Hey all, sorry this is just a quick note - I went back to reread and edit today so all of the chapters were updated, mostly just small changes. However I did find a chapter missing! No one mentioned the odd time jump so I had posted a few chapters past but felt it was just as important in the development of her relationships as all of the others and had to put it in so you might want to go back and take a look (ch 10 is the one that was missing). Other than that I hope you are all enjoying the story. I still do not own Harry Potter or any recognizable plot/characters from the series, just this plot and the new characters. :) PLEASE LEAVE REVIEWS!
With that said, on with the story.
The landing opened up to large room and Kiril was sitting at a desk writing.
"Go away Caius." He growled without looking up.
"He's downstairs." Hermione told him blushing.
Kiril spun around in his seat. "Hermione." He was grinning as he stood up.
She blushed, "Sorry to intrude."
"You aren't." He shook his head, "How did you find me?"
"By accident." She laughed. "I was wandering about thinking and came to the stairs, before I could pick Edan and Caius found me and told me it was the entrance to your rooms." She blushed.
"I'm glad you came up anyways." He told her motioning her towards him.
Hermione moved deeper into the room, "You were busy." She motioned to the parchment.
"Just writing to my parents." He shrugged, "I can finish later."
"Are they well?"
"As always." He nodded, "They are in Greece right now meeting with a tribe of merfolk."
Hermione shifted and felt the charms on her bracelet. "Thank you for the gift." She told him blushing.
"Do you like it?" He asked lifting her hand to kiss her wrist just above it.
"Very much. The charms are just perfect."
"Did you figure it out?" He whispered.
Hermione's mind felt befuddled as her breathing became shallow, "What?" She breathed.
"Amstra." He whispered kissing her wrist again and then lifting her hand to his neck and stepping closer, "You were going to discover its meaning." He reminded her.
She shook her head, "Not yet."
"Would you like a hint?" He asked whispering against her lips, she nodded even as a whimper came from her throat. Kiril listened to what the sound asked and kissed her, first so slow and gentle she thought the low burning heat was going to make her melt and then deeper with growing passion that made her feel like she might combust.
She groaned when pulled back so they could both breathe, "The hint?" She asked through deep breaths.
"It's something you have of mine and something you are to me." He whispered placing a gentle kiss on her lips, "It's also not a human language." Hermione's mind began to try to tackle the riddle and Kiril laughed kissing the tip of her nose.
"How were your studies yesterday?"
"Very good." Hermione grinned, "Did you know they used to use a spell on werewolves, it was a potion and rune branded into their chest before the full moon that was meant to remove the drive to feed or attack humans. It didn't work very well and was painful for the wizard but it could be a stepping off point, something to look into, how runes affect the magic."
Kiril laughed and grinned at her. "I hope you didn't neglect your NEWTs entirely for my sisters project?"
Hermione shook her head, "I finished that work first."
"Good," He nodded. "Then we can leave studies behind today."
"What do you want to do?"
"Let's play."
"What?"
Kiril thought about it, "Cards?"
"Ok." Hermione nodded. They ended up sat on his bed playing poker and talking about their friends and families.
"You get vitch alone in room, on bed and play card?" A voice interrupted them making Hermione blush, "Maybe you exempt from law and finding vife for me?" Hermione blushed brighter and stared at her cards.
"Amstra, my best friend Lukas." Kiril laughed flicking his hand, doing a wandless and wordless spell that made Lukas trip.
Lukas shot him a glare and then laughed, "It is a pleasure to finally meet with you Hermione." He gave her a bow still laughing.
"Where is vitch you take flying?"
Lukas frowned and said something in rapid Bulgarian then he sighed and sat down, "She is vith now."
Kiril nodded, also frowning now.
"Kir?" Hermione lay her hand over his.
He smiled at her. "Vitch sister upset and come here for Padma, Lukas only understand some but vitch cry and angry. Padma take her to talk."
"Parvati is here?" Hermione gasped. "Oh it must not have gone well." She jumped up, "I should check on her."
"I think she vant only sister. Tell dreamy blonde not to come. Padma tell me she see me later." Lukas shrugged, "Stay vith us a little."
Hermione frowned but nodded her mind on her housemate and then the 'dreamy blond' "Where is Luna? Is she ok?"
"Loohna is fly vith my broom, looking for something odd naming vith Damyan." Lukas grinned. "I think he is…" Lukas said something in Blugarian.
"Smitten." Kiril provided.
Lukas nodded, "He is smitten vith her. Is good he has older brother and only three lines pure, she has only two lines pure so they should be vell under regulation for pure to ved."
Hermione couldn't help but smile she was so happy for her friend. Lukas dropped onto his bed and with occasional translation help from Kiril told her about what he'd witnessed between them. They then began to exchange funny stories from school. Until dusk darkened the room and a call sounded.
"What's that?" Hermione asked, somehow she and Kiril had gone from across each other to her being settled between his legs, leaning against his chest as they all talked.
"Tonight is last night vitches vith us. Ve make special. Is sound to prepare."
"Ve must go." Kiril told her kissing her forehead, "I vill valk you to quarters and professors vill help you to ready."
Hermione sighed, she'd been so comfortable, but got off the bed and gave her hand to help pull him to his feet. He used it to pull her into his arms as he stood and kissed her.
Lukas walked with them to the entrance and then waited back while Kiril lifted her wrist to his mouth and kissed just beside the bracelet.
"I vill see you in short vhile."
Hermione smiled at him, "yes."
She hurried to the quarters and immediately saw Parvati with red-rimmed eyes sat with Padma.
"Are you alright Parvati?"
Padma sighed and shook her head "All over the wizarding world its fine except in our family where it is our duty to marry and have babies."
"They'll get over it Parvati, I'm sure it was a shock."
Parvati shook her head, "Mum's disowned me." Fresh tears stung her eyes.
"Both of us then." Padma hugged her sister.
"I'm so sorry Parvati."
Parvati shook her head, "No, I hate it but I also feel better you know, freer. I want to be a mother, I just don't want to marry some bloke and have to be miserable, not to mention my wifely duties."
"I wouldn't mind having some of those with Lukas now." Padma sighed and then blushed. "Did I say that out loud?"
"Yes." Parvati giggled and then hugged her sister, "I'm so happy for you Pad and I am so sorry I tried to push you to marry Seamus, I was just so unhappy and I, oh I don't know, I'm glad you came here and met him."
"Me too." Parvati blushed. "He is so handsome and funny, he's smart too but all the while he was talking I thought, just kiss me again except I really just want to find a broom closet and start working on those babies we need to make."
"I suggest the lower corridor." Luna came in, "The broom cupboard wouldn't be very private but I found a very nice fountain with a secret passage where Damyan and I had lots of privacy."
"Did you…" Parvati's voice faded off as Luna nodded.
"We were looking for Glorednras and I got off my broom to look at a very odd set of runes and he explained them to me, how they were keeping the courtyard warm. I thought it would be better if he kept me warm instead and how nice a husband he'd make but to be sure I told him we should see if we were compatible and visit the fountain. He has wonderful hands." She sighed. "And he has this lovely birthmark beside his penis that looks like a heart."
Hermione blushed while the twins gaped at her.
"Shall we get ready? Damyan says they're planning something special for us tonight." Luna moved over to the shower with her name on it. "I do enjoy smelling like him but I suppose it wouldn't do not to shower. Maybe we can visit the fountain again, unless you'd like to Padma, it's a very nice spot and I'm sure he knows of others."
"No… no thank you Luna." She stuttered blushing.
Luna nodded and got in the shower.
Shaking their heads in affection and disbelief at their odd friend they also started to get ready.
Lara called their attention and they all sank into the warm water of the bath to listen.
"Tonight is our last evening here so I think it only fitting we leave an impression no?" The girls all nodded. "I have arranged for very special dresses for each of you, while you are getting ready please keep in mind your house colors."
"Do you know what the plan is?"
"I'm afraid its been kept close lipped but he did hint at hoping to help his boys… and we say this as still rather young ourselves and thus in the capacity of your peers but to ah… help them seal the deal." Hermione laughed as well as a few others who understood the expression while several looked confused.
"They wish to impress you and maybe get more than a goodnight kiss." Mona laughed, "So tonight you'll impress them right back and make sure you are forefront on the mind of any wizard you hope to be instead of any Beauxbaton witch they might meet until you see them again."
The girls all grinned nodding and climbed out of the tub. Hermione used golds and shimmers in light makeup, accenting her eyes with liner. She then used her wand to tighten the curls and put small gold stars in to hold it back from her face so it cascaded in ringlets down her back. On her feet she strapped on gold heals, they were higher than she ever wore but charmed to be comfortable and easy to walk in. Finally ready she moved to the vanity where she pulled out her dress. It was gold as well and shimmered when the light hit it. It had a sweetheart top and was strapless, it clung to her body and down over her hips before dropping elegantly to the floor, a slit ran dangerously high up the front of her right leg.
Next to her she saw Astoria in a silver dress it had tiny delicate straps that looked like threads and a low v-neck, under her bust was a wide band of material and then it dropped elegantly to her toes just barely skimming her hips.
Each dress was different, accentuating each girl but all of them wore their house color, gold, silver, bronze or black.
Their cloaks had changed from white, trimmed in the color they wore to white on the outside with the school color they weren't wearing lining the other.
Finally delicate demi masks of fine lace in the colors of their dress appeared and the girls stuck them on. The masks accentuated rather than hid their faces.
Hoods were brought up around their heads as a knock sounded. The girls followed their professors ought and were met by several boys in slate grey suites and demi masks, each holding a white rose.
Hermione saw Dane step forward and hand Astoria the rose, "My beautiful Story, may I be your escort?"
Astoria nodded and took the flower allowing him to kiss her hand and take her arm, moving her to stand beside him across from them.
Lukas stepped forward with two roses, he handed one to Parvati, "It is my honor to meet you." He kissed her hand and turned to Padma, "My Little Bird, if you would please allow me to escort you this evening?"
Padma smiled at him as she took the rose. He kissed her hand and moved back in line.
"Moon goddess if I may have the honor of being yours?" Damyan had moved to Luna and given her the flower and kissed her hand.
Finally Kiril moved to stand in front of her, "Amstra." He murmured, handing her the flower, "Allow me the evening at your side?" At her nod he lifted her hand but unlike the others, he turned it to kiss her wrist, just above the bracelet she still wore.
Two wizards she didn't know, one-stepped forward for Katrina and the other for Dawna but Hermione hadn't heard what they'd said.
Hermione smiled back at the other girls feeling bad for their sad looks as the last of the men had stepped forward. As if on cue they snapped their heals and bowed to the women before Hermione felt Kiril leading her away.
"Do not vorry, they vill each have two escorts as have not shown special interest in one specific." Kiril whispered in her ear.
Hermione blushed but sighed with relief. They were led not to the Great Hall but through to the main courtyard. It had been done in fairy light and flowers were everywhere. The center was a dance floor and soft music played.
He took her cloak and she heard him groan as she turned and his eyes went to the length of her leg revealed. Hermione smirked at him and he winked at her making her blush.
Kiril led her to it and they all began to dance. Hermione relaxed into his arms and let the romance carry her away.
After a bit he pulled back and she noticed the others had joined them. Kiril led her to a tiny table with a white tablecloth.
As the music faded Hermione saw all of the other little tables filled, next to the one Padma sat with Lukas, Parvati was sat with a wizard on either side.
Glasses of sweet wine appeared followed by a seven course meal, each dish disappearing and appearing in perfect timing.
With the last plate Kiril asked her to walk with him while other couples moved back to the dance floor. Hermione nodded and took his arm, they walked around the courtyard and silently slipped through a secret passage into a dark corridor. He walked her through the moonlight.
"I vish you could stay vith me here." Kiril told her as he tucked her hair behind her ear.
Hermione smiled sadly at him, "I have to go home Kir."
He nodded, "I vill come to court you there but so vill Viktor and others too. I vish to freeze night or moment vhen holding in room talking vith Luka"
Hermione blushed. "Kiril?"
"Yes Amstra?"
"I think you should help me with my theory. So I don't forget." She whispered.
Kiril laughed and pulled her to him, his mouth descended, slow and hypnotic making her feel lightheaded even as the heat swirled through her. Her hand was over his heart, its beat matching hers when he pulled away.
"Is it your heart?" She whispered looking into his eyes, "Is Amstra your heart?"
Kiril smiled at her and nodded, "Very close." He kissed her again and then slid he cheek against hers so he whispered right in her ear. "Amstra means, my lof."
Hermione thought the moment could be the most romantic she'd ever heard about, read, seen or even dreamed and at a loss for words she kissed him again. Slowly he began to dance with her as his hands gently explored her back and his head tilted to kiss along her shoulders and neck. Hermione let her hands roam his chest and shoulders and then around his back, hugging him as they rocked slowly in a circle. His gentle kisses grew longer and deeper and this time when he went to pull away she moved a hand to his neck to urge him back to her lips. He complied and the gentle warmth burst into flames in her veins as they stopped dancing, pressing closer into each others bodies. She felt his hands skimming her back and around her hips and up her sides only to slip around behind her and cup her head his hands tangling in her hair as he deepened the kiss more making her moan into his mouth.
He backed her gently against a wall and the cold stone felt good against her heated skin. His hand skimmed over her belly making it tingle as parts of her clenched in longing. He skimmed over her breasts making her groan and her nipples peak into hard nubs pressing against his palm.
Her leg came up to latch around his hip, pulling him tighter against her body and his hand responded, moving to grip her bare thigh to hold it in place. He groaned when he felt the bare silky skin and his fingers tightened a little as his free hand slid to her back arching her more into him.
The movement slid them in perfect alignment and she could feel the bulge in his pants pressed firmly into her core making her gasp and him groan. Gently he let her leg drop as he stopped kissing her and then stepped back.
He spoke in a long low string the only word she understood was Amstra.
"Kiril?"
He sighed, "You kill me vitch." He told her, his voice low and gravely.
"I'm sorry." She blushed not sure what he meant.
Kiril stepped forward and kissed her gently, "I not but vhen I take you, it vill be because you are mine." She blushed but leaned into the kiss and his arms again came around her but he didn't deepen the kiss and after a few moments he pulled back again. "I take you back before I cannot make myself." He whispered with an almost pained sigh.
He took her arm and led her back to the courtyard where everyone was dancing and laughing and having fun. Padma winked at her slightly disheveled appearance and Hermione blushed when she saw Luna, looking even more disheveled than her with bare feet and… Hermione gasped as she saw the diamond blinking on her finger. Kiril followed as she hurried over to her friend.
"Luna?" she asked, fighting a grin.
"I really adore that fountain." Luna sighed.
"Just fountain moon goddess?" Damyan asked slipping his arm around her waist.
"Oh yes, I think the hall is too gloomy though it is perfect for being with you." Hermione told him dreamily leaning her head against his chest, "The fountain provides perfect seclusion and is so pretty with the tinkling of the water and giving just enough light I can see you and the look you have when you love me so I adore it." She explained., aking Damyan's cheeks color a little, Kiril hold back a chuckle and Hermione shake her head while grinning at them both.
"Did you happen to do anything special there?" Hermione asked her, "Besides that?"
Luna shook her head, "No, it would be nice to be so quick about the baby but I don't think so."
"I think she means this." Damyan corrected her with an amused smile as he fingered the ring on her finger.
Luna turned to her, "That was before the fountain in an alcove, I was almost naked when we heard voices. It's good about the cloak spell or that would have been a sight for the little boy."
Hermione chuckled and shook her head. "Before the naked Luna. The ring."
"It's rather pretty isn't it? Damyan even gave it to me on one knee. You know for a moment he looked so nervous you'd think he didn't know I'd say yes." Damyan shook his head and kissed her temple again. "He's going to come stay in Hogsmeade while I finish NEWTs, he'll share a room with Viktor since everywhere is booking up so we'll have to find another fountain place." She sighed.
"I'm sure you will Luna." Hermione laughed and hugged her.
"I think I'll ask Parvati to dance with me. I think it might make her happier than dancing with that one." She sighed and patted Damyan's stomach before moving to the dance floor. He gazed after her with a silly smile.
"I'm happy for you." Hermione told him with a grin.
Damyan nodded and shot her a grin and sighed, "She's unique and so innocent, insightful, beautiful." He sighed again, "It's going to be a long year."
Hermione laughed, "I'm sure it'll be quicker than you think fountain man."
Damyan let out a booming laugh, "No vonder Viktor adores you."
He nodded to Kiril, "You will have stiff competition for this gem."
Kiril nodded, "Not tonight though." He offered a hand to her, "Dance with me Amstra?"
Hermione blushed and let him lead her away. She noticed most of the boys not dancing were crowded around watching Luna slowly twirling around the floor with Parvati. Hermione chuckled and shook her head, sliding easily into Kiril's arms. It was only one song before the music stopped again. They were escorted outside where fireworks began to go off. Kiril wrapped his arms around her, letting her lean back in his chest to watch them. When it ended he walked her to the door of the Hogwarts quarters and took her hand to kiss her wrist.
"Dream vell Amstra."
"Will I see you before we leave tomorrow?"
He shook his head, "This is the last." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. When he went to step away she clung to him, fingers curled in his shirt. His lips quirked up and his mouth descended to hers again.
He held her to him, "I haf honor to meet vith friend from Beauxbaton next veekend. I vill request to come see you, to begin proper courtship after." Hermione nodded into his chest, "If you do not leave me now Amstra and I vill not be able to let go but vill carry you avay." She nodded into his chest again and leaned up to kiss his neck. He gave a short hum and then pulled back to kiss her again. When she moved to step away his arms tightened and pulled her into his body again, his kiss gone from sweet, to needy, demanding, passionate and hot. Hermione moaned and clung to him, but after a while he tore himself away breathing heavily. He placed a chaste kiss on her lips and then a gentle caress of his lips over her wrist before turning and stalking away.
Still breathing heavy, light headed, warm and full of longing she floated inside and crashed on the bed not even bothering to change or remove her shoes.
