Chapter 7
Once again, both Ginny and Hermione felt that 12:30 couldn't come quickly enough. However, Hermione had another thing on her mind apart from Lucy and Ron at home. It was lucky that Hermione was catching a lift home with Ginny. Hermione wouldn't have been able to concentrate very well on the traffic. She told Ginny about her interesting morning.
They nearly crashed when Hermione said 'And then I suddenly found Viktor really handsome, like how I found him in my fourth year.'
'Don't worry!' Hermione continued, after Ginny had gotten over the shock 'Your brother will never know!'
Ginny dropped Hermione off at her and Ron's house, still looking worried.
'There's no need to worry!' Hermione thought, walking towards the house 'I think I've made it very clear that Viktor is the employee and I am the boss! He'll do what I say.'
'Anything interesting happen at work today?' Ron asked as they sat down for lunch.
'Yes, new employees! Viktor Krum is working in my department.'
'Has he changed at all?' Ron asked, with a hint of suspicion.
'No, not really. He's still as handsome and lovely as he was as a student!' Hermione found herself saying, despite her intention not to even mention his name. She knew that it was food for a fight, given the present tension between her and Ron.
Luckily, just at that moment, Lucy began to cry, giving Hermione an excuse to break the conversation with Ron.
Ron then left for work, kissing both Hermione and Lucy on his way out. But Hermione saw jealousy in his eyes. Her afternoon was spent, as usual, playing with, changing and feeding Lucy. For some reason, however, an image of Viktor Krum was playing constantly in front of her eyes. She just didn't seem to be able to get him out of her head.
When Ron came home that evening they spoke very little, pre-occupied with their own thoughts and afraid to say what they were really thinking. Ron didn't ask so Hermione didn't tell. She was relieved. She had a horrible suspicion that if Ron had asked her she would have been unable to stop herself from divulging the truth even though it was the last thing she wanted to do.
It really was most peculiar.
