Possibilities

By: Burning Phoenix2018

What would have happened if Harry asked Hermione to the Yule Ball before Krum did? Will have Ron, Molly, Ginny, and Dumbledore bashing. Starts at the beginning of their fourth year. Rated mature for swearing, death, and adult situations.

Chapter One: A Grand Welcoming

As Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table for the welcoming feast he was quickly greeted by Hermione, Ron however was buried in food like always. He mumbled something but through his mouthful of food it was indiscernible. Hermione slapped Ron before sliding sideways to allow Harry to join them on the long bench. Harry had missed them on the train since he was slow boarding so he decided to sit with Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood.

"Where were you on the train Harry?" Hermione questioned him as soon as he sat down. She had the cute look on her face that she got whenever she was worried. He laughed before answering her.

"I arrived at the platform late and elected to sit with Neville and Luna," he grinned at Ron's shocked expression as he came up from his chicken wings.

"Really, you chose Loony Lovegood over us!" Ron exclaimed. At this Harry felt his blood boiling up inside him. He didn't think that Ron could be that mean.

"That's enough Ron, Luna happens to be a very nice person. I am proud to call her my friend," Harry snapped angrily at Ron. Ron blanched and went back to chomping on his chicken wings, while Harry engaged Hermione in polite conversation. Harry had to admit, she had grown up a lot over the summer and was now quite beautiful. He refrained from bringing this up in their conversation, and he had been doing quite well until Hermione brought up girls.

"So Harry, got your eye on any girls this year," She teased him. Harry went a brilliant red color and managed to stammer out,

"None Hermione," she laughed at his expression and thankfully took his blush to be caused by embarrassment not his growing interest in her. Harry turned back to his plate for a second and forced the blush down. When he glanced back up at Hermione his blush was gone. They continued their conversation throughout the rest of dinner. A side from the occasional but-in from Ron it was uninterrupted. The only other interruption of their conversation was Dumbledore's speech. Harry gazed at Moody for a while before turning his attention back to Hermione. As soon as their conversation started up again it was interrupted by Ron.

"Hey Harry, have you been practicing chess?" He asked before grabbing a treacle tart to dip it in his chocolate gateau and biting into it.

"Of course Ron, Why would I want to disappoint you?" Harry said, sarcasm laced throughout his voice. Ron mumbled something through his mouthful of treacle tart but Harry chose to ignore this and turn his attention back to Hermione. Hermione was talking to Ginny about something so Harry grabbed a dessert. He quickly finished his dessert and glanced up at the head table to see Dumbledore standing up again. He nudged Hermione as Dumbledore walked up to his podium. She looked at him so he gestured to Dumbledore. Hermione turned back to Ginny and they both focused their attention on Dumbledore. Moments later when Dumbledore called out the rest of the school had their attention on him.

"It is my horrible duty to tell you that there will be no quidditch this year. Instead we will be hosting the Tri-Wizard tournament," Dumbledore announced. The Weasley twins were shouting loudly, along with most of the quidditch players. "Silence," Dumbledore yelled. "The Tri-Wizard tournament is an age old competition, hosted between 3 school. Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons each represented by 1 champion. Eternal glory! That's what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament, but to do this, that student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks. Because of this the Magical Games and Sports Department has decided that there will be an age limit of 17 years,"

"Boo. Boo," Harry could hear Fred and George yelling. They were soon joined by other students that had not yet turned 17.

"Silence," Dumbledore shouted. "Durmstrang and Beauxbatons will be arriving on the 30th of October, so I expect you all to welcome them graciously. Now of to bed." The hall descended into chaos as prefects struggled to get the first years together. Harry was grabbed by Hermione and pulled into the flow of students. His hand tingled as he felt her warm skin touching his. He allowed himself to be pulled up to the common room before sadly removing his hand from hers, and after bidding her good night, headed up to his bed.

It took Harry 30 minutes to get into bed but it took him even longer to fall asleep. His thoughts kept turning back to Hermione and how it felt to have her touch him. He generally hated being touched because of the pain that the Dursley's had caused him. With her it was different though. He longed for her touch now, he wished he could hold her in his arms. Finally after 2 hours, and 45 minutes he fell asleep.

A/N: This is my first fan fiction so it may be a bit rough. Please read and review. Any flames will be read and only used if it is a good point. If not then it will be ignored. Thanks for reading. I'll try to update regularly,

Signing Off, For Now

Burning Phoenix2018