It was three in the morning, & Hermione still couldn't sleep …

She was thinking of Viktor … His smile. His gentle touch … Hermione had never been in a real relationship, she was always much too busy with her classes and with keeping Harry and Ron out of trouble.

Ron … Her temper flared at the very thought of him, so arrogant.

Hermione pushed the thoughts of Ron aside and focused on better things to think about … Like Viktor … His dreamy eyes … His sweet accent … Hermione blushed at the thought of what had happened just a few hours earlier.

But then … her self esteem kicked in.

He only did all of that, because he felt sorry for you, a part of her said in a bitter and mocking tone. "No! Your wrong!", Hermione yelled. Startled she looked around to see if she had awoken any of her dorm mates. To her relief, all were sleeping soundly, probably dreaming about the Ball.

Hermione walked over to her window and sat on the sill. She had a beautiful view of the Hogwart's grounds. She could even see the very ship Viktor was probably sleeping on this very moment. Doubt in her heart Hermione started to cringe. What if he thinks I'm a silly girl? I'm three years younger than him, what could he see in me?

He could have any girl he wants, a confident part of her countered. & He chose me!

But how long will he stay with you? How can you keep HIS attention?!? Soon, he will see what a normal little girl you are and move onto some prettier older girl.

Hermione felt tears falling down her cheek, but made no notion of moving them. It's true … I really am just a silly little girl, with silly little dreams …What could he possibly see in me? He's so smart and handsome … He's also famous …

Hermione crept into bed, her cheeks wet. She made the mistake of believing she was somebody. I wont make that mistake again, she thought bitterly to herself. Tomorrow, I'll just tell Viktor I'm sorry and forget all about him.

Hermione stuffed her head under her pillow, to mute the soft sobs coming from her mouth.

…

The morning came swiftly and before she knew it, Sunlight was shining into her room.

When Ginny asked her If she was coming to breakfast, Hermione told her she wasn't feeling well and would be down later.

I'm such a coward … Hermione thought, but stayed in bed for a little while longer anyway. Viktor would probably be waiting for her, so she figured she should be late for breakfast.

When Hermione finally did come down, to her relief, Viktor wasn't waiting for her at the entrance doorway. Hermione walked casually to her normal seat and passed Viktor on the way. She was sure to keep her eyes straight ahead. She cringed when she heard:

"Hermienee? Are you alvight? ", from Viktor, worry filling his voice. His English was getting better and better.

It tore her up inside to keep walking.

When Hermione was silent all through breakfast, not even speaking to give her normal "S-P-E-W" speech of the day, Harry and Ron were worried. Well, only Harry verbally voiced the question, but Ron was worried too, just not enough to injure his pride even more by speaking to her before she apologized.

"Hermione … er … Whats wrong? Are you feeling alright?"

Hermione took a deep sigh and put on her best smile. It wasn't a very good one, but it seemed to convince Harry.

"I'm fine Harry. So … How far have you gotten with the Egg?"

It was mean of her to do that to Harry, because she secretly knew he hadn't done a thing with it since he opened it the first time, but she was desperate.

"Err … Say Ron, did you have a good time last night?", Harry too was desperate to change the subject, but he felt bad knowing what he had just asked.

Ron snorted and shrugged off the question.Hermione wanted so badly to slap him, but managed to contain herself.

When breakfast was over, Hermione tried to rush out of the dining hall before Viktor could see her, but fate was against her and Viktor cut her off.

"Hermienee, please tell me vhats vrong". Viktor asked timidly. "Is it something I did?"

Hermione almost cried right there on the spot, but held in most of her emotions.

"Viktor I'm sorry … I can't", Hermione looked down.

Viktor tried to brush away the tears falling down her cheek, but Hermione ran out of the room.

Viktor walked over to Ron.

"Erm, excuse me … You are friends with Hermienee, yes?"

Ron grunted an affirmative.

"Vell, please tell Hermienee that I am sorry and vill do anything at all to make her happy. You vill tell her, yes?"

Ron looked Viktor square in the eye and nodded slightly.

Viktor walked off …