DISCLAIMER: as I've said, nothing belongs to me. The series is owned by the awesome J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 2

"They really are happy now, aren't they? After the defeat of Voldemort, that is." Hermione said while glancing around at the pub. The pub became crowded with more people as time passed.

"Well, they should be. You know, after years of running around frightened of the Dark Lord and his criminal lunatics, it's about time that they can enjoy themselves without any doubts and fears. Don't you think so Harry?" Ron asked, trying to get a hold of Harry's attention..

"Huh? Oh! Yeah. Err. I mean, after what Tom did that frightened them, this freedom is kinda… err… overwhelming for them, I think." Harry answered and continued trying to melt the floor with his bare stare.

A deafening silence followed Harry's gesture and statement. No noise can be heard from the Trio except for Ron's shifting in his seat-still evidently trying to find his girlfriend Luna Lovegood-when someone arrived and sat beside Hermione. The trio heard a familiar husky voice when the person spoke.

"Hey guys. Long time no see eh? What's up with the Golden Trio?" Victor asked. He smiled handsomely when Hermione looked up. But obviously, it wasn't him Hermione was looking at. It was Harry.

Victor traced Hermione's eyes and found out why she was staring at Harry. Harry looked like he was going to explode. He was staring at Victor and his stare was sharp and piercing. His face turned from pale to scarlet.

"Uhhm, Harry what's wrong? Why are you staring like that? Hey, easy. I don't mean any harm!" Victor's voice was trembling. He turned to Hermione and asked "Apparently, you've already told him about it. That's why he's like this, I s'pose?"

Hermione gasped at Victor's question and elbowed him. "Come with me…" She looked angry while he pulled Victor away from Harry and Ron.

"What's wrong with you man? Your face is red." Ron asked. He was surprised to see Harry so red. It bloody scared him. Not because he haven't seen him furious before, but because Harry wasn't furious at all. Ron was certainly sure that he was in fact, jealous.

"It's just the fire whiskey. Don't mind me, Ron." Harry lied but he knows that he's not good at faking truth. But hell, he didn't really care.

"Okay. Ahhhm. Harry, would you mind if I leave? I just saw Luna near the door and I really miss her. Do you… err… Do you mind if I talk to her?" Ron asked awkwardly. But he didn't really see Luna. He was just making an excuse. Being Harry's best friend, he knows for a fact, that this very moment, Harry would want to be left alone.

"'course, Ron. Go. I'll be fine, don't worry. Enjoy the night mate. Tell Luna I said hi, would you? Bye." Harry answered and blankly focused his attention to his glass of fire whiskey.

"Okay. Bye. Err. Take care." Ron said farewell and left without another word.

Harry already calmed down but still, he's boiling with jealousy. He found himself having the urge to jinx the wretched Krum. Yes it would harm Victor but he really didn't care. All he wants now is to snatch Hermione away from him. But he knows, deep inside that he can't do that. Not only because he doesn't have the guts, but also, because he doesn't have the rights. She was not his and never would she be.

It's just so frustrating! A minute ago, he was having a problem about telling Hermione about his feelings. Hell, he didn't even know what to say. And now, this? Krum suddenly appeared and just suddenly knows something that he didn't? Competition with himself, he can handle. He can handle his heart competing against his brain on whether or not to tell Hermione how he feels. But competition against Hermione's crush, this freaking Krum, it's driving him crazy!

He glanced around to catch a glimpse of the two. At the corner of his eyes, he saw them in the far corner of the pub. He saw that Hermione was in deep conversation with Victor. It didn't hurt that much to see that. But after a while he saw her smile and laugh aloud. She was enjoying Krum's company. That was what he thought. And that was it. He can't take it anymore. He returned his stare at the bottle in his hands. He gripped it tight and hoped that the hurt he was feeling will pour away with the liquid in the bottle if he manages to break it.

He was in deep frustration when somebody called his name. Out of reflex action, he turned around to see who it was. Later did he realize that it was a very wrong move to turn around. And with that swift turn, he realized that the person who called him was exactly the same one he was hoping not to see again.

AN: Here's the second chapter people. Too soon? HAHA. It is still kinda senseless. Forgive me for that. I promise the third one would be much better. Please Read and Review.

PS: Thanks to my very first reviewer. SCABBERS1957. THANKS!