eating. Do you believe I enjoy watching you gorging your mouth without any manner while I stay next to you doing nothing?" the ghost asked.

Hermione wanted to apologize to Nick, but Harry asked her a question at the moment. "Brothers and sisters usually go in the same houses, don't they?"

"Oh no, Harry. Come on, you should know better." She replied on a tone that was probably too bitter, because of Ron's words for Nick. "Parvati has a twin sister who's in Ravenclaw, remember." Harry seemed embarrassed to have forgotten about it. If he didn't think about things like that, then he definitely took the right decision when he broke up with Parvati. "You dated…"

She stopped herself at the last moment, and Harry went to look in the other direction. Well, if Harry didn't want her to say it out loud, she wouldn't, though she expected the whole school would know sooner or later.

Hermione looked at Parvati, who sat far away from them with Lavender. The two girls were actively discussing between them, like always. She didn't seem to pay any attention to Harry, which Hermione interpreted as a good thing. When Harry told her for the first time that he dated Parvati, Hermione had almost laughed because she thought it was a joke. But it became evident quite quickly that Harry was serious. Hermione was stunned, then a part of her had wanted to laugh again. Really, if Harry wanted to date a girl, he had many better options than Parvati. She noticed at this moment that unlike what she thought previously, Harry was not looking at the staff table, but rather in another direction, and when Hermione followed his gaze, she realized that it fell on Cho Chang. That wasn't something she was surprised of. It was clear at the end of last year that Harry was infatuated with that girl. And truth be told, Hermione would approve much more of Harry going out with Cho than with Parvati. At least, they had some things in common.

She looked at the staff table though. Of course, Professor Lupin was not here, having resigned at the end of last year. Hermione felt she would miss him this year. However, she didn't see any new professor. Hagrid was missing, of course, but this was no surprise since he was leading the first years on the lake. Hermione really hoped he was fine. He seemed to be in good spirits enough when they saw him at Hogsmeade's station earlier.

"Where's the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher?" she asked. She didn't get an answer, so she formulated one. "Maybe they couldn't get anyone."

She hoped this wasn't the case. Defence Against the Dark Arts was one of the most important subjects in their curriculum. It would be a disaster if Dumbledore couldn't find a professor for this year.

"Oh, hurry up," Ron complained next to her. "I could eat a hippogriff!"

Hermione was about to berate him for saying such a thing after what happened to Buckbeak, but the doors of the Great Hall opened at this moment. A large group of first-year students walked in, led by Professor McGonagall, all completely soaked to the bone. Most were shivering, their arms tightly against their belly. Hermione felt sad for them. She realized how lucky she had been to make the crossing of the lake during a night without rain three years ago.

In this moment, Hermione thought about how long it had been since that day she arrived at Hogwarts. She had been all excited back then, when she climbed into the boat with Harry, Ron and Neville. And when she got her first glimpse of Hogwarts, she remained speechless. She read extensively about the school during summer, from the very moment she received her letter, but all the words written on parchment and paper did not give it justice. Hermione looked at the invisible ceiling, lightning illuminating the black sky. It was these three years ago that she looked at the ceiling for the first time.

As the Sorting Hat began to sing, Hermione thought of the song, different, which he made when she arrived. And then she thought of her own Sorting. The Hat had hesitated. Hermione was already hoping she would go in Gryffindor, but the Hat seriously considered sending her in Ravenclaw. She wasn't that surprised. Hermione had a hunger for learning, and to be honest, without trying to feel superior, she knew of no one else in the school who was as eager as she was, back then and today, to learn. But the Hat sent her to Gryffindor in the end, and she was glad he did. Otherwise, she might not have met Harry and Ron.

Her two best friends clapped as the Hat finished his song. Hermione joined them and everybody else in the Great Hall. Hermione had been fascinated by Harry when she arrived at Hogwarts. Truth be told, she already knew she would be in the same year as he was. Harry probably didn't know it at the time, and he might ignore it right now, due to the fact he hated to be famous, but he was mentioned in many great works of magic, which Hermione poured through during her summer holidays preceding her entry at Hogwarts. She found out his birth date, and quickly concluded he should be arriving at Hogwarts at the same time as she would. They met on the train for the first time, and after the accident with the troll during Hallowe'en, they became friends.

Hermione had also met Ron for the first time on the train. She had to admit that she was far less fascinated by him. He was eating when she asked him his name and he told her, his mouth full of chocolate. They also clashed very quickly, for example when he encouraged Harry to confront Malfoy in the middle of the night. Hermione was glad that Harry refused. And after Hallowe'en, it became worse between Hermione and Ron. In some way, now that she thought about it, it must not have been easy for Harry, being the friend of two people who, at the time, despised each other. Hermione found Ron immature, lazy, even stupid at the time. Well, he still was, in some respect, but he was also a very good friend, courageous and loyal. And he could be brilliant, hardworking, and very mature when he wanted. Hermione had the proof of it when both he and she went down with Harry in the dungeons to stop Quirrell. It was at this time that she realized she cared about Ron, when he was prisoner of the Devil's Snare, and when he was knocked unconscious during the chess game. Afterwards, Hermione was as much his friend as she was Harry's friend. It was very odd. She imagined her own self, three years, on the day she arrived at Hogwarts. The little girl of that time would never have thought that one day she would be a close friend of Ronald Weasley. She wasn't even happy and only politely applauded when he was sorted into Gryffindor.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Back in the present, a very small boy put out the Hat from his head and joined the Gryffindor table. He sat next to Colin Creevey. By the way they spoke, Hermione quickly understood that this was Colin's little brother. She found it odd that his brother was a wizard too. Both of Colin's parents were Muggles. What were the odds for two Muggles to have two sons with magical powers?

The Sorting Ceremony continued, new students joining the tables of each house. Hermione noticed how Harry's gaze wandered to a specific spot of the Ravenclaw table each time the Hat shouted the name of this house. Hermione was sure now, and relieved about it as well, that Harry took the best decision when he broke up with Parvati. He was certainly not in love with her if he only had eyes for another girl for who he already had a crush last year.

She looked more closely to Ron for the rest of the Sorting. To the opposite of Harry, the only specific place where he looked was the empty plate in front of him. She even thought she heard his stomach gurgling. Hermione couldn't stop herself from smiling.

Finally, the last student went to the Hat and was sent to Hufflepuff, where he sat not far from Hermione's best friend in this house, Susan Bones. Then McGonagall carried away the Hat and the stool, and Professor Dumbledore stood up. Ron said something between relief that the Sorting was finally over and complaint that his plate was still empty.

"I have only two words to say to you," the Headmaster said. And it was obvious everyone was waiting for the two words to fall. "Tuck in."

And the empty dishes filled immediately, and everyone voraciously filled their own plate and goblet with everything they could get their hands on. Hermione noticed how Nick looked with regret to them.

"You're lucky there's a feast at all tonight, you know," he told them as their mouths were full of steak, chicken, bread, fries and ham. "There was trouble in the kitchens earlier."

"Why? What happened?" Harry asked after finished a good portion of steak.

"Peeves, of course. The usual argument, you know. He wanted to attend the feast. Well, it's quite out of the question, you know what he's like, utterly uncivilised, can't see a plate of food without throwing it. We held a ghosts' council. The Fat friar was all for giving him the chance. But, most wisely in my opinion, the Bloody Baron put his foot down."

"Yeah, we thought Peeves seemed hacked off about something," Ron said on a dark tone. This time, Hermione didn't blame him. He was the one to receive a ball of water straight on the head. His hair had not dried yet. Now that she thought about it, she should have done something. "So what did he do in the kitchens?"

"Oh, the usual. Wreaked havoc and mayhem. Pots and pans everywhere. Place swimming in soup. Terrified the house-elves out of their wits."

"House-elves? There are house-elves here? At Hogwarts?" Ron asked, unbelieving.

"Certainly. The largest number in any dwelling in Britain, I believe. Over a hundred."

"So many?" Harry asked. "I knew Dobby was sent to work there after we freed him from Malfoy, but I didn't know there were so many."

Hermione said nothing. She had totally forgotten about that and was as surprised as Ron was when Nick told them about the elves. Dobby was the elf who tried, not very efficiently, to save Harry during their second year because he knew about the Chamber of Secrets. And he was indeed sent to the kitchens of Hogwarts after Lucius Malfoy was coerced to send him away. Hermione should have realized that there were more elves working there.

"How come we have never seen one?" Hermione asked. If they were so many…

"Well, they hardly ever leave the kitchen by day," Nick explained. "They come out at night to do a bit of cleaning, see to the fires and so on. I mean, you're not supposed to see them, are you? That's the mark of a good house-elf, isn't it? That you don't know it's there."

"Well, then Dobby does not fit the job description," Harry said ironically.

"Dobby? Is that the one who is wearing clothes? And the only one who gets paid?"

Hermione was surprised by this. "What do you mean, the only one who gets paid? The other house-elves are not paid?"

Nick laughed at this moment. "Paid? House-elves don't want to be paid. They want to work. Though it is true that this Dobby is an exception. An original. He wears clothes, says he is free, and he gets paid. But he works just as hard as the other elves. Except during his monthly leave."

"Monthly leave?" Harry asked.

"Yes. He's got one day off per month. In addition to the Galleon he makes every week."

"One Galleon per week?!" Hermione was outraged. "And one day off per month? That's all?! How is it different from being a slave?"

Nick looked offended by Hermione's words. "Don't say that, Hermione. I'm aware of what this elf endured under his previous master. I feel sorry for him. But most elves are not mistreated. Their masters can be hard with them, sometimes, but they don't hurt them. The elves here are very happy and well treated. Dumbledore and the staff are very kind with them. And as for Dobby, it was he who chose his salary and his work conditions. When he asked Dumbledore if he could get paid and have days off, the Headmaster offered him ten Galleons per week, and all weekends off. It was Dobby who decided to be paid less and work more. He said he wouldn't know how to use all his money, anyway."

"Is this elf mad? He decided himself to cut his salary by ten, and his vacation by as much?" Ron asked, incredulous.

"What did you expect from a house-elf? They love to work. They don't want to be paid."

Hermione was almost disgusted. How could people not want to be paid and work for free? Her appetite somewhat lessened at the thought this food was prepared by something akin to slavery. She addressed Harry.

"We should visit Dobby, Harry."

Harry looked at her. "Yeah, why not? It's true, I never went to see him last year. Where are the kitchens?"

"I'm sorry, Harry, but I cannot tell you," Nick said. "The students cannot access the kitchens. It's forbidden. You would disturb the elves and their work. But if you want, I can tell this Dobby that you want to see him. He's always talking about you. And about your mother too."

"No surprise there," Harry said. "I wonder how he managed to not come and see me for this whole time."

"Like I said, not being seen is a great quality for an elf. And all of them are very professional. Though you shouldn't think that he didn't see you, Harry. It is only you who didn't see him."

"What do you mean?"

"He watched over you. Last year. Remember. After Pettigrew managed to get through the Dementors, he watched over you as you went all across the school. It was your mother who had the idea."

That was something Harry was definitely not aware of, judging by his reaction. Nick seemed to realize that as well and looked embarrassed to have said something he shouldn't have.

"Well, all that to say, you can talk with him as much as you like, if you want."

Nick distanced himself from them.

"That Dobby followed you everywhere last year?" Ron asked, unbelieving. "No wonder trouble keeps running after you, with that elf all around."

The rest of the feast went without much worth of mention. Hermione didn't eat as much as she would have liked, after what she just learned, but she did all the same. After all, Dobby was getting paid, at the very least. Once desserts were cleared, and dishes empty and clean again, Dumbledore stood up once more.

"So, now that we are all fed and watered, I must once more ask for your attention, while I give a few notices."

"Hey, who's sitting next to Hagrid?" Ron asked all of a sudden.

Ron was right. Hagrid had arrived, probably during the Sorting or shortly after. Hermione thought he seemed in relatively good spirits. But they definitely would have to visit him tomorrow.

What seemed to attract Ron's attention though was the man sitting right next to him. And Hermione understood why. This man was definitely not sitting at the staff table when they arrived. If he had been, Hermione was sure they would have spotted him, given his particular appearance. His face was populated by so many scars that it was distorted. A part of his nose was missing, as if it was cut. And one of his eyes was big, with a blue pupil, and was moving feverishly from one place to another. Hermione felt it on her face for a moment and shivered under its gaze. She had missed Dumbledore's first announcements because her attention was grabbed by this new teacher. However, even she couldn't miss the latest announcement.

"It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."

"WHAT?!"

The whole Great Hall erupted, and Hermione herself was caught off guard.

"What?" she said, although much lower than most people. She saw Angelina who seemed to be out of herself, and Ron's brothers Fred and George were definitely not happy either. Ron himself was not happy. Hermione remembered what they discussed during summer, that Ron wanted to try to join the team. She knew that Ginny too was tempted to try. Hermione looked at her. Ron's sister was thunderstruck.

"This is due to an event that will be starting in October," the Headmaster continued, the complaints slowly receding. Hermione wanted to hear what Dumbledore would say next. What could warrant the cancellation of the Quidditch Cup? "And continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy. But I am sure you will al enjoy it immensely." All sounds had stopped now. Everyone now seemed to want to know at all costs what was going to take place this year. "I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts, will take place the Triwizard Tournament."

Hermione was stunned. Immediately, the Great Hall was filled by conversations. As for Hermione, she struggled to believe what she just heard. She knew what this tournament was. She read about it. But she never thought that it would take place again.

"Some of you will not know what this Tournament involves, so I hope those who do know will forgive me, and allow their attention to wander while I explain to those who do not know. The Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago, as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry. Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. The schools took it in turns to host the Tournament once every five years, and it was generally agreed to be a most excellent way of establishing ties between young witches and wizards of different nationalities. Until the death toll mounted so high that the Tournament was discontinued."

"Death toll?" Hermione found herself murmuring.

She almost strangled herself while swallowing. She read about accidents that happened during the Tournament. In 1792, a cockatrice managed to flee during a task and injured the headmasters of all three schools. However, it was the first time she heard that people actually died in the Tournament. Were they really going to bring back a murderous event? Hermione, despite coming to love Quidditch, was always appalled by the brutality of the sport, and wished they changed rules to make it safer. But no one ever died playing Quidditch, except a referee in very strange circumstances, but it had been over six hundred years ago and never happened again. Hermione was almost horrified to see how everyone around seemed excited about the Tournament.

"There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the Tournament," Dumbledore resumed, while the atmosphere remained somewhat electrified. It was as if Dumbledore had announced a new Quidditch World Cup that would take place at Hogwarts. "None of which have been very successful. However, our own Departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided the time is ripe for another attempt. We have worked hard over the summer to ensure that, this time, no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger."

This was a relief to Hermione. She should have known better. Dumbledore would never have allowed a competition to take place if there was any danger for the lives of students. In this case, the Tournament might indeed be a event to look forward, and for the right reasons.

"The Heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their short-listed contenders in October."

At this news, Hermione got very excited. She read so much about those schools. It would be fantastic to meet wizards from other countries. Her experience with wizarding communities of other countries had been limited to France so far. But having students from both these schools coming here would be a great opportunity to meet other magical cultures and learn more about them. Beauxbatons, although it was located in France, also welcomed students from Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. As for Durmstrang, its students came from Scandinavian countries, but also from Central and Eastern Europe. The prospect of meeting more wizards from other countries made Hermione more enthusiastic than the competition itself.

"The selection of the three champions will take place at Hallowe'en. An impartial judge…" Hermione perceived a glint in Dumbledore's eyes as he pronounced the last two words. "… will decide which students are most worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons personal prize money."

"I'm going for it!" Fred declared.

"How do we apply?" someone said at the Hufflepuff table next to them.

All around, Hermione noticed people enthusiastic about the perspective of participating to the Tournament. For herself, she didn't feel that encouraged to participate. Of course, Hermione wouldn't mind participating to a competition where she could prove her worth and prowess in magic, but despite Dumbledore's assurances, she felt uncertain that it was a good idea, given the Tournament's history. Ron, on his side, looked just as excited as his brothers. As for Harry, Hermione denoted an expression that she interpreted as uncertain interest.

"Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts, the Heads of the participating schools, along with the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction on contenders this year. Only students who are of age, that is to say seventeen years or older, will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration."

The atmosphere in the Great Hall changed on the spot. Instead of excitement, it was outrage. Hermione, for her part, was relieved. This was probably part of the measures they took to not place anyone in danger. She was relieved that Ron would not be able to participate, as he looked very interested in it. She was less relieved for Harry, who seemed interested, but not as much. That didn't stop most of the rest of the Great Hall to be infuriated for not being allowed to participate to a competition where they could potentially die.

"This is a measure we feel is necessary," Dumbledore continued despite the protests, "given that the Tournament tasks will still be difficult and dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is highly unlikely that students below sixth or seventh year will be able to cope with them."

Hermione totally agreed with Dumbledore. If the tasks were still dangerous, it was better to limit them to people who reached their majority. But Fred and George didn't seem to agree, like most of the Great Hall. Ron was sulking.

"I will personally be ensuring that no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champion."

Hermione had the distinct impression that Dumbledore stared at Fred and George while saying so.

"And now, it is late, and I know how important it is to you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop chop!"

The protests and excitement didn't stop as students stood up and poured out of the Great Hall. Fred ands George discussed of ways to apply for the Tournament all the way long to the Fat Lady, and they convinced Ron to take part in it. Harry remained silent, while Neville said he would never enter the competition anyway, even if he was allowed.

Once inside the common rooms, Hermione took Harry apart as Ron climbed to the boys' dormitory.

"Harry, please, tell me you're not thinking about joining it," she pleaded on an exasperated tone.

"What? No, of course. Anyway, we can't." She was relieved. There was at least more than one boy who didn't think like a fool. "Though I wish they didn't cancel the Quidditch season."

"Yes, it's too bad," she recognized. "On the other side, with what happened in August, I think we've had more than enough Quidditch for the year." Seeing from Harry's dark face that he didn't think so, she changed the topic of the conversation. "Keep an eye on Ron. Don't let Fred and George drag him into their plans."

"Okay. I'll keep an eye on him," Harry promised.

They went separate ways. When Hermione opened the door to the girls' dormitory, she heard Sophie complaining.

"They should let everyone apply," she was arguing. "Age is not a good criteria to decide who participate or not. Viktor Krum is only eighteen and he is the best Quidditch player in the world. Someone in fourth or fifth year could be better than all seventh years, and we're going to stop him…"

"Or her," Lily Moon pointed out.

"… from participating. The judge should choose the best student in the whole school, that's all."

"Well, we don't know how the judge will make his choice, anyway," Hermione said. "Anyway, I'm sure that Dumbledore knows what he's doing," she said as she took her nightdress from her trunk.

"Too bad we can't apply," Parvati said. "I wouldn't have minded participating."

"People died," Hermione reminded.

"Yes, but come on, Hermione. Dumbledore is in charge of all this. I don't see how he could let someone die. And it happened a long time ago. But anyway, there's no point discussing that. We can't participate. I only hope that whoever is chosen for Hogwarts, he will be a Gryffindor."

"Or she will be a Gryffindor," Lily specified once again.

"Anyway, I can't wait for the Yule Ball," Parvati said, looking all excited.

"The Yule Ball?" Sophie asked, intrigued.

Parvati nodded excitedly. "Yes. There's going to be a ball for Christmas. I heard my parents talk about it. I can't wait to wear my robe."

Now Hermione understood why they were instructed to buy dress robes for formal events. She smiled at the thought of Ron wearing the used one his mother bought for him. Perhaps after all it would be better if he walked naked.

"Any idea about who you'll be going with?" Lavender asked. She looked as excited as her best friend.

Parvati faked being thoughtful for a moment. "I may have an idea."

Hermione rolled her eyes. Harry definitely took the right decision by breaking up with her. Hermione went to bed, wanting to sleep long enough before their first day of school.

She woke up the following morning rested and full of energy. She went to the Great Hall with Ron and Harry, where they received their schedule as they took their breakfast.

"Today's not bad. Outside all morning," Ron said. "Herbology with the Hufflepuffs and Care of Magical Creatures…"

"We will take the occasion to see if Hagrid is alright," Harry said. "Damn, the Slytherins are with us again. That means Malfoy."

The three of them knew what it meant. It was because of Malfoy that Buckbeak was executed last year. Hermione could already imagine how he could ruin Hagrid's first class. She was seized with a non negligent envy to slap him like she did last year.

"And double Divination this afternoon," Ron completed. He didn't sound enthusiastic for that class.

"You should have given up like me," she told him.

"Do you think she's going to predict someone else's death this year?" Harry asked Ron. "Or will she continue with Parvati?"

"No idea. As long as she doesn't predict my death," Ron groaned. "You two, what do you have this afternoon."

"Double Study of Ancient Runes," Hermione answered.

"Same for me," Harry added. "I bought more parchment, but I hope Babbling will not make us copy a dictionary like she did last year."

It was true that Professor Babbling required them to take a lot of notes, but Hermione highly doubted they copied the equivalent of a dictionary. The thickness of her notes from last year barely reached half of it. She would need to gather all her notes from all their classes to have copied the equivalent of a dictionary.

"I wonder if she's going to tell us more about Slavic and Celtic runes this year. With the students from other countries, it might be interesting to learn more about them," she said.

"Celtic runes? Slavic runes? How many types of different runes are there?" Ron asked.

Hermione began to explain him the difference between the runes from various early wizarding cultures, but Ron stood up earlier than usual to go to Herbology, and Harry and Hermione followed him.

They were reunited with many of their friends for the Herbology lesson. Hermione, for herself, stood between Susan and Hannah as Professor Sprout showed them how to collect the pus from Bubotubers. Hermione was intrigued by the healing properties of this substance as the professor gave them explanation at the same time as they collected the pus. Susan looked especially focused on it, while Hannah seemed to find it funny. And Hannah couldn't refrain herself from whispering with Ernie next to her at regular intervals during the class.

"Poor Sally. She doesn't have an easy time," she said with pity. Although Hermione wished Hannah didn't talk as much, she had to agree that Sally-Anne Perks was having a hard gtime collecting the pus, pressuring the Bubotubers too strong, resulting in the substance splashing across her face more than once.

"Be careful, Miss Perks," Professor Sprout said as she cleaned her face. "More gently."

Later, Hannah complained that she got the pus into her hair that hung on her shoulders.

"You should have attached them behind you, Hannah," Susan told her friend there. This was the only time Susan said something that wasn't entirely related to the class during the whole course. This was why Hermione liked to be next to Susan. She remained focused on the course for its whole duration.

In the meantime, Hermione heard Ernie talk to Ron and Harry. "I wonder if the Tournament will involve tasks related to plants."

"Unless they want the champions to show how they can take some liquid in the face from an ugly-looking tree, I doubt it," Ron said.

"Yeah, but there are more dangerous plants. Like the Devil's Snare. You're well placed to know it."

"Maybe," Harry said. "At least, this time, we won't be the ones facing it."

"You know that Justin is set on participating to the Tournament?" Ernie asked them.

"What? Justin?" Ron asked, unbelieving.

"Yes. He wants to find a way to apply. If you get a chance, do everything to dissuade him. Dumbledore said it was only for people aged seventeen or more, and we must follow the rules."

That was one of the reasons why Hermione enjoyed Hufflepuffs' company. Generally speaking, they respected rules, and they were very kind. Susan, next to Hermione, rolled her eyes as she heard what Justin Finch-Fletchley was intending to do.

After the class was over, Hermione, Ron, Harry, Neville, Parvati, Lavender, and the other Gryffindors who had a class with Hagrid headed for his hut. Hermione wasn't very sure what to expect. To her shame, she didn't give much attention to Hagrid during the feast. It was also not evident to judge his mood by far away.

He was waiting for them near his cabin, at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, with Fang at his side.

"Morning," he told everyone, smiling. Hermione hoped it wasn't forced. He looked like he was in good shape, nothing like the mess in which he was when they departed in June. "Better wait for the Slytherins. They won't want to miss this. Blast-Ended Skrewts!"

"Come again?" Ron asked.

They didn't really have time to talk to Hagrid during the class as they somehow tried to feed strange creatures in the shape of lobsters without heads, who exploded from time to time. They also had to endure Malfoy's comments, including about hippogriffs. At least, Malfoy seemed just as disgusted as everyone else about those creatures who Hermione never read or heard about. Hagrid, on his part, seemed to be trying his best to ignore Malfoy, although he was very rude with him whenever he made a sarcastic comment high enough for Hagrid to hear him.

At one point, when Hermione went to take more food she doubted the Skrewts even wanted, Parvati joined her. "If you want, we can slap him in the face together this time," the Indian girl offered, casting a dark gaze towards Malfoy, who was mocking hippogriffs once more.

As tempting as it was, Hermione gave the only appropriate answer. "No. It wouldn't be a good idea."

"Too bad. It would be much more instructive than taking care of these… things."

Even Hermione had to agree with this. She wasn't sure if Parvati's disgust was solely for the Skrewts, or also for Malfoy. She was fine with it either way.

They could only talk to Hagrid after the bell rang and the class was over, once everyone was far away.

"Hagrid, how are you?" Hermione asked him.

"Good. Thank you," he said. However, Hermione found that he looked in a much darker mood than when they arrived, although he didn't cry, probably the result of Malfoy's taunts. A part of Hermione definitely wished she accepted Parvati's proposal earlier.

"So, how has been your summer?" Ron clumsily asked.

"Fair enough. Fair enough. Would you mind to stay for lunch?" he asked them.

Hermione didn't think Harry and Ron wished anymore than she did to stay with Hagrid. Not because they didn't want to keep him company, but mostly because his meals were barely eatable most of the time. Despite this, neither of them dared to say no, and they all agreed to stay. As they walked into Hagrid's cabin, Hermione shot a look at the grave that indicated the place where Buckbeak was buried in June. There were what seemed like ugly flowers on it, but what surprised her the most, and caused her to stop in her movements to walk into the cabin, was that Parvati was standing in front of the grave. Hermione remembered that she attended the burial in June too. For a moment, she thought about calling her, but she refrained.

"Hey, Hermione. Come inside?" Ron asked her from the said inside.

Quickly, Hermione answered. "Yes, I'm coming."

She went in and closed the door behind her. It was better to not invite Parvati inside. Although seeing her in front of Buckbeak's grave improved Hermione's feelings towards her roommate in the moment, she didn't think it was a good idea to invite Harry's ex-girlfriend to spend time with them when their priority was to look up after Hagrid.

"So, you must be excited about your new year. Hermione, I heard you dropped Muggle Studies? Professor Burbage was very disappointed when you abandoned it. She said you were her best student," Hagrid said as he began to prepare tea.

"I know, but I wanted a normal schedule," Hermione apologized. Professor Burbage was indeed a very good woman who Hermione appreciated a lot, and she still felt ashamed that she abandoned a class that was useful, to the contrary of Divination.

"I don't blame you," Hagrid replied. "Sometimes, I struggle assuming my functions of professor with those of gamekeeper, you know. And with the Triwizard Tournament this year… You must all be excited. I didn't believe I would to get see the Tournament relieved in my life."

They spent the next hour discussing of the Tournament. It was soon revealed that Hagrid would have many duties related to the Tournament, although he told them he couldn't say what was coming through the year, despite Harry, Ron and Hermione's best attempts to get information from him. Hagrid sympathized with Harry when he said he regretted that the Quidditch season was cancelled for this reason. Ron's expression was sour as well when they talked of it. Hermione knew that Ron had been stressed, but also excited by the possibility of playing Quidditch this year. Hermione wasn't sure if he would succeed. She doubted the current players would be replaced, and there might be better candidates than Ron to play as Keeper. Hermione knew that Ginny was interested in a position on the team as well, and she felt sorry for her too.

Overall, aside from the food that was questionable like always, this lunch time proved very entertaining. Hagrid's mood was much better when they left. They didn't talk of Buckbeak or approached the subject a single time during this hour. When they left, Ron headed for Divination while Hermione and Harry walked towards the Ancient Runes class.

"I'm glad that Hagrid is feeling better," Harry told her on their way.

"Me too. Though I wonder how we will manage to learn anything with these Blast-Ended Skrewts. Imagine when Hagrid finds out how to feed them. Who knows to what extent they will grow?" Hermione wondered aloud.

"Well, with some chance, they will die. And what can we do? Tell Hagrid that it was stupid to make us learn about these things?"

Hermione knew very well they couldn't do that. "Well, hopefully, we will move to something else. And it can distract Hagrid away from Buckbeak. By the way, about you and Parvati, everything is fine?" she asked him.

"Oh, yes. I had… a good discussion with her. Everything is okay."

"Good. Now, I wonder what Babbling is going to show us today."

They were in the classroom two minutes later. Sadly, most places were already occupied, and there was no table free for two people. Harry let Hermione sit with Susan, like she often did, while Harry sat down next to Hannah.

"Hi, Hermione," her friend from Hufflepuff said as she sat down. "You had a good summer?"

"Yes," she replied. "Well, aside from… you know…" Susan nodded. She was there at the Quidditch World Cup as well. "You and your parents are fine?"

"Yes. We remained in the forest during the troubles. But they didn't let me go out much after that, for the remaining of summer."

Hermione nodded with sympathy. Susan's parents had a certain tendency to be sheltering and overprotective towards their only daughter. Harry had experienced the same thing during the first few days following these events, although his mother quickly relented. Hermione, on her side, was still free to wander on the property of Ron's family.

"Hermione, do you know who is the new professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts? It must be the scarred man we saw tomorrow, but I don't know who he is," Susan asked her.

"Me neither. But Dumbledore hired him. So I guess he must be good." A little voice in her mind reminded her of the bad experiences they had with Quirrell and Lockhart though. Hermione couldn't believe that both she and Susan once found the latter seductive.

"I would rather have Professor Lupin again," she whispered. Hermione noticed that she looked to Harry who sat two rows ahead of them with some worry. "If I had not told Hannah the truth, he would still be there."

"Susan, it's not your fault if Hannah shouted the truth in front of half the school."

"Perhaps… But I feel responsible all the same."

"We're going to have a good teacher this year too," she assured, even though she couldn't know, to reassure Susan, although Hermione felt this wasn't because they lost a good teacher that Susan felt guilty.

Before they could discuss further, Professor Babbling walked in, and ordered silence.

"Hi everyone. I hope you spent a good summer. Now, time to work. Today, we're going to study…"

And hence began a full afternoon during which Hermione and the rest of the class learned of new runes and their significance and usefulness. Overall, this first day of school went quite well. Until she and Harry were reunited with Ron in the Entrance Hall for dinner.

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Next chapter: Ron

And Merry Christmas to all of you.