Reckless ~ Tomione

The Grand Announcenent

The next morning, which happened to be a Saturday, Hermione decided that, for the first time since the war, she would allow herself to sleep in. It was amazing to be able to sleep so much, without having to worry about being killed in her sleep. Yet. 

Sleeping in resulted in her being late to breakfast, which had almost ended by the time Hermione arrived. She scanned the Great Hall, her eyes resting on the man who was sitting in the seat beside Professor Dippet's. She faltered at the sight of a young, auburn haired Dumbledore, and almost instantly, Hermione wondered why she, in the few weeks she had been here, she hadn't seen Dumbledore anywhere. 

Professor Dumbledore caught her eye and gave her a small smile, lifting his goblet in her direction. Hermione supposed that he had more important things than to get to know a new student. She gave the professor a smile and respectful nod and swept towards the Slytherin table. 

Hermione had barely sat down when the huge double doors she had entered from burst open, and a blur of blonde hair came racing towards her. 

"Hermione!" Draco whispered excitedly. "You'll never believe what I had just heard!"

"What? Calm yourself down, Draco, and expl-"

"Arcturus!" a deep voice commanded from behind her. Hermione turned in her seat, only to come face-to-face with Riddle.

"Riddle," Hermione greeted pleasantly.

"Miss Greystone," he reponded, making sure to nod respectfully. "I wished to speak to Draco, if you don't mind me taking him away for a bit."

She did, in fact, mind, but she had no business telling him that. She had to play the social and power game. "Of course not. Draco, I will speak to you later."

"I'll find you." Draco looked back at her as he followed the tall figure out of the Great Hall.

Hermione discreetly nodded.

~

Draco didn't approach her for two days, until he collapsed beside her at dinner on Monday.
'What were you going to tell me?' Hermione demanded, not bothering with the pleasantries. Draco opened his mouth to reply, but he was interrupted by Headmaster Dippet standing up to make an announcement. 

A hush settled amongst the students, all waiting to hear what the Headmaster had to say.

"Good evening, students,' he began, smiling broadly. He was obviously excited about something, because he was bouncing from foot to foot and rubbing his hands in anticipation. 'I have very exciting news to share with you all."

This caused a round of excited murmuring.

"No exams this year!"
"We're meeting the Irish international Quiddich players!"
"No, we're all getting new Shooting Star brooms!"

Hermione nearly snorted at this, as she recalled that Shooting Stars were extremely slow and old, but then remembered that she was 50 years behind that time. 

Professor Dippet waited for everyone to quiet down, before continuing. 

"Professor Dumbledore has gone to great lengths to organise such an event, so we do hope that you will enjoy yourselves!"

What event could have taken place in the 1950s? Hermione thought back to all the books she had read, trying to remember something about such an event. The answer came to her just as the beaming headmaster said it aloud.

'This year, Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament!'