Kiril's arms tightened around her and he laughed before dipping his head to place a gentle kiss on the corner of her mouth.
"Last night I dreamt you were a dream I had." He told her with a smile.
Hermione blushed and then frowned searching his eyes, "You seem better this morning, did you hear from your sister again?"
"I hope you did not spent time apart vorrying about this?" He asked instead.
Hermione shook her head and then blushed, "Maybe just a little."
Kiril reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "I'm sorry, please do not stress over us. Iliya is vell. Her upset has alvays bother me. It vill all be ok though. Viktor and I fly late and talk, about Iliyra and you."
"Me?" She blushed.
Kiril nodded, "He care very deeply for you, so do I, ve vant you happy. He think Iliyra like you, this is very important to me."
"You seem very close, is she older or younger?"
Kiril nodded with a smile, "Iliyra is younger, five minutes."
"You're twins!" Hermione gasped, "You never mentioned."
Kiril shook his head, and laughed "I haf now and later you are meeting her."
"Oh, yes, lunch, will she come here?"
"No." Kiril shook his head, "I ask permission to remove you from campus, ve haf meet vith Headmaster and your Professors in hour, vhat shall ve do until?"
Hermione smiled at him, "Will you show me more of what you study? The class yesterday was fascinating."
Kiril grinned at her and nodded, "I show you starting of thesus, is very new to being develop. I now thinking of two, you gif good ideas yesterday and maybe focus on societies of schools and creating better relation internationally through them but also thesus I start already, that I vill show you now, is on elvish wizard relations and I am creating spell using von of theirs and ours to show magic can be stronger vhen knowledge shared, spell has three parts, potion, charm and runes. Is only theory now but I show you." He led her through the castle to a classroom and pushed open the door. "This is my vork space." He put his hands on her shoulders to take her cloak and then kissed the bare skin of her shoulder revealed by the folded neck of today's sweater dress, it was steel gray with black buttons along the open side of the neck that folded over her shoulder and like the one the day before it hugged her body without clinging to tightly and ended mid thigh, with it she wore slouching black boots and she felt beautiful in it.
They spent a far to short amount of time going over his studyies and discussing his ideas for a second thesus and Hermione was disappointed when he told her they had to leave to meet his headmaster and her professors.
Permission was readily granted for them to go into town together and Hermione hopped they would return to his lab.
"I vill say goodbye now."
"Goodbye?" Hermione turned sad eyes on him.
Kiril gave her a small smile and nod. "Viktor must leave soon, I tell him I part vith you so he has time. Ve vill haf all day together."
Hermione smiled at him and nodded, "That's so good of you Kiril."
He lifted her hand and turned it to kiss her wrist, "I am selfish man and vant you to myself but vant more for vitch to be sure. Viktor is brother, he cares for you, I vish him vell and happy even as I vish it not to be vith my Amska."
Hermione blushed, "What's Amska?"
Kiril grinned at her and winked, "If you can not tell me vhen leave on Sunday I vill answer, fair?"
Hermione nodded grinning at the challenge and then glared playfully, "You know I am terrible with languages."
Kiril nodded and laughed, "Yes but this is to make the challenge fun. I vill tell you, is a language I speak fluent but not one any other you know here does."
Hermione grinned at him, "So it isn't Bulgarian or Swedish." Kiril shook his head. "I know it isn't French and I'm pretty sure not Italian either."
Again he shook his head, "It is not."
He could almost see the wheels in her head turning. "Think and I vill meet you at entrance to go to meet Iliyra." He lifted her hand again to kiss her wrist and nodded to a door. Hermione smiled at seeing Viktor there waiting. "Until later Amska." He nodded to her and left.
"Bye Kiril."
Hermione moved over to Viktor, "He is as taken vith vitch as I vas vhen first I meet you, maybe more." Viktor told her nodding after his brother. "If he is your choice I vill be very happy for you both."
Hermione blushed, "I haven't made any choices yet Viktor."
"Is good to give self time. Now let self be carried away by time vith each and vhen return home can think and focus, make options less and then vhen see us again can stop thinking, in end your heart vill make right choice."
Hermione smiled at him, "I hope so."
Viktor led her away and they found a small courtyard to sit and talk away the morning, or at least part of it. Viktor tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she talked about missing so many people now gone and then pulled her into his arms. When she smiled up at him he kissed her. The kiss was gentle instead of passionate at first but quickly grew to more, a fire burned low in her belly and her breathing became ragged as they snogged for a bit and then pulled back to talk again. Finally on some sign Hermione missed he told her it was time for him to leave. Hermione sighed and hugged him as they stood. He kissed her again and almost growled into her mouth as he pulled her tighter against him making her let out a soft moan. When he released her she was flushed and panting and grateful to see his own breath was ragged and his eyes seemed to burn. He led her through the castle and at the entrance he finally spoke to her again.
"I vill be in Hogsmeade December third Hermione, one veek from Monday. On this day I hope you vill have settled on suitors for I vill begin to court you."
Hermione blushed and nodded, "Everything will be official by then." She agreed.
Viktor nodded and then brought his hand to her cheek, "Most brilliant vitch I ever know. Think of me vhile apart." He told her his fingers playing with the studs in her ears.
"I never got a chance last night to tell you thank you for them."
He shook his head, "Only a small reminder of me vhile not together."
"They are beautiful." She murmured.
Viktor smiled at her and then hugged her before stepping back and nodding to her. "I must go. Kiril will come for you here shortly."
Hermione sighed and nodded hugging him again before letting him leave. She moved to a step to sit and wait for Kiril.
He looked upset when he found her, "I am sorry I kept you vaiting Amska." He offered her his hand to help her up and then kissed her wrist.
"I wasn't here long." She assured him.
"Shall ve go?" He smiled tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Yes." She blushed and nodded.
He led her outside where a carriage waited.
"It's not pulled by thestrals." Hermione murmured as he helped her inside.
"No." He shook his head. "Is not for pulling." He told her sitting beside her.
Hermione felt an odd almost pressure around her and then Kiril was getting out and helping her down. The odd little carriage was now flush against a wall that seemed to wrap around the tiny village.
Viktor brought her inside the gate and led her through the town, it seemed the temperature was moderated here like in the courtyards at the castle, it wasn't warm but not as cold as outside the wall had been and Hermione lowered the hood of her cloak.
"Is varded village, like courtyards, temperature stays alvays above freezing in winter."
"It's magnificient." Hermione breathed.
Kiril walked her around and took her in a variety of stores, even spending almost half an hour just walking through the tiny bookshop.
Finally he led her to a little pub and inside. Hermione knew instantly who Iliyra was. Kiril was tall and lean with broad shoulders, very dark brown hair and pale hazel eyes, he had high cheekbones and a square chin. Iliyra was standing at the bar, as tall as Kiril with waist length hair that fell straight and smooth down her back to her waist, she was slender and had his high cheekbones but the most telling was her smile. Hermione could see Kiril's smile on her face.
She turned to them as though Kiril had called out and her eyes were also the same pale hazel. Her smile widened and she hurried over. Kiril hugged her and their foreheads touched. After a moment they stepped apart grinning and exchanged a few words in a lilting language Hermione didn't recognize before she turned her attention to Hermione.
"Hermione." Iliyra smiled at the girl. "I am Iliyra." She held out her hand and Hermione took it.
"It's nice to meet you."
"Pleasure is mine." She smiled warmly. "Kiril has told me little about you but every word is filled with awe." Hermione blushed as the gorgeous girl led her towards a table to sit. Kiril moved to the bar and several cloaked figures. "He and Keoran must talk."
"Keoran?"
"My fiancé. Ve are having trouble vith some who vish us not to ved."
"I'm so sorry."
Iliyra shook her head gently, "It vill vork out fine. Our love is strong."
Hermione nodded, "I hope it does."
Iliyra nodded, "I haf only today to know you so ve vill talk as friends instead of strangers and perhaps next time ve meet it vill be as sisters."
Hermione blushed, "Have you met the other girls Kiril is going to court?"
Iliyra nodded, "I haf, one is friend but she does not make him so happy as you, the other I am not fond of, I know she vill be good vife to him but" Iliyra shook her head, "Something about her, I don't know." Iliyra sighed. "Do not tell him I said. He vill not court her if he thinks I do not like her and it is not really this, I do not know her, I just… I cannot explain, if he marries her I vill make every effort but I vant him marry vitch who makes him like Keoran makes me and mother and father are together, not just partner but lofer."
Hermione nodded, "I hope he finds that too."
Iliyra nodded and changed the subject until they landed on the topic of Kiril's class and began to debate the society of the schools between them, eventually they were joined by Kiril and one of the cloaked figures. Kiril's fingers grazed the skin of her shoulder as he moved to sit beside her.
"Forgive me Amstra, I must to have speaking with Keoran and his brothers."
Hermione smiled at him, "Of course, it was nice to get a chance to talk with your sister."
"I hope she haf not tell you many stories." His eyes twinkled as he grinned.
"Only one or two." Hermione laughed, "Did you really set your aunt on fire?"
Kiril laughed and shook his head, "She call Iliyra wicked and stole her voice because vell bred vitch should be silent and learn to be good vife not act smarter than men. I steal vand and make curse I hear father make to light hearth and catch her robe of fire. Ve run avay and father find us. He is only angry until find Ra cannot speak then is angry vith aunt."
Hermione laughed and shook her head at him, "I set a Professors robes on fire once." She told him and explained about the Quidditch game first year and thinking he was the one cursing Harry.
Kiril laughed and shook his head calling her a brilliant witch before turning to the other when the man Keoran, spoke to him in a strange language.
Kiril replied and then turned to her, "Forgive me, this is Keoran."
"Keo doesn't speak much English." Iliyra seemed to apologize, "He does say it's very nice to meet you."
Keoran said something else and Kiril nodded. "He says to Kiril that you are very special, even the elves know much of the war and your heroism, bravery and loyalty is respected." Iliyra grinned, "It's a very high compliment."
Hermione blushed only just noticing his pointed ears and meeting his silver eyes. "Thank you."
He nodded to her in a seated bow and Hermione had the feeling it was more than when the Durmstang boys did it but a great honor and sign of respect and she felt her cheeks redden again as she ducked her head.
They were brought out food and tankards of warm meade and conversation flowed easily between them all despite the slight barrier of Hermione and Keoran not speaking a common language.
The afternoon passed very quickly and when they parted Iliyra hugged Hermione and seemed to have a brief conversation with Kiril in their eyes before Keoran smiled at them both giving a hand gesture that was the farewell of his people.
Hermione had once read that elves did not believe in goodbye unless it was death so always they said farewell or until we meet again.
"I hope we meet again." Hermione smiled at him and when Kiril translated Keoran turned to her with a deep nod and then a wide smile as he spoke softly in return.
"He says it would be his great honor and he hopes by then I vill have taught him some to speak vith you himself." Iliyra translated making Hermione blush and thank him. A moment later and they had left.
"She likes you very much." Kiril told her softly as they sat in the carriage.
"Iliyra?" Hermione smiled, "She's wonderful and promised to write soon. Did you know she was interested to improving wolfsbane? It's her thesus project this year so of course you would know. It's something I thought of attempting one day and she's agreed to share some ideas and see if we can work it out together. Could you imagine it, a potion to completely keep the human mind as the wolf, remove the consuming need to attack or feed on anything living and to minimize the pain of the transformation? It might not be a cure but it would be the closest thing to it."
Kiril smiled at her enthusiasm as she talked and commented when she asked his opinion on something. They'd long since returned to school grounds but he made no indication of it, happy to sit and hear her talking so animatedly about future plans with his twin and various theories.
Hermione finally wound down and blushed, "I'm sorry, it's just very exciting, a very good friend is a werewolf."
"To us as well, our uncle actually."
"Really?"
Kiril nodded, "He was attacked very young and it has always been a very important issue to all of us."
Kiril tucked her hair behind her ear, "Your passion for learning is only surpassed by your passion for others. Never apologize to me for either Amstra, this I love about you."
Hermione blushed and ducked her head but Kiril pulled her to him and kissed her. Instead of slow and exploratory this time the kiss was full of passion and the warmth that had spread through her the first time was much hotter as it though flowed through her veins, her heart beating to quickly, her breath ragged and a need pulling in her belly. When he finally pulled away for air she was in his lap as he continued to place small kisses on her shoulder and neck making her skin tingle, Hermione felt herself tilt her neck to give him better access as her fingers moved to play with his shaggy hair, it was so soft.
His mouth moved back up to hers and the passion burned between them and Hermione shifted on his lap so she was straddling him. His arms tightened around her, one moving to rest on her bum and the other across her back, his elbow at her waist and his hand at the base of her neck.
Hermione finally pushed a little away from him, afraid of how her body was reacting, how badly she wanted more as all the heat coiled into her belly creating an ache.
Kiril was breathing heavy and his light hazel eyes were dark. He whispered something she didn't understand and kissed her temple before sliding her off his lap. She noticed as he moved her, a distinct bulge in his trousers and she looked away blushing as he got out of the carriage. He leaned back in to help her out and when he set her on her feet he kissed again very gently.
"Until later Amstra." He whispered, his voice low and gravelly.
"Until later Kir." He kissed her again, his arm tightening briefly around her waist before he stepped back, eyes still burning and turned to walk to the castle. Hermione watched him go and then turned to go into her own quarters. She spent the next two hours trying to study for a NEWT but all she could do was think of the time they'd spent kissing and the need she'd felt.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Lara who held out a package, "This came for you." She smiled warmly, "Did you have a nice lunch?"
Hermione blushed and nodded, "Iliyra is wonderful and really quite brilliant. We're going to write each other maybe work together on a project she's developing to improve wolfsbane." Lara smiled at her and Hermione blushed, "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything." Lara nodded sitting beside her.
"Is it normal to feel flushed when kissing."
"Very."
"I mean, is it normal for all of that heat to settle in your belly and feel like… like…."
"An achy sort of need?" She supplied.
"Exactly." Hermione sighed.
"Very normal when your body is telling you its ready for more than just kissing."
"So if you don't do anything more the feeling of longing is normal too?"
"Yes." Lara nodded with a small smile.
Hermione sighed, "It was the most wonderful afternoon."
"So what is troubling you?"
Hermione frowned, "When I was with him its like, I was sure, this was right and so perfect but now I think about it and I think if he asked I'd marry him and it wouldn't be something I'd have to think about except then I remember Viktor or Erik or the night with Blaise and I'm so confused."
Lara patted her back, "It's alright to be Hermione. It's not an easy choice to make and I am so very happy for you that you've found people you might want to spend your life with but there is still time to make the decision. I know it feels short and like you need to know today but there is still five months before you must be married."
"Are you worried about it?"
"Yes. I am. I like Orin very much and I think I would be very happy as his wife but I have another at home I care a great deal for and a third who I've met recently makes my heart race and I feel giddy around."
"I hope it works out for you."
"I hope it does for you too." Lara smiled warmly and nudged the package, "Shall we see who sent you a gift?"
Hermione nodded and opened it up breaking the shimmering opal seal carefully she read the letter and blushed.
Amstra ~ I would officially like to request the opportunity to court you. Though when my sister hugged you giving me her full support and showing she felt I had indeed found what she herself has I could have proposed on the spot. Having you in my arms earlier only made me ache for you more. As a small token for you to hold the memory of my affection close I hope you like this gift, I transfigured it myself and each piece has meaning. I know I am not the only one who is certain he can make you happiest and it is up to you to decide. I wish you find the best husband, the man who will love you for all you are and whom your heart clings to. I do not begrudge you the time to discover that, however long it should take, to prove this I will deny myself your company this evening and leave Erik his chance, though the very idea of you in his arms makes my heart ache and I have broken two quills simply thinking it. Please Amstra, wear this gift so I know at least when I am not holding you a part of me is there to remind you of all we could share. ~ Kiril Valko
Hermione blinked tears and reread it before handing it to her professor and opening the little box. In it was a delicate gold charm bracelet. Hermione examined each charm, there was a lion, a heart, a K, a wolf, a potion bottle, a plane and a book."
Hermione laughed at the little plane as tears stung her eyes, she clasped it around her wrist and jingled the charms so they settled nicely.
"It's beautiful."
"He's so wonderful isn't he?" Hermione sighed wishing she could find him to thank him.
"Will you go find Erik now?" Lara asked gently a moment later.
"Soon." Hermione sighed. "I think I'll try to study for a bit longer first."
Lara nodded and gave her a warm smile before getting up, "I have a date with Orin but if you need me at all just send a spark with your wand and mine will let me know." Lara patted her arm, "Even if it's just to talk a little don't hesitate."
"Thank you."
Lara nodded and left while Hermione tried to focus on her book, instead finding herself playing with the charms of her bracelet. Finally she gave up with a sigh and went for a walk. She decided to clear her head and walked the grounds for a bit finding cliffs to one side she sat and listened to the waves crashing for a while until the sky began to darken.
