DICLAIMER: NOT MINE. THE IDEA IS MINE, CHRACTERS BELONG TO J.K. ROWLING.

Six

During dinner the great hall was buzzing with their usual gossip. It felt nice to sit in a warm, cozy dining room while the weather outside was chilly. The staff was sitting in their usual places, enjoying the dinner as well. Hermione smiled to herself. Even though she wouldn't admit to any one but herself, food was her first love, and she loved it even more than books. Looking over at Ron, she rolled her eyes. He was stuffing his mouth with food, as usual and Lavender didn't give a flying fuck. It was funny really. At least I don't have to put up with that any more, Hermione thought. Sighing, she dung into her food, savoring the rich spices and tangy sauces. Picking up the lamb meat piece she dipped it in the spice sauce and took a bite of it, enjoying the tender meat.

Unaware of the attention she was inviting, Hermione enjoyed the meat, oblivious that half the guys at the table had their gaze on her lips. Feeling some one's eyes on her, Hermione turned her head up and met a pair of stormy gray eyes. Lucius felt his heart stop for a second. His gaze was fixed on those plump, full rose colored lips. A drop of the sauce was clinging to it and he had the most carnal urge to lick it off. His chest was tight like he needed to breathe and the ache in his groins was becoming unbearable by the second. He noticed that he wasn't the only male having trouble keeping his eyes off of her lips. The entire Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw was busy looking at her lips.

Suddenly, the dining hall was filled with such electricity that Hermione felt it from her head down to her toes. A high blush rose up to her cheeks and she looked away, licking her lips. That was just my imagination, she told herself firmly. This was the result of not eating enough and not eating on time.

"Hermione, are you ok? You look red." Hermione looked at Ginny, and blushed harder. Ginny looked worried, but Hermione smiled.

"No, it's just the sauce. A bit too spicy," she lied. The real reason was that Lucius Malfoy's gaze was too hot to handle, but Hermione knew if she told Ginny that then she would be at the loony bin. Ginny wasn't convinced, but she let it go. Thankful for that Hermione dug into her food again.

"Lucius, why is your face red?" Snape asked, amused. Lucius looked at him with an evil eye, causing Snape to laugh.

"I have no idea why you are laughing. The sauce is a bit too spicy, that is all." Snape nodded as though everything made sense, causing Lucius's anger to boil. The rat, Lucius thought, annoyed.

"Yes, you are right. The sauce is quite spicy. I also believe your firebrand is quite spicy too," Snape added, drinking his soup to hide the smile when Lucius choked.

"What did you say?" he demanded, wiping his lips with a napkin. Snape looked at him innocently.

"Excuse me? I didn't say anything. Honestly Lucius, you are losing your senses along with your hearing," Snape said sadly, smirking inwardly.

"Why you-"

The double doors opened suddenly, causing the entire room to jump up in shock. Flitch ran inside, his cat trailing in behind him. McGonagall hurried down to meet him a frown on her face.

"What do you think is going on?" a first year asked. His friend shook his head, obviously confused. Harry looked at Hermione, who shrugged. As soon as Flitch took off the whispers began. McGonagall went to the head mistress spot and held up her hands.

"Students, please let me have your attention," she began.

"It seems that Dumstrang has had a break in, not for the first time. This time, it was a bit more severe. One of the students had their throat cut." Gasps echoed around the hall.

"So, we have invited them here, and I hope we can all be respectful and-"

"Who was the student?" a voice demanded. McGonagall rolled her eyes.

"Viktor Kurrum."

Hermione's food almost came up. The table tuned to look at her and she felt like the world was closing on her.

"He is in perfect condition now, but we will keep the autographs and comments to a limit. Whatever he is uncomfortable with, we will not press him." Hermione took a deep breath, her head swimming. Even though she hated Viktor, she didn't want him to be cut into pieces. That was too harsh. He had cheated on her; got another girl pregnant, but she wouldn't wish death on him. He had a son for Merlin's sake!

"Hermione, its ok. Don't worry, he's fine," Ginny said, trying to calm her friend down.

"Yeah, I know, but it just got to me, "Hermione said, he face pale. The head master of Dumstrang walked in, Viktor next to him. Hermione looked away, trying not to be seen. Viktor stopped, looking at Hermione. Feeling the heat raise in her cheeks, she looked up at him finally, biting back bile that rose in her throat. Even though she didn't want him dead, she still hated him.

"Hermione," he breathed, trying to come closer to her table. Reflexively, she scooted backwards. His smile fell, and he turned away, walking up. No one really knew the whole story of their break up, but it was easy to figure it out.

"Hermione, what has gotten into you?" Ginny asked, flabbergasted.

"Nothing, nothing. It's just that I don't want to be near him," she said hotly, her tone warning Ginny off. A little hurt, Ginny turned away.

"I would like all of you to welcome these students and allow them to join us at dinner tonight," McGonagall said sternly. That was not a problem with any one at Hogwarts. Some old friends joined the Gryffinindor table and as someone pointed out, Viktor Kurrum joined the Slytherin table.

Lucius noticed the entire exchange between Hermione and Viktor, and the way she shirked away from him. His fist tightened as insane thoughts ran in his mind. If the little bastard had touched her, he would do more than slit the rascal's throat. Any reason why you're having such strong feelings toward her? a voice demanded slyly. Lucius chose to ignore it.

"Uncurl your fist and wipe that murderous expression off of your face," Snape hissed. "Be a little more obvious," he added sarcastically. Taking a deep breath, Lucius did as Snape said. It would do no good to look like a jealous man.

"What do you know about them?" he demanded, glaring at Snape, who smiled.

"They were dating and they were happy. Or that's what the people said. But the truth is, he cheated on her and got one girl pregnant. He's a father of a son, and in a drunken attempt he tried raping her." Lucius slammed his fist on the table, enticing many looks from the staff.

"Could you stop that? Behave like an adult for Merlin's sake!"

When Lucius looked down, he saw that Hermione was gone and Viktor was also moving out. Oh fuck

"Now where are you going?" Snape asked, confused.

"To save that fire brand's ass!" Lucius hissed

"Nice ass isn't it?" Snape said. Instead of answering, Lucius caused the soup to fall into his old friend's lap, using that as an opportunity to leave. Snape smiled, despite the fact that the soup was burring his thighs. Go get her Lucius, he thought, cleaning up the mess.