Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling. I'm only temporarily playing in her sandbox.

AN: As always, thanks again to my beta reader, Sillimaure.

Chapter 1: Understanding and Realizations

Hermione Jean Granger stood just in the doors leading out toward the courtyard at Hogwarts, gazing forward at a fellow Gryffindor. Last night, the champions for the Tri-Wizard Tournament had been drawn from the Goblet of Fire, and Victor Krum, Fleur Delacour, and Cedric Diggory had been chosen to be the champions for Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, and Hogwarts respectively. Shortly after Cedric's name had come out of the goblet, it flared again and a fourth name came out and all hell broke loose. The fourth champion initially refused to participate stating he never put his name in, but as the Goblet of Fire imposed a magically binding contract on the names drawn, he had no choice. The fourth champion was Harry Potter; the one person Hermione knew wanted to stay as far away from the spotlight as possible. Fate, however, kept throwing him into the middle of things year after year. She sometimes wondered how her best friend stayed so grounded; god knows she would have lost it by now.

As Hermione watched Harry leaning up against a tree, his face torn between anger and frustration, she decided Harry needed to know someone was there to support him and believed he hadn't found a way to trick the Goblet of Fire. She was still irritated over the fact that Ron insisted Harry had to have been responsible for his name coming out of the goblet. He had even gone so far as publicly severing ties with Harry, calling him a cheat and a disgrace to the honorable house of Gryffindor. When the prat tried to get Hermione to stop associating with Harry, Hermione threw every non-lethal hex she knew at him. The detention with Filch was worth it, Hermione thought as she finally built up the courage to walk up to Harry.

Screwing up her Gryffindor courage, Hermione walked over to Harry and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "Harry…" upon hearing Hermione's voice and feeling her hand on his shoulder, Harry turned to look at her and saw a look of understanding in her face. She believes me!, he thought.

"You believe me?" Harry asked, hoping he was reading her face right.

"Of course I do!" Hermione exclaimed. "Anyone with any brains who actually knows you, should see the idea of you wanting to compete in this tournament is ludicrous."

"Then we belong to a house of fools. Everyone is either congratulating me on tricking the Goblet of Fire, or glaring at me for doing the same to get in the spot light."

"I know Harry," Hermione replied in an understanding tone. "Madame Pomfrey is still fixing up Ron due to all the hexes I threw at him."

"That was you?" Harry asked astonished at this side of Hermione. "All I could get out of Seamus, once he stopped shaking in fear, was 'scary witch, don't make her mad'."

Blushing, Hermione stated, "I warned Ron, that if he didn't keep his mouth shut, he'd lose it."

"And then some, from what I gather," Harry stated with a slight smirk on his face.

"I'm tired of just sitting back and taking the easy way out, and letting others decide how I should act and what to believe." Hermione stated with deadly seriousness. "From now on, I am taking a proactive stance in my life."

"Want some company?" Harry asked.

Hermione just stared at Harry, not sure if she had heard him correctly. Before she could say anything, however, Harry continued, "I've been standing out here thinking about what all has happened to me since I've come to Hogwarts, and I've come to the conclusion that the headmaster doesn't have my best interests in mind. I think he's using me for some reason. I've let people run my life for too long, and it's time I start running my life, my way."

Shocked at Harry's accusation, Hermione carefully asked, "What makes you think that Headmaster Dumbledore shouldn't be trusted?"

"Well, let's take the last three years individually," Harry explained. "During our first year, there was the Philosopher's Stone incident. Dumbledore claims the stone was perfectly safe and well guarded here at Hogwarts. The problem I see with that statement, is the fact he announced to the whole student body the third floor corridor was off limits, practically ensuring someone would try to find out why, if for no other reason than it hadn't been in the previous years. Also, the protections around the stone were so simple that three first year students could get around them, two of whom had no previous knowledge of magic."

"I never thought of it that way, but you're right," Hermione stated after thinking about what Harry had said. "If the three of us made it through the protections, then a fully trained adult would have had an even easier time."

"Exactly my thought," Harry stated. "As for our second year, how is it a twelve year old could figure out what the monster petrifying the students was before any of the professors? Also, Dumbledore was conveniently absent during the final confrontation with the Basilisk. I'm quite certain Dumbledore is powerful enough and smart enough to recognize a possession by a dark spirit."

"I can't argue your logic on that one, so what about last year?" Hermione asked.

"Last year was the tricky one, but certain things still don't add up. First off, given the wards around Hogwarts, I'm fairly certain Dumbledore not only knew when Sirius entered the grounds, but where he was hiding."

"No argument here, anything else?" Hermione asked.

"One other thing. No offense intended, but what responsible adult gives a powerful artifact like a time turner to a thirteen year old?" Harry asked. "Conveniently one who would be smart enough to figure out how to use it to aid in the capture of a dark wizard, who happens to be after a close friend."

"No offense taken and I see your point," Hermione stated after thinking about it for a moment.

"As for this year," Harry continued. "First we have the Tri-Wizard tournament being held here at Hogwarts. Said tournament hasn't been held for centuries due to the fatality rate of the contestants. Also, said tournament was started up again at the Head of the Wizenmagot's request to foster cooperation between the schools. I checked into that, and the Head of the Wizenmagot is none other than Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore himself."

"But why would the headmaster want to allow something so dangerous to start up again?" Hermione exclaimed.

"I'm not sure, but there's more." Harry stated with an irritated tone in his voice. "I did some checking in the library about magically binding contracts, and I discovered they are only valid if all parties involved agree of their own free will,"

"But that means as you had no knowledge or agreement of your name being entered, all you had to do was to openly refuse to participate in the tournament," Hermione exclaimed. "Why would Dumbledore not point something like that out?"

"Exactly," Harry stated. "But it's a moot point, as I've already accepted the fact, and am now bound by the contract to compete. As to your question, Dumbledore admitted after the Philosopher's Stone incident, that he knows why Voldemort went after me thirteen years ago, but he refused to tell me. He stated it wasn't important at the time."

"That's absurd, of course it's important to know why a power-mad wizard wants you dead," Hermione exclaimed furiously. "What are you going to do?"

"If I'm going to keep getting thrown into these messes, I need to be better prepared for them," answered Harry.

"Given what you've just told me, I agree with you," stated Hermione looking down at her feet. "If you don't mind associating with a know-it-all busybody, I'd like to join you."

Holding Hermione's chin gently in his hand, Harry tilted her head so she was looking at him and replied, "I'd love for you to join me." He then stated more firmly, "You are not a know-it-all busybody, Hermione, don't ever call yourself that. You're the smartest witch of our generation, don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Hermione blushed, and told Harry she'd try.

With that, the two of them went off to the library to finish their homework for the week and to start planning what they needed to do to prepare for whatever was to come.

- Potions Lab -

Ronald Weasley was pissed off and mentally ranting about how unfair life was. Why does Potter get all the glory and fame. It's not like he even deserves it. I'm from a respectable Pureblood family and I'm stuck playing second fiddle to the bloody Boy-Who-Lived. On top of which, Hermione insists Potter was entered against his will. If she's so smart, why doesn't she see the obvious truth that Potter is an attention seeking prat.

As he was mentally ranting about the injustice of things, Ron didn't hear Draco Malfoy walking up until Draco commented, "So Weasley, I hear you've finally seen the truth about Potter."

"If you mean the truth that Harry Potter is a self-absorbed, attention seeking, half-blood prat, then yes Malfoy I have. What of it?" Ron asked suspiciously as he continued to scrub a cauldron.

"I figured, since you've finally seen the light about Potter, you might be open to discussing other opinions about the Wizarding world," Draco casually mentioned.

Ron looked at Draco Malfoy and thought, Maybe it's time to start shedding my thickheaded act. Standing up, Ron held out his hand in friendship, and said "Ronald Bilius Weasley. I would very much like to have that discussion with you. I feel my education in certain matters has been somewhat lacking or outright incorrect."

Smiling, Draco took the offered hand, and shook it, replying, "Draco Ares Malfoy, at your service. Let's retire to a more private location and let me enlighten you to the way things really are."

With that, Ron followed Draco back to the Slytherin common room. Once there, the two of them sat down and began a discussion about Pureblood rights, the Muggle tainting of the Wizarding world, and like topics. As they continued their discussion, Ron slowly began to realize that Draco had been right four years ago when he told Potter some Wizarding Families were better than others. What Draco had meant was that certain families refused to acknowledge the simple fact that the Pureblood way of thinking was the best way to ensure the survival and prosperity of their world, and anyone who thought differently was guilty of betraying their own kind, hence the term 'blood traitor'.

Two hours later, Ron thanked Draco for enlightening him, and headed back to the Gryffindor Tower to drop off his books before heading to dinner.

- Library -

Harry and Hermione quickly finished the remainder of their homework and began to sketch out what they needed to learn, but wouldn't in their classes.

"Generally speaking, I think the first things we need to learn are Legilimency and Occlumency, Silent Casting, and Wandless Magic,"suggested Harry.

"I understand the need for Silent Casting and Wandless Magic, as they would give a distinct advantage over another wizard, but why the mind magics?" Hermione asked. "Wouldn't higher level spells make more sense?"

"From what I've read, Occlumency would help prevent another wizard from learning your secrets or what spell you were about to use. It also helps you learn how to focus and organize your mind, which is needed for more complex spells. Legilimency seems to be a natural offshoot to learning Occlumency, not to mention a useful skill to have," Harry explained.

"I hadn't thought of it that way," Hermione admitted. "However, we need to find a place where we can practice without anyone finding out what we are up to."

With that, the two teenagers began looking at the Marauder's Map, which Harry had gotten in the habit of keeping with him, along with his invisibility cloak, to avoid being accosted by other students about the tournament. After several minutes of searching, they were still at a loss as to where they could practice. The two Gryffindors also realized they were late for dinner. Hermione groaned, as she was starting to get hungry, but Harry reassured her that there was nothing to worry about.

"Last year, Fred and George showed me where the entrance to the kitchen is. I'm sure we'll be able to get a bite to eat there. From what I understand, the house elves hate it when students go hungry; hence all the food at meal times."

"That does explain a bit," Hermione stated. "Do you think the house elves would mind talking about their culture? I hate that they're practically slaves to wizards, but I don't know what the house elves think of the situation."

"I don't think they'd mind," Harry replied. "It can't hurt to ask though. Especially since the extent of my knowledge of house elves comes from Dobby."

While Hermione organized the notes they had taken, Harry went to return the books to the shelves. Bidding Madam Pince good night, they headed off to the kitchen to see if they could get a bite to eat.

- Great Hall -

As he was eating, Ron noticed neither Harry nor Hermione had come to dinner. I wonder where those two are. Probably trying to figure out how Potter can milk more attention out of the tournament. Draco was right; it's fools like Potter and Granger who are dragging down the rest of the Wizarding World. I'm glad I decided to give Draco a chance to explain his point of view. His Pureblood philosophy makes more sense than the rhetoric I learned at home. I'll have to be careful around the rest of my house, so as not to reveal my change of heart. It will be a good challenge for the very cunning the Sorting Hat saw in me four years ago.

"Hey Ron, have you seen Harry or Hermione, lately?" Seamus asked.

"Nope. Hermione's probably studying in the library as usual. As for Harry, who knows where he's at these days," Ron answered, managing to hide any scorn from his voice.

Across the hall at the Slytherin table, Draco Malfoy was pleased at how his day was turning out. He was currently rereading the letter he had written to his father.

Esteemed Father,

I feel that today has been a turning point in the Pureblood way of life here at Hogwarts. I have learned that even the poor can wield intelligence as well as the wealthy. I have made the first steps, but would like your advice on how to proceed, so as not to overstep myself.

Your obedient son,

Draco Ares Malfoy

Satisfied with the letter's contents, Draco folded the letter up put it back in his robes. He would send it off to his father later that night.

- Kitchen -

While the rest of Hogwarts was eating in the Great Hall, Harry and Hermione were being treated to a private meal by themselves. Moments after entering the kitchen, they had been tackled by Dobby, who was currently working in the kitchen. Harry and Hermione soon found themselves being herded to a quiet corner of the kitchen and told to eat as they shouldn't be starving themselves.'

Seeing Harry smiling, Hermione asked, "Knut for your thoughts?"

"Wondering what you would do if I called you that," Harry answered.

"Called me what?" Hermione asked suspiciously.

"Mione," Harry quietly replied with a slow blush appearing on his face.

Hermione was taken back for a moment, when she noticed his reaction to her question. Does he mean what I think he means, Hermione wondered.

"I don't know, that seems like an awfully personal nickname to me, Mr. Potter," Hermione stated with a slight smile on her face. Please say I'm not reading more into this then there is.

Come on Potter, just bloody ask her already. Are you a Gryffindor or not? Harry's mind argued with him.

Screwing up his courage, Harry managed to stumble out, "Hermione...um...would you...err...be my girlfriend?"

Deciding to throw caution to the wind, Hermione leaned over and kissed Harry full on the lips. Though he was startled at first, Harry soon realized he wasn't dreaming and he returned Hermione's kiss full force. As the two of them were currently preoccupied by pouring all their feelings they had been holding back into their first kiss, neither one noticed the bright golden glow that surrounded them for a moment before disappearing. This event did not go unnoticed by Dobby the house elf. They is finally seeing clearly, the house elf thought gleefully.