AN: Due to many whiners and mistakes, I'm rewriting Life Debt. This will take at least two weeks or more as I've already promised to put all else on haitus excluding The Meaning of Family and Draconic Motherhood, however, the whoopsies in this story will bug me until I fix them. Most of the hiccups are mostly due to a few mix-ups as I was writing around 20 others at the time.

I'd also like to add that I have indeed seen the Mary Sue complaints and all I can say is that we are five chapters in and I've only just begun. I'm starting off with showing Hermione's strengths and then I'll reveal her weaknesses as we delve deeper into the story. Patience is a virtue. However, I suppose I could drop a few spoilers. If you all really want a sneak peek at what's coming, let me know and I'll post it on my tumbler profile. Same name and everything. I'll be doing that as to keep those who want the future of Life Debt to remain a surprise.

Also, I remember seeing a post claiming that having such large breasts so young is impossible. Well, you're wrong. I was a DD when I was fourteen. No joke.

Disclaimer: If you recognize anything, it's not mine.

Chapter 1

World Cup Conundrum

I jumped and dropped my book at the sound of a loud bang. Two pairs of hands were laid flat on the table in front of me. My eyes trailed up the arms they were connected to and found none other than the Weasley twins.

"Come on, Granger Danger!"

"It's time to head up to the stadium!"

I huffed at them and retrieved my book, Magical Creatures of the World. "Fine, but I'm taking my book with me."

"Oh no you don't!"

"You're at the World Cup!"

"You have to cheer with us!"

"For Ireland, of course."

"Bulgaria can suck Doxie eggs."

"Though their Seeker will give Ireland a good fight."

I smirked up at them, slowly slipping my book into my bag with an undetectable extension charm. A gift from my new Master. It fit in nicely with my other book, Truths of the Animagi. "Just for that, I think I'll cheer for Bulgaria."

Fred and George pouted and pulled at my bag. "Why are you bringing a book?"

"You can study after Ireland wins."

"Why do even need to study?"

"You already took your OWLs."

"Broke two records I heard."

"And was offered an Apprenticeship."

"From dear, old McGonagall."

"A few others, too."

"You shouldn't be studying!"

"Hermione!" Harry ran up from behind the twins to get to me. "Come on, guys. We are all waiting on you and I can't take Ron's whining anymore."

"Aw… Is Wittle Ickle Ronnikins getting impatient?"

"What do you say we cheer him up?"

Fred and George vanished outside of the tent and immediately began torturing Ron. The Weasley family laughed and followed the stream of the crowd heading towards the Quidditch arena. Harry and I trailed after them, arms looped together.

"Did you really bring a book with you?"

I patted the deceptively small bag hanging by my hip. "Yup. I'm studying… er…. different animals and how some them may contain venom or….."

Harry clasped a hand over my mouth. "We are still on summer break, 'Mione. It's okay for you to relax a little and enjoy a game of Quidditch with us. I guarantee you that your position as the Brightest Witch of the Age is completely safe. Nothing is important enough for you to miss the last professional game of the season."

'Oh Harry, but it is important.' I shook my head. "I won't make any promises. If there is a lull in the match, the book comes out. It's a little… project of mine before my apprenticeship to Professor McGonagall really begins."

He snorted, "For what? Looking for a new familiar to commemorate your Transfiguration apprenticeship?"

"Look at you, Harry, using big words." I lifted my free hand and flicked my best friend's nose. "And no. Crookshanks is the most loyal companion I've ever had. Don't forget that it's because of him that Pettigrew was apprehended. Speaking of which, have you heard anything about the trial? They are going to let Sirius go, right? And compensate him for all those years in Azkaban as an innocent man? He deserves a lot more than a simple apology."

Harry brightened considerably at the mention of his Godfather, but there was a bitter sweetness to his grin. Yes, Pettigrew was apprehended and questioned through the use of Veritaserum which proved Sirius Black innocent. Harry, however, was not happy with who got credit for the rat's capture. We argued for what felt like hours that night until I finally convinced him that allowing Professor Snape to take credit was in our best interest. In my opinion, Severus deserved it. He had been blasted into unconsciousness by Harry, nearly rammed against the tunnel walls by a petty Sirius, and then placed himself between a werewolf and his students. "Yeah! He sent me a letter a few days ago. The truth has finally come out and Sirius is a free man. He said all that's left to do now is a heaping mountain of paperwork."

"That's great, Harry. I take it he won't be joining us then." I couldn't help a small smile from growing on my face. My best friend didn't much happiness growing up.

Harry's grin dimmed. "No, he couldn't make it. He said it would have been the best way ever to celebrate his freedom. To watch the World Quidditch Cup with me."

I gave his wrist a gentle squeeze. "We could take some photos. I brought a camera with me. It's a muggle camera, which means the pictures won't move, but…."

Harry waved off my offer. "It's okay. I'll just give him a play-by-play when I see him. Rub it in his face that I was there, you know?"

We were nearing the entrance to the stadium and I spotted Arthur speaking with a tall and dark haired man that looked very familiar. I bounced on the balls of my feet, tugging on Harry's arm. "I don't think that will be necessary."

Harry followed my line of vision. His face lit up like a christmas tree as soon as he saw his Godfather. "Sirus!"

The ex-convict jerked up at his name. A wide grin took over his face and he spread his arms to accept his Godson. They crashed into each other laughing and crying at their reunion, uncaring of the looks they were receiving by the other Quidditch fans. "Harry! It is so good to see you!"

"Sirius, what are you doing here? I thought you said…"

"Paperwork is all done, my accounts restored, wrongs righted. It's kind of been done for about three days now. I had Arthur swear not to breathe a word though. I wanted to surprise you." His grey eyes dimmed a little. "You're not mad, are you?"

"Are you joking?! This is the best day ever!" Harry embraced Sirius once again.

The Animagus slumped in relief and patted Harry on the back. "Not yet it isn't. Not until I watch Bulgaria crush Ireland into a snivelling pulp."

"Yeah right!" Fred and George chanted at the same time.

Arthur slapped his palm against Sirius' back. "Right than, Sirius. I want you to meet my family. That there is Fred and George. This is William, but everyone calls him Bill. This is Charlie. He is visiting from Romania. He works as a Dragon Tamer. Percy, freshly graduated and working at the Ministry. My youngest is Ginevra, or Ginny as she prefers. And I hear you already met Ron and Hermione."

Sirius nodded in greeting to each Weasley and grinned broadly at me. "Hermione! Good to see you again. Harry told me you've been forcing him to work all summer. And my my! You've gone and blossomed into a right beauty over summer! What the hell did they feed you in France?"

I rolled my eyes. "First off, I encouraged him to go over this year's spell books for our classes. One can never be too prepared. Secondly, I tasted some of the local cuisine and I highly doubt any of it improved my appearance. Lastly, it's still me: the bucktoothed brainiac of Gryffindor. At least my hair finally smoothed out. Mum always said it would happen eventually."

Sirius barked out a laugh and pulled me into a hug. As soon as our chests connected, he jumped back. His eyes fell to the round pendant hanging from a small chain. "Now what have you got there?"

I gasped and cupped the orb, hiding it from view. "Just something new."

"A lot of magic radiating from that thing. How many charms did you place on it?" His steel colored eyes didn't stray from the hidden ball.

"Just a few. Shield charms and the like. It was a… gift for obtaining my apprenticeship with Professor McGonagall." Gods, I hate lying.

"Hm." Sirius stared at my hands for what felt like an hour before dropping the subject. "Alright then, let's go! It's going to be a bit of a climb to reach our seats, and I don't want to miss the entrances. Those are the best part!"

I relaxed as we once again started moving. Arthur handed our tickets to the security detail and we were waved through. As we began climbing, my thought strayed to my new pendant and just how I came to have it.

*Flashback*

"Hermione. Honey, what are you… What the bloody hell….!" Thump

I jumped to my feet. "Dad?

Instead of my voice, a high-pitched yip bounced off the walls of my room. Not a bark exactly. I didn't sound like a dog… yet I kinda did. I certainly never heard that sound before. Especially not out of my own mouth. I glanced down at my hands and saw two, tiny black paws with sharp claws peeking out from the fur. The flickering fire cuffs threw me for a loop, but it was probably just the magic making me see things. A first time shifting thing no doubt.

Father forgotten for the moment, I jumped and danced in place.

I'm an Animagus! Finally!

There wasn't a word in the english dictionary, or any other dictionary, that could describe the pure elation of this moment. After weeks, months, of frustrating meditations, embarrassment over fuzzy ears and growing sodding fluffy tails, I had finally perfected the shift. I can't wait to tell Professor McGonagall! She'll be so happy!

An odd, glowing ball had me tripping over my new four feet.

It wasn't very big. Almost as big as my fist. It resembled a crystal ball with clouds of cream frozen in elegant swirls inside the orb. Inside the sandy clouds seemed to be an explosion of color. Each new angle provided new shades and hues; like a rainbow Aurora Borealis trapped within a sandstorm or a sandy opal. It pulsed with magic, my magic, and darted in the air like a snitch. When I calmed, it calmed and simply floated midair a few feet from my face. Seeing this strange orb was weird. Stranger still that I could… feel it. Like it was an extension of me. An extra limb. Like my tails.

*Flashback*

Tails.

Plural.

As in more than one.

The first time I saw them, I brushed it off as hallucinations. McGonagall warned me that some people that actually achieved their second form experienced minor hallucinations. She said she never had them herself, but she did wind up with whiskers and a tail. According to her and the books she lent me on the subject, I had nothing to worry about as long as I kept my focus. Should I have any physical characteristics of my other form, concentration will make it go away. If meditation didn't work, I could always owl her and she would deliver me to Madam Pomfrey herself.

Me being me, I refused to call for help. I could do anything I set my mind to as I've proven several times before. Mastering the art of the Animagus was trying, but I did it. Sure there were bumps along the way. My ears grew and moved to sit more a top my head than on the sides, resembling those of a dog. I had to hide them under scarves and hats for the few hours they were there. Flattening them wasn't difficult, but it dulled my heightened hearing and hurt like the bloody dickins. The tails were a little harder to hide. I was stuck indoors, a loss since I was on vacation in France at the time, and restricted to my room with the curtains drawn for damn near the entire trip.

Again… Tails.

Five of them to be exact

At first I thought it a fluke, a hallucination, a trick of the magic. However, I have shifted twice since then and the five tails remained.

And, Merlin, was it irritating.

No fox in the muggle world had more than one tail. Hence the reason for my current research. After searching through book after muggle book, I switched to wizarding tomes. Not only about creatures, but of Animagi and the reason why I might have extra limbs. The only answer I had come across was the Kitsune; a magical beast native to japan. A Kitsune started with a single tail upon birth and sprouted two more tails as they grew in wisdom and power. The more tails, usually meant the older the Kitsune. A Kitsune reached full maturity when they had nine tails and their fur turned white or gold. None of what the book had to say was helpful to my search for answers. No Animagus in history has ever had the form of a magical creature. No one knew why exactly, but it was a rule of thumb that every Animagus took the form of a muggle animal in which they shared the most affinities. No matter how ridiculous. McGonagall told me that one of her old colleagues' form was a sloth. Not exactly a useful Animagus. The fact stands that no Animagus can take the form of a magical creature, so there had to be another reason as to why I had four extra tails every time I shift. And the orb thing I had to wrap in charmed wire to keep it still that showed up when I became a true Animagus.

The ball wasn't so bad, I admit. I had no idea how, but it was connected with me. It magnified my magic and made my spells stronger. Because of the magic ball, I was picking up wandless magic much faster than anyone else in the Weasley family. Even Arthur was impressed by my progress while the twins and Ginny bugged me about telling them my secrets. It gave my confidence a significant boost.

And, once I had obtained my fox form, it seemed that my body flipped the pretty switch. Over the course of a few hours, my body had become slimmer, more voluptuous. I had gained generous curves, gaining a more mature womanly figure. Honestly, I knew my mother's cup size was a C, but mine had maxed out a triple D. Supposedly from my father's side of the family tree. My hair tamed from its childhood bushy mess into shiny waves and curls, just like my mother's hair. My skin was clearer, my eyes somehow lighter. The only thing I still hated was my embarrassingly large front teeth.

I made a mental note to ask McGonagall if being an Animagus affected the human appearance or if I had just grown into my looks and not noticed. My mother is a beautiful woman and always assured me that the girls in her family had awkward looks as children. 'Patience,' she'd say, 'you'll blossom into a most beautiful rose one day.'

Years of morning runs with my dad kept me from panting like the Weasleys as we climbed higher and higher within the stadium.

"Blimey dad! Just how far up are we?" Ron asked in awe.

The good mood of our group plummeted when Lucius Malfoy and his devil spawn made an appearance. The very air reeked of their expensive cologne far too heavy to be attractive. "Well, let me put it this way. When it rains, you'll be the first to know.*"

"We're seated in the Minister's box. Father and I were personally invited by Cornelius Fudge himself!*" A growl was building in the back of my throat. I stalked up the stairs to join Harry, Arthur, and Ron on the landing overlooking the Malfoy men. Both blondes had haughty sneers on their faces, looking down their noses at us even though we stood several feet above them. I took pleasure in the way Draco's eyes bulged at the sight of me. "Well well well, look at you, mudblood. Finally had some work done on that ugly face of yours? Trying to impress someone?"

I smirked down at the colorless prat. "Please, as if I'd want to associate myself with a man in love with my looks. I've just grown over the summer. Something I see you still haven't done. Both physically and mentally."

"Why you filthy, little…"

"Harry! Hermione!" Sirius come up behind us and threw his arms over our shoulders. "What are you all doing down here? The game's about to start. Oh… Lucius. I thought I smelled you. It reeks of cheap cologne and month-old rubbish."

The Head of the Malfoy family's face twisted into a snarl. "Sirius Black. The stain of an Ancient and Noble line. I heard about your trial. How does it feel to know one of your dearest friends was the one to frame you for the murder of a dozen others?"

Sirius' features took on a look similar to the blood purists. It didn't look right. "It feels pretty damn good now that the rat's rotting in my old cell. How is my cousin doing?"

"Narcissa has never been happier. Our Draco is second in his class and the Seeker for Slytherin."

"Is that so? Following in Harry's footsteps, is he? And didn't Hermione here take top marks for her year? It must bruise that over inflated ego of yours knowing that a girl that grew up in the muggle world is doing better than your spawn. She has already taken her OWLs, ten total, and achieved O's on each one. Seems like your scrawny, little clone needs to up his game." Sirius glanced down at us, dismissing the Malfoys. "Come on, you two. Time to take our seats."

We nodded and moved to ascend the last flight of stairs. Lucius didn't like this and used his cane to keep Harry in place. "Do enjoy yourself tonight. While you can.*"

Sirius knocked the snake head off of Harry's hand. "Touch my Godson with that stick of yours again, I'll break it off in your arse."

We left behind the blondes in favor of claiming our seats at the very top of the stadium. The Weasley clan was already set up and waving their green and white banners in air, declaring their support for Ireland. I wandlessly changed my scarf from the Irish colors to that of Bulgaria's red and black. I cackled at the narrowed gazes of the Weasley twins. Harry and Sirius flanked me with the Diggory men, who had arrived with us and had been holding our seats, standing on the other side of Sirius.

Arthur looked pleased at his family and guests' excitement. "I told you these seats are worth waiting for!"

Right after he finished his declaration, seven men on broomsticks whizzed past us and flew into the arena. The Weasley cheered as the twins pointed out the different players. The green clad players flew straight into the sky, fireworks erupting in their wake that took the form of a leprechaun. The lights started a simple jig and waved at the crowd much to the spectators joy. Harry was having the time of his life and Sirius looked so happy making up for all the time he lost. It only got better when we spotted the red V-formation heading for the light display.

"Here come the Bulgarians!*" George bellowed with reverence. I wondered why he was so enamored with his team's opponent when one of the Bulgarians broke from the line and performed a series of stunts that had the crowd roaring. With only a Firebolt keeping him from falling to his death, one of my greatest fears, he maneuvered through the air as if he were born to fly.

My curiosity won over my indifference to the game. "Who's that?*"

"That there is the best Seeker in the world!*" Fred chanted with the rest of the spectators when his name appeared on enchanted slates between the floors. "Krum!"

Minister Fudge gave an opening speech and the game began.

Harry, Sirius, and the Weasley clan warned me from picking up my book. Their silly threats went to waste as I found myself drawn to the game. I admit my focus was more centered on the Bulgarian Seeker than the other players. Usually a passive player until the Snitch was spotted, Krum did his best to help out his teammates. He intercepted the Quaffle, took a Bludger to the face, and even took out the Irish Seeker with a Wronski Feint as Sirius called it. The poor guy broke both his broom and his arm, removing him from the match. After that, the Ireland Chasers seemed to get better and really began scoring points. I was leaning over the safety rail, my feet perched on the second bar for a better view, when Sirius spotted the Bludger heading for us.

"Duck!"

I bent backwards and breathed a sigh of relief when the Bludger sailed just over my face. I straightened my back and we all laughed. Harry's eyes grew wide and he pointed excitedly at the lone Seeker. "Look! Look! He spotted the Snitch! If he catches it now, Bulgaria wi… oh, nevermind. Ireland got another goal. Bulgaria needs to get twenty points if they're to win. They'll need a miracle. And there it is! Bulgaria just scored! They got the ball back again! Another goal! Gods, I love this game!"

I laughed at Harry's excitement, happy to see him so carefree.

We were all so focused on the man closing in on the Snitch that no one saw the Bludger until it was too late.

Cedric Diggory must have heard the ball's snarling because he spun on his heel and gasped. "Incoming!"

Something hard slammed into my back and pushed me over the rail. There was a moment of total shock for all of us before the situation fully registered.

"HERMIONE! NO!"

I felt hands try to grab me, but gravity had me and she wasn't about to let me go.

Down I went, my mouth opened in a scream, unable to make a sound at the blinding pain on my my back right rib cage. The pain was mind numbing and yet I had never been more aware of my body in my life. This was worse than Devil's Snare, worse than a life-sized and equally violent wizard's chess. I would much rather face off with a Basilisk once more, join Professor Lupin under a full moon all over again rather than ever get hit by a Bludger. Ever again. I'd rather take on Fluffy the three-headed dog.

My plummet towards earth came to a sudden stop. A thick arm wrapped around my middle and guided my bum to the slim shaft of a broom, securing me tightly against a hard and expansive chest. He, for this hardened torso could only belong to a man, veered up and my stomach flipped uneasily. I buried my face into his neck to keep myself from looking down. I hated flying. Not as much as I hated failure, but flying was a close second. We came to a stand still and he loosened his grip. In response, I dug my nails into his broad back in dread of the ground meters below us. When he realized I wasn't about to let him pull away, he tilted his head so that he could speak into my ear. "Are you… alvite?"

I released a shaky breath into his silky jersey of Bulgarian crimson. Words were beyond me, so I shook my head.

I felt his lips against my ear and the slight intake of air. Any response was drowned out by a fluttering hum. His other hand struck out and the humming stopped.

"Krum's got the Snitch! The game is over! Bulgaria wins by ten points! Krum has caught the Snitch and a damsel in distress by the look of it!"

The announcement had me risking a peek.

Indeed, my life was saved by none other than Viktor Krum. His nose was crooked and dried blood was flaking off his full lips and he appeared to be utterly surprised. The Snitch was fisted in one of his hands while his other arm was secured around my waist. The crowd was going wild, screaming suggestions at the Seeker and me. Most of them involving a kiss. Krum stared dumbstruck at the Snitch before turning to me with a look of awe and wonder. "You are good luck charm."

"I need a medic." I managed to wheeze out.

He winced in sympathy. "Bludger?"

"Oh yes." And I think it broke my rib cage. The right side, at least.

He nodded. "Hold on."

/*\./*\./*\./*\

The Bulgarian Quidditch team was nice enough to stand guard over me as a medi-witch looked over and treated my ribs. Their coach addressed them in what I assumed was Bulgarian as I couldn't understand a word he was saying. Krum stayed by my side the entire time with a wide grin on his very handsome face. Now that his face was wiped clean, I could fully appreciate his masculine beauty.

Krum, Viktor Krum, was handsome in a rugged way. He had thick muscles from years of flying and training. He had a strong, square face with a trimmed goatee that framed his lovely lips. His nose was still crooked, but I think it added to his rough appeal. His deep set eyes were dark and intense in a way I have never seen before and sent shudders down my spine. His equally dark hair was cropped close to his head, leaving just enough to run my fingers through. Yes, he was quite the looker. Too bad he'd never date a girl like me. Not that I'm interested.

Nope. Who needs boys when you've got books?

"Hermione?!" Harry rushed through the doors leaving two flustered medi-witches trailing behind him. His scar was on display for all to see and people parted before him, whispering his name. All except for the Bulgarian Quidditch team who stood between me and him; a wall of muscles and glares. "Hermione, are you alright? Ron and the others are outside. Security won't let them in without your say so."

"Boys, it's okay. Let him through."

The men relaxed and stepped aside. Harry spared them a passing scowl and rushed to my side. "Hermione, are you okay? Damn it! You scared the hell out of us! I swear my heart stopped beating! How is your back?"

I batted away his hands. "I'm fine! Everything is fine. Nothing is broken, just severely bruised and the medi-witch fixed that real quick. These medi-witches have a lot of secret recipes for professional Quidditch players. They kind of have to since these airheads enjoy beating each other up mid-air all for the sake of victory."

Harry barked out a slightly hysterical laugh. He patted my leg and turned to the man that caught me. "You saved my best friend's life tonight. I don't know how I could ever repay you."

Krum raised a hand to stop him. "No zanks needed. Ve von because of pretty girl."

I tensed at his nonchalant tone. Well… as nonchalant as he could get with his heavy accent. My face and neck heated at the way he complimented me. He called me pretty as if he were commenting on the weather. As if I had been called beautiful all my life and he assumed I was sick of hearing it. Sure, my hair is now tame and I grew some serious curves, but it was all still relatively new. I'm so used to having my appearance as the butt of the joke. Hearing a man adored by thousands of fans and considered one of the top Bachelors of the wizarding world call me pretty was almost too good to be true. I waited for him to laugh and say he was kidding, but he didn't. He kept his eyes on me, searching for any signs of pain or distress. At the moment, I'm sure he would have punched Harry if I asked.

The witch in charge of my healing approached my bedside with a confident stride. Her face was expressionless, revealing nothing of her thoughts on my self-proclaimed bodyguards or The Boy Who Lived. "Miss Granger, I have finished the paperwork. All I need is your signature and the signature of your guardian then you're free to go."

I nodded and grasped Harry's forearm. "Could you go get Arthur?"

"Yeah. I'll be right back. Don't go off Basilisk hunting or anything like that."

I rolled my eyes. "One time and you never let me live it down."

Harry shot me a mock glare. "I still haven't forgiven you for the werewolf fiasco."

"I want to leave, Harry. You know I hate hospitals."

"Really? You spend an awful lot of time in them for someone who hates them."

"Look who's talking!" I shooed him off to retrieve my guardian for the evening. He left without another word, cackling all the way to the door. I glanced over at Krum and found him in wide eyed shock. As were his teammates. "What?"

"Basilisk? You took on Basilisk? And verevolf?"

Sometimes I forget that normal teenagers don't go looking for trouble. Maybe fourth year would be the one without murderers and monsters. Or monstrous murderers. "Long story. Let's just say I would do anything to protect my friends."

Krum blinked owlishly a few times and smiled wistfully. "Harry iz lucky. I vould give anyzing to have a voman like you."

I sat up straighter at the implication of a romantic relationship between me and The Boy Who Lived. "No! You got it all wrong! Harry is a brother to me! Just… ew."

Krum slumped in relief. "Zank Merlin."

I was about ask him why he felt gratitude to a long dead wizard when Arthur, Harry, and the medi-witch converged at my bedside. "Miss Granger? Your signature?"

I signed the proffered parchment and the medi-witch left. "Can I leave now?"

Arthur beamed happily. "Of course we can! We'll be waiting outside while you collect your things. Mr. Krum. Gentlemen." Arthur wiggled his fingers and left to rejoin his family. Harry backed off to give me a moment with my savior. I hopped off the bed, my back no longer throbbing, and stretched.

"Thank you, Mr. Krum. I…"

"Viktor." He corrected me. "Pleaze… call me Viktor, Her-my-own-ninny."

I giggled at the butchering of my name. I would have torn into anyone else, but I could forgive him. His thick accent must make it difficult. "You know, I'm not one for nicknames, but I think I can make an exception for the man that saved my life."

He got to his feet and faced me with his chest puffed out and his thumbs in his trouser pockets. "I vill call you Mila. Until I get name right."

Viktor was speaking as if we would see each other again. This stumped me. Why would a professional athlete want to spend time with me? I wasn't a huge fan of his nor was I a supporter of Quidditch. In fact, I couldn't really care less about the sport. The only reason I attended school games was for Harry. What would we even talk about? I opened my mouth to ask him just what he meant when Harry poked his head out from behind a wall. I was getting a little sick of being interrupted. "Hey 'Mione. Press is outside and they're asking about you. Well, the girl Krum saved. They don't know who you are yet and I think they'll do anything to find out."

"Shit! Harry, do you have your cloak?"

He shook his head apologetically. I growled in frustration, damning the Trace on my wand. Otherwise I would have disillusioned myself. If there is anything I despise more than anything else, it's paparazzi. I could've used wandless magic but the nurse warned me to take it easy for the night.

One of the Beaters, Ivan I believe, came up with the same idea. He pulled out his light brown wand and twirled it between his fingers. "I… hide you? Spell…?" He spat out what I assumed to be a curse.

"I know what you mean and yes, that would would be lovely. Thank you."

Ivan gave me a broad smile and cast the Disillusionment Charm. I shuddered at the uncomfortable sensation of a raw egg cracking on top of my head, but the charm worked. My body and clothes changed to match my surroundings. "There's no way I'll get past them like this. Harry, I'll need a distraction."

Viktor stepped between me and my friend. "I vill be…. Diz-track-shun. Vulturez cannot rezist me. You and friend can sneak past."

Wow, Viktor was being very helpful. "Thank you, Viktor."

He shrugged and started for the entrance. We all could hear the press getting antsy. "Be ready to go, da?" I grabbed his arm and pulled him down. When he was low enough, taken completely by surprise, I pressed a grateful kiss on his cheek. His face flushed a violent red and continued on his way to the doors.

Ivan disillusioned Harry as well and we followed Viktor through the doors. Just as he predicted, the press swarmed around Viktor as soon as they spotted him. Getting past them was easier than levitation. We met up with the Weasleys, keeping to the shadows until we reached the tent. Arthur removed the charm and the questions began.

"Bloody hell, Hermione! Are you alright?"

"How's your back?"

"What's Krum like?"

"How did it feel falling into that hunk's arms?"

"Did you kiss him?"

"Please tell me you flirted with him!"

"Tell me you didn't."

Harry inserted himself between me and the Weasleys. "Back off, guys. Give her room to breathe. Hermione is fine. She and Krum seem to be on friendly terms."

"Move over boys! Me and 'Mione are about to have a girl talk!" Ginny barreled her way past Harry and gripped me by the arms. She used her abnormal amount of strength to drag me to our bunks. She closed the curtains and faced me with a Cheshire grin. "Alright. Spill it, girl! I want every last detail! What is Krum like? Was he a sweetheart or is he an arrogant prat like Malfoy? Did he kiss you? Did you exchange addresses and promise to write? Come on then! Tell me everything!"

"Well… Viktor is rather…"

Her grin somehow grew wider. "Ah. You two on a first name basis?"

"Stop interrupting me or I won't tell you anything." Ginny pinched her thumb and forefinger together and dragged them across her lips. Something I taught her, along with a few other muggle things. "Okay. Viktor was very sweet. His english isn't that great. I found it to be a rather endearing trait on him. And his accent is just lovely. He caught me, and the Snitch, and decreed that I was good luck. He took me to the hospital, he and his team guarded me, and then he distracted the press so me and Harry could leave. There was no declarations of love or promises of marriage. Sorry to disappoint you, but we parted ways as acquaintances and will probably never see each other again."

Ginny groaned and fell on her back beside me. "You gotta give me more than that! What did it feel like to be in the arms of the greatest professional Seeker in the world?"

"I wasn't focused him, more the ground that was a few hundred meters below me."

Ginny snorted. "Oh come off it. It wasn't that far of a drop. Besides, Krum looked like he had a pretty tight hold on you. You two looked awfully snug."

Arthur renched the curtain aside. "We're under attack. Everyone get outside and start running for the forest. Now!"

"No rest for the wicked." I quoted grudgingly as Ginny and I followed her father out of the tent. My hopes for a quiet year went down the proverbial drain as our group fought and failed to stick together as we ran away from Death Eaters. We lost Harry to the panicked stampede. Then Bill. Amos Diggory was lost as well and his son, Cedric, parted with us in an effort to find him. The rest of us just lost sight of each other.

I followed Arthur's instructions and ran for the forest. It would be pointless to search for my friends in this mess. I ran with the crowd, keeping my head down and avoiding stray spells. A wandless Protego had saved me a few times. Though wandless magic was considered less powerful than those with, my Star Ball more than made up for it. Not once did my shield falter. I was feeling rather woozy though. Damn potions and damn the right masochist that created bludgers!

After what felt like an eternity, I was in the protection of the woods. I spent hours more gathering the Weasleys together. The Diggory men found us and the party was back together again.

Save one.

Always one.

"Where the hell is Harry?"

Sirius, upon arriving and not seeing his godson, turned around and started prowling the area in search of his godson. Ginny was pacing a path into the dirt and Arthur was beside himself with worry. Ron was leaning against a tree, standing over his older brothers as Bill healed a nasty burn that Charlie got on his arm. Bill tried to soothe me. "Stop worrying, 'Mione. He'll find us."

Sick of waiting, I abandoned the boulder I had been sitting on. "I'm going back. No doubt Harry got himself knocked out and is need of rescuing again."

"I'm coming, too." Ron trailed after me.

Arthur tried to stop us, but no one was going to keep me from finding Harry. It didn't matter that he was The Boy Who Lived or that he was a talented duelist or even that he was a boy and I a girl. Harry was a true Gryffindor in the sense that he didn't think before throwing himself into dangerous situations. He was ruled by his emotions and that made him vulnerable to manipulation. It is my duty as both his friend and his protector that I be there to talk him down from his rages and watch his back when he doesn't listen. It is my job to take care of him because he certainly doesn't do it. As to his embarrassment about being saved by a girl, he can suck it up and ignore his teasing peers. Society can go fuck itself anyway. Who said a woman couldn't save the day?

By the time we backtracked to the open field, the sea of tents was nothing more than smouldering ash. Charred sticks stuck out of the ground like gravestones. It was hard to tell where one tent ended and another began. Ron and I never strayed too far in our search for Harry. I was reluctant to call out to him in fear of attracting undesired attention of possible Death Eaters, but that wasn't stopping Ron. A sudden green light in the sky provided enough illumination to see our shaggy haired friend crouching among the smouldering remains of a tent. He was looking out over the field. I followed his sight, but didn't see anything.

"Harry! There you are!"

After scouring the area for any dangers, I focused my concern on Harry. I drew him into a hug and checked his body for any injuries. "You worried me sick, you prat!"

He didn't reply. Instead he gaped at the sky. At the green Death Mark moving among the stars.

That settled it. We definitely weren't having a quiet year.

I'll post edited chapter 2 when I can.

If anyone wants spoilers for this story, let me know and I'll put them up on my tumbler page.

-SPN :3