Hooray for Chapter 5! Working our way towards the juicy bits, y'all. So sorry for the constant Great Hall Dinner Dates, but I promise we're on to bigger and better things. Again, thank you for reading and reviewing! I would love to hear what you think about the story so far - good, bad, and in between! Happy reading!


Hermione met Viktor outside of the Great Hall the next evening, dressed in the fine maroon coat he had worn his first night at Hogwarts. He clicked his heels and bowed deeply before once again taking her hand and placing it in the crook of his arm. The Hall was mostly full when they entered, and Viktor walked with his head high and shoulders back, a serious look on his face. He guided Hermione towards the Hufflepuff table where the rest of the Durmstrang students were sitting. It felt awkward for Hermione, walking towards the front of the room - she had sat with her friends in the same place at Gryffindor table every day for three years. To venture elsewhere in the Great Hall felt unnatural, and she looked around as if seeing the space for the first time.

When they arrived, Viktor offered Hermione his hand as she sat, the boy sliding in next to her and placing his hand on the small of her back reassuringly. "This is Alexander," he said, gesturing to the boy sitting to Hermione's right. The boy nodded slowly, his eyes glowing playfully. "And here are Petra and Dimitri," he said, motioning to the two boys sitting across from them. All of the boys looked similar enough to really be brothers - dark features, strong jaws, and well-pressed maroon coats. Hermione found them all to be incredibly handsome as well, although she would never say such a thing aloud.

"So this is the one you cannot stop talking about, brother? She truly is as gorgeous as you claim," Petra said as he gave a huge, toothy grin.

"Oh, well…" Hermione stuttered, but Viktor interrupted her quickly.

"Indeed she is. I find myself to be quite mesmerized by her." He looked at her then, his eyes dark and focused solely on her, like he could see into her soul. It unnerved her, but she didn't quite mind the feeling. Just as Petra was about to respond, Dumbledore's booming voice filled the room. He welcomed everyone and praised all who had entered into the tournament for their bravery. The wizard did not waste any time; however, and cast a silent spell over the Goblet, causing the flames to shift from blue to green to purple. Suddenly, without warning, a spark shot up and a piece of singed parchment floated down into Dumbledore's outstretched hand.

"From Beauxbatons," he rumbled, "Fleur Delacour!" The Beauxbaton students erupted in cheers, all looking suddenly towards a beautiful blonde sitting in the middle of their group. She was beaming with pride, and Hermione couldn't help but clap in congratulations.

Again, the Goblet sputtered and another piece of parchment floated towards the wizard. "From Durmstrang…" As his words filled the room, Viktor pressed his hand more firmly against her back, rubbing his thumb against her nervously. After what felt like ages but must have only been seconds, Dumbledore yelled out "Viktor Krum!" The boys surrounding Hermione erupted in a deep guttural yell, causing her to jump, before they all began to cheer and holler in excitement. Hermione turned to Viktor, so glad for his luck being chosen, and could practically feel the joy radiating from the boy. She clapped wildly alongside the others and eventually quieted down as the Goblet produced the final piece of parchment with the name of the Hogwarts champion - Cedric Diggory. Hermione barely heard the words, though, because Viktor had leaned in close to her, close enough that his breath tickled the skin of her cheeks, and whispered, "my Hermione, my good luck charm, my talisman za kŭsmet." He pressed a soft kiss to her temple and moved back, smiling softly at her before joining the rest of the Hall in one last congratulatory cheer for the chosen Champions.

Hermione ate alongside the boys, amazed by how much they could consume in such a short time frame, listening to them chatter excitedly about the tournament. Dumbledore had announced that the first task would be in three weeks' time and gave a cryptic hint, although Viktor was far from worried. When the Great Hall was excused from the feast, the boys all stood up in unison, Hermione scampering up after them. Again, Viktor took Hermione's hand and together they exited the hall, all eyes on Viktor Krum - world famous seeker, TriWizard champion, and love interest of Hermione Granger.

The group stepped out into the cool Autumn air, Hermione's curls billowing behind her. "I am so happy you're joining us, my Hermione. I feel at peace with you by my side, and there is no one I would rather celebrate with…"

"No one?!" Laughed Dimitri loudly. "Oh brother, you're in deep. Although I suppose Hermione's hands are a bit nicer to hold than Petras."

"I wouldn't be so sure, Dimitri." Petra wiggled his eyebrows mischievously and waved his fingers at his brother, causing the whole group to laugh. Hermione, although still unsure of the new group, could see herself feeling comfortable among them. They were filled with laughter and joy, and it was wildly apparent how much they cared for each other. They were brothers, and they treated each other like so.

They finally made it down to the boat house and out onto the Durmstrang ship - a dark, ornate vessel with windows glowing gold along the sides. Viktor guided her down into the hull, Hermione a bit confused by the silence, before emerging into a huge, lavish room. Rugs and carpets covered the floor with plush couches, chairs, and pillows everywhere. There were small tables with books, drinks, and wizard's chess boards laid out sporadically. Although Hermione knew that magic could create such a space, she was still shocked by the size and comfort of the Durmstrang common room. Hermione, Viktor, Alexander, Petra, and Dimitri all walked to a cluster of leather armchairs and sat, Hermione sitting on the floor below Viktor's chair. He placed his hand on the nape of her neck, rubbing slow circles with his calloused fingers. Low music played throughout the space as it began to fill with the remaining visiting students and their newly made friends.

"So, Hermione, my brother tells me you are a potions Apprentice?" Dimitri asked from across the circle.

"Not quite, although I plan to begin my apprenticeship soon! Our potions professor, Professor Snape, is a Potions Master and is taking me under his wing I suppose. I'm eager to learn all I can with him - I've practically memorized all of Moste Potent Potions already!" Viktor squeezed lovingly at that, a look of pride flashing across his face.

"She is the brightest witch of her age, Dimi. Perhaps she might teach you a thing or two." Viktor laughed. The group continued chatting late into the night, the boys asking Hermione all about her early childhood and her first three years at Hogwarts. She heard stories of all the mischief the brothers had gotten up to, reminding her quite a lot of Fred and George Weasley. She couldn't help but laugh of course, and by the end of the night she felt like she had known the boys for years.

Fatigue gripping her, Hermione rested her head on the side of Viktor's leg, his hand still rubbing her neck in the most delicious way. She didn't think herself to be a fan of public displays of affection, but this subtle sign of connection was making her heart soar. "It seems I must escort my witch back to the castle," Viktor announced to the group. He helped her stand and Hermione said her goodbyes to the brothers, agreeing to see them again soon.

The Durmstrang common room was empty apart from the five of them as Viktor and Hermione walked towards the door. "I would gladly escort you back to your common room Hermione. But perhaps you will stay here? We have an extra room, one reserved for guests, and you would have it to yourself. Your own private bathroom. And I could send for a house elf to bring some clothes for you. It is your choice, of course."

Hermione was exhausted and readily agreed to Viktor's accommodations. He walked her to the door and showed her inside, pointing out the bathroom and letting her know she could call on him at any time in the night if she needed something. As he made to leave, he lingered by the door.

"Thank you, my Hermione, for being with me today. My brothers, they adore you, just as I do. It means a lot to me, to see you get along so well. I am grateful…" He looked up then, his cheeks flushed with a hit of nervous embarrassment. Hermione thought it was quite cute. She stepped closer to him and he closed the space between them, crushing her into a tight embrace. Resting his head on top of her hair, he squeezed her tightly. Hermione pressed her fingertips softly into his back and the boy pulled apart just enough to look down at her. "Hermione…" His voice was low as he looked through those dark eyes. "My Hermione, my witch. May I kiss you?"

His eyes stayed locked on hers as she nodded shyly, and he leaned down, eyes open and looking at her until the last moment. He pressed his lips against hers softly at first, pulling back for a moment before pressing into her again, capturing her bottom lip between his for just a second. Hermione's heart was pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it as he stood back up, brushing his hand across her temple. "My Hermione," he whispered, smiling. He took her hand in his, pressing one last kiss to her knuckles before bowing and turning out of the door, closing it quietly as he left.

Alone, Hermione walked to the bed and flopped down face first, squealing into the black and gold quilt. Her first kiss, and it was with Viktor Krum! It was nothing like her girlfriends had said it was - this was soft, sweet, and gentle. Just thinking about it sent goosebumps across her skin. Turning over, she looked around the room, really realizing where she was. She had known the boy for less than a month and was already staying with him?! Although, she thought to herself, I'm not actually staying with him. I'm just a guest, that's all! She laid there for a moment longer, replaying the evening and the kiss over in her head, before she heard the quick *pop* *pop* of a house elf coming and going. She looked over to the chair in the corner and saw her pajamas and a set of clothes for the following day folded and ready for her.

Hermione was absolutely exhausted but knew she had to get ready for bed, so she stood, gathered her clothes, and stepped into the bathroom. It was dark - black paint, dark wooden cabinets, and black fixtures - but well lit with floating lanterns near the ceiling. She changed and stood in front of the mirror, shocked at what she saw. Hermione was glowing, her cheeks soft and warm and her lips plump and pink. She smiled to herself, touching her lips softly just as Viktor's lips had moments before, and then walked back into the bedroom and crawled under the covers. She used her wand to turn out the lights before placing it on the nightstand. Her last thoughts before succumbing to sleep were the words My Viktor.