The rain had finally let up enough so that the boys decided it was safe to remove the string of protective enchantments surrounding them. George Weasley was back on his broom, scouting out the conditions and casting drying charms down on the ground below. Dr. Granger looked amazed to see the pools of mud transforming to dry patches of unwashed dirt before his very eyes. Ron was cleaning is broom when Neville approached him with trepidation.
"What were you and Krum talkin' about?" Neville asked Ron, wearily, in a whisper. He glanced around to make sure no one was close.
"Huh?"
"I saw you and Viktor huddled in a corner of the field. You looked in the thick of it. He didn't threaten you did he, 'cuz if he did..."
"Calm down, Neville. It wasn't anything like that."
"So, what was it?" he looked at Ron awkwardly, still looking concerned. He looked far from convinced.
"I really can't say, Neville. But it's nothing to worry about," Ron said sharply, guilt nudging him. His words weren't entirely true. He glanced over at Krum who was talking to Harry animatedly and thought about the conversation they'd had earlier.
"You better treat Herm-own-ninny vell!" Viktor had said, approaching him. "If you do not...vell I may not be so kind to you in the future."
Ron had needed to stifle a laugh, thinking Krum was surely joking, but he looked dead serious. Ron attempted to lighten the mood.
"You're not the only one who'd kill me. There's Harry, Mum, Ginny, hell...Crookshanks!" Viktor did not laugh. An uncomfortable feeling started to grow in the pit of Ron's stomach, but he was determined to stand his ground.
"A lot of people care about Hermione. I'd never hurt her on purpose, nor will I let anyone else hurt her." He looked solidly into Krum's eyes, hoping the message would sink in that the person he was referring to at the moment was him, because it would certainly hurt Hermione if Krum attempted to ruin her wedding.
"You are a very lucky man. Best not forget it."
"Yes, I know. I've loved Hermione for a long time."
"Vell, you shouldn't take her love for granted."
"Never have," Ron said with more force than he'd intended. But it was true. He and Hermione had been through so much together and had fought often. He'd come close to losing her several times, due to his own childishness and because of forces beyond their control. He knew better than anyone how precious her love was and he didn't need "Vicky" bleedin' Krum to tell him. Krum had just snorted. Ron grew angrier. He wasn't going to let this lie.
"Listen, mate, I know what I have and believe it or not, she feels the same way about me. I know you don't like it, but she has for years. We've been through things together that no one can understand. I know, sometimes I can't believe it..but you know Hermione, she doesn't make decisions lightly...and she chose me."
Ron thought it odd that he was saying "She chose me" to Krum in much the same way he'd accused Hermione of choosing Harry the night he'd left them on the Horcrux hunt. "I get it, you chose him," the words still stung in Ron's mind, even years later when he saw how unfounded his fear had been. He still wished he hadn't said it, especially when he now understood how wrong he'd been. Ron felt he had tears in his eyes and he hoped for his sake, he didn't. He'd already turned red in the face. But if Krum did see tears in his eyes, maybe he would see how much he was fighting a losing battle.
"You two fight all the time..." said Viktor edgily, "You've made her cry."
Ron winced internally thinking of the letters Hermione used to send to Viktor. It made him both sad and happy that she'd brought him up in her letters. It was only natural that she would, seeing as they were best friends, but she'd also told Viktor when Ron had upset her. That hurt a little, even though in his teenage years, he wasn't exactly in tune to her feelings.
"No offense, Viktor, but it's hardly your business. We do bicker, it's true," Ron admitted. "We're both stubborn, you see. And yes, I have made her cry in the past, but Viktor, it doesn't give you a right to waltz into our lives, to my home no less, and act as though you know what's best for her. To assume that I don't."
Ron's gaze was steady, but his voice shook. His body felt tense and hot. Just when he'd thought things between him and Viktor were going to be alright, this had to happen. Ron told Hermione to invite him to the wedding if she wanted because it was important to her. And he no longer truly struggled with feelings of jealousy. Ron knew Hermione loved him beyond a shadow of a doubt. After he war, she'd taken special care to relieve him of any insecurities he had about their relationship. She'd truly made him a better man. That didn't mean he and Krum were going to be best chums, but he really had no idea that Viktor still harbored feelings for Hermione and that he was none too happy she was marrying Ron. It had been a surprise indeed, that he'd actually come, as Hermione'd said he likely wouldn't. It had been yet another surprise to find him arriving so early, and now to see him angered. Ron did not want to start a fight with Viktor Krum. That would upset Hermione to no end, and it was the day before his wedding! He thought he deserved a nice, fun day of playing Quidditch with his friends, not a blazing argument.
"Forgiff me," said Viktor, seeming to have come to the same conclusion. He walked away, sourly and Ron decided to let it lie and pretend like nothing had happened... well almost.
Coming out of his thoughts, Neville still staring at Ron with skepticism, he looked up to the sky to see the conditions were back to snuff.
"Alright, you lot, let's get back to it!" he said, with confidence. "Charlie, why don't you take Neville's old slot. We could really use another chaser. Harry, you play seeker against Krum."
