I do not own anything from the harry potter universe, unfortunately.

"Normal Talking"

'Thoughts'

"Parseltongue"

Being a loving group was nice, Hermione couldn't deny that. She had come to care for Susan and Daphne nearly as much as she did Harry. Though she must admit that one on one time was always nice. Currently, Hermione was sitting in an alcove next to a window that overlooked the lake. She was in the embrace of Harry who drew her close and held her tight as they just basked in each other's presence and comfort. She idly played with his fingers, interlacing them with her own or tracing their length affectionately. Currently, Daphne and Susan were with their families. Talking about things to do with the recent event and the upcoming third task.

The time had passed quickly and before any of them realized the next task was right around the corner. Hermione felt worried as did the others but with the new management she was less worried than she would've been if Dumbledore was still in charge.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Hermione asked and felt the rise and fall of Harry's chest as he breathed in deeply.

"Ready as I'll ever be. After everything else they put us through a Maze seems rather tame." Harry admitted his snakes had gotten back to him with the information and Dobby had actually managed to swipe a copy of the plans for the maze. It told them how large the maze would be and what could possibly be found within. However, it was useless as a map seeing as the maze would be able to change on a whim. With paths opening up and closing at what would be random.

"They will probably not let you take Demona in with you."

"Probably, she can stay with you." He said pecking the top of her head with a light kiss.

"They'll also likely put limits on the kind of magic you can use."

"Yeah, I doubt they would want me to just burn down the entire maze." Harry chuckled.

"You wouldn't do that."

"It'd be tempting."

"Yes, you know what else is tempting?"

"What's that?" Hermione didn't answer instead twisting slightly so she could turn and claim his lips with her own. Merlin, she could not describe how nice it was to kiss him. Every time a fluttering warmth would fly in her chest and a tingle shot through her spine. Her logical brain told her it was just going to be like this for a while but due to the new experience and all too soon the feeling would wane. Though that was a small part of her brain at the moment as the rest of her knew that somehow every time they kissed she would feel just as wonderful.

When they separated both had bright smiles.

"You're right, this is tempting." Harry said placing a few kisses along her jaw and down her neck. He had learned things about each of his girlfriends as their relationship had progressed further and further. For example, Hermione's weak spot was her neck. Any time he would show her even a little affection around her neck she would be putty in his hands.

"I've sent a letter... oh... to my parents." she said a bit breathless at his attention.

"What about?"

"Us."

"Oh, do you need help or something?" Harry asked not quite sure how to respond to that and Harry just giggled at him.

"Maybe, I tried my best to explain it as best I could but I don't imagine they'll take the news that I am in a polyamorous relationship very well." Hermione said and Harry nodded, he thought that Daphne's family took it well but having met her mother it wasn't all that surprising anymore. Then there was Susan who was a surprise taking Amelia into account.

"If you need anything you just have to ask and I'll be there. Speaking of letters are you still getting those nasty ones anymore?" Harry asked concerned it had started happening a few weeks after the trial. Pureblood supremacists had not liked the idea that Hermione a Muggleborn was getting so familiar with someone of influence like Harry or two Pureblood witches like Susan and Daphne. Hermione shook her head.

"Not so much anymore, Miss Bones saw to that."

"You know you can call her Amelia, she gave us permission." Hermione smiled sheepishly.

"Yeah, I know." Harry chuckled and returned his attention to her neck as Hermione let out an involuntary moan. "You're terrible Harry. I knew that you taking advice from Sirius was a bad idea." Hermione said a shiver ran up her spine when Harry lightly nipped her skin with his teeth.

"He only gave me a few pointers." Harry said, he thought it was going to be a horrible awkward discussion with his godfather but it was rather informative all around. He probably wouldn't do half the things that Sirius had suggested but he took a few to heart such as never being afraid to show affection. Harry had already been doing that but he had now been a bit more forward.

Harry then took his hands and placed them on her stomach and slowly began to run them up her torso towards her breast. Hermione wanted to just let him go right ahead but she grabbed his hands and stopped him.

"No, Harry, if we start then we are going to be here for hours and I know Daphne and Susan will be done by now." Hermione said as Harry sighed but nodded giving her neck one last kiss.

"Okay, let's go then." He said as the pair stood and left their spot. Hermione made sure to smooth out her clothes and her hair and did the same for Harry. Hermione couldn't help but smile, being in a relationship was one thing but in a relationship with Harry who is also her best friend was amazing.

The two made their way through the castle, it was the weekend so students were lazing about or playing silly games. What warmed both of their hearts was that the students were intermingling, and groups from all different houses were being made. New friends and even romances were coming about it was a welcome sight and one they both hoped would stick forever.

It didn't take long for Harry and Hermione to make their way to the courtyard where they found Susan and Daphne waiting for them. Currently, it appeared that Daphne was in an engaging conversation with Astoria who had returned to school for the remainder of the year. It seems despite the long trip she was on with her father she was still well studied getting top marks in almost every class for her year.

"Oh hi Harry!" Astoria greeted, Harry had already met the youngest Greengrass daughter and she was always welcome company.

"How did everything go?" Harry asked as he greeted Susan and Daphne with a kiss each.

"Just fine, my mother is pushing me to give her grandkids but my father is firmly telling me that I'd better wait until we're married." Daphne said with a grin. Harry chuckled, but the idea of having kids was a thought he'd never thought he would have. It was still far too early and even Sirius of all people said as much.

"My Auntie is doing fine, the upcoming election for the Mugwump position is making things at the Ministry slightly hectic but her department is still running smoothly. Also, she said that it's alright for me to join you and Sirius for your summer trip. Though she wanted to talk to Sirius first."

"Oh, my parents said it's fine too." Daphne said not surprised.

"So you get to go to an island paradise while I'll be stuck at home!" Astoria pouted.

"Don't you dare! You got to have a year-long vacation with Dad and visited Rome, Italy, and Greece." Daphne said as Astoria just huffed. It was fair since the year before Daphne had taken half the year to spend time with her father as well, they visited japan which was an amazing experience. Her father was keen on recapturing lost time from when he was away in Azkaban.

Astoria simply stuck out her tongue at her older sister as she left to find her friends. Daphne sighed but had a fond smile on her face before it morphed into a grin when she looked at Hermione.

"Having fun without us?" She asked tapping her own neck in the spot where Harry had kissed Hermione. Hermione's eyes widened as her hand flew up to the spot.

"Did you leave a mark?" She asked looking at Harry who just smiled.

"Maybe a little."

"Harry!"

"Would it make you feel better if we all had matching marks? We can give Harry three to make it fair." Daphne suggested.

"I'm first." Susan said causing the group to laugh. They didn't have a lot to do today, Harry had already trained for the day and the girls had finished any assignments that they had for the weekend so they were completely free. It didn't take long for the group to leave and find a secluded place for some privacy.

Though what they didn't see was the jealous glare that was being leveled at them from Malfoy. He was seething, not only was Daphne romantically involved with Potter of all people. But she was also keeping the company of that filthy mudblood Granger and that mudblood lover Bones. As if that wasn't enough everything was coming undone. People were forgetting their place. All over the castle, it was as if people had completely forgotten that they needed to stay in their lane. It was all wrong, he had written his father of course but it would appear that he was busy with other things at the moment.

Draco felt that the biggest insult was Granger, she had become far too confident and required a good reminder of where she belonged in life. Potter might've become too big of a threat that even Draco couldn't handle but Granger didn't share that same ability.

The only issue was that Granger was rarely alone recently. Draco thought for a moment before coming up with an idea. He grinned to himself before making his way through the castle. If there was one thing that didn't change for Granger it was her teacher's pet attitude. If a teacher had requested her presence she wouldn't think twice.

The only issue was how to make it appear that a teacher was requesting her presence and he had to think. Granger was infuriatingly good at her classes, obviously, she was cheating somehow. But regardless there was only one teacher whom he might be able to fake a request from. Quickly making his way to the office of one Professor Trelawney.

Her classroom was empty which wasn't surprising for the hack of a teacher. Looking around he tried to spot the teacher as he tried to come up with a lie to tell her that would get his plan in motion. Suddenly he felt a firm grasp on his shoulder as he was spun around and came face to face with the out-of-place gaunt face of Trelawney who had cloudy eyes at the moment.

"Wolf shall seek the one that hunts the owl! He shall know vengeance and the hunter will know pain, will know death as he is bathed in the fire!" Trelawney called out her voice layered as if multiple voices were speaking from her mouth all at once.

"Hell shall take the Hunter! Purgatory will devour the Hunter! They must avert their course, or suffer doom! Doom! DOOM! RUN!" She screamed out her voice morphing into something akin to a banshee howl as Malfoy was thoroughly creeped out a the moment fled in terror his skin crawling from the event that just took place. When he was gone Trelawney suddenly shook her head as if someone had splashed her with cold water.

"Hello?" She asked after coughing and clearing her throat. "How odd." She said looking lost before shaking it off and returning to her tea leaves in her office. Draco quickly descended the stairs of the tower only stopping to catch his breath and glance back up.

"What the bloody hell was that about?" He sneered Draco had no idea what he had just heard but his thoughts of Granger and his payback had been pushed out of his mind for now.

"Looks like you've seen a ghost Malfoy." a voice called and Draco turned to see Blaise walking with Luna, Tracey, and Neville.

"No, just feeling sick. It's to be expected when you got loony and the squib walking around the place." Draco said Neville had gotten used to his insults and with his friend's help he was becoming braver and more able to shrug off his remarks. Luna simply looked like she was staring off into space but if anyone looked they would have seen something flicker through her eyes at the Loony remark but she hid it well.

"Wow, is that all you got for us? Points for consistency I guess." Tracey said getting a few chuckles from the group.

"I like wolves." Luna suddenly said out of nowhere.

"Um... cool?" Neville asked not sure what to say. Draco though froze when she said that.

"Why'd you say that?" He hissed out and Luna shrugged.

"I don't know but wolves are really pretty, and strong too. Don't you think?" Luna asked her pale blue eyes staring into Draco's own. He gulped the unnerving experience with Trelawney still at the forefront of his mind.

"Shut up." He hissed before rushing past the group. None of them felt compelled to follow or to question him so they just continued on.

"So wolves is it?" Blaise asked surprised by the normal creature as opposed to her usual retinue of animals to talk about which may or may not be real.

"Draco doesn't know how amazing and scary wolves can be."

"Right, I guess." Blaise said not really knowing what to say. He enjoyed Luna's company but he wasn't going to pretend that he always understood what she was saying.

"We'll see you guys later, we're heading to the Greenhouse." Tracey said and Neville nodded.

"Goodbye."

"See you later." Blaise said and Luna waved. Now it was just Luna and Blaise as they continued to walk aimlessly. Blaise was not the kind of person who was nervous around girls. Years of going to parties with his mother saw that he became comfortable quickly. But Luna was different she wasn't like any other girl he had met. He didn't know exactly how he should present himself in front of her and that caused him a pang of nervousness that he had long forgotten he could still feel.

"Your nervous, there's no need to be."

"I'm not nervous." He denied with a shake of his head doing a damn good job of schooling his features with practiced ease.

"It's alright you can be normal around me."

"I am always normal."

"No not all the time, like when those girls came to talk to you. You started acting funny."

"What are you talking about, I was just being polite."

"If you say so." Luna said looking out the windows as they walked and Blaise couldn't even begin to guess what it was that caught her attention.

"Do you not like me talking to those girls?" He asked probing her with the question. She made no motion of her true thoughts but instead turned the question back on him.

"Do you want me to not like it?"

"What? Of course not."

"Are you sure? I think that you want me to, so that way I act more like the girls that you're used to."

"That's... that's not right."

"It's okay, I don't know how to do this stuff either. I think it's the

Wrackspurts they make my head fuzzy around you sometimes." Blaise looked at her, he wondered if this was her weird way of saying she fancied him.

"Um, is that so? Only some of the times?"

"Yes, usually when I look at you for too long, or your eyes. I like your eyes."

"Oh, thanks." Blaise said and Luna was blunt as ever. But he honestly couldn't figure out if she was being flirtatious in her own way or just voicing something she found to be factual. Before he could attempt to understand he heard some laughter from his right. Though this laughter, wasn't mirthful it was instead a burst of mocking laughter. Turning his head to look at the source he saw a few Ravenclaw girls that were in Luna's year if he was guessing correctly. He was confused but the girls saw him look at them and they scurried off.

"What was that about?" Blaise asked still curious but Luna was still looking out the Windows. "Luna?" He asked gently.

"I forgot something." She suddenly said and turned on her heel the entire time not looking at him. Blaise narrowed his eyes and felt he should've chased after her but instead went to look for those Ravenclaws. Whoever they were he could tell they affected Luna and the way they laughed didn't fill him with confidence.

It wasn't hard to track them down it's not like they were avoiding him or anything. The group was walking around talking to each other and Blaise stayed close enough to listen but far enough to not draw attention.

"Can't believe that Loony is hanging out with Blaise of all people."

"Right? I bet she's smuggled him a love potion or something." a girl in the group laughed at this.

"Oh please as if a love potion would be enough to get her attention from anyone."

"She's getting chummy with Harry as well."

"He's just being nice, besides he already has three other girlfriends why would he take her?"

"Pity?" They laughed at that and Blaise was getting progressively more and more annoyed nearing anger.

"By the way did you get it?" One girl asked and another smirked as she pulled out what Blaise recognized to be a third-year textbook for potions.

"Yup, I was thinking we could hide this one in the clock tower." one of them said before the others nodded. Though Blaise noticed how she had said this one that meant they had done this before. To Blaise, it was pathetic and petty and he couldn't fathom why they felt the need to do this. But in any case, he wasn't about to let it continue as he whipped out his wand and summoned the book to his hand getting surprised yelps from the girls.

"What the-"

"Blaise?" The girls had said the group of four all turning to see Blaise now holding the book.

"What do you think you're doing?" He asked.

"Look Blaise it's not what you think."

"Really? Because it looks like you were going to hide something from my friend so she wouldn't find it." Blaise said and the girls looked at each other.

"Looks it's just a joke, It's not like she couldn't just borrow someone else's book for class." One of them brushed it off. Blaise wanted to argue but didn't have substantial evidence to make his arguments.

"Even if it is, you still shouldn't take her school supplies." Blaise said and the words tasted sour in his mouth. He wanted to tell them off and to leave Luna alone but all he had to go off of was a passing conversation, the fact that they called her Loony, and a hunch that they are constantly taking her stuff to hide.

"We'll keep that in mind, sorry." They said and before Blaise could tell them to apologize to Luna and not him they had turned and left. Looking down at the book in his hand he opened it and chuckled a bit seeing the colorful doodles in the blank spaces on the page. This was definitely Luna's textbook. Sighing he took the book and went to look for luna and talk to her about these pranks and just what was going on between her and those girls.

In another part of the castle, Harry stepped out of an empty classroom followed by Susan, Daphne, and Hermione. All four of the teens were in varying states of disheveled dress. Harry was buttoning up his shirt as he attempted to reclaim some sense of decency along with Hermione and Susan while Daphne took her sweet time with a big grin on her face.

"Okay, you girls went way too far, look at these." Harry said going over to the window to look at the marks they had left on him. They were large and very noticeable.

"You started it with Hermione. Besides, I think it looks good." Daphne said fondly rubbing the mark on her neck.

"I didn't start it on purpose, and of course you do." Hermione said shaking her head. The group made themselves as decent as they could but they still had a crinkle here and there but it wasn't too bad.

"So, any thoughts on the last task?" Daphne asked.

"Well, you already know it's a Maze filled with monsters. Beyond that, I can only train for every possibility." Harry said.

"Have your snakes or Dobby found anything else on it?" Susan asked and Harry shook his head.

"No, unfortunately, your aunt is being infuriatingly careful about keeping everything secure. Dobby barely made it our undetected with the plans he snagged." Susan giggled lightly at that.

"Well, she takes any job she has very seriously." Susan agreed.

"Yeah we know, love her for it but she could lighten up this one time." Daphne said with a pout.

"Nah, then she wouldn't by the Auntie I love so much."

"In any case, at least we can be sure that the other champions don't know anything either. Without their Headmaster's being part of the organizers they can't get any slips of information." Hermione said.

"Yes very annoying." a voice said behind them and they turned to see Cedric.

"Hey, Cedric." Harry greeted and the girls did the same.

"Hey Harry, Hermione, Susan, Daphne." He greeted back nodding to each of them.

"How are things?" Hermione asked and Cedric smiled.

"Much better actually. I don't think I can say anything given what you went through but the school feels so much... I don't know, lighter? There was always this feeling of weight around us with Dumbledore. I didn't really notice it before but now I totally can."

"Trust me it was more noticeable in Slytherin." Daphne said having also felt a shift, her housemates, baring Malfoy and his lot, were not death eaters in training. But with the atmosphere and environment that Dumbledore fostered, it felt like that at the time it was just suffocating.

"Right, but it's better now, I've been hanging with Cho more than I ever thought we would. We're dating but it felt like it was almost taboo."

"Not anymore." Harry said with a smile. Cedric and Cho were hardly a controversial couple, but if even they felt off about dating outside their house then that showed just how derailed Dumbledore had made the school.

"Yeah, so Harry, I was hoping I could steal you away for a moment?" Cedric asked and before Harry could answer Daphne wrapped her arms around Harry and pulled him close.

"Oh no, you're not seducing our Boyfriend." She joked causing the group to laugh.

"Trust me, I don't think anyone is going to steal him away from you three. It's... very obvious how much you care." Cedric said rubbing his neck meaningfully. Harry flushed ever so slightly as he rubbed his neck knowing just how visible those hickeys were from his girlfriends.

"Yeah, I'll come. See you girls later." He said giving each of them a light kiss.

"Alright Harry, we'll see you at dinner." Hermione said Susan and Daphne nodded. Harry smiled and started walking with Cedric as they made their way down the halls.

"So, everything is going good with Cho is it?" Harry asked.

"Definitely."

"That's good, where are you taking me?"

"Just here." Cedric said as he opened a door to a classroom and Harry saw that inside waited both Krum and Fleur.

"Secret meeting of the Champions?"

"Da, that is vhat Cedric says anyway." Krum said with a grin.

"Oui, he is being very mysterious." Fleur giggled out.

"He should work on his delivery a bit. I don't blame him since he's just a Hufflepuff. He'll get there if he tries." Harry joked getting a scoff from Cedric.

"Whatever Potter." Cedric playfully sneered.

"What's this about Diggory?" Harry returned with his own mock sneer before laughing.

"I just thought that we should talk a bit. The final task is tomorrow and after this, we'll be going our separate ways. Well, except for Harry, I'm stuck with him." Cedric said with a sigh at the end.

"More like I'm stuck with you but I get your point." Harry said as he smiled. He had grown to respect each of the champions maybe even considered them friends. They might've been competitors but they had helped each other when they could.

"I must say, this 'as been a most incredible experience. Maybe not all of it. But most of it." Fleur agreed, the second task had shaken her greatly but if she put that aside she could say that this experience would be one she would carry for life.

Krum was of a similar opinion. He had no illusions that Igor just wanted to show off the fact that his school had a famed seeker that was also a great wizard. It didn't surprise him that his name came out of the goblet as he was sure that no one else was allowed to enter their names. Despite that, he wanted to prove that he did have what it takes to participate in this tournament and his fellow Champions had come to be people he would respect for years to come.

"I agree, despite the hardships, I say it vas vorth it." Krum said with a firm nod. Harry couldn't argue, while he would've preferred not to have to deal with this he was actually glad he was entered. Not because he enjoys these attempts on his life. But he couldn't deny that his life had changed for the better with what because of this tournament. He wouldn't have been ostracized if he wasn't entered. He would still be friends with the parasite Weasley. He would've never discovered his love for Hermione, Daphne, or Susan. Hell, he wouldn't have even met or talked to Daphne or Susan at all. Not only that Demona wouldn't be in his life and he would still be a clueless and, in all honesty, mediocre wizard.

Dumbledore would still be in control of his life and after everything, he was sure that he probably would've died due to the old man's machinations. However now he was free, loved, and in the best condition, he had ever been. Not only that but for the first time in his life, he felt in control. He made decisions for himself. He hoped that his friends and loved ones would be okay with them but in the end, they are his decisions.

"Yeah, even if I didn't enter myself, I must say that I am happy with the results so far."

"You are not the little boy anymore." Fleur agreed.

"Yeah, you're like a different person." Cedric said.

"Nah, I'm still the same. I like to think I'm just more of who I really am, no more mask or pretending to be something I'm not just to please other people."

"Good for you. Zastanete visoko." Krum said and Harry didn't know what he meant at the end but he knew it wasn't an insult. This was a good group of magicals, Harry would be glad to keep in touch with them after the tournament was finally over.

"Well, Here is to the final task!" Cedric said pulling a bottle from his robes.

"Really Ced?" Harry asked as Cedric handed him the bottle. Harry sniffed it and his nose was assaulted with a strong spicey sent that didn't belong on a liquid.

"Fire whiskey! I won't tell if you don't." Cedric said with a grin getting a laugh out of the group. Harry steeled himself as he took a swig and almost immediately started coughing as a flare of heat erupted from his throat and down his torso.

"Ha, Da! To vighting Dragons and Creatures of vhe deep!" Krum said taking a swig when Harry passed it to him and he handled it much better. Fleur took the bottle and swirled it around for a moment.

"To us, ze champions. Pour nos amis et famille!" She said taking a swig and coughing like Harry. Harry couldn't help but smile at the group, they were great people that he was glad to know.

A scene of camaraderie a complete night and day comparison if you were to look to Voldemort. We find him sitting in the same chair his ghoulish frame sagging against the cushion and coiled around his chair protectively was Nagini. Cowering in the corner was a sniveling Peter Pettigrew who flinched every time Nagini's tongue flicked out.

An annoyance that he grew tired of but until his body was returned to him he would suffer the coward a while longer still. Their tense silence was broken when the door to the room opened and in stepped a man with dark brown hair nearly black and dark eyes. Dressed in rather proper ministry robes.

"Ah Barty, how goes the preparations?" Voldemort ask his raspy voice making everyone who heard it feel like their own vocal cords were shredded.

"It is done my lord, It was tricky but they suspect nothing."

"It is hidden? I will not be caught unprepared Barty." Barty nodded and bowed to his lord.

"Of course, I have managed to arrange it to where I am the one to place the Goblet in the Maze. They will know nothing."

"Good, remember the plans have changed. I do not want him to die in this task, I will kill him myself. And do not forget to bring the girl, he will be broken before I take his life." The Dark Lord smiled but it did nothing but fill the room with a sense of dread as Barty bowed once more.

"Of course My Lord." He said before leaving the room, everything would go perfectly as he took a swig from a flask and his skin began to bubble and his body began to morph.

_SCENE_

Here it is, very short but there wasn't much to say or set up everything is in place for the final task and for the coming storm that will accompany it. Will be working on the next chapter but it is Finals week and there are a lot of finals. Fear not it will get down and I hope Y'all enjoyed this one as short as it was. Until next time this has been you Average, Ordinary, Everyday Fallen Angel!