Hermione wakes to light snores and a natural warmth no blanket could provide. She rolls closer to it, breathing in the scent of him and laying her forehead on his chest. How she of all people is the first to sneak a boy in to the dormitory she'll never know but she wouldn't change it. That being said, he'll have to leave soon. There's no danger of her roommates waking but that doesn't mean others won't be soon

"Viktor" she whispers, looking up at the underside of his jaw "Viktor" she pulls back and allows herself a few seconds to memorise how he looks, not a trace of the scowl he so often wears and his features softened oh so beautifully. God she wants to kiss him "Viktor?" she repeats tracing his full bottom lip with her finger, she yelps when he snaps forward and catches it lightly with his teeth "Viktor you dope you scared me" she laughs and flicks his nose. He wrinkles it and smiles at her

"You're lucky I can't feel anything in my nose anymore" he chuckles

"How many times have you broken it?"

"I have lost count" he grumbles "not even spells can fix it anymore" Hermione frowns at his demeanour, she could swear he was embarrassed, ashamed even

"What's wrong?"

"Is ugly, no?" she laughs and his expression sours further

"Viktor" she pulls his face so he's looking at her and kisses the tip of his nose "it would take a lot more than a broken nose to make you ugly. Besides, I happen to like it"

"You're biased"

"Yes I am" she grins, earning a smile "I'd never have thought you vain though" she teases

"Is strange, I did not care much until I wanted to ask a pretty girl to a ball"

"Definitely cheesy in the mornings" she smiles, getting that kiss she'd woken him up for.

They're both laughing as Viktor hops about and stumbles, trying to dress in the small space. He'd kicked off his trousers last night in favour of Hermione's warmth and regretted the decision a little now as he hit his head for the third time. Surprised Lavender and Parvati had remained sound asleep she opened the curtains on the side facing away from them and fished Viktor's broom from beneath the bed

"Do try not to get caught"

"I'll do my best" he grins at her, bending slightly for a kiss "will I see you at breakfast?"

"I don't see why not" as she waves Viktor off, she notices an owl change course from the owlery towards the tower. Then, quite determinedly it flaps it's wings to gain more speed and knocks her back as it glides through her open window "now what could be so important you had to come here?" she asks the owl, preening itself on her sill and takes the letter tied to it's leg

'Hermione,

First things first give the bird a treat, heaven knows he deserves it. Poor thing got snatched up by pest control after one of the neighbours complained about him. Blasted woman ought to consider herself lucky I don't call pest control to pick up those Chihuahuas of hers. Who in their right mind puts nail polish on a dog? Poor things would be better off where they can be placed in a proper home.

Anyway, I'm sorry the reply is so late but at least now you know why. I would like very much to launch straight in to the subject of this boyfriend of yours but I'll leave the best 'til last. The practice is doing just fine, people will always have teeth and therefore your father and I will never be out of a job. That being said it's getting rather tedious and that cruise is well and truly needed.

It has to be said Hermione, perhaps you shouldn't tell us about some of the things that go on in the magical world. No matter how much you love it at Hogwarts, we have to question sending you off to a place where people die at the annual sports day. Do wish Harry luck from us, it sounds like he might need it after all. Dragons! Whilst fascinated, again that's more than a little worrying Hermione.

A ball, finally something I have a better understanding of. Providing it's something like a school formal or prom. We're thrilled you enjoyed darling, could you send some of those moving pictures if you have any?

Last but not least. A boyfriend? I must admit whilst happy for you I am surprised, the revelation has brought out a few more grey hairs in your father and he's been strutting about the house like a wounded tiger since I told him but that's only natural. His little girl growing up so quickly. I do share his anxiety in the age difference you spoke of. He can be as charming and well-mannered as he likes but boys that age have urges and needs Hermione. Remember you're a strong and smart young woman, capable of making your own decisions and saying no. We'd love to meet him, I, out of genuine curiosity and interest. Your father, to put on a bravado and size the boy up.

All our love my darling, we miss you terribly,

Mum and Dad.

P.S. Turn over for the letter your father hasn't seen ;) …'

Reluctantly Hermione turns over the last sheet of paper, confused and beyond worried that her mother ended a letter with a winking smiley face

'Now, woman to woman. I knew this day was coming, perhaps not the boyfriend but this general thing. The fact there's now a boy on the scene only makes it more fitting. Yes, boys – men, Viktor's age to have urges, needs, ideas, fantasies. But so will you, chances are you already do, especially after the way you spoke of him. And yes, you do have the power and every right to say no, to go at your own pace, to do what you are comfortable with. I only wish to prepare you as best I can. There is nothing wrong with sexuality Hermione, it's natural and necessary, it makes the world go 'round and well when done right it's downright marvellous.

I don't doubt your young man cares about you my love, how could he not but you said yourself, he's older, likely more experienced and famous. That very well may not make the slightest bit of difference but men in his position do have women throwing themselves at them. I hope that when and if the time comes you will be comfortable enough to come to me with any questions you have. No need to be embarrassed, I'm here if you need me. As long as that batty old cougar across the street doesn't have the owls quarantined. Do you know she hit on your father the other week? I swear if they're not twenty years younger than her they're married. Damned woman. So to sum up. Good luck to Harry. Be careful. Send Pictures. Go at your own pace. We're happy for you. We'd like to meet him. I have a nemesis and we love you.

Mum and Dad'

Hermione smiles and blushes at the latter. Her wonderful mother, her wonderful parents. She missed them dearly while she was away but loved Hogwarts too. She put off writing her reply straight away to shower. She'd write them after breakfast where she could tell Viktor the good news. She sat in the common room for a few minutes with Harry's broom and cloak, she'd have to find other means of sneaking around. Hermione shook her head at the thought, who'd of thought a boy would have Hermione Granger breaking the rules

"You were out late last night" Hermione jumps from her spot on the sofa and faces Ron where he skulks on the staircase to the boys' dormitory

"How would you know?"

"I saw you come back"

"Well it's none of your business- wait a minute? How?"

"You weren't exactly stealthy Hermione, you just walked in to the common room"

"Yes I did but how do you know?"

"I was right there-" Ron's mouth falls open at the confession and his hand falls to his side, no longer pointing to the sofa

"No, Lavender was the only person in here when I got back"

"Guess you're not as smart as you like to think you are then"

"Hold on" Hermione bites back a laugh "you and Lavender?" Ron balks at her tone and rounds his shoulders

"Yeah, what of it?"

"Nothing" she smiles "I hope you're very happy" she squeezes her lips together to hold back laughter and schools her features

"Something funny Hermione?" he grits

"No, no, nothing, just surprised. Or rather, surprisingly unsurprised actually"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, I just- Now that I think about it, you're quite well suited" both petty and annoying she thinks

"Well at least Lavender didn't just settle for the first boy who showed her a bit of attention"

"And what's that supposed to mean?" she rolls her eyes

"Besides McLaggen and Neville no one even noticed you, you may as well have been one of the boys, or Moaning Myrtle for all any of us cared. Bloody Krum was just the first person to notice you had boobs somewhere under those lumpy jumpers" Hermione refrains from telling him Lavender puts stockings in her bra and shrugs

"Actually Ron, I'm quite sure McLaggen only noticed me because I grew boobs and Neville is my friend. Yes Viktor was the first man to show an interest in me but it was in my opinions and views. His interest in my boobs is just an added bonus. Now sod off"

"Does Harry know you've got his things?"

"No Ron, I snuck in to your room and stole them in the cover of night" she bites back sarcastically as Harry joins Ron on the stairs "just in time. Harry I'm returning the precious items I stole from you before Constable Ron over here arrests me"

"Uh thanks. Are you going to breakfast already?"

"Yes, I just wanted to return your things. I didn't hang around for the delightful company that is Ronald Weasley" Harry nods mutely and Hermione climbs through the portrait hole with a growl of frustration.

Her mood lightens considerably when she spots friendlier faces in the great hall. She feels a little bit of energy seep back in to her limbs when she sits beside Viktor but still sinks in to his chest in their usual seating position

"How did you sleep Моят скъпоценни красота?" he asks aloud

"Never better, I had a letter this morning"

"A letter?"

"From my parents, my neighbour had the owl I sent put in some sort of animal control centre but I finally got it"

"And is everything alvight?" Viktor asks nervously

"Everything is fine" she smiles then leans in closer "they're excited to meet you" Viktor grins widely and wraps his arms tighter around her, kissing her temple, cheek and jaw

"Is excellent news Моят скъпоценни красота"

"Forgive me if I am rude" Ivan speaks up "why must you call her such formal uh … pet name? Is this correct term? What is wrong with Бейб? Babe?"

"Babe" Viktor grimaces at the word like it leaves a foul taste in his mouth "is for childish flings, is for show, has no real affection or feeling. Awful pet name for partner, is only cute when used for babies, that's what it is meant for"

"Not everyone feels like that Viktor" Hermione laughs

"Do you disagree? Would you prefer I call you babe?"

"Not at all! I'm not particularly fond of it either but that doesn't mean it can't be said with affection"

"Is too simple a word, too plain for Моят скъпоценни красота Hermione"

"If that's how you feel" she shrugs, secretly pleased with everything he just said "there's your answer Ivan. Viktor is a sappy old romantic"

"I have come to same conclusion myself Hermione"

"I don't suppose you've seen the paper Hermione?" Ginny says carefully, at the shake of her head Dean hands a copy of the Daily Profit over

'Bulgarian Bon Bon Heartbroken' Hermione reads, the paper crinkling as she fists her hands. Below is a picture of Viktor looking indeed heartbroken, then angry, then storming off

"Skeeter isn't done with you yet"

'It would seem the power-loving Miss Granger is still toying with both our famous wizards. After sources revealed a shameful affair between Bulgarian Seeker, Viktor Krum and ambitious young witch, Hermione Granger, we were sure her hunger for wealth was satisfied. However it would appear the beast cannot be satiated. After the exciting events at the second task of the Triwizard Tournament, poor Krum was cast aside in favour of old flame Harry Potter. Recent sightings suggest young Potter has once again succumbed to the young witches charms' a picture of her kissing Harry's head after the task 'We can only hope he is afforded the same lucky escape as discarded plaything Viktor Krum'

"Hermione?"

"Who … the hell … does she think she is?!" Hermione growls "I could get her sacked for that. I will get her sacked for that"

"Hermione it's just a silly jealous woman" Viktor reasons

"She called us a shameful affair Viktor. Called you a plaything"

"I don't care"

"Well you should. If they don't print a retraction and a formal apology from the lying little twit herself I'll have her job" she glances at the paper again "or her head".