Harry leaned in, whispering to Hermione, "Looks similar to the Goblet of Fire."

Hermione, her gaze locked onto the mysterious goblet hovering before them, answered absentmindedly, "Yes."

Dumbledore's voice filled the Great Hall, drawing everyone's attention. "Two years ago, we hosted the Triwizard Tournament," he began, "and now, the Beauxbatons have decided to reciprocate our hospitality with their own unique tradition."

Confusion spread across the faces of the students as they exchanged glances.

"This," Dumbledore continued, gesturing towards the eerie goblet floating just before his chest, "is the Goblet of Blood. It represents the blood of an ancient and now extinct species—the pride of Beauxbatons: the Skarooth."

Unbidden, a quick flash of memory flickered through Hermione's mind—what had happened between her and the Skarooth, a memory she was not at all keen on revisiting. She clenched her jaw, willing the thought away, and kept her eyes fixed on the goblet, the weight of unspoken dread settling over her.

Dumbledore's voice rang out again. "The Beauxbatons Academy invites five of our lucky students to attend a summer trip to their school for two months."

The Great Hall erupted into cheers, particularly from the boys. Fred leaned over to George, his voice excited and eager. Hermione overheard him saying, "We're definitely going. Best summer ever."

But with a slight grin, Dumbledore raised a hand, quieting the room. "I must insert an apology here—unfortunately, boys are not allowed to participate in the Goblet of Blood."

A wave of groans and boos rippled through the hall.

George gave Fred a disappointed glance. "There go our dreams… straight to hell."

Hermione couldn't help but chuckle quietly at their reaction.

Dumbledore continued, "All the girls who wish to participate must whisper their names to the goblet within the next twenty-four hours. We'll announce the five lucky students tomorrow."

With that, the announcement ended, and the crowd began to disperse. Harry and Hermione made their way out of the Great Hall with the rest of the students.

As they stepped into the corridor, Harry asked, "You're gonna put your name in, aren't you?"

Hermione hesitated for a moment. "Umm… I'm thinking about it."

A smile tugged at the corners of Harry's lips. "Yeah, you should. It'll be a good change of environment." He seemed genuinely happy at the thought of her getting a break.

Hermione gave him a small nod.

Hermione glanced at Harry, knowing him too well. "I know you wanted to come," she said softly. "To be away from the Dursleys."

Harry sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Yeah... and to be with you. I mean, in your company."

They started ascending the great staircase. Hermione cast a sideways glance at him, curious. "Harry? Ever since..."

She hesitated, unable to say the words—unable to bring up Ron's death.

She continued, her voice softer, "Am I still your friend, right?"

Harry nodded immediately, though his eyes held a certain weight. "Friend. Yes. Best friend."

Hermione suddenly stopped midway up the staircase, turning to face him. "Not anything else, right?"

Harry's heart clenched, but he forced a smile, his voice full of lies as he said, "No. Absolutely not."

Hermione patted his shoulder, the touch brief and casual. "Good."

They continued their ascent in silence, the unspoken emotions hanging between them.

As they reached the next landing, Hermione's eyes caught a figure at the end of a dark corridor. Ingne Kross sat there alone, her face hidden in shadow.

Hermione gently nudged Harry. "You go ahead. I'll be there in a minute."

Harry hesitated for a moment but then nodded, leaving Hermione behind as she made her way toward the girl in the shadows.