Author's note: Hey guys! How ironic is it that my college has a snow day on a day I don't have to go to school. -_- I wish for one tomorrow. ;) Anyways, this chapter should be very interesting. You may hate me, but I guess it's for everyone's own good. With that said, let's get this going.

Also, I'm sorry if Ron's too "wimpy". This is how I want to portray him and if he was up to his usual Ron standards I don't think the story would work out as well. The point of a fan fic to express your imagination and this is mine. Anyways, on with the chapter.

Disclaimer: The Rowlingator owns everything and I obviously own nothing but my mind. Daily Routine by Animal Collective was also an inspiration.

Chapter six:

Yes, your Motives are Tasteless

It had been days since Hermione had sent Viktor her reply. She wasn't too worried about him not responding yet considering he said Quidditch was starting up again. Her usual mornings with everyone had become strained. Ron didn't show up anymore, and she was secretly hurt. She knew their relationship wasn't anywhere close to back to normal, but it was also strange not to see him.

No matter how much Harry or even Ginny wrote, visited and pleaded Ron wouldn't come back to their daily routine. Hermione wanted to say something, but not quite what. Oh, Ron. I know we haven't spoken since our row and I haven't gotten an apology or anything from you, but I would like you to come back to hanging out with us every day. After she completed her thought, she was angry. He hadn't apologized to her. He hasn't said a word to her in a week. Maybe it was better than he wasn't around at the moment.

On the morning Hermione got her reply, Ginny and Harry were over sipping tea and eating blueberry muffins at her house. They all heard an owl screech and land on Hermione's porch. Hermione got up and opened her door. She saw the same barn owl as she did a few days ago. She grabbed a few owl pellets and it was off again. She unrolled the letter and read:

Hermione:

I have tonight free if you would like to get together. Let me know, soon.

-Viktor

She grabbed parchment and a quill. She quickly wrote a reply telling Viktor tonight was fine. She gave it to her owl and came to sit back down with the other two.

"Uh, who was that to?" Ginny asked looking at Hermione.

"No one, really. Why?" Hermione asked. Her voice guarded.

"Just wondering. That was the fastest response, ever."

"Well, he needed a response as soon as possible," Hermione said sipping her tea.

"He, huh? Who is this he?" Harry asked.

"You two are acting like I'm doing something wrong and Harry, that sounded rather, girly."

"Oh, thanks Hermione. Are you doing something wrong?" Harry asked.

"No. I don't believe I am," she said defensively.

"It totally sounds like you're doing something wrong!" Ginny accused.

"I don't think having dinner with someone is wrong!" Hermione said slowly.

"Dinner, eh? Who is this mystery man?" Ginny asked.

"If you must know, Viktor Krum," Hermione said in a small voice.

"VIKTOR BLOODY KRUM!" Harry and Ginny yelled in unison.

"Yes? What's so wrong with that?" Hermione asked turning red.

"Nothing, nothing at all," Harry said.

"Nothing's wrong with it, dear. Just wasn't expecting to hear that name. That's all," Ginny said smiling at her.

"Well, I was just as shocked as you when he first wrote me. I haven't talked to him since our 4th year."

"Well, hopefully You Know Who doesn't find out," Harry said rolling his green eyes.

"Who cares if he does or if he doesn't find out? I gave him the chance and now he blew it. He hasn't said a word to me in days. What am I supposed do, sit around and wait on that git? NO! I refuse," Hermione said infuriated.

Harry and Ginny just looked at Hermione in amazement.

"No, I wasn't saying you should wait on him. I merely meant that when or if he finds out he's going to go ballistic and bitch about it," Harry said putting his hands up showing he meant nothing by his statement.

"Let him. I don't care anymore," Hermione said half lying.

"Well, I'm glad you aren't sitting around moping. Have fun tonight, all right?" Ginny said.

"I plan on it," Hermione said with a smile.

After making small talk, Harry and Ginny took their leave. Hermione got a reply from Viktor saying he'd come to escort her to his flat around 5. Hermione looked at the clock and saw that it was 3 already. She ran upstairs and decided to shower instead of taking a bath. She wrapped a towel around her and her hair and went into her bedroom.

She opened her walk-in closet and stared. She had no clue what she should wear. After several minutes, she found the perfect dress. It was light yellow, made of cotton with lace on the skirt and on the short sleeves. She put it on and it ended right above her knees and didn't show much cleavage. She didn't want to be seen as a tramp. Hermione took her hair down from the towel and dried her hair by using her wand. She then murmured "recta" and her hair became instantly straight. Hermione applied mascara and eyeliner. She put on black wedge heels and found jewelry to match. She looked herself over and approved.

Hermione heard a knock at her door. She grabbed her small bag and headed downstairs. She looked at herself one last time and opened the door.

"Vell, hello Hermione," Viktor said smiling at her.

"Hello, Viktor. You look dashing," Hermione said kissing him on both cheeks.

"Thank you, you look beautiful."

"Thanks," she said blushing.

"Shall ve then?" He asked giving her his arm.

She nodded and they were off.

Moments later, they were in front of the Leaky Cauldron. Hermione was confused.

"I have a flat here, if you're vondering," he said catching her facial expression.

"Oh, why's that?"

"Sometimes when ve have games here or vhen I want to look at new scenery," he said walking through the building to Diagon Alley.

"That makes sense then," she said smiling up at him.

He nodded and they continued on their way towards his flat.

Ron couldn't believe his eyes. He didn't want to believe his eyes. Why was Hermione with him? Had she pursued him or did he pursue her? Ron was starting to get angry. He ordered a large glass of whiskey. That was the last thing he wanted to see.

After a few hours and a few more glasses of whiskey, he paid and went to Harry's house. Ron beat on the door. A not many minutes later, a tired-looking Harry opened the door.

"Ron, mate, it's 2 am. What's going on?" Harry said letting Ron in.

"HERMIONE'S OUT WITH VICKY! I SAW THEM! I FUCKING SAW THEM!" Ron yelled.

"Ron, be quiet. Ginny's asleep."

"Sorry, but she's out with Viktor!" he said angry, but quieter.

"I know, Ron," Harry said drinking a glass of water.

"YOU KNEW! You're supposed to be my best mate and you didn't stop her or at least tell me?" Ron asked turning red.

"Ron, I'm her best mate as well. And you haven't spoken to her in days and you rejected her, so I don't think that gives you the right to be mad. I know you don't like it, but c'mon," Harry said looking at his furious friend.

"I don't like it. I don't like it at all. I should be taking her out, not him," he said sitting down.

"Why didn't you tell her then?"

"I guess I just got scared," he said sighing.

"Why? She reciprocated your feelings and wanted to start a relationship with you."

"Any time I tried pursuing a girl, it wasn't serious. She is what I want, but it just felt like it was too good to be true."

"I feel like that every day with Ginny, but that just proves that she's the right person for you," Harry said.

"Maybe you're right. I guess it was just a silly momentary lapse of judgment," Ron said standing back up.

"It probably was," Harry said rubbing his unruly hair.

"I should at least apologize to her, then."

"Probably a fantastic idea. Honestly, she's miserable without you being here with us every morning like it used to be. Sure she's pissed at you, but even Ginny and I feel weird without you."

"Really?" Ron asked shocked.

"Of, course. Why wouldn't it be weird without you?" Harry asked.

"I don't know. Maybe because she's pissed at me, and I deserve it, and it'd be quite awkward if I did show up."

"That may be, but you can't stay away forever."

"You're right. Thanks, Harry. This is why you're my best mate."

"It isn't my dashing good looks? Damn. I'm hurt, Ron. I really am," Harry said placing his hand on his chest with a look of disbelief.

"Oh knock it off you prat," Ron said playfully shoving Harry.

"Now, go get some rest and come to breakfast tomorrow. It'll be here," he said clapping him on the back.

"All right. Thanks again," Ron said walking out the door.

Harry gave a yawning nod and closed the door.

Viktor led Hermione up a spiral stairwell to his flat. He held her hand as they climbed to give her more support. They didn't say anything as they climbed. Hermione felt they didn't need to fill every moment with some kind of chatter. She was perfectly fine with enjoying his company.

They finally reached the door to his flat. He tapped his wand on the handle and the door opened revealing a long mahogany wood floor. Hermione admired the beauty of the hardwood floor. She almost felt as if she shouldn't be walking on it in her heels. No matter, Viktor led the way to the dining room. As they passed, Hermione saw the living room filled with over-sized furniture that looked quite comfortable. She saw a Viktor's bedroom with his large four poster bed and messy floor. She smiled at that.

Viktor pulled out her chair when they reached the table. It was already set elegantly. The china plates, the crystal glasses and the silverware were all perfect. Viktor sat down across the table from her and smiled.

"Flower! Bring out the soup and salad, please," Viktor said yelling towards the kitchen.

"You have a house elf?" Hermione said quietly.

"Yes, but she is free. I have set her free. I guess she's been in my family too long to actually want to leave," Viktor said quickly.

"I see," Hermione said looking down at her hands.

"Hermione, I know how you feel about elves and I'm sorry."

"I feel a bit strange, but I can see that she is indeed free," Hermione said looking at Flower's new mini robe she wore.

"Flower loves mister Viktor and vill never leaves him," Flower said pouring Hermione her soup.

"But you're free, right Flower?"

"Oh, yes. I'm very free miss," she said heading back into the kitchen.

Hermione felt a lot better now that she knew the elf's situation. Flower came back out brandishing two bottles. One filled with pumpkin juice and the other filled with wine. She poured Hermione and Viktor a cup of each and took her leave again.

"So, vhat have you been up to, Hermione?" Viktor asked as he ate his soup.

"Oh, nothing really. I work for the Ministry now. I see Harry, Ginny and…Ron on a daily basis. That's really it. How's Quidditch been?" She said cursing herself for mentioning Ron.

"Oh, you still see Ron? Quidditch has been going vell. I feel that ve're going to vin the championship this year."

"That's great. I mean, Ron and I are just friends. As we've always been. Now, I don't really know that to be true since we've had such a terrible row," Hermione said not sure why she told Viktor all of that.

"Vhy? Has he hurt you?" Viktor asked getting angry.

"No, he hasn't hurt me. It's just a very dumb row. Don't worry," she said smiling at him.

"As long as he doesn't hurt you, I'll be civil."

Hermione gave Viktor a small smile as Flower brought out the main course. Which consisted of garlic roasted chicken, broccoli and rice. It smelled really good and it tasted even better.

Hermione and Viktor talked more as Flower (with Viktor's help) cleared the table. After the table was cleared and the food was put away, Hermione and Viktor went into a living room with a glass of wine. They sat on the couch as a fire crackled in the hearth. It was turning out to be a great time. Viktor broke their silence and said,

"Hermione, I vas glad you accepted my invitation. I vas nervous that you wouldn't. It's been years since ve've seen each other and I'm glad things aren't awkvard."

"I'm glad you invited me. It has been a long time and I was shocked you even thought of me still."

"I thought of you a lot, actually. I felt our time was cut short vhen we first met. Plus, you never came to spend the summer vith me," he said laughing.

"I'm sorry, Viktor. I wanted to."

"It's all right. I'm just glad we get to spend time together now," he said scooting closer.

Hermione knew what was coming next. Did she really want to kiss him back? Was he just a rebound? Was she even emotionally stable to kiss him back? She was dragged out of her train of thoughts when she saw Viktor looking at her in the eyes.

His black eyes reflected the fire. They weren't as appealing as Ron's eyes, but they still had their own beauty to them. Why was she even comparing him to Ron? Viktor started leaning in and Hermione caught herself leaning towards him. This was it. Their lips came crashing into each other. Viktor's hands cradled her face as he deepened the kiss. She welcomed it. There was no harm in this, was there? She could feel the lust radiating from him. Hermione could also feel her own arousal.

She pulled back. She didn't want to do something she'd regret. Maybe she wouldn't regret sleeping with Viktor Krum, but at the same time it was Viktor Krum. Who knew how many women he had snogged and bedded. Viktor looked at her with a smirk on his face. Hermione smiled back and sat back.

"I'm sorry if that was too…rash," he said sitting up as well.

"Um, it was all right. It's not like I told you no. I enjoyed it," Hermione said smiling slightly.

"Do you want me to take you home?" Viktor asked.

"It is getting late, isn't it?"

"All right. Let me go tell Flower and ve'll be off," he said getting up.

As Viktor exited the room, Hermione sighed with relief. If they would have continued that kiss any longer than they have, Hermione might have done something very bad. Viktor returned moments later and held out his hand. Hermione took it and stood up. They headed outside, through the Leaky Cauldron and apparated back to her house.

Viktor walked her up to her door.

"I had a really good time, Viktor," Hermione said as they stood on the porch.

"Ve'll have to do it again some time."

"Definitely," she said smiling at him again.

Viktor leaned down and planted a quick kiss on Hermione's lips. He walked off the porch and was gone. Hermione unlocked her door and walked into her living room. Why did she suddenly feel guilty?

The next day, the group decided to make their usual breakfast a dinner instead. Plus, it was time for everyone to go back to work. The day passed with its usual speed and events. As soon as it was time to head home, Hermione was one of the first to be through the fireplace.

She quickly changed out of her robes into something more comfortable. She put on a pair of jeans, a button down shirt and a pair of trainers. Hermione walked downstairs and headed to Harry and Ginny's.

Hermione knocked on the door and let herself in.

"Harry? Ginny? Where are you guys?" She asked walking down the hall.

She saw the door that lead out to their backyard open. Hermione figured they were out back and she was right. She saw that the wrought iron table was set and there were orbs hanging over the table that changed colors every few minutes. As she got closer, she saw Ginny and Harry sitting at the table talking.

"Hey guys," she said to them.

"Hey Hermione!" Ginny and Harry said in unison.

"The change of scenery looks nice," Hermione said sitting down.

"It is nice. So, how was your date!" Ginny asked.

"You don't waste any time. It wasn't a date, really. We were just catching up. Old friends catching up after several years, that's all it was."

"Sure, it was a date," Ginny insisted.

"Whatever you want to call it," Hermione said brushing off Ginny's insistence.

"So, what happened?" Harry butted in.

"You two are quite nosey," Hermione said stalling.

"Just bloody tell us what happened!" Ginny said.

"Fine. Well, we went back to his flat and we had a very nice dinner. We talked and caught up. Then he kissed me," she said not looking at them.

"Wait, you two kissed?" Ginny said in complete disbelief.

"Mmm, yes," she said.

"Since when does Hermione Granger snog people?" Ginny said laughing.

"You act like I'm a prude," Hermione said offended.

"You are a prude," Harry said laughing.

"I am not! Am I?" Hermione said questioning herself.

Harry and Ginny both nodded.

"Damn," Hermione said laughing.

Hermione heard footsteps from the side of the house, but she didn't see anyone.

"Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Yes?"

"Who else was supposed to join us this evening?"

"Ron. Why?" Harry asked looking at her.

"Well, because I think I heard him leaving. He must have heard our conversation," she said feeling nauseous.

"I should probably go talk to him then," Harry said getting up.

"Great. Bad timing," Hermione said looking down at her hands.

"He'll get over it. You just snogged Viktor. It's not like you had sex with him," Ginny said blatantly.

"You know how Ron is. He doesn't like Viktor as is," Hermione said.

"I know, but he also hasn't spoken to you, nor proclaimed his feelings. You couldn't just sit around and wait on him," Ginny said reassuringly.

"I know, but I still feel bad," Hermione said looking at Ginny.

"It'll be ok," Ginny said rubbing Hermione's arm.

"I hope so," Hermione said flatly.

"Ron! Ron, come back!" Harry shouted as he ran after Ron.

"Why should I? I was coming to apologize. I was coming to tell her everything and I find out that she snogged Viktor bloody Krum!" Ron shouted back.

"You could still apologize. You could still tell her. Don't let this discourage you. She didn't have sex with him. You snogged Lavender Brown in front of her all the time," Harry said catching up to him.

"That was ages ago!"

"It doesn't matter. You still snogged someone in front of her and you didn't give a fuck," Harry said getting angry.

"It was ages ago and Lavender and I weren't serious," Ron said just as angry.

"So, it's a double standard now? You can snog whomever you want in front of the girl that likes you, but she can't snog one person after you rejected her and haven't spoken a word to her? You're a fucking git, Ron. I hope you know that," Harry said.

"I know I'm a fucking git! Everyone's been telling me that since I could remember. It's not a double standard, Harry. Things are different now."

"No they aren't. You just don't think it's a double standard because you thought you didn't have a chance with her!"

"News flash Harry, I don't have a chance with her!"

"That's a lie! You could go back there and tell her everything and you know she'd be a bit mad for awhile, but she'd still give you a chance!"

"I don't know about that, Harry," Ron said apparating away.

Fucking arsehole! Harry thought as he walked back to the backyard.

A/N: Such a long update, for my standards anyways. So much drama in such a little time.

I had to give Harry a few funny lines. I feel that he didn't have enough in the books. What has gotten into Hermione? I like this side of her, right now. Plus, she needs to stop being so darn up tight. It's about time. And Viktor's accent was hard to write sometimes. So, I'm sorry if it isn't all the great. I tried!

Well, reviews are rewarding as re-reading the whole HP series over again.