The next morning, Viktor slouched into the makeshift bookstore wandering nervously until he found what he was looking for. After a moments hesitation he took a deep breath and strode up to the counter to make the purchase. The salesgirl looked at up him in surprise.
"Wow. You're Viktor Krum aren't you!"
"Yes."
She batted her eyelashes and leaned towards him invitingly.
"Well now, what can I do for you?"
Viktor ignored her blatant come on and placed the book on the counter. The girl reached for the book 'accidentally' brushing against his hand as she did so. Her simpering smile fell when she saw the title of the book.
"Are you sure this is the book you want?"
"Yes. I am sure, am in hurry please."
She bristled at the obvious brush-off.
"Fine."
Viktor paid for the book and left quickly. He smiled slightly as he remembered the salesgirl's expression at his purchase. As he walked back to his tent, the book discreetly hidden in his cloak, he thought about Hermione. He had been shocked to see her here. He honestly hadn't expected to see her ever again, especially after reading about her engagement to Weasley soon after the war. He knew she had always loved him, but had held on to the slim hope he could win her over. Her engagement had shattered that delusion. It took awhile, but he had finally accepted she was never going to be his.
When his eyes had fallen upon her beautiful auburn curls from across the room and he realized it was her, his breath had caught in his throat. She was still so beautiful. All of his efforts to forget her were suddenly forgotten and he found himself helplessly drawn to her once again. Over the last few days, which he had spent happily in her company he had discovered three undeniable things, Weasley did not treat her the way she deserved, he hated the man more than ever, and...he still wanted her. He knew he had to get that last part out of his head. She was married now, she was carrying another man's child. It was over. It was time to cut his losses and move on. Each day he told himself that he would steer clear of her, but inevitably found himself unable to resist just one last opportunity to be near her, to hear her voice, to smell the lavender in her hair, to touch her soft skin. Last night had been torture for him. He could still feel the warmth of her hand in his and he had wanted so much to hold her warm body next to his, to press his lips to hers, like he had back at the academy. He wanted her as much today as he had when he was 18, but back then she had been too young and now...she belonged to another. He had lost his chance. She had chosen Weasley long ago and no amount of pondering the what ifs was going to change that now.