She sat on the beach with her legs pulled up to her chest, wet and trembling with cold. For the millionth time, Severus regretted his wand being unable to work above the surface.
He swam around for a moment, agitated by her discomfort, before swimming up and frowning.
"They must be missing me," she said softly. "Poor Viktor, he must have placed last. You have been very nice to me, but may I return to Hogwarts?"
The thought of her abandoning him made his heart turn to ice. Desperate to prove that she did not need to leave, he swam hastily over to the shore a few feet away and waved at her until she came.
"A blanket," said Hermione happily. "Thank you."
She wrapped it around her shoulders but did not sit. Severus swallowed thickly.
She glanced at the horizon, where the castle was illuminated by the setting sun. She glanced back at him.
"I'm sorry, but I need to go now." She started away determinedly.
Fueled by his fear of being pushed away, he attempted to cry out No. But because he was above the water and in the air, it came out as a horrifying screech.
Ashamed, he ducked beneath the water once more.
A/N: Some of you have asked questions, but unfortunately I can't answer them without giving away the plot. Hopefully they will all be explained!