An Unexpected Teacher
"Bye mum! Bye dad! I'll write you as soon as I get there and I'll miss you!" I yelled from the window of the Hogwarts Express. I was leaving for my 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I sat down in between Ron and Harry. On the seat across from us sat Neville, Ginny, and Luna.
"Who do you guys think will be the new Defense Teacher?" asked Harry curiously. "I just hope Dumbledore doesn't let Snape take the job!" exclaimed Neville. "Yes, but then what person would be dense enough to want his job, anyways?" asked Ginny. "I just hope they know what they're teaching," I said. "Or that he looks good, like Lockhart," said Ron, his famous smirk. "I was young and now I'm older and wiser," I said, trying my best not to blush. I think I did, anyways. The Lockhart days were not the best, to say the least.
Anyways, there wasn't much hope for a really good teacher. After all, only one was really good… Okay, two—but one of them was an imposter, while the other one was a misunderstood werewolf. I learned loads from them, but the others weren't quite up to the job of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Hours later, the train pulled up to Hogwarts. I felt tingles go up my spine looking at the castle. No matter how many times I saw it at the beginning of a year, I couldn't help but feel relaxed and happy about coming back. I guess it might have to do with being cramped up in my Muggle house…
We walked up to the castle doors and went inside. The ceiling was dark and starry… just like the sky outside. It was even prettier in here than out there. After all, here at Hogwarts, there aren't any factories to cloud up the sky and everything's cleaner, fresher… No wonder I love Hogwarts so much.
"Everyone, welcome to another wonderful year at Hogwarts! The list in Filch's office has grown to be about twice it's regular size, thanks too a certain new joke shop, so please do not hesitate to check it out," began Dumbledore, obviously implying Weasly's Wizard Wheezes. "Before the Sorting and the feast begins, I would like to welcome Viktor Krum! Those who are at least in their third year here should remember Viktor as Drumstrang's champion at the Triwizard Tournament!" Viktor stood up, took a small bow, and sat down.
I did not pay much attention to the Sorting. Viktor's eyes seemed to have looked desperately for me before noticing me in between Harry and Ron. I smiled lightly at him, and he smiled back. Everyone noticed whom he was smiling at, and everyone had a look of utter shock on their faces. Except for a few people in Gryffindor. Ron's entire face was red, Ginny was amused, and Harry was surprised and amused at the same time.
"I only have two words left to say to you before dinner is over! Tuck in!" said Dumbledore. Food quickly appeared in front of us, and everyone began eating quickly. Ron still seemed to be fuming about Viktor's appearance, but (for the most part) everyone else had calmed down. I ate a little less than usual, taking a few moments to glance at Viktor. He was eating heartily, but his eyes weren't on his plate—they were still on me.
After dessert finished, I told Ron to go ahead to the Tower without me. "Hermione, you're going to talk to Krum, aren't you?" he asked suspiciously. "That's none of your business, Ronald," I said coldly. I knew he hated it when I called him by his full first name, and when I used that tone. "Fine! Go and start a relationship with a retired, good-looking Quidditch player that probably won't last long! See if I care!" he said, throwing his arms up dramatically as I turned and walked away.
"Herm-own-ninny?" asked a deeply and accented voice from the shadows. I turned sharply to see him walk out, a hopeful look on his face. "Viktor!" I said, excited. He threw his arms around me and hugged me tightly. I returned the hug and we stayed like that for about two minutes. He pulled me slightly back and looked at me. "I am so very glad you haff remembered me," he said in his regularly accented voice.
"I'm glad you haven't forgotten me, either," I said, smiling. "Herm-own-ninny… vould you like to come vith me to Hogsmeade next month? I would like to… pick up vhere we left off…" he said trailing off at the end, hoping for an answer. I couldn't help but think of Ron upset, angry, hurt, and jealous. "That sounds good," I said with a nod. He smiled deeply and hugged me again.
"Herm-own-ninny… I've got to go back to the Teacher's room. They don't really approve of me seeing you, and there is a conference also. I'll see you tomorrow in class, okay?" I nodded, and he kissed my hand. He bowed slightly and said, "Until then, Herm-own-ninny." "Bye Viktor," I said. I was happy to see him, but I knew I was waiting for quite an explosion from Ron once I got in the Common Room. I was, unfortunately, right.
"How can you like that guy!" yelled Ron, his face absolutely red. He was pacing, trying to think up a million reasons why he was horrible. "He's older than you, a teacher, and not even from here!" "Ron, stop this! I don't see any reason why you should be so… jealous of him! It isn't like we snogged or anything!" I yelled, right in his face. "I just don't trust him, Hermione. He wants something from you, I can just tell!" "Oh, yeah? And what exactly does he want, Ron?" I asked, interested in where this was going.
"He's just going to use you! He doesn't care about you!" yelled Ron. "Then why did he seem so glad to see me? Why did he send me countless letters over the summer? Why does he completely respect my boundaries? If all this is for a one-night stand, then he's trying way too hard! NO GUY WOULD DO THAT FOR A ONE-NIGHT STAND!" I screamed, still mad at him.
"He… sent you letters? How many?" asked Ron dumbly. "Ron… he sent me countless letters, some longer than our homework," I admitted. Now he was embarrassed. "Good night, Ron. I'll see you tomorrow," I said, walking up to the Girl's Dormitory. Everyone else seemed to have cleared out once Ron started yelling to give us a little privacy… But still listened from their Dormitories, of course.
I sighed and sat down on my bed. "So, is it true about you and Viktor? I mean, you two are still together?" asked Lavender from her bed (which was beside mine). "Yes, it is. We started a small relationship in our 4th year, as you remember… And after that, he sent me a lot of letters. I guess he wanted to surprise me by coming here as Defense teacher. I'm glad he has, though," I admitted to Lavender.
There was an uncomfortable silence, until Lavender said, "Ron really likes you, you know." "Yes, he does… But until he admits it, he doesn't have much of a chance. Besides, he's my friend and well… I don't think we'd be really good together, you know? I mean, he's a nice guy and all, but we're constantly fighting and we're nothing alike."
"1) Friend is just part of boyfriend. And 2) Opposites attract," said Lavender. She turned on her side and said, "That might give you something to think about. 'Night Hermione," said Lavender. "Goodnight," I said. I changed into my pajamas and stared at the ceiling, thinking about Viktor and Ron until I fell into a dreamless sleep.
