Hermione Granger looked around the bookshop. It was quiet, peaceful, and one of the happiest places she could imagine, even if she couldn't read half of the books in the place.
She looked over at Viktor. He was actively looking for something specific, though what it was she had no clue. He'd said that he needed a book, but he had said the title in Bulgarian, and she was still so new to the language that it sounded like Greek to her.
She looked at him more appreciatively than some of the books in front of her. She had to admit that he was much more attractive than the volumes, no matter what they contained or how wonderful they smelled.
Screams filled her ears. It seemed that the ever present fan club of Viktor Krum had once again found him. She rolled her eyes. She would have thought that at least in Bulgaria, one might find a respite from the fans.
She had been so excited to visit another country. And it was wondrous. She had also hoped that Viktor might take her acceptance of his invitation to visit his home as an indication that she wanted their friendship to grow into something more.
She watched the girls flirt with him, unabashed at their own attempts. It was horrible to watch, and she could tell that Viktor was growing increasingly uncomfortable.
"Why don't you and I go on a date?" one of the girls asked.
"I'm sorry, but I already have a girlfriend," came the curt reply.
Hermione smiled in spite of herself. She knew very well that Viktor didn't have a girlfriend. She'd asked his mother about the subject and found that he had simply never found someone he wanted who managed to see him as something other than an international superstar.
She put the book she had been looking at back on the shelf and walked over to where Viktor was trying to get out of the awkward encounter.
"There you are," she said softly. "I knew I had left you somewhere around here." She kissed his cheek.
"I'm exactly where I was ten minutes ago," he whispered to her. And then he kissed her, gently pressing his lips to hers.
It was soft, caring, and it said everything that she had wanted to hear. It spoke louder than words, and Hermione felt her spirits soar.
They broke apart to find the fangirl far away, some expression unreadable on her face.
"So, that girlfriend," Hermione said suggestively.
"Vas thinking about you. Vas hoping that you'd agree if I ever vorked up the courage to ask you." Viktor smiled.
"I'd like that."