A Bit Early

Unwelcome Visitors

"Hermione!" Harry yelled, his green eyes lighting up.

"Bloody 'ell it's good to see you again!" Ron roared excited with his cute lopsided grin. I gave them each a long hug as I assessed them both. They had changed so much. Harry appeared more built, and carried a more confident air. Ron, on the other hand, had gotten taller, and though lankier than Harry, had still gained muscle; but the look in his eyes made him appear as nervous as ever. They had both grown out their hair, making them appear a few years older than they were.

I realized that I felt tinier around them, more like a China doll than a mature fourth year trying to become a first-rate witch. I wish I had worn perfume, or gotten my hair styled differently, I thought. I reflected on my choice of not getting my robes hemmed so they fit my body a bit better. I thought it was unnecessary at the time, but now I was regretting my decision. I was shocked out of my thoughts when Harry cleared his throat.

I jumped a bit. "Sorry guys. It's just you two look so much older. I feel tiny and delicate next to you," I stated. Ron snorted at that, and my cheeks heated from admitting so frankly how inferior I felt. Ron slung his shoulder around me, and although he did so carelessly, I got a bit nervous with him so close.

"Don't worry about that, Hermione," he said, pulling me even closer, "I'm here to protect you." And for that second, he lost the joking tone in his voice. My whole face turned beet red, but this time not from embarrassment. I must have been imagining the look he had in his eyes because another second and he suddenly realized what he was doing. He pulled me in for another hug, and it felt nice until I heard whistles behind me.

Fred and George had snuck up behind us. Staring through the door, the held up their latest contraption.

"What is that thing?" I asked, it looked like a giant ear, but slightly deformed. And to be honest, I was a bit afraid to find out the answer at first.

"Why only the greatest invention in the history of the Weasleys, my future little sister-in-law," said George, grinning at the both of us. My cheeks flamed again; and although I tried not to look, I couldn't help but glance sideways just in time to see Ron's ears turn pink. I could see it was embarrassing, but his ears only turned pink when someone said something he didn't like, but knew was true. Hmm I wonder…no it couldn't be. I dismissed my thought almost immediately.

I looked back and forth between the twins with a questioning look. I knew Ron didn't like me, but I couldn't find another explanation for him blushing. At last, my eyes rested on Fred, but he only raised his eyebrows, and scurried away with his partner-in-crime.

The tension in that tiny booth remained thick with question until finally the sweets cart came around. After Ron had stuffed both his face and his pocket, he began to joke. Soon all three of us fell into an easy conversation from the train ride, all the way to Hogwarts, during the carriage ride, all the way to the Great Hall. We were finally silenced by Dumbledore for his usual welcome speech. We soon discovered it wasn't his usual speech at all.

"I would like to make an announcement. Hogwarts castle will not only be your home this year, but home to some very special guests as well. Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event: the Triwizard Tournament!" he proclaimed. "Now, for those of your who do not know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school, a single student is selected to compete. Now let me be clear, if chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when I say," his voice became grim, "these contests are not for the fainthearted. But more of that later. And now, please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbaton Academy of Magic and their headmistress, Madam Maxime!"

Shock filled the room and before most of us fully understood the door glided open and about twenty beautiful, teenage girls in blue uniforms scurried down to the front of the hall. The girls began an elaborate routine of gymnastics, charms, and a beautiful vocal score. The girls had the attention of every boy in the room.

"I think I'm in love," mumbled Ron weakly.

"With which one?" asked Harry, equally captivated. I hit them both on the arm, and then noticed that Harry didn't seem to be staring at the Beauxbaton girls. He was making direct eye contact with Cho Chang, a Ravenclaw in our year. She gave him a fleeting smile and waved. He waved back as if in a trance, which made her giggle. I sighed; it would be nice for Harry to get a break this year.

Dumbledore hurried back to his podium to calm the roaring applause. He held up his hands to quiet us. "And now, our friends from the North, please meet the proud sons of Durmstrang and their high master, Igor Karkaroff."

Over thirty tall, built boys in long coats marched through the room. Last to enter was a handsome boy with dark eyes and a coat finer than the ones the other boys wore.

"Bloody hell, it's him," Ron whimpered. I felt as though I knew him from somewhere; as he looked around the room and when his eyes met mine he winked.

The boys' show was a huge hit. There was fire and dragons and loud chants mixed in through their ancient dances.

I leaned over and whispered, "Don't look now, but a famous Quidditch Cup winner is staring at you." I looked up at the stage and realized that he was, indeed, staring at me. I clapped and cheered with the rest of the schools which had burst into applause the moment he entered the room.

"Would you like to have a sleepover sometime, Hermione?" Ginny continued. "It's already been cleared with McGonagall, and she said it'd be fine to invite a few more girls over. We could doll you up to impress him." I thought about showing up for class tomorrow looking like a model instead of a student. The thought seemed silly, but tempting. Maybe I could get other boys interested in me, I pondered before deciding it was a good idea.

"And remember that you must submit your name into the Goblet of Fire to enter for as chance to compete. But you have to be at least seventeen! The champion's will be chosen tomorrow!" continued Dumbledore before I answered. There were many screams and chants that the age restriction wasn't fair; including several lead by Fred and George as they screamed "That's rubbish!"

"I'd love to," then I had a thought. "Maybe we could invite the Patil's and Cho." Ginny smile dipped a little. Her eyes darted to the Ravenclaw table and then to Harry.

"I'm sure Luna could come too, so Cho won't be by herself," said Ginny, though she continued grinning, it was a tight, thin lipped smile.

"Definitely. Hey, look! I think that Durmstrang boy is looking your way," I said animatedly, hoping to change the subject. She turned her head and caught his eye. She batted her long eyelashes and flipped her hair over her shoulders. I rolled my eyes while flirted shamelessly with the boy she barely knew.

"What do you think about that, Ron? Ron?" I looked over at him, but his eyes were fixed on one of the "young ladies" from Beauxbaton's. She had a heart shaped face and clear blue eyes. Her long blond hair was tied back in a ponytail, and fell half down her perfect figure. I had to admit, she was utterly beautiful, and I didn't have a chance. But a chance with what? I thought, though I didn't want to think about it at all. I sighed as the performances concluded, and all three schools quickly left for their dormitories.