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HARRY
I don't exactly remember when Hermione Granger became Hermione to me. It had been almost three years since that fateful day in the girl's bathroom, the day when we defeated the troll. The three of us; me, Hermione and Ron have been best friends ever since. In fact, we're such best friends that trouble follows us wherever we go. In the three years we've been in Hogwarts, the three of us have managed to come across a three-headed dog named Fluffy, figured out the passageway to the Chamber of Secrets, and even helped an escape convict flee from the Wizarding government.
Despite all the close death encounters, we're now entering our fourth year at Hogwarts. If last year was as eventful as it was, it was safe to assume that this year was going to be no different.
As expected, during the first feast of the school year, Professor Dumbledore started the new term by announcing the Triwizard Tournament in front of the whole school. While this was interesting and exciting for many of us, the others, especially Ron's older brothers, Fred and George, were a little disappointed when it was announced that those under 17 years old were prohibited from entering the tournament.
I, of course, was delighted to know this.
Maybe this year wouldn't be as eventful after all. Maybe this year I could actually go to school like a normal wizard instead of fighting adversaries left and right like it was no one's business. Just the thought of it already lifted up my mood. This year, I could take a step back from the spotlight, kick back and relax from all the heroics from last year.
Another person seemed to notice my change in demeanor. When I looked back to our table, my eyes immediately locked with Hermione's. As if she could read my mind, she gave me a cheeky grin.
Looks like I'm not the only one excited by this.
I could only smile back excitedly in response to her grin. The Great Hall was way too loud for either of us too hear the other. Everyone was so excited, enamoured with the fact that our school would be hosting the tournament, that their distinct conversations added up into a jumble of busy ambience. And when the guests from Durmstrang and Beauxbaton entered, their excitement grew twicefold.
When I turned away from the two schools, I could my gaze returning back to Hermione's direction. But she was now engaged in conversation with Parvati Patil, enthusiastically immersed as they talked about the tournament.
Beneath the candle lights that floated above us, I could note the way her doe-like eyes would reflect the lights from above, in a way, making them look as if they were sparkling. As if all the stars from the Astronomy Tower were captured in them, shining brightly as she gushed over something with Parvati. And the way her bushy hair fell over her shoulders, I never noticed it before, but her hair was a nice shade of brownish-blonde, almost golden. Like the thread that would be woven by Rumplestiltskin in that old folktale I read about back in Privet Drive when I was younger. And her smile, God, that smile of hers. It drives me mad just thinking about it. Nothing could ever compare to how much I adore her toothy grin. Sometimes, when I look at her, glance at her, laugh with her, or simply am just around her, a warm and fuzzy feeling blooms in my chest. If nothing has changed in between us, perhaps something has changed in me.
Because I believe I have feelings for my best friend.
And I believe, Ron feels the same way for her too.