Notes from me to you guys are at bottom, where I put them in case I spoiled something of the story for you, so read the story THEN the notes.
Disclaimer: Disclaimed.
Chapter Four - Awkward City
Viktor Krum was standing outside of the Burrow at about noon when the door opened and Mrs. Weasley welcomed him in.
"Mr. Krum! Such a pleasure to see you! I'm Mrs. Weasley."
"Please call me Viktor, Mrs. Weasley. Is Hermione here?"
Viktor's English had improved considerably over the years, and though he still had somewhat of an accent, he could pronounce all the words clearly and well.
Poor boy, Mrs. Weasley thought to herself, her mind going back to Hermione's resolution to break up with Viktor. But then again, if she likes someone else, she shouldn't be with him.
Viktor was staring at Mrs. Weasley, waiting for an answer to the question he had asked a minute and a half ago. Mrs. Weasley seemed to be in some sort of trance, but finally she snapped out of it.
"Oh yes, Hermione should be down in a couple of minutes. I don't think she was expecting you for a little while. Would you like some tea?"
"Oh, yes please."
"Alright, over here Viktor...Ron! Ginny! This is Viktor."
Viktor scanned over Ron - he hadn't seen him in a couple years and was barely recognizable. Ron was much taller than Viktor now, and had added a few muscles to his frame. Viktor was tempted to just ignore him, but Ron appeared to be friendly enough - as opposed to the Yule Ball, and although Viktor was aware that Ron liked Hermione, why would Hermione go out with him if she didn't like him? Still, he thought, as he scanned over Ron. She talks about him a lot...I'll talk to her about it. For now though, act nice.
Ron extended his hand cordially to Hermione's boyfriend.
"Hey Viktor, haven't seen you in a while..."
"Yes Ron - you've grown a lot."
Viktor nearly forgot about Ginny, but remembered at the last second. He had seen her a couple of times, but had never been introduced to her.
"And hello Ginny..."
Ginny nodded but didn't speak and went off towards the kitchen to eat. Viktor raised his eyebrows at Ron, but Ron simply shrugged.
"Hey Mom, lunch ready yet?"
"Should be ready in about fifteen minutes...why don't you do something with Viktor?"
Ron glanced nervously at Viktor upon hearing this and both noticed that a trace of the other's cordiality had slipped. But only for a second.
"Sure Viktor, so what would you like to do?"
"Hermione tells me you're a great chess player. How about a game?"
Ron looked surprised upon hearing that Hermione had talked about him to Viktor, but answered quickly anyway.
"Alright, I'll get the chessboard. Shall we play over there?" Ron indicated the couch.
"I'll be waiting."
Ron turned around rapidly but then twisted rapidly again towards Viktor.
"Do you have pieces with you? We can lend you some if you like."
"Oh no, I've brought some with me."
Ron nodded and turned to go up the stairs.
Ginny sipped her tea slowly. She had never liked Viktor that much, despite Hermione's constant (but feeble) protestations that Viktor was a good guy. It was probably the fact that she viewed Viktor as a direct competitor to Ron for Hermione's affections - even though she knew Hermione liked Ron instead of Viktor. But there was another thing on her mind - what was with Ron's sudden change of heart? Upon close examination it could be seen in flashes that Ron was still just as jealous as before, if not more so, but was simply controlling it now. And controlling his temper was never something Ron was good at, Ginny reminded herself.
Ginny was struck with the thought of why Hermione was taking so long. It was now half past noon, and Hermione had had half an hour to get ready. Ginny went upstairs to investigate, nearly bumping into Ron on the way.
"Ron, what are you doing up here?"
"Getting the chessboard and my pieces. Viktor wants to play chess."
"He wants to play chess?"
This makes no sense.
Ron shrugged.
"Yeah, he told me that Hermione had told him that I was good at chess and he wants to play me. Alright I'll see you Gin, I better go see him."
"Alright, I'll see you later..."
Ron went down the stairs slowly, carrying battered and chipped chess pieces, and, if possible, and even more weathered chessboard. Ron was hoping that Viktor wouldn't mind - it was obvious from his chess pieces that he wasn't used to using such worn equipment anywhere. But Viktor thankfully didn't react to the chess pieces and board, and simply set up the board along with Ron.
Viktor felt a little sympathy for all the Weasleys as he watched Ron - clearly ashamed - carry completely battered pieces and a chipped and cracked board. Viktor suddenly felt horrible for having all his shiny, polished pieces. Then again, he reminded himself, you polished those pieces on purpose before coming here. You have to show Hermione that you're better than this guy. Still, he couldn't help but feel a little guilt at his intentions for this game as he set up the board.
Ginny knocked on her room door loudly.
"Hermione? Are you in there?"
No answer. Ginny knocked again, but this time more forcefully.
"Hermione, if you don't open the door in five seconds, I will open it myself. After all, it is my own room...Five...four...three...About time."
"Sorry."
Ginny glanced over Hermione as Hermione ushered her into the room, and, quickly poking her head out to check that no one was up here, closed the door. Ginny noticed the odd behavior by Hermione.
"What's up with all the secrecy?"
"Secrecy?"
Hermione looked extremely nervous and kept fidgeting. She obviously wasn't thinking straight. But then again, Hermione was never one to thrive under pressure - Ginny's mind flashed back to the time Ron had told her about the Devil's Snare - "There's no wood!" She's only putting all this pressure on herself, though. She needs to snap out of it.
"Hermione, calm down. There's nothing to worry about. You'll just break up and tell Ron how you feel."
Hermione raised her eyebrows at the second half of Ginny's last sentence. She hadn't told anybody about telling Ron how she feels...Useless to deny it now, though. My intentions are for him to know it by the end of the day, so most people would know it soon anyway.
"How did you know that?"
"What are you talking about?"
"That I was going to tell Ron...or that I even like Ron."
"Hermione, you've got to be kidding me."
Hermione shook her head.
"EVERYONE knows about how you feel about Ron. Even the people in other houses. Even Slytherin. Everyone knows about how Ron feels about you too."
"How Ron feels about me too?"
Ginny gave Hermione the most disbelieving glance she could possibly muster - which wasn't very hard, as she felt that way.
"Come on, the sooner you get this over with, the better. Besides, you should probably do this before Harry arrives."
Hermione nodded, and with the most serious look possible on her face (as if she was about to go through an experience where death had a high probability) strode out of the room.
Harry looked around at Lupin and grinned. This trip was totally different than the one on broomstick to Grimmauld Place. They were allowed to fly somewhat lower because they had Ministry approval and although it was still cool, but they were all wearing heavy clothing and feeling a nice breeze, and it was exhilarating. Although Harry had wondered at first why they would have to go on broom if this trip had Ministry approval - why not just use Portkeys or Floo? but these questions had been quickly answered by Mad-Eye. Broomstick was the safest way to go, and if speed had to be sacrificed for safety, so be it. Both Portkeys and the Floo network could be sabotaged by insiders that Voldemort had in the Ministry, after all, and Harry was too young to apparate.
Harry's smile evaporated as he thought of going back to the Weasley's. He looked down at his trunk, and desperately hoped that Ron wouldn't care about the stupid prefect badge. He had thought a lot about the badge while flying. It must feel horrible, he thought for about the fiftieth time. Harry couldn't see why Dumbledore had taken the badge away from Ron. Harry could NEVER have survived all this time without Ron, and he didn't see why Ron never had any of the credit for the stuff Harry had done at his years at Hogwarts. Even Hermione got credit, Harry thought angrily - she's always mentioned in the newspaper stuff about me now. Top in her class in everything, always the voice of reason, staunchly supporting Harry through times of trouble, the papers raved. These were all true, of course, but Harry could not have gotten through it without Ron either.
Harry flew miserably towards the Burrow, his cheerful mood gone as quickly as it had come. He would not have been surprised if Ron hated him, and Harry didn't think that would be totally unjustified either.
Ron stared at the chessboard, concentrating intensely. Although Ron was beating Viktor by a fair margin, he was a tough opponent. His moves had continually made Ron think. But Ron had always found a better move every time.
Viktor was completely bewildered. Hermione wasn't kidding, he thought to himself. He's the best player I've ever seen. Viktor had pulled every move possible he could think of, but Ron had always found something better to do, and was now leading by enough to show that he would almost certainly win the game. It's only a matter of time, Viktor thought to himself. He consoled himself again with the thought that Hermione was going out with him and not Ron, and that this wasn't a contest if he didn't make it to be.
"Checkmate."
Viktor looked sharply up at Ron's eyes. Ron almost looked apologetic towards Viktor for winning. That's what makes it hard to hate you, Viktor thought to himself. He's really a decent guy.
viktor forced a laugh and a grin.
"Good game. You're very good, I had no chance."
Ron relaxed visibly and complimented Viktor back.
"Oh no, I barely won."
A complete lie, Viktor thought to himself - and Ron knows it too. But Viktor didn't contest it, as he had heard two pairs of footsteps bound down the room. Hermione and Ginny had come down. Viktor selfishly thought to himself "how do you like this, Weasley?" as he suddenly bent down and gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek. A horrible wave of guilt hit him as he glanced over at Ron, though, who's smile had gone and looked extremely depressed and had flushed red. Hermione had also flushed and kept looking at her feet. She said hello to Viktor so softly he could barely hear her.
"Hello Viktor."
"Hello Hermione." Viktor said Hermione's name slowly and with some difficulty, but he had finally learned to say it correctly. He chanced a glance at Ron, who still looked depressed and now also extremely uncomfortable. Viktor broke the silence, still guilt-ridden.
"Ron just destroyed me in chess."
Hermione glanced sharply up at the mention of Ron's name, and Ron promptly looked down at his feet.
"Really, that's, uh, good."
Hermione's mind was clearly somewhere else. She kept fidgeting and looking anywhere but Viktor and also, Viktor noticed with annoyance, Ron. Except when her eyes did land on Ron, Viktor thought - even more annoyed, at which point she had trouble tearing them away. Ron finally contradicted Viktor's earlier statement.
"Oh no, it was a very close game."
Hermione replied in much the same absent-minded manner as she did before.
"Oh, that's good."
Finally, she seemed to gain some resolve and looked Viktor in the eye.
"Viktor, can I speak to you?" She glanced around the room.
"Alone?"
Viktor raised his eyebrows. "Alright." Viktor's eyes glanced over to Ginny, who seemed to have deflated in relief. Well, it had been rather awkward, he thought to himself.
Ron spoke up as Viktor and Hermione made to leave.
"No, Ginny and I will go out to the garden." Ron nodded at Ginny and turned around to leave for the garden. Ginny followed him out, but not before whispering something in Hermione's ears. She curtly nodded at Viktor, then followed Ron out towards the garden.
"Hermione, you wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes, Viktor, I wanted to talk to you...I don't think it's working out."
"What do you mean?", but Viktor thought he knew perfectly well what she meant.
"I don't think I should be your girlfriend anymore. I'm not the right girl for you, and you're not the right guy for me?"
"Well, who is?"
Hermione looked up sharply.
"What do you mean?"
"Who is the right guy for you, if I'm not?"
Viktor saw Hermione's eyes flash momentarily towards the garden. She was about to speak when Viktor suddenly did instead.
"It's Ron, isn't it?"
Viktor took Hermione's lack of confirmation as confirmation. For a brief moment he thought of possibly going to the garden and fighting Ron, but decided against it. It wouldn't solve anything. He sighed and turned around.
"Well, I better go then. See you Hermione."
"Bye, Viktor. You don't have to go, you know."
"It'd be too awkward if I stayed."
Viktor then rapidly walked outside and apparated to his house with a CRACK.
Hermione then turned towards the garden. First part done, she thought to herself. But she feared that the hardest part was yet to come.
Hey everybody! I could have added when Harry was going to come and do everything for the rest of the day, but I felt like the chapter would stretch too long then. Also, you may have noticed that I was sick of Viktor being portrayed as some crazed rapist or something - WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU, FELLOW AUTHORS? Also, this chapter was EXTREMELY fun to write and in my opinion my best chapter so far. And is anyone reading this? So far I've only gotten one review, and I know this sounds whiny, but it's nice to know if you guys are reading. So please inform if you are - you don't even have to do an actual review. All right, I'll see you guys later...
Disclaimer: Disclaimed.
Chapter Four - Awkward City
Viktor Krum was standing outside of the Burrow at about noon when the door opened and Mrs. Weasley welcomed him in.
"Mr. Krum! Such a pleasure to see you! I'm Mrs. Weasley."
"Please call me Viktor, Mrs. Weasley. Is Hermione here?"
Viktor's English had improved considerably over the years, and though he still had somewhat of an accent, he could pronounce all the words clearly and well.
Poor boy, Mrs. Weasley thought to herself, her mind going back to Hermione's resolution to break up with Viktor. But then again, if she likes someone else, she shouldn't be with him.
Viktor was staring at Mrs. Weasley, waiting for an answer to the question he had asked a minute and a half ago. Mrs. Weasley seemed to be in some sort of trance, but finally she snapped out of it.
"Oh yes, Hermione should be down in a couple of minutes. I don't think she was expecting you for a little while. Would you like some tea?"
"Oh, yes please."
"Alright, over here Viktor...Ron! Ginny! This is Viktor."
Viktor scanned over Ron - he hadn't seen him in a couple years and was barely recognizable. Ron was much taller than Viktor now, and had added a few muscles to his frame. Viktor was tempted to just ignore him, but Ron appeared to be friendly enough - as opposed to the Yule Ball, and although Viktor was aware that Ron liked Hermione, why would Hermione go out with him if she didn't like him? Still, he thought, as he scanned over Ron. She talks about him a lot...I'll talk to her about it. For now though, act nice.
Ron extended his hand cordially to Hermione's boyfriend.
"Hey Viktor, haven't seen you in a while..."
"Yes Ron - you've grown a lot."
Viktor nearly forgot about Ginny, but remembered at the last second. He had seen her a couple of times, but had never been introduced to her.
"And hello Ginny..."
Ginny nodded but didn't speak and went off towards the kitchen to eat. Viktor raised his eyebrows at Ron, but Ron simply shrugged.
"Hey Mom, lunch ready yet?"
"Should be ready in about fifteen minutes...why don't you do something with Viktor?"
Ron glanced nervously at Viktor upon hearing this and both noticed that a trace of the other's cordiality had slipped. But only for a second.
"Sure Viktor, so what would you like to do?"
"Hermione tells me you're a great chess player. How about a game?"
Ron looked surprised upon hearing that Hermione had talked about him to Viktor, but answered quickly anyway.
"Alright, I'll get the chessboard. Shall we play over there?" Ron indicated the couch.
"I'll be waiting."
Ron turned around rapidly but then twisted rapidly again towards Viktor.
"Do you have pieces with you? We can lend you some if you like."
"Oh no, I've brought some with me."
Ron nodded and turned to go up the stairs.
Ginny sipped her tea slowly. She had never liked Viktor that much, despite Hermione's constant (but feeble) protestations that Viktor was a good guy. It was probably the fact that she viewed Viktor as a direct competitor to Ron for Hermione's affections - even though she knew Hermione liked Ron instead of Viktor. But there was another thing on her mind - what was with Ron's sudden change of heart? Upon close examination it could be seen in flashes that Ron was still just as jealous as before, if not more so, but was simply controlling it now. And controlling his temper was never something Ron was good at, Ginny reminded herself.
Ginny was struck with the thought of why Hermione was taking so long. It was now half past noon, and Hermione had had half an hour to get ready. Ginny went upstairs to investigate, nearly bumping into Ron on the way.
"Ron, what are you doing up here?"
"Getting the chessboard and my pieces. Viktor wants to play chess."
"He wants to play chess?"
This makes no sense.
Ron shrugged.
"Yeah, he told me that Hermione had told him that I was good at chess and he wants to play me. Alright I'll see you Gin, I better go see him."
"Alright, I'll see you later..."
Ron went down the stairs slowly, carrying battered and chipped chess pieces, and, if possible, and even more weathered chessboard. Ron was hoping that Viktor wouldn't mind - it was obvious from his chess pieces that he wasn't used to using such worn equipment anywhere. But Viktor thankfully didn't react to the chess pieces and board, and simply set up the board along with Ron.
Viktor felt a little sympathy for all the Weasleys as he watched Ron - clearly ashamed - carry completely battered pieces and a chipped and cracked board. Viktor suddenly felt horrible for having all his shiny, polished pieces. Then again, he reminded himself, you polished those pieces on purpose before coming here. You have to show Hermione that you're better than this guy. Still, he couldn't help but feel a little guilt at his intentions for this game as he set up the board.
Ginny knocked on her room door loudly.
"Hermione? Are you in there?"
No answer. Ginny knocked again, but this time more forcefully.
"Hermione, if you don't open the door in five seconds, I will open it myself. After all, it is my own room...Five...four...three...About time."
"Sorry."
Ginny glanced over Hermione as Hermione ushered her into the room, and, quickly poking her head out to check that no one was up here, closed the door. Ginny noticed the odd behavior by Hermione.
"What's up with all the secrecy?"
"Secrecy?"
Hermione looked extremely nervous and kept fidgeting. She obviously wasn't thinking straight. But then again, Hermione was never one to thrive under pressure - Ginny's mind flashed back to the time Ron had told her about the Devil's Snare - "There's no wood!" She's only putting all this pressure on herself, though. She needs to snap out of it.
"Hermione, calm down. There's nothing to worry about. You'll just break up and tell Ron how you feel."
Hermione raised her eyebrows at the second half of Ginny's last sentence. She hadn't told anybody about telling Ron how she feels...Useless to deny it now, though. My intentions are for him to know it by the end of the day, so most people would know it soon anyway.
"How did you know that?"
"What are you talking about?"
"That I was going to tell Ron...or that I even like Ron."
"Hermione, you've got to be kidding me."
Hermione shook her head.
"EVERYONE knows about how you feel about Ron. Even the people in other houses. Even Slytherin. Everyone knows about how Ron feels about you too."
"How Ron feels about me too?"
Ginny gave Hermione the most disbelieving glance she could possibly muster - which wasn't very hard, as she felt that way.
"Come on, the sooner you get this over with, the better. Besides, you should probably do this before Harry arrives."
Hermione nodded, and with the most serious look possible on her face (as if she was about to go through an experience where death had a high probability) strode out of the room.
Harry looked around at Lupin and grinned. This trip was totally different than the one on broomstick to Grimmauld Place. They were allowed to fly somewhat lower because they had Ministry approval and although it was still cool, but they were all wearing heavy clothing and feeling a nice breeze, and it was exhilarating. Although Harry had wondered at first why they would have to go on broom if this trip had Ministry approval - why not just use Portkeys or Floo? but these questions had been quickly answered by Mad-Eye. Broomstick was the safest way to go, and if speed had to be sacrificed for safety, so be it. Both Portkeys and the Floo network could be sabotaged by insiders that Voldemort had in the Ministry, after all, and Harry was too young to apparate.
Harry's smile evaporated as he thought of going back to the Weasley's. He looked down at his trunk, and desperately hoped that Ron wouldn't care about the stupid prefect badge. He had thought a lot about the badge while flying. It must feel horrible, he thought for about the fiftieth time. Harry couldn't see why Dumbledore had taken the badge away from Ron. Harry could NEVER have survived all this time without Ron, and he didn't see why Ron never had any of the credit for the stuff Harry had done at his years at Hogwarts. Even Hermione got credit, Harry thought angrily - she's always mentioned in the newspaper stuff about me now. Top in her class in everything, always the voice of reason, staunchly supporting Harry through times of trouble, the papers raved. These were all true, of course, but Harry could not have gotten through it without Ron either.
Harry flew miserably towards the Burrow, his cheerful mood gone as quickly as it had come. He would not have been surprised if Ron hated him, and Harry didn't think that would be totally unjustified either.
Ron stared at the chessboard, concentrating intensely. Although Ron was beating Viktor by a fair margin, he was a tough opponent. His moves had continually made Ron think. But Ron had always found a better move every time.
Viktor was completely bewildered. Hermione wasn't kidding, he thought to himself. He's the best player I've ever seen. Viktor had pulled every move possible he could think of, but Ron had always found something better to do, and was now leading by enough to show that he would almost certainly win the game. It's only a matter of time, Viktor thought to himself. He consoled himself again with the thought that Hermione was going out with him and not Ron, and that this wasn't a contest if he didn't make it to be.
"Checkmate."
Viktor looked sharply up at Ron's eyes. Ron almost looked apologetic towards Viktor for winning. That's what makes it hard to hate you, Viktor thought to himself. He's really a decent guy.
viktor forced a laugh and a grin.
"Good game. You're very good, I had no chance."
Ron relaxed visibly and complimented Viktor back.
"Oh no, I barely won."
A complete lie, Viktor thought to himself - and Ron knows it too. But Viktor didn't contest it, as he had heard two pairs of footsteps bound down the room. Hermione and Ginny had come down. Viktor selfishly thought to himself "how do you like this, Weasley?" as he suddenly bent down and gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek. A horrible wave of guilt hit him as he glanced over at Ron, though, who's smile had gone and looked extremely depressed and had flushed red. Hermione had also flushed and kept looking at her feet. She said hello to Viktor so softly he could barely hear her.
"Hello Viktor."
"Hello Hermione." Viktor said Hermione's name slowly and with some difficulty, but he had finally learned to say it correctly. He chanced a glance at Ron, who still looked depressed and now also extremely uncomfortable. Viktor broke the silence, still guilt-ridden.
"Ron just destroyed me in chess."
Hermione glanced sharply up at the mention of Ron's name, and Ron promptly looked down at his feet.
"Really, that's, uh, good."
Hermione's mind was clearly somewhere else. She kept fidgeting and looking anywhere but Viktor and also, Viktor noticed with annoyance, Ron. Except when her eyes did land on Ron, Viktor thought - even more annoyed, at which point she had trouble tearing them away. Ron finally contradicted Viktor's earlier statement.
"Oh no, it was a very close game."
Hermione replied in much the same absent-minded manner as she did before.
"Oh, that's good."
Finally, she seemed to gain some resolve and looked Viktor in the eye.
"Viktor, can I speak to you?" She glanced around the room.
"Alone?"
Viktor raised his eyebrows. "Alright." Viktor's eyes glanced over to Ginny, who seemed to have deflated in relief. Well, it had been rather awkward, he thought to himself.
Ron spoke up as Viktor and Hermione made to leave.
"No, Ginny and I will go out to the garden." Ron nodded at Ginny and turned around to leave for the garden. Ginny followed him out, but not before whispering something in Hermione's ears. She curtly nodded at Viktor, then followed Ron out towards the garden.
"Hermione, you wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes, Viktor, I wanted to talk to you...I don't think it's working out."
"What do you mean?", but Viktor thought he knew perfectly well what she meant.
"I don't think I should be your girlfriend anymore. I'm not the right girl for you, and you're not the right guy for me?"
"Well, who is?"
Hermione looked up sharply.
"What do you mean?"
"Who is the right guy for you, if I'm not?"
Viktor saw Hermione's eyes flash momentarily towards the garden. She was about to speak when Viktor suddenly did instead.
"It's Ron, isn't it?"
Viktor took Hermione's lack of confirmation as confirmation. For a brief moment he thought of possibly going to the garden and fighting Ron, but decided against it. It wouldn't solve anything. He sighed and turned around.
"Well, I better go then. See you Hermione."
"Bye, Viktor. You don't have to go, you know."
"It'd be too awkward if I stayed."
Viktor then rapidly walked outside and apparated to his house with a CRACK.
Hermione then turned towards the garden. First part done, she thought to herself. But she feared that the hardest part was yet to come.
Hey everybody! I could have added when Harry was going to come and do everything for the rest of the day, but I felt like the chapter would stretch too long then. Also, you may have noticed that I was sick of Viktor being portrayed as some crazed rapist or something - WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU, FELLOW AUTHORS? Also, this chapter was EXTREMELY fun to write and in my opinion my best chapter so far. And is anyone reading this? So far I've only gotten one review, and I know this sounds whiny, but it's nice to know if you guys are reading. So please inform if you are - you don't even have to do an actual review. All right, I'll see you guys later...