A/N: Just like in the last chapter, I have used a Russian Translator site to authenticate Viktor's accent as closely as possible which is why his dialogue is different from the others. Big thanks to my Alpha, HeartOfAspen!

Chapter 11 — A Temple in Ruins

Once the trio started to move around the city, Harry loosened up. He always liked Krum and he knew it was his recent realization of his feelings for Hermione that he had developed a tendency toward jealousy for the man. He believed Hermione, he did, but he didn't enjoy seeing her so close to him despite the claims of 'just friends' knowing that Viktor felt much more for her.

All thoughts of Krum and Hermione were pushed out of his head when Viktor started talking about the different temples around the city. Hermione must have asked. Instead of wallowing into his thoughts, he tuned into the conversation.

"—many temples around ze city, one of ze most popular being ze Synagogue of Sofia for ze Jewish. It is ze second largest Spanish-Jewish synagogue in Europe. But zat isn't vat you vere meaning is it?" Viktor looked at Harry first, then Hermione.

Hermione shook her head. "No, I was just curious if there were any temples that worship any gods or goddesses. We did some research in Greece about a goddess named Atargatis and I wondered if there is a temple here for her."

Krum scrunched his face in that way Harry had always disliked, like he was incompetent and needed to do it in order for his brain to work. "I think zere is actually a statue of her on ze other side of ze city. But my muzzer is expecting us for dinner, can it wait until tomorrow?"

Harry nodded as well as Hermione. He was fine with waiting until the next day, they had an entire week with the man after all. "I am sure you could find something about her in my family's library. I know you enjoy zat."

Harry laughed as Hermione squealed a bit and clapped her hands. He was sure she knew about the Krums' library, but had probably forgotten in the excitement of the end of the school year and summer.

The sun sinking, Krum apparated them both to his home. They appeared outside iron wrought gates with ivy crawling up the sides. It created a look Harry only remembered seeing in Muggle fairy tales. If there was smoke creeping up the sides he would be convinced they were about to enter a haunted house.

Krum touched the gates and they opened, Harry and Hermione following him through. The grounds were empty, only the occasional flower bed along the path to the front door. Around the corner, Harry could see a carriage house, but it looked old and worn down, as if it had been out of use for many years.

Placing his hand upon the doorknob, the door swung open for Krum admitting them into the home. There a house elf stood, greeting them.

"Master Krum," the little elf squeaked, shaking in excitement. The elf reminded him of Dobby a bit, though the knees were a little less knobbly. The eyes were the same — round and much too large for the small head they were placed in. One apparent difference was that the Krums seemed to keep their elves in good condition as the elf was wearing clothing, a smaller version of a maid's outfit.

"This is Aemma," Krum said, gesturing to the elf. "She has been vith my family since she vas a baby and is now in charge of ze entire household."

"Hello Aemma," Hermione said kindly, bending down to be at eye level with the elf.

"I assure you Hermy-own zat zey are treated very vell. Ve have offered zem pay, especially after I heard about your elf society while at Hogvarts, but zey refuse," Viktor said hurriedly.

Harry sucked in a breath. Calling Hermione's pet project 'spew' had gotten him a lot of swats over the head over the past year and Krum referring to it as an 'elf society' was just as bad. He was just waiting—

Hermione looked up at Krum and said, "It's the Society for Promotion of Elfish Welfare, Viktor, you know that. It's not just some elf society." Krum didn't say anything, but looked at Harry, who gave him a nod of encouragement. It was best to let her have her say, especially when it came to fighting for the rights of magical creatures. Arguing against her would do nothing but rile her up and have her not speak to you for days.

Harry watched as Hermione turned back to the elf and held out her hand. The elf made a sound that Harry thought sounded like a mix between a walrus dying and a dolphin squeak. Aemma immediately took Hermione's hand and shook it hard. Harry suppressed a laugh of the ridiculousness of it — the elf's arm attempting to heave Hermione's up and down. It clearly had never given a handshake before and at that thought, Harry smiled. Hermione had just made the creature extremely happy, despite it looking so silly.

"How about I show you to your rooms," Krum said, wringing his hands together as Hermione stood up. "You can freshen up and change for dinner."

Harry said, "Sounds great," before Hermione could ask about the library. He knew she had proper manners but when it came to books and learning, she didn't bother with them too much — she read with a book propped up against the glass container of orange juice every morning when they were at Hogwarts.

"Aemma, you have placed zeir luggage in ze appropriate rooms?"

"Yes Master Krum," Aemma replied.

"Very vell, you may go continue to oversee ze kitchen," Krum said, dismissing the elf.

Aemma snapped her fingers and disappeared as Krum walked toward the double staircase in the entryway.

"Zis vay," Krum said, motioning them over. He climbed up the steps, Harry and Hermione close behind him.

"Aemma has placed you in ze guest ving, your rooms right across from each other." At the top of the staircase, Krum took a left and led them through several hallways before finally stopping at two doors adjacent from each other.

"Hermy-own, you are here," Krum said, pointing to one door. "Harry over here," pointing to the other. "Aemma has placed your luggage in your rooms and fresh linens are in ze bathroom closet should you choose to use ze attached bath. Anything you need right now?" He looked first to Hermione and when she gave a shake of his head, he looked toward Harry.

"I am okay for now, Viktor. Thank you."

Viktor nodded his head. "Dinner vill begin at 7 o'clock sharp. I vill be by at six fifty to accompany you down, I know ze hallways can be confusing." He laughed and walked away, bidding them goodbye.

"Separate rooms?" Harry asked, walking over to Hermione.

"You can't expect him to show us to the same room can you?" Hermione asked. "There is no way he could possibly know that we have been sleeping in the same bed for almost the entire summer. And if he did know, he would probably try to prevent it at all costs."

Harry sighed. "You're right, as always." Changing the subject he asked, "What are we supposed to wear to dinner?"

Hermione shrugged. "I assume more casual wizarding robes. Your everyday Hogwarts robes will do, they're plain black, you can't go wrong."

"See you in a bit then," Harry murmured, placing a quick kiss on Hermione's cheek. He was almost afraid that the walls were watching and Krum would come storming back down the hallway out for blood. Sighing at the almost absurdity of his imagination, he walked away from Hermione's door, hearing it click behind him before entering his own room.

Just as Krum had said, Harry found his trunk at the end of his bed. Opening it, he almost had a heart attack seeing that it was empty of all of his clothing, his belongings missing. Turning around and moving to his left, he opened the armoire and sighed in relief seeing that the elf had taken it upon herself to unpack his possessions. He shouldn't have been so surprised since the house elves at Hogwarts do the same, but he wasn't expecting it to be done here.

Walking into the bathroom, his mouth dropped at the lavishness of it. It was reminiscent of the prefect's bathroom at Hogwarts, several different taps adorning the side of the tub. There was a double sink and finally what he was looking for — his toothbrush. After travelling all day, his mouth felt raunchy, but nothing a quick brush couldn't fix.

After brushing his teeth, Harry ran his hands under the faucet before running his fingers through his hair, trying to tame it. It was useless, it still stuck up every which way. He wanted to look presentable meeting the rest of the Krum family, but he liked his hair despite it being in a constant state of disarray. Especially since he knew it was like his fathers.

With one last look in the mirror, Harry strode back out into the bedroom and back to the armoire. He kicked his trainers off and tossed his jeans to the side. He was careful taking off his shirt as not to knock his glasses off his face. Standing in just his boxers, he looked at his scant selection of clothing. It hit him right at that moment how little he really had — a handful of Muggle clothing, a few sets of everyday robes, and a formal set of dress robes. He seemed to have an abundance of underwear and socks, but that was because they were what the Dursleys bought him for Christmas. It wasn't like he needed more, but the large armoire seemed so empty with just his belongings.

Harry dressed in his school uniform minus the grey pullover vest and slipped on the black shoes that were growing too small. A new pair would be needed when he returned to school which led his thoughts into everything that he would need once they made a trip to Diagon Alley when they returned to London. His brain was bombarded with school supplies, stuff for Hedwig, and new clothes. A knock sounded at the door drawing him out of his thoughts.

Rushing over, he was surprised to see Hermione on the other side, Viktor nowhere in sight. She was dressed in dark purple robes, the same material as their school robes and her hair was pulled back from her face at the sides.

"Hermione?" Harry questioned. "Where's Viktor?"

Hermione shrugged. "It isn't six fifty yet, and he is very punctual so I am assuming he will be right on time. Can I come in?"

Harry's mouth curved into an 'o' not having realized he had left her standing in the drafty hallway. "Sorry," Harry mumbled, opening the door wide enough for her to walk in.

"What will Viktor think when he comes and finds you in my room?" Harry asked, shutting the door behind him. Hermione sat down on the settee near the fire, wrapping her arms around her shoulders as if she was cold. Harry grabbed a blanket from the edge of the bed and wrapped it around her before taking a seat next to her.

"What do you think it's going to be like?" Hermione asked, wrapping the blanket tight around her.

"What do you mean?"

"Dinner...tomorrow...me telling Viktor I don't return his feelings…" Hermione paused in between each word before trailing off.

Harry thought for a moment. What did he think it was going to be like? He thought dinner might be awkward, tomorrow would hopefully be full of information and answers and well, he didn't know what the Viktor thing was going to be like. And he told Hermione so.

"Ugh," she groaned throwing her face into her hands. "I just need this week..or even just tomorrow to be over. More answers will calm me down and once my conversation is over with Viktor, I'll feel loads better."

Harry frowned. "When are you going to do that?"

"Not until we are leaving. I don't want to make it awkward or uncomfortable."

That didn't sound like a good idea, Harry thought. "Do you think it would be better to do it sooner so he knows you aren't stringing him along? He might think we are using him."

"Well...we kinda are, aren't we?"

Harry shrugged. "I guess. But we still, or at least you, still want to be friends with him. I wasn't really ever. Something like that is definitely going to affect the friendship."

"You're right," Hermione sighed. "Maybe I should do it tomorrow. And if he kicks us out of his house, then so be it. We have enough galleons to make it back to London or stay here for a few nights if we choose."

Harry nodded as a knock sounded at the door. Knowing it was Viktor, Hermione got up with him, laying the blanket on the bed.

"Harry," Viktor said once Harry opened the door. "Have you seen—oh, Hermy-own, zere you are! I knocked on your door but vas unsure of vere you vent."

"I was ready and decided to come over to talk to Harry," Hermione said, clasping her hands in front of her. "Time for dinner?"

Viktor nodded and held out his arm for Hermione to take. Harry, not wanting to cause any problems before it was absolutely necessary, let Hermione pass and take Viktor's arm. She didn't even have to give a raised eyebrow look telling him to behave himself. Dinner was going to be an interesting affair, that was definite.

—

Sun streaming in, Harry woke up, the embers in the fire still glowing from burning through the night. He felt extremely well-rested and most of that had to do with the witch lying next to him. Halfway through the night, she had crept into his room. He was thankful she had. Harry had tossed and turned for several hours and as soon as she cuddled up into his arms, he drifted off to sleep. It might not be normal for fifteen year olds to be sleeping in the same bed, but it kept the nightmares at bay. That had to count for something, right?

"Hermione," Harry said, lightly shaking her awake.

"Huh," she said sleepily, sitting up groggily and rubbing her eyes. Her hair was as wild as ever, always the messiest just after waking up. It never stayed put in the band she wrapped it in, coming loose through the night.

"Is Viktor going to come up looking for you?" He asked.

"He said he would meet us for breakfast downstairs at eight in the morning. What time is it?"

"I think it's just after dawn," Harry said, pointing toward the curtains that were letting in a sliver of light.

Hermione laid back down and pulled the duvet up to her chin. "I want to lay here a bit longer, but then we need to get ready." She closed her eyes and Harry relaxed as well, laying back down onto his pillow.

—

A few hours later, Harry and Hermione both met Viktor in the conservatory for breakfast. When Harry was finished, Hermione gave him a nod and he excused himself. Before he walked out the door, he turned back and addressed Viktor.

"If possible, could I be shown to the library while you both finish your breakfast?"

Viktor nodded. "Aemma vill show you the vay. There is a section of the library magically concealed zat keeps dangerous books from hurting others and it vill stop you from touching anything. Ze rest of the library is safe to use."

Harry nodded and followed the small elf that had appeared during Viktor's explanation. Harry wondered what dark tomes the Krum family could be hiding and if it was really hidden for the safety of others. He tucked away that information to discuss with Hermione later. Perhaps it was of no consequence, but perhaps not.

"Here is the library," the elf said, pointing to the door. Harry reached for the knob and pushed it open.

"Thank you," Harry said to the elf. She bowed and popped out of sight, leaving Harry to explore the library on his own. He could see the sectioned off part of the library, there seemed to be what was attempting to be an invisible barrier but if Harry looked at it in the right light, he could see it shimmering. Looking around, he decided to make the most of his time and headed toward the section on magical creatures. Maybe there was something more that they were missing.

—

Hermione set down her fork and folded her hands on her lap before looking up at Viktor who had his burly eyebrows furrowed staring at her curiously. "Vat is wrong?"

Taking a deep breath she prepared herself for a potential storm. "Viktor, I —"

"Hermy-own, you don't haff to tell me, I already know," Viktor said, pressing his lips together, looking a bit crestfallen. He looked so sad and Hermione's heart was breaking for him. She never wanted to hurt him, but she couldn't find it in herself to continue leading him on when she felt nothing more than friendship for him.

"You do?" Hermione asked incredulously.

Viktor nodded. "I haff known since ve vere at Hogwarts for ze tournament. I saw him kiss you out by the lake and I see how you look at him. Some might think I am not very smart but I am not dumb."

Hermione smiled sadly. "I know you're not dumb, Viktor," she said, reaching out to grasp his hand. "And I am sorry, I—"

"Nothing to be sorry for, Herm-oh-ninny. I still vant to be your friend."

Hermione brightened up at that fact. "I am so happy to hear you say that. I was so worried that —"

"I wouldn't?"

Hermione nodded.

"Never. It is sad, but I still vant to be friends vith you — besides zere are many vomen who are interested in professional Quidditch players," he assured her with a wink.

Hermione laughed. "Still willing to help us?"

"You zink I vould back out because you do not vish to be vith me?" Viktor clicked his tongue against his teeth in disapproval. Hermione felt her face heat up in embarrassment. "Vell I do not blame you, but I will still help you." He stood from his seat and held out his hand. "How about ve go find Harry?"

Standing, Hermione grabbed his hand and they walked off to the library to find Harry. When they arrived, they found Harry in the back, several books pulled from the shelves. Hermione rushed forward.

"Find anything?" she asked, making Harry jump. "Sorry."

Harry turned to see both her and Viktor standing there. He looked first at Hermione, then to Viktor, then back at Hermione and raised his eyebrows.

"Don't worry, Viktor and I have worked things out."

Viktor stepped forward and held out his hand. "No hard feelings, Harry. You are good for Herm-oh-ninny."

Harry shook his hand and nodded his head, his lips tight at the awkwardness of the moment.

"Now that that's out of the way," Hermione said, Harry and Viktor releasing hands. "Did you find anything while you were up here?"

"For vat?" Viktor asked, before Harry could answer.

Hermione looked at Harry, her eyes wide. Should we tell him? Harry was no help at all, just shrugging. He was going to let her make the decision. Viktor did see the mark as she was pulled out of the lake after all, he was probably safe to tell him what was going on.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione responded, "As we mentioned last night we are looking for something that will give us any information on mermaids, specifically Atargatis." She paused. "Do you remember when you pulled me out of the lake?"

Viktor nodded.

"Well, remember the bite mark I had on my neck." He nodded again. "I was bitten by one of the merpeople, their Merchieftainess to be exact. And now, I can turn into a mermaid."

Viktor's head which had been down while she was talking, shot up, his brows furrowed. "Into a mermaid?"

Hermione breathed out a sigh. "Yes. We met some mermaids in Mykonos and got more information and they bit me specifically so that I could take over for their current ruler and protect them."

"How are you going to do zat?" Viktor asked.

"We don't know yet, which is why are continuing our research." She turned back to Harry, feeling like she had said enough to Viktor. "So, did you find anything?"

Harry shook his head. "Nothing that we didn't already know. Right now I am looking through magical creatures books, but there are only mentions of Atargatis, not anything more specific about her."

"You can't find anything in depth about her, anyvere," Viktor interjected. "Zat is, except for ze temples where she is vorshipped."

Hermione frowned and leaned against the desk where Harry had been working. "What do you mean?"

"Zere is vord of mouth and a few informational pamphlets out zere, but have you ever found anything about her? Even ven you vent to the Magical Library of Mykonos?"

Hermione thought about that or a moment. "No," she replied slowly. "But why?"

"No one knows. But it's not really an odd zing here and no one talks about it. But I know one zing zat could help us."

"What?" Harry and Hermione replied.

"Visit ze Temple of Atargatis of course."

—

Viktor apparated them to the closest possible point before walking several hundred meters and approaching a temple that was in ruin. The remaining stone was an off white color, dirt staining the sides. Ivy had crawled up the stone, out of control. Hermione could see several statues in the distance, some looking like half a statue — heads and other body parts missing.

"Viktor?" Hermione asked. "Are you sure we are in the right spot? This doesn't look like a temple."

"It is," he replied, and continuing to walk he motioned them to follow him. Harry looked at Hermione, the confusion in his eyes matching hers. He shrugged his shoulders and they walked quickly after him, catching up.

"What is this place?"

"It is a temple, but it has lain in ruin for quite some time. Far before ve vere born even."

Hermione frowned. "But how do people worship? Are there statues?"

Viktor nodded. "The largest one is over there." He motioned them forward. "It's the only one zat is completely whole. Only chips of stone have fallen avay instead of full pieces like ze others."

Hermione's head felt like it was spinning as they walked through the ruins as she wanted to look at everything in sight. Finally, Viktor led them to the statue he had referred to. Standing at least three times Hermione's size, she looked up, straining her neck.

She looked to her side at Harry who also had his head thrown back gazing at the statue. He looked at her. "You think this is it? Atargatis, I mean?"

Hermione shrugged and nodded, but unsure. She looked back at Viktor but he seemed uninterested in what they were doing, gazing in the opposite direction. He must have been here a hundred times. "It seems likely, but we'll never know unless we try."

"Try speaking out her name," Harry said.

"Atargatis," Hermione said softly, bringing her hands up to rest on the statue. A wisp of wind gushed through her hair. Viktor turned and look at them curiously, furrowing his brow.

"Say it again."

"Atargatis," Hermione called out, a little louder this time. Hermione felt the wind once more rush through her hair and then, her vision blurred before blacking out. Then there was nothing.

Feel free to share your thoughts — I'd love to hear from you!