Disclaimer: Still don't own.

Chapter 4

Train Rides and Tournaments

Harry peeked over the newest Prophet and asked me once more if I was alright.

"For the last time, Harry; I'm perfectly fine. Why don't you do something useful and read over your Potions book. Don't give Professor Snape any fodder." That would certainly get Harry to shut up.

'Mama. Hungry.' As if to punctuate Aria's statement, the Dragonette's tummy rumbled against my forearm.

I got up to leave the compartment. "I'm grabbing some snacks from the trolley. DO you want me to get you anything?"

Harry requested some chocolate frogs and treacle fudge. I left with pumpkin pasties on my mind, and fizzing whizbees for Aria. They didn't make her float like they do for any humans that eat it, but she seemed to like them well enough. That might have something to do for the animal parts used in the candy. Usually I was against the wizarding sweet, but the train's trolley didn't carry anything substantial for a growing Dragonette. A single box should hold her over until we get to Hogwarts. The welcoming feast would have plenty of meat for Aria to dine on and store in her black hole of a stomach. I still had no clue how she could eat a tray of food far bigger than her and still remain so small and thin. Maybe she's 85% stomach.

By the time I reached the middle of the train, I had begun to regret my trek for a few meager pasties and a box of fizzing whizbees. I received so much attention from familiar faces and newcomers alike. My new chocolate frog card had enough time on the shelves that more and more people were beginning to recognize me on sight. By the time I reached the trolley, I had given seven autographs, smiled for four photos, posed for nine more with awestruck firsties, and was hugged or high-fived by every last member of Gryffindor that I encountered. I purchased the sweets and could only tolerate so much attention before I slipped into a cabin just to catch a breath.

I had a feeling that this is what the rest of the school term was going to be like, and I didn't like it one bit. No wonder Harry complained all the time. Being in the front and center of wizarding news was rather draining. Hopefully the public will lose interest if I kept my head down for the rest of the year. Fudge had mentioned something was going to occur at Hogwarts this term, so surely it would take the public eye off me.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't little miss Know-it-all herself!"

I tensed and exhaled through my teeth. Of all the bloody cabin's to escape to. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Sir Runner-Up of Secondsdale."

The dark skinned wizard I knew vaguely to be Blaise Zabini snickered into his hand while Pansy Parkinson glared at me from her seat beside the young Lord Malfoy. "Shut your dirty mouth, Mudblood! How dare you speak do Dracikins like that!"

Draco tensed and Blaise's cackles got louder. My eyebrows climbed my forehead as I shot Malfoy a look of surprise. "And who could forget his parasitic paramour, Pansy Parkinson, sporting her signature scent; eau de desperate."

Zabini's head tipped back in uncontrolled laughter.

Parkinson's face was as red as a ripe tomato, sputtering in rage so potent she couldn't talk. Malfoy sported his own flush. The platinum blond crossed his arms over his chest and stared at his impeccable and expensive shoes. "What are you even doing in here? Shouldn't you be out there reveling in your fame?"

I snorted and glanced out the window of the compartment door. "I love my sudden fame as much as I love watching you try to imitate Harry's prowess in Quidditch. I just wanted a chance to breathe without being bombarded by nosy children."

Blaise's chuckles died off. "So is it true? Did you really catch Pettigrew? He's furious that you were awarded a place on chocolate frog cards when he risked his life to save Potter's sorry arse."

"I told the investigators that we would have died without Professor Snape." I shot a glare at the boy even cockier than Malfoy and tugged on my robes. "We'll be arriving at school soon." With that, I slid the door open and stormed back to my cabin. The look of irritation on my face must have been enough warning for the train's passengers as my path was clear and I remained unmolested on my way back to my compartment.

Harry didn't look up when I slid inside. The scarred boy just stared out the window while stroking Hedwig's chest feathers, free from her cage. The pure sadness in his eyes made my stomach twist sickeningly with guilt. Ron's absence didn't bother me much. I was used to be ignored by the youngest male of Molly and Arthur Weasley. Harry, on the other hand, seemed to be feeling the loss of his first wizarding friend.

I partially blamed myself, though Ron was mostly at fault here. My sudden fame had soured the already rocky relationship between us. I could see why Ron was so upset. The poor kid had grown up wearing nothing but hand-me-downs worn by his six older brothers and, besides food, had nothing that didn't once belong to at least one brother. Even his supposed rat had been Percy's before became Head Boy and was gifted an owl by his parents. He had to fight for every scrap of food and attention, and the obvious doting upon Ginny only made it worse. He lived in the shadows of his siblings, both older and younger, and had almost nothing to make him stand out. It seemed to him as if there was nothing he could do that could outshine his siblings. Sure, Ron was good at chess, great actually, but his proclaimed prowess at the game was sullied by his defeat at Professor Snape's hand.

I didn't know exactly what happened as I was still helping the Auror's with Sirius' case against the Ministry for false imprisonment without due trial. All Harry told me was that Ron had been whining non-stop about wanting to leave when Snape dropped a few insults about Ron being incapable of magic and silence. Ron challenged him the only way he knew how and got his arse handed to him on a green and silver platter.

In short, Ron had to stay in the infirmary, I reluctantly became famous, and Ron became the emasculated wizard living in the shadows of The Boy Who Lived and The Brightest Witch of the Age.

I knew there had always been an undertone of jealousy in Harry and Ron's friendship and my undesired attention from the world added to his sense of self-worth and lack thereof. Watching as Viktor reunited me with the Weasley's was the final straw on the proverbial camel's back. Though I was elevated to near goddess status in the twin's eyes, Ron snapped at both Harry and I then proceeded to pretend as if we didn't exist. I wanted to help him, knock some sense into his head and make him apologize for hurting Harry, but I knew any effort I make would be seen as an attack. All I could do, can do, is sit on the sidelines and hope that Ron would come into his own. As much as I love the longer hours spent bonding with Harry and helping him improve his studies, I could tell Harry missed having Ron around to talk about Quidditch and their freshly awoken interest in the opposite sex.

"Hermione?"

I jumped at Harry's whisper. His brows were furrowed in worry. "Yes, Harry?"

"Do you think those Quidditch players will keep their mouths shut about seeing Aria? I mean… you are meant to be keeping her a secret, right?"

My mind went back to that night at the World Cup. I didn't really interact much with the players, but both Viktor and Lynch seemed nice enough. Dimitri straight up said he would tell his Dragon buddies about our little rendezvous, but it's not like they didn't know an Oriental had been found. I figured the Minister or an Auror must have briefed them on the importance of silence. Tonks had been there. She definitely would have had someone sit the witness down and explain. "You're right. Gods, I hope Aria doesn't turn out to a be the worst kept secret since our Philospher's Stone retrieval mission."

McGonagall set the stool and Sorting hat aside and took her place on Dumbledore's right side. The Headmaster stood and greeted his students, both old and new. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Before we begin the feast, I have an announcement to make. Normally, after settling into the castle and classes, each House's Quidditch Teams would hold tryouts and start training before the first match in November. I am sorry to inform you that there will be no Quidditch matches this year though you all are still welcome to use the field and play amongst yourselves."

His speech was drowned out by the angry mass of Quidditch fans and players. Harry had gone pale while Ron was screaming with rage, his face redder than his trademark hair. Even Draco Malfoy joined in on the shouting being a Seeker himself. Only when the magicked sky above us grow cloudy and thunder loud enough to shake the walls did everyone fall silent. The clouds vanished and Dumbledore reiterated the open invitation to anyone who wanted to play Quidditch. "The reason there won't be a Quidditch Cup this year is due to a legendary event that Hogwarts will be hosting."

The hall went silent. Now everyone was far too intrigued to continue bitching about their precious passtime. "This year, on the first of October, we will be joined by the representatives of two schools. They will be coming here and living on the grounds for the duration of the Triwizard Tournament."

A gentle hum filled the air as children began whispering to one another, trading information about the long dead contest reborn anew.

"I shall go into further detail of the Tournament when the contingents of the two other competing schools arrive. Until then, focus on your studies." He then launched into the usual drivel, listing banned items and rules, before clapping his hands and initiating the commencement of the welcoming feast.

The feast began and seemed more delicious than the last three years. Once dessert was consumed, the students were herded to their common rooms. Friends were reunited and, despite their full bellies, invoked enough energy to talk and gossip. The joy in Gryffindor Tower was almost palpable. Most of it seemed to be coming from Harry, but for a rather different reason. "This will be the year, 'Mione! There's no way Voldemort would try anything with so many Aurors roaming the halls."

"Seems like this will be the quiet year for you, eh, Harry?" I chuckled drowsily. There had been plenty of food for both Aria and I to stuff ourselves silly. She eventually collapsed after gorging on what seemed to be a whole ham and I was beginning to feel much better. At least Hogwarts always had enough stock so that I no longer had to give up the last bite to a bottomless Dragon stomach.

He shot me a beautiful smile, one that had been growing more common ever since Sirius had taken custody of his godson. "Yeah. Can't you just imagine it? No mystery to solve, no secrets to uncover, no sneaking into Hogsmeade because I've got the signed permission slip from my godfather. Though you've got… er…. Aria to look after, but there are... others here to help you."

"I will manage." It will be a tough year with Aria leeching off my magic to survive, but I could handle it. It is supposed to be a quiet year.

Harry laid back on the couch, his head cradled in his hands. "This is going to be best year ever."

I was so happy for my friend, my best friend. "Hopefully the first of many."

Hopefully.

Harry and I spent the next hour chatting with our classmates about our respective vacations. Neville and his grandmother had installed a new greenhouse in which he could plant whatever he so desired. Dean and Seamus both had the pleasure of attending the World Cup and were lucky to have Mr. Thomas, who was housing both boys for the week before term, pull them back home right after the game's end. Lee Jordan had spent his summer attending muggle band concerts. Colin and his still damp brother were excitedly talking about their summer of photography lessons.

Dennis Creevy was an adorable boy who obviously adored his older brother, and the feeling was obviously mutual. We all gave him tips as first year is always a little hard, even with older siblings in the dorm or so Ginny proclaimed. He absorbed it all with bright eyes and a wide, crooked smile. I was tempted to offer him my parent's numbers, but I didn't want to hurt his feeling. That had happened once before and the results weren't pleasant.

Once the twins dropped that I had been up close and personal with the Viktor Krum, I was bombarded with questions. What's he like? Is he nice? Can he speak english? Did he say anything at all? Did you touch his butt?

My face burned with embarrassment. "Angelina!?"

"What? It's a legitimate question." She shrugged her slender shoulders.

"No it is not!" It felt like my body was on fire. I barely knew the girl and she was honestly asking for details on my nonexistent love life.

The young woman smirked lewdly and said nothing more.

Eventually, we all retreated to our dorms and warm beds. Aria still had yet to wake and was delicately pried off my arm in favor of Crookshanks furred torso. I completed my nightly routine and slipped under the covers.

I fell asleep after a whispered prayer to Hecate that Aria would remain undetected and safe from harm.

McGonagall pulled me aside once she finished handing out class schedules. We stood to the side of the Hall doors encased in a sound-cancelling dome. In this space, we were safe from eavesdroppers so long as no one entered the dome.

"Hermione, remember to take it easy in your classes and that all your teachers have been informed of your precious cargo. They'll keep an eye on you and make certain your don't strain yourself. By all means, practice your spell casting, but do be mindful of your magic reserves. And I'm supposed to remind you that an Auror will follow you to around and remain unseen during your classes to keep you safe. As of this moment, you are more guarded than a Gringotts' vault."

The Great Hall was starting to empty as it grew closer to nine. Students gave us curious looks as they passed by in a rush to get to their first class. "Great. At least they'll keep a low profile." I glanced at Malfoy and his brown nosers from the corner of my eye. "They will be discreet, won't they?"

She nodded in affirmation. "Of course. The last thing we want is to bring attention to Aria, and that means you. I'm certain the students would find it very odd that a witch who had taken on escaped convict Sirius Black and then discovered the true Secret Keeper Peter Pettigrew would ever need protection."

"It's not like I did it myself. Professor Snape risked his life to save mine and Harry would have hordes of reporters harassing him too if he didn't persuade me to take the credit. Bloody coward."

"Mr. Potter already has his own fan club. I'm sure can't wait to sit with you and share complaints." McGonagall gave my shoulder a comforting pat. "You were brave to go after Pettigrew yourself, Miss Granger, and to answer Aria's call in that cave. Now all you have to do is be brave enough to protect Aria, whose life is irrevocably tied to yours, even if that means sitting back and letting others to the fighting for you."

I was sent to class with her advice to keep a low profile. Harry waved to me from the side of a blonde girl that appeared to be lost in a daydream. She looked somewhat familiar to me. I often saw her wandering the halls by herself and wearing the oddest jewelry. Today she was wearing radish earrings. When I padded closer, her silver gray eyes flicked to me. Despite her aura of dreamy dottiness, I couldn't help but feel that the girl saw more than what was natural. Though seemingly soft, her eyes hid a quick mind that could peer into one's soul and see their darkest secrets. She is wearing the rich blue of Ravenclaw. She was probably like me; a child rejected by their peers for their vast intellect and inability to fit in with the crowd. Only in her case, it's not her intellect that is odd but her mannerisms.

Harry pinned me with harried eyes. "Hey 'Mione. Is everything okay?"

All I could do was shrug in response. It's not like I could say it in the hallway with interested gossipers listening. "She just wants me to take it easy. You know, refrain from chasing after any suspicious characters I may come across." Ever since I divulged that Aria was draining me of my magic until she could maintain her own, he had become more attentive, more worried over my wellbeing. I'll admit it was...nice.

Harry's smile was incredibly bright. "Well, it took you one evening to find Padfoot and solve a decade old mystery. You did more in one night than the Ministry has in twelve years on a single case. Why shouldn't you hunt wanted criminals. At least you would get the job done right."

The metal suit of armor against the wall snorted. Harry and I knew about the Aurors dotted throughout the castle, but Luna's nonchalance surprised me. She didn't even blink. "Well, we should be heading to class, Harry. It wouldn't do to be late on the first day. You as well, Miss…"

"Luna Lovegood." Her voice was a light and airy soprano, and exactly what I expected given her appearance. Though her eyes were turned towards me, she appeared to be lost in some pleasant daydream. Yet underneath that dazed gleam lay an observant mind.

That name rang a bell, one I overheard whispered in the library. Luna 'Loony' Lovegood is known for her odd behavior and imaginary creatures. For the last two years, when I was leaving the library only after I was kicked out, I would spot this tiny girl walking the drafty halls without even socks on her feet. "Miss Lovegood, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, but Harry and I truly must be going. And I'm certain you should as well if you don't want to be late on the first day back."

Her upturned lips stretched into a full smile. "I'll see you around Harry. Hermione." Her eyes drifted towards my right sleeve. "Aria." And then she turned and left, practically floating down the hall as if she hadn't just pointed out my biggest secret.

After gaping at her for what felt like years, I turned to Harry with astonished fear. "How did she know?"

Harry's emerald eyes were equally wide as he shook his head and hurriedly dragged me to Potions.

Gods, if a girl I barely knew had figured me out so quickly, how was I going to keep Aria and I safe?

Just a little something short. A thank you to those who are still here with me. I promise I'm still writing, more so recently. Just when I thought I had run out of creativity, I was smacked in the face with more ideas. If you want to see the summaries of what will be coming in the future, feel free to browse my profile and look at the works in progress. I newer ideas for each fandom will be found at the bottom of each list. I might rearrange that later when I have time.

Also. I'm going to try my hand at making moodboards for each idea. You know… cover art and all that. Anyone know if Canva is free?

The next chapter will showcase the commencement of the TriWizard Tournament and a reunion between my OTP.

-SPN :3