I am hopeful that I won't have to start next chapter with an apology. So anyways, I am sorry it took so long but with a friend of mine's passing, this story got a lot harder to write. I am not giving up on it however or making it a Viktor thing (that was meant as more of a joke). Probably will be a while again on the next one but I'll try to do my best.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It wasn't the fact that a student had spoken to these people in the way that she had, it wasn't the implications of her words, but rather the exasperated sigh that seemed to be heard by everyone despite being nearly inaudible. Dumbledore is one of the most powerful wizards in recent decades and here he sat tired and weary of the nonsense.

"Miss. Granger, I in no way doubt your innocence in this matter but that does not stop the fact that it has indeed occurred. I will personally look into all of the options that we may have before us and will do all that I can to resolve this. Unfortunately, until such a time, I will need you to prepare for the challenges that are ahead. You will receive no quarter for your age but I do encourage you to seek help from the older students in practical spells."

"Sir, what about my classes?"

"Though I do find your dedication refreshing, you need to look at the bigger picture. The Triwizard Tournament is not something to trifle with. Now, you may be excused to speak with the other champions."

Hermione knew a dismissal when she heard it and besides she wanted out of that room more than anything. Shefelt like a giant rock had formed in her chest and was only getting worse. She forced herself not to look at the other headmasters' sneers and glares. She began to walk as though to her execution but was quick to force her head high. I may be royally screwed but that doesn't mean I have to show it.

She looked to Harry before she left and gave him a small smile. Harry started to follow her out but was stopped by Dumbledore calling his name. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on him for dragging me considering I doubt this is going to be pleasant.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Now as for you Mr. Potter, I will need to discuss your behavior in the Great Hall. I understand your concern for Miss. Granger but I will not stand for such behavior. Now is not the time for this particular conversation however. You will meet here tomorrow after your classes have ended. Now I doubt many of your fellow classmates will be as understanding of this situation as you have been. I would hurry if you want to catch her."

The twinkle had been missing for most of the time in his office but it was back now in full swing. Harry to the hint and quickly left the office. He didn't even make it completely out before he heard all of the occupants figuratively explode.

He took off at a run hoping to catch Hermione before some punk did but quickly realized that he had no idea where the other champions were. Harry decided to ask the portraits if they had noticed Hermione and where she was going. They gave him contradicting directions and eventually broke out into a fight.

"Why do the portraits have to choose now not to be nosey?"

Harry ended up just going to the great hall hoping to get an idea of where she could be. He stopped when he heard Malfoy around the corner.

"So the dirty mudblood thinks that she can trick her way into the tournament and taint it with her wretched self? Not if I have anything to say about it. My father will have her forced out before Christmas break."

Malfoy isn't involved… He doesn't want her to be in the tournament… But if he isn't trying to hurt Hermione, then who is? Harry took off running again when it sounded like Malfoy was on the move. I need to find Hermione.

"Where is everyone? You would figure that someone would come meet us after being selected. How long are we going to have to wait?"

"I don't know Fleur but shouldn't be too much longer."

This was not how she wanted the information to be given to the other champions. Why couldn't someone else warn them? Why do I have to do this? Cedric is going to think I am trying to steal his glory.

"Hey Hermione. That's right, right?"

She whipped to her right to see Cedric Diggory staring at her with slight confusion on his face.

"Wha…t?"

"Your name is Hermione right?"

She tried to hide the blush that formed on her cheeks at sounding so stupid but quickly nodded her head in agreement.

"Are you here to tell us something? We have been stuck in here for a while and no one has come to see us or give us any information."

What color she had to her face was gone now as she turned pale white.

"Well actually yes I do have some information for you all. Something has happened and there are going to be some complications to the tournament."

"What's happened?"

"There is going to be a fourth champion. Someone has altered the cup to where it registered a fourth applicant. That is why you all have been in here so long. The professors are trying to figure out how to handle the situation at hand."

"Do you know who the other champion is?"

"I …*mumble*…"

"I didn't really catch that."

Hermione was turning red again and she figured she had to get it over with sooner or later. Sigh. "Somehow my name was put into the cup. Now I assure you I had nothing to do with this mess. Dumbledore is currently looking into a way to remove me from the competition and find out who ever did this."

Viktor chose now to speak up. "You are far too young to compete. What kind of trickery is this?"

"I don't know how this happened or why. I do not wish to deny any of you your rightful 'glory.' As soon as Dumbledore finds a way for me to step out, I will."

Hermione hoped that she sounded as calm and composed as she thought she did. This is so terrible. I don't want this.

Harry was starting to get nervous. He couldn't find Hermione anywhere and what he did find he didn't like. He kept catching snippets of conversations from students that Hermione was an attention whore and a few other assorted names. It was like no one knew Hermione at all. Only Neville seemed to believe Hermione's innocence and had become the center of a mini-mob of outraged students. Harry had had enough.

"Get off of him!"

He didn't realize how much he put into the statement but it stopped everyone in their tracks.

"What is wrong with you people? Hermione has been adamant about her protests of this tournament and has never been one to try to get attention or respect for anything other than purely academic pursui-"

"I guess since that didn't work for her, she decided to use her brains for other things."

Harry turned at the voice hoping he was mistaken. Unfortunately, there sat Ron, face as red as his hair and mouth as big as his appetite.

"She had the nerve to make fun of everyone else's attempts, just to go do it herself. She is a hypocr…..ate."

"It is pronounced hypocrite and isn't it interesting that you would spout that word, however wrong, when you are being one yourself."

With an angry Hermione's entrance, most of the other students forgot their own frustration in the drama that was unfolding between the Golden Trio.

"What? You are the one that preaches the glory of rules and whatever, just to go and break them when they benefit you."

"Ronald Bilius Weasley, how could you?" Tears began to fill her eyes. "I thought you were my friend. You of all people should know that I would never break a rule or do something like this unless you or Harry were in danger… No, I take that back. I don't really care what happens to you, you jerk!"

Hermione took off to the tower, while Harry turned toward someone he thought to be a friend. Ron stood there sputtering and his face becoming an interesting shade of purple. Harry couldn't make out a lot of the words he was saying but then he heard the two words that made any concern over Dumbledore a distant memory.

He was on the attack. No wand was needed or wanted for what was about to commence. Harry only needed his running start. Ron never knew what happened as the first blow hit him in the temple but Harry was not satisfied. He continued to punch Ron until he felt a strong pull on his chest that drug him in the air. Some voice was speaking to him but it could not penetrate the red haze in his mind. All he heard were those two words over and over in his head.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N: I know it isn't just great but I will try to do better with the next chapter. Any ideas are appreciated