The Luck of Words

The Chosen Few

The room was filled with the loud babbling of the random conversations. Severus walked in, spotting Hermione in the far left corner. He stood at the right of the Goblet. He watched as each group started to settle down and sit. Dumbledore walked slowly towards the large Goblet. The faint echo of breathing was all one could here as the blue flame shot a burnt scrap of paper with the name of the first champion.

"Fleur Delacour." The girls of her school clapped as she stood up and walked towards Dumbledore, who put her next to Professor McGonagall. Dumbledore immediate caught another scrap as he returned to his place. "Viktor Krum." His friends howled and stomped as he walked over and stood next to Fleur. The final name was to be drawn, the entire room was dead silent as the flame shot a scrap of paper. "Cedric Diggory." Everyone cheered as he stood next to Viktor. "Your champions have been chosen. Congrat-" he was interrupted by the flame, which was now a dark shade of red. A larger scrap of paper flew into the air and Dumbledore caught it, reading it in disbelief. "..h..Harry potter.." everyone looked around. "Harry Potter!" Hermione had to practically push him off the seat. He strode towards the front, listening as students yelled after him.

"He's not even 16 yet!"

"Cheat!" Harry walked with confidence nonetheless. Dumbledore walked him over to the remaining three students.

"You are all free to go." Snape was truly besotted. Harry Potter? A Champion? Something was surely amiss. No matter how much he hates Potter, he knows he has to protect him for Lily's sake. Snape immediately tonight of Hermione. He headed towards his chambers and that's where he found her, curled up knees against her chest and sobbing.

"Ms. Granger?" She looked up at him, trying to hold what was left of her dignity.

"Sir?" He saw the pain in her eyes. For the first time, he saw someone who understood his pain. Severus walked over to her and did something he never thought he'd do. He picked up Hermione, cradling her in his arms and he carried her into his chambers. He tried to set her down on the bed but he wouldn't let go of him. She stayed curled up for a while, clutching to him. He honestly didn't mind, considering the fact that he loved her.

"Hermione?" She looked up at him, her eyes were puffy and her cheeks were red. "Hermione talk to me." She played with a strand of his hair that fell in his face as he looked at her.

"I don't know what to do anymore." He understood the feeling. He caressed her face gently.

"You'll be alright." He gave her a weak smile.

"How do you know?" Her voice was slightly shaky.

"I just...know." Hermione smiled weakly, but she smiled. Severus felt relieved as she stood up and walked over to the couch and sat down. "Are you going to be alright?" She nodded, saying nothing. He kissed the top of her head gently, then wandered into the kitchen to make some tea. Hermione stated after him. She did have feelings for him, since her fourth year but their relationship would be forbidden, as well as illogical. She did wonder what it would be like, to have him. She snapped out of her daze as he walked back into the room with a cup of tea. She smiled and took the cup, smiling at him.

"I'd like to have you be open with me, sir." He looked up at her, almost confused.

"What about?" She looked down. "Hermione?"

"Well... us..." He started at her, puzzles but quickly realizing her request.