Third Time’s the Charm: The Epic Love Story of Harry and Her

Little_Katie_Bug09

Rating: PG13
Genres: Drama, Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 23/12/2005
Last Updated: 31/12/2005
Status: paused

Some say that true love comes but once. For others, it takes the third time around to discover the truth.

Chapters

1. Catfight at the Burrow

2. Fourth Year

1. Catfight at the Burrow

Third Time's the Charm: The Epic Love Story of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger

A/N: Hey, everybody! Here's what I've been working on since Do You Believe in Magic? This tale has been long in the making. I hope you enjoy reading it!

WARNING: This story shows the good and bad in all major characters; so don't get on my case about their personalities!

Please review if you do or do not like, I want people's opinions!

Merry Christmas to all,

Little_Katie_Bug09

P.S. I reply to all reviews!

Chapter 1:

The second week of August was proving to be the perfect week for a wedding. The trees were lush with their thick green foliage, the weather was warm and slightly breezy, and the very air around the Burrow was electrified with excitement, mystery, and love. Yes, Bill and Fleur's wedding was going without a hitch so far, but all was not perfection in the Weasley household. Little did Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Delacour know that, as they prepared the finishing touches on the decorations for the morrow's celebration, a storm was brewing in their midst.

A major catfight, the likes of which the Burrow had never seen, was occurring in an upstairs bedroom between two girls, similar in will power but different in every other way. The girl on the left side of the room was clearly a fighter, her flaming red hair matching her feisty and fiery disposition. Clearly a Weasley, she was playing by her terms and taking advantage of her home field favor. Although she was red from screaming, one could immediately realize that she was beautiful in an exotic way, despite the fact that her face was contorted in fury. She had a pixie-like figure that made her appear fragile, though the volume of her voice proved to all that she could watch out for herself.

The second girl appeared to be the equal opposite of the first; she was everything the first was not and was immediately lacking by first comparisons. Her voice was louder than the first's, though. She wasn't loud by nature, but when facing her enemy, she went into hyper force. She was of the girl-next-door types, plain but pretty in her own special way. She had an air of all knowing about her, but her sparkling brown eyes betrayed her carefully concealed fear and self-consciousness. She subconsciously fiddled with her bushy brown hair as she yelled, revealing her nerves.

“Just get over him, Hermione!” the first girl yelled. “He's mine, and I'm not about to give him up to you!”

“Why?” Hermione yelled. “Ginny, you could have any guy your little heart desires, but you just had to take him after all I told you! I placed my trust in you and you betrayed me!”

“It's not my fault you didn't take him when you had the chance! You had the perfect opportunity, but you refused!”

“I didn't have a chance to refuse!” Hermione screamed. “Not that I would have! You took him before I had the opportunity to tell him the truth! You lied to him… Oh, don't even give me that look, Ginny Weasley, because you are far from innocent!”

“But, I…”

“I should go up there right now and tell him exactly what you were doing with that snake in the Astronomy Tower!”

“H-How did you…?”

“Oh, I know, Ginny, and judging by the moans and squeals of pleasure I heard, you two definitely weren't playing Parcheesi.”

Ginny stared at her for a moment before giving a Cheshire Cat grin.

“Go ahead, tell him. I know you're too scared to actually do it.”

“I'm not scared of you.”

“Oh, I know that. But you're too scared of yourself, too scared you'll say something wrong, too scared that he won't believe you over me and you'll lose him forever…”

Her voice lingered in the air and Hermione's face fell, angry at the fact that Ginny had practically read her thoughts. Ginny laughed.

“Exactly. Just crawl back to my brother and leave us in peace. Who knows? Maybe he'll forget all about Looney Lovegood in the presence of his first love. I'd much rather have you as a sister-in-law than a rival.”

Hermione's hand shook with anger and she stopped playing with the tendril of hair. “You know better than anybody why I did something so idiotic as go with Ron! He deserves Luna after all I did; they're perfect for each other! I would never stoop to your level and break them up for no good reason!”

“Didn't you, er, `stoop to my level' when you went out with him in the first place?”

“I'm not proud of it, but I've changed since then, and you haven't.”

“Really? You still look like the same old know-it-all, plain faced M.B. you've always been.”

Hermione reached into her robe and pulled out her wand. “Take that back.”

“I don't think I will.”

Hermione swished her wand and screamed a hex. Ginny flew against the wall, knocking a picture frame down with a crash of glass and wood. Hermione spun her wand around and pushed it in her pocket as the door flew open behind her. There, at the door, stood Harry, staring at Hermione and Ginny in amazement. Hermione wanted to speak, wanted to swear it was an accident, but her voice caught in her throat. Harry looked at her with a strange look, his deep eyes peering into her soul. For a moment, it seemed he was remembering past events, but he looked away quickly and focused his gaze on the waking Ginny. He bent beside her and put his hand on hers, checking her to make sure she was all right. The sight of the two of them together made Hermione feel ill, and she turned around abruptly and ran out the door.

As she ran, hot, angry tears flooded her eyes. It was so unfair, Harry and Ginny together, after all that had happened. Harry was hers, well, he had been hers anyways. But then stupid, ugly, horrible Ginny had come, and…

You know you're the one mainly to blame, Granger.

She shook her head, wishing to dispel that thought. She needed to find a quiet place where she could sit and cry herself out, a place where no one could see her heartache. She softly went out through the kitchen door and ran to the lily pond near the Burrow. It was a long way away and was sheltered by a grove of weeping willow trees. She brushed back the branches and softly padded through the soft carpet of moss. She leaned up against the wide tree trunk, pulled her head to her knees, and began to cry.

Hermione didn't know how long she had cried, forever it seemed. Finally, after a time, her tears ended, leaving her numb and empty. The wind grazed her skin, chilling her, and she pulled her robe closer to her. She rubbed her eyes to take the sting of tears away and jumped when a loud popping noise sounded beside her. She jumped in surprise but settled down when she realized that it was just Tonks. She had apparated under the tree with Hermione and her long blue hair was in a mess. She concentrated for a moment before changing her hair to a short, spiky purple hairdo. Hermione just looked at her and put her head back on her arms.

“Go away.”

“No, my dear. I'm sorry, I am here to help you.”

“Don't lie. You're here to get onto me for trying to hex Ginny in oblivion.”

“So you were the creator behind that excellent hex?”

Hermione nodded and Tonks smiled. “Well, it was a very well done hex, even if you shouldn't have done it.” She sat down beside Hermione and looked at her with concern filled eyes. “What's wrong, Hermione?”

“Nothing.”

“Must be a whole lot of nothing to cause you to hex your friend into a wall.”

“Ginny's not my friend. I thought she was at one time, but…”

“Sounds like a story that you need to get off your chest.”

“It's really a long story. I'm sure you wouldn't want to hear it.” Hermione looked down, hoping Tonks wasn't noticing her puffy eyelids.

“If it will help you, Hermione, I'm have all the time in the world. You're like a little sister to me, and I care about you and want to know why you've been acting so strangely these past few times I've seen you.”

Hermione gave a deep sigh. “Okay, I'll tell you, but you have to promise me something.”

“Cross my heart and hope to die.”

“Promise that you won't think of me any differently after hearing this.”

“Promise.”

“Okay.” She gave another little sigh, composing herself for what she was about to do. “Before I begin, I will just say that a lot of the things I did were downright stupid. I know it's my fault, but I like to blame a lot of the things for the fact that I am a female, and females are devious, sneaky, nosy, cruel, and heartless. That's the only excuse I can find for my actions.

“I don't really know where to start, but I suppose I'll start at the beginning. Technically, it's not the beginning, but it's the beginning for me, the source of everything. Everything began and ended with our fourth year at Hogwarts.”

A/N: Okay! So that's a starter! I think this is a suitable breaking point, despite the small length. Forgive me! lol we'll hear the beginning of the whole story next chapter! I would work on the update, but despite my love for writing, it's Christmas time, and I'm spending all my time with my parents! Merry Christmas to all!

Katie

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2. Fourth Year

A/N: Hello again! Thanks to the sparse few who reviewed last chapter; I appreciate it! Hopefully more will review soon! Okay, so this chapter is the beginning of Hermione's tale. I'm starting it out with Hermione talking, but then it will go back in time and be in third person limited. Then the last part will be Hermione's narrative again. Just wanted to get that through so there's no confusion… BTW, this is a really really really long chapter (27 pages on Microsoft word).

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, but I own the experience of every event that occurs to them. One of the conversations in here is taken directly by GOF, written by J.K. Rowling.

Fourth Year

“I don't really know where to start, but I suppose I'll start at the beginning. Technically, it's not the beginning, but it's the beginning for me, the source of everything. Everything began and ended with our fourth year at Hogwarts.”

“Fourth year was very strange. I was becoming a teenager, complete with mood-swings and many secrets. I had lots of little secrets that I heard from Lavender and Parvati, things such as who was dating who and who was wearing what. But the biggest secret I kept was known only by me, at first, for I had fallen in love with one of my best friends. Stupid as it was, I was in love with Ronald Weasley, and I was willing to do anything to make him mine.”

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Hermione Granger sat at a vacant desk in the library, staring solemnly down at the open book before her. The library was empty except for Madam Pince and herself, and for the first time since coming to Hogwarts, Hermione was glad there weren't so many students longing for the library's educational resources. No, Hermione wanted to be alone with her book Goblins: The Truth Behind the Rebellions as she read page 37 over and over and over and over again. She wasn't really taking in a word of it, but merely using it as a prop, an excuse to stay in the library. Surprisingly, her mind was on much more important matters than her schoolwork. For Hermione cared not about her History of Magic essay, nor the fact that it was due in only three weeks. She only cared about her confusion and misery.

Really, it didn't make any sense! Hermione had always been a very level headed girl who had never given boys a second thought, but now she couldn't get him out of her mind. No matter where she went or what she did, she always thinking of him. Every time she would go somewhere where he wasn't, she'd always be looking in the corner of her eye for a flash of red hair or that wretched little white owl, any symbol that he was there. If, by chance, she saw any of these things, her heart would flutter madly in her chest only to be plummeted to her stomach when she realized that it wasn't him.

That particular day in the library, Hermione was musing over all the events that had occurred. Why did she like him of all people? After all, he was one of her best friends. He was so different from Harry, the one who all the girls fawned over and fantasized being with. But Crazy as it was, Hermione couldn't deny the fact that she highly fancied Ron.

Suddenly, Hermione felt the chair beside her be pushed away. She gave a little jump and slammed her book shut, looking sharply to the side. Ron was standing beside her, a wide smile on his pale face. Hermione's heart beat quicker and she could feel her face turning red.

“Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!” Ron looked at her for a moment, not quite knowing what to say. “May I have a seat?”

Had he come to talk to her? Oh, maybe, just maybe!

“Oh, sure, go ahead! I'm just working on my History of Magic essay.”

Ron looked at her, confused. “Um, you haven't written anything.”

Hermione turned on him, looking murderous. “So what?” She got a superior look about her. “I'm much farther than you are, now aren't I?”

Ron looked confused. Confusion never suited him well, so he changed the subject. “Have you seen Krum yet?” He was referring to the newly come Durmstrang student who was competing in the Triwizard Tournament. “They say that he spends quite a bit of time in here, and I was going to ask him for an autograph.” He pulled a pen and a scrap of parchment from his robes and held them up, grinning.

Hermione gave a little `humph' to disguise her hurt and gathered up her books quickly. “Oh, he spends time in here, he and his little fan club. And now you're joining the masses of giggling girls to come gape at him.” She gave a loud noise of disgust, pushed her chair back with fury, and stomped towards the huge double doors of the library, leaving a very befuddled Ron. She flung the door open and stepped outside.

As she walked into the corridor, she caught a glimpse of a person in reddish robes before being knocked to the floor. Her books flew about everywhere and she heard her inkbottle shatter. She sat up warily and softly fingered the spot on her head where it had roughly crashed into the floor. The person who had run into her knelt down to her level, and Hermione found herself face to face with Viktor Krum.

“I am so sorry, Herm-own-ninny. May I help you?” Hermione nodded and licked her lips, not quite knowing what to say to a foreign student. Krum gathered her things in a neat pile and stood up. He gave Hermione a hand, and when she was standing, handed her the books carefully. He waved his wand listlessly towards the spilled ink and it vanished instantly. Hermione was uneasily aware of his eyes on her.

“Thank you very much.” Hermione tried to walk past him towards the Gryffindor common room, but he stopped her by grabbing her arm. He pulled her towards him and looked down into her brown eyes.

“Do you need to go to the hose-peet-all, Herm-own-ninny?”

“N-No, I'm fine, thank you.” She pushed past him and ran to the common room, not knowing that his eyes followed her the whole time.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Hermione ran into the empty common room and dumped her things on the nearest table before flopping onto a chair. As she rested in an attempt to catch her breath, she heard someone walk up behind her. She turned and saw her best friend Harry standing there. Hermione could see why all the girls wanted him, he was nice to look at, but she could never love him like she could Ron. After all, Harry was her best friend, and Ron, was, well, Ron was Ron.

Harry looked at Hermione with a look of concern. “Hermione, what's wrong with you?”

“Krum,” she gasped. “I ran into him at the library, and I fell over, and then he grabbed my arm and I ran back here and—“

“Oh my gosh, he didn't do anything to you, did he?”

“Oh, heaven's no! He just scared me, and…” she winced in pain. “My head…”

Harry extended his hand and softly touched her head. He felt it gingerly and smoothed her bushy hair. “Hermione, come on. Let's go see Madam Pomfrey. I'd like for her to check your head and make sure you're all right. You are bleeding a bit.”

“Am I?”

Harry nodded. “Let's go. I don't want you to be hurt.” Hermione gave a feeble smile and walked with him through the fat lady's portrait and down the hall to the infirmary.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Madam Pomfrey mended Hermione's head in a minute and, after drinking a headache potion, she felt as good as new. She and Harry left the hospital just in time to greet Ron for dinner. Ron gave them an odd look and walked silently with them to the Great Hall. Hermione played with a tendril of her hair, trying to make forced conversation between silent Ron and nervous acting Harry.

Please, Ron! I don't like Harry, I never could! It's you I like!

When they reached the table, Hermione pushed away from Harry and went to sit beside Ron. She never saw the triumphant look on Ron's face or the sad look on Harry's face, but she did realize that the two warmed up almost immediately. The food appeared on the plates and Hermione piled the food onto her golden plate and ate as quickly as she could. She knew Ron and Harry needed a private time to talk from the sideways glances they threw towards her, and she really did need to get to work on her History of Magic essay. Ron looked at her, goggle eyed.

“Gee, Hermione! Are you trying to make yourself sick?”

Harry grinned. “Yeah, cause Madam Pomfrey would love to see you again today!”

Hermione gave him a sarcastic look and leaned across the table to punch his arm. “Oh, yeah, I just love going to the hospital wing.” She rolled her eyes and sighed. “No, I'm going to the library to work on my History of Magic essay, just as soon as I get another bite,” She took a large bite of toast and smiled at Harry, her mouth full of crumbs. “Of toast.” Harry laughed making her laugh, spewing crumbs all over the place. Ron looked at her as though she was crazy.

“You're mental, you know that? And very unladylike, just to let you know.”

Hermione stopped laughing immediately, swallowed her toast, and turned to Ron. “And it's thanks to you that I'm like I am today, because if you hadn't gotten a hold of me, I'd be the shy, repulsive little book worm I used to be.”

Harry held his finger up. “Um, I helped in your transformation, did I not?” He dramatically waved his arm and touched his chest, watching Hermione and Ron the whole time.

“Yeah, Harry, anyways… Ron, have you gotten Krum's autograph yet? Cause if not you can come with me to the library to get it, I'm sure he'll be there.” Harry slowly pulled his hand down to his side and picked up his fork.

“No, I haven't yet, but you go ahead, I'll catch you later.”

Hermione grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. “Oh, uh, alright. Well, catch you later. See ya, Harry.” She walked down the path between the tables and out the huge doors towards the library. Ron's eyes followed Hermione until she was out of sight before giving an embarrassed look towards Harry and leaving the table in the opposite direction. Harry was left alone to eat his dinner with nothing but his thoughts to keep him company.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Hermione was in great spirits when she entered the library, considering the fact that Ron hadn't come with her. The dying sun of late November was seeping slowly through the cathedral style windows and the sound of rustling pages and whispers permeated the air. Hermione inhaled deeply, taking in the wonderful scent of old books, and set down at her usual table. She pulled the books out of her bags and began to work. Three feet of parchment later, she was still working steadily until she heard someone whisper her name.

“Herm-own-ninny!”

She looked up quickly, recognizing the voice instantly. “What do you want?”

“Can I hide under your table?”

“Umm…”

“Thanks greatly!”

He jumped under the table, enlarged her bag with a flick of his wand, and slid behind it, his body resting right beside Hermione's feet. Before she could ask him what he was doing, she heard the familiar gaggle of giggles from behind the nearest shelf.

“Do you think he's in here?”

“Oh, he just has to be!”

“He comes in here a lot!”

“He must be really intelligent!”

“Where could he be?”

“I don't know, let's just call him.”

“Oh, VIKTOR!” The final speaker raised her voice so that it echoed al throughout the library. Madam Pince straightened from her position of bending over so quickly that her hornbill glasses flew, their cord almost strangling her. Hermione watched in amusement as the ruffled Pince came over to the group of girls, her face a fury.

“OUT, I tell you! OUT! This is not a museum in which you can goggle at Quidditch players, this is a LIBRARY!!! If you want to see him, go down to the Durmstrang ship and talk to him there!” The girls walked out the door shamefacedly, led by Madam Pince the whole way. She practically threw them out the door and mumbled the whole way to her desk incoherent curses.

Hermione stifled a giggle and leaned under the table. “It's okay now.” Krum gave her a grateful look and pulled himself from under the table.

“Thanks, Herm-own-ninny.”

“No problem. Hey, by the way, how do you know my name?”

Krum looked sheepishly at her and rubbed his neck with his hand awkwardly. “Vell, I…vell, you vill laugh.”

Hermione sighed. “Trust me, it can't be anything funnier than the things that Ron and Harry come up with. What is it?”

Krum gave a tiny smile, improving his features greatly. “Vell, the Yule Ball is coming, you do know what zat is, don't you?”

Hermione nodded. “It's the ball that always accompanies the Triwizard Tournament. Why do you ask?”

“Vell, it is coming up soon, and, vell I'm a champion and the champions have to have a partner to dance with.”

“So, your point is…?”

“Would you go with me to the Yule Ball?”

Hermione dropped her quill in surprise, blotting her paper horribly.

“I know you probably won't want to, since I can tell that you fancy your friend, but you are the only girl I have been meeting at Hogwarts who isn't just some dumb-wad with fancy looks. You haff already helped me by saving me from those horrid girls, do you think that you could help me just once more?”

Hermione thought for a moment, touching the corner of her mouth with her quill. Going with him wouldn't be that bad. I mean, Ron and Harry definitely haven't asked me yet. And it's not as though I'm agreeing to marry him or anything, just one or two dances and I'd be home free.

Making up her mind, Hermione looked at Viktor and smiled. “Yes, I'll go with you.”

Krum's smile broadened. “You vill?”

Hermione nodded. “Yes, Viktor. I will.”

Viktor went to the Durmstrang ship that night feeling better than he had since the Quidditch World Cup. Hermione went to the Gryffindor common room wondering what she had just gotten herself into.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Two weeks later, as Hermione sat in the common room watching Ron and Harry play chess from the corner of her eye, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Ginny Weasley smiling sweetly at her.

“Hey, Ginny! What are you up to?”

“Hermione, can I talk to you privately?”

“Sure. What do you need to talk about?”

“Let's go up to my dormitory away from other ears.”

She took Hermione by the hand and led her to the third year's dormitories. She opened the door and, seeing no one else there, ushered Hermione in and put a simple locking and silencing spell on the door. Hermione walked to the center of the room and looked around cautiously before sitting down on Ginny's bed. Ginny ran over and pounced on the bed, rumpling the covers.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Hermione cleared her throat. “So, Ginny? What did you need to talk to me about?”

Ginny gave a sly look at Hermione. “Would you ever consider going with Harry to the Yule Ball?”

Hermione gave a shocked look. “Well, I, I don't know! Did he ask you to ask me?”

“No, I was just wondering because I think you two would be really great together.”

“It doesn't matter anyways, because I've already got a date to the Ball.”

Ginny gave a little squeal. “Really? Who?”

“You cannot tell anyone.”

“Promise.”

“Viktor Krum.”

Ginny screamed and Hermione put her hand over her eyes, thankful there was a silencing charm on the door so no one would assume Hermione was murdering her.

“Oh my gosh, that's wonderful! Do you fancy him?”

Hermione shook her head adamantly. “No. I'm just going because he asked me, and, well, it's not like anyone else was going to ask me.”

Ginny looked absolutely amazed. “Don't say that, dear. You are a beautiful, confident girl that a million guys would kill for.” She patted Hermione's arm and went back to the pressing subject matter. “So do you think you'll fall hopelessly in love with Viktor?”

“Oh, no! I'm not going to love someone just because they're famous.”

“But could you ever love someone who is famous for a reason other than fame?”

“What? I-I don't know. Listen, I need to go Ginny. I'm gonna go make sure Ron hasn't blown Harry up or something weird like that.”

“Why do you care if Harry's exploded?”

“Because he's my best friend, and I don't really want to see Ron go to Azkaban on murder charges.”

“Yeah.” Ginny paused, lost in thoughts. “Listen, do you want to come get ready for the Ball with me? We could do each other's makeup and just have fun. You're like the sister I've never had, and I'd like to share something like this with you.”

Hermione smiled. “Sure, I'd love to. Anyways, see you later, Ginny!”

“Bye! Go save your guys butts!” Hermione laughed and walked down the staircase. It was true, what Ginny had said. Even though Ron was a wizard from an all wizarding family and Harry was the Boy-Who-Lived, she still had to save their butts on a daily basis. Even though she sometimes feigned annoyance at her never-ending job, she loved it and wouldn't trade her life for anyone else's in the whole entire world.

When she reached the common room, Harry was frowning as he thought, trying to find someway to beat Ron, a task he seldom conquered. Hermione immediately saw a move that would insure his win, but Harry was so horrible at chess that she knew he would never see it. She motioned wildly and silently until he looked up and saw her behind Ron. She smiled and put her finger to her lips to motion silence. She silently moved her mouth, forming the words, `Move your queen left!' Harry understood instantly, making Hermione smiled. She didn't quite know how, but Harry was always able to understand her, no matter what. That was one of the reasons that they were best friends.

“Checkmate.” Harry said, crossing his arms triumphantly. Ron looked at him in surprise.

“How did you win? You never win Wizard Chess, and I was sure you'd never see that!!” Harry smiled and Hermione walked over to join them.

“Just lucky, I guess.” He couldn't help but give Hermione a smile that was so real and big that he knew he looked dumb. To his happiness, she gave him the same kind of smile right back.

“So, Harry? Have you found a date to the Ball yet?” Harry shook his head.

“May I remind you that you haven't either, Ron?”

“All the good ones taken, Ron?” said Hermione loftily. “Eloise Midgen starting to look quite pretty now, is she? Well, I'm sure you'll find someone somewhere who'll have you.”

“Hermione, you're a girl, you can go with one of us!”

Hermione's heart sank but she replied with as much fervor as she could muster. “I can't go with you, because I'm already going with someone.”

“No, you're not! You can't be!”

Hermione looked at him acidly. “Oh, I can't? Just watch on December 25th. Just because it's taken you three years to notice, Ron, doesn't mean that no one else has spotted I'm a girl!” She sat with them for a few moments as Ron stared at her, his eyes a mixture of confusion and sadness.

“Who are you going with, then?”

“Like I'm telling you!”

She jumped up from her chair by Harry and fled to her dormitory. She flung the door open and flopped on her bed before bursting into hot, angry tears. I could have had Ron, but no! I'm stuck with some stupid, stuck-up Quidditch player with such a thick accent that I can barely understand him! She clutched her pillow and gave a little sob into it.

“Oh, Ron,” she whispered. “I'm so, so sorry.”

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Hermione went through the next week in a fowl mood that wasn't helped by Ron's incessant questioning. Every time they sat down to eat, Ron asked her who she was going with. Finally, the day before the Ball, she got so tired of him that she lost her temper completely.

She was sitting at the bench beside Ron when he casually mentioned that real friends didn't keep secrets when Hermione snapped. She jumped up from the bench, knocking her goblet of pumpkin juice over so that it spilled across the table. “RON, GET OFF MY CASE! YOU ARE BEING THE MOST HORRIBLE, WRETCHED PERSON EVER!” She balled up her napkin and threw it in his face. “JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!” She grabbed her bag and ran from the hall, leaving Ron staring in surprise. He turned to Harry with a surprised look on his face.

“What is her problem?”

Harry felt his face turning red with fury. “Ron, you are the problem. It's obvious that she doesn't want to talk about the ball, but you just can't leave her alone! Stop bugging her and go apologize to her now.” Harry's face was so furious that Ron didn't know what to reply. He leaned close to Harry so that no one but he could hear his words.

“You're not the only one who fancies her, Harry Potter.”

“But I, I don't, I mean…”

“Don't even try. It's completely obvious. But right now, I'm the one she loves, and you aren't going to steal this opportunity from me.” He got up quickly and threw his and Hermione's napkins on the table before storming away. All the eyes in the Great Hall were on Harry. He looked down at the napkins and blinked to clear the sudden watering of his eyes. When attention was diverted from him, he slowly reached out and pulled the bottom napkin out, smoothed it gently and used it to wipe his eyes before tucking it carefully into his robe's pocket.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Hermione kept walking away from the Great Hall, not really paying attention where she was going. She went from corridor to corridor until she found herself at the Astronomy Tower, the highest spot of the castle with no place to go beyond it. She dropped her bag silently to the floor and walked over to the brick wall that formed a half barrier. She leaned her elbows on it and looked out towards the setting sun, blazing beautifully in the sky. She hardly saw its beauty, though, so enveloped in her own troubles.

Why is Ron acting like this? He has always bugged me in little ways, but he's just being horrible! After that beautiful scene, I just, oh… Hermione, girl, get a hold of yourself! You still like him; you have to because he's the only one who would ever want you.

What about Viktor? The annoying little voice in her head said.

Oh, goodness no! I barely even know him!

Well, then…you always have Harry. The little voice said this last tauntingly, almost as though it was toying with her.

Oh, I couldn't! I mean, he's my best friend, and I love Ron!

Or do you?

Hermione gave a great sigh and flopped her head down on her arms, her bushy hair flying everywhere. She felt like an absolute idiot, unable to control her thoughts and emotions. If only she could see Ron, talk to him, listen to him apologize…

“Hermione?” She turned sharply and saw Ron standing in the doorway. Her heart fluttered but she remained calm, forcing herself to keep her emotions intact.

“What do you want?”

“Look, Hermione, I'm sorry! Who your date is is your business, and I had no right to invade your privacy.”

“Exactly.”

“Please forgive me! I hate it when you're mad at me, because, well, you're my best friend, and whenever you spend time with me when we're not fighting, well,” he stepped forward and touched her face gently. “You are so beautiful when you're thinking really hard, staring into the fire or when you're laughing and joking around with us. And I would hate to sacrifice the relationship I have with you over something that won't matter in two weeks time.”

His index finger softly stroked her cheek, making her tremble slightly. “Apology accepted.”

Ron gave her a great smile before leaning towards her.

Oh my gosh, he's going to kiss me!

Even though she had fantasized Ron kissing her, something in her instincts told her to wait. Right as his lips were about to close in on hers, she turned her head slightly so that his lips rested against her cheekbone. The area that he touched seemed to radiate with heat. He pulled away with downcast eyes.

“Alright, Hermione. I-I'll see you in the common room.” He turned away as she slowly lifted her hand and touched the warm spot on her cheek that had been graced by his lips. It had felt good, his lips on her, but she knew in her heart that she had done the right thing by not kissing him full on—yet.

“Yes, sir,” she whispered. “The next time I have the opportunity to kiss him, I'm doing it, no matter what my instinct.”

She touched her face gently again before placing her bag firmly across her shoulder and leaving the now dark turret. Half way down the hallway, Harry appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

“Hey, Harry.”

“Hermione!” his face beamed. “Did Ron talk to you yet?”

“Oh, yes, and everything's perfect between us again!” Harry nodded and smiled, but this smile was much thinner than the first.

“That's great. C'mon, let's get on back to the common room.” Harry put his hand on her shoulder, giving her a little half hug.

“Thanks for caring.”

“Oh, no problem. What are best friends for?”

Hermione smiled. “So, have you figured out the egg's clue for the next task?”

Harry tightened his mouth. “Not quite.” Noting Hermione's chiding look he quickly added, “But I'm almost finished with it!”

“You better be. Harry, I'm rather worried about you.”

“Why? I can take care of myself.”

“Then why am I always fixing your glasses, helping you with Chess, and getting you out of a load of trouble?”

Harry grinned sheepishly. “Other than that.” Hermione gave a little `humph'. “Oh, Hermione, I promise you I will be careful. I got past that dragon okay, didn't I?”

Hermione nodded grimly, remembering how much fear she felt for Harry as he flitted and flew about, trying to get past the most dangerous dragon in the competition.

“There's a lot more that I want to do in my life; I promise I'll watch out.”

Hermione smiled and realized for the first time that they were standing at the Fat Lady's portrait. The normal fifteen minutes it took to get from the Astronomy Tower to the common room had seemed like nothing. They gave the password and went inside before wishing each other a good night and going to their dormitories. As Hermione lay in her bed that night, she couldn't help but smile. That afternoon had been perfect, for Ron had kissed her and she was blessed with such a good friend as Harry.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

When Harry reached the fourth year boys dormitories, he was surprised to find Ron waiting for him. He gave him a little glance before heading for his bed.

“Harry, wait.”

Harry stopped and turned to Ron. “What is it?”

“Listen, mate, I'm sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

“For what I said at the table.”

“It's alright, we're good. And I don't fancy Hermione.”

“Really?”

His eyes darted to the left before he answered. “Really.”

Ron just nodded, wondering if he was being lied to.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Christmas Day came quickly, bringing along holiday cheer and an overwhelming amount of excitement over the ball. No girl in the castle was alone; all were accompanied by their fellow females, going about Hogwarts with titters and whispers, all girls with the exception of Hermione. She spent the morning on the grounds, having snowball fights with Harry and the Weasley boys. Little did she know that as she ran and screamed in the snow, there were girls watching her from the courtyard.

“It really is strange, don't you think?” Parvati Patil said with a sigh as she leaned against the archway.

“What's strange, Granger?” Lavender replied.

“What's strange is how she can be in love with someone but not even know it!” Padma answered for her twin with a sigh.

“Oh, I know! They're just perfect for each other!” added another fourth year from Ravenclaw.

As they watched, the Weasley twins bombarded Hermione with snow and she fell to the snow covered ground.

“Aww, look at that!” Lavender said. “He's so sweet, helping her up and making sure she's okay!” The entire group sighed with ecstasy. They continued watching Hermione and the guys prance around in the snow until Hermione waved them goodbye and headed towards the castle to prepare for the night's activities. As she passed by the archway, all the spying girls gathered around her and began to talk excitedly.

“Oh, Hermione! Which one of your guys are you going with tonight?”

“Uh, my guys?”

“Ron and Harry! You three are the trio of Hogwarts!”

“How so?”

“In every great book that takes place at a school, there is always a legendary trio of two guys and a girl!”

“And the girl always falls in love with one of the guys!”

“Do you fancy Harry, Hermione?”

“Yeah, cause you two are so perfect together!”

“Why is everyone always asking me about Harry?” Hermione asked in exasperation. “Everyone thinks I'm just completely in love with him, but he's my best friend!”

“Well, best friends make best lovers, and you two sure act like you're in love.”

“Can we help you get ready for the Ball?”

“Yeah! We know exactly what to do to you to turn Harry on.”

“WHAT?!?”

“You know,” Lavender sighed. “You and Harry at the dance tonight? We can help you win his heart completely, and by the end of the night, you'll be shagging away.”

“No! I am not going with Harry, nor will I ever, as long as I have anything to do with things! And I don't want to-to shag him,” she hissed.

Parvati sighed. “Okay, then. We can settle for a make-out session.”

“NO!” Hermione screamed.

“Oh, but you need our help!”

“Yeah, we can even make your hair straight at non-bushy!”

“Please…”

“Leave her alone, girls.” Ginny Weasley had entered their midst. “C'mon, Hermione. Let's go get ready.” She linked her arm in Hermione's and ushered her away.

“Thanks for that, Gin.”

“No problem. Girls can be pretty vicious when it comes to rumors and such.”

“I know. Girls are always devious, sneaky, nosy, cruel, and completely heartless.”

Hermione laughed. “So what do you have in mind for our beautification?”

“Well, I have some hair potion for you. Don't get me wrong, I love your hair, it has a beautiful color and really nice curls, but we're going to smooth it down for tonight.”

“Sounds good to me.” They went into the third year dormitories, vacant except for Ginny. She went to her trunk and extracted a large amount of hair care and make-up products.

“Okay, do you have anything you'd like to use for tonight?”

Hermione shook her head. “The only makeup I wear is foundation, mascara, and lip gloss, sometimes. I just don't put too much store in those kind of things.” Ginny looked at her, eyebrows raised. Hermione shrugged. “Sorry.”

“Oh, don't be! That's just pretty cool! I think you are very lovely, even without much makeup. Lovely enough to make any boy fall for you. And after tonight, we'll make sure that Viktor will be completely blind with love for you.”

“Oh, I don't want that! I'm just going with him for a favor! He's not who I fancy!” She put her hand over her mouth. “Not that I fancy anyone…”

Ginny grabbed a bottle of Sleekeazy Hair Potion and shook it fervently. “Oh, I'm sure. Who do you fancy?”

“No one.” Hermione answered quickly and turned to the left to fiddle with a curling contraption that was resting on the bed.

Ginny motioned for Hermione to sit down and applied a generous amount of potion to her hair. “You're lying.”

“N-No I'm not.”

“Trust me, I know.” She pulled a large comb through Hermione's hair. “I can tell you're lying.”

“So what if I am?”

“Oh, please tell me!”

“Why do you want to know?”

She went in front of Hermione and began to apply makeup. “Because we're closer than sisters. We're best friends.”

We are? I mean, Ginny, you're my friend, but Harry's my best friend ever.

“I-I really can't tell you.”

“Trust me, I would never betray you. I never told anyone about Viktor.”

“Well, I can't tell you.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“I swear I won't tell.”

Hermione sighed. “Fine. If I had to pick any guy to fancy, it would be, oh gosh, this is so crazy. I'd choose your brother.”

Ginny dropped the tube of mascara in surprise.

“Please don't tell!”

“Ron? You like Ron?!? That's really weird.”

“I know, it's the dumbest thing ever.”

“Oh, but it's sweet! Now, sit still so I can do your eyeliner.” Hermione sighed and sat still as a statue until Ginny finished. They continued to get ready until, three hours later, they were pleased with their appearances. They left the dormitories to greet their dates.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

When Viktor met Hermione near the library, his mouth dropped in surprise. Hermione smiled nervously.

“Hello, Viktor.”

“Herm-own-ninny, you are beautiful.”

“Thank you!” Feeling uncomfortable at his watching eyes, she pulled back the part of her hair that was hanging down. “Shall we go to the Great Hall?”

“Yes, that vill do.” He extended his arm and she took it with a smile. They made their way to the doors of the Great Hall, making polite conversation back and forth. Professor McGonagall called for the champions and their dates to follow her. Hermione leaned closer to Viktor, somewhat grateful for his presence as every one watched them. Fleur and Roger led the way, followed by Cedric and Cho, and

Harry.

Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she saw Harry. He was the same old Harry, but he looked different, almost grown-up in his emerald dress robes. It enhanced his eyes, and his straight smile gleamed. She was proud of how well her best friend cleaned up. He looked towards her and gave a little nod, and her smile fell slightly as she realized that he didn't recognize her. The doors opened, and she got a tighter grip on Viktor's arm as they entered.

The Great Hall appeared to have leapt out of a fairy tale. There were ice sculptures and glowing Christmas trees scattered about. The dance floor was polished so well that it shone and the dimmed lights and soft candlelight created a glow on everyone's faces. Hermione couldn't help but smile as the champions were led up to the head table. She felt beautiful and special, almost as though this night was made just for her.

When they sat down at the table, Viktor pulled her seat out for her.

“Thank you, Viktor.”

“You are velcome, Herm-own-ninny.” Hermione heard a fork clatter onto a plate. She turned to her left and saw that Harry had taken a seat next to her, his mouth agape.

“Her-Hermione?”

Hermione smiled sheepishly. “Surprise.”

“Oh, my…I mean… Wow. You, well, you look more beautiful than ever.”

Hermione felt her face turning red. “Thank you. You look quite nice yourself.”

He grinned, obviously embarrassed, and picked up his fork. Hermione felt an uncanny urge to continue talking to Harry, but Viktor commanded her attention.

“So, Herm-own-ninny, how is life at Hogwarts?”

“I think it's wonderful! Harry has gotten us in quite a few predicaments over the years, but we've always gotten out okay.” Her eyes darted towards Harry and was slightly pleased to see that he was eavesdropping subtly by the smile and nod on his face. She kicked him softly under the table and put on an innocent grin. He looked non-chalantly about the hall before reaching below the table and pinching the tender flesh of her thigh. She gave a little yelp, making everybody at the table turn and stare at her.

“Herm-own-ninny, are you okay?”

“Um, yes, I just, uh, hit my knee on the table leg.”

Harry bit his lip to avoid bursting into laughter. “Vell, you need to be more careful. Ve don't vant you to get hurt before the dancing, do ve?”

Harry turned to Hermione again. “Yes, Hermione. Do learn to be more careful.” He lowered his voice. “Or I'll have to save your butt this time.” Hermione smiled.

The continuation of supper went by perfectly, without any more violence on Hermione or Harry's part. Viktor, Hermione, Harry, and Parvati had a wonderful conversation and didn't stop talking until Dumbledore tapped his crystal glass to silence everybody.

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Now that we are fed and watered, let us begin the event of the evening that has been most anticipated. Will our champions and their dates please make their way to the dance floor?”

Viktor took Hermione's hand. “Come, Herm-own-ninny. Let us dance.” Hermione smiled and allowed him to lead the way. She placed her hand shyly on his shoulder and allowed him to take her other hand in his. She leaned towards him while keeping her head erect, allowing him to lead her across the dance floor. Surprisingly, he was a very good dancer despite his burly figure. They intertwined between the other dancers, gliding swiftly around, Hermione's robe swishing on the tiled floor.

Too soon, the first dance was over, and Viktor and Hermione let go of each other to join in the clapping. Another fast dance started up, and Viktor led Hermione into a rousing rhythm. They danced together for another four songs when Viktor let go of her hand.

“Do you not want to dance anymore?”

“Yes, but I think I vill let your friend have a dance.” He motioned towards Harry who was standing alone on the dance floor, looking as though he was about to bolt.

“Oh, you don't have to, I can dance with you…”

“Go to him, Herm-own-ninny. I'm going to go get some punch, I'll meet you later.”

He touched his forehead in salute to her and walked away. Unable to explain the pounding of her heart, she walked towards Harry as the fast song ended.

“Hey, How are you doing?”

“Hermione.” He smiled at her broadly. “Well, Parvati joined up with some guy from Beauxbatons, and I don't think she'll be coming back.”

Hermione gave a little giggle. “Don't worry about her, her head has nothing in it but bits of fluff anyways.” As she finished saying these words, a slow song began. Harry looked at Hermione carefully before extending his hand.

“May I have the honor of this dance?”

Hermione took his hand as a wide smile spread across her face. “My pleasure.”

She put her arms around the back of his neck and he placed his large hands on her hips. She felt an unknown confidence in his arms. He looked down at her and smiled. As they glided around, Hermione heard whispers of her name as people questioned if that was really Hermione Granger in that blue dress dancing with Harry Potter.

Harry smiled. “Sounds like you're the talk of this party.”

“Apparently so!” She laughed. “I'm just so beautiful and popular!”

“You are beautiful.” Hermione didn't know what to reply to that, so she just leaned her head on Harry's chest thankful that she had her best friend here with her. He leaned down and rested his cheek on the top of her head. They danced in this fashion for some time before Harry spoke again.

“So where did Krum go?”

“He went to go get some punch and told me to come dance with you.”

“That's weird.”

“I know! What's really weird is that all these people have this crazy notion that me and you are in love.” She laughed, but fell silent when he didn't reply. He slowly took his right hand off of her hipbone and ran it through her sleek hair. She pulled away, still in his arms, and looked at him.

“You are, I mean, you're not…in love with me, are you?”

Harry said nothing but just looked into her eyes. “We're best friends.”

“That's what I've been telling everybody.”

“Who cares what any one else says about you? As long as you know what you believe to be true, no one else's opinion matters. You're too good of a person to need to worry about what everyone says.” He pushed her hair away from her forehead. “I'm so glad that you are my best friend, and I'm glad that I got to have this dance with you.” He leaned forward and softly brushed the tender spot of her head with his lips. As the song ended, Harry pulled away. “Thanks for the dance, Hermione.” He pulled his hand away from hers and walked off through the throng of dancers.

Not quite knowing what had just happened, Hermione stood motionless until Viktor came and touched her arm gently.

“Did you have a nice dance, Herm-own-ninny?”

“Yes,” she breathed. “It was wonderful.”

Viktor took her hand and kissed it softly. “Vould you like to go to the garden for some fresh air?”

“That would be nice.” They walked together to the courtyard and walked down the paths, trying to ignore the rustles, moans, and squeals coming from the darkened bushes. They found a large statue of a reindeer and Viktor motioned for her to stop. They stood silently by the statue for a minute before Viktor spoke.

“Herm-own-ninny, I can't thank you enuff for coming vith me tonight.”

“Oh, really, I've had fun.”

“I know you much rather vould have come tonight with your friend.”

Hermione thought of Ron's shining red hair and his maroon robes.

“But I just vanted to say that I think there vas some reason as to vhy you came vith me instead of him.”

“You asked me.”

“Herm-own-ninny, I must admit, I feel much differently around you than I have any other girl.”

“Oh, my,” said Hermione, realizing that Viktor was going to say something she didn't want to hear. She fanned her face with her hand rapidly. “I-I need air.”

“But ve are outside!”

“Oh, I know, but, it's almost time for the ball to be over, and I really should start heading back…”

“But Herm-own-ninny! I haff something important to tell you!”

“Viktor, I'm sorry, but I really need to go! Thanksfortonight, itwaswonderful, seeyouaroundbye!” She gave him a quick little hug and took off on a quick walk through the garden. She snuck around the Great Hall and went to the common room through lots of side corridors. She gave the Fat Lady the password and entered the common room, not expecting to find anyone there. She looked towards the fire and screamed in surprise when Ron popped up.

“Oh, Ron you scared me!” she put her hand over her heart. “What are you doing here?”

“I just needed a chance to talk to you before everyone else came in here.”

“So, talk?”

“Hermione,” he stepped towards her. “I have something to tell you.”

“Whatever is it?”

Ron took a deep breath. “Hermione, I know that you fancy me, and I…”

“WHAT?!?”

“I just wanted to say that I fancy you, too, and if you wanted to go to the ball with me instead of that bulk of waste, you just had to ask me.”

Hermione looked at him, her mouth open. “His name is Viktor, and he is very nice. Just because you're so jealous of him you can't stand it!”

“Hermione, I-I love you.”

He took a step towards her and, before she could stop him, he kissed her firmly on the mouth. Her eyes widened in surprise. THIS is what I've been fantasizing about all year? She tried to push him away, but his lips seemed magnetically attracted to hers. She raised her hand and slapped him soundly across the face. He looked at her in surprise.

“GET OFF ME, YOU DOLT!”

“JUST BECAUSE I'M NOT VIKTOR!”

“I DON'T CARE ONE WHIT FOR VIKTOR AND YOU KNOW IT!”

“YOU JUST WENT WITH HIM TO MAKE ME JEALOUS!”

“AS IF!” She heard the door open, but she didn't care. “WHAT WOULD POSSESS ME TO WANT TO MAKE YOU JEALOUS!”

“THE FACT THAT YOU FANCY ME!” She gasped and heard someone gasp simultaneously from the doorway. She looked over and saw Harry watching them. Her voice shook as she spoke to Ron. “ I do not fancy you right now, and I don't know how I was ever dumb enough to think you were all I ever wanted.” She turned away from him and strolled to the girls' dormitories.

That night as she lay in her bed, she couldn't help but think in amazement about how odd this Christmas had been. She had had a wonderful snow fight, all the while loving Ron, had been breath-takingly beautiful for four hours, danced in the arms of her best friend, and had been kissed by Viktor, Ron, and Harry. And now, as she lay there looking at the stars, she realized that she no longer thought of Ron with her heart bursting from longing. They would be friends again, yes, but she knew in her heart that she would never achieve the now-dead goal of becoming Mrs. Ronald Weasley.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

The month and a half between the Ball and the second task flew by for Hermione. She and Ron had made up, and she noticed with a smirk the longing looks he shot her when he thought she wasn't looking. She would just smile and laugh to herself, thinking about how stupid she had been. She found that she wasn't subconsciously looking for Ron everywhere anymore, something she was very glad of. Also, she wasn't worrying too much about saving Ron—he deserved to fend for himself for a while—but she couldn't help but pester Harry about the second task. She didn't mean to, she just worried for his safety.

The day before the second task, McGonagall called Hermione, Ron, and Cho to her office.

“Thank you three for coming, please sit down. As you know, the second task is scheduled for tomorrow. Each champion will have to go down into the lake to take back what they'll miss most. You three are the items of three of the champions. If you will please stay calm, I must put a charm over you to protect you from the water's depths. You will go into a deep sleep, and we will place you in the lake. You will wake from your slumber as soon as you reach the surface. I assure you, nothing will happen to you. Now, who will go first?”

The three students looked at each other before Hermione raised her hand. “I'll go first, Professor.” McGonagall smiled at her.

“Very good, Granger. Now, sit still and get comfortable.” Hermione wriggled in her chair. “There you go! On the count of three, one, two, three!” A large beam of soft yellow light hit Hermione in the forehead and spread throughout her body. She felt her head lolling to the side, and she was out.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Hermione felt cold all over her body. She was walking through a long and abandoned corridor that seemed to have no end. Her pounding heart echoed off the stone walls, and her breath rose in a mist before her. She seemed to be walking in slow motion as her footsteps made a resonating thud. As she continued to walk, she heard something come up behind her. She turned and saw a huge snake coiled beside her. Remembering her experiences from second year, she closed her eyes tightly but opened them again when she heard a soft, cold voice.

“Kill her, my sweet.” The snake slowly wound around her tightening with every turn. Hermione felt her breath growing quicker and more strained. The voice began to laugh and she let out a scream. Right as she felt life beginning to ebb from her body, she heard a swish of a sword and the snake tightened even harder before falling around her, dead. Everything swam before her eyes as the person who had saved her leaned over her. She was only able to recognize one thing about the person—dark hair. She wanted to thank him for saving her—in fact, she wanted to kiss him and never be freed from his grasp, but her eyes rolled back and she fell into a deep, dark void.

Next thing Hermione knew, she was being held inches from the lake's surface as she gasped for air. Water dripped from her eyes and her heart pounded furiously. Whoever was carrying her laid her gently on the bank and she sat up to see—

Viktor Krum.

“What—where's the snake?”

He looked at her, puzzled. “You must haff been dreaming, Herm-own-ninny. I just rescued you from the lake right as the hour was up.”

Hermione got a look of horror. “You were the one who had to rescue me? I thought it would be Harry, and—OH MY GOSH! HARRY'S STILL IN THE LAKE!” She sat up and tried to run back into the water but Viktor grabbed her.

“Herm-own-ninny, calm down! If he's not back in fifteen minutes, the judges will rescue him.”

“He'll be dead by then, Harry! HARRY!”

She tried to make another lunge, but was stopped this time by Madam Pomfrey.

“Hermione, dear, come on. He'll be okay. Your mind's a little cloudy still from the spell. Now, come with me and I'll fix you up.”

“NO! Harry's still down there and I'm not going to go get a potion to `feel better' when my friend's might be dead in the lake!” She tried to turn, but Viktor and Madam Pomfrey grabbed her firmly. Unable to resist both of them, her body went limp and she allowed them to take her to the hospital tent.

Ten minutes later, Hermione's mind was clearer as she sat bundled in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, but she couldn't speak for fear. Viktor sat beside her, stroking her back with his hand. As she looked over at him, she remembered her dream clearly.

“Viktor, you have dark hair!”

“Um, yes, I do.”

“No, I mean, I had this dream where this snake was trying to kill me, and somebody with dark hair saved me, and it had to have been you!”

Viktor thought for a moment before answering. “Are you sure it vos me and not somebody else?”

“You saved me from the lake, didn't you?”

“Vell, yes, but…”

“Thank you for saving me, both in my dreams and in the water.” Hermione said, her brown eyes shining.

“Your velcome, but…”

Viktor was interrupted by a great shout of cheers from the spectators.

“And our youngest champion emerges!” Shouted Bagman's magnified voice.

Hermione jumped up and ran out of the tent, her blanket trailing behind. Harry was lying on a bank of grass, his lungs gasping for air. Awakening from their sleep, Ron and a little girl who looked like Fleur lay near him. Hermione ran towards Harry and leaned down beside him. He sat up and rumpled his hair with his hand. This was too much for Hermione, who burst into tears and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

Harry laughed. “Good to see you too, Hermione.” He hugged her back and let her cry until Madam Pomfrey forced her to leave so that he could get medical attention. Hermione followed them to the tent, smiling and crying the whole way. When he had received potion, cocoa, and a blanket, Hermione sat beside him and stared at him.

Harry looked at her and smiled. “I'm not going to just up and die, you know.”

Hermione playfully hit him on the arm. “I was worried when you didn't come up for awhile. I thought something horrible had happened to you.”

“I got there first, but I didn't know if I was supposed to save you or Ron. So as I sat there and pondered it, Krum came and took you away, followed immediately by Cedric. Fleur never came, and I was stupid enough to take the song seriously. I saved Fleur's sister and Ron, and that's why it took me so much longer to get to the surface: I was carrying to deadweights, one the size of a sack of potatoes and one the size of a Cadillac.” Hermione laughed. “They were so heavy that I had to lean them up against a rock to take my robes off to lose some weight.” Hermione darted a look at his bare chest and then looked up, pretending she didn't notice anything. “That cost me more time, and halfway to the surface, the gillyweed stopped working, and I thought I was going to drown. Yet, somehow, I made it back up. And then I got viciously attacked by a bushy haired girl who seemed to think that I was dead.” Hermione tried to whack him again, but he stopped her hand in mid-air.

“Promise me one thing, Harry.”

“What?”

“If you ever have a chance to do more death-defying tasks like you're doing this year, don't, okay?”

Harry laughed. “Okay.”

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Life went back into comfortable monotony after that cold February day. Hermione had to admit that after her dream, she was starting to have a little bit of a crush on Viktor. She knew it was really strange, but every night before she would fall asleep, she would remember that dream that she had had in the lake. As a result, every night she would dream about her dark haired savior, and though she never was able to clearly see his face, she just knew it was Krum.

“After all,” she said when she told Ginny of her new crush. “He did rescue me from the lake. Who else could it be?”

Ginny shrugged and smiled. “Nobody that I can think of.”

The odd thing was, now that Hermione had a small attraction for Viktor, he was never around. Sure, she saw him around as he grew to consider her a friend, but the emotion that he felt for her at the Yule Ball seemed to be carefully concealed. Hermione soon found that she didn't have much time to pine over Viktor. She concentrated her free time on helping Harry practice for the third task of the Quidditch field maze.

Hermione remembered her fear and worry for Harry during the first two tasks, and she swore to herself that she would help him with all of her power so that she would not have to worry too much about him (not that she wouldn't worry, she just hoped to lessen the fear). She taught him the four points charm to create a compass, the slow motion charm, and helped him strengthen his stunning spells. Even though she felt attraction for Viktor, she wanted more than anything else in the world for Harry to win the Tournament.

The morning of the final task, Hermione woke up early and snuck out of bed, careful not to wake Lavender or Parvati. She tiptoes to the window and sat on the sill. The early morning sky was beautiful; the sun's faint glow was on the horizon while the stars and moon were still visible high above. Hermione slowly opened the window and let the cool breeze blow across her face. Today was the last of the tasks, the last time that she would have to pull her hair in fear, the last time that Harry would be in mortal danger where she couldn't help him. She knew he didn't need her help, but she knew that it was always hard to do difficult things alone.

As she watched the sky, a star fell from its place in the heavens. Hermione smiled at the beauty and closed her eyes and crossed her fingers to make a wish. “Please keep him safe and have the strength to continue this final task.”

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Ron chatted without ceasing beside Hermione in the stands, but she only half-listened. Her mind was focused on Harry. They had wished him good luck before he had to go meet the other champions. Hermione had given him a huge hug, Ron had patted him on the back, and then they left him. Now as they sat in the stands, Hermione felt uneasy, wishing she could get this over with.

“Welcome to the Third and Final Task of the Triwizard Tournament!” Bagman's magnified voice shouted, resulting in an eruption of cheers. “The highest champions score-wise will enter the maze first! Will Diggory and Potter please step to the starting line?”

“GO HARRY!” Hermione screamed, standing up on her seat.

“On your mark, get set, go!” The two boys raced into the maze amid shouts from the crowd. The other two champions were ushered in and a silence fell over the crowd. There really was nothing to see since the hedges were so high, and Hermione finally sat down and began to mutter and fidget, hoping Harry was doing okay.

After what seemed a lifetime, a loud trumpeting sounded from within the maze. Hermione jumped up; it was over at last. She looked down in the field and gasped when she saw Harry and Cedric gripping the cup, rising into the air. The next instant they were gone.

“HARRY!” But Hermione's scream was barely heard amidst the shouts of confusion.

“Please stay calm, everybody. We don't exactly know what is happening, but we will get control soon enough. Stay in your seats, please.”

The blood pounded in Hermione's ears and she noticed that Ron had gone quite pale under his flaming red hair. Needing to be comforted by a friend, she leaned towards him, leaning against him. The silence in the stands was haunting. Everybody wanted to know what was happening.

Roughly one hour later, Harry, Cedric, and the Cup fell back into the maze. Hermione stood up and, not heeding Bagman's warning, took off on a dead run towards the field. As she approached the maze, she heard someone say, “He's dead!”

Hermione screamed again and tried to run towards the maze, tears streaming from her eyes. She had to get to Harry, he couldn't be dead. Running blindly through her tears, she tripped and fell to the ground. When she tried to get up, she fell again. She started to crawl towards the maze all the while crying. Suddenly, Mrs. Weasley was beside her.

“Hermione! What's going on?”

“I THINK HARRY'S DEAD! OH MY GOSH, HARRY'S DEAD! MRS. WEASLEY, OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH!” Mrs. Weasley pursed her lips in worry and patted Hermione on the back.

“Stay here, dear. If it's true, you shouldn't see… Don't move.”

Hermione had completely lost control of her mind because of the unknown. She was starting to hyperventilate and there was no paper bag in sight. Mrs. Weasley looked at her with tears in her eyes and left her to go see if Hermione's fears were true.

Hermione felt numb and cold and hurt. She pulled her legs up to her and cried bitterly, mumbling incoherently. She didn't know what she was saying; she was only speaking in subconscious whispers. Ron had made his way down to the field and knelt beside her, tears pooling in his eyes, and pulled her hair away from her voice. As he knelt beside her he heard what his beloved Hermione was saying, muttering it so fast that he knew she didn't realize she was actually speaking.

“How am I going to live without him, How am I going to live, I love him, but that doesn't matter now, how am I going to live without him, I can't, oh, gosh, I'm going to die, I love him…”

Ron knew that she was just having a nervous breakdown and probably didn't know what she was saying, but her words made his tears fall, realizing that he had lost any hope of having her for his own.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Even if Hermione lived to a hundred, she would never forget—or remember—the events of that day. She remembered seeing Harry, Cedric, and the Cup come back, she remembered running and screaming and Mrs. Weasley telling her to stay where she was and she remembered how her heart had flown almost out of her chest at the realization that Harry was still alive and the tears of thankfulness that fell immediately after. It was a tragedy that Cedric had died, but Harry was alive-- Oh, he was alive! —yet she remembered none of the things she said through her tears.

Hermione remembered suddenly finding herself in the hospital seemingly seconds after she heard the wonderful news. When she awoke in the hospital, she found that she was the only one there except for a large bulk in the corner bed—

Viktor.

She sat up quickly and almost fell over from the painful headache she had. She grimaced and stood up and took a few shaky steps towards Viktor. She touched his arm gently and his eyes opened and he looked at her tenderly.

“Herm-own-ninny,”

“Oh, Viktor, it's just horrible!” She felt tears threatening and she pulled her bushy brown hair in nervousness.

Viktor smiled. “Cedric vas the only loss. I'm alive, and your dark haired savior is alive, too.”

“Yes. But, wait… You were the dark haired savior!”

“No.”

“But—Viktor, I-I've kind of fancied you ever since you rescued me.”

“You don't fancy me.”

“Yes, I do. Wouldn't you want me to fancy you? I mean, I'm pretty sure you fancied me at the Yule Ball!”

“I von't deny it, but I could never get in the way of you and your dark haired stranger.”

“Well, then, if you know everything, who is the stranger?”

“Don't you know? It is Harry.”

Hermione looked at him in disbelief. “No, it, it can't be!”

“Vell it is!” Viktor smiled. “I first thought that you fancied him at the Yule Ball vhen you kicked him and he pinched your thigh.”

“How did you know about that?”

“I'm Bulgarian, not blind.” Hermione didn't know what to say. “That's vhy you vere screaming and crying his name vith promises of love.”

“What are you talking about?” Hermione said as tears filled her eyes. “I can't love him! He's my best friend!”

“Vhen you collapsed by the maze and your red headed friend's mum told you stay put, you vere saying that you couldn't live vithout him and that you loved him and you vould die if he vasn't in your life.”

Hermione looked at him and began to shake. “You're lying, you must be.”

“I vould not lie about something so serious, so pure and wholesome. If you don't believe me, ask your red headed friend, he vas holding you the whole time you were saying that.”

Hermione didn't know what to say, so she returned to her bed and slept.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

As she slept, the dark haired stranger came to her once more. Hermione was standing by the lake, watching the giant squid swim lazily about. The sun was setting and the birds were chirping as they settled in for the night. Hermione's pale blue dress robes blew softly about her feet. As she stared at the water, she felt someone touch her shoulder softly. She turned and saw the usual dark hair of the stranger.

“You,” she said. As she watched him, his face began to form features until it was recognizable.

“Me,” said Harry, his dark hair being rustled by the breeze. He had on his emerald robes, looking exactly like he had on the night of the Ball. He extended his arm to her and she took it with a smile.

They began to dance softly to the music in their hearts; no words were needed in that moment. When their dance was over, Hermione looked up into his stunningly green eyes.

“I can't believe I never realized that you were my dark haired stranger. I can't imagine why it never dawned on me, because you've always been my savior.”

“Hermione, do you remember the question you asked me the night of the Ball?”

She thought for a moment. “Yes. I asked if you were in love with me.”

“I never answered you.”

“No, you didn't. What would have been your reply?”

“Yes, Hermione. I've always loved you.”

When Hermione woke the next morning, she felt wonderful despite the grim occurrences of the tournament. She knew that some might call her fickle, but she realized for the first time that the one she had always wanted had been right in front of her nose the whole time.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Hermione got up from her bed and went to the newly filled hospital bed. In the wee hours of the morning, there were no visitors, a thing Hermione was glad of. She walked over to Harry's bedside and took a seat. His hand was upturned and open, almost as though a sign for Hermione. She carefully placed her hand in his. She stroked his long fingers with her thin ones. After a few moments, Harry's eyes opened. He blinked and struggled to sit up to get his glasses. Hermione grabbed them from the nightstand and placed them over his eyes. Still drowsy from the potion, his eyes weaved in an out of focus as he looked at Hermione.

“Hermione, don't leave me.”

Hermione struggled to fight back tears and smiled. “I will never leave you, I promise.”

“Thanks Hermione, for everything.”

“It's no problem. You lived, and I am so grateful for you. I thought you had died.”

Harry smiled. “A lot of people thought that.”

“I'm glad they were wrong, because I could never live without you.”

He never heard her final words, though, as he was already asleep.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

A few hours later, Mrs. Weasley came into the hospital and found Hermione by Harry's bed, her head on his chest and her hand in his. She couldn't help but smile and leave so as not to disturb them.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

A week went by and Harry was released from the hospital. Everybody hounded him with questions about the final task, but Hermione fought them off for him. He had told her only some of the horrors, and she didn't want him to have to relive it all.

The last day of school, all the trunks were packed and loaded, ready to go on the Hogwarts Express. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting on the stone steps of the castle, talking and laughing over dumb jokes, when Viktor came over to them.

“May I haff a vord?” Hermione nodded and followed him to a private spot.

“Do you believe me now?”

Hermione grimaced. “Viktor, I'm sorry.”

“It is no problem. I know that you are in love vith Harry, but I was hoping that ve could write to each other?”

“I'd like that.” She hugged him. “Thanks for opening my eyes.”

“Thanks for everything you've done. Until ve meet again,”

“Good-bye.” They parted and Viktor went to the Durmstrang ship as Hermione joined her guys in a horseless carriage. The ride to the train was short, the train ride even shorter, and before she knew it, it was time to part. Hermione wanted to tell Harry how she felt, but didn't think it was the appropriate time. She said goodbye to Ron before turning to Harry.

“I hope your summer's better than normal.”

Harry smiled. “Hopefully I'll be seeing you soon. Goodbye, Hermione.” He hugged her tightly.

“Goodbye Harry. Until we meet again.” She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek before going through the passageway and separating herself from him for a long two months.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

“So fourth year was over, and I was in love with Harry. Looking back on things now, I should have told him everything that night in the hospital, but I just didn't.” She looked at Tonks who was wiping her eyes. “What's wrong?”

“Oh, there's just nothing sweeter than young love. There's one thing that I don't get, though: If Ginny's the bad guy, why was she trying to get you and Harry together?”

Hermione shook her head. “I'm not sure. I think she started out not wanting me to be wit h Ron, but I don't know for sure.”

“Oh, alright. Continue, please.”

“Fifth year was the best year of my life, for I loved and was loved in return, although neither of us really knew it at the time.”

A/N: R&R Please!

LKB09

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