Unique (Hermione x M! OC)

32. Some New Faces

After the events of yesterday, we all went home. Dad took me, Harry and Hermione in his old truck and flew us back home. We had all gone to Diagon Alley last month, so we were set for school as we kicked back and watched the latest SummerSlam. My wrestling addiction has slowly transferred over to Hermione. She's developed favorites; Eddie Guerrero, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels and Rey Mysterio, and least favorites; JBL, Triple H, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton. After that fun evening, we all went off to bed. Now we're on the Hogwarts Express, making our way towards the school. Hermione reads the newspaper to me quietly, with that soft, sweet voice as my brain races about. It still has a tendency to focus on a million things at once. Owlbert and Hedwig perch keenly on Harry's armrest and Shakespeare and Crookshanks are using each other as pillows on the other side of me, sleeping soundly.

"Anything from the trolley?!" The trolley lady calls, "Anything from the trolley?!" She pokes her head into our boothe, "Anything from the trolley, dears?"

"Uh, yeah." Ron approaches the door "I'll have a pack of Droobles and a licorice wand and..." He reaches into his pocket to find very little money. I feel bad for him, I would pay for it, but he'd get all defensive. Harry joins him, no doubt with charitable thoughts. "On second thought, I'll just have the Droobles."

"It's alright, I'll get it." Harry tries.

"Just the droobles." Ron pays, stuffs his face full of gum and returns to his seat. Harry joins him shortly thereafter.

Hermione stops reading aloud. I look at the paper and see why. She's at the story about the Quidditch World Cup. "This is horrible." She whispers, "How can the ministry not know who conjured it?" She asks, "Wasn't there any security or..."

"Loads, according to Dad." Ron says, "That's what worried them so much, happened right under their noses." He looks at me, "Also, don't worry about Colson, Sam. Crouch decided not to press charges. Though your dad does have the best lawyers in the wizarding world."

"Good." I grumble.

Harry scratches at his forehead. "It's hurting again, isn't it? Your scar." Hermione whispers.

"I'm fine." Harry states.

"It's Old V, I know you're not fine. You never are when it comes to that creep." I grunt.

"You know Sirius will want to hear about this." Hermione says, "What you saw at the world cup and the dream." I hand him a paper and a quill as Hermione passes an envelope and ink and Harry gets to work. My girlfriend sighs and rests her head on my shoulder. I run my hand through her hair as Harry continues to write. The gentle sighs and nodding into my shoulder puts a gentle smile on my face as the train plows forward. When he is finished, Harry sends Hedwig off. I give him a look of reassurance.

Finally, we're at Hogwarts, we watch with interest through the window as others arrive. A chariot that almost takes Hagrid's head off and a boat that rises from the depths of the black lake. "What do you reckon's going on?" Ron asks, a curious look on his face.

"Probably nothing good." I reply sharply, giving him a pat on the back.

"New students?" Harry suggests.

"If first years get this treatment now. I might just have to tug on Dumbledore's beard." I declare. Hermione pulls my beard lightly and I laugh a bit. She just smiles and shakes her head. "It's gonna rain soon, I reckon." I mutter before we head for the Main Hall and after a long slog through the initiation and the choir's rendition of the Hogwarts' school song, until Dumbledore stands to speak another one of his famous monologues.

"Now that we're all settled in and sorted, I'd like to make an announcement. This castle will not only be your home this year but home to some very special guests as well. You see, Hogwarts has been chosen..." Filch bursts in and limp-runs up to Dumbledore, they exchange whispers and Filch leaves in the same fashion as Dumbledore continues, "So, Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event. The Triwizard Tournament. Now for those of you who do not know, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school, a single contestant is selected to compete. Now let me be clear; if chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when I say these contests are not for the faint hearted, but more of that later. For now please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and their headmistress Madam Maxime."