It had been a month since the Yule ball. Things couldn't have been better between Hermione and Viktor. Both had anticipated a huge change to occur with the knowledge that they were in fact together. Most of the fan girls didn't believe it thinking Hermione had been a last ditch resort, or a pity date. Something that had made both parties a little upset one more than the other. The only other fallout from their relationship becoming public was Ron hadn't spoken or looked at Hermione in 30 days. Though Hermione acted as if this didn't really bother her, Viktor had noticed it was beginning to take its toll. The separation between her and Ron had caused another issue; Ron was constantly stealing Harry away which meant Hermione could never ask him if he had figured out the next challenge. Viktor hadn't seen Hermione in a whole day something that hadn't happened since long before the Yule ball. He went looking for her in the library then expected to see her at dinner but neither had panned out. So now he was flying to her window. It was pretty late but he had a feeling she would still be up. He got to the window to see it was dark. He pushed on it to see it opened easily. He flew inside and touched down. The door suddenly burst forward.
"Damn it!" Hermione yelled before slamming it.
"Is something wrong luff?" Viktor asked not used to her using foul language. She turned and he instantly took a step back out of instinct.
"Yes yes something is wrong!" she said not even registering that he had been there when he really wasn't supposed to. "Its three days three days until the task and still I have not talked to Harry! Ron keeps stealing him away and and and and throwing me dirty looks! He must know Harry can't do this on his own! And I can tell Viktor I can tell Harry has no clue what the task is!"
"Okay luff you must calm down." he said moving towards her.
"Don't tell me to calm down! He's going to get himself killed all because of Ron! Why doesn't he sneak away and come ask me for help!? The task is right around the corner! I can't teach him anything in that amount of time what what am I supposed to do-."
"You have to let him accept his fate, he'll haf to just waddle in the water and try his best…"
"Waddle in the water?" she asked her eyes narrowing. "In the black lake? My god Viktor if the mer people don't get him then the grindelows will or even the giant squid." She walked to her bed and sat down with a helpless look. "I haven't slept in a week I haven't eaten in days I'm so nervous for him and I can't help because of Ron and his stubbornness!" she stood up. "Why is he even upset with me!? He expected me to tell him right off the bat that oh hey I'm dating your Quidditch hero Viktor Krum hope that's okay." He laughed. "It's not funny Viktor." He saw her serious expression.
"I'm sorry luff… What can I do?"
"If you could keep Ron away from Harry for even an hour that would be great."
"Consider it done." he said grabbing his broom and heading to the window.
"Where are you going?" She asked blinking.
"Somewhere." he said mounting his broom. "Meet me at the bridge at twelve tomorrow." He said.
"Uhm… Okay." She said watching him fly right out. She walked to it and watching him disappear into the night.
-o-
Hermione walked out onto the bridge, she had left potions early all finished with work. She waited on the bridge for Viktor unsure of what he wanted. She looked to her pocket watch to see she was early by fifteen minutes. She shrugged and pulled out a book to pass the time.
-o-
Harry and Ron came out of potions class.
"What do you think Hermione had to go run off and do?" Harry asked noteing she had left early.
"Why should we care?" Ron said. Harry rolled his eyes his friend had been in a rotten mood for a month and he was getting sick of it. He missed Hermione, not to mention his grades had declined greatly in her absence. He had always known that Hermione was important but now he knew just how much she was. He still badly needed to ask her if Viktor had figured out the puzzle to the screeching egg.
"When are you going to stop this? Why are you so angry? So Hermione has a guy we should be happy I know I was when I found out."
"By the way thanks for telling me months ago she had a boyfriend."
"She asked me not to Ron."
"Why I'm not sure."
"Because of how you're acting now!" he snapped.
"Harry!" Viktor came running down the corridor.
"Let's go." Ron said grabbing his sleeve to drag Harry away.
"Stop wait!" Viktor called. "It's the tournament special meeting!"
"Let go." Harry said tugging his sleeve away from Ron. "Viktor what is it?"
"Special meeting for tournament." He said. "We must be off now."
"Right then lead the way." Ron went to follow.
"Not for students for champions." Viktor said putting hand out.
"Where Harry goes I go." Ron said.
"Did not want it to come to this… Boys?" Viktor said. Seven huge Bulgarian boys stepped out as Viktor pulled Harry away.
"Harry!" Ron called.
"Uh what's going on?" Harry asked as he was dragged off and watched Ron being blocked off by the group of Bulgarian boys.
"You vill see Hermione now." Was all Viktor said.
-o-
Hermione heard the whispering and giggle of girls telling her Viktor had arrived. She smiled as she put her book away.
"So what did you want to meet me here for?" she asked as she looked up. She stopped seeing Viktor standing next to Harry.
"You haf all time in world to speak." Viktor said with a smile as he headed off to the end of the bridge to wait for Hermione.
"Hey." Harry said with a laugh to Hermione as they hugged. "Good guy you got there."
"Yeah… Now quickly let's talk before Ron shows up… The egg have you figured it out?" his face grew grim. "Harry you told me you figured it out weeks ago!" Viktor jumped at the sound of Hermione yelling at Harry. He felt very sorry for the young man at that moment. "The task is two days from now Harry!"
"Really I had no idea?"
"Don't get smart with me Harry Potter." She snapped.
"I supposed Viktors figured it out." he said looking to her for a moment.
"Yes he has." She said.
"And…"
"And I'm not saying a word… I wouldn't betray his trust by telling you… Besides I only figured half of it out…"
"So…"
"No." she said shaking her head.
"Hermione come on!"
"No Harry… You just… Have to be a man about his and figure it out on your own."
"Be a man? You've never denied me help before. Hermione I'm in deep here I need your help." She looked at his pleading eyes before he sighed heavily and looked away.
"Harry you have been trying this whole time to figure it out… Right?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" he looked away from her realizing she really was going to make him be on his own.
"Harry these tasks they're meant to test you. In a way they're cruel…"
"I got by the dragons alright."
"Mostly on nerve." He looked to her. "I'm not sure it's going to be enough this time around. If you find out the task you come to me and I'll help you then… But I won't until then…" He nodded. "I'm sorry Harry." She said softly. "I really am."
"No… Its fine…" he gave her a weak smile.
"Harry!" they both jumped and turned to see Cedric Diggory.
"See you around." Harry said heading away briskly, Hermione watching him before picking up her bag and heading off to Viktor who was waiting. When she reached him she had a grim look.
"You didn't tell him?" Viktor asked.
"About the task being in the lake? No… I did what you said… You're right he has to learn to deal with these things on his own… He wasn't happy about it but he accepted it…"
"Well I wouldn't worry I think Diggory may be helping…" she looked over her shoulder to see Diggory heading away at a slow pace and Harry running off at a rapid one.
"He looks excited." Hermione said.
"Krum you know about the task right?" Diggory asked.
"Dah Comrade."Viktor said nodding.
"Very good. My good deeds are done for the day." He said with a brilliant smile. "Hermione." he winked.
"You stink Diggory." She said tapping his "Potter stinks" button on his cloak, Viktor smiled.
"It's charmed I can't take it off." Was all Cedric said before stomping off.
"You have free periods today?" Viktor asked.
"Yes." She said.
"Come have lunch with me then and dinner… The rest of the day and night is ours." She smiled as he took her hand and they headed off. "Let me carry your bag for you luff."
"Thank you Viktor." As they headed off the bridge Hermione stopped seeing Ron who was glaring at them just feet away. "Ron…" she said softly. He turned to walk off. "Ronald stop please stop!" she said moving forward a step. Ron closed his eyes. There had been something in her voice that made him halt. He slowly turned his face red.
"What?" he asked. Hermione looked from Ron to Viktor before looking back at Ron.
"I just wanted to say… I'm… I'm not sorry." She said. Both boys blinked. "I'm not sorry I started dating Viktor and I'm not sorry I didn't tell you before the ball."
"You should have told me-."
"No I shouldn't have…" she said. "It was none of your business."
"Harry knew."
"Because Harry and I are close."
"We're not close?" he asked walking to her. "Because last time I checked before you got with this guy." He said motioning to Viktor. "Everyone thought you and I were going to get married some day. They would only think that if they noticed we were close."
"Ron we're not close."
"Why do you keep saying that?" he asked.
"Because you've been nothing but a jerk to me all year…" she said.
"That's ridiculous."
"Really is it? I came to your house this summer expecting to be greeted by a friend, you barely spoke to me Ron… You wouldn't even look at me on the train here… and the ball you asked me… as a last resort a last resort Ron…"
"You were already going with Krum!"
"Yes I was I wasn't going to wait around for you anymore. I stopped thinking that way at the world cup." He stared at her.
"What about the world cup?" he asked.
"The death eaters attacked you were gone…" Viktor looked to see her haunted expression. "You left me. By myself Ron…"
"I was looking for Harry!" he bellowed.
"You were hiding!"
"So what!?" he shouted as he got in your face. "Worked out for you didn't it you shacked up with Krum here! I don't know how? You're not worth the first glance let along the second." she stared at him for a long time hurt evident on her face. He stared in horror. "Hermione… I'm-." she put her hand up silencing him. She went to open her mouth to say something but a tear only fell down her cheek. "Hermione…" he moved towards her only to have her burst right past him. Viktor pushed Ron back.
"She is your friend…" he shouted. "And you treat her so poorly after everything she has done for you and for Harry." Viktor stared down at Ron with a fierce look. "You don't deserve her friendship…"
"You don't deserve her at all…"
"No one does…" Viktor said. "She's that good of a Voman… the fact you didn't see that makes you lesser man then I." with that he stormed off.
-o-
Viktor searched everywhere for Hermione but never found her. After day had turned into night he was on his way back to the cabin he stopped seeing Haggrids hut.
"There she is." He said as he walked to it. He knocked on the door. Footsteps came and then the door opened. Viktor went from smiling to frowning.
"What do you want?" Ron asked.
"I am looking for Hermione." he said.
"She's here…" Ron stepped out of the way. Viktor walked past him instantly to see Hermione sitting at a table.
"If you're looking for Hagrid you just missed him." she said with a smile.
"I was looking for you."
"Of course you were." Ron said.
"Ronald Please…" Hermione said. Her friend just scowled.
"I'm going to go find Harry see if he figured out the egg." Ron said walking over and picking up his bag. Hermione stood. "Again I'm sorry."
"It's okay Ron." Viktor gaped.
She's forgiving him! he thought eyes wide.
Ron walked past him.
"Krum always a pleasure." He said before walking out the door. When it closed Viktor stared at Hermione with disbelief.
"I know what you're going to say."
"Not say luff ask." He said. "Why forgive him? He hurt you."
"Yes he did… But I have to."
"No you don't."
"Yes I do." Hermione said walking over to him. "I don't like it any more then you do, I wish I could stay mad at him but Harry needs both of us right now… He's got enough on his plate then to add Ron and I feuding."
"You have been feuding for two months now!" Viktor said.
"No Rons just been ignoring me that's different." Hermione said. If we were actually fighting I don't think Harry could take that. Besides what if I had not forgiven him for what he had just said and how he's been acting and we weren't friends any more? Harry needs us two to stay together for when the time comes we have to fight Voldemort."
"Don't say his name luff." Viktor said looking around to see if anyone had heard.
"Fine for when we fight you know who." She said.
"I don't see why Harry needs red headed boy…"
"Because he's his best friend." Hermione said.
"I still don't understand this… Nor do I like it… Nor do I like him luff."
"I know you don't… But he's… My friend."
"He doesn't sound like friend…" he said.
"Ron's a bit rough around the edges… If you get to know him-."
"I don't want to get to know him." Hermione stared at Viktor for a long time.
"Why are you so angry?" she asked.
"He insulted you! And if you won't be angry for yourself then I will."
"Will you ever give him a small chance?" Hermione asked.
"Most likely no... But some day I vill try." She smiled.
"Okay then… You keep fuming over Ron for me then…. I do appreciate it."
"Feel free to bad mouth red head any time." She smiled softly as she walked over to him and gave him a hug.
"Hungry?" she asked after a minute.
"I am starving."
"Haggrid was going to make some dinner for Ron and I if you want to take his place? He makes great stew."
"This sound good I do like Haggrid."
"Well anyone who likes me I like back." Haggrid said. "Stews on the pot… Would you like some tea Mr. Krum?"
"Viktor please." He said. "And yes." Haggrid smiled. For the rest of the night Hermione and Viktor enjoyed stories of Haggrid dealing with tons of different magical creatures. Including the story of Buckbeak. Viktor had agreed with Hermione and Haggrid over the mistreatment about the animal in regard to the attack on Malfoy. At the end of the night Haggrid waved them off with a smile as they headed off towards the cabin. Hermione held onto Viktors hand as she leaned her head against his shoulder.
"I will fly you to bedroom?" he asked.
"If you'd like."
"I'd like you to stay with me tonight… I sleep better when you do." Viktor said. Hermione smiled at him.
"I wish I could but I promised my time in the morning right away to Harry."
"Then I shall take sleeping draft…" he said with a smile.
"…So… Are you nervous now that the task is only two days away?"
"Actually its one day away now… It's 12…" she checked his watch.
"So you are nervous."
"Dah." He said with a nod. "But it's something I must do."
"Do you regret putting your name in the goblet?" he thought about it for a long moment.
"You always ask most interesting questions luff." He said with a smile. "Sometimes I do but then I know if I win I will bring great honor to my family." She smiled at the way his eyes lit up with excitement.
"Viktor I think you've already brought great honor to your family…"
"You are very sweet." He said giving her hand a squeeze.
"I do try…" when they got inside Viktor grabbed his broom and immediately flew Hermione back to her dorm. She kissed him good night and he said he would take her out on a date the next night. That never happened. The next morning he saw her at breakfast only to watch her be dragged off by Harry and Ron.
"Looks like your young competitor has figured out the task." Jamous said while Viktor nodded. "Don't worry comrade you will get first place this time for sure."
"I'm not so sure not with Hermione on his side." Viktor said.
"She is on your side as well." Jamous said.
"I haf not asked her for help as much as I should haf… You know she predicted they would use the lake as a task?"
"She did not." Jamous said.
"She did." Viktor said with a nod.
"Smart girl you got there."
"Don't I know it." Viktor had a fools grin as he said it. That afternoon when he did not see the trio at lunch he went to the library to find Hermione in the stacks.
"Luff."
"Viktor hey." She said. He smiled at the way her hair was wild with curls.
"I came to guess that we will not be hafing dinner tonight?" He said.
"I'm afraid your right." She said walking to him. "Harry found out the task he has to be find-." she stopped. "You know the task why am I saying that? Anyways Ron is searching Harry's room to see what was taken, I'm trying to figure out how to teach him to stay under water breathing for an hour, and Harry is trying not to freak out."
"You are freaking out." he said with a knowing smile.
"I don't know what to do I really don't…" she said. "I keep thinking and thinking and I can't come up with the answer. I can't figure it out Viktor I know every spell there is and I just I don't know."
"It's because you are thinking to hard luff… the answer is quite-." She put her hand up.
"Don't say anything I don't want to figure this out from your words when you've worked so hard to succeed in the task… This is partly Harry's fault for not asking for help sooner…" he nodded.
"Dah luff…" he kissed her. "Before nights end may I come see you up in your room? I want to see you before tomorrow…"
"Of course… Let's say ten?"
"Ten yes I will be there… Good luck luff and try not to rack brain around." He said knocking on her head making her smile. They kissed before he headed off as he did waving cheekily at a group of fan girls nearby. They all scowled at him and then Hermione who ignored them and continued to pull texts.
-o-
Hermione paced her bedroom. Her stomach had been in knots that morning, now her stomach was completely gone she had in fact thrown it up an hour before. She had learned of her part in the task and Rons as well. Though she knew she would be safe she was still very nervous about it all. She wondered what would happen to her if Viktor couldn't find her in time, and how he would act knowing she wasn't there for him at the task. Would he notice?
Of course he'll notice he loves you… A knock sounded making Hermione jump she turned to see Viktor waving at her window. She walked over and opened it he flew in and touched down.
"I am early I know but had to see you." Viktor said with a smile. His smile faded into a frown. "Luff you are pale."
"Am I?" she asked. She really was she could feel it. Her palms were sticky her skin clammy. She had been given the choice to turn down the task but she had decided not to. She wished she could tell Viktor what he was expected to do but she had been forbidden by a charm that would keep her mouth sealed without her permission.
"Are you feeling alright?" he asked feeling her cheek. She was cold.
"I guess… I kind of have a head ache and I'm a little cold."
"Sit luff I will light fire." He said leading her to the bed. He walked over to her fireplace and lit it magically. He then walked back to her and sat down beside her.
"I think I'm just worried about Harry we accomplished nothing…"
"Did Ron find what was missing of his?"
"Just a pair of socks." Hermione said.
"Important socks maybe they were lucky?" he asked.
"No… I just I was useless to him…" she said looking down at her hands. "Viktor you are prepared right?" she asked.
"Yes luff I am very prepared…" he said rubbing her shoulders.
"The black lake its… It's so very dangerous…" she had a look of dread. Before she had been very worried about his safety now she was a little worried about her own. Would the mer people really protect her and the others? She wasn't sure they would. Even under threat of Dumbledore. The black lake was not Hogwarts territory as it more was the mer peoples.
"I know luff you haf told me all of its dangers." He said pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I told you about the Grindelows… and the-"
"You've told me about all of it." he noted her worried expression.
"Viktor…" she said averting her eyes from his. "I am… Very scared for you…" he cupped her cheek only to have a tear roll over his hand.
"Luff do not be sad I will be fine." He didn't expect it but she moved forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. She stayed there for a long moment tightly embracing him. "Mina…" he said placing his hand at the back of her head. He was just grasping how worried for him she really was.
"I've lost many people in my life… I couldn't stand to lose you… My heart couldn't take it Viktor…" he held her close before pulling away resting his forehead against hers.
"You will never haf to know that pain… I'm not going anywhere luff… I promise." He said softly.
"Well you have to go somewhere." she said wiping a tear away as she pulled away. "You have to go to your cabin and get some rest."
"I could stay here tonight."
"No I think you should stay in the cabin…" she said softly knowing at any time she could be taken to prepare for tomorrows task. "If you stay I might try to tie you up and keep you here tomorrow. I might not be able to resist." He laughed. They walked to the window Viktors broom held in his hand. Viktor brought Hermione close to his body as he breathed in her scent.
"You promise to come see me before match?" he asked. Hermione blinked a tear falling down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away as she made a small noise as if to say yes. Viktor pulled away slowly. "I love you very much Mina…" he said in Bulgarian.
"I love you too Viktor…" she said to him in his native tongue. He smiled as he kissed her forehead then her nose then capturing her mouth with his in a passionate kiss. He pulled away but only slightly.
"I could stay…" as he spoke his lips brushed against hers. "I could sleep here." He so badly wanted to stay with her.
"If you stay we might not sleep." She said making him laugh.
"Very true…" the window opened and he climbed on his broom. "Good night luff."
"Good night Viktor." They kissed once more before he flew off. Hermione leaned out the window slightly the smell of his cologne quickly disappearing. In that moment she felt fear grip her heart. Tomorrow he was facing the most terrible of tasks and she wouldn't be there to help him instead she would be part of the task. She wondered when she would be taken they said it would be a surprise to make things more dramatic.
-o-
Viktor paced the champion's area. He noticed Harry kept looking around playing with something in his pocket. He had almost a disgusted face.
"Don't worry Harry I'm sure they will be here." His friend Neville said.
"Where could they be?" Harry asked. Viktor walked to him it was only five minutes to the task and still Hermione had not come.
"Harry-."
"I don't know where she is." Harry said on edge. "She was supposed to be here?" he asked him.
"Yes… She-she promised me…" Viktor said with a crest fallen look.
"I think maybe our close friends and family are not to be here." Cedric said. "Cho promised me as well."
"They let them here laz time…" Fluer piped up. "I wish to zee little sizter before task does starts…" everyone nodded.
"I'm sure she will come." Jamous said to Viktor. "Would you like me to look for her?"
"I haf to see her." Viktor said to his friend.
"Right I shall return with one brilliant witch." Jamous quickly took his leave to look for her.
"I could look for Ron if you want Harry." Seamus offered.
"No its fine he'll show… So will Hermione." Harry said looking to Viktor. "They've never left me on my own."
"Champions head to the main dock please!" Dumbledore's voice boomed through the air. Viktor closed his eyes. He was sure Hermione wouldn't be allowed on the dock. He walked out along with the others. He looked through stands to see his mother and father waving. He hoped to see Hermione by them but they were by themselves. Jamous ran up to him.
"You found Hermione?" Viktor asked.
"I'm sorry my friend I could not find her." he said. Viktor looked to Harry to watch him pop something strange and green into his mouth and begin to gag.
"LAST NIGHT SOMETHING VERY PRECIOUS WAS STOLEN FROM EACH OF OUR CHAMPIONS, THESE FOUR TREASURES NOW LAY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BLACK LAKE FOR THEM TO WIN ALL OF THEM HAVE TO BRING BACK THEIR TREASURE, SIMPLE ENOUGH? I THINK NOT THEY ONLY HAVE ONE HOUR TO DO SO… THE CHAMPIONS MAY START AT THE SOUND OF THE CANNON." Dumbledore's voice was followed by a huge boom Viktor took a breath and dove into the water he watched as Fleur and Cedric swam off simple bubble head charms on. He smiled knowing his technique would earn him points. He hoped Hermione would be there at end of task to see his special transfiguration. He took in gulps of water in the form of his half human half shark body until finally air came. He smiled as he headed off.
Where could she have gone? She promised me… She had been so sad last night maybe she couldn't bring herself to send me off… Was she that scared for me? I should be at the ready that's what she would do… I'm worried about her though she promised… She never breaks her promises…
He saw something out the corner of his eye he quickly turned in time to see a hoard of grindelows rushed at him he smiled as he pointed his wand.
I think not.
He flicked his wand his movements slowed by the water. The grindelows froze and sunk to the deep before he began to swim once more. He looked at his watch after a long while.
It's already been a half hour… What am I supposed to be looking for any way? He stopped swimming hearing a strange tune. Is that the riddle from the egg? He began to swim and as he did it became more and more clear.
"Come seek us where our voices sound, we cannot sing above the ground, an hour you will have to look, to discover what we took…" he broke through a bunch of sea weed to see a large Mer village.
"Hurry hurry…" a merman spit at him. Viktor swam past him quickly and followed the soft humming he looked to his watch again. Forty five minutes. He broke through another wall of sea weed to see Harry at the shoe Of Ronald Weasley. He stopped. There were three people floating there in the water.
Hermione! He couldn't believe she was there motionless in the water. He swam quickly to get to her, scared for her well being. He only had fifteen minutes to get her out of the water. Harry yelled as he dodged Viktors open jaws which he used to bite at the rope that held down Hermione. He grabbed her hand and quickly began to swim. He wondered if after fifteen minutes the charm that was keeping her alive under the water would fail and she would begin to drown.
Don't think of such things! Get her to the surface I have to get her to the surface! As he was swimming he felt something pull him down he looked to see hundreds of grindelows pulling at Hermione's legs. As he went to point his wand she slipped from his hand.
Hermione! He swam after them firing off tons of curses as he did. He hit grindelows here and there until he finally got the last one. He pulled Hermione close to his body and fired another stunning charm that hit all of the grindelows. He felt Hermione move in his arms and looked down to see her eyes fluttering he looked at his watch.
Three minutes! He pointed his wand down a red spark flew out propelling him and Hermione up through the water and to the surface just as his transfiguration spell failed. He gasped for air but turned when he heard Hermione do the same. There were cheers from his comrades so he threw up his fist his other arm around Hermione's waist.
"Viktor…" she swam against the strong current.
"Come luff." He said helping her to the platform. Jamous helped Hermione out of the water a robe in hand before he then helped Viktor. Hermione coughed and sputtered. Viktor came to her side and wrapped another towel around her shoulders.
"You found me." she said with a laugh.
"I'll always find you luff." He said holding her close as they stood. He kissed her forehead. She suddenly looked around. "Where is Harry?"
"He was right behind us last I saw…"The bell rang and cheers rang out. Hermione looked to the water to see Ron and Fluers little sister but no Harry. Hermione rushed to Ron when he got to the platform a towel in hand.
"Where's Harry?" she asked.
"I don't know… I don't know." He said looking to the lake. Suddenly Harry burst from the water and landed on the platform. They both cheered out. Hermione stood as Ron ran to their friend. She looked to Viktor.
"Go ahead luff." He said with a smile. She kissed him before running to her friend a towel in hand. Viktor smiled as he watched Hermione kiss Harry on the head. He knew it was because Harry was like her brother so it didn't bother him. She was wrapping him in a towel as she and Ron helped him stand.
"THE JUDGES HAVE DECIDED, DIGGORY TAKES FIRST PLACE FOR HIS USE OF THE BUBBLE HEAD CHARM. NOW SEEING AS HARRY POTTER WOULD HAVE COME IN FIRST IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR HIS DETERMINATION TO SAVE ALL INVOLVED WE AWARD POTTER SECOND PLACE! FOR OUTSTANDING MORAL FIBER!" Viktor blinked. It wasn't fair it wasn't fair in the least bit.
"Are you kidding me!?" he shouted along with his friends.
"This is outrage outrage!" Karkaroff shouted. Many booed making Hermione look up. She was glad for her best friend but conflicted because of Viktor who was storming off. She went to follow but was whisked away by Gryffindors who hoisted her Harry and Ron onto their shoulders.
"Viktor!" she shouted over the crowd. "Viktor!"
-o-
Hermione walked up to Viktors cabin. It had been six hours since the last challenge and she had finally just escaped the wild party at Gryffindor tower. It was the only time she had wished she could fly so she could have slipped out through her window. She went to the door and knocked on it. Jamous opened it.
"Hermione he is in terrible mood." He warned.
"May I see him?"
"He is very upset."
"I can imagine… May… I see him?" he slowly nodded.
"Dah, maybe you can calm him down." Jamous said stepping aside.
"Absolutely ridiculous!" Viktor shouted. "I worked hard for the task he does not and still he wins!" Viktor turned just in time to see Hermione. Instantly his expression softened before his eyes narrowed only slightly before softening again.
"Have fun at Potter party?" he quipped.
"Don't be mad Viktor please." She said walking to him. "I tried to get away but Fred and George kept dragging me back…" she said. "You deserved second place Viktor… But they took pity on Harry because he didn't really understand that not all of us were in trouble… He was confused he didn't know if he was supposed to take Ron or I."
"But then I took you so that leaves red headed boy he could have left Gabrielle and gotten fair placing… I am left in third! Third place!" he said standing up. "Third next to mousy French girl who barely tried!"
"Excuse me while I flee." Jamous said before he could Hermione reached out grabbed the back of his robes and forced him down into a chair before looking back to her enraged Bulgarian boyfriend.
"What do you want me to do?" she asked.
"There is nothing you can do I just have to accept it."
"Are you planning on doing that tonight or are you going to stomp around your cabin some more like a petulant child?" Her words made him stop while Jamous slunk away to go try and hide behind the couch. Viktor felt like he had been smacked. "You are better than that Viktor you are a seasoned athlete you should know how to take a loss by now." He slowly nodded.
"You're right…" he said after a moment. "I was just… Put through ringer by headmaster." He said looking up in thought. "He is speaking with parents now."
"You aren't going to get in trouble are you?" she asked taking his hand.
"No… My parents are putting him through ringer over reaction of his."
"Yeah well there are bigger problems then the triwzard championship…" she said looking to the window.
"I know that look..." Viktor said. "What's happened?"
"Something happened?" Jamous asked coming from behind the sofa. Hermione turned away from the window to face them. "Harry Ron and I along with Haggrid went for a walk after the championship… We stumbled across the body of Bartimus Crouch… He's been murdered the killing curse."
"What?" Viktor walked up to her and rubbed her shoulders. "Are you alright?" he asked.
"What?" Jamous asked not sure his English had permitted him to understand correctly. "Did you say dead?"
"I said murdered." Hermione stated.
"This is impossible a ministry official killed?" he asked.
"You're going to be seeing a lot of that in the coming years." She said.
"You don't think it was you know who." Viktor said.
"No… Harry would know if he was back… But I do think it was a death eater."
"Death eaters here on school grounds?" Jamous asked with a snort. "Impossible."
"Your head master is here." Hermione said.
"Head master is not death eater…" Jamous said.
"He once was."
"Are you saying Karkaroff did this?" Viktor asked.
"No… No I don't think he did." Hermione said in all honesty. "I was just making a point. Besides I think Karkaroff would be too frightened he would be sent to Azkaban again… His views have not changed but his allegiances have." She sat down on Viktors bed. "Still you all should be very careful… If there is a death eater on campus Karkaroff may be the next target if seen as a traitor." They nodded.
"I think I will alert boys." Jamous said heading to the floo network and disappearing. Viktor looked over Hermione.
"You seem very bothered luff." Her arms crossed over her chest. She had a dark expression.
"He had only been dead minutes… Just minutes… It means we were close to the killer at the time… He or she was probably watching us… Watching Harry and.. and I didn't know he or she was there. Why didn't the person attack Harry right there in the forest?"
"You're worried something big is about to happen." He said.
"I am…" she looked to him. "Viktor I would never ask but do you know what the last task is yet?"
"No I don't luff." He said. "When I find out I will tell you right away." she nodded as he took her in his arms. Hermione sneezed and pulled away.
"Sorry." She said. "It seems I got kinda sick today in the cold lake." She gave another small feminine sneeze making him smile, it was a sound he never expected to hear from her.
"Dah me too… I have some Shenshaw leaves…"
"Oh please?" she asked. He nodded and walked over to a vial.
"Dag says this will keep me from ever getting very sick he is right?"
"Yes they are very healthy and hard to obtain one a day should do it."
"Here you go luff." He handed her one as he began to chew on one. "He has infused it with mint so it tastes better."
"Very good." A knock on the door sounded.
"Come in." Viktor called.
"That man is wretched man!" Sophia said coming in. "I'm so glad you are nearly finished with school oh Hermione dear." She walked over to the girl who was smiling. "How are you my dear girl? Was the lake very tiring we were surprised when we saw you surface."
"I am fine other then Viktor and I have gotten colds from the water but these renshaw leaves should help with that." She said with a smile.
"My poor children." She said hugging them both while Ivan smiled.
"By the way I never got to say, your use of transfiguration was quite amazing." Hermione said to Viktor.
"Thank you Luff." He said wrapping an arm around her.
"I would have never thought of it truly brilliant." He smiled with pride as did his parents.
"You have brought great honor to our family Viktor." Ivan said. Viktor just smiled more brightly.
"Still we must go back to Bulgaria our passes here in this country end in few short minutes…" Sophia hugged her son tightly and then moved to Hermione.
"Take good care of our boy." Ivan said clapping her on the back as Sophia pulled away.
"You take care of our girl." Sophia said making Viktor laugh.
"Dah momma…" he said giving her a quick nod. With a loud pop and a wave his parents were gone.
"I miss them already." Hermione said taking Viktors hand.
"Me too." They sat back down on the bed together.
"Viktor I am sorry you didn't get your rightful second place."
"It is alright… Thinking clearly now I can see Harry did deserve it… He was really confused on who he should save…" he looked to her and ran his thumb across her cheek. "I was very scared I wouldn't get you to surface in time…"
"Dumbledore said that we would be able to breathe under the water if we didn't get to the surface in time…" she said with a soft smile.
"When did you know you would be part of the task?"
"Around eight last night we were called into Dumbledore's office Ron and I… Along with Cho and Gabrielle…"
"Is that why you were so scared last night?" she looked to him. "You were afraid I wouldn't find you."
"No I knew you would find me… I was worried about not being able to help you if you needed it… If you didn't come up after an hour I was jumping in after you… learned the bubble head charm so I could…" he smiled.
"Were you really going to wait an hour?"
"No… More like a half hour." He smiled as he moved his thumb against her cheek. She took a hold of his wrist and pushed up his shirt sleeve to show tons of tiny suction cup marks. "Grindelows…" she said.
"You were right they are very nasty indeed. They grabbed a hold of you more on our way up you were unscathed."
"Thanks to a charm done by Dumbledore..." she walked to his window and opened it up to grab a few leaves from a mint tree just outside. She walked to his cauldron area and grabbed a small mixing pot.
"What are you doing?"
"Making something that will help you…" she said putting the pot over a light flame. She walked to his side table and grabbed a Bulgarian chocolate bar. She through it the pot and let it melt before adding the now crushed leaves.
"You are making dessert?" he asked with a smile.
"Nope something to help your wounds." She scooped out the chocolate mint sauce onto a plate and chilled it with a charm. She walked over to the bed setting the dish aside on his bed side table. "Shirt off." She said.
"What why?" he asked.
"Shy all of a sudden?" she asked before lifting the piece of clothing off for him. The marks from the grindelows were all up his arms and down one side of his chest where the tentacles had gone through his shirt. "I told you to be careful… I even left you directions on a charm that would keep them away from you why did you not use it?"
"I couldn't figure it out." he said.
"Why didn't you ask for my help?" she asked as she began to paint the mint and chocolate paste onto his wounds. He was surprised to find that instantly they felt better.
"Did not want you to think me stupid…"
"I would never think that." She said to him. "There all done let that dry and then you can wash up I guarantee that you won't feel those wounds after." She walked into the bathroom to wash up the mixing bowl she had used.
"Chocolate and mint I would haf never thought of it… how did you?"
"Discovered it after last year when I was at home. I still had some residual damage left over from the werewolf. I was baking with my mum and I dropped some mint chocolate sauce on my arm where I had a scratch, at first it burned because it was hot but after words I no longer felt the pain… I made some that night and applied it to the scratches on my back which wasn't easy but when I did I no longer felt the pain of them… First time I could sit against something in weeks." She walked back in with a smile. "Coco and mint are actual magical properties many don't know that… In fact I can make many potions out of the standard spices in my parents cupboard." He smiled as she walked back over to him.
"You are brilliant witch Hermione." he said with a smile.
"Well I do try." She moved her fingers through his hair, his eyes drifted closed at the sensation.
"Maybe I should take bath in chocolate and mint." He said with a small smile.
"I don't know about chocolate and mint but I do know a bath regiment that would make you feel better… Do you want me to run you one?"
"You do not haf to." he said looking to her.
"Nope I'm doing it… You deserve some relaxation…" he smiled as he watched her head to the bathroom.
"Dobby?" she called.
"Yes misses?" he asked popping inot view.
"I do hate to bother you." She said kneeling before him. "But Viktor is very sore from the challenge and I need a few things to make him feel better."
"Anything miss."
"Okay I just need three cups of Dry Oats, and Lemon and coarse salt."
"Your special massage paste miss?" he asked with a smile.
"You know me to well."
"I shall set it in the bathroom." He said before disappearing. Hermione walked back to Viktor and checked over the chocolate marks.
"Nearly dry…" she walked back into the bathroom to find what she needed all there. She opened another door to look at a huge bathing area, much like the prefects bathroom. "Well this makes things easier…" she said with a smile as she filled the tub up with hot water, and lemon scented bubbles. She then turned on the soothing extract made from oats. When she came into the main part of the bathroom and looked at one of her swim suits.
"I asked dobby to bring it." Viktor said coming into the bathroom with red board shorts on. "That bathtub is huge and I do not wish to bathe alone."
"Alright…" she said with a smile "You go start to soak I'll get this on…" he had expected more of a fight from her but smiled and headed into the large bathing area. The thing was the size of a swimming pool, huge and ridiculous. Even his bathing area at his home wasn't this big. He got down into the hot water and smiled breathing in the lemon scent. He heard the door behind him open and turned with a small smile as he gazed upon Hermione.
She really is perfect…