The appearance of the sign in the Entrance Hall had a marked effect, not only on Hermione but on all the inhabitants of the castle.

During the next week, the only topic of conversation seemed to be the Triwizard Tournament. Rumours were flying from student to student- who would be entering, what would be in the tournament, how the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang would differ from themselves.

Every whispered conversation Harry, Lavender and Ron heard came to the same conclusion. If Y/N was to enter he would be selected.

The impact on Hermione was noticeable as well. She was back to her clingy best, or worst, depending on the perspective- it was reminiscent of the days following Sirius's rescue.

She was attached to Y/N almost 24/7. She sat on his lap whenever not in class, her hand was attached to his non stop. He had negotiated with his teachers to use a quick quotes quill. Hermione was attached to his right hand in class and he had no chance of noting with his left.

Even McGonagall allowed its use, and looked at the girl sympathetically when she glanced in the couples direction. It was lucky the couple were so far ahead in their studies- as soon as classes finished for the day Y/N was dragged off Merlin only knows where. Each day the couple was not seen again until meal time.

The students noticed as well that the castle seemed to be undergoing an extra-thorough cleaning. Several grimy portraits had been scrubbed, much to the displeasure of their subjects, who sat huddled in their frames muttering darkly and wincing as they felt their raw pink faces. The suits of armour were suddenly gleaming and moving without squeaking and Argus Filch was behaving so ferociously to any student who forgot to wipe their shoes he terrified two first year Slytherin girls into hysterics.

The other staff members seemed oddly tense too. Penny was not her normal cheery self, fussing over Y/N and Hermione every chance she got.

Dean returned the essay which had been set for the short course and took a list of names of students who wished to continue. He was not his usual cheery self though.

Only Adam, Lavender, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Y/N were from their class, and would apparently be joined by Susan, Hannah, Pansy and Draco.

"Fucking fantastic" Y/N groaned to himself.

As the Gryffindors sat in Transfiguration Y/N was pulled from his thoughts at the end of one particularly taxing lesson by McGonagall barking at Neville.

"Longbottom, kindly do not reveal that you can't even perform a simple switching spell in front of anyone from Durmstrang!"

In fairness to the Professor Neville had, in the course of the lesson, accidentally transplanted his own ears onto a cactus.

—~—

When Y/N and Hermione arrived down at breakfast on the morning of the thirtieth of October, they found that the Great Hall had been decorated overnight.

Enormous silk banners hung from the walls, each of them representing a Hogwarts house- red with a gold lion for Gryffindor, blue with a bronze eagle for Ravenclaw, yellow with a black badger for Hufflepuff and green with a silver serpent for Slytherin. Behind the teachers table, the largest banner of all bore the Hogwarts coat of arms.

Y/N pulled his eggs apart with just a fork as his other hand held Hermione's, lovingly rubbing her small knuckles as their three friends joined them along with the twins and Maisy.

"You two got any more ideas on the Triwizard yet?" Harry asked Fred and George as they all sat.

"We asked McGonagall how the champions were selected" Fred answered. "She told me to shut up and concentrate on transfiguring my raccoon".

"You know don't you Y/N?" Harry asked, turning to the couple.

Y/N glanced again at Hermione who quietly ate her oatmeal before answering.

"All will be revealed tonight".

"Wonder what the tasks are going to be?" Said Ron wistfully. "We could do them Harry. We've done dangerous stuff before-"

"Not like this tournament you haven't" Hermione snapped suddenly. "Not to mention not in front of a panel of judges".

The others looked stunned at her outburst.

"Who are the judges?" Harry asked, trying to end the awkward silence.

"Well the three heads of schools are on the panel. They were all injured in 1792 when a cockatrice the Champions were supposed to be subduing-"

She cut herself off.

"Lav, Maisy would you care to join me? I need to go to the bathroom".

Lav and Maisy nodded and the three girls walked out.

"Fuck" Y/N said as he ran his hand through his hair, the stress getting to him.

"Hermione's not coping with the tournament is she Y/N" Harry asked sympathetically.

"No she's not mate" Y/N sighed. "The fucking thing hasn't even started yet".

Hermione aside, there was a pleasant feeling of anticipation in the air that day. Nobody was very attentive in lessons, being much more interested in the arrival that evening of the people from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.

When the bell rang at half five, Y/N apparated the pair of them to the common room, and then back to the front of the castle. They took their place as they waited for their friends, Hermione seemingly calming as Y/N wrapped his arms around her.

Ten minutes later their friends and classmates had joined them- the Heads of Houses were ordering their students into lines.

"Weasley straighten your hat" McGonagall snapped at Ron. "Miss Patil, take that ridiculous thing out of your hair".

Parvati scowled and removed a large ornamental butterfly from the end of her plait.

They lined up in front of the castle. It was a cold, clear evening; dusk was falling and a pale, transparent-looking moon was already shining over the Forbidden Forest.

"Nearly six" Ron said excitedly. "How do you think they're coming? The train?"

"Doubt it" Hermione muttered as Y/N squeezed her tight.

"How then, broomsticks?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, from France" Lavender chuckled.

"No doubt it will be something ostentatious and gaudy" Y/N chuckled. Ron didn't know what those words meant. They heard Dumbledore call out from the steps:

"Aha! Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches!"

Students peered desperately in the approaching darkness before Y/N chuckled and pointed up.

"There they are"

Something large, much larger than a broomstick, was hurtling across the deep blue sky towards the castle, growing larger all the time.

"It's a dragon" one first year shrieked.

"It's a flying house" Dennis Creevey called out.

He was closer as the gigantic black shape
skimmed over the treetops of the Forbidden Forest, and the lights shining from the castle windows hit it, they saw a gigantic, powder-blue, horse drawn carriage,  the size of a large house, soaring towards them.

It was pulled through the air by a dozen winged horses, each the size of an elephant.

"Abraxan" Y/N smiled. He had experience with the Reserve's Abraxan, but was happy to meet more. 

The first three rows of students drew backwards as the carriage hurtled even lower, coming in to land at a tremendous speed and an almighty crash that made Neville jump onto a fifth year's foot. Almost all students had jumped at the bang, Dumbledore chuckling as he glanced at Y/N, who stood there unmoved.

The enormous carriage and its steeds came to a stop in front of the castle gates. A boy in pale blue robes jumped down from the carriage and bent forward, fumbling with something before unfolding a huge set of golden steps.

The students watched amazed as a large woman emerged. A massive woman. Larger than any woman any of the students had ever seen. She was roughly half a head taller than Hagrid. As she stepped into the light flooding from the Entrance Hall, she was revealed to have a handsome, olive-skinned face, large, black, liquid looking eyes and a rather beaky nose.

She was dressed from head to foot in black satin, and many magnificent opals gleamed at her throat and on her thick fingers.

Dumbledore started to clap, the students, following his lead, broke into applause too.

Her face relaxed into a gracious smile, and she walked forwards towards Dumbledore, extending a glittering hand.

"My dear Madame Maxine. Welcome to Hogwarts" Dumbledore smiled as he kissed it.

"Dumbly-dorr. I 'ope I find you well?"

Y/N's attention was drawn from their conversation to a young woman who exited the carriage behind the Giant headmistress. Her mannerisms and dress seemed odd, compared to the gaudy Headmistress and carriage. She wore a red jacket over a pink dress, and carried a large staff. She was beautiful and Y/N was drawn to her. He couldn't take his eyes off her as his mouth dropped open.

Hermione noticed this and was not impressed with her boyfriend.

"Why are you staring at that woman L/N?"

Y/N was quickly snapped from his gazing as his jaw snapped shut. Hermione using his last name was NOT a good sign. Y/N never wanted Hermione using his last name.

"Sorry babe I feel drawn to her" Y/N muttered still confused about what he was feeling.

Hermione now looked like she was about to explode. Y/N noticed and quickly clarified.

"No no no in a protection kind of way, like with Harry or Penny, not in a y'know, sexual way. Not at all." He involuntarily shivered and Hermione quickly smiled.

"You're forgiven then".

Y/N said a silent prayer to his ancestors. The woman bowed to Dumbledore as Y/N heard his name called.

"Lord L/N... Y/N!"

Y/N looked to the Headmaster who motioned to the giant horses at the front of the carriage. Y/N smiled and nodded.

"On it!" He yelled back and the students in front moved out of his way as he walked over.

"But Dumbly-dorr 'e is only a student and-"

"Watch my dear" Albus smiled, as Y/N walked in front of the giant beasts. The Abraxan bowed their heads, Y/N waved his hand as their reigns dropped, and the twelve giant steeds calmly walked across to the temporary holding pen that was awaiting them. Y/N wandlessly and nonverbally closed the pen and locked it before turning and walking back to his original spot.

"Incroyable" the headmistress stuttered.

"Yes our own dear Y/N has a way with magical creatures" Dumbledore smiled as the Beauxbaton students started disembarking their carriage. About three dozen boys and girls, all looking about fourth year up, emerged and were standing behind Madame Maxine. They were shivering, which was unsurprising given their robes seemed to be made of fine silk and none were wearing cloaks. A few of them had wrapped scarves and shawls around their heads. They were looking at Hogwarts with apprehensive looks on their faces.

"I don't believe it" Hermione scowled to Lavender. She pointed to Fleur, who stood holding her younger sister's hand.

"It's that French tart from the World Cup"

Y/N swore under his breath. Life wasn't meant to be easy.

"'As Karkaroff arrived yet?" Madame Maxine asked Albus.

"He should be here any moment" Albus answered. "Would you prefer to wait here and greet him or step inside and warm up a trifle?"

"Warm up I think" said Madame Maxine. "Now zat Lord L/N has dealt with our 'orses".

She looked over to Y/N and bowed before walking into the castle with her students in tow.

Hermione noticed a number of the French girls looking over and noticing Y/N, some pointing him out to their friends. She ground her teeth and wrapped her arms around his waist, Y/N instantly looking down and smiling before placing a kiss on her lips.

"Everything ok?" He smiled.

Hermione shook her head.

"I love you but you are so oblivious sometimes babe".

Y/N looked puzzled before she pulled him in for another kiss. He was promptly slapped on the back of the head by McGonagall.

"Really you two, can you at least wait until the Durmstrangs have arrived".

Moments later Lee Jordan yelled "The Lake".

They could see down from their elevated position as a ship slowly rose from under the water.

The students watched as it pulled up, people started to disembark and walk towards the castle. They were led by a tall thin pallid individual, and although there were female students behind him there were only half a dozen, the majority of the three dozen students being boys. They were wearing shaggy fur cloaks.

"Dumbledore" the man smiled showing his yellow teeth. The two greeted each other as Y/N's face changed.

Whereas he previously looked bored, he now wore an expression that suggested he wanted to hurt someone. Really, really badly.

"What's wrong love?" Hermione asked, noticing her lover's face.

"It's him. Victor fucking Krum!"

—~—

As the Hogwarts students entered the hall Ron fan-boyed about Krum as Y/N seemed to grow angrier and angrier. Ron was disappointed the Durmstrang students had been sat with the Slytherins, while the Beauxbatons sat with the Ravenclaws as the table next to Gryffindor. Y/N sat in his usual spot, next to Hermione, who was next to Lavender, backs to the wall. Ron and Harry sat across from them as Ron whined that Malfoy had sat next to Victor.

"Ron if you don't shut up about fucking Krum I'm going to launch you at him!" Y/N snapped.

The two boys looked down shocked as Hermione and Lavender exchanged worried looks.

The staff settled in their seats, Hermione noticing the French woman sitting next to Dean and Penny and the three happily chatting as Dumbledore stood in front of the crowded hall.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and particularly guests. I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable. The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast. I now invite you all to eat, drink and make yourself at home!"

The dishes in front of them filled with food, but a number of dishes looked different to what the students were used to.

"What's that?" Ron asked, pointing at a shellfish stew that sat next to a steak and kidney pudding.

"Bouillabaisse" Lavender smiled.

"Bless you" Ron answered.

"It's French Ron. Bouillabaisse. I didn't sneeze" Lavender chuckled and rolled her eyes.

Y/N placed a t-bone with corn and greens on his plate.

"I'll stick to what I know" he winked to a giggling Hermione.

—~—

Krum sat next to Draco at the Slytherin table, slopping what passed as Durmstrang cuisine onto his plate.

Pansy looked at it revolted.

"So Victor, do you like it here in Britain so far?" Draco asked, trying to start a conversation.

"Da. British vomen I like very much! Dat one next to L/N. Who is she?"

Draco looked over and realised who Krum meant. He instantly panicked.

"That's his girl Victor. Named Hermione Granger. His Grand Consort. She a mu-uggleborn. But-"

"I like her look very much!" Victor smiled with a predatory glint in his eye.

Draco's small crew started to collectively panic.

"Whatever you're thinking Victor no. Anyone who remotely crosses her pays the price! Draco and his father were nearly killed last year by that monster!" Pansy shrieked.

"Da?" Victor asked surprised.

Draco nodded, fear in his eyes.

"Vat can you tell me about L/N?" Victor asked.

"He's psychotic. He's a raving lunatic and Dumbledore allows him to get away with it! It's an outrage!" Draco whined.

"Huh. And that voman next to his?"

"Lavender Brown. She's Hermione's best friend, and very close to L/N as well!" Pansy gossiped.

"So she could be used to hurt L/N da?" Victor chuckled.

Draco exhaled with a panicked look but nodded.

"She could. But you're playing a dangerous game Victor. Be careful!"

"Da" Victor chuckled as he slurped into his slop.

—~—

Hermione and Lavender had noticed a number of glances towards Y/N from the table next to theirs as dinner progressed.

"I'm not imagining it am I Lav?" Hermione asked concerned.

"I wish I could say you were 'Mione, but no I see it too".

Hermione's face dropped as Y/N leant in.

"Imagining what? Or is this a private conversation?"

"Just how many French girls are checking you out love" Hermione whispered sadly.

"I'm sorry love. But I've got more interest in my plate than anything going on over there, for what it's worth".

Hermione giggled and kissed her boyfriend on the cheek, her mood improving drastically. It wouldn't last.

"Excuse me. 'Ello again Y/N, it iz so wonderful to see you again. Could I have the bouillabaisse?" Fleur from the World
Cup leaned in between Ron and Harry and smiled seductively at Y/N.

Y/N smiled politely and looked at the people around him. "Sure, I think everyone has finished with it."

He lifted it for her and she grabbed his large hands with her much smaller, perfectly manicured and dainty ones. She smiled at him and gave him a full blast of Veela. Ron turned into a drooling fool. All the boys for three tables turned and stared at her, completely smitten. All except one.

"Yeah... those are my hands, here is your bouillabaisse" Y/N looked at her unimpressed and let go of the stew as she took it, said thank you in a confused tone, and left the table.

"That bitch" Hermione said not so subtly. "Did you see that?" She turned to Lavender outraged. Lavender nodded. "Did you see all the other boys? I mean look at him."

Lavender pointed to Ron who had a huge line of drool falling out of his mouth, nearly touching the table.

"Everyone of them is affected apart from him" Lavender pointed her head to Y/N who had gone back to eating his steak. "She must be a Veela" Hermione concluded.

"She is" Y/N answered not looking up from his plate. "When she came over I felt a massive wave of Veela seduction, same as at the World Cup when we returned her sister and when the Veela walked out with the Bulgarians. It's the same frequency wave, so she must be, at least partially."

He went back to eating. The girls looked at him with blank stares.

"Why weren't you affected then babe?" Hermione asked puzzled. Y/N smiled and put down his cutlery to look at her.

"Remember the World Cup love?"

"One- my occlumency shields. I'm strong enough to hold her out. Two- you have to be... looking for an attractive woman to fall under their spell. Which leads me to three- the most important reason".

"Which is?" Hermione asked puzzled.

"I'm already dating the most beautiful girl in the world. I'm not attracted to anyone else" He smiled as he finished talking. Hermione wrapped her arms around him teary eyed and hugged him tight which he returned.

"I love you so much Y/N" she said muffled into his neck.

"I love you too baby" Y/N smiled, kissing Hermione on the side of the head.

Lavender smiled at her friends, with a slightly sad expression on her face. She was of course happy her two best friends were so happy together, but in her heart she wanted that too. She had noticed the year before her feelings for Ron had started to develop, but he was so dumb and immature at times, she held out little hope of a relationship developing. Maybe Adam? They had been spending time together.

She was pulled from her thoughts as the woman with the staff tapped Y/N on the shoulder. He turned to see her smiling at him.

"Hi, You're Lord Y/N L/N aren't you?"

She spoke with a surprisingly British accent.  Y/N released the hug and nodded at her, smiling politely.

"Yes, hi. This is my girlfriend and Grand Consort Lady Hermione Granger."

The woman caught Hermione off guard by smiling sweetly at her.

"Is it ok if we go somewhere for a private chat? Albus said we had a while before the announcements are made!"

This caught Y/N by surprise but he smiled at the young lady.

"Sure. But is it ok if Hermione comes, she's had a difficult day"

"Of course, that would be perfect" the woman smiled at Hermione.

Y/N stood up from the table and the woman, who stood slightly shorter than Hermione at 5'4", looked up at Y/N who towered over her.

"You're a big one aren't you" she chuckled.

"He is, in every way, and he's also taken" Hermione said grabbing Y/N's arm tightly. The woman smiled at the couple.

"That's very sweet but a little too much information. Let's go".

They exited the hall into the small annex room and the young lady closed the door inviting them to take a seat.

She smiled at them as she sat in front of the couple and leaned in.

"So this will be a bit much to take in. But my name is Aerith Gainsborough....

....and I'm your sister."