"Viktor stop!"

He froze at the sound of her screaming again. He slowly backed away at the boy whose face was little more than a ripped up bloody mess. Crawl gargled as he turned onto his stomach and like his name crawled away. He got to his feet and then ran leaving Viktor and Hermione alone. Slowly he turned and looked to Hermione who was still in the same place shaking tear tracks on her face. She was curled into a ball her hands planted against her ears. He slowly moved to her. She was bruised and bleeding her lip and eyebrow completely split. He went to touch her but her eyes shut more tightly as she turned away from him.

"I'm not going to hurt you…" he said softy. It pained him to have to say such a thing to the woman he loved so dearly. He would never do such a terrible thing and having to reassure her of that was heart breaking. "Let me help you luff…"

She nodded as she allowed him to set his hands on her shoulders and help her onto her feet. He instantly took off his cloak and wrapped it around her upper body wanting to shield her from the cold that sunk into the ripped clothing of her shirt.

"I should take you to the hospital wing."

"No…" she said shaking her head. "No…" he slowly nodded knowing it was best to not fight with her.

"Alright luff… The cabin…"

"Dobby…" she said.

"Miss?" the elf popped into sight and turned. "Miss!" he rushed to her. "Those damn dirty slytherins…" he said his eyes narrowing. He now had plans for those boys who had not only hurt Hermione once but twice now. The other house elves that Hermione had been kind too would gladly join.

"Can you take us to our cabin?" Viktor inquired.

"Yes…" dobby nodded and took their hands in his. Hermione slumped against Viktor as she felt a pull t her navel. They landed outside the cabin and Viktor immediately brought the now un conscious Hermione up into his arms to carry her in side.

"Thank you dobby." He said. Viktor carried her inside, the door magically closing behind him. He rested her on the bed and looked over her state. In the light he could really see the number that had been dealt to her by the slytherin. He rolled up his sleeves and slowly began to heal what he could. After which he went to the bathroom fetching a cloth and a bowl of warm water. He set them down by the bed before going to take her shoes off. He set them aside and then went to her belt buckle that had been left un done. he slowly re did it then moved to the hem line of Hermione shirt. It was completely ripped. He peeled it off her body and set it aside he then placed her in one of his button up shirts not wanting to move her more than he had too.

For the next hour, he dipped the cloth in the warm water and used it to clean any dirt and blood off her body. Every time he did he would find a new scratch which he would heal. He felt responsible she had left because of him. He knew she hadn't been meeting with Harry she had just been rightfully upset about him being intimate with another woman before her. He was glad he had chosen to go after her glad he could prevent whatever the Slytherin had been planning. He cleaned out the now dirty bloody water and came back to sit by her side his hand holding hers. He didn't know what to do now. She was healed and clean but still she slept, with the most troubled look upon her face.

"Mmm…" her head moved to the side.

"Mina…" he whispered bringing her hand to his lips. Hermione slowly opened her eyes and looked to Viktor. "Mina…" he said again relief evident in his voice.

"I had… A horrible dream…" she whispered her voice hoarse from the screaming. He wanted to let her believe it was a dream but he knew he couldn't keep it from her. Slowly he saw the wheels turn in her head. "What happened to me?"

"You don't remember?" he asked softly. Her eyes welled up and she shook her head.

"No… No I remember…" her voice broke as she sat up.

"Slow movements… Slow." He said. She buried her face in her hands. Viktor watched her for a long moment before he heard the smallest noise escape her. He watched her shoulders shake as the sound got louder and louder and tears began to drip from her hands.

"Mina…" he got onto the bed and brought her into his arms. "It's fine you are fine you are safe…"

"I was so weak…" she cried. "I was so weak." He didn't know what to do or say as he moved his hands to cradle the back of her head. He had never seen her so distraught. He had never seen her sob, she usually would only let a few tears fall and then be done he could tell her tears would not be subsiding for some time.

"You're not weak."

"I couldn't fight him off."

"He was strong… He was older." He said. "You didn't haf wand."

"It's no excuse… I should have protected myself better I should have done more."

"You were terrified you did what you could…" she cried harder.

"I was so scared…" he held her closer he could feel his shirt becoming wet with her tears but he didn't care. As she sobbed he thought of the ways he was going to make the young Slytherin pay. He couldn't kill him Hermione would never approve of this he knew. But that didn't mean he couldn't hurt him. He had plans for the boy plans for him and his whole family, plans that would be made easy and legal thanks to his social standing. His thoughts were brought back to Hermione as he felt her shake in his arms.

"Shh luff… You are safe… I'll protect you… No one's going to lay hand on you ever again… Let me protect you… Let me keep you safe." Slowly her shaking stopped along with her sobs. He laid back Hermione held firmly in his arms. He could see she was tired as she moved into him more.

"I don't want to feel safe… I want to feel strong again…" she whispered before falling asleep.

"You vill feel strong again luff… This I promise…"

-O-

The next day Hermione did not go to her classes. The situation had been raised by Dobby to the head master. Viktor had been angered when he had found out that the boy had been expelled. For the past night he had been planning the boys "legal" death. Though he could not exact his revenge on the one boy he could on the one who had orchestrated it. He knew for a fact Malfoy had been the person to do this. So while Hermione was still asleep he sent an owl to Jamous with instructions to give to the boys. Now he sat across from Hermione whose knees were pulled against her chest as she sipped tea. Her eyes distant her mind buzzing as she stared at her full plate of food.

"I want to forget about it." she suddenly said. "Can we just forget about it? He didn't…Didn't… rape me so there's nothing for me to be upset about." The word rape tasted vile on her tongue.

"He hurt you still."

"I am angry about that… But I just want to forget it. Last night I was weaker then I have ever been… I couldn't even hope to defend myself… It's my fault really." He stared. "I could have used my wandless magic at any time."

"You were scared… You couldn't have gotten focused enough to."

"if I couldn't protect myself against some slytherin how can I protect Ha-."

"Don't say Harry." She looked to him. "For once I'd like to focus on you instead of you focusing on Harry."

"I want to learn how to fight…" she suddenly said. "You know how to I've seen you."

"We are taught at institute." He said.

"Teach me…"

"Believe me I vill." He said. He had planned that as well the night before. "Hermione What… What happened last night?"

"You want me to talk about him attacking me?" she asked.

"I want to understand…"

"I didn't have my wand."

"I know this… I want to know what he did to you…"

"Mostly hit me…" she said sipping on her tea. He couldn't understand how she could so easily say it.

"Mostly hit you?"

"Mhm." She said buttering toast. "A few times with a bat." He continued to stare. She had said it like she was talking about home work. Like it was a natural thing. "He said he was collecting a debt for Malfoy."

I knew that slick haired snake boy would be in on it… My instructions will be well placed.

"What were his intentions?" he asked.

"I think his intentions were quite clear Viktor…" she said quietly.

"Just wanted to make sure." He stayed silent for a long moment before taking a breath. "I cannot let this lie…" she looked to him. "I cannot let him get away with it…"

"I know…" she said.

"Both boys vill pay you know this?" she nodded.

"There is no way I can talk you out of it is there?"

"No… I do not know how the English avenge a hurt luffed one… But in Bulgaria we take personal action…"

"You don't have to Viktor."

"Yes I do…" he walked to her and took her hands. "Yes I do." He said again kissing the back of her knuckles.

"When?"

"I'm going to bide time let them stew… Let the fear take over first… Then I vill make move."

"You'll let me know when?"

"Yes." He said.

I don't like to lie to her… But if I tell her she will only try to stop it… I'll let her know when its too late for her to intervene.

"Thank you for caring about me enough to do this for me…" he smiled. She was starting to understand his ways and his need to protect her. "And… Thank you for saving me last night." He squeezed her hands. He knew that had been very hard for her to say.

"I did not save you, I helped you…" she moved forward and kissed him.

"You are a kind man Viktor Krum."

"You're a kind voman Hermione Granger."

-o-

Hermione and Viktor spent the rest of the day sitting on his bed flipping through a new play book his coach had sent. She would point out different things she wanted to know and he would gladly tell her. There was no more mention of the attack before. He didn't ask if she was okay knowing it wasn't something she wanted him to ask. He could tell that all she wanted to do was put it far behind her.

"Hungry luff?" he asked when night rolled around.

"Yeah I am…" she said.

"Right on time I am then." Dobby said walking in a large tray in hand. "How is my misses?"

"Very well thank you for getting us back so quick."

"You look very good, Mr. Krum did a nice job healing you I see. Still I brought you some of your healing scrub for when you draw a bath tonight. Dumbledore says it will best if you stay here for a few nights. They don't want you in Hogwarts castle for a few days while they figure out who is to blame for your attack and while they put up better protection details…"

"They're alright with me staying here at nights?"

"They know you are of high caliber and nothing will happen…" Hermione smiled. She was glad her headmaster and other teachers believed her a proper young woman, but she was still a teenager they must know about hormones, or did they really think the students of Hogwarts were without.

"That's nice." She said.

"I brought your favorite meat and potatoes, and chocolate cake, extra chocolate."

"You're very sweet Dobby I expect there is a very snazzy coat in your future." She said with a smile.

"Ooh I'd like that very much miss!" He said before bowing and leaving the cabin.

"Butter beer with lime and ginger." Viktor said seeing the huge pitcher. "Want some?" he asked.

"Yes please." She held out a mug which he took and filled before handing it back to her as she sat down slowly.

"You're moving a bit slow did I not heal everything?"

"No you did, I just feel sluggish… Sore… When your hurt that badly even healing the wounds won't chase the pain away… that nice hot bath will be greatly welcomed."

"Right after dinner I'll draw it for you."

"You don't-."

"Yes I do." He said with a smile. "I'm your boyfriend its my job to take care of you when your sore." She smiled softly.

"Okay…"

"Okay then." He said setting up her plate before handing it to her. she took a bite and she smiled.

"What is it?"

"I just realized the meat in potatoes in Bulgaria are way better then here in Scotland or in England…"

"When we go back in the summer I will have the chefs make it for you all the time if you wish." She smiled.

"Did your parents say if it was alright for me to come?" she asked.

"Of course they are excited to see you as is Stony he says you two are pen pals?"

"Yes we write to each other at the end of every week. I also write to Dag and Nick when I can…" he smiled glad she was so close to his family. "Your mum I write to almost everyday. I can't wait to see her this summer."

"So you are coming?"

"Of course." She said with a smile. "Besides it will be easier for me to watch you play your Quidditch games that way." He smiled brightly.

"This makes me very happy to know you will be staying with me again." Hermione couldn't help but smile at his excited look.

"We will have to travel separately again of course."

"This is only thing I am not excited about…"

"My parents will be there when I get home but they leave a day later… So I won't be totally alone at least."

"This makes me feel much better." After the meat and potatoes they shared the chocolate cake, as Hermione was eating her last piece Viktor got up and headed to the bathroom to draw her bath. She soon joined him.

"Is this good?" he asked. Hermione smiled at the scent of lemon.

"Yes but can we add some oatmeal extract?"

"Of course." He turned the faucet on and Hermione smiled as she saw steam rise from the water.

"I'll leave it to you." He said as he left. Hermione watched him close the door to bathroom and Hermione frowned. She felt at that moment very alone, and very vulnerable. She slowly put on her bathing suit and wrapped a towel around her body before she opened the door.

"Everything alright?" he asked standing.

"Would you come in with me? I could… You know drown or something." He smiled she wanted him by his side but she was far too proud to say. "Or you know…" She shifted on her feet. "I just… Don't want to be alone." He hadn't expected her to admit it and he smiled softly as he stood up from his chair.

"Dah I will change and be right in." she smiled before heading back into the large bathroom. The tub was huge like a small pool, just as big as the prefects bathroom which she had snuck into a few times with Ginny. Hermione dipped her toe down into the hot water and smiled, it was perfect. Better then she could have ever drawn herself. Viktor walked into the bathroom his red board shorts on. He stopped seeing Hermione hanging up the towel. He had healed her the beast he could but still her body was covered in horrible bruises.

"I'd like to say I've looked worse…" she said knowing he was looking at the marks of her attack. "But I haven't…" she smiled softly at him. "Attracted?" Viktor walked over and wrapped his arms around her carefully trying not to hurt her.

"Always love… Remember… You're my warrior woman…" he lifted her up into his arms as she laughed softly. Slowly he carried her down into the water, when she went to move off his lap when he sat down he held her.

"No moving just relaxing… I could rub your shoulders."

"Actually I have a weird request… Its very relaxing for me…"

"Anything luff."

"Will you massage my hands?"

"Your hands?" he smiled. "Of course."

"You don't think it's weird?"

"Not at all. Some people like their feet rubbed you like your hands rubbed." She smiled as she relaxed against him as his big hands gently massaged her small ones. "How are you feeling?"

"Very pampered." He laughed softly, the low sound moving through her body. "I should get my butt kicked more often if I get treated like this…" she leaned her head back against his shoulder her eyes drifting close.

"You can get treated this way without getting butt kicked, just ask luff." She smiled.

"Okay every night then." He laughed.

"If you wish."

"I do very much so." She said with a smile. "I'm feeling much better."

"Good." He said his hands moving over her shoulders. After a long while both got out of the pool Hermione moving much more easier then she had since the attack earlier in the night. They dried off. Viktor moved out of the bathroom giving her privacy to change into her pajamas. She came out a minute later in one of his white button down shirts and a pair of pink pajama shorts.

"I will change now." She nodded as she watched him walk into the bathroom and close the door. Hermione stood for a long moment not at all feeling at ease. When he finally came out she smiled once more feeling as if she could breathe.

"Ready for bed?" he asked.

"Mhm." She crawled into bed taking the place of where Viktor usually slept against the wall where the bed was set against. Viktor didn't question this he knew she most likely didn't feel safe being faced out in the open. He slipped under the covers and instantly pulled her into his arms. "I know I slept for a while… But I'm still very tired."

"I put some calming herbs into the bath to make you tired."

"Good man." She laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Night Viktor."

"Night Hermione." he would only close his eyes that night, he refused to sleep. He wanted to look out for Hermione the best he could and knew he wouldn't be able to if he drifted off to dream.

-o-

"No…" Viktor opened his eyes and looked down to see Hermione stirring slightly in her sleep. He looked to the clock to see "6-45" flashing at him. "No…" he glanced at Hermione. She looked troubled. "Stop… Don't…"

"Hermione luff…" he placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Viktor…" she whispered softly in her sleep. "Help me…" he held her closer

"I'm right here… You're so very safe…" slowly she settled down and a small smile was replaced by the frown she had been wearing. He kissed the top of his head but stopped hearing something out side. He slowly got out of the bed his wand held firmly in hand. He slowly walked to the front door and threw it open his wand drawn.

"Headmaster…" he slowly closed the front door behind him as he walked out onto the porch.

"How is your woman?" Karkaroff asked in Bulgarian.

"She is sleeping."

"I expected so… Is she… Hurt still?"

"No she's much better."

"I heard from one of the students you have planned a rebellion against one Draco Malfoy."

"You can't stop me."

"I wouldn't." he said. "To treat a woman like this, no matter her blood status… It is cowardly and wrong… I came to give warning, do not get caught. We don't want your chances ruined in the tournament because you bloodied up a student from the host school."

"This isn't about the tournament."

"It has everything to do with the tournament." Karkaroff let his eyes narrow in on the younger man. "Don't let her cloud your mind with vengeance. Don't let her cloud your mind period."

"Get out of here." Was all Viktor said.

"Don't forget your place." The head master gripped onto Viktors bare shoulder.

"How can I? When you constantly try to put me in it?" with that Viktor walked into the cabin and closed the door his muscles rippling in anger. He really did hate his head master.

"Viktor?" he turned seeing Hermione sitting on the side of the bed looking to him. "Who was that?"

"No one Luff… Go back to bed…" he said walking to her.

"I can't… I'm awake now…"

"Then breakfast?" he asked.

"I don't want to bother Dobby he sleeps in on Mondays."

"Do you want to leave the cabin? I have permission to take you to hogsmeade whenever or right now… We could go to that bakery you love…"

"I have class-."

"No you don't all your classes today are mixed with the Slytherins… Dumbledore let you off the hook today…"

"I'm going to class." She said as she

"The other Slytherins, Mina, they'll crucify you."

"No they won't."

"They have to know."

"No… Malfoy wouldn't want the rest of the house to learn of what he wanted Crawl to do to me…"

"And why is that?"

"Because sex with a muggle born by a pure blood even if it is rape and in spite is still seen as unclean… I'll quote the writings of Salazar slytherin…" she looked up in thought. "To defile thy body by entering that of a diseased dirty muggle born even with spite is too dip thy serpant in hot oil…" she looked to Viktor. "It's frowned upon pure bloods have been executed for having sex willingly with a muggle born, but also for raping them… You can kiss, caress, or enter their body with a different object in spite but to actually have sex with someone like me it leads to either death, public humiliation with in the extremist pureblood world, or shunning…" he looked at her.

"I think I heard Asen mention this once…" he said.

"Yes so you see none of the other Slytherins would know… So then I'm going to class. I won't be chased away Viktor."

"Then I will walk you to class."

"No I-."

"I won't let you leaf this cabin unless you say I can walk you from class to class and back here at end of day…"

"Let huh?" she asked. He stopped knowing how the threat must of have just made her feel.

"Luff… I just… I worry." She walked to him.

"What happened, happened because I did not have my wand-."

"Please… Please let me protect you…" she looked at his pained expression. "Please Hermione." he took her hands. "Please."

"… Fine…" he smiled brightly. "I have to get dressed for school." She trudged away and grabbed a stack of her school uniforms Dobby had left. The little house elf must have known she couldn't be kept away from her school work. While Hermione got dressed in the bathroom Viktor did in the bedroom. He was quick to make sure she wouldn't walk in on him naked. He was jus fastening the buttons of his uniform shirt when Hermione came out.

"All ready?"

"Yes…"

"You're bag is here as well I will gladly carry it for you." He said with a smile. It was heavier then he thought it would be as he lifted it up. "What's in here luff? Small country perhaps?" she smiled softly.

"No country but I do have sixteen rolls of parchment, all my class books, my potions kit, some quills, a few ink wells blue green and red you know if I'm feeling saucy." She smiled. "Oh and of course my lip gloss."

"Father was right, the female bag is a scary dark place." He said looking down into the abyss of stuff.