Astoria linked their arms and gave her a smile and questioning look as the Headmaster began to speak. "Now ve are all here ve shall dine." He waved his wand and the tables transformed from large round ones to slightly smaller tables with white table cloths the chairs assembled around it except one that transformed to a much more comfortable chair, the back with the name of a witch embroidered and the symbol of her house. "Please, ladies, haf a seat."

The girls all moved to their table and a Durmstang boy pulled out her chair for her to sit. For Hermione it was Erik. Looking to her left she saw Astoria sitting at a much smaller table with only one other chair and Dane kissing her hand as he helped her to sit. Astoria had already agreed to have him court her and requested coming only to see him, not meet others, it seemed even with the changed itinerary this request was being met and with great care for the budding couple as their chairs were placed intimately for continued conversation.

Hermione was faced with four chairs and when she turned back to them she found Kiril, Erik, Viktor and a boy she had yet to meet standing behind each chair. They all bowed to her and took a seat. Viktor to her right, Erik to her left, Kiril was beside Viktor and between Erik and Kiril sat the new boy.

"Mya." Viktor caught her attention with the shortened version she'd asked him to call her at the Yule Ball.

"Viktor," She grinned at him, "It's so good to see you."

"I am glad to hear." He told her lifting his brow a little.

She blushed, "I was going to write to you."

"Something else I am glad to hear." He whispered back, "You haf met my younger brother Kiril and Erik and this is Axel."

"Kiril told me you mentored him but I thought you said your little brother here was named Danael?"

Viktor nodded with a smile, "I haf two, yes. Kiril and Danael."

"You never said."

"Danael came here my last year, I found him his big brother for his second year as Kiril's welcoming brother found me for Kiril my fifth year. It is not the same, Danael was more… a responsibility, I must to accustom him to school and life here. Kiril was more like brother. I mentor but also we are friends, get into trouble together." Hermione smiled and nodded in understanding, he'd explained how in their last year the boys were required to sponsor one of the first years. They were called big brothers, she had never known about this other bond they encouraged. It seemed nice, like each first year had their own personal prefect or something.

"You haf enjoy our school?" Axel cut in.

Hermione blushed, "I'm afraid I saw very little but the library."

Erik chuckled, "Is impressive as I tell you no?"

"Yes." Hermione turned to him grinning. "It might be larger than Hogwarts!"

"We haf no restricted area though perhaps if that is included it would be same."

"Maybe, but its still so wonderful and its organized brilliantly all the little nooks so that you can study in peace, they would have been so useful the year Viktor came."

Viktor laughed, "Not so easy for me to vatch you."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Easier to hide from the fan girls and get away from that awful giggling, I could hardly concentrate."

Viktor shook his head, "Silly vitches, I happy you chase away so often, make me like you more."

"Happy to help." Hermione told him dryly making him laugh.

"I haf miss you."

"Me too." She grinned back at him.

"Eat." He nodded to her plate and she found it had been filled.

She picked at her plate and smiled at Axel who looked a little put out, "Are you in seventh or eighth year?"

"Seventh, I not do another."

"No?"

Axel shook his head, "Vill haf wife maybe child to care for."

Erik snorted making Hermione turn to him, "What?"

"I will return, is good for family, make stronger position when done."

"I never did learn what the eighth year was." Hermione reminded him, "You've already written your NEWTs."

"Exactly." Axel agreed.

"Is for further development." Viktor pulled her attention again. "I play Quidditch but also learn skills to vork and skill for living, having family, ve learn things here I think you do not at Hogwarts, not just Darker Magic as some think but to be gentlemen, to vomen and in business, ve learn skills specific to life ve haf chosen. Like Harry vishing to be auror. Here we start those skills in eighth year and how that vill affect life, how to manage money and family and job. Ve learn to teach ourselves so can continue in life."

"Ve haf only few class vith teachers for specific field, like healing or auror, mostly ve taught to teach selves, make theory and experiment," Kiril winked at her making her blush a little, "ve research and study on own steam for most subjects, teach each other and go to professors for help. At end of year ve must pass test in our field like to become auror then can start learning in field, healer in hospital or like but also must present final work, thesus on field, vritten and practical, vhen pass are certified, like muggle masters degree."

"Oh." Hermione smiled nodding, "That makes sense."

"Is option to do or not." Erik added, "I think is important."

"Yes." Kiril nodded.

"Is not needed, can become good vorker vithout." Axel insisted.

"Of course you can." Hermione smiled at him, "I do wish we had it at Hogwarts though, it sounds wonderful to me."

"You can do anyvays." Erik smiled at her. "Spend year research and study, create theory and try to make happen. Find what is it you want to focus on to make change in world, you are brilliant, will find something to catch your mind and passion."

Hermione grinned at him, "That would be nice."

"Vill haf family then too." Axel reminded her.

"Yes," Hermione nodded with a sigh.

"You not vant?" Axel frowned at her.

"Yes, I do, it's just so much sooner than I had ever planned. I'm not sure I'm ready but I suppose I'm up for any challenge."

"No more fight, no more stress, vill be good for you, see you to smile."

Hermione smiled at him politely. She had begun to think she'd connect with every wizard and maybe it was because she was forced to marry and felt desperate to hurry it but faced with Axel she realized she had been lucky so far is all, her friends and obviously teachers just knew her well and had matched her up with dates she would click with, even if it was surprising many of them were Slytherins. They finished the meal telling her about the school and classes, all of them amicable and charming. When the food disappeared Hermione was pleased to note they all chewed with their mouths closed and didn't spit food across the table talking while they ate like Ron often would.

"I hope lunch vas pleasing to you all." The Headmaster stood and smiled at them. "If you vould allow the partner to your right to escort you back to your quarters ve vill be very please to have you back here this evening for a very special feast in your honor. Until then, once your own teachers dismiss you of course, please feel free to vander the grounds or the castle at your leisure. A call vill sound when it is time for the feast."

"Mya." Viktor smiled at her as he stood and held out his hand.

Hermione turned back to the others, "Thank you for such a lovely lunch."

"It is our honor." Erik answered for them, all of them nodding to her.

Hermione took Viktors offered hand and stood. He tucked it in the crook of his elbow and led her out. At the main door Hermione called for her cloak and Viktor sent her a grin and walked her outside.

"You are still thinking about my suit?" He asked her.

Hermione blushed, "I just wasn't sure what to write." She whispered, "I do care for you so much and your note made me smile all day but…"

"I would not expect to be the only one to ask Mya."

"Are you courting anyone else?"

He nodded, "I vill be courting five witches if you say yes, one I am only courting as an old promise between my mother and her friend, neither of us vishes to marry. You are the one I have hoped the most to agree though."

Hermione smiled at him, grateful for his honesty. "Then yes, when I am ready to be courted your suit is accepted, happily."

Viktor nodded and kissed her cheek releasing her to Astoria who was waiting a few feet away to enter with her. "Until later then Mya."

Inside the room the girls all talked and giggled about their dates, Hermione wished Ginny and Daphne were there to talk about all of this with, especially the kiss with Kiril. She'd never experienced anything like it. Viktor had gently kissed her once, but not with tongue, she'd been so young then and she had Ron had snogged plenty but the only time it thrilled her and made her feel strongly was the first time, after the final battle. When Kiril had kissed her she had felt it like liquid heat through her veins and her heart had sped up so fast she was sure it had started skipping beats.

She was nervous about telling Astoria who was even more innocent than she was and was here with Erik's brother but when Astoria told her Dane had properly snogged her Hermione couldn't help it. She told Astoria everything and the younger girl had been nothing but happy for her and even encouraged her little experiment telling her she should kiss all of them properly to help narrow it down. Astoria was certainly going to snog Dane plenty to see if the initial euphoria faded or if maybe he really was the right guy and in a small voice she admitted she couldn't stop thinking about Neville either and was scared it would be a really hard choice, they both had seemed so wonderful.

After a while Lara called their attention, "I told the Headmaster we were coming back for your studies." She laughed, "So welcome to Sex, Love and Lust part two which I have entitled, Durmstang Gossip." She laughed, "Tonight we'll have the proper class for now we are combining all of Minerva's Life Classes so if you want to talk about dating, muggle or wizarding, courting, kissing, cute boys, good places you think you might have found for quiet moments and snogging lets all hear it!" The girls all laughed, "This is an official mini class so the confidentiality contract is in effect for the next hour though I don't feel we need the potions and I don't want them carrying on after you leave though we do have them with us for a proper class later."

"There is a creepy corridor in the basement with all these little coves, its perfect for alone time." Sophia replied with a blush.

"The library has lots of little study nooks where you can get privacy too." Hermione realized with a blush.

"I didn't like my date." Hannah sighed, "I mean I like him well enough but didn't you know like him."

"Lot's of other guys here for us to meet though." Holly comforted her.

"Did anyone see outside? Do they have a Quidditch pitch?"

They talked for a while all together until Pomona stood up and motioned them to silence. "I think we've kept them waiting long enough, let's not seem to eager though, I think a couple of you should leave at a time, maybe to search out the Quidditch pitch, study in the library, visit the greenhouse, or whatever activity you would like. I am told that there are several activities set up for you and if you catch a class going on that sounds interesting you have all been invited to sit in."

"Those of you courting one specific wizard," Lara smiled at Astoria and a Hufflepuff name Olivia, "I have their class schedule if you'd like to sit in with them though you are welcome to simply wander."

Astoria took the paper she was handed and made a face, "He's in Ancient Runes, do you mind if I tag along with you Mione? I'll meet him later when he has herbology or potions."

"Sure Story, I'd like that."

"Can I tag along too?" Padma asked walking over.

"Of course." Hermione hesitated, "I was surprised to see you here."

"I asked Professor McGonagall after class last night." She blushed. "I thought Parvati would be upset but she told me what you all said made her think a lot too and she encouraged me to look at my options."

"Is she?" Astoria whispered.

Padma nodded, "She was going to ask permission to go home this weekend and talk to our parents. I think she might petition for expemption."

"Pansy thought a lot about it too, she was up really late talking to Daph and then left to talk to Drake, he might be mean to her sometimes but when they do talk for real its always in private and about serious stuff. Whatever he said must have really encouraged her because she backed out of the trip this morning." Astoria whispered. "I don't know if she's ready to tell her dad but he's in Azkaban and can't do anything later. Actually I'm not sure she's ready to tell anyone since she never had before but she's not looking for a husband either."

"I hope it all works out for her." Padma sighed, "My sister too."

When they looked up they found they were the last ones besides Luna who was sat alone reading the Quibler.

"I guess its our turn to head out." Astoria suggested.

"Hey Luna, want to come with us?" Hermione offered.

"Oh, yes please Hermione. You know I didn't want to be a bother to anyone but it's ever so strange to go about alone here."

"We'd love to have you." Astoria smiled at her.

"What shall we do?" Padma asked as they moved towards the door.

"There were Frielamocks outside we could follow." Luna suggested.

Padma bit back a smile at her housemates words, "Maybe Hermione would prefer to study, we could go to the library."

"No." Hermione shook her head, "I was in the library all morning and it was lovely but I think it's better I don't get lost in books just now."

"Oh, let's go flying." Astoria suggested.

"It's awfully cold." Padma shivered at just the thought.

"Hermione doesn't like to fly." Luna responded in her same dreamy tones.

"We could just explore?" Padma offered, "See if we hear any interesting lectures or find any interesting spots."

"Ok." Hermione nodded, "I think it will be fun to explore a bit."

"Yes," Luna nodded, "There are so many interesting things about a new school, like the first day at Hogwarts."

"I spent more time in the Greenhouse or just lost in talking with Dane I didn't get to see much this morning." Astoria agreed.

"Come on then." Padma smiled and led the way outside. Instantly they were wrapped in their cloaks and tromped their way into the castle.

They turned left and just began to go down hall ways and up or down stair cases as they found them getting themselves thoroughly and amusingly lost and even stumbling upon a secret passage or two.

They stopped to listen to a few lectures from outside doors and when one class ended they blushed and ducked into an alcove as all the boys passed, most of them staring but a few nodding politely.

Hermione grabbed Erik's hand as he walked by deep in conversation with a friend. He turned and smiled warmly at her.

"Hello there. Having fun?"

Hermione blushed and nodded, "We're exploring."

"Careful about the vanishing hall, its just around the corner, count the windows and on the third one jump across the width of the window."

"Thanks."

"No problem." He winked at her, "Don't supposed you'd like to explore around the third floor in about an hour and a half?"

"Sure." Hermione blushed.

"Good, I'd like to show you something."

"Where should I be exploring that you'll find me?"

"I'll find you anywhere you want me to it will just be faster if you're already on the third floor." He winked.

Hermione laughed and shoved him lightly, "Get to class then and I'll see you in a bit."

Together the girls continued to explore though they found themselves going more down than up. One the main level they found several courtyards, the largest of which seemed to be in the center of the school. It was like a large field, or garden with little nooks of fountains or statues and like each one they found was warmed nicely. In it they found wizards playing a game of scrimmage Quidditch.

Seeing them watching Viktor flew down and landed gracefully, "Mya." He grinned at her. "Hafing a good afternoon?"

"Yes." Hermione nodded. "Are you winning?"

He shook his head, "My team is far out numbered."

"I wish I had my broom to play." Padma sighed.

Viktor handed her his, "Please join us. I haf others." He waved the others over. "Our friend will play."

The boys cheered and three others dropped to the ground told hold out brooms, "Will you join?" A boy asked Luna.

"Oh, I'm not terribly good." She laughed, "I'd be a terrible burden to your team."

"It is all in fun, mostly we are just flying." Another boy handed his broom to Astoria.

"It's scrimmage Quidditch right? Each player for themselves?"

"Vith you ve can do teams of two." Viktor smiled at them.

"What about you Mione?" Luna turned, "I could take turns with someone."

"Still you do not fly Hermione?" Viktor asked.

She shook her head, "It still scares me, though after talking with Kiril this morning I might think of giving it another try." She blushed.

"Vill you let me take you up then? They can play and ve vill just fly, very low."

"Oh," She hadn't thought to get on a broom this quickly, "Alright."

He grinned at her and nodded waving his wand as a broom came whizzing to him from a cupboard. The other boys waved theirs for new brooms and flew off with the girls, each jockeying for a female teammate.

Hermione let Viktor settle her on the broom in front of him. "Why am I in front?" She asked, thinking the other times she'd had to fly it was safely holding onto someones back.

"So I can hold you and you feel safe, then you can look around and try to steer yourself." He explained, "Is how my father teach me vhen I am little boy."

Hermione smiled at him as he pushed off surprised she did feel safer this way, or was it just that Viktor made her feel safe? He flew them around and then began to teach her to steer, after a while he held onto her and she was flying it herself to the cheers of all the others, not one of them making fun of her fear or lack of skill.

After a while he taught her to land, his large hands covering hers and they went to a bench in a small alcove to talk. A little later they were interrupted by Astoria. "I'm going to meet Dane in his potions class Mione."

"Ok." Hermione smiled at her.

Astoria glanced at Viktor and then back to Hermione before speaking low and hesitantly, "Weren't you going to meet Erik half hour ago?"

"Oh!" Hermione jumped up, "Has it been so long?" She looked horrified, "I have to go find him."

Viktor stood up, "I vill valk you to the potions class." He turned to Hermione, "Forgive me, if I'd known I vould have reminded you of the time."

"No, its my fault." Hermione sighed. "Do you know where he might be?"

Viktor shook his head, "We are not close. I'm sorry."

"I'd start with the third floor or the library." Astoria suggested and then turned to Viktor, "Do you think its safe for her to wander alone?"

Viktor nodded, "No harm vill come to any of you here."

"Oh Viktor, I was having such a nice time, I'm sorry to rush off."

"I vill haf more time vith you Mya." He lifted her hand to his lips and then stepped forward and whispered in her ear, "I hope to haf much time vith you." Then he stepped back again, only slightly as she looked into his eyes.

"I hope so too." She whispered.

Viktor grinned and leaned forward, surprising her with a kiss. Hermione leaned into it, bringing her hands to his chest, her fingers gripping his shirt.

His kiss was bold and confident seeming to claim her, his tongue warring with hers as he took her breath away and left her panting. "Yes, ve vill haf much time later." He told her before stepping away and turning to Astoria, "Shall we go now?"

"Please." Astoria nodded shooting Hermione a secret grin behind her as they went.

Hermione blushed to the roots of her hair and then remembered she was terribly late to meet Erik and ran off to find him getting terribly lost in the process.