Chapter 4:

An Unexpected Call

Earlier that night, Hermione was finishing dinner. Afterwards, she headed to her room; choosing to spend the rest of her evening with a good book.

She had just sat on her bed, and opened her book when her phone started to ring. "That's odd," she remarked. Who could be calling me at this time of night? Hermione picked up the receiver and waited for the caller to speak. She thought could hear breathing, yet no voice followed. After a few seconds had passed, Hermione spoke, "Hello? Who is this?"

"Hermione," replied Viktor's voice.

"Viktor!?" She nearly gasped. "This is a surprise."

"Forgive the late hour, I just had to talk to you."

"It's no trouble, I assure you. But, you could have called me earlier, you know," she quipped, now setting her book on the bed.

"Believe me, I wanted to call hours ago, but I just couldn't make myself dial your number," he explained, feeling a tad embarrassed.

"Viktor, you have no reason to be afraid. I was looking forward to talking to you over the summer," Hermione exclaimed, trying not to laugh at his shyness.

"Fair enough. I just didn't want you to think was I was imposing on you. We barely got to know each other during the tournament."

"It's not an imposition at all. I enjoyed our past conversations."

"As did I."

"How are you feeling, by the way? I'm sorry we didn't get to speak much, before you left Hogwarts."

"Which was a shame. But, I'm feeling much better. Now that I'm free from Drumstrang, I can just focus on Quidditch," he exclaimed.

"Free? Did you not like the school?"

"I did. But, I never cared for my headmaster. I always suspected he was just using me. Now, I know I was right. He would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He would use anyone in his path."

"Viktor, Igor is in Azkaban. He can't hurt you or anyone else now," Hermione reassured, sensing his distress.

"You're right. I can't dwell on the past."

"Exactly. Focus on your career in Quidditch. You're a phenomenal seeker."

"Why, thank you. That makes three of us in your life," Viktor stated, slightly laughing.

"Three?"

"Myself, Cedric and Harry."

"Ah," Hermione chuckled along with him. "Not many can say they are good friends with three incredible seekers."

"Indeed," he replied, laughing at her quip. "Hermione, thank you again for being so supportive. You're truly a genuine person."

"Of course, Viktor. You're my friend. I want to be there for you."

"No one else has ever liked me for being myself. They only love me as: Viktor Krum, World Class Seeker."

Which is wrong. It just proves they're not real friends. Friends love you for being yourself. Not just for your abilities. They fail to see you as a person."

The two talked for over an hour, then said goodbye. As she put her phone back on the receiver, Hermione couldn't help but smile. She enjoyed every minute of their conversation. Viktor was one of the sweetest people she knew. Now, thanks to his phone call, she got to see a softer, more vulnerable side of him. Once she hadn't witnessed during the school year. She could hardly wait to meet him later in July. Viktor made it a point to visit England in a couple of weeks.

Oh, come off it, girl! Get your head out of the clouds!Hermione mentally scolded herself. You may like him. He may like you. But, you must admit, you don't have much in common with him; and it would definitely be a long distance relationship. Yet, the thought of spending time with Viktor outweighed her concerns. Hermione decided she would take Harry's advice and just enjoy one day at a time. He was right. She was well known for being too analytical. She had to stop trying to plan her entire life. Besides, even if they didn't become a couple, Hermione knew Viktor would always be a true friend.

Her thoughts then drifted to Harry and Cedric. Hermione wondered what plans they had in store for their summer together? She was certain Harry would be able to fully enjoy a summer free from those pesky Dursleys.

Now, they have a chance at a real relationship. Hermione thought. The two of them have a lot in common and live close to one another, unlike Viktor and I.

She decided she would call Cedric tomorrow. Just to see how he and Harry were doing. Hermione then got into bed and pulled the covers over her. Within a few moments, she was fast asleep.

"Hello?" Cedric spoke, as he placed the phone over his ear.

"Hi, Cedric. It's me," Hermione replied.

"Hermione, it's nice to hear from you," Cedric smiled. "Harry will be so angry he slept through your call."

"You mean, Harry's still asleep?"

"Out like a light," Cedric laughed.

"Oh my. Well, I'll have to call at a later time then," Hermione winced, trying to hold back her laughter. "Anyway, I was just checking up on the two of you. Any plans for your summer?"

"Quite a few," Cedric beamed, then stopped when he heard a noise from Oliver's room. A second later, he saw him walking down the stairs.

"Sorry I'm late," Oliver winked. "That pub was far too crowded."

"Is that...Oliver?" Hermione questioned.

"Yeah. He's also visiting for the summer," Cedric explained, as Oliver motioned the floating kettle to pour water in his cup.

"Wow! You certainly are busy," Hermione winced. "Two houseguests. I could barely handle one."

"Don't worry. I can handle them," he reassured, smirking. "Now, that you know about my summer, tell me about yours. What are your plans? Are you going to travel?"

"Not exactly. But, I will have a guest over soon. Viktor was adamant he'd visit England this July. So, he could arrange a time to see me."

"Sounds like he has something special planned."

"He is a sweet person. I wish you and Harry could have seen the real Viktor last year."

"I agree. But, we may run into him again. So, it's not too late," he exclaimed.

"Oi! That's bloody disgusting," Oliver stammered, after he spit out two bites of breakfast. "What on earth do you call this? It's worse than haggis!"

"Oli, nothing is worse than eating a sheep's heart," Cedric remarked, sniggering at his outburst. "Do forgive me, Hermione. I guess you're right. Houseguests can cause a lot of drama."

"Indeed. I warned you," she grinned, chuckling herself. "This has been quite a comical conversation. I don't think I've ever laughed so much in just one morning."

"Try living here for a week. You'd burst."

"I'll take that into consideration," she replied. "Tell Harry I'll call back soon. Say hello to him and Oliver for me."

"I will do that. Bye, Hermione." Cedric placed the phone back on the receiver, before turning to face Oliver. "Talk louder next time. I don't think our neighbours heard you."

"Fine. I apologise for my abrupt behaviour," he bellowed, taking a bite of toast.

"You're drunk," Cedric sighed, smelling the other boy's breath.

"I'm not drunk. I just had a few glasses," Oliver stammered, almost tipping off his chair.

"Define a few," Cedric blurted, as he helped Oliver steady himself. "Once you've finished, I'd best get you to bed."

"Bed? You're mad! The weather is superb. Perfect for flying."

"You're in no condition to fly, Oliver!"

"I love it when you're authoritative," Oliver smirked, as he drank a few more sips of coffee.

"At least you're drinking coffee. That will sober you."

"Sober, smober. You know I never did care for the taste of tea," Oliver stuttered, as he started to tilt off the chair again.

"At least no one is here to see you like this," Cedric sighed, helping him stand.

"I know, Ced. You're good for me," Oliver turned so their eyes would meet.

"I'm glad you see it my way. You need to think of your health. You..." he started to say, as Oliver immediately stumbled, quickly grabbed Cedric, causing them to spin in a circle; before falling next to the chair. Oliver laughed, seeing he was now holding Cedric in his lap.

"You're always there for me," Oliver smirked, as they heard a sound behind them. Both boys turned to see Hardy standing in the kitchen.

"Harry," Cedric spoke, before the younger boy raced out of the room. "It's not what you think."

Oliver sighed. "Ced, I'm so sorry. He must have gotten the wrong impression."

"As soon as I get you to bed, I'll talk to him," Cedric stated, as he and Oliver ascended the staircase. Hermione was right in more ways than she knew. One houseguest can cause drama, two can cause absolute chaos.

Once they reached Oliver's room, Cedric guided him towards the bed. Oliver immediately flopped onto it and covered his face. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I'll take care of Harry. You take care of yourself. Rest is what you need. I'll check on you later." Once Cedric shut Oliver's door, he rushed down the stairs and headed out to the backyard. He sighed in relief, when he saw Harry sitting on the bench-swing on the other side of the garden.

"Harry," he spoke, causing Harry to look towards him. "Look, you have every reason to be upset. But, please believe me when I tell you it wasn't what you thought. Oliver was drunk. I was trying to help him stand, but he slipped. That's why we were holding each other so tightly after we fell."

"Why did he drink so much?" Harry asked.

"He was depressed. He wasn't acting like himself."

"I see. I'm sorry I ran out so fast. I should've given you a chance to explain. It's just... I know you and he were fond of each other in the past. Just seeing the two of you interact made me feel that connection was still there."

Cedric sighed, sitting next to him. "You're right. We were fond of one another. We met during my first year at Hogwarts. Since both our mothers knew each other, we became fast friends. During my second year, I became a seeker for Hufflepuff. Later, our captain scheduled a match against Gryffindor. That was the same year Oliver was appointed as Captain of Gryffindor's team. I thought he'd be ecstatic. Usually only fifth years are the youngest captains. But, that wasn't the case. Instead of being happy, he became paranoid. He feared others would think he was bias, if they knew we were dating." Cedric glanced Harry, who seemed anxious for him to continue.

"Though we kept telling each other it didn't matter what anyone else thought. We both hated the thought of other students talking behind our backs. 'The boys fancy one another. That's why Hufflepuff won. Gryffindor's Captain fixed the match! Or: Hufflepuff could have finally won a match against Gryffindor, yet their seeker failed to catch the snitch; and we know exactly why he did!'" Cedric almost laughed.

"That's terrible! I had no idea."

"Harry, this all started way before we knew you. So, I don't blame you for suspecting Oliver and I still love each other. The fact is, we do. But, not in the same way we did then. Ironically, just last night, Oliver told me he thought you were jealous of him being here."

"He did?" Harry now felt completely embarrassed. His attitude towards Oliver yesterday was far from polite. His question was a tad brash.

"That's how this all happened. Oliver left last night and went to a pub. He almost left entirely. But, I persuaded him to return," Cedric turned to face Harry. "Oliver is happy for us, Harry. He just felt out of place, yesterday."

"He still loves you. That's why he left."

"Harry..."

"It's all right, Ced. You and he have a history together. It's natural you both care for each other."

"I do love him. But, I want to be with you."

"I just don't want you to feel you have to stay with me. If Oliver means that much to you..."

"Harry, I want to be with you," Cedric smiled, wrapping his arm around him.

Harry smiled as well, and rested his head against Cedric's chest.