This is in an AU, and I do not own any of these characters, but I hope you enjoy my take on them.

Disclaimer: Draco appears in chapter 4.

Never had Hermione seen someone so lost in their own home. Crown Prince of Durmstrang, Viktor Krum, stood at an open window overlooking the ocean. He'd been like that for the past quarter of an hour and hadn't seemed to have noticed that Hermione had entered the room. Hermione knew he'd been under a lot of stress lately, but as much as she desired to, she could not broach the subject with the crown prince as to what was worrying him, it was not the place of a tutor to do so.

Hermione clasped her hands in front of her and slowly approached him. She stood beside his elbow and curtsied low. "Your Highness, I am sorry to intrude on your thoughts but we must begin you history lesson."

"Hermione, you know I do not like my friends showing me this level of pleasantries. No one is around, so please, rise."

Hermione lifted herself from her curtsy. "As your tutor I cannot treat you with any other level of courtesy than that of a Crown Prince, and as such, I must insist that you call me Lady Granger."

"There is no one around Her-Lady Granger." Viktor had changed his words after seeing the look of warning on Hermione's face.

Hermione internally sighed with relief, at his correction. If Viktor began to call her by name she was sure that her thinking would go awry and leave her floundering like a fish out of water.

"As your friend, I do understand that it is unnerving to be treated kindly when you've been born into your situation. But you have earned my respect Your Highness, because of your words and actions. However, if we do not start your lesson soon, then I'm not sure that I will be able to convince the Queen that I'm making any impact on you with my teachings."

Hermione was born in middle class, her father holding a minor position in the Durmstrang government. Although her father was a diligent, hard working gentleman, it was her mother who had taken it upon herself to be of service to the kingdom by becoming the royal tutor. Hermione had disliked the royal family for most of her childhood for taking monopoly of her mother and father. Hermione was left to read books and entertain herself most days, wondering how people could demand respect when they were only born into a position.

When she was age seven, her mother had taken her to the Durmstrang Castle where she met Prince Viktor for the first time. She thought him a pretentious prick of a prince who didn't deserve her smile and courtesy. It was over several visits and Viktor's gallantry and curiosity about Hermione's coldness that coerced Hermione into revealing her dislike of him. To her surprise, Viktor hadn't raised his voice or sent her away, he readily agreed with her that a leader should deserve respect, not command it. He pledged that day to be a ruler that could recognize his own faults and have the integrity to do the right thing. It was because of that time that Hermione reassessed her notion of him.

Viktor's figure dropped slightly. "My mother is one of the most wonderful women I have the happiness to know, apart from you, of course Lady Granger."

A slight blush flooded Hermione's cheeks, the flattering compliments came more and more frequently from Viktor. She had been Viktor's official tutor for a half year, and with each lesson she could feel a slight change within herself. "Thank you kindly Your Highness, you are too kind." Hermione said with a curtsy.

Viktor's lips twitched into a grin and Hermione's thoughts scattered. It seemed to be occurring more frequently to her.

"We had talked about the Great Compromise between your kingdom and that of the Weasleys, today I wanted to ask if you had a basic understanding of that time or if you'd wish to review any points with me. A paper of reflection and what you believe you might have done differently will be required by next week. If you've yet to write it, I did bring spare parchment, quill and ink along with me." Hermione nodded in the direction of her satchel, which also housed a two history texts as well as a text on theories of Spell Casters, and their abilities.

A small crease appeared between Viktor's brows. "I believe my knowledge of the Great Compromise has improved immensely since you have come to help me, Lady Granger. I have yet to begin that paper; however, I am a bit troubled on another matter I was hoping you could assist me with."

"I would be glad to help, Your Highness."

"As you know, I will be having my debut ball soon, and my dance instructor has been away sick. I've learned a little of waltz, but I'm afraid it's more or less left me. If you wouldn't mind, I would like to spend the rest of my time covering that." He stood from the table in one fluid movement and gave Hermione a bow, offering his hand to her. "May I have this dance Lady Granger?"

Hermione placed her hand in Viktor's. "I would love to; however, I must warn you I have not instructed anyone on the proper way to dance. I might not be qualified."

"I don't mind in the slightest; I do need to practice, and you would not want me to step on a lady's toes."

"Of course not."

"Then, let us waltz." Viktor rose and led Hermione onto the open space of the floor. The room was often used as their meeting place. Hermione appreciated it's many windows as well as the open floor and tall ceilings. The only artwork in the room was a grand piano and a large painting of the royal family.

Viktor spun Hermione in front of him and held her right hand in his left. "Please, teach me as if I knew nothing of the waltz."

"Yes. Well, a man would offer a hand, then take the woman up into his arms-"

Viktor stepped in front of Hermione and placed his free right hand on her back. Hermione naturally put her left hand atop his biceps, they contracted under her fingertips.

"What comes next, Lady Granger?"

Hermione brushed her dry lips with her tongue. "Well there is no music to wait for so we can go over the steps."

"Is this the right hold? At past parties I remember the couples being closer than we are now."

It was true, the space between Hermione and Viktor could fit another individual. Couples in the royal court would dance chest to chest as they whirled across the dance floor in a flurry of twirls and the fluttering of caps and dresses. A closer hold gave stability, but also a… much closer connection between the partners.

"Yes… those of the royal court will dance closed hold. Perhaps when you are comfortable with closed hold we can move on." Hermione stepped away from Viktor in order to stand beside him. "The basic steps are a box when you do not move, but using your frame you can move your partner in the direction you choose. The basic step for the male starts forward with your left foot."

Hermione went on to explain the basic steps to Viktor, how to hold himself as the lead, simple but elegant moves, and how to maneuver the dance floor.

"So if you find yourself with another couple behind you-"

"Lady Granger, would it not be more ideal to dance with you and practice in that respect? I've yet to dance and practice your teachings." Viktor held out his left hand to Hermione, and by the basic courtesy in her she had to accept.

Viktor stepped in, bringing his right hand onto her back and pulling her into his side so that her rib cage was pressed firmly onto his own. The breath went out of Hermione, but she didn't protest as it was the right hold and she wasn't sure if she'd want to protest regardless. Being so close to him and feeling his warmth made her knees tingle. Hermione leaned her head back and relaxed her shoulders into the proper follow frame. Her mind was so preoccupied that Viktor's beginning count was almost lost on her.

Viktor took off with graceful steps and a strong guiding frame so that she knew where they were to be going. He spun her, dipped her, and held her close so that Hermione had no other room in her mind besides Viktor's body pressed against hers. When Viktor turned Hermione out, she wished she could dance longer.

"How was that, Lady Granger?"

"O-Oh, yes. That was lovely Your Highness. You do learn quickly; I'm sure you'll have no trouble for your debut ball." A debut ball for any crown prince was to declare he was to begin his search for his bride, and Viktor's was to take place in two months time.

It was as if Viktor had not heard her. "May I please call you Lady Hermione as the very least?"

Hermione's heart twisted viciously. "I-, yes, yes you may."

"Thank you, it had been so hard trying to keep myself in check on that matter… May I ask one more question?"

"You are the crown prince, Your Highness, you may ask me any question."

A small smile twitched across Viktor's face. "What are your plans for the future? Are you thinking of staying at the castle and replacing your mother in due course? Perhaps travel, I know many women who have taken to traveling a small portion before settling down." Viktor's voice trailed off towards the end.

"I-I have had no thoughts of the future to speak the truth. I suppose staying the course of my mother is what I am currently on. I had not thought on… the other matters." Hermione's voice trailed off. Of course she had thought, she'd contemplated every man she'd met, but none of the men near her status were whom she wanted.

Hermione looked into Viktor's face. If she could, she'd choose him, but there would never be a future with them. She'd received enough looks from the queen to know it.

"I see… then I suppose, so I will rely on your guidance from now on, as the tentative future royal tutor." Viktor gave a mock bow, to which Hermione curtsied to.

Hermione suppressed her reaction, wishing she could laugh or brush a hand onto his shoulder.. "Yes, I suppose so. However, I believe the coming preparations will be cut out time short; your father will no doubt take over your teaching once you've come up to speed on current happenings of the kingdom. I will no longer be needed to instruct you on your History or Math."

Viktor's eyebrows puckered together for a moment as his words formed. "No, I believe that I will be in need of instruction of dance from you Lady Granger. I enjoyed your instruction, and seeing as the dance instructor has been gone this past week, I could use the extra instruction." Viktor glanced down at Hermione and quickly away.

No amount of reading about romance or the science of pheromones could prepare her for Viktor.

To her immense relief, there came a knock at the door.

Viktor stepped away from Hermione and composed himself. "Enter." he commanded in a smokey, appealing tone that sent a shiver down Hermione's spine.

The King's messenger entered the room, bowing to Viktor. "Your Highness, the King wishes to see you in the conference room."

"What is the matter on?"

The messenger glanced at Hermione, one she'd seen on many a staff and royal. The two of them had been close for years.

"She is trustworthy with any information you divulge." Viktor commented, obviously misreading the situation. "What is the matter on that my father requests my presence?"

The messenger flushed slightly. "Yes, the matter concerns the ships at sea. Men disappear and some are found to be shipwrecked. We've received word of a third on within the past five months. Your father, Spell Caster Igor and other members of the King's council are in attendance."

Hermione noticed the way Viktor perked up at the news, being at such a prominent table was an honor. He had not been to a meeting of such magnitude before.

"I will be along shortly to the conference room. Please notify my father."

With another bow, the messenger disappeared behind the doors.

Viktor turned back to Hermione, a blazing look in his eyes. "Thank you for coming; I will notify the Queen and make the arrangements for our continued sessions. I'm to see you soon then."

"Of course. It would be my pleasure to serve the crown prince in any way I am able."

"Wonderful, until next time we meet, Hermione." With another bow, to which Hermione curtsied low to, he swept off and left the room.

As the door clicked shut Hermione's knees gave way like a newborn calf and she was on the ground. She covered her face in her hands; how she felt now could not be described as anything she'd ever read before. All she knew was she wanted Viktor to sweep back into the room and continue their waltz as if he'd never let go of her hand and would never let her go again, yet it never could be. Viktor did not seem like the man who would deny his family the benefactory of marrying and making their kingdom stronger. Hermione pinched her cheeks and shook her head- it was not right to think these thoughts about the crown prince.

Hermione rose and went to the window the crown prince had been staring out of not to long ago. It was a crystal clear view of the ocean, but if she were to look down she could see the patch of courtyard that her mother sat in right now, reading to the youngest two children of the royal family. What had he been thinking? Staring off into the ocean with such a deep, provoking gaze?

Thoughts of her future consumed her. Would she stay on as the royal tutor after her mother retires? Would she marry? She could not see him being intimate with another woman who could not see the deep concentration he held when it came to politics or philosophy; or when he smiled with immense delight when he played with his younger siblings; or when he was silent but found ways through his actions to show how he felt on a subject. Thinking of Viktor with any other woman tore at Hermione's heart. How could she have let herself unravel at the mere thought of his name? Hermione shivered; she had to leave the premises least the thoughts and memories of Viktor in the castle consumed her thoughts.

She looked down and found that her mother and the children were no longer in the courtyard. It would delay their journey immensely if she were to be late for departure. Hermione turned away from the view of the ocean and her thoughts of Viktor- she needed to think on the matter and come to some sort of conclusion before she was to see him next.

"You've been awfully quiet Hermione." Hermione's mother commented. After their normal greeting, Hermione had made no move to encourage conversation, as she had been so tactful at every other week. "Did something happen in your lesson with the crown prince? He's become much better with his pronunciation since you've become his tutor; he has not regressed has he dear?"

Hermione turned to face her mother, the carriage jolting them one way then another as they turned off the main road and onto their cobblestone roadway. "His Highness, Prince Viktor, has improved immensely, and his pronunciation is immaculate; it is like he's never had an issue."

"Well that is good that it's improved; it would have been concerning had he not cleaned it up by his debut ball. I've found that a good manner of speech and quick feet do make a lady swoon." Lady Granger Senior placed her hand over her heart and blushed slightly. "Your father was quite the dancer and talker himself- it was how he won my heart when we first met."

Hermione played with a curl by her face, desperately hoping her mother did not notice the flush dancing across her cheeks at the mention of swooning at a man's words and dancing.

"But do not worry about marrying my dear, we will soon hold a small gathering for you as well to see if any eligible man catches your eye. I'm sure we could get a majority of the young men, perhaps even all of them from the surrounding towns. I'm sure we could even hold it in four months time. I will talk to your father about the matter and we can get it settled" Lady Granger Senior patted Hermione's hand affectionately, in every way having good intentions for her daughter's future. "We can even purchase you a new dress to be made. I know how you've been wanting a to make a new one, but for such a special occasion we can hire a tailor. You'll love it I'm sure."

However, for Hermione, it was as if she was thrown into the deep, icy ocean depths. Of course, she would have to marry, she was of age, and there was no reason for her to not marry. But to think that it would be so soon.

The carriage came to a halt in front of their home, it was a modest establishment crafted by a warm, brown stone with carefully tended rose bushes in the front of the home as well as english vines.

"I think a walk would do me some good before supper." Hermione spoke in a tight voice. "I'm afraid I've been cooped up for to long; my legs could go for some mild exercise."

Lady Granger Senior puckered her lips and looked at her daughter. "Now darling, if i've made you upset in any way. I apologise. However, I want you to know that I want you to be happy and healthy above all else. Do you understand?"

Hermione gave a stiff nod.

"Alright then. Go and have your walk, just be careful of the ocean. I do not want you stepping so close to it least the Sirens call to you."

Hermione relaxed at her mother's worrying tone. "Mother, there is no such thing as sirens, or mermaids. I hardly believe the unsupported evidence of Spell Casters. Master Igor hardly does anything in my opinion."

Lady Granger Senior gave her a look she hadn't given her daughter in many years. The world had mysteries that no one person could solve or understand even if they dedicated their entire life. "Very well. Go, enjoy your walk, but stay away from the coast dear. For safety."

"For safety, I will." Hermione leaned in, giving her mother a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you for supper." With a final pat on her hand from her mother, Hermione exited the carriage, with her satchel in hand, and set off for her favorite ocean viewing spot.

It took her no time to make her way to the oceanside, her feet took her on the familiar pathway. The night sky had darkened, but it was not time for the stars to shine just yet. A slight wind had picked up and Hermione regretted not thinking to take a shawl with her on her walk.

"I haven't been thinking with my head at all lately." Hermione sighed to herself as she made her way to the sandy beach. It was a modest stretch of sand with large hills on either side; when she was younger, she'd often spend her days playing in the ocean and finding seashells. It'd been her favorite past time other than reading.

She had some serious thinking to do, Hermione sat on a patch of grass, taking off her shoes so as to dig her toes into the sand. Viktor was a dream, besides being a crown prince, he was a gentleman, and a thinker, when he spoke people listened because of the provoking thoughts he shared. There were times Hermione could not tell of his meaning or intentions, but she knew enough that he was sincere today and it seemed as if the thought of his debut ball bothered him as much as hers did. If he were, by some miracle, to choose her, then what would become of the dynamics of his family. She could not think of a man in history that married so low beneath him; she couldn't imagine Viktor's family being all too keen on the idea.

Hermione sighed and dug her toes further into the sand, scratching a shell with her toe as she went. What was she to do now that she's recognised her feelings? The constrictions brought on by birthright were too insignificant to deny two people of one another. Never being able to see him again seemed a worser fate to inflict upon herself. There must, somehow, be a way that she could continue being alongside Viktor at the very least.

A letter.

She could write him a letter.

A new feeling of power swept over her, she could write him as a friend at the very least. Who knew what the future held, and if she were to give up on the mere inkling of hope she held she'd forever consider herself a fool. Opening her satchel, she retrieved a piece of paper, quill and ink. She contemplated how to begin, agonizing over the first line before deciding.

Dear Viktor,

I've no idea of your true intentions as we are always so careful as to not let them show. If I am wrong in my assumptions, please, burn this letter and pretend that I had never tried to cross the line between prince and lady, tutor and pupil, or friend and friend. The future is uncertain and it is something often feared, but I cannot see a future in which I do not have at least some connection with you.

I care for you, and wish you the best in any endeavor you undertake, but I must ask what your intentions are with myself, a girl who can offer no monetary or political gain. I only have my wits and intelligence to offer in rivalry to the qualities I lack.

I wish you good health and a happy future.

Yours truly,

Hermione Granger

Hermione pursued the letter and near tore it to bits. How could she put such words into writing? If she had been wrong of her reading of Viktor earlier, she could very well be severing the ties between their families. She closed the letter and sealed it with his name so as to not misplace it within her satchel, but before she had a moment to close her satchel, a soft voice came to her ears.

It was a sweet sound, but heartbroken, like it had lost their love to war gone by. It rose and fell with the tides, filling Hermione with a deep sadness. Was she right in her decision to write the letter? It was a lost love from the start.

Words came through now, soft, delicate words as if whispering to the stars above about longing and desire. Words that spoke to Hermione's soul and made tears drip down her cheeks. She stood, hearing the song clearer now.

It was coming from the ocean.

Longing swept over her- she wanted to be closer to the music. It was something meant for her ears only; her feet grazed over the sand on as they made their way to the cold waters.

Sweet love I held

So close so dear

Whom held my heart

When far or near

A man whose heart

Is not mine to hold

As I have but brains

But not a lick of gold

The icy waters were at Hermione's waist were unnaturally still, moving only when she stepped forward. The tears that had sprung from her eyes moments before would not stop pouring down. She only wanted to be happy with Viktor.

The voice came to a hum, and cold, clammy hands wrapped like vices around Hermione's ankles. Hermione took one last step and was dragged down into the ocean. Only when she disappeared beneath the surface did the tides resume their natural state.

Underneath the ocean, Hermione sank deeper and deeper into its depths. Her sight was all but gone; her breath was knocked out of her lungs as water filled it. Her body fought to wrench it out, to swim to the surface, but her mind rejected the notions.

The hands that had held fast around her ankles moved up her legs, tearing her clothes away from her body as she went. Pieces of her blue dress floated in front of her unresponsive eyes. The hands tore at her dress, her undergarments, her bodice, leaving her body bare before the creature before her.

The face that appeared before her was one she'd heard stories about, one that she had feared when she was young enough to believe. She believed now: Its skin was decayed and hung from its bones like an afterthought. Its coarse, tangled black hair billowed in the ocean around it as its cracked lips moved, humming the melody that had entranced Hermione- it was a revolting sight, one that any man or woman would scream and avert its eyes. The worst sight were its eyes, pure black iriss that wanted to devour its victims whole.

It smiled wide, revealing rows of jagged, glinting teeth.

She was going to die.

A Siren was going to tear her throat out after entrancing her and defiling her after ripping her clothes from her body. There would be nothing left of her for her family to bury. She'd never go to a ball. She'd never marry. She'd never have children. She'd never live until old age. She'd never know what Viktor would do had she not gone down to the ocean. She'd never know anything.

Hermione closed her eyes, not wanting her last image to be of the horrible sight in front of her. She fought to bring her parents and Viktor to the forefront of her mind. She thought of their kindness and love and held onto those memories as the hands clasped around her limp neck and what felt like the last bubble of air escape her lips.

Suddenly, the hands slackened and fell away.

Her mind blacked into nothing.

Then, a pair of supple lips pressed into hers.

A heart beat.

A tingle in her fingertips.

Finally, then she breathed in.

Ending Author's note: Leave your thoughts on the chapter or favorite/follow/comment.

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