It was hard to keep track of people in the massive crowd but thankfully Harry didn't fall far behind and was soon reunited with her, as well as Ron. As the three people were selected, Hermione and the others clapped and wished the wished the competitors good luck on the challenges that were ahead of them. But before everyone could get ready to go back to their common rooms and get some rest, the blue gleaming trophy pushed out yet another name. Hermione wasn't sure what was going on. She had never read about an event happening and her concern turned to dread when it was Harry's name that was called. That had to be a mistake! She looked to the boys and saw Ron looking rather upset but she couldn't imagine Ron could be jealous.

Her own heart was racing as she leaned over and nudged Harry. Whatever was going on, he couldn't just sit around. Maybe Dumbledore had some answers. "Harry, Harry move!" She urged him and pulled him to his feet. Everyone was now looking at them and she could feel the room fill with tension and confusion. In her stomach, she felt sick. She couldn't believe Harry would have to endure such an ordeal. She knew this was a final decision but it wasn't fair. He moved to where the others were and she got up to follow but she wasn't allowed. Hermione glanced back to Ron who just headed off with everyone else as ordered by the Professors and Prefects. The witch lingered and decided to wait until Harry came back out. There was no way she'd be able to sleep until she talked to Harry again.

- - -

The ceremony was a joke, a total waste of his time. The blond boy paid little attention to what was going on. He didn't bother to clap or pretend like he was paying attention. It was boring and didn't concern him. When it was over, he found himself even more disgusted with Potter than usual. Of course Potter got to do anything and everything he wanted. He didn't understand how that kid's name got in but he hoped the tasks ended up killing him so maybe the world would stop going on and on about Harry Bloody Potter. As everyone was pushed out of the Great Hall, he spotted the redhead go somewhere else entirely. Draco wondered what she was up, where she needed to be. So he followed her.

Draco had recalled seeing her smile at him during the stupid ceremony but he wasn't sure what was on her dimwitted mind. If he could use Ginny and somehow get some information on Harry, he was more than willing to stomach being her friend. It could be fun, in some twisted way. As he trailed after the girl, he noticed she was on her way to the Astronomy Tower, a nice place with a great view of the school and surrounding area, even he could enjoy such a thing. He stayed back and watched her lay down and look up at the sky. He dusted his robes off and walked over to her, having quietly climbed the stairs. "I didn't think this was where all the high and mighty Gryffindors slept, it makes sense." He sneered and walked over to her head and stood by her, looking down at her, a hand on his thin hips.