A Bit Early

New Friends

On the way from the Great Hall to the Gryffindor common room, I racked my brain for knowledge on the Tri-Wizard tournament. Three wizards were chosen from the three schools to compete in three challenges to win eternal glory. I knew that it had been an annual event since nearly the beginning of Hogwarts, but I couldn't remember why they stopped it.

"Well, they seemed interesting," I said, referring to the two schools that we would be housing for the year.

"She's bloody beautiful. And I bet she's funny. And smart," Ron sighed, as he remembered the blond Beauxbaton student. I'm smart, I thought. And I could be funny if I wanted to. Am I not pretty enough? I bet he doesn't like me hair-WAIT! Focus, Hermione. This is school, a place for learning. Not to get involved with your best friend.

"She is beautiful, and funny, and smart. With her dark hair, and innocent eyes," Harry trailed off. The poor boy had been infatuated by Cho since his first day here. I left them both on the couch of the common room, near the fireplace, and went to bed.

The next day, I woke up early to take a shower, and try to do something about my hair. Today was the day they announced the three champions; we were all excited to see who would defend our school. I magically straightened my hair, and put on a bit of mascara and lip gloss. There was no reason to go overboard. I put on prime robes, and quickly walked to breakfast.

Ron was stuffing his face as usual, but Harry seemed even more distracted. I slowly made my way towards the table and sat down next to them both. Ron looked up and swallowed whatever he had shoved in his mouth.

"Mornin' Hermione. You look pretty, uh, prettier than usual. I mean, you, um, you look nice," stuttered my best friend. See, you two are just friends, my mind tried to tell me. But I was too busy trying to get over the fact that he had called me pretty.

"Thank you, Ron. I thought I'd try to look a little better since it is a new year," I blushed at how silly I sounded. "The hair straightening charm was your sister's idea." I quickly grabbed a bagel and some pumpkin juice, and stuffed my mouth to keep from talking. Ron slowly ate, his eyes never leaving me until the Beauxbaton girls walked in.

They walked with a delicate gait, and it seemed scary how much they were alike. It was almost as if they were gorgeous, perfect little robots. A few ate with friends they had made from the houses, but most chatted over their breakfasts of mainly fruit at a table reserved for them.

The Durmstrang boys entered a moment later marching in a tight huddle. None of them left their group to eat except one: Quidditch champion, Viktor Krum- and he stopped right in front of me. His hands were behind his back, and despite his cold demeanor, his eyes held a nervous look.

"May I sit?" he asked politely. His accent was thick, but it had warmth to it. His cold eyes bore into mine until I was almost hypnotized.

"Of course," I said. I held my breath as he sat gently next to me, grabbed a plate, and loaded it with food. I expected him to dig into it like Ron did, but he took a fork and knife and cut his sausage and eggs slowly. He chewed with care, and I as I turned slightly, I saw his entire school looking at us, or rather, me. He finished his first egg, and turned to me.

"I am Viktor. You have heard last night though. What is your name?" he asked.

"Hermione," I said, if I thought I had felt small before, but he made me feel like a mouse trapped in his eyes. Beautifully cruel eyes. "My name's Hermione Granger."

"Her-my-any," repeated Viktor. The name sounded foreign on his tongue. It made me sound like a princess of some distant country. I smiled.

"That's right. What brings you over here?" I was trying to keep the conversation going, and realized that I did want to know why a star athlete would sit with the biggest nerd in Gryffindor.

"I know you are smart. And I need help studying at new school. And you are very beautiful," he replied. A soft blush crept on his face, and I wanted to reach out and touch his cheek to make sure this was real.

"Thank you. I would be honored to help you," I said, a bit awestruck. He began talking about Quidditch and I listened. His stories were fascinating and a bit comical. Especially the story of what he did in his spare time while in Belgium for a big game.

Classes would be beginning soon so I bid Viktor farewell, and tried to catch up with her friends, who had abandoned me and Viktor the second they could. I soon found out that they hadn't waited for me, and walked to Potions by myself.

I was nearly late, but I made it in time to take my seat next to Harry. He still seemed to be somewhere else. He stayed that way for the rest of the day, and Ron continued to ignore me. As I sat down for dinner, I finally got his attention and asked if he was okay.

"She has... a boyfriend," he said with a pained expression. I knew exactly who he was talking about.

"Oh, Harry. I'm so sorry. Who is it?" I asked. I tried to be as quiet as possible. My closest friend just had his heart ripped out.

"I don't know. She just said she was taken. She didn't have time to tell me who. And I don't want to know," he stated through clenched teeth. I put my hand on his shoulder and watched as tears slid down from his beautiful green eyes. Just then, Dumbledore stood up, and the Goblet of Fire was brought out.

"Our first champion will be from Beauxbaton's, and she is," dazzling sparks erupted from the goblet, along with a hand-crafted paper fan with a name written in looping cursive, "Fleur Delacour!"

Cheers erupted in the hall, mainly from her male admirers. Of course, it was the blond Ron had been dreaming about for what felt like ages. She walked up to the headmaster and curtsied proudly, smiling with her straight, white teeth. Ron clapped longer, and louder than anyone else. I had to pull him down as he began to give her a standing ovation.

"Congratulations Miss Delacour. Please find your way to our private room. Our finalist from Durmstrang will be," Dumbledore waiting as the flames from the goblet turned into a burning dragon that spat out a charred piece of paper. "Viktor Krum."

Viktor stood up stiffly. I guess that was a sign of pride because he smiled the entire walk to our beloved headmaster. After shaking his hand, he turned in my direction, and blew me a kiss. The schools went crazy, and several girls starting talking about how we must have been in love. I be the school scandal tomorrow, but I blushed and pantomimed grabbing the kiss as I held my hand to my heart.

"Our third champion, from Hogwarts, is," and just then the flames of the goblet turned a golden color, and a piece of golden parchment shot out. "Cedric Diggory." Applause filled the air as the handsome, Hufflepuff walked onto the where the Goblet of Fire stood. He smiled to the crowd, and walked to the back room where the other champions waited.

"Well that was exciting. Don't you think so?" I asked.

"Yes. I thought it was brilliant," snapped Ron, "especially considering your boyfriend is completely." He was referring to Viktor. My cheeks warmed remembering me catching his air kiss.

"That's none of your business whether Viktor and I are together or not," I spat. "He's sweet, and funny, and is a better friend than you're acting like right now. I'm sure he'd be a fine boyfriend." Ron looked shocked. Then, for the first time since I'd known him, he put down his food and looked away. I felt bad immediately. I made my best friend stop eating because of a petty argument. I wanted to apologize, but my pride wouldn't let me. I finally mustered the courage to do so, but Dumbledore cut me off.

"And now that are three champions have been chosen" he began, "I-" suddenly, I bright red burst of light erupted from the goblet, along with a piece of ordinary notebook paper. Dumbledore paled as he read the name: "Harry Potter."

I took both Ron and Harry's hands. This was not good. Surprisingly, Ron squeezed my hand and I looked over at his sheepish expression. I'm sorry, he said with his eyes. I smiled a little, and squeezed back.