Hermione sat in the library, one of the rare times she was alone. She sat in a window seat with a book in her hands. She looked up when someone said hello. Krum was standing beside her. "Oh, hello." Hermione closed her book and sat up. "How are you?"
"I am good. What are you reading?" Krum asked with a thick accent.
"A muggle book." Hermione replied. "Do you want to look at it?" Krum shook his head. "Er…okay." They stay in silence for a moment.
"Very well," Krum said, turning and walking away.
"That was weird." Hermione muttered returning to her book, noticing out of her eye that Krum sat at a table a little ways from her, watching her. Hermine just looked at him for a second before returning to her book.
Hermione sat with Neville, talking about their classes as they waited for the results from the Goblet of Fire. They laughed as Fred and George were sent to the hospital wing for their attempt to fool the line. And now everyone waited with bated breath. Dumbledore stood and caught the first name to come out of the goblet. "Viktor Krum for Durmstrung." The entire Great Hall clapped with the Durmstrung students cheering the loudest. "Fleur Delacour for Beauxbaton." The Great Hall erupted in claps, the boys clapping the loudest. "And Cedric Diggory for Hogwarts." The Hufflepuff table started cheering like crazy as the rest of the Great Hall clapped. "Champions please come through this door and we will be with you in a moment." The three champions walked through a door and Dumbledore looked back at the group. "You may all return to your houses and we will inform you of the first task." With that everyone got up and left the Great Hall. "What do you think?" Neville asked.
"I think this is going to be interesting." Hermione responded. "Who do you think will win?"
"My guess is Krum." Ginny stated. "He's a seeker after all."
Hermione and Ginny walked through the castle halls, debating who would win when Krum came up to us. "Hello." He said.
"Hi." Hermione responded.
"Will you be cheering for me during the tasks?" Krum asked her.
"Probably." Hermione blushed.
"Good, I look forward to seeing you in the stands." With that he turned and walked away.
"What just happened?" Hermione asked Ginny.
"I think Krum likes you." Ginny said as they entered the library.
"Come on," Hermione said. "He doesn't know me, there's no way he likes me."
"Who can't like you?" Daphne asked as she sat down.
"Krum," Ginny replied. "He asked if Hermione would be cheering for him."
"Really?" Daphne asked. "He does like you."
"Come on guys," Hermione said. "You are being ridiculous. He does not like me."
"Who?" Draco asked as he joined the group.
"Someone who will tell their friends about her." Ginny said.
"Guys." Hermione warned. "Let's just get to work." Daphne and Ginny chuckled as they all returned to their books.
The day of the first task Hermione sat beside Neville and Ginny at the makeshift stadium. "What do you think the first task is?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know, but Charlie did say he'd see me again this year."
"I hope it's nothing too dangerous." Neville commented. "You do think Dumbledore was joking when he mentioned the death toll of the last tournament."
"He had to be." Ginny said, looking around Hermione. "I mean, why bring something that dangerous to a school?"
"He did mention they changed it so only people of age could participate." Hermione said as Dumbledore stood up.
"Hello students, faculty, and guests. The first challenge will be the champions trying to get a golden egg from these Dragons. A Common Welsh Green, a Chinese Fireball, and a Swedish Short - Snout. First is Cedric Diggory, going against a Swedish Short - Snout." Cedric stepped out and waved at the crowds.
"I don't think I can watch this." Hermione said as Cedric started fighting.
"I don't think I can either." Neville said. They turned towards each other and covered the view with their hands. After a while the stands erupted in claps. Hermione and Neville looked back up to see Cedric holding up the egg with the dragon being taken away. "Next is Fleur Delacour against the Common Welsh Green." Fleur came out and Hermione and Neville returned to their stance. They turned back to the arena once the claps started. "And finally, Viktor Krum against the Chinese Fireball."
"You have to at least pretend to watch for this one." Ginny told Hermione. "You told Viktor you would."
"I know." Hermione groaned. She watched as Viktor fought the dragon, only closing her eyes when the dragon started thrashing. Eventually the task came to an end and the crowd cheered.
"The tasks are now over." Dumbledore said. "Krum in first place, Diggory in second, and Delacour in third. You may return to the castle." The students all got up and started their way back up to the castle.
"I hope nothing is that scary." Hermione said with a shiver. Ginny and Neville nodded in agreement.
Hermione smiled as a Yule Ball was announced for the day before Christmas. "Looks like we are staying here." Hermione told Ginny as they headed down to the Great Hall.
"I wonder if we get asked to the ball." Ginny said. They turned a corner and saw Krum standing in the entrance hall. "I'll talk to you in a moment." Ginny smiled as she walked into the Great Hall.
"Hello." Krum said.
"Hi." Hermione responded, blushing.
"Will you go to the ball with me?" Krum asked, offering her a rose.
"Sure." Hermione smiled, accepting the rose. Krum bowed then walked away, joining his friends who patted his back. Hermione bit her lip as she smelled the rose.
"Are you going to the ball with Krum?" Daphne asked as she came up to Hermione.
"You think Draco is going to have a problem with it?" Hermione asked her friend as they walked into the great hall. Hermione had taken the rose and put in her hair to keep up with it.
"Let him." Daphne laughed as she went to the Slytherin table, Hermione went to sit beside Ginny.
"Well?" Ginny asked.
"I have a date."
"Oh." Neville said as he slipped in the seat in front of her. "I was going to ask you, as you and Ginny are the only girls that talk to me."
"Why don't you ask Gin." Hermione offered.
"Yeah," Ginny said. "I won't be able to go without someone your year or older, and we are friends."
"Ok, Ginny, will you go to the Yule Ball with me?"
"Of course Neville." Ginny smiled.
"I can't wear this." Hermione said, showing Ginny the dress Molly picked out for her. "I mean, it's pretty."
"It just does not seem very you." Ginny agreed. "It feels more like her."
"Exactly." Hermione agreed, putting the dress back in her trunk.
"Well, let's go see if Daphne wants to go and pick out a dress in Hogsmeade next trip."
"That's a great idea Ginny." Hermione said and together they walked out of Hermione's dorm and into the common room.
"Hey Hermione, Ginny." Harry said from beside Ron.
"Hi Harry." Ginny and Hermione said in unison. Ron suddenly lit up and jumped up.
"Hermione, why don't you go to the Yule Ball with me?" He asked.
"Because I already have a date, and you kissed me without my permission, twice." Hermione stepped away from him.
"Well Gin, why don't you go with Harry, that way he doesn't have to go alone and you can go." Ron suggested.
"I already have a date." Ginny said, as Hermione pulled her out of the common room.
"Wait, who?" Ron asked.
"Neville." Ginny responded as the common room door closed behind her.
Hermione sat anxiously as Daphne put the finishing touches on her makeup. "You need to sit still, I do not want to mess it up."
"Sorry." Hermione muttered.
"It's okay." Daphne smiled. "How's her hair?"
"Almost done." Ginny said. Hermione glanced up into the mirror and almost gasped. Ginny had gotten her hair under control and had it braided then wrapped into a bun on the top of her head.
"Okay, I am done." Daphne said, getting up. "I am going to join Theo, Ginny, will you walk me out?"
"Of course, see you in a moment, Hermione." Ginny said as she and Daphne walked out of the dorm room and out of the Gryffindor House. Hermione looked at herself for a moment before taking a deep breath and leaving her dorm.
(POV change)
Ginny, Neville, Daphne, and Theo stood at the stairs to the Entrance Hall, waiting for Hermione, Krum stood a little ways away and Draco and Pansy stood off to the side. "Oh my god." Pansy said, eyes wide. Draco turned and his own widened as well. The first thing he saw was a strappy stiletto heel before it was covered by a velvet red mermaid skirt that hugged Hermione's curves and spaghetti straps that met the bow that circled her ribs. "Viktor." Hermione said, offering Krum her hand as she reached the end of the stairs.
"You should have grown a pair and disobeyed your parents." Blaise said as he came up beside Draco and Pansy. Draco punched him in the arm, not taking his eyes off of Hermione as she walked with Krum into the Great Hall, laughing. Pansy and Blaise just shared a look and shook their heads.
(Return to previous POV)
Hermione smiled as she and Krum entered the Great Hall. "This is beautiful." Hermione said, looking at all the decorations.
"But not as pretty as you." Krum said, causing Hermione to blush. "What? You are very beautiful tonight."
"Thank you Viktor." Hermione replied. "You are very handsome." Viktor held out her chair for her once they got to the table for the champions. "Thank you."
"You are very welcome." Krum sat beside her. They ate in mostly silence, with a little conversation about the meal. Eventually it was time for them to dance and Krum took her hand. They danced a few slow dances, Hermione thankful that her parents signed her up for dance lessons when she was younger. "Would you like a drink?" Krum asked as they went to one of the tables surrounding the dance floor.
"Yes please." Hermione smiled as he bowed and walked to the punch table.
"Having fun?" Draco asked, approaching her.
"Yes, actually I am." Hermione said. "Are you and Pansy having a good time?"
"I think Pansy is." Draco said.
"And you?" Hermione asked.
"How can I enjoy myself seeing you dance and laugh with him?" Draco asked.
"The same way I can seeing you with my friend." Hermione retorted as Krum walked up to her. "Why thank you Viktor. Viktor, may I introduce you to Draco Malfoy. Malfoy, aren't you a fan of his?"
"Would you like an autograph?" Krum asked. "I can give you one."
"Oh, no thank you." Draco said. "I just wanted to make sure Granger was enjoying herself."
"I am having a great time, I hope you enjoy yourself too." Draco nodded as he walked away.
"Shall we dance?" Krum asked, offering her his hand.
"Yes, please." Hermione set down her drink and followed him to the dance floor.
Later that night, once Krum and Hermione had reached their height of enjoyment Hermione sat at one of the tables. "It's two in the morning, I think it is time I call it a night." She told Krum, massaging what she can reach of her feet.
"May I walk you to your dorm?" Krum asked. Hermione looked at him in shock before smiling.
"Of course." Krum helped her back up and held her hand as they made their way to the Gryffindor Tower. They paused in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady. "I had a great night." Hermione told Krum.
"I did too." Krum said. "May I kiss you?"
"Oh," Hermione bit her lip as she thought about it for a moment. She liked her lips before reaching up to kiss him. Krum met her half way, placing one of his hands on her waist, the other between her shoulders. Hermione wrapped her arms around Krum's neck as the kiss deepened. Krum was the one to initiate the separation. "Thank you." He said, giving her one more peck goodbye and walking away. Hermione bit her lip as she told the password to the Fat Lady and went to her bed, taking off her shoes on her way.
The following morning, once she was finished packing, Hermione went to Ginny's room. "I kissed Krum last night." She told the younger girl.
"How was it?" Ginny asked, folding her new Weasley sweater.
"I'm not sure, he's only the second guy I've kissed." Hermione reminded her.
"Well, which do you prefer? Kissing him or Malfoy?" Ginny asked. Hermione thought about that for a second. "Well, think about it. But in the meantime, let's go find Daphne and Pansy. I'm sure they would like to hear about this." Hermione chuckled as she and Ginny made their way out of the Gryffindor Common Room.