A Bit Early

Making A Splash

The next few months went by quickly. I had explained everything that Harry had missed while he was becoming a champion, and he couldn't be happier for the two of us. He trained and studied and dreamt about Cho for months. He even received first place in his first challenge; to capture an egg guarded by a dragon.

My relationship with Ron continued to blossom. Every day he brought me flowers and chocolates (even though he ate most of them). On a few rare occasions, he showed off the first charm I had helped him master; creating baby birds that would fly around your head and chirp sweetly. By then, Ron had gotten over most of his jealousy towards Viktor, and they were good friends. Everything was going great, until the second challenge.

Ron and I had been called out of Potions class by Prof. McGonagall. We walked into her office, and saw Gabrielle, Fleur's little sister, and Cho Chang. Both shared shy smiles with me; they seemed worried too.

"I must ask something of you that you must not take lightly," McGonagall began. "Each champion was asked to pick a student who was closest to them the night they were selected." I blushed remembering my different version of that night. "Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter had chosen you. Ms. Chang, Mr. Cedric Diggory had selected you. Little Gabrielle, your sister, Lady Delacour, has picked you. And Madam Granger, Master Krum has claimed you."

I gasped. Viktor and I hadn't truly spoken in weeks. Sure we were friends and I had helped his with Potions a few times, but that was it. Ron didn't look happy about this either. But as I was about to apologize, our professor cut me off.

"Our second challenge consists of a water race. Each champion will have one hour to find and save their 'trophy', so to speak," Ron grimaced. "You will be placed underwater, but do not fear, you will be enchanted so you can breathe without struggle, and we have our mermaids looking after you. You won't be aware of what's going on until the hour is up. And when it is, the enchantment will be broken and you will have to find your own way to the surface." We all exchanged glances and swallowed.

"Do you accept you responsibility to help your champion whatever the cost?" No one liked the shakiness of her voice, but we all nodded. We knew simple spells to be shot out of the water, but what would happen if someone slipped up and forgot?

"Very well. I will allow you to say your goodbyes. I will freeze you once you are ready," our Head of House finished. Ron pulled me aside.

"When we make it, because we will make it, you're going to be in trouble for being 'claimed by Master Krum'," Ron began seriously. "But-" he broke into his cute lopsided grin, "-for now I just want us to be happy in case something goes wrong." And with that, he kissed me.

Pushing as much passion as I could muster into it, I kissed back. I was aware that Cho and Gabrielle were staring, I could feel Prof. McGonagall's presence and shock, I knew that Ron would be mad the second we both emerged from the water tomorrow; but I didn't care. We broke apart too soon, and holding Ron's hand, I allowed myself to be frozen.

I 'awoke' to a man's voice. He was breathing heavily, and calling for something. No, it was someone softly calling "Her-my-any." Wait? My eyelids fluttered open, and I found myself wrapped up in blankets, and Viktor Krum's arms. He held me close and shared what little warmth he had left. We were both sopping wet from being underwater, but as I slowly spoke he smiled radiantly.

"Her-my-any," Viktor called. He held me tightly to his chest, as if I would slip away the moment he let go. I panicked for a moment as everything seeped back into my head. I had been frozen for one of the challenges because I was closest to, to Viktor. I was flattered and embarrassed at the same time, causing an awfully bright blush to consume my features.

"You, you saved me. I-thank you, so very much," I tried to speak, but this sudden realization shocked me so much I began to shake with fear. I hugged my savior so tightly, that even he gave a little gasp. Then someone cleared their throat behind me.

"Sorry to interrupt," mumbled my soaked boyfriend. Everything else-even Viktor- forgotten, I dashed into Ron's waiting arms. "We'll talk later. But I need time to thank God you're safe." I breathed out the breath I was holding in, and hung on as if my life depended on it.

Harry ran up to us, ruining the moment, "Er, sorry guys. I just, um, need to speak with Hermione for a moment," he said awkwardly. He quickly dragged me away from the crowd, or as much of the crowd as he could since we were still standing on the platform. He pulled out a small golden egg from his pocket. Looking at my perplexed expression, he began to explain. "This is a clue. I found it next to Ron and opened it underwater. It spoke a weird, musical riddle to me, and I need help figuring it out."

"Of course I'll help you, Harry," I said, shoving all thoughts of my boyfriend from my mind, or trying to. "We'll head to the library tomorrow. I'll give you a day to relax; I know how stressed you've been lately."

"Come now everyone," McGonagall called. "I will bring as many students as I can back to the Hogwarts grounds as I can. The rest will have to take boats. Champions and ladies first." Harry gripped me shoulder, and left with a quick half-smile. Viktor gave me a cocky wave, and departed with him.

Boys. I thought. He's probably thrilled that he got first place. I smiled to myself, and quickly found a boat with enough space for two people. Luckily, there was a cute red-head waiting for me to get in.

I skipped to Ron's side despite my lack of energy. He was standing still as a statue so I wrapped my arms around him trying to soften him up. He shrugged and untangled my arms from his waist, slightly pushing me back.

"Ron...," I said cautiously. "What's the matter? Did I, do something?"

"'Did I do something?'" He imitated me rather badly, then scoffed. "Did you do something? Please Hermione, you're not that thick." I gasped, hoping he would stop, but he carried on. "I saw that hug. Thank God I missed everything else."

"Wha- what else? Ron, there was nothing else. I promise. It's only you I care about," he rolled his eyes. The bow of our boat touched the shore.

"Your promises obviously don't mean much," he finished cruelly and jumped out of the boat. I sat frozen, but this time not from the cold water. Desperate to take my mind off things, I got up, and searched the grounds looking for Harry. I finally found him emerging from Dumbledore's office, and ran straight to him.