A/N: With the craziness of the holidays over, I'm back! Thank you all for your continued support and an extra shoutout to my alpha, HeartOfAspen!

Chapter 10 - Goodbye to Greece

On the way back to the hotel, Hermione and Harry kept to themselves. Hermione was processing everything she heard while talking to Merchieftainess Damara and she assumed Harry was doing the same. Imagine if she refused to take over and become Daughter of the Sea? She believed that not only would the well being of the Sirens and all other merpeople around the world be put into danger, but the rest of the Wizarding World. Voldemort and his followers would have thousands of mermaids under his control, doing his bidding whether they wanted to or not.

Hermione felt a hand squeeze hers as they approached the hotel and she was brought out of her thoughts. "I know you're already thinking hard, and that large brain of yours is spinning a million miles a minute, but don't overwork yourself alright? According to Dumbledore, Voldemort will want to lay low for a while, there is time."

"But Merchieftainess Damara said—"

Harry cut her off. "I know what she said, and I don't doubt that there are at least a couple Death Eaters trying to pry in the oceans, but she did say you had until the end of the year, so that means she believes she will at least live until then. Let's not stress about it."

Hermione nodded and gave his hand a squeeze back. "What would I do without you?"

Harry laughed. "Probably nothing but studying. You'd be bored that's for sure." Hermione smiled as they walked into the hotel, just in time for afternoon tea. Seeing her parents, they spent the afternoon with them before heading up to their rooms to change for dinner.

Hermione changed quickly, wanting to save time to pen a quick letter to Viktor asking when he would be expecting her and that Harry would be coming too. She had yet to discuss it with her parents, but she had mentioned in passing in one of her letters after the Second Task and knew they weren't opposed. It would probably help that Harry would be coming along — their little girl wouldn't be alone.

Harry escorted her mother down to dinner, while Hermione took her father's offered arm. "How is my pumpkin doing this evening?"

Hermione giggled at the nickname he had given her as a child and still used even though she was almost sixteen years old. "Great, Dad," she replied. "Harry and I had a great time on the beach and in the water today."

He smiled. "I'm glad. That boy's a special one there, better latch on before he runs away."

"I am Dad, he's just a little reluctant I think. Doesn't want to ruin our friendship or our friendship with Ron."

"Why would it ruin your friendship with Ron?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and said, "Dad! Did you read my letter about the Yule Ball fiasco?"

"Oh yes, dear, I remember. What about that Viktor Krum? You haven't said much about him," her father asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked down at her.

"That's what Harry and I want to talk to you and Mum about tonight. Maybe he's buttering her up now."

Both Hermione and her father laughed. "Is that what you were supposed to be doing, buttering me up? I feel so used!"

"Ah, Dad, don't feel that way! Teenage daughters are supposed to bat their eyes and smile, so their dads give in. It's a rule."

Matthew Granger smiled. "I suppose it is. We will always listen to what you have to say and your reasoning. And you know your mother is putty in Harry's arms, that woman will give in to anything as long as he makes you happy."

Hermione smiled. She knew it was her Dad's way of saying they wanted Harry to stick around. "I plan on keeping him, Dad. And never letting him go."

—

About halfway through dinner, Hermione gave Harry a nod, and she broached the subject of Viktor Krum.

"So, you both remember that Harry and I wanted to talk about something related to Viktor Krum. I think Harry brought it up with you, mum."

Katherine Granger nodded. "He did, dear. He told me all about the Yule Ball and how beautiful you looked, and how that Viktor Krum was such a gentleman with you."

Hermione blushed. "Yes, well, I think you remember a few months back that I talked about how Viktor wanted me to come visit him in Bulgaria over the summer and well, he wrote to me this morning."

"Asking you to come visit?" her father inquired, stabbing another piece of steak with his fork.

Hermione nodded and reached out to grab Harry's hand. "So we are asking if we can go. Harry will be right there with me. And I know Viktor has plans to show us the history and give us a tour of the city he lives in…" Hermione trailed off, gauging for her parents' reactions.

Matthew Granger didn't speak as he finished chewing the piece of steak that was in his mouth. He looked at his wife, and she nodded. "Well, pumpkin, it does make us feel much better that Harry would be going with you, but are you sure it is safe? This Viktor Krum wouldn't cause you or Harry any harm?"

"No, never, Matthew," Harry said, speaking up for the first time. "And I would protect Hermione with my life, you should know that."

"We know you would Harry, dear," Hermione's mum said, smiling at the two.

"I for one think it is a brilliant idea. You'll have to take pictures of the history and send them back for us — you know we love all of that. And speaking of that, how would you two like to return to Greece tomorrow and spend the last days of our vacation there and exploring the city?"

"I think that sounds great mum, so…." Hermione trailed off once more, waiting for an official okay that they could travel to Bulgaria to see Viktor.

"Yes, you may go," Matthew said. "But there are some questions that we will need answered beforehand like when you will be back, when we will see you again and when you will get your school supplies. You are cutting it quite close to the end of the summer holidays, depending on how long you stay there."

Harry laughed. "These are definitely your parents, Hermione."

All of them laughed, Matthew raising his hands in surrender. "You caught me. But darling, be sure to send us a message with all the information, we will leave three days from now after spending two days in Greece."

Both Harry and Hermione nodded in agreement and promised to send word.

Finishing dinner, the quartet retired to their rooms to pack for their return to Greece the next morning. Their items seemed to have scattered throughout the hotel room for the last three weeks that they had stayed there. It was late before they had almost everything packed and ready to go — things like their toothbrushes and pyjamas would have to wait until the next morning.

As Hermione lay down in bed, she turned toward Harry. "I think my parents think there is something more here than there really is, don't you think?"

Harry turned on his side from his back to face her. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I know they aren't daft, and they probably know we are sleeping in the same bed, but do you think they think we are...you know?" Hermione felt a flush creep up her chest and onto her face as she asked the question. It was dark, but Hermione could see a slight brush grace Harry's cheeks as well.

He shrugged. "So what if they do, we know we aren't. It's just sleeping."

Hermione nodded and looked down at her hands.

"Hey," Harry said, tilting her head upwards forcing her to look him in the eyes. "I am not good with this 'feelings' stuff, you know that. I like you, I do. But I am worried about what that could mean for our friendship because we have been friends for so long. It could damage our friendship with Ron because he obviously fancies you or at least he did. And to add on to all of that, I don't want Voldemort and his cronies to use you to force me to do something I don't want to do."

Hermione smiled, tears threatening to spill over in her eyes. "I like you too," she whispered. "And I know our friendship could survive almost anything, look at what we've been through. Our friendship with Ron would survive. He might be upset at first, but when he realises that we would never work for various reasons, he'll come around."

"And for the last part?"

Hermione grabbed the sides of his head and said, "So what if he does, I don't care about me—"

"I care!" Harry said, unable to control an outburst, a few tears falling out of his eyes. "I don't ever want to do anything to purposely put you in danger. We've already been through so much, it's hard for me to see you in danger when I can't help you. I just feel so—" he paused. "—helpless."

Hermione brushed away the tears that had fallen. "I put myself in danger. You never ask me to come with you; you usually try to tell me off. You've told Ron and me so many times to turn back, and we never do. Just like earlier when I insisted you could leave if you wanted since mermaids are associated with misfortune, you told me you wouldn't leave and I won't — I refuse to leave you."

Hermione paused before starting again. "And I won't let you miss out on any more love because you feel it could be used against you. I know you've seen so much pain in your life Harry and I won't let you see anymore."

Harry pressed his forehead against hers and wrapped his arms around her middle. "When did you become so wise? You really are the brightest—"

Hermione interrupted. "Don't even start that nonsense, Harry Potter," she mumbled into his shirt.

Harry laughed, and she looked up at him. She watched as his eyes moved back and forth from her eyes to her mouth. She was about to just tell him to kiss her already when he leaned in and pressed a kiss against her lips. It was soft and full of emotion, and when he pulled away, Hermione felt it was too soon — she immediately wanted more just as she had on the boat earlier that day.

They just looked into each other's eyes, her hands moving up to his hair to play with the dishevelled mess. "I think I'd quite like to do that again," she admitted biting her lip.

Harry leaned in so his lips were almost touching hers again. "Me too," he whispered back. And he kissed her again and again until her lips were swollen to the touch and she was out of breath. Hermione fell asleep in his arms, dreaming of the kisses over and over again.

—

The next morning was a blur to Hermione as she, Harry, and her parents ate breakfast, checked out of the hotel and made it to the ferry all before eight in the morning. It was a long journey, but this time they cut out the research and enjoyed each other's company. Once they arrived back in Greece, they made their way to the hotel where they would be spending the next two nights. Unable to check in, the concierge held their bags in a luggage storage room where they could pick them up at any time.

The quartet split up once more, Hermione's parents wanting to do one thing and Harry and Hermione another. Neither party minded wishing to get the most out of the vacation as possible.

"Let's get lunch somewhere and then explore some. Maybe we can find something here in Greece about Atargatis?"

"Sounds like a plan," Harry said, reaching for her hand. Hermione smiled at the gesture. He had been much more affectionate than usual after their admittance of feelings and bout of emotion the night before. She didn't mind, especially when he had been outright refusing to talk about his feelings since before school was let out for summer break.

Lunch was in a quaint and quiet cafe, and they decided to try their luck again and ask the waitress if she had any information on Atargatis.

"Oh you mean Derketo?" she asked, looking from Harry to Hermione.

Hermione nodded, having remembered that Merchieftainess Damara had mentioned that the Greeks had another name for Atargatis.

"If you go to centre city and stay in the magical part of Greece, there will be a small pathway in between two buildings, small enough for only one person at a time to go through. The brick is lined with water, but it's so you won't know it's there unless you are looking for it."

"Thank you," Harry and Hermione said simultaneously. They once again tipped their server generously remembering the immense help Connie had been only a few days prior. They wouldn't be where they were now on their journey if it hadn't been for her.

Rushing toward centre city due to her excitement, Harry followed behind, his hand gripped tightly in hers. If a picture had been taken in that exact moment, Hermione would have paid a million pounds for it to forever see their happiness even when things got dark.

It was easy enough to find, the path leading through to a small room. In the room, a statue that she assumed was of the Goddess, Atargatis. It was gold, a mermaid perched on top that was quite beautiful leading Hermione to believe she was most likely a Siren despite being a ruler over the entire sea.

"Look, there's a book," Harry said, pointing to the base of the small statue. "Maybe it has some information."

Hermione reached out and grabbed the book that closely resembled a journal. It was old and worn, a few pages sticking out as if they had fallen out and had been carefully tucked back in. Carefully opening the cover, Hermione flipped to the first page and was immediately excited by the new information.

"It's information on Atargatis," Hermione said, looking at Harry. "There are pictures of her other statues around the world and the different temples that people go to worship her at."

"People besides the mermaids do that?" Harry asked, moving in closer to look over her shoulder at the book.

Hermione shrugged. "I guess. Apparently, she is primarily a Goddess of Fertility, and Merchieftainess Damara only told us about her being responsible for the protection and well being of a city and her people."

"A Goddess of Fertility?" Harry asked, a blush crossing his face.

Hermione grinned. "Are you asking what that is or do you need me to repeat myself?"

Harry's cheeks flushed even more, and she laughed. "I know what fertility means, thanks though," he said.

"But yes, she was or should I say is, a Goddess of Fertility. I am assuming those who are having trouble conceiving or wish to conceive spend time worshipping her in hope that she will bless them."

Harry nodded in understanding. "Is there anything in there about where we can find a full-size statue of her? This seems to be just an informational place, not a place where you can talk to her or whatever you want to call it."

Hermione flipped through the book and stopped on a page that caught her eye. She looked up at Harry again. "It looks like there is a full-fledged statue of her and a temple in Sofia, Bulgaria. That's where Viktor lives."

Harry grinned. "How convenient. You knew?"

"I didn't know for sure, but I had a hunch. The name of the goddess is Syrian, so I figured she would have had some influence in Bulgaria. Remember what I said yesterday about Syrian traditions seeping into Bulgarian over time?"

"I do. All the more reason to visit Krum," Harry said, smiling, but rolling his eyes. Hermione slammed the book shut and set it back on the table. "Exactly."

"I wouldn't have agreed to go there if it wasn't of some benefit to us. And of course, I want to see Viktor, but I am not looking forward to making sure he knows we are not a thing. I don't want to be mean."

Harry laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulder and steered her out of the small room. "You don't have to be mean, Hermione. Just tell him that you'll be too far away, and you don't feel the same way he feels about you."

Hermione looked up at him with an eyebrow raised. "Since when did you become a relationship expert?"

"Since—" He paused. "Since, never." Hermione laughed and smacked him on the chest. "Despite your lack of knowledge and mine, to be honest, you have helped me a bit."

"Only a bit?" Harry asked, smirking.

"That's all you get Harry Potter, don't go fishing for more!"

"Never," he grinned. The topic of conversation then turned to lighter things as they explored the city. The next day was much of the same, Harry and Hermione spending a bit more time with Hermione's parents. The next day, they would travel together back to Athens where the quartet would part ways — Harry and Hermione off to Bulgaria, and Katherine and Matthew back to London to await their arrival a week later.

Their last night in Piraeus, an owl knocked on the window of their hotel room. Hermione rushed over to let it in and unclipped the letter from his leg before it flew right back out the window.

Hermione tore it open, scanning it before she looked up at Harry. "It's from Viktor. It says he would be happy to host both of us, we didn't even need to ask, and he would be expecting us within a few days. He knows a guy in the International Portkey department at the Bulgarian Ministry who has already informed him of our impending arrival tomorrow. He will be waiting for us when we arrive."

Harry smiled. "Everything seems to be falling into place."

Hermione smiled back. "Yes, it does. It always does."

It wasn't a tearful goodbye in Athens, but Hermione hated leaving their parents to go home by themselves. It seemed that no matter how hard she tried, the gap between them seemed to grow, Hermione spending more time in the magical world than Muggle. She knew they still loved her, but it couldn't be easy sending her off every year to a school they would never be able to see. It gave her some comfort that she kept them in the dark and out of all the horrible things happening and that were going to happen in the Wizarding World. They slept better at night not knowing.

"Ready?" Harry asked, grabbing Hermione's hand before they reached out to grab the feather that would transport them to Bulgaria.

Hermione nodded and placed a fingertip on the feather. Moments later, it glowed blue, and they were flung into space. They spun for several minutes before reappearing in the Bulgarian Ministry.

"Ah, Herm-oh-ninny," Viktor said, walking over to her as soon as she regained her balance. "So nice to see you. And you, Harry!"

"Hi Viktor," Hermione said, a smile plastered across her face, giving into the hug he was trying to give her. "How are you?"

"Very vell, you?"

"We are well, just spent some time in Mykonos and Greece with my parents. They are off to London now while we are here."

"How nice, vell, velcome to Sofia, Bulgaria," Viktor said proudly, leading them out of the Ministry and onto the sidewalk outside. "I thought ve could start touring ze city before ve get to my home and come back out tomorrow, what do you say?"

Hermione looked at Harry, and he gave her a quick nod, which she took to mean that he was okay not going straight to Viktor's house. "Sure, Viktor that would be lovely. What should we do with our luggage?" Hermione asked, lifting up on the handle of her suitcase.

"Oh not to vorry, I vill just banish it to ze foyer in my home where it will be vaiting for you later." He brought out his wand, and with a flick of his wrist, the luggage disappeared from the sidewalk. "Ready to go?"

Hermione nodded, and she thought she heard Harry grumble, "As I'll ever be," under his breath, but she just grabbed his hand and bounded after Viktor, eager to absorb any and all information he could give them. And they just might have a chance to sneak by the statue of Atargatis before the sunset and darkness fell.

A/N: This author's note was adding after publishing. In some instances, I went with the British version of the spelling so realize instead would be realise. I also tried to get Viktor's accent to come across with the spellings so YES those are intentional - I used a russian translator site to get the words more authentic. I hope this explains some things.