*Note: Sorry, but my italics are erased. So you can imagine where the italics are, thanks. :-)

*To all who stayed on so far... you're darlings! :-)


July 19

Dear Diary,
Well, all right. Yesterday's entry sounds great for some story of mine, but otherwise it really doesn't record what happened very well. Here's what happened yesterday morning:

Now, I didn't want to bring up "Section A Subtitle B", as those non-human guidelines are known, on Saturday because Viktor had practice to worry about and it was such a lovely day I didn't want to ruin it by getting worked up.

But when I opened the Prophet yesterday… I waited until after breakfast, luckily, because if this had happened in front of Mrs. Krum! … and an article outlining the Non-Human Guidelines of Communication During A Dark Calamity greeted me, and I snapped, I just exploded with anger, like the Weasley twins had set off firecrackers inside me. All I could think of was innocent people like Hagrid, Lupin, and - I feel so guilty; first time I thought of her in a while - Anna having to follow those unfair, disgusting, and frankly degrading laws, and, well…

It wasn't pretty, I assure you.

"Look at this," I screeched, shoving the paper to Viktor.

He glanced down, skimmed it, and the raised his eyes to me. "Yes?"

"Did you see that?" I demanded furiously, rummaging and then pulling the article from Friday out and slamming that by him as well.

"Yes," Viktor answered calmly. "I had seen those before."

He was so calm. I stared at him in disbelief, and then voice my opinion - quite calmly, myself, in a cold and dangerous rage that translated into calmness - for the moment.

That's right where I should I have stopped. I had voiced my opinion, and since forcing it on Viktor would have done no good, I should have just dropped it. Instead, I looked very hardly at him and said: "You agree, right?"

I refused to let him break eye contact but he squirmed slightly, looking as nervous as he had the day he managed to ask me to the Yule Ball.

He took a deep breath and said no.

My voice caught; I couldn't speak. I was so passionate about this, and now for the first time Viktor didn't agree with me. I felt as if the world had been dropped from under me. It was brain numbing.

"Why?" was all I managed to inquire.

He thought a moment before stating his careful words. It was safest for all involved, he said.

I snapped again. I threw my hands in the air forcefully. Oh, I spat, the safety of all of us is improved because Hagrid can't go to Hogsmeade without a half-giant Identification Pin. Right. Not to mention the fact he is working for Albus Dumbledore, and against the Dark Side.

He replied quite calmly that it was safest for everyone to be able to know what he was.

My mind screamed: "What he is?" and "Oh, Rita Skeeter didn't do that thoroughly enough?" I changed my tactic and said that it would be harder for Hagrid to do certain things for Dumbledore if he had to turn in his wand. (Not that he's taken it out of the umbrella even after his name was cleared; but now everyone knows.)

Viktor said that then Hagrid couldn't hurt anyone with it.

"HARM ANYONE WITH IT?!" I shrieked. Hagrid - intentionally hurt anyone with magic? Absurd!!

"He's not human. Who knows what he might do. He's different," said Viktor quietly.

I wanted to say that Hagrid was more "human" than many, many "true" humans I had ever met, and in retrospect it probably would have been better to just say that. However, I snapped yet again and started … well… blabbing, for lack of a better word. Ranting, perhaps. About Rebeus Hagrid, his intense loyalty to Dumbledore, his childlike innocence on some matters, his great wisdom in others, his very generous, well-meaning heart, and his love of any and every animal. About Remus Lupin, the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher we had ever had, unable to continue teaching because of a few prejudicial bigots and his fear of injecting the students with the same curse that had exiled him even though he was perfectly nice. About Anna Maynard, a girl younger than myself and living in terror, knowing that if she received one more bite from the thing she feared most she would turn into that thing, and instead of being helped, being exiled to a place she was at even greater risk. About the house-elves, innocent little slaves like Winky, who had been told so many times that only those she served, not herself, mattered that she believed it and nearly destroyed herself because of it. I went on with this ranting little monologue for about five solid minutes, ending with: "And what was so wrong with Madame Maxime?" before I ran out of breath and was forced to stop.

Viktor just looked at me for a moment before sighing and saying we simply had different views on the subject and that's that. He then went on to say that a childhood as a Muggle and a witch in sheltered England and even more sheltered Hogwarts meant that I could never understand the threat non-humans posed.

I snapped again and shouted a few things I'll never forgive myself for and then stormed up to the guest bedroom.

And we haven't been on friendly terms since. It's dreadful. Viktor, being the gentleman he is, hasn't been rude at all - he quite politely says good morning and good night and inquires if I need anything at all - but he's just civil, not friendly a mite, and avoids me the rest of the time. Mrs. Krum glares at me constantly and even Mr. Krum is somewhat strained towards me.

I'm so confused. Should I say I'm sorry? I am, a bit - not for my opinion but for how I expressed it. But I don't know how to say it, and even if I apologized Viktor might be too proud to. He really does have a prideful streak. And I keep remembering the cold look in his eyes when he was speaking of dangerous non-humans. How can I be a friend with someone like that? I just can't.

I'm going to go do my Transfiguration homework, even though I promised to enjoy myself in Bulgaria and only do two assignments and save the rest for August. Oooo… just thinking of home makes me homesick! I think I'll do some more of Days of the Fiddle Girl instead. No, that's too cheerful. I suppose Transfiguration, then.


July 19, evening


Dear Diary,
I feel so bad now for comparing Ron to Viktor. The truth was that I didn't want to be "the girlfriend" to either of them and ending up shunning Ron. I think I see that now. But I kept on putting down Ron even here in my diary, and look at this letter I just got from him -

Dear Hermione,

I'm glad to hear you're having a good time. Going to a National Quidditch Team practice - man, I'm jealous. Sounds wicked cool.

I finally got a letter from Harry. It doesn't sound too good. It doesn't even sound like Harry. I hope his aunt and uncle aren't being bigger gits than normal. Their sister might just get blown up.

Whoa, Hermione. Calm down, just a bit. I saw that article too and the first thing I thought of was oh, boy, Hermione is not going to like this - and I agree with you, really. I'm not too thrilled about it, thinking of Hagrid. Dad is disgusted about it and if it makes you feel better he did everything he could to try and convince the Department Too-Long-To-Name to not pass Section A Subtitle B, but he has to be careful because he's "meddling" in a lot.

Just cool off a bit, okay? I know you want to do something, but making voodoo dolls of Fudge or tearing up the Krums' guest room won't help, really. Why not write a letter to the Daily Prophet? It won't really change the law but if you write it, who knows? You're pretty convincing - (cough, cough) - I know all too well.

Everything's pretty much okay over here, only Dad and Percy are working non-stop - actually, I haven't seen Percy in about two days. (Pity, eh?) His faith in the Ministry is really shaken after the Crouch deal, which is actually pretty good, because he's not protesting about Dad's "meddling". He finally learned the Ministry people aren't gods.

Ginny, the twins, and Mum and Dad all say hello and are hoping you're having a good time. Ginny wants a "full report". I'll see you later - we will try to meet in Diagon Alley, right?

-- Ron


Wasn't that a good letter? I swear, Ron's actually beginning to write thoughtful letters! Amazing - and I really appreciate it, it's so nice, even if I'm more confused than ever. And more homesick than ever. I really am homesick. I want to be home, in a house where I am loved and near people I know and a place I don't feel awkward and actual English conversation and quicker replies from Ron and Ginny and Harry.

But Ron had a really good idea! I'm going to get a good night's sleep and start that letter pronto! I'm so glad he suggested this!


July 20


Dear Diary,

Depressed. The letter is going simply awful. Viktor and I aren't talking. Worked on History of Magic and another chapter of Fiddle Girl. Lupin hasn't replied yet and I'm getting antsy because Harry's birthday is in just a bit over ten days and I don't have any material at all yet. I think I might go shopping this evening to see if I can buy him anything in town…


July 21


Dear Diary,

Viktor went out to practice this morning and Mr. Krum had gone to work so I had to eat breakfast alone with Mrs. Krum, and she was absolute torture. She kept glaring and dropping snide remarks about how I'm so selfish, she knew I wasn't right for Viktor, I'm too young and far too immature, and I don't know what I'm talking about. I didn't know whether to lash out at her or cry, so I settled on not replying, causing her to say I had some horrible manners I probably picked up from savage giants at Hogwarts.

I was too depressed to be angry. The letter just doesn't want to be written. Speaking of letters, no, I haven't heard from Lupin and definitely no, I did not tell Mrs. Krum I sent one of her owls to a werewolf. It's nowhere near the full moon and what she doesn't know can't hurt her!

I also went shopping for Harry. Well, I found a cute little jewelry/accessory case for Ginny, sturdy and wooden and lined with glint gold and realistic gemstones. She saw one in Diagon Alley once and really liked it. I didn't find anything for Ron and ended up buying Harry a schoolbag. I really hope I can use the receipt!


July 23


Dear Diary,

Nothing new, except I've been staring upward at the sky so much my neck hurts, as if scanning the sky will hurry up a certain owl I'm in desperate need of.

It occurred to me that perhaps Lupin would think I'm crazy and just not reply. For one thing, he was my teacher more than a year ago, and while I thought of him every so often I'm sure he doesn't remember me. You know those little voices in your head that tell you you've overstepped the rules of polite society? Well, I've got them and they're killing me with some awful embarrassing situations my letter might end up causing, even while I know none of them will happen. Oh, well. I just thought that he might care about Harry enough to do it. Or perhaps the memories were just too painful.

With that last thought in mind, how on earth could I owl Sirius with the same request? I me-

Hold on a moment.

I'm taking a deep breath.

Okay, I'll admit it. I, Hermione Granger of Gryffindor, Hogwart's House of the Brave, am afraid to owl Sirius because it means revealing my secrets writings to yet another person.

Figures.

But, really. Sirius is Harry's godfather, and if Sirius knew who knows but Harry will find out from him. And then Ron will know the next instant, and then the Weasleys, and from there the whole school. I just can't stand that thought. It was bad enough I turned in Michelle's Quest instead of my vampire essay in my third year. That's a tribute to how crazy I was that year. But, then, it could have been worse. What if I had handed it to Snape? He sure wouldn't have talked to me after class. He would have read it to all the Gryffindors and Slytherins during our double Potions, and I would have just died. I don't know which would be worse - having Harry and Ron, Parvati and Lavender, or Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson know about my writing.

Oh, how do I know Snape would have read it out loud to us? I had a nightmare in which that happened last night - seriously. I suppose I should have remembered it's two years later during the dream, but I was terrified.

"Now, here's what Miss Granger has to say about Confusing Concoctions," my horrified self watched Snape's sneering mouth ejaculate.

" 'Michelle's Quest - Chapter Six -Michelle opened her eyes slowly, the daylight hurting her for a moment before she adjusted to the sun. Someone was calling her name from a long way off… Vivian? She thought, confused…'."

Now, you can't tell me that wasn't scary. Although, since it doesn't seem like I'll be able to write Harry's book, the idea of a kid whose writing is revealed in such a way and the after-effects actually sounds like a good storyline…

Oh, I can't believe I had been considering sharing my writing with Viktor…


July 24


YES!!

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!! Viktor and I made up!

Okay, so here's what happened. Actually, I feel sort of guilty for being so happy, considering what happened this morning, since three Muggles in Kent had been killed - a wife, husband, and mother-in-law, and the couple were doctors. It was all over the Prophet and the Krums' papers.

I was miserable during breakfast - meals with the Krums are awful and strained lately, and since Mrs. Krum doesn't believe You-Know-Who is back she kept going on about how Sirius Black must have done it, which made my blood boil. I excused myself as soon as possible.

I was at the front door when Viktor appeared beside me. "Vare are you going, Hermioneh?" (We've made great strides in the pronunciation of my name, by the way. It's just the ending he can't quite nail. But remember, I'm not going to bother to write out his accent.)

"Out for a walk," was all I managed, my voice sounding odd and forced. Talking to him had once been so natural.

He nodded, his eyes fixed on a point beyond me. "Would you mind if I accompanied you?"

Vould I mind? Either we were going to completely make up or break up as far as I could see, and both sounded quite appealing to me. I nodded and said, "Yes, please." I don't know where the words came from; they just came out like a plead, almost.

We walked for a few minutes in an awkward silence, until we were out of earshot and nearly out of eyeshot from Mrs. Krum.

Then he turned to me and said quietly (in English, of course, he's so polite he'll speak my native language even with the Polygut Potion), "My father and I know that those murders weren't just the random work of Black. We know the Dark Lord is back."

Of course, Viktor thinks Black is a Death Eater, but I knew he meant that this wasn't just the work of a deranged Death Eater. This was… him.

He sighed and suddenly took my hand and looked me straight in the eye. "I am old enough to recall, a bit, the Dark Lord's first reign. It was terrifying… but what I remember most was… the distrust."

He sighed again. "We both know the truth of this. I do not want you to leave me to face the Dark Lord's reign in your country, which is in most danger, without out friendship."

He paused a moment; I didn't trust myself to say anything. After all, look where it got me last time I talked without thinking. But Viktor spoke first:

"I was thinking about what you said Sunday."

I breath caught and my excitement must have shown because he shook his head slowly and sadly. "I'm sorry. I don't take back my opinion that the guidelines are for the best. I hope they are passed here as well. But," he added quickly, "I do think I might have to reconsider my belief that all non-humans are dangerous. I think I agree with you about the prejudice. I can see how your friends might be, well… civilized. In many places, like Bulgaria, half-giants and werewolves and young girls at that much of a risk of becoming a vampire - they are little more than savages, but from what I have seen I can understand it might be different in England."

I nodded. "Thanks. Really. Thanks. And I'm sorry. Really. For being a bit - forceful. It's just that Hagrid's done so much for me and…" I shook my head in self-disgust, "I just get so angry over prejudice. It's a real fault of mine."

Then Viktor smiled and said not to say sorry, because the first time he had ever noticed me was when I was telling off some Slytherins for picking on Neville, and he had been so impressed that he started noticing other things about me -

" - your cleverness and dedication to your studies and your loyalty and beautiful eyes -"

"Viktor!" I protested, blushing heavily although I couldn't help feeling pleased enough to smile.

Then - Viktor put his arm around me. And… don't tell my parents… I was against his chest and felt so comfortable and safe - and then he kissed me lightly on the head. And I didn't even think of pulling away. I liked it.

And now I feel lightheaded and very strange.

That evening we took a walk in town. Viktor had his arm around my waist during part of the walk, but these ten-or-eleven-year olds were snickering. We couldn't have cared less. And then we found a clearing were a group of young children were playing and flying and we stayed a while, helping and laughing and having a great time.

And on the way back I told Viktor about Ron's idea to write to the Daily Prophet and how the letter was going horribly. He said that he was sure I could write it excellently now that we weren't so upset and then thoughtfully added he'd do the same to the Bulgarian paper. Of course, it won't be the same as mind because, remember, he approves of the guidelines, just not the treatment, but at least it's sure to get lots of attention, as he pointed out rather gloomily. Being Viktor Krum has advantages. Like Harry Potter, a famous name can be a double-edged sword, a gift and a curse. Viktor is using it as a gift for the moment.

All in all, I feel wonderful, peaceful, and tired… Crookshanks and I are already in bed, and I think we're heading for dreamland…

July 25


Dear Diary -

Just when I thought I couldn't get happier! This morning Kapolei, the Krums' owl, came back - and let me tell you, what Lupin sent back is more than worth the wait - this is incredible, I swear! He and Sirius both sent a whole lot of material for me to work with, and I've actually been rolling with laughter on the floor reading this stuff! I swear, Harry's dad basically had strange friends! And, come to think of it, aren't I using a lot of exclamation points? I'm just really excited. Harry is going to love this, if I can finish and send it in time - speaking of which, I'm going to write later, because there's a ton to do! 'Til later!


July 25, evening


Dear Diary,

By careful dint of working non-stop, I've got a rough draft nearly completed and the real book will be easy, just a few charms I hope Viktor will work.

Speaking of which, in the spirit of our renewed friendship and the fact I just had to share all this with someone, Viktor now knows about my writing. I think he's the first person I ever voluntarily told. I can't really hide this from my parents, Lupin, of course, pretty much figured out that Michelle wasn't being attacked by vampires, and Anna only suspected. I actually TOLD someone…

And it felt nice, not hiding it.

And he was really supportive of my book for Harry - which needs a better name than that - and had several ideas and did agree to help with the charms, but also added that the rules of underage wizardry are different here - so I can do magic, and all this time -!

Anyway, Viktor really liked it as well. Of course, I didn't get too personal. I did say it was for Harry and the letters were from two of his father's old friends and the idea to collaborate it all together and all, but I didn't get much more into it than that. They pointedly referred to themselves as Padfoot and Moony the whole way through, which I take to mean no one should know about this and no one should know I've been in contact with Sirius Black. Of course, I didn't tell Viktor about Sirius. I said his name was Gary, I think - giggle. Well, it was the first one that came to mind, okay? And, secretly, I must say I felt a little smug - Viktor did know that the savage English werewolf wrote most of those works, and he was rather impressed. Am I really awful for almost saying: "I told you so"?

Anyway, I've also just got another letter from Harry which I definitely do not like.

Dear Hermione,

I really am quite fine. Just because I didn't write a lot in my last letter doesn't mean I'm fatally ill or anything. I'm just really busy.

So anyway I hope you are having a good time in Bulgaria. Send my best wishes to the Krums. Sounds like everything's okay with you and Ron.

Sincerely,

Harry


Well, well, well. That just isn't Harry. I don't know what's gotten into him - whether he feels really bad from last year, or the Dursleys are -

OH. MY. GOODNESS. NO. I just thought of the most awful thing - What if You-Know-Who has Harry and is forcing him to write those letters to throw us off the track?!?!

No, no, please no, I think I've just gone wild.

And -

Okay, okay, okay. I just threw my diary across the room and took about six deep breaths. I've got to think straight. It helps when I write - if I can write fast enough to keep up with my mind. Okay. If I'm sure I can write Sirius. I have to say thanks to him and Lupin anyway. No, wait. Sirius can't do anything much - could he? Wel - no, Dumbledore. Right. He'll know what to do. And then… wait. Now, has Harry been kidnapped by You-Know-Who?

Hmm.

After a moment's thought, I don't think so. I mean, these letters just aren't Harry. You-Know-Who is practically the most powerful wizard in the world, he wouldn't be that stupid… would he?

No, he wouldn't be. He's too cautious now. And he can't touch Harry when he's with the Dursleys - right? But what if he found - no, no, no; he didn't and can't. Ooh, this is difficult. But it just can't be. Absolutely not. Dumbledore told him to stay at the Dursleys because it was safest. But safest… no, I've got to stop thinking like that! Harry is fine and not at the hands of the Dark Lord.

Right.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure. And, knowing Harry, he's smart enough to make little markings on those letters even if Death Eaters were watching him. He knows me well even and he's very clever.

So back to my theory that the Dursleys actually figured out the post. That seems most likely to me. But you know what? If they have, they're very stupid to think that his two best friends would not notice. It's stupid - that's the only word for it. And you know what that tells me? They do not understand friendship and probably never experienced it. And that's sort of odd. His aunt's sister, Lily… in those letters, they raved about her. She was obviously a warm, caring person.

And they think that they could fool us into thinking our best friend is fine. Ha. What idiots.

Anyway, I feel much better, much more… calm. Whoa, that was close, though. I think I'll talk to Viktor about it - well, not all of it; some of it is personal between the three of us.

And I had better go. I still want to finish that by tomorrow so I can send it off and it'll reach in time, and that above rantings reminded me that I do owe a thank-you letter. Hmm. Might be awkward. Now that I'm not so frantic I notice those odd little things.


July 26


It's nearly midnight - but I sent it off, and - it's finished! Whoopee! YES!! I just want to punch my fist in the air, but come to think of it, I'm too tired. Oh, I'm exhausted. How can condensing memories and writing be so exhausting? Maybe it has something to do with the fact I was crying half the time. Not just because some of them were extremely funny. It was sad, when you thought of it. All that laughter, even in the midst of the darkness, was silenced pretty quickly. Sad… but I'm still so happy… Harry will be thrilled!

By the way, there have been no attacks since the one Viktor and I made up over, which might be good if I didn't think of it as the calm before the storm strikes. Oh, I'm getting poetic. G'night - I only have a few days left in Bulgaria, and I want to be rested to enjoy them - ooh! I really don't want to go home! Well, yes, I do, in a way. But then… oh, good night!

July 28


Just a quick word - Viktor and I are having so much fun! It's just been great - another National practice - oh, are the boys going to be jealous! - more wandering around town, watching our "children" - we practically "adopted" those neighborhood kids, ha! - going to more shows and exhibits, talking, laughing, reading, debating, flying - aren't holidays wonderful?

(Ron would faint if he knew I had said that! Ha!)


July 29


Mum and Dad wrote today, arranging for me to come home. Oh, poor things, they're worried to death about me. They seem to sense the Dark Side, and they're scared to death of me going to school… you know, I realize again this must be very hard on them, having their "baby" in some strange place. But I have got to go back to Hogwarts… odd, but it know seems like home, just as much as my real home ever did.

With those thoughts in mind I wrote back quite calmly and patiently. They'll be fine… although I'm still worried; I admit it. What if they were attacked?


July 30


I could sing. Hogwarts letters tomorrow! Well, as Harry would say: "Don't!". I still laugh over that occasionally. I've been packing - sob! I really don't want to go, but Mum and Dad won't be persuaded, and now I'm off to be the Granger Dentists' Receptionist. Hmm. I'm still going to get it for my own teeth, if you know what I mean… they were not to happy about that. I don't see why. I saved them the work, didn't I? Okay, just joking, I understand… somewhat. Gosh. Sometimes I wish they were normal parents, but that's stupid, because they are... at least, they aren't magical. How come Muggle seems stranger than magic, now? Has it really happened? I'm a full-fledged witch?

Anyway, that's a musing for a different time, because Viktor and I have lots to do before I leave… I had such a good time, I really did. Only, Note To Self: When I get back to England, I have to write what I learned of Fletcher and Figg. Pretty interesting stuff, when combined with what I learned from working on Harry's booklet - which, by the way, I called simply: "To Harry". Well, I wasn't too oringinal, but I was reading this thing on how the more moving the storyline, the simpler the "frills" - title, etc., should be. So I tried it, and I really am pleased with the result. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes, write down what I learned soon.


July 31


I'm in shock! I got the Hogwarts letter, but I wasn't made a prefect!! I know, I know, I shouldn't have expected it… but still… Parvati and Lavender? They must be kidding! Perhaps it comes separately, I don't know…

While in shock, I have also said good-bye. To all of Bulgaria… sob. Oh, it went just far, far too fast. I'll write more in a few hours; right now I'm being escorted to a Muggle airplane… to Britain. Sigh. But then I'll have more than enough time to talk.