Wednesday, December 23, 1998 (continued…)
Hermione sighed but didn't immediately reply to Krum's angry remark.
Viktor huffed as his Firewhisky arrived at the table in the hand of a concerned-looking Madam Rosmerta.
Hermione gave her a small nod, letting the older witch know that she could handle it. The Pub proprietor nodded in return before walking back to the bar and getting back to work, all the while keeping a wary eye on the two of them.
Krum took a large gulp and glared at the brunette, "You know, Hermione, you could have had the damn decency to tell me in person rather than sending me a fucking letter! I've been up at the damn castle searching for you all day and yet, here you are."
She still didn't reply. She knew that her lack of response would likely upset him further, but she couldn't help it. He was acting nothing like the man she had spent the previous Summer with.
The Viktor she knew was kind and caring. He understood that everyone had faults and struggles. However, this person in front of her was rude, harsh, disrespectful, and obviously had forgotten the fresh pain Hermione felt from losing her parents.
Viktor Krum had clearly changed, and it was, in no way for the better.
"Hermione!" He snapped, his voice on the edge of rage as he smacked his hand on the table. "Fucking answer me!"
She felt herself beginning to get angry as well and finally spoke up, "You know what, Viktor. We never saw each other in person. Ever! I haven't seen you since August! I wasn't certain when the next time would be, and I didn't want to drag it out when it was clear where we were headed."
With a scoff, he replied, "Well, obviously you needed to speed things up a bit so that you could be with the fucking blond Death Eater bastard without feeling guilty." He passed before adding, "Why though? His own family doesn't even want him…according to the papers. And who could blame them? He's a piece of shite."
She knew that if she allowed him to raise her ire anymore, there could be major consequences. She inhaled deeply and met his dark brown eyes, "You're wrong about Draco. He's wonderful. And until now, I didn't know just how much better of a man he was than you but now…now I know." She stood up and shook her head before looking back down at him. "I'm ashamed that I ever cared for you, knowing now who you truly are. And I'm not going to allow you to ruin my holidays, which have been lovely so far, thanks to Draco Malfoy. Goodbye Viktor. Do not contact me again." She said before walking toward the door.
He reached out and gripped her arm tightly, "You wait just one damn minute." He hissed through his teeth.
"Let her go this instant or I'll use a Blasting Curse on your fucking bollocks." They heard and both looked over to see Madam Rosmerta with her wand aimed directly at Krum.
He clenched his jaw but let go of Hermione's arm.
Hermione swallowed and thanked the other witch before leaving the Pub and going straight back to the castle.
When she arrived back in the Common Room, she expected to find Draco waiting for her but instead, she found the room empty.
Sighing, she sat down and waited, hoping he would be there soon. She waited for nearly an hour before sighing, feeling terribly disheartened and going up to her dorm, worrying that perhaps Draco was upset. She decided that she'd go down to the Common Room early the next morning and hopefully he'd be down there so that they could talk.
As she got ready for bed, she found that she had unshed tears building up in her eyes. Whether they were because Viktor had turned out to be a dreadfully horrible person or because she feared that Draco was upset, she wasn't certain. Either way, she let them fall as she went to sleep.
