They both left the bathroom to find that they were the last ones to board the plane. Unlike the previous flight, her family was split by an aisle between. Hermione's mother sat on the end and Hermione sat on the other side of the aisle from her alone next to a woman who seemed to be in her mid-40s.
During the safety demonstration at the start of the flight Hermione looked down at her hands and found them to be clasped so tightly that her fingers had turned white. Before the demonstration was complete, a shadow fell across her. "Excuse me miss?" Hermione looked up to see Viktor talking to the woman next to her.
"Yes?" she replied.
"I thought that you may be more comfortable in an aisle seat rather than a middle seat. My girlfriend is afraid of flying."
The woman perked up at the thought of having an aisle seat and quickly agreed to change seats but not before asking Hermione, "Will you be okay?" At Hermione's nod, she got up to sit next to Viktor's mother.
"Thank you. I don't know how good I will be as a flight companion though." Hermione looked at Viktor.
"You will be fine. Just breathe and keep talking. It will help with the anxiety."
The flight attendants completed their demonstration and the plane taxied down to the runway.
"I'm here if you need me," he said as he held out a hand for her to hold. She grasped them like a lifeline.
He didn't ask about the transition; he just continued the conversation they were having on the last flight which was primarily one sided. When the plane reached cruising altitude, Hermione, exhausted, fell asleep on Viktors arm while continuing to hold his hand. Viktor smiled at the girl and turned to look at her mother. The mother smiled at him in thanks.
When the plane began its descent, Hermione startled awake. Viktor forced her to look at him. "It will be fine. Breathe." This time when her eyes met his, she knew that it would be okay. Her shallow breathing slowed as she stared into his eyes. When she realized she was staring for too long she blinked and looked forward and focused on her breathing.
As the plane hit the tarmac. She wasn't holding his hand as a lifeline anymore but rather as a source of comfort. She flinched as the wheels skipped across the pavement, but he grabbed her right hand in both of his. When the plane began to taxi. She laughed in relief, "I didn't faint this time." She looked at the ceiling in relief. "Thank you, Viktor."
"Anytime Hermione."
He grabbed her bag from the overhead for her and they both made their way to the plane's exit. "Goodbye, Mr. Krum."
"Goodbye, Miss Granger."
He then went to join his mother and she did the same joining her parents who were waiting on Daphne in the restroom.
As Viktor and his mother were about to leave Hermione decided to be bold. She took a cocktail napkin and wrote her address. "In case I haven't scared you off."
"No, you haven't Miss…"
"Granger. Thank you, Mr... "
"Krum"
Before he went out of sight, he turned back to give one more glance back at her to which she smiled.
To her credit Daphne was not very shocked by her new appearance. Daphne was actually overjoyed that they looked like sisters for the first time since she was 7. After they arrived back at home Hermione went to retrieve her old texts for her sister to use and they organized a trip to Diagon Alley the next day to get the school supplies that the two girls would need, and the formal outfits that Hermione would need for the upcoming social season.
The next day the three Granger girls took a deep breath knowing what their trip to Diagon Alley meant. It meant that Lyra Granger (née Black) would be coming out of hiding and face the wrath of pureblood society for her refusal to marry a Malfoy. The year prior to Hermione's birth, Lucius Malfoy had favored her mother, but with her brother being the head of the Black household, she was able to choose who to marry. When she made her choice, she and Sirius decided it would be safer to live on "the outside" rather than stay in magical society for her safety and that of her family.
They entered the Leaky Cauldron, walked by the stares of onlookers. To the entrance in the back of the pub. The three took a deep breath and entered the alley. They quickly made their stops for school supplies before going to Madame Malkin's for new robes for both girls. Quickly sorting out the main school robes, Hermione began to look at the dress robes that Madame Malkin had in her shop. Touching the fabrics, she walked through the aisles to see if she could find any that would work for the dress robes that were required for this year's social season and school year. Until she found herself in the men's section where she ran straight into Malfoy. "Hello, Draco Malfoy. Nice to meet you." He bowed.
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy." She replied politely.
"May I know your name?" Malfoy questioned.
"Hermione of House Black and Merlin." She answered while looking at the beading on a burgundy ball gown.
"I hope to see you at the season's opening ball."
"You will," she nodded as she walked away.
"May I be so bold as to ask for the first dance." He asked as he followed her.
Hermione stopped and turned around "Calm down, Mr. Malfoy. There is no need for flattery." Hermione turned back around and walked away. To continue her search for a gown.
He followed her down the aisle and grabbed her arm to force her to turn towards her. "Don't test my patience Malfoy," she warned.
"I don't know what I did to offend you, but I apologize." He bowed once again. When he looked up again, he saw her roll her eyes.
"Excuse me! You don't know how you've insulted me!" she growled.
"Honey, I think I found a good one for the opening ball next week." Lyra called across the shop.
"I thank you for your attention sir, but know that any romantic interactions between us cannot occur. Matching with my second cousin is not my goal during the social season." Hermione curtsied and walked towards her mother.
She was holding up a sleek emerald dress up with grey beading. Daphne said "Look, it's your favorite color."
Hermione looked at her mother, "I'm not wearing green." She saw Draco in the corner of her eye.
"Why not honey?" Her mother questioned.
"I know you were a Slytherin, but I am decidedly not. I cannot wear those colors around people my age, that might give them the wrong idea." She clearly stated. "Do you think we can change the colors?"
"Of course," her mother replied. "What color?"
"What about a silver with light grey beading?"
"I like it, honey. Let's find some other robes for you to try on." They collected some more of different styles. After deciding what dresses would be needed for the social season. They searched for the required dress robes that would be needed per the Hogwart's shopping list.
After trying on so many dresses, Hermione found a light periwinkle organza dress with a bateau neckline that was detailed with silver beading. She looked at herself critically in the mirror, noting Malfoys admiring face from the corner of her eye. "This is perfect."
Her mother approached and looked at her critically, "Are you sure? It seems almost bridal to me."
"All the more perfect for a Black and a Merlin entering unsullied into society don't you think." Hermione whispered embarrassedly as she stared back at herself with quiet pride into the mirror.
"I suppose," Lyra said.
"Besides, for the end game, it's better to seem innocent as a flower rather than sting like a bee from the start. We can discuss strategies for the future, but I think this is the best way to see male intentions and risks at this stage. My entering society is to protect our family's future, I need to play this smart." She breathed. Madam Malkin came up and fitted the gown to Hermione's specifications before recommending headpieces and jewelry to go with her outfits. She turned and sighed in relief as she saw that Malfoy had left the shop.
After jewelry was selected. Madam Malkin asked if they were to attend the World Cup. Hermione looked in surprised. "Yes, I am going with my friends."
"Of course. That's an event, isn't it?" Lyra almost hit her head.
"Yes, there is a gathering after the game. It is traditional that the Ladies and Gentlemen being presented do not wear team colors." Madam Malkin said.
"What do they normally wear?" Lyra questioned.
Madam Malkin smiled, "Black and White casual"
Hermione then asked quietly, "Would wearing a colored piece of jewelry work with tradition?"
"Yes, I suppose."
Hermione nodded. "Would blue jeans work for this outfit?"
"Yes" Madam Malkin nodded.
Hermione returned to the Jewelry case. Knowing that red would likely be a color for the team in the Cup, she had to toe the line to not insult or favor one side or another. She selected small garnet and diamond earrings to keep the promise that she gave two weeks ago. She had hoped to play the season safe, but these small earrings could throw a wrench in that plan.