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{Info}

Title:
*||*The Great Hogwarts Challenge*||*

Author:
Tsammi- hime or Mallory_Reed {On Animespiral, where I am hosting it on}

Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter; JK Rowling does. I am only borrowing the characters. Some of the chapter titles are from Fallout Boy lyrics.

Warnings:
Some violence, some language

Spoilers:
None

Time frame:
This is set during the fifth year. But AU. Nothing that happens in OotP happens in here. So that means no Umbridge or Sirius dieing.

First post {Info}/Second post {Chapter guide}/Third- - post {Story chapters}

{Story Chapters}

arrow CHAPTER ONE: THE CHALLENGE (HERMIONE’S SIDE)

It had all started after the Sorting Ceremony and the Feast; Dumbledore stood up and did his usual speech.

“...And this year, I am very proud to announce that the Ministry of Magic is allowing Hogwarts to hold a very special challenge this year.” Dumbledore said. The Hall was alive with excitement. Everyone was whispering to his or her neighbor.

With what had happened last year with the Triwizard tournament, everyone wanted to know if Harry Potter was going to join.

Dumbledore gestured the Students to be quiet.

“I see that you are all very enthusiastic about it, and you should be. The tournament is known as ‘The Great Hogwarts Challenge’, where one student from each year of their respective House. Your House’s Head will choose two students from each year and then, I will pick the final seven.” Dumbledore explained. The Students were glowing with anticipation. Everyone wanted in to play. “In one week from tonight, on September seventh, I will announce the final twenty- eight and they will come with me to my office. Once there, I will instruct them on their Tasks.”

In the Gryffindor table, Harry, Ron and Hermione were hanging on every word that Dumbledore was saying. This was very much something to bring up the school’s spirit with Voldemort back.

“Reckon we should enter, Harry?” Ron asked.

Harry shrugged. “Professor McGonagall will be choosing us, won’t she?”

“That’s all of the news I can release for now,” Dumbledore said. He smiled at them all and his eye twinkled. “I believe it’s time to hit the sack; you all have classes in the morning!”

Hermione got up as soon as the rest of the Gryffindor table did. McGonagall is going to choose Harry for us Fifth Years for sure. She thought sadly as she caught up with Ron and Harry. As they crossed the Entrance Hall, Draco Malfoy and his two lackeys, Crabbe and Goyle appeared to harass Harry again.

“Are you going to enter, Potter?” Malfoy sneered.

Hermione rolled her eyes. “You can’t enter, you’re chosen by your Head of House.” She replied.

Taken back, Malfoy only sneered again. “Potter, you’re getting your girlfriend to stick for you now?”

Ron went red as Crabbe and Goyle laughed at Malfoy’s witty remark.

“Shut it, Malfoy.” Harry replied. “Why don’t you go and cry to your Daddy to get Snape to put you in the top two?”

It wasn’t long before the Head Boy saw Harry and Malfoy glaring at each other and told them to get to their Common Rooms.

In the Gryffindor Common Room (the Password was now ‘Amber’), Professor McGonagall was standing in front of the fire place, holding a roll of parchment.

“Now students,” She addressed, looking stern. “This challenge has never been done before, it is still having...some wrinkles smoothed over...” McGonagall brandished the roll of parchment. “This is a list of students that are currently in Gryffindor...” She pulled out another roll of parchment. “And this one is the roll of parchment I have to give to Professor Dumbledore in a week. I will be watching over you all and I will be picking which fourteen of you I think is worthy of competing.”

A majority of the students were looking at Harry, who was looking quite uncomfortable. Over the years, his ability to be able to solve problems and get over obstacles (and win the Triwizard Tournament) had made him even more famous in Hogwarts then he already was.

“Get some rest. I will be handing out your timetables in the morning.” McGonagall said and she left the tower.

“I’ll see you two in the morning,” Hermione said a few minutes after she left.

“Okay,” Harry said. “Goodnight.”

“Yeah, g’night.” Ron said ans they headed to the Boy’s Dormitories.

Hermione went to the Girls Dormitories and was quickly followed by the two prettist and annoying girls in Gryffindor, Lavendar and Parvati.

“Oh, Hermione!” Called Lavendar as Hermione quickened her pace up the srairs.

Turning, Hermione smiled. “Yes?”

“We were just thinking...” Lavendar said as she caught up and opened the Dormitory door. “Pavarti and I want you to enter and be our representative in the Challenge.”

Hermine raised an eyebrow. “Instead of Harry?” She asked.

Pavarti nodded. “Yes, you have all the smarts in our Year!”

“But I’m not very practical...”

“You’ll be representing all of the girls!” Lavendar added as they entered their Dormitory.

Hermione sighed and headed for her trunk. She bent down and opened it and pulled out a nightgown. “McGonagall will definately pick Harry over me.”

Lavendar scoffed. “Come on. You were always with Harry on these things. You were always helping him!”

“I didn’t really do anything about the Philosipher’s Stone. Harry did that. I was in the Hospital Wing when Harry was in the Chamber of Secrets. And Harry was all alone when it came to the three tasks.” Hermione explained. She had almost slip about the Time Turner and helping Harry free Sirius Black.

Lavendar only rolled her eyes. “But you’re book smart!”

“You get us our points during class!” Pavarti addd.

Hermione didn’t reply. She was digging through her trunk for her undergarments and hair brush.

Patting a hand on her shoulder, Lavendar sighed. “Don’t you want to prove to the school that you’re as practical as you are book smart?”

Hermione stood up and bundled her clothes in her arms. “It’s not up to me to decide whether or not I want to be in the Challenge.”

“We know that.” Pavarti replied.

“It’s just that you have to act like you want this. This way, you’ll be picked for sure!” Lavendar replied.

“I’m going to bed.” Hermione announced as she crawled onto her bed and pulled her curtains around her four- poster bed.

Lavendar stood by Hermione’s trunk. She was flushed. “Remember! Act like you want it!”

On her bed, Hermione was slowly getting undressed. Sure, it would be nice to get some glory and not be known as ‘Harry Potter’s girlfriend’ (even though she wasn’t). Lavendar had proved some points, but they were not good enough for Hermione.

But the Challenge was sure to be difficult, but safe. Voldemort was back and it would only be a matter of time before he revealed himself. And try and kill Harry again. It wouldn’t be safe for Harry to leave the Castle (wherever this challenge was going to be held).

Hermione pulled back the curtains of the bed and saw that there was some girls still awake. Hermione took her robes and placed them in her personal dirty clothes bin and crawled back into bed.

Curling up in her bed and under the warm covers, Hermione tried not to think about it. What were the chances of getting in? Hermione remembered her Arithmacy classes back in Muggle Elementary school. There was approximently a thousand students in Hogwarts, divided by four was two hundred and fifty (Four Houses). Two hundred and fifty divided by seven was less than thirty six (Seven was the years one would spend in school)...

There was only a one in less than thirty six chance of getting in.

Hermione began to finger the sheets of her bed. It’s too slim of a chance... even with brains like mine...

Morning came quickly and Hermione crawled out of bed. Her hair was a giant frizzy mess and she grabbed her brush from her bedside drawer and began to tame it. Hermione often felt like her hair had a mind of it’s own. It could adapt to weather esaily. On raniy days it frizzed, on sunny days, it became like a warm coat and on windy days, it was impossible to keep her hair out of her eyes. She would’ve tied it in a pony tail if there was an elastic thick enough not to break.

After her hair had been tamed and watered down, Hermione pulled out fresh robes and uniform from the trunk and her book bag.

Her book bag was charmed to hold all of her books (and whatever else) in the bag with it imploding. Hermione had come across it over the Summer break and found if quite useful.

After getting dressed, Hermione went into the Common Room, where she saw her great orange cat, Crookshanks. She rubbed him behind the ears and Hermione heard his massive purring echoing.

Ron was sitting across the room from her. “Can’t you shut that stupid animal up?” He asked in a disgusted tone.

Hermione glared at him. “Be quiet Ron! Crookshanks did nothing to you!”

“Yeah, remember on the Train, he tried to eat Pig!” Ron replied loudly.

“You don’t even like Pigwidgeon!” Hermione snapped.

Ginny came out of the Girl’s Dormitory.

“Hello, bickering again, aren’t you two?” Ginny asked cheerfully.

“Stay out of it, Ginny.” Ron replied.

Shrugging, Ginny left the Common Room.

Hermione gave Crookshanks a kiss on the forehead and Ron gasped.

“Don’t kiss the animal!” Ron said loudly. Clearly, he was disgusted. “You don’t know where it’s been!”

“Why would it matter, to you Ron?” Hermione replied. “It’s not like you get anywhere close to my face!”

Harry came down next and sighed.

“School year has barely started and you’re fighting already!” Harry said annoyed. “What’s it about this time?”

“She... she kissed that MONSTER!” Ron replied.

“Crookshanks is a cat, just like everyother cat.” Hermione replied. “I’m allowed to give him affection.”

“C’mon, I’m starving. Let’s get some breakfast, okay?” Harry suggested and Hermione followed him out of the potrait hole.

Even outside the Potrait hole, Hermione and Ron were still arguing.

“You own a monster, Hermione!” Ron argued.

“You just can’t accept the inner beauty of Crookshanks!” Hermione replied. Before she could prove her point further, she was promptly hit in the forehead.

First Post {Info}/ Second Post {Chapter Guide}/ Third Post-- {Story Chapters}

arrow CHAPTER THREE: HOSPITAL WING TREASON PART ONE (HERMIONE’S SIDE)

The last thing Hermione remembered was something large and brown that carried books had hit her on the forehead.

Her eyes fluttered opened. She saw two figures by her bed. One was Harry, she was certain of that. The other, well, she wasn’t sure.

Hermione sat up and rubbed her head. Which was throbbing like mad.

“Harry?” She said.

Harry turned in his seat. “Hermione! You’re okay!” He said.

“What happened?” Hermione asked. She turned to the other figure. “Malfoy?”

Sure enough, it was Malfoy. Her assumption was concluded when he sneered.

“Yeah, it’s me.” Draco replied.

“Why are you here?”

“Malfoy was using the Bookcase Passage-way to the Owlery and he opened the door exactly when you turned away.” Harry explained.

“Apparently, you have a con-cousin.” Draco replied.

“A what?” Hermione asked. “Don’t you mean Concussion?”

“That’s what Potter called it.” Draco said.

“Anyway,” Hermione swung her legs off of the Hospital wing’s bed on the side Draco was on. The moment she landed on her feet, her head began to throb and become light. She began to topple.

Out of pure instinct, Draco stepped foreward and caught Hermione. She landed in his arms and her head nuzzled in the crook of his neck. Draco felt blood rush to his head when he felt her warm breath against him.

“Harry! Harry!”

Harry turned away from the miracle of Pureblood and Muggleborn coming together to see Colin.

“Yeah Colin?” Harry asked.

Colin was staring at Draco and Hermione with wide eyes. He pulled his camera to his eyes and took a snapshot.

Draco turned to Colin. He laid Hermione on the Hospital Bed. “Burn that photo, you little Fanboy, you!” He said threateningly.

Colin gulped and ran away with his camera. Harry turned to Draco, who was flushed, but was still staring at Hermione through peripheral view.

“I didn’t think you had a decent bone in you, Malfoy.” Harry said.

Draco rolled his eyes. “She was falling. What did you want me to do? Just watch? Women perfer it when you’re chivalrous, Potter.”

“I thought that you could care less for Hermione?” Harry replied.

“Shut it Potter.” Draco replied. “I’m going to class.”

Harry shrugged as Draco left the Hospital Wing.

***
Hermione woke up again with a less throbby head the next morning. Ron had explained to her that a book case had hit her. The person behind the bookcase was Malfoy.

“He didn’t apologize to you yet, but he will.”Ron explained.

“I’m sure it was an accident.” Hermione replied. “He’s never apologised to me before, why should he start now?”

“Because he doesn’t have his lackeys around him when he did it.” Harry replied.

Hermione smiled. “Just get me my homework from yesterday. I’ll be in class for after Lunch.”

“Oh, that reminds me!” Ron said as he rummaged in his robe’s pocket. He pulled out Hermione’s Timetable. “Here you go.”

Hermione inspected the timetable. “We have Care of Magical Creatures, are we still with the Slytherins?”

Harry nodded. “Are you going to have lunch with us?”

“Yes.” Hermione replied. “But someone will have to carry my books for me, though.”

Lunch rolled around and Harry and Ron came to help Hermione. Ron took Hermione’s bag and Harry walked next to Hermione.

As they walked, the groups of students were huddled together and giggling.

“Did something happened while I was in the Hospital Wing?” Hermione asked.

“Nope.” Harry shook his head.

When they got to the Geat Hall, Colin came up with a moving photo.

“Hiya Harry!” Colin greeted.

“Hey Colin.” Hary replied.

“I got that photo I took of Draco and Hermione!” Colin replied as he held out a moving photo.

The photo had Hermione in Draco’s arms. Her arms were snapped to her sides but Draco had one hand firmly on Hermione’s backside and the other one on her head.

Harry and Ron gaped at the photo.

“Colin!” Harry shouted. “Why did you take the photo?”

“It made news! The whole school knows now!” Colin replied.

Hermione took the photo from Ron and stared at it for the longest time. “I- I don’t remember this...” She said with a quivering voice. Her hand was shaking just as much.

“Euh... yesterday, you tried to get up and... then you were unconscious as you fell.... but Malfoy... caught you.” Harry explained. “I did’t see his hand...I’m sorry...”

“How many people have the photo?” Hermione asked. Before Colin could reply; a group of Ravenclaw girls asked for a copy of the photo.

Hermione shoved the photo into Colin’s hands and ran out of the Great Hall and to the Moving Staircase. She ran up to the fourth floor before her head went light again. The lack of proper food was getting to her. She grabbed the handrail.

“Hermione?”

Hermione looked up and saw Draco. “What do you want?!” She asked fiercly.

“I was going to say hello.” Draco replied.

She bit her lip. “I saw that photo Colin took!” Hermione shouted. “You grabbed my a**!”

The stair case rocked and swung to the left. Hermione jerked forewards and fell onto the stairs and Draco toppled as well.

The stair case stopped abruptly at the fifth floor. Hermione was clutching Draco’s foot. Looking around, she saw that Draco was holding onto a hand rail.

“D-Draco?” Hermione replied.

“Yeah?” Draco stood up slowly and brushed the dust off of his slacks.

“What’s on the fifth floor?” Hermione asked.

Draco shrugged. “Dunno.”

“You’re loads of help.” Hermione replied. She stood up and straightened her skirt. She narowed her eyes. “Apologize for the photo and for hitting me with a bookcase, Malfoy!”

“The bookcase was an accident on my part, I admit it. But you’re the one who fell into my arms. It’s that fanboy’s fault, if you’re looking to blame someone.” Draco replied.

“You’re the one who molested me!” Hermione shouted.

“It’s not molesting,” Draco replied. “I call it ‘creative hand placing’. “

That only made Hermione angrier. She pulled out her wand and aimed it at Draco. “I’ll creatively stick this Wand up your butt if you don’t apologize!”

“I’m not afraid of you, Granger!” Draco said.

“You ought to be!” Hermione shouted. “You seemed afraid when I punched you!”

Draco narrowed his eyes. He pulled out his wand. But he new better than to actually use it. Especially on a girl.

“You expected me not to be fearful of a FLYING FIST?” Draco shouted back.

“YES!!” Hermione shouted.

“What is with you? You’re normally not this... this... angry all the time!” Draco replied, he didn’t want to yell anymore.

Hermione lowered her wand. “You... you don’t know me!”

Draco lowered his wand as well. He stared at her. Hermione’s face was all blotchy and red. Her eyes were watery.

Hermione placed her wand inside her robes and looked around. “I’m leaving.” Hermione replied. She went to the landing for the fifth floor.

“You have a con-cousin, you should be walking with somone,” Draco replied.

Hermione continued to storm away. Her head was just as throbby and light as before.

Didn’t Madame Pompfrey take care of my concussion? Hermione thought as she slowed down and leaned against the wall.

“Hermione?” Draco called out.

Hermione slid down the wall and crouched down.

“Hermione!” Draco called out again. Draco raced behind and slid onto the floor. He grabbed Hermione by her shoulders and shook her.

Hermione’s eyes fluttered. “Hospital.....Wing..” She said.

Draco looked around the hall. They were alone.

“Help!” Draco shouted. He stood up and ran towards the Moving Staircase. “Help! Help! She has a con-cousin!”

Mrs. Norris slinked around the corner and mewed loudly.

“I didn’t do anything to her! She’s had this con-cousin for a while!” Draco snapped at the red-eyed fuzzball of a cat.

She mewed and slinked away. Draco watched Mrs Norris as she went off to find Filch.

Draco turned to Hermione, who was still laying on the hallway floor. He skidded next to her.

“Hermione?” Draco whispered. His blonde hair was no longer slick back, but frizzing up from stress. Draco wasn’t sure if he was strong enough to carry her to the Hospital Wing, if Harry was able to, then Draco should be able to, too.

Draco sat Hermione up against the wall, her head was sinking to her chest. Taking her by the chin, Draco tipped back her head. Draco looped his arms around her legs and made sure her arms were around his neck.

When Hermione was securely on his back and Draco was able to stand up without falling off of the Moving Stairs and into the depths of doom. Draco began to march up the steps without toppling over.

arrow CHAPTER FIVE: LUCKY TWENTY –EIGHT (HERMIONE’S SIDE)

September seventh rolled around quickly and Hermione had just began to feel better. Hermione was released from the Hospital Wing on the third and since Draco had visited her on her second visit to the Wing, she had not spoken to him since.

The seventh was a friday and all day Hermione was anxious to see who would be the fifth year contestant for Gryffindor would be. She wasn’t the only one either. The Weasley Twins, Fred and George were on their best behavior all day.

The last class of the day was History of Magic class. Professor Binns was being particulary boring. Even Hermione was on edge and not paying attention.

The Slytherins sat in the back of the class and Hermione had been cursing her bad luck of being Sorted into Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw. Hermione could feel Draco’s hot glare bore into the back of her head. She was almost afraid to look behind her. Draco sat exactly one seat behind her and each desk was positioned a foot apart.

As Professor Binns instructed the class to take notes, Hermione reached into her bag for more ink. She ducked down and pulled out the ink bottle. She felt a pinch on her back. Hermione spun around.

“Yes?” She whispered.

“Keep your bushy head down, Granger.” Draco said. “I can’t see the notes.”

“You didn’t call me ‘Granger’ last week.” Hermione replied as she turned around to face the chalkboard,

Harry, who sat beside Hermione, hushed them quiet.

Class ended and Hermione told Ron and Harry that she was going to stay a bit after class to write the rest of the notes for studying.

After the notes, Hermione left the classroom and saw that Draco was waiting for her.

“What do you want, Malfoy?” Hermione asked. Before Draco could reply, she stalked out of the hallway and entered the lobby before the door of the Moving Staircases.

Draco hurried a head of Hermione and blocked her off at the door with his arms wide open. “Wait!” He said.

Hermione rolled her eyes. “In case you haven’t noticed, but tonight is the night Dumbledore is announcing the twenty eight contestants.”

“That’s what I’ve come to talk to you about!” Draco said.
Hermione tried to walk pass Draco, but he moved purposely in her way.

“Make it quick.” She replied.

“I know that I will be picked.” Draco replied. He grabbed Hermione by the elbows. “And I know that Potter will taking the side opposite of mine’s and I know this will take all year and I know I won’t be able to say this when it’s done.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow. “What... are you saying?”

“I’ve been putting saying this off since the first day,” Draco started. He stared directly into her eyes.

Hermione had never noticed how clear his grey eyes were.

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry that I ran into you with a bookcase.” Draco said and he let go of her and began to walk away.

Hermione’s heart dropped. “That’s all you’re going to say?” She called out. “What about that photo?”

Draco stopped and turned around. “Honestly, you still think that’s my fault?”

“Just apologize, Malfoy!” Hermione said. She walked up behind him and grabbed his shoulder to spin him around.

“I’m not apologizing for something I didn’t do.” Draco replied. “You’re the one who fell into my arms and I creatively placed my hand in a way that would shame us both in public.”

“You should’ve kept your hands to yourself!!” Hernione replied angerly. “I’m not your toy you can fondle whenever you want!”

Draco’s eyebrow twitched. “Fondle toy? Geez, where’d you come up with that one, Granger?”

“Shut it Malfoy.” Hermione replied and she began to walk away to the door.

Draco watched her go and smiled.

After Hermione had brushed her hair in the girl’s domitory and found her hat, Hermione joined Ron and Harry in the Common room so they could decesend to the Great Hall together.

Once in the Great Hall, Dumbledore began the Feast quickly after everyone had arrived.

With the possiblity that everyone could potentially be in the twenty – eight, not many people were hungry. Hermione could see that Hary was hardly touching his food.

Poor Harry. Hermione thought as she drank her Pumpkin Juice from her goblet. He is always stuck doing this kind of thing.

After what seemed like forever, Dumbledore cleared the plates with a wave of his wand.

“I hoped everyone enjoyed that deliscious feast,” Dumbledore said. “I know how everyone is so anxious about the Challenge, so I will move straight on through to the chosen contestants.”

Dumbledore waved his wand and above the student’s head were pure white envolpes.

“As you can see, the envolpes contain the information of whether or not you’ve made it into the Challenge. If you have a picture of a Red Rose, you are a contestant and you will be leaving the Great Hall and wait in the Entrance Hall for more information. If you have a White Rose, then you are not a contestant. If you recive a Yellow Rose, then you are a judge. The judge will be someone that is unbaised. The judges will be informed by their Head of House later,’ Dumbledore explained.

“When I wave my wand, you are to open your envolpe and then head directly to the Entrance Hall. Out there, you will be meeting the Minsiter for Magic.” Dumbledore waved his wand.

Hundreds of letters fell from the ceiling and landed in the hands of many students.

Hermione opened her envolope slowly. She pulled out a black card and opened the card. Written in sharp red letters, “Hermione Granger” was on the inside of the card along with a picture of a single red rose.

Standing up, Hermione was shocked. She was the contestant for her house and year!

“Hermione, what do you have?” Ron asked, looking dissapointed. “I got a White Rose..”

“I’m it!!” Hermione replied. She left the table with twenty- seven other students and as Dumbledore explained, the Minister for Magic stood by the door.

Ginny, Ron’s little sister was in the group as well. Hermione glowed. At least I know someone here.

“You made it too?” Ginny asked.

Hermione nodded. “I thought it was going to be Harry for sure!”

“Me too!” Ginny replied.

The Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge cleared his throat. “Students, students!” He said and the students turned towards him. He gave them a warm smile. “Hello, I am Cornelius Fudge, you may call me Mr. Fudge. Starting next Saturday, The Great Hogwarts Challenge will start. First, there will be an examination to cut the group in half and then the ones who past with over ‘E’, will move on and will be taken to the Leaky Cauldron.”

The contestants gasped. Hermione glanced at the others, there were some students she only knew by name or face. There were few she actually knew both Face and Name. Like Justin- Finch- Fletchy, Cho Chang, Angelina Johnson and Blaise Zabini. There was Ginny Weasley and of Course, Hermone spotted Draco Malfoy.

Hermione almost smacked herself in the forehead when she saw him.

“Once in the Leaky Cauldron, you will stay there until there is only one left of each House.” Fudge explained. He twirled his bowler hat with his hands. “The tasks in this challenge are much different than the ones in the Triwizard tournament.”

Professor McGonalgall entered the Entrance Hall next. “Now contestants, there are some rules in this challenge that are quite different.” She explained.

Hermione gulped. It should be safe. I hope this is safer than the Triwizard Tournament! Hermione remembered when she saw the injuries from the First Task last year.

“Before each task,” McGonagall continued. “There will be a Forfeit Draw. If you see that after you recieve your task’s description and feel that you are not up to it, you may forfeit yourself out of the Challenge. All you have to do is give in your envolope to your Head of House.”

Hermione opened her envelope again. That’s why our names are on the cards.

“If you feel like you are not up to the Elimination round, you have until Friday at midnight to give in your enelope to you Head of House.” McGonalgall added. “That is all. On Saturday, the fifteenth, you are to dress in your robes and meet in the Great hall right after Lunch.”

After the meeting in the hall, the contestants were told to go to their Common Rooms. Hermione trudged up the Moving Staircases with Ginny.

“I wonder why Harry wasn’t chosen?” Ginny asked.

Hermione shrugged. “I reckon it’s because Harry has enough trouble with Voldemort back and all.”

Ginny gave an involuntary shudder. “I wish you wouldn’t say that.” She replied.
“Fear of the name only creates fear itself.” Hermione replied.

“At least we’ll miss lessons.” Ginny added.

“Really?” Hermione asked. “How many do you think we’ll miss?”

They had reached the seventh floor. “I’m not sure.”

Hermione reached the Potrait of the Fat Lady. “Amber.” She said and the potrait swung open.

Inside the Commonn Room, there was a giant celebration. Fred and George were handing out Butterbeers and Pumpkin Pastries.

Hermione escaped from the crowd and saw Harry and Ron in the staircase to the dormitries.

“Congratulations, Hermione!” Harry and Ron said together.

“Thanks,” Hermione replied. Her face became a delicate shade of pink. “Do you know who the judges are?”

Harry produced a black card with a yellow rose and his name written witht he same shade of yellow. “I’m a judge.” He said.

Ron took the card from Harry. “Wicked.” He said.

Harry took the card bacl and stowed it in his robes again. “What do you have to do first?”

“On the fifteenth, there’s an exam to cut our numbers.” Hermione replied. “After we get the results, we’re all moving to the Leaky Cauldron!”

“Leaky Cauldron?” Ron repeated. “How are we supposed to know what happens?”

“I guess us judges will have to report back or the Daily Prophet will do a piece on the Challenge.” Harry replied, unsure.

“Yes, probably.” Hermione sighed. She brushed her hair from her face. “I’ll have to revise all of my notes and then go to the library after class to try and get some information on six and seven’s years notes.”

Ron sighed too. “I’m glad I’m not in the Challenge, then.”

“Why?” Hermione asked.

“I wouldn’t have to revise all week.” Ron replied.

Thank you! Don't worry, the second chapter is coming up!

arrow CHAPTER SIX: STUDY TIPS (DRACO’S SIDE)

Draco and his fellow Slytherins left the Entrance Hall that night slightly confused. Or at least Draco was.

Draco was counting on Harry being in the Challenge. He even assumed he would be in it. Being Dumbledore’s favourite or just out of sheer dumb luck!

As he traveled to the dormitries, he noticed something on his bed. Draco pulled back the curtains and saw Pansy on his bed.

“What the bloody hell are you doing here?” Draco asked.

Pansy gaped at him. “I came here to congratulate you on getting into the Challenge!” She explained. Pansy sat provactically on the sheets, she had her blouse only half- buttoned properly and she had shortened the hem on the skirt. “Why won’t you sit on the bed with me?”

“I’m very tired.’”

“Exactly, sit down,” Pansy said. She patted the pillow. “Please?”

“No, that Feast made me very sleepy.” Draco replied coldly.

“You’re doing it again!” Pansy said. “You’re changing your mind again! Last week, you were all over me, now you won’t even sit next to me!”

Draco sighed. He ran his hand through his hair. “Fine. But you have to leave whenever I say so.”

Pansy glowed and she pulled the covers over herself and Draco as he laid down.

Pansy rested her head on Draco’s shoulder and ran her finger across his chest. “Who else is in the Challenge?” She whispered.

“Just a bunch of people I’ve never seen. In Gryffindor, there’s Granger and that Weasley girl.” Draco replied. He had remembered seeing her chocolate – brown hair in the crowd next to Ginny.

Wait- WHAT? He found himself thinking. Did I just imagine describing Granger’s hair as ‘chocolate’?! What is wrong with me?

“Oh how I hate that Granger girl!” Pansy retorted in a disgusted tone and breaking Draco’s train of thought. “She think’s she so clever and pretty. But she isn’t, isn’t she, Draco?

“No,” Draco replied blankily.

Pansy shot up. “What? Did I hear you correctly? Did you just agree to thinking that Granger is pretty?”

Draco sat up as well. He glared at her. s**t- I should pay attention when she talks.

“Well?!” Pansy repeated. “Did I hear you right or not?”

“Obviously not.” Draco replied, as he laid down.

“Then explain this.” Pansy got off the bed and pulled out a photo from her robe. “Some Gryffindor took this photo and distributed it everywhere.”

She tossed the photo at Draco. It landed by his side. Draco didn’t need to know which photo it was to know what Pansy was talking about.

The photo was a new one; it was one of Draco’s back. But he was in front of someone and that someone had bushy- brown hair. The scene looked very much like he was snogging Hermione.

“And...?” Pansy asked. She had crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“It looks like we’re snogging.” Draco replied to himself. He looked up at Pansy and tossed the photo back. “But we’re not. You know I’d never even touch a Mudblood. Especially Granger.”

Pansy pulled out another photo. “Then explain this one.” She tossed it at Draco.

This photo was the one that was taken in the Hospital Wing.

“Your hand is on her a**!” Pansy shrieked.

Draco remembered last week during Care of Magical Creatures. “You didn’t have a prolem with it before!”

“I didn’t want to make a scene!” Pansy replied.

“I guess it’s too late here, isn’t it?” Draco said. He got off of his bed as well. “But when the Dark Lord takes over, every Pureblood family will have a Mudblood slave or two!”

Pansy’s mouth twitched slightly into a smile. “A Mudblood slave? What is Granger good for, anyway? What would you do to her that you wouldn’t do to me?”

“Nothing.” Draco replied. “Now, go to your dormitory.”

Pansy stared at Draco. “Fine. But if the Dark Lord does allow each pureblood family to have Mudblood slaves, you can’t have Granger.”

“Why?” Draco asked as he showed her out of the dormitory. “You want her? You can have her, but if she’s been naughty, I have to watch you discipline her, okay?”

Pansy smiled and hugged Draco. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”

Draco avoided Pansy by retreating to the library all weekend. Draco was not sure how he was able to turn such a horrible situation into Pansy not hating him for being caught photograghed with Hermione.

It’s not liked he wanted Pansy to like him. Draco didn’t even like Pansy that much. The only reason why they hung out like they do is because their fathers were good friends and that they were forced to live together.

On Sunday evening, Draco was leafing through a particulary thick hard-cover book when he heard Hermione’s voice. He craned his neck from his seat and saw that she was talking to Madame Pince.

Putting down the book, Draco went up to the head desk. Madame Pince walked away as Hermione stood patiently at the head desk.

Draco walked up behind her and breathed in as quietly as he could. He grabbed her by her hips.

Hermione jumped and tried not to scream. She turned sharply and bumped her elbow against the desk. She rubbed her elbow.

“Malfoy!” She whispered harshly. “What do you want?”

“Nothing.” He replied casually. “I found loads of helpful books-“

“Yes, most libraries have helpful books.” Hermione retorted as she let go of her elbow.

“Ha ha. You’re so funny.” Draco replied. He rolled his eyes. “As I was saying before you rudely interrupted me, I found books that are very helpful when it comes to basic knowldege about magic.”

“Really?” Hermione asked. “Like what? I might’ve already read it.”

“I.. I forgot the name of the book, but if you come with me, I’ll show you the book.” Draco replied. He beckoned her to the back of the library near the restricted section.

Hermione sighed and Madame Pince returned with a list of books. “I’ll go with you.” She said as she took the list from Madame Pince.

Draco lead the way to the back of the library and once there, he started to pulled out random books and leaf through them.

“What are you doing?” Hermione asked as Draco took a random book under his armpit. She cringed for the poor book.

“I’m trying to find the book I was reading yesterday.” Draco replied. He paused from taking random books and handed Hermione the book he was holding under his arm. “Here, tell me is you think it’s any good.”

Hermione took the book and read the first couple of pages. The book was about the basics of defensive and offensive spells. Later in the book it began to explain health replenishing- potions.

“It’s really interesting, but I think I read this.” Hermione replied. She leafed through more pages. “I think back during my first year.”

“Good.” Draco said as he slipped the books back on the shelves. “You can explain that one to me.”

She raised her eyebrow at Draco. “I’m sure that you are quite capable of reading, Draco.”

“See, you called me Draco instead of Malfoy.” Draco replied as he took the book in his hands and opened it to the first page. “That qualifies you as my tutor, so read this to me.”

Hermione sighed and massaged her forehead, “Why are you so difficult?” Hermione asked.

“Because I won’t get an ‘E’ unless you help me.” Draco replied. He pointed to a long paragraph. “Can you read this to me? I hate long paragraphs, they strain my eyes.”

“I’m leaving.” Hermione stated and she heaved her bag on her shoulder and stormed off.

“Hermione, wait!” Draco called.

“Hush!” Madame Pince whispered. She gave him a strict stare.

Hermione continued to walk away.

The week passed quickly, too quickly for Draco’s taste. When Friday had arrived, Draco laid in his bed with eyes shut. He believed that if you did not see what was there, it was actually not there at all.

As Draco laid in bed, with his curtains drawned on all four sides, he tried to remember various facts and incantions.

The only reason why Draco didn’t want today to happen was because he had not touched a single text book since he had seen Hermione in the library.

“Malfoy,” Called a deep voice from the other side of the curtain. Draco assumed it was Goyle. “If you don’t get up soon, you’ll be late for Charms.”

Draco groaned. “I’ll be up soon.”

Draco opened his eyes and rubbed them with the back of his hand. It was too bad that he needed his eyes for Charms, or he would’ve stayed all day in bed.

After dressing slowly and sloppily, Draco trudged to the Great Hall for breakfast. Crabbe and Goyle were beside him and it only made Draco look surlier than he already was.

Draco pulled out the text book he had gotten from the library last sunday on his lap and began to eat toast.

Pansy stared at him. “Draco, why do you have a book with you?”

Draco looked up. “I’m studying for the exam, what do you think I’m doing?”

“You know, you could just cheat off of someone during the exam.” Pansy suggested.

“If I do that, I’ll just end up being disqualified.” Draco replied.

“Well, then you shouldn’t study at the table, it’s not good manners. And as much as everyone hates Madame Pince, she would ban you from the library if she saw a single grain of toast or worst, peanut butter.” Pansy added. She eyed the toast. “Maybe she’s allergic to peanut butter and die. I heard it’s a real epidemic in the Muggle world.”

Draco scoffed. “Why would I care if peanut butter is killing off Muggles?”

“It might be on the exam.” Pansy replied.

“I doubt it.” Draco said. He took a large bite out of the toast. “I’ll just finish this chapter and I’ll stop reading it.”

Pansy sighed. “You’re not going to read this book everyday, are you?”

“Why would that matter? If I pass the test tomorrow, I won’t be coming back to Hogwarts until I fail a task or win.” Draco explained.

“Really?” Pansy said.

Draco nodded. He finished off the toast. “So this’ll be the last time you’ll be seeing me read this old thing at the table.”

arrow CHAPTER EIGHT: DENIAL ON BOTH SIDES OF THE COURT (DRACO’S SIDE)

Draco climbed out of the carriage he was sharing with three other contestants from Slytherin. There was a slight, bone- chilling wind that evening and Draco was thankful for the fact that he changed into a warmer set of robes during the trip.

Tom, the land lord of the Leaky Cauldron, was standing in the threshold of the door. He greeted them with his toothless grin and ushered them to the fourteen available rooms upstairs and above the pub.

Draco and Blaise took the two rooms closest to the pub. Draco opened his trunk and pulled out all of his robes, clothes, shoes and his books. Draco had nearly packed everything in his dormitory in hopes that anything at all would help him.

Since Hermione had refused to read to him, Draco had been feeling particulary sour and Snape- like, as Blaise had put it when Draco had snapped at him after the Exam.

Never before has a girl refused Draco. Never ever. Pansy was always up to doing his homework or give him a massage. Even a Ravenclaw girl squealed quietly in joy once last year when he demanded that she pick up his books that he had dropped intentionally.

Pouting as he placed his robes in the giant closet, Draco felt like he ought to tell Hermione that she was missing out on a big opportunity.

Even if it wasn’t even an opportunity? Draco thought to himself.

He shoved the last of his books into a dresser- drawer by his bed and left his room. Normally, Draco wouldn’t wear his Hogwarts Robes outside of Hogwarts, but he was too pre-occupied to even bother to change. Draco headed towards the stairs and went to the pub. The pub wasn’t very busy, there were a few wizards on stools by the counter and on armchairs near the fire.

Draco strutted to the counter and stood by a stool. Tom came up to him and raised an eyebrow.

“Aren’t ya still in school?” Tom asked.

“I want a Firewhiskey in a seperate glass with a green umbrella.” Draco replied as he pulled out his money.

“Sorry. Ya’re still in Hogwarts, right?” Tom said. “I can’t provide anything with liquer in it to ya.”

“Do you know who my Father is?” Draco asked persistantly. “He has friends in high places that can close this place down.”

“Ya’ know ya a prat?” Tom retorted.

“My Father is Lucius Malfoy.” Draco replied as he grew annoyed. He slapped down three Sickles. Tom’s face grew red. “Do I have to repeat my order?”

Tom shook his head. “No, no. Give me a sec’ and it’ll be right with ya, Mr Malfoy.”

Draco smirked as Tom gave him a tall glass of Firewhiskey and a green umbrella. Draco took it and went to the armchair nearest to the fire.

He took a small sip of his drink.

“Two Butterbeers, please.”

Draco saw Hermione with Ginny out of the corner of his eye. Ginny was wearing green and red robes and Hermione was still wearing her uniform.

Hermione took the two Butterbeers from Tom and handed him a few Sickles. Draco pulled the nearest copy of Daily Prophet from the counter and began to read it.

The two girls sat at a table near the fireplace. Draco’s eyes wondered from the page and towards Hermione. Every so often, Hermione’s eyes darted from Ginny to Draco. But after Draco had caught her, she had stopped.

After sitting down for almost two hours and Tom offering four free refills and Draco accepting them, Draco grew tired from watching Hermione. Draco folded the Daily Prophet and finished off his drink quickly, he left the Pub and went to the stairs leading to the rooms.

The next morning was Monday and Draco slept in as late as he could. At the point where he could not fake sleeping anymore when the Cleaning Witch came by. Draco grabbed a bedrobe and sleepily opened the door.

Hermione stood outside the door.

“Granger?” Draco asked. “What do you want? I just woke up.”

Hermione exhaled. “I saw you staring at me last night.” She said.

“So?”

“I want you to stop this- this thing.” Hermione said quickly. “I’m very tired of it.”

“Tired of what?” Draco asked. “We’re enemies, Granger. It’s not like we’re flirting to each other day and night.”

“Just don’t bother me anymore.” Hermione said, she turned around and began to walk towards the pub door.

“You’re in denial, Granger!” Draco called out.

Hermione stopped in her tracks.

“What?”

“Denial,” Draco called out. “You’re denying the fact that you wanted to come here and see me in my bed robe.”

“No!” Hermione shouted as she stormed towards Draco. “There’s nothing more I want than to go into Diagon Alley!”

“Oh really?” Draco chuckled.

“Yes!” Hermione snapped. “And that’s what I’m going to do right now! Nothing you say is going to stop me!”

“Fine, go to Flourish and Blotts if you must. But I know how the female mind works.” Draco said.

“You’re such a prat.” Hermione replied. “Why don’t you go and crawl back to the rock you came from, Malfoy!”

“Call me Draco, feels more personal.” Draco corrected.

“There’s nothing personal between us.” Hermione replied. “I’m going. And I’m not coming back until dinner.”

“Has lunch passed?” Draco asked.

“Yes. About an hour ago.” Hermione said, looking at her watch. She looked up. “Good bye."

Hermione left quickly and closed the door behind her. Draco stood in the doorway, debating whether he should follow her or not.

Probably not. He thought as the group of younger Ravenclaws passed and giggled. I’m still wearing my bedrobe.

Draco went into his room and changed into a white blouse that he was too lazy to tuck into a pair of black slacks. He wore his black cloak with silver snaps. Draco left the Leaky Cauldron, ignoring Tom asking him if he’d like a drink before going.

Diagon Alley was less crowded than a month ago, now there was less than half of the Witches and Wizards there.

Where would that Granger girl go to? Draco thought to himself as he strode through the Alley.

He spotted Flourish and Blotts to his left.

Of course, she loves books.

Draco went into Flourish and Blotts. He wandered around the massive piles of books and the large bookshelves with books of every size and colour. Draco did not see Hermione. There was no sign of her bushy hair anywhere.

He left the shop feeling just as sour as he did going in. Draco went to Florean Fortescue’s Indoor Ice Cream parlour. It was quite empty except for a few Hogwarts students. Draco went up to the counter and ordered a Banana Sundae. As he waited, Draco spotted Blaise with the other Slytherins who were contestants.

Blaise got up and approched Draco.

“What time did you wake up?” Blaise asked.

“Not too long ago,” Draco replied as Forean gave him his ice cream and Draco paid him.

“And you’re eating ice cream?” Blaise added.

Draco nodded and dugged his spoon into the ice cream and lifted it to his mouth. “Yes. Is there a problem?”

“No.” Blaise replied.

“Good.” Draco took his ice cream and joined Blaise with his fellow Slytherins.

Xenos and Kaira were two Slytherins that Draco did not know at all, but Blaise introduced him to them anyway.

It wasn’t for another hour and another Banana Sundae that Hermione and Ginny came in. Both of them were carrying shopping bags.

The two girls sat across the room from them. Blaise jabbed Draco in the arm.

“Hey I got an idea.” He whispered.

Draco and Blaise walked up to Hermione and Ginny, smirking.

“Weasley, how much shopping did you do?’ Draco asked. “You’re family will go bankrupt at this rate and you’ll have to move into a cardboard box!”

Hermione frowned at him. “How clever, Malfoy.”

Draco eyed Hermione’s shopping bag. They were crammed with books. “And you, Granger. Did you buy Flourish and Blott’s entire stock of How to not be an annoying know- it- all and get a boyfriend in under a century?”

Blaise and Draco howled with laughter as Hermione went red.

“You get a kick out of being a prat to everybody, don’t you, Malfoy?” Hermione asked.

“Hermione, just ignore him.” Ginny suggested.

“It’s either being a prat to you, Granger, or be decent to every filthy little Mudblood here.” Draco replied.

“Let’s go, Draco. He can only say so much before we get kicked out.” Blaise said. “We’ll go and get some drinks at the Leaky-“

Draco interrupted him. “Yeah, let’s.”

As Draco turned to leave Fortescue’s, Hermione stood up and ran after him.

“Malfoy!” She called.

Draco turned. “What? Are you going to punch me or something?”

“You’re in denial.” Hermione said loud enough for Blaise to hear.

“What?”

“Denial.” Hermione repeated. “Remember? You’re denying certain feelings for a certain someone and if you continue, you’ll end up saying something regretful. You won’t be able to take it back and it’ll be too late to late to do anything about it.”

“Draco, what is she talking about?” Blaise asked.

Hermione turned around and went back to her table. She quickly dug her face into the crook of her arm.

“Well?” Blaise asked again.

“Nothing.” Draco replied. His insides squirmed slightly. “She’s just barking mad, like all girls.”

Reserved for:
Chapter Ten: The First Task (Draco’s side)
&&