Disclaimer: I do not own anything.

Author's Note: I finally came back. I'll give you all a minute to get over the shock. Some of you may have died from shock that I updated. Nah, I kid. But seriously, I'm truly sorry for taking such a long time.

Sometimes I need a push to get me to update. I hope I don't regret those words. XD

Thank you to all the wonderful people who reviewed, favorited and alerted last chapter. Hope you like this one.

Chapter 5:

The teachers made their way out, leaving Dumbledore behind. When everyone left, he sent a message to Mad-eye, McGonagall, Crouch, Karkaroff, and Maxime to come back and meet with him privately.

Hermione soon arrived at her room, but not without pointed fingers, whispers and looks from other students. She was alone and pacing back and forth, 'This is ridiculous! I can't compete! I'm still in my fourth year! This is just a sick joke! Now all my time will be spent on remembering spells just to survive instead of learning.'

Hermione was torn between thoughts of Fleur and the tournament. She really didn't need this right now.

Hermione knew she was getting worked up and decided to go to bed early. She would figure things out the next day.

Fleur was fuming! She wanted to know what happened. Her mind was filled with thoughts of spells she would use if she caught the culprit that put her beloved in danger. This surprised her because she was not a violent person. May mercy be brought upon the individual that is responsible to ease the Veela's painful wrath.

Fleur was on her way to the carriage when her friends called her.

"What happened?" one fellow Vella asked

"The professors believe that someone bewitched the goblet to choose Hermione." Fleur responded

"You mean she didn't put 'er name in?" another Veela asked

Fleur shook her head, "No, I can tell she is scared. I want nothing more zan to protect 'er."

The five Veelas nodded in understanding.

"What can we do?" the brunette Vella asked

Fleur shook her head, "I don't know. I haven't thought of a plan yet. Alzouth (although), I have a feeling Professor Snape knows somezing. Weazer 'e knows put her name in, I don't know. I will confront him tomorrow."

"We can 'elp you."

"No, I want to do it myself, 'e is less likely to admit it if zeir is an audience, but zank you." Fleur said

"If you need 'elp, please don't 'esitate to ask us."

Fleur nodded, "Zank you."

They all went into the carriage, each of them, their minds racing.

Fleur went up her room thinking; she tried to figure out any loop holes to get Hermione out. The rest of the Veelas were downstairs.

"We 'ave to 'elp 'Ermione and Fleur." A Veela said

Another Veela nodded, "Yes, what is the first zing we do?"

"We should go over ze rules again, etc. to zee if zere is a way to get 'Ermione out."

"We cannot do zat. There is a magic binding contract." A veela answered

"Which is why we look for loop holes."

The pack of veelas made plans to go to the library the next morning, knowing it was closed for the rest of the night.

Professors Dumbledore, Maxime, Mad-eye, Karkaroff, Crouch, and McGonagall were in Dumbledore's office, arguing.

"It is pretty obvious to us that someone is trying to give Hogwarts the advantage" Karkaroff said

"What is it that you are implying?" McGonagall asked

"I think it is rather peculiar that the goblet entered another member for this school, especially someone like Miss Granger."

"Please elaborate." McGonagall said

"Out of all of the students here, Miss Grangers name came about. She has the reputation of being the smartest witch of her generation, and quite possibly in history. And she is representing your school. She already has the advantage of familiar grounds."

"I do not like that you are insinuating. Miss Granger is a well respected student, gracious,-"

"And a rebel!" Karkaroff interrupted, "We all know she had broken numerous school rules, along with Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley."

"Not that I'm condoning their behavior, but they were all for good causes. Their hearts were in the right place."

"Enough. We are coming off track." Dumbledore said sternly.

"It is my personal opinion that Miss Granger is innocent in all this. She may have broken some significant rules, but I know her. It would be out of character for her to do something like this." Dumbledore said

"Are you just saying that because you don't want to admit that a 4th year student found a way to beat your age line?" Karkaroff asked

"No! Professor Dumbledore is a humble and honest man. He would admit his mistakes if he thought he had made one." Mad-eye said, turning to Dumbledore.

"What about Miss Delacour?" Mad-eye asked

"You think my student put 'Ermione's name in the goblet?" Maxime said

"No. I mean about what she said about Professor Snape." Mad-eye said

"You think Professor Snape put her name in?" McGonagall asked, "Well, I wouldn't put it past him." McGonagall muttered the last part.

"What would be Snape's reason for doing that?" Crouch asked

"We would have to ask Miss Delacour." Mad-eye responded

"I know Gryffindors and Slytherins are natural enemies and are constantly butting heads, but I don't believe Professor Snape would go that far and risk injuring a student."

"Pardon me, Professor Dumbledore but teachers are not perfect. We are in fact humans. Just because Snape is a teacher does not mean he wouldn't do something like this." Mad-eye said

"You really believe Snape is capable of doing something like this? I'm a bit surprised you'd think so." Dumbledore asked

"I'm saying we can't rule anything out just yet. At least Miss Granger's innocent. That's a given" Mad –eye said

Dumbledore looked thoughtful.

"Indeed." Dumbledore turned to everyone, "We will not rule out anything. Everyone is to keep an eye on everything. If there are any suspicions, let me know and I will call the rest of you so we can discuss it. Do we all agree?"

McGonagall looked stunned, "Am I to assume we are not going to do anything? We are to wait to see what happens next?"

"There is not much we can do. What did you expect? Spell for fingerprints, ask portraits if they've seen anything unusual? We have nothing to go on." Crouch said

"We could question Snape and ask Miss Delacour what happened." Maxime said

"That may not do anything. I'm sure Miss Delacour will say everything and anything to get us to believe or influence are opinion that Snape is responsible." Crouch said

"Don't you dare put down my student! I don't care if you are with the ministry-" Maxime said

"Madam Maxime is right. It couldn't hurt to ask. Professor McGonagall, will you question Professor Snape?" Dumbledore said

"I will do." McGonagall responded

"Please do not make it sound like an accusation. We don't want Snape to think we suspect him. I still cannot imagine him doing something like this." Dumbledore said

"The Head House of Gryffindor and Head House of Slytherin talking to each other? Sparks will surely be flying, a war will surely break out…my money is on McGonagall. There is not a doubt in my mind she will win." Mad-eye said

Karkaroff scoffed, "You're on. My money is on Snape."

"Are you mad? McGonagall may not look much but I think she can be feisty. Believe me should can hold her own." Crouch said

"How much are we betting?" Crouch asked

"62 pounds." Mad-eye said

"That is a little high." Karkaroff looked at him like he was crazy.

"I understand if you're not that confident." Mad-eye responded

"No, I'm in." Karkaroff said

"Madam Maxime, who do you bet?" Mad-eye asked, turning to her.

Hermione didn't get much sleep. She was still exhausted. Last night's events really took a toll on her. She got and got ready. Luckily, it was Saturday so she could spend the day researching more on the tournament.

On her way to the library, she couldn't help but think about Fleur. She was impressed that Fleur showed so much emotion and care for her. One of the reasons why she didn't have a good sleep was that she was fighting her feelings for Fleur. She wanted to hate her but another part of her was having a hard time doing that. How can you despise someone who was chivalrous to you?

Hermione arrived at the library and was thinking about what section a book about the Triwizard tournament would be under.

" 'Ermione?"

Hermione froze. She would recognize that velvet voice anywhere.

"Hello, Fleur." Hermione said turning towards her.

"Good Morning. What are you doing 'ere?" Fleur asked

"I'm looking for a book to help me find a way out of the tournament. What about you?" Hermione asked

Fleur blushed and this surprised her. Hermione has never seen her blush. She looks even more beautiful when she blushes.

"I am looking for a way to get you out as well." Fleur said

Hermione's heart fluttered.

"Looking to eliminate the competition, are you?" Hermione asked

Fleur's eyes widened, "Non! I know you want out and I wanted to help you. I don't want anything to happen to you."

Hermione chuckled, "I know. I was just teasing."

Fleur smiled, a dirty thought was running through her mind, I wonder if she will tease me a lot.

Hermione mentally smacked herself; she was trying to have as little contact from her as possible. She keeps failing.

"Do you know when the professors wake up and are around the school?" Fleur asked

"Not exactly, why?" Hermione asked shaking her head

"No particular reason." Fleur said

Fleur's mind was on Snape. She looked for him to confront him but cannot find him. Was he perhaps scared?

"Listen, I never properly thanked you for your help last night. I appreciate you protecting me." Hermione said

"It is my pleasure, chéri. I know this is not ze right time but if you want to thank me, you can agree to go out with me to dinner tonight. I can 'elp you take your mind off zings." Fleur said

Hermione was taken back. She had not expected that. A part of her wanted to accept but another part of her was still deathly afraid of getting hurt.

"I'm sorry, Fleur. I just don't think it is a good idea. Perhaps I can repay you in some other way." Hermione said

Fleur's face fell, her heart shattered. "Non, there is nothing else I could want." Fleur said softly and sadly.

Fleur walked past her and Hermione felt lower than dirt. She desperately wanted to say yes. She quickly tried to think of another way to repay Fleur, but she knew nothing about her. She made a mental note to ask some of her friends.

Fleur sat at a table and was going through books. She got the feeling someone was watching her so she turned and saw a few guys staring at her.

"May I 'elp you gentlemen?" Fleur asked, trying not to sound annoyed

The men charged at her and Fleur was afraid for a second that she would be knocked over.

"I want you to know that if there is anything we can do to help you with the tournament…or anything else just let me know." A 7th year said

"Same goes for me." A 5th year said

"And me." A 3rd year said

"Thank you, gentlemen. I am not worried for me, I want to 'elp an…acquaintance out." It pained Fleur deeply to call Hermione an acquaintance.

"We'll help. What do you need?" The 5th year said

Fleur smiled appreciatively, "She wants out of the tournament. I'm trying to find a loop hole to get her out."

"We can look for that." They said

"Merci." Fleur said with a smile.

They all took off searching for a book to help.

Fleur couldn't help but feel guilty. She felt like she was using them. She was sure they expected to have some reward from her. She would think of something.

Fleur shook her head, the irony of it all. Wasn't she in a similar situation with Hermione? Difference was that she didn't expect the reward.

Fleur tried to keep her mind occupied and not think about the rejection. She spent a couple hours looking through books but came up short. She decided enough time has passed and was time to look for Snape again.

She left the library and searched around the school. She turned a corner and finally saw Snape just in time to see him turn around another corner down the hall and into his office. Fleur ran down the hall and banged on his door.

The door swung open and appeared Snape.

"We need to talk." Fleur said angrily

Snape opened the door to let her in, "Yes, we do."

Fleur stepped in and Snape closed the door behind them.

Author's note: You know, writing French accents is not as easy as it looks. I don't know how authors do it without going nuts. And to top it off, I get spell check telling me I'm writing the accents wrong.

I'm debating whether or not to delete some things in the next chapter. It may be a bit OOC for Snape. I don't know, we shall see.

Take care