You all, I totally forgot to check how many people are following the story right now! OVER 300 ALREADY!
I was so busy with work (we're having a busy month in my team) and my writer's block that I totally forgott about it. I also had no time to reply to reviews and pm's. So let me tell you - belately - that I really am thankful for the support. I read every comment and I was deeply touched about all the nice advices about writing and my struggles with it. You all really are the best and your support is helping. It gives me the necessary energy to pull through my rough phases and just keep going.
So, as a thank you wrote an extra long chapter and I wrote it was fast as I could. Enjoy and I hope you review.
ooooo
WHAT IF
Chapter 13 - Dates And Dances
The next day Hermione felt like a wreck. Her heart ached, she was tired from a rough night with little sleep and her eyes were still red. When Harry asked if she was okay, she just shrugged and said that she had read all night. He seemed to believe her little lie without hesitation but Hermione felt like everyone would be able to see what was wrong with her. Like there was a big, fat stamp on her face that said heartbroken.
As usual, Hermione fled to the library to seek refuge from her daily problems. There she could lose herself in the realms of magical knowledge and theories. For hours Hermione immersed herself with her studies, her homework, and her research about house elves, and for a while, it worked quite well.
And then she would come back to the common room and see Fred. How he joked with George or Ron or Harry. How he talked with Angelina about the ball. And then the pain would cut into her heart again and again and again. And Hermione hated herself for being that way. She wanted to be strong. She wanted to be indifferent to Fred Weasley, to see him as Ron's older brother again. And not as someone who broke her heart without even knowing it.
To Hermione, the ball didn't matter anymore now. She even thought about visiting her family over the holidays instead of staying at Hogwarts as everyone else. But in the end, her curiosity won. Because no matter how painful the thought of seeing Fred and Angelina at the Yule Ball was, Hermione wanted to be there. She wanted to see the decorations and the food and the Weird Sisters.
"You know, I could take you as my date," Hermione said to Ginny as they both ate breakfast that morning.
"Do you think that's allowed?" Ginny beamed at the idea. The younger girl was gloomy since the day she had realised that she would probably not be able to go.
"Why not? McGonagall didn't say anything about same-sex-dates. You know what, we should actually do that. It's not like anyone is going to ask me anyway." Hermione said as she poured herself a glass of milk.
"Don't say that," Ginny frowned. "I bet someone will ask you. There's still time." Hermione just nodded but inside she didn't believe it. There were only two weeks left till the Yule Ball and most of the boys had already asked someone. The only ones who still didn't get their act together were Harry and Ron.
Maybe I should just ask someone myself, instead of waiting for some idiots like Harry or Ron to be brave enough, Hermione thought as she wandered the through the halls. Again, she was on her way to the library. Hermione still thought that taking Ginny was a good idea. Why wait for some guy to ask you if you could go with your friend?
Silently Hermione headed for her favourite table at the library, put down her bag and her books, and started to work. She wanted to get her work done before the holidays started so that she could enjoy the free time. And of course work on S.P.E.W.! With so many students at the castle over the holidays Hermione would surely find the time to convince some of them to join her efforts.
After a while, Hermione was finished with her homework and decided to search for some light reading for her evenings and upcoming holidays. She liked history books the best because they helped her to understand how the magical world worked and why certain things had become what they were today.
Some things aren't logical, because they are historical, her grandfather had always said and Hermione thought it described the magical world perfectly.
Hermione was especially fascinated by Gringotts and the goblins right now. The goblins represented a race of creatures who had fought for their rights countless times and therefore had a lot of special rights. Hermione hoped that she could get some inspiration and strategies from the past for her fight for the house elves.
Leisurely Hermione strolled through the library between the large shelves. Lazily she inspected book titles, inhaled the smell of the parchment, and just enjoyed the silence. She loved discovering the large library. No matter how much time she spent here, she always discovered something new.
And there were so many things to discover. Shelves full of books, which you only recognised when you stood right before them, or tiny study rooms hidden behind shelves. The library truly was a place full of wonders for Hermione.
When she was finally satisfied with the number of books she wanted to read, Hermione waved her wand and the large stack of books followed her to her table. She had learned in the last years that using magic for little things like that was no problem for Madam Pince or the other Professor, and so Hermione used magic wisely to make her everyday tasks easier.
"I think you lost one," a voice called behind her, right as Hermione started to stuff the books into her bag. She turned and saw how Viktor Krum approached her, one of her books in his hands. Carefully he handed her House Elves And Self-Hatred, Vol, 7.
"I see, you are still vorking on the house elves."
"Of course, when I have a goal, I don't give up so easily." With a thank you Hermione pushed the books deep into her bag, fully prepared that Krum would say something hurtful about her goals like most of the other students.
"Vell, I think that's really good. I like people vho vork for vhat they vant. Vork hard to reach their goals." Krum said and for a moment she wasn't sure what to make of that comment.
"Well, I try my best," Hermione smiled shyly.
"It might be stupid to ask, but do you have a date for the ball?" Krum suddenly asked, a nervous expression on his face. Hermione blushed.
"No, I don't. I thought about going with a girlfriend."
"Oh, vell, that's sound nice…" Krum hesitated for a moment, then with an expression of determination, he looked Hermione in the eyes for the first time.
"Do you maybe vant to go with me? To the ball, I mean. The champions need dates and I don't know many people here and… actually, I vanted to ask you for veeks, I came to the library just to ask you but then I vas never brave enough to do it…" Hermione had some trouble to understand Krum's nervous ranting, his accent didn't make it easier, but she understood the main point.
Viktor Krum just asked her out to the Yule Ball. Her, Hermione Granger, bookworm supreme. For a few seconds, she just stared at him, contemplating if she should say yes. After all, she more or less had promised Ginny that they could go together. But then Hermione tried to imagine the face of her best girlfriend if she told Ginny that she had actually said no to Viktor Krum. Ginny would be aghast.
"Yes, I would like to go to the ball with you," a nervous smile escaped Hermione.
"Oh, that's vonderful, Thank you." A bright smile appeared on Krum's face. "You vant to meet me at the Entrance Hall before the Ball? I vould come to you but I think ve're not allowed to know vhere your dormitories are."
"Yeah, that's fine." Hermione laughed. Talking with Krum was quite easy as soon as he actually started to talk instead of brooding in a corner over some book.
"Oh, I think we never introduced ourselves. My name is Hermione-"
"Granger, I know. I'm Viktor." Krum offered her his hand and Hermione couldn't help but grin at him.
"Krum, I know," she joked and grabbed her bag. "See you at the ball, Viktor." With a slightly skipping heart Hermione almost ran back to the Gryffindor common room. She needed to find Ginny!
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Unfortunately, Hermione didn't find Ginny till the next morning at breakfast. But Hermione didn't want to tell her when Harry, Ron and so many other students were around.
"Ginny, are you free tonight?" The redhead nodded. "Good, I need to tell you something. In my room after dinner?" With a grin, Hermione left the other girl behind and followed Harry and Ron to class. As always Hermione took notes and followed the classes perfectly, but still her thoughts started to wander now and then.
She realised that she was actually a bit nervous about going to the ball with Viktor Krum. Everyone would see her with him! And he was the topic of most gossip magazines and everywhere at Hogwarts. Hermione had originally planned to be as invisible as possible at the ball, but now that wouldn't work anymore. Everyone would look at her, talk about her too, probably, and most of the girls would be terribly jealous.
Maybe this isn't a good idea, she thought as she scribbled down the notes from the blackboard at Moody's lesson. I hate being the centre of attention.
But then another thought, a petty thought, crossed her mind. The thought that maybe the girls wouldn't be the only ones who became jealous that evening. Maybe, just maybe, someone else would see her with Krum - Quidditch star and Champion - and would get jealous too. Someone with red hair, freckles and a smirk that made Hermione's heart beat faster.
The thought of Fred getting jealous started a series of pleasant daydreams in Hermione's head, but she quickly ended them. She couldn't afford to dream about such things and get her own hopes up again.
Swiftly Hermione packed her bag after the lesson and headed for Ancient Runes. It was her last class of the day while Harry and Ron were already finished.
"Hermione, wait!" Hermione turned and saw Neville running after her. Slightly out of breath the boy stopped before her and took a few deep breaths before he was able to talk again.
"Everything okay, Neville? Do you need help with something?" At this Neville blushed furiously.
"Well, no, not exactly. I wanted to ask you… Do you want to go to the ball with me?" Neville's face and neck were now covered with red spots from his obvious nervousness. Hermione too felt her face heat up.
"I'm sorry, someone already asked me, Neville." She explained with discomfort. If Neville had asked sooner, she would have actually gone with him. Hermione liked Neville. He was nice and a good conversation partner and during lessons they always had fun, even when Neville had problems to keep up.
"Oh, okay, no problem." Defeated Neville started to walk away again.
"Ask Ginny Weasley! She wants to go to the ball but she's too young. I'm sure she will say yes." Hermione called after Neville and he gave her a small smile.
"I will try, thanks for the tip."
Hours later Hermione went up to her dorm room after dinner to meet a curious and energetic Ginny, who was almost jumping up and down on Hermione's bed. Crookshanks was sitting on the window sill and watched Ginny with a grumpy face. It seemed like her vibrating curiosity was disturbing Crooks late nap.
"You will never believe it!" Ginny squeaked. "I'm going to the ball. Neville just asked me." Ginny almost fell off the bed from excitement.
"That's nice," Hermione smiled as she offered Crookshanks a treat. Purring the cat hopped down and rubbed his head on Hermione's legs. Carefully Hermione picked him up and sat down beside Ginny.
"Aaaand, he also told me that you already have a date! Who is it? Is it the guy you asked me about? The one who wanted to know if you already have a date." A sudden stitch of pain cursed through Hermione's heart like a fine needle. She hadn't exactly forgotten about Fred and Angelina's date for the ball but for one whole, wonderful day it hadn't hurt as much.
"No, no it's someone different. The other guy already has a date for the ball."
And I don't get why he even asked me about my date, Hermione added in her mind as she pulled Crooks into her lap and tried to push every thought of Fred Weasley aside. Maybe a date with someone different to the ball was exactly what she needed to get over this damn crush.
"So, who is it? Who asked you?"
"Viktor Krum," Hermione couldn't suppress the beaming smile.
"Are you kidding me?" Ginny jumped up, an equally big grin on her face.
"No, I'm serious. He asked me yesterday at the library. He said he wanted to for weeks but he never dared to, but yesterday we talked and he asked." Hermione knew she was smiling stupidly wide but she didn't care. Maybe Viktor Krum wasn't the man she had dreamed of going to the ball with but that didn't mean that she couldn't have a good evening with him. He seemed genuinely nice and surely they would have a good time.
"That's so romantic," Ginny sighed. "Do you think he likes you?"
"Oh, I haven't thought about it like that," Hermione said, taken aback by the question. The thought about someone like Viktor Krum having a romantic interest in her hadn't occurred her till now. And Hermione didn't dare to think about it. She would have a nice evening and everything else was unimportant right now.
"Well, right now that doesn't matter anyway, right? You're going to the ball either way and you will have a wonderful evening with a famous Quidditch star and Triwizard Champion… Merlin, Mione, we have to take pictures for your parents. And for my parents - Mum will want some - and from Ron's face when you tell him about Krum. Please let me be there when you tell him, I need to see that. It's seriously the only thing I wish for this Christmas. He's such a big fan, I wouldn't be surprised if Ron tries to ask Krum himself."
Hermione giggled as Ginny blabbered on about how jealous Ron would be of Hermione to get the chance to talk with Krum. They spent the rest of the evening talking about their dates and the upcoming ball. Ginny was actually quite happy to go with Neville. She too, like Hermione, found he was a nice guy with a good heart and that they would have a good time together.
It was late when Ginny and Hermione finally called it a day and went to bed. Hermione was almost instantly asleep, Crookshanks snuggled into her side, and dreamed of the ball again. And again Fred was there and asked her for a dance.
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"Let's make a deal," Ron offered Harry his hand. "When we both come back to the common room this evening we will have dates, okay?" Harry nodded and they shook hands, like sealing a deal, while Hermione rolled her eyes.
For the rest of the day, Hermione had the questionable pleasure to watch Harry and Ron chicken out at every possible opportunity. It was like their pact had made them even more nervous instead of braver. Annoyed she left them on their own and went to the library.
It didn't take long till Viktor Krum once again and politely asked if he could sit with her. Nervously Hermione nodded. She wasn't quite sure how she should behave in a situation like that. They would go on a date soon and it would be Hermione's first date. Even if it wasn't something romantic, she still had no idea what to do.
But Krum made it easy for her. They talked a bit and then they both started with their books again. There was no uncomfortable silence and as Hermione went down for dinner Krum escorted her to the Great Hall. Most people would probably think nothing about their small encounter, but Hermione saw that Lavender and Parvati were eyeing her curiously. Quickly Hermione searched for Harry, Ron or Ginny, but none of them was there. So she just ate a small meal and then headed back to the common room.
The scene that unfolded there before her eyes was quite strange. Harry and Ron were both laughing like lunatics about something while Ginny stood before them with a flushed face.
"Stop laughing, you gits." Hermione heard Ginny scold as she approached.
"Why weren't you two at dinner?" She asked as she stood beside Ginny. She thought she heard Ron snigger something about Neville, but she wasn't sure.
"Because they've both just been turned down by girls they asked to the ball," Ginny answered instead in a cold voice. That silenced both boys quickly and efficiently.
"All the good-looking ones taken, Ron? Well, I'm sure you'll find someone somewhere who'll have you." Hermine couldn't help the sarcastic little comment. She still was a bit cross with Ron for being so superficial.
"Hermione, Neville's right - you are a girl…" Ron suddenly looked at Hermione like he had never seen her before.
"Oh, well spotted," she said acidly. She wasn't sure how he had come to this brilliant deduction but Hermione was sure that she wouldn't like whatever Ron was going to say next.
"Well, you can come with one of us!" He suggested with a smile like all his problems were suddenly solved.
"No, I can't," she snapped.
"Oh, come on," Ron said impatiently, "we need partners, we're going to look stupid if we haven't got any, everyone else has…"
"I can't come with you, because I'm going with someone else," Hermione stated and felt how she blushed but she didn't really care right now.
"No, you're not. You just said that to get rid of Neville." Bewildered Hermione stared at Ron while Harry looked a bit afraid. Now she knew what they had been laughing about before.
"Oh, did I? Just because it took you three years to notice, Ron, doesn't mean no one else has spotted I'm a girl!" Hermione summoned all her will-power to not scream at Ron. For a moment he stared at her, but then he grinned again. Hermione's fingers itched to slap the grin from his face.
"Okay, okay, we know you're a girl. That do? Will you come now?" At this pure anger surged through her veins.
"I already told you, I'm going with someone else." And with a final dirty look at Ron, she stormed off to her dorm room.
It was an hour later when Parvati came to their room, alone for a change, and sat down to brush her hair.
"So, Harry asked me to go to the ball with him," Parvati purred, obviously delighted. "And Ron is going with Padma," Parvati added when Hermione didn't react.
"That sounds wonderful," Hermione pressed through her teeth. She was still furious with Ron. But she was writing a letter to her parents right now so she tried to stay calm and sound happy so that they wouldn't worry about her. She knew her farther would flip out on the thought of his little girl having boys' troubles.
"I really thought you would go with one of them," Parvati said casually, but Hermione knew her too well. Parvati probably knew that Hermione was going with someone else and now tried to pry information out of her.
"Well, I don't care for Ron right now and Harry didn't ask. If you excuse me," Hermione finished her letter and went for the owlery. The night air and the first snow cooled her anger down quickly and after a relaxing walk Hermione went directly to bed.
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The week before the ball was a permanent torture for Hermione. On every possible occasion, Ron would ask her who her ball date was. And every time she would tell him that it was a secret. That would shut him up for an hour or two and then he would ask again. Ron asked at every possible moment in order to surprise her and maybe get the answer out of her that way. But Hermione was aware of his strategy. And his persistency was annoying as hell. But at least Ron was equally annoyed by her refusal.
"He thinks you're lying," Ginny explained.
"He's a git," Hermione frowned towards Ron, who was watching her and Ginny from the other side of the common room.
Hermione didn't want to tell Ron about Krum for that exact reason. Ron would never believe her and surely laugh about her. Plus, Hermione didn't want to be one of those girls who bragged about Viktor Krum at every opportunity. She was sure that Krum wasn't the kind of guy who would like that.
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When Christmas was finally there and with it the evening of the Yule Ball, the whole castle was humming and vibrating with excited energy from hundreds of students.
Most students of Gryffindor House spent the morning with unpacking their gifts in their dorm room or the common room. Hermione opened hers in her bed while Parvati and Lavender slowly woke up.
"Marry Christmas, Hermione." Lavender opened her curtains with a yawn and lazily picked up one of her own gifts.
"Marry Christmas." Grinning Hermione opened a package from her parents with new books and a beautiful necklace for the evening. Beside a card from both her parents, there was also a small note from her mother.
Hermione,
Mrs Weasley assured me that this product is the best for curly hair. Put it to good use and have fun tonight,
Love Mum.
Hermione opened a smaller package with a pot of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion and Scalp Treatment. Hermione shook her head at her mother who always said that Hermione had to take better care of her hair.
"Oh, is that for tonight?" Parvati asked. "You know, Lavender can help you with your hair. She's really good."
"That would be nice. I have no idea how to use this stuff."
The rest of the day Hermione spent with a leisure breakfast, which had an enormous variety of Christmas dishes from different countries, and in front of the fireplace in the common room. Harry, Ron, Dean and Seamus were playing exploding snap while Ginny and Neville tried to figure out how he had to wear his bow.
Hermione was reading in front of the fire when Fred, George and Lee interrupted her quiet afternoon.
"How about a snowball fight?" Fred asked their little group.
"Snow's perfect right now." George waggled his eyebrows. The boys and Ginny, of course, were all in and with a bit reluctance, Hermione and Neville followed them. They were both not keen on getting wet and cold from the snow so they stayed aside and sat on a bank. Hermione conjured some of her blue flames to keep them warm and for a while, they just watched the others.
Hermione couldn't help herself with watching Fred most of the time. He and George were working as a perfect team with Lee by their side. The three of them managed to hit the others quite often. Only Ginny was equally vicious.
After a while, Neville and Hermione started to comment on the moves and tactics in the snowball fight and both of them tried to imitate Lee' commentating skills as good as possible. They were both terrible of course but it helped Hermione to not look at Fred too often. But no matter how much Hermione tried to fight it, her eyes always travelled back to Fred.
How he moved in the snow. His brilliant reflexes. His smile when he managed to hit someone. His laugh when he ducked away from a snowball in time. How his shaggy red hair fell into his eyes and how he tried to blow it away impatiently.
"I'm a bit nervous," Neville suddenly stated. "I'm not a good dancer and I don't want to embarrass myself or Ginny."
"Don't worry, just try to relax and have fun. I'm sure you will have a brilliant night."
"I will, and thank you for helping me to find a date. My grandmother would have been so disappointed if I went alone. Even if it's just a date out of pity." Neville made a miserable face.
"Oh no, Ginny would never go with you out of pity. You should have seen her face when she told me that you asked her. She's really happy to have the chance to go to the ball. Don't worry, Neville."
"Well, when you say so." He shrugged. "Ron says, you lied because you didn't want to go with me. I heard it when he talked to Seamus and Dean about it." Now Neville's voice was an embarrassed whisper and Hermione made a mental note to give Ron a good scolding.
"What a git!" Hermione glared at Ron, who was just getting a face full of snow from Ginny and George. "That's not the reason, I said no. I really am going with someone else."
"It's quite okay, Hermione." Neville forced a smile, but Hermione shook her head.
"Promise me to not tell Ron?" Neville nodded. "I'm going with Viktor Krum," Hermione whispered. Neville's eyes widened comically and she laughed a bit.
"I know, I almost couldn't believe it myself. Now, I have to get ready." Hermione hugged Neville and called a quick goodbye to the others.
"You need three hours to get ready? Who are you going with?" Ron yelled after her but Hermione ignored him.
Hermione arrived at her dorm room when Lavender and Parvati were already in full preparation mood. There were beauty articles everywhere and the two were discussing a hairstyle or something else.
"Are you kidding me? That would look ridiculous on me." Parvati screeched when Hermione entered the room. "Hermione! Look at this. Which one would you choose for me?" The brunette showed a magazine with a different hairstyle to Hermione and pointed out two of them. After a second Hermione randomly picked one.
"Ha! See, Hermione says so too," Parvati grinned triumphantly while Lavender rolled her eyes.
"Okay, okay, then let's do it that way. Hermione, I can do your hair after you showered." Lavender offered and with a smile Hermione vanished into the small bathroom. She took half an hour to shower, wash her hair multiple times and use some conditioner. Hermione even used the razor, her mother had given her and shaved her armpits and legs. She felt really grown-up while doing so.
They spent the remaining time till the beginning of the ball by getting ready and chatting. Lavender and Parvati helped Hermione with working the sleekeazy into Hermione's hair, straightened it mercilessly and in the end, they charmed it into an elegant knot at the back of her head. In between, her two roommates tried to find out with whom Hermione was going to the ball. But she remained silent. She actually had fun with riling the two up about it. The afternoon, in general, was fun, Hermione had to admit.
Shortly before the ball started Hermione went down to the Great Hall to meet up with Viktor. Her body was a bundle of nervousness and Hermione was really glad that most of the Hogwarts students were still at their dorm.
With a shy smile, Viktor Krum approached her as he and his classmates from Durmstrang entered the hall together. They were all wearing the same blood red dress robes, probably a formal school uniform.
"Hello," Viktor bowed formally before Hermione, then offered her his arm. By now the Great Hall was filled with students - chattering girls, couples, who eyed each other nervously, and joking boys - and Hermione spotted Harry and Ron near the entrance door with Parvati and Padma.
While Parvati looked quite pleased with herself and Harry, Padma was eyeing Ron with obvious distaste. Parvati had told Hermione and Lavender earlier that Padma was only going with Ron as a favour for Parvati. Hermione's roommate had a not so small crush on Harry and had wanted to impress him with providing a date for his best friend. But Hermione could see that Harry's mind was elsewhere or more precisely with someone else.
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Hermione had a brilliant time at the Yule Ball. Once Viktor Krum had started to talk to her Hermione found that he really was a nice and interesting conversation partner. He told her a lot about Durmstrang, his lessons there and his time with the Bulgarian Quidditch Team. But he also listened very patiently to Hermione's opinion about house elves and her interest in Aritmancy.
Hermione had to admit that Viktor was nice, polite and an almost perfect ball date. But most importantly he was no danger for her heart. Because no matter how much of a good time Hermione had with him, it didn't change her feelings for Fred.
Quite often she caught herself watching Fred and Angelina during the meal. They sat at a table with George, who came with Katie, and Lee and Alicia. Fred and George had managed to charm their second-hand dress robes way better than Ron and looked both stunningly good. Fred was wearing deep blue robes, while George's were dark grey, and Hermine found that Fred's suited him just a bit better. It matched his fiery red hair perfectly.
And Angelina… well Angelina looked amazing. Her robes were bronze and glimmered golden in the right light. She had her hair in a tight knot on the back of her head and only a tad of make-up and lipstick on her face. With an aching heart, Hermione realised that Fred and Angelina looked good together. Both tall, lean and sporty, with happy, twinkling eyes and jokes on their lips. Even with all the other people at the table, they seemed to be in their own little world.
But thank Merlin, Viktor Krum was such a good company. As soon as the first dance of the Champions with their dates was over, he convinced Hermione to stay on the dancefloor with him. She was reluctant at first but then she gave in and let go.
And so they danced and danced and danced. It felt like hours and Hermione actually had so much fun, that for the first time in weeks she forgot that Fred Weasley even existed. Hermione had seen him and Angelina at the beginning of the evening when they had danced so wildly that people had avoided them. But then she had lost sight of them.
Until the moment Fred pushed himself back into her mind by almost pushing her over on the dancefloor. Fred somehow bumped into Hermione's back while walking backwards himself and it was only for Viktor's fast reaction that she didn't topple over completely.
"Oh, Merlin, sorry Hermione," Fred steadied himself and grinned down on Hermione. His hair was sweaty, his face flush, and his eyes gleamed. He looked like he had the time of his life.
"No problem," Hermione smiled politely but she saw that Viktor looked like he wanted to object that. He glared at Fred in an unnerving and very intense way.
"You know," she turned to her date, "how about something to drink? I'm actually quite thirsty." Viktor nodded and rushed off to get them drinks, while Hermione tried to secure them some seats. She was more than thankful when she finally spotted Ron and Harry at the side-lines, sitting there by themselves and looking bored.
"It's hot, isn't it?" She said as she sat down beside Harry. "Viktor is just gone to get some drinks."
"Oh, you're calling him Viktor now? Not Vicky?" Ron spat and Hermione was taken aback. But before she could ask what he was on about Ron started to explain - or better show - his anger. He started to accuse her of fraternising with the enemy and betraying Harry and Hogwarts. Nothing Hermione said convinced Ron that she really had a good time with Viktor Krum and that she would never help him with the tournament.
"You know, he probably only asked you to get information or help for the next task! Why else would he ask you?" Ron finally yelled. And that was enough for Hermione. She stormed off, anger and rage blazing through her veins, she went off to find Viktor or get some fresh air or just to get away. She wasn't sure herself. She just needed to get away before she said or did something she would surely regret.
But when she was finally outside the Great Hall and leaned against the cold stone of the wall, she felt tears streaming down her face. Tears born from heartbreak about seeing Fred and Angelina. Tears born from fighting with her friend. Tears from frustration and anger. And tears from having such a wonderful night ruined.
A small sob escaped her as suddenly someone touched her shoulder.
"Hermione, are you okay?" She turned and for a moment she only saw red hair through her blurry, teary eyes. Her heart skipped a beat but then she recognised the grey dress robes.
"Oh George, it's… I'm okay. I just need a second." She wiped away the wet tears quickly and was glad that Lavender and Parvati had insisted on magical, waterproof make-up for the evening.
"Well, don't take it personally but you don't look okay. Come," and with a gentle pull George brought her outside and they sat down on a bench in the small courtyard.
"It's just Ron… he's such a…"
"Git, arse, prick, troll. Choose one and it will definitely fit." George suggested.
"He said-" but Hermione interrupted herself with a fresh sob. She hated crying mainly because it was so damn hard to stop it once she had started. A bit shy George handed her a handkerchief.
"No need to tell, I heard him. As I said, he's very, very stupid and for all Weasley men out there I would like to apologize for this embarrassing display of jealousy." George shook his head but Hermione only looked at him bewildered.
"Jealousy? You're kidding me, aren't you?"
"Nope, totally serious for once. Fred and I have an ongoing bet on when and why and how Ron will finally realise his feelings for you. And how long it will take him after that to tell you. Fred said he would realise before the ball and ask you to be his date, but I knew Ron was too stupid. I think it will take him till the end of the school year." George snickered but Hermione's heart grew cold.
So, now tell me, who are you going to the ball with? So, now tell me, who are you going to the ball with? So, now tell me, who are you going to the ball with? So, now tell me, who are you going to the ball with? So, now tell me, who are you going to the ball with?
Fred' voice asking her the same question over and over again sounded through her head. He had asked because of Ron. For his little brother. Because he had a bet with George. Because they both thought that Ron had feelings for her.
"Um, I'm not sure what to say about that," Hermione whispered, willing herself to stop crying right this moment. She needed a clear head now. And she needed to look less pathetic.
"No worries, you have to say nothing. Freddie and I know you well enough to see that you're not feeling the same way about Ron. I just wanted to tell you so that you could understand why he behaves that way. Don't be too harsh on him, okay? He's just a stupid teenage boy with feelings he doesn't understand himself and a best friend that looks like a brunette veela tonight." George winked. Hermione decided to follow his advice and said nothing.
They sat there for another ten minutes or so and when Hermione was finally feeling well enough they went back.
"Thank you, George," Hermione smiled at him. "For taking care of me. I'm sure that Katie already misses you, so I'm not holding you up any longer."
"Ah, no need to worry. I'm sure Katie is amusing herself quite well with someone," he winked. "We came as friends and just shared a few dances. The girl I wanted to ask originally was already taken." George grinned but had a sad look in his eyes.
"So, off you go. I can see your charming Champion is already searching for you." And indeed, Viktor was approaching them as soon as he saw Hermione. With a smile, he offered her a goblet of pumpkin juice and then asked for another dance.
The evening ended not long after that but at least it ended in a nice way. Viktor actually kissed Hermione's hand as they said goodbye and she felt a lot better when she climbed up the stairs to Gryffindor Tower. It could have been a nice ending for a mostly nice evening if it hadn't been for Ron, who was entering the common room only a minute after Hermione.
"Oh, you're back already. I would have thought that Vicky would show you his ship or something like that." Hermione felt her face heat and just like that the anger flared again in her chest. Now that George had pointed it out to her she could clearly see the jealously in Ron's behaviour and in his hurtful words.
"Well, if you hate it so much and then you should ask me yourself the next time. And not only as a last resort." She yelled. She knew it was petty and vengeful but right now she wanted to hurt Ron, just a little bit.
"You're completely missing the point," he stuttered back but Hermione was already halfway up the stairs and with a crashing sound she closed the door to her dorm room. And for once she was glad about having two roommates who loved to talk about boys and their behaviour.
In detail, the three girls talked about their night. While Lavender had a lovely evening with Seamus, Parvati was miffed with Harry's lack of interest in dancing and her in general. Hermione used the chance to blow off some steam and told them about Ron's behaviour and other two came to the same conclusion as Fred and George. Ron was jealous. For once Hermione didn't care that Parvati and Lavender were the biggest gossips ever. Half of Hogwarts had heard her fight with Ron anyway.
Shit, that can't be good, Hermione thought later that night as she lay awake. That was the perfect plot for an ancient Greek tragedy. Boy loves girl, but girl is in love with boy's older brother, who is probably in love with another. Hermione could imagine quite well how Ron would react if he ever found out that she was in love with his brother...
New chapter, new heartbreak. I'm sorry Hermione...
I know it seems like a lot of Rom bashing right now but I'm not making that up. It's all in the books and I think through Hermione's perspective it only becomes clearer. Because as we all now, Harry is as observant as a brick wall sometimes.
