Hermione did a quick tempus charm to see the time and noticed she had another 30 minutes left. She gave herself 20 giving her enough time to meet up with Viktor.

She summoned her shoes and looked at them again. They matched her robed, but she was starting to hate how blocky they looked at the front, knowing that it would make her look like she had big feet. Surprisingly, Hermione had small feet and sometimes she tried to make them appear bigger. But now that she was ready, she noticed that they would look slightly out of place.

She transfigured them into wedge heels, with curved front for her toes. She considered making them open toed, but then reminded herself that it was winter, it was a Yule ball.

Hermione went to go put them on, but was yet again stopped by her elf.

"Miss is to be placing a cushioning charm on her shoes or her feet will hurt terribly at the end of the ball!"

Hermione looked at the elf having not even considered that herself. She then unhesitatingly snatched her wand off the vanity and shot her shoes with a strong cushioning charm, hoping that it would last the night. Thimi nodded at the strength of the spell approvingly.

She then slipped on her shoes and grabbed the jewelry her parents gave her for part of her Christmas present. She slipped on the dangle pearl earrings that had 3 pearls each, from small to large accented in white gold and had Thimi hook on the matching necklace that had a single pearl that landed just under the hollow of her throat. She then walked over to the wall mirror. Hermione was very pleased with what she saw.

She was elegant, poised, chaste, and age appropriate. Her hair was marvelous, her teeth were perfect ("Thank you, Malfoy and Madam Pomfrey"), her robes looked lovely with her skin color, her make-up was simple and tasteful, and her skin looked like it was glowing youth. Hogwarts would remember that Hermione Granger was indeed a girl.

"Remember, Hermione: knock 'em dead, have fun, don't let Ronald ruin your night like he is bound to try. Enjoy yourself with Viktor. This is your night."

She nodded to herself after her little prep talk. It emboldened her choices for tonight. She flashed her reflection a mischievous smile.

"Also, note to self, have Colin Creevey take a picture to send to mum and dad."

Hermione turned around to face her elf, "Thimi you did amazing! I don't know how I'm going to repay you for this." She grinned widely at the little elf.

"Thimi is needing nothing. Thimi is proud and happy to serve!"

With that said the little elf started to gather Hermione's discarded belongings so they wouldn't be lost to the room, making sure that she grabbed the room's present for her.

Hermione didn't say anything and instead nodded. Tonight was a fun night, no social justice. She turned around and stared at herself some more, before casting another tempus. It was time to meet Viktor.

"I'm going to meet my date now, Thimi. Wish me fun!"

On her way to meet Viktor she was more than glad to have run into Colin, just the other gentleman she wanted to see!

"Colin! Thank goodness, I was hoping you'd be able to take a few pictures of me so I can send them to my parents." She called out walking closer to him.

Colin looked over confused at who the woman was talking to him as though she knew him. He looked closer and realized that he did know her!

'Blimey! That's Hermione Granger!'

It took Colin a moment before his mind caught up with what she was saying. He was more than grateful for having his camera on him at that moment. No one in the tower would believe him unless he had a picture for himself of her. She was quite a sight.

"Sure thing, Hermione! Do you want one with your date too?" He asked, knowing he was going to keep copies for himself.

It was that moment that Viktor heard her name spoken and walked over to her. He had just reached their agreed meeting spot and was glad to see she wasn't that far away.

"If she vould not mind, I vould also like one of us." Viktor said standing behind the boy.

Colin could hear his heart pumping.

'That's Krum! It's Viktor Krum! Wait, Hermione is going to the Yule ball with Krum!? NO one is going to believe me if I don't get a shot!'

"I would love one, Viktor." She smiled brightly at him, "But first I want one of me alone for my parents, and then one of us. Is that okay?"

Viktor nodded and went to stand to the side when Hermione grabbed his hand and started walking towards a staircase. Thankfully it wasn't a moving staircase, but even so Hermione stood in front of it instead of on it.

Colin understood, also being a muggleborn. It was a classic background and classic shots, and he was giddy at being able to take them for her.

The young witch stood poised and took a few shots at different angles and one up close of her face. Then she took a few with Viktor and got the quidditch player to stand up straight and when she leaned into him to look at him, his cheeks bloomed pink and his lip quirked up in a small smile. Colin made sure to get some candid shots that he would be sure to give to Hermione later too. He would put it in a book and give it to her as a late Christmas present.

'I mean, I get to take pictures of Krum for free! I'll consider it my Christmas present from Hermione.'

Hermione was sure Colin must have gotten at least 50 pictures and flushed happily, already enjoying her night. Viktor saw that taking these pictures for her parents were making her happy and stored that thought away for later. He was pleased that she was happy and hoped that meant for a good night with her.

"Think we took enough, Colin?"

"Sure thing, Hermione!"

If Colin hadn't needed such a steady hand for his camera, Hermione was sure he would be vibrating where he stood.

"I vill also be getting copies, yes?" Krum asked.

"Of course! Should I send an owl or just hand them to you in a few days?" Colin asked the athlete.

"I vill come to you, if is okay?" Viktor asked, so the young boy wouldn't be trampled over by a heard of his fans.

Colin smiled at the older boy, "Sure!"

Viktor quirked his lips up at the enthusiastic boy. "In library where Hermy-own sits."

Colin nodded his agreement, knowing where Hermione sat.

Viktor turned to his date and held his arm out to her, "Shall ve?"

Hermione smiled and took it, "Yes."

Colin made sure he took the candid shot before making his way to the tower. He couldn't wait to tell everyone who was stuck up there tonight! But first he had to develop the photos so he had proof. If he did them properly they would be done before curfew started. But made sure he remembered to have at least 5 still looking photos for Hermione's living room. He remembered how disappointed he was at not being able to have his photos on display at home because the rest of his family couldn't be told.

Viktor lead Hermione to where the rest of the Durmstrang students were, knowing he would have to make an entrance with them. Having explained it already to Hermione there were no questions, just comfortable silence during their walk. Most of his fellow students were happy he found a witch who could care less that he was a duck on land and a swan in the air, they would tease him.

They were genuinely happy for their friend though, especially since their ignorant headmaster had formed a habit of sticking to his side, hoping his fortune would rub of off Viktor and on to himself. They had better headmasters, but were glad at least that their professors were not like him. He was very unprincipled and egotistical, and had most of them not already started their parents would not have allowed them to attend.

Igor Karkaroff was pleased when he saw his star pupil and prized champion. A twinkle entered his haunted eyes that reminded Hermione immensely of Sirius. The headmaster had wanted to say something about his date's blood, but reminded himself that he was past that now. She was a lovely vision of a witch and was sure to put many in the Great Hall to shame this night. He was glad that such a vision would be seen on the arm of his champion.

"Viktor! So glad you and your date could make it. It's almost time." he walked closer to his pupil, "Now remember I want you to be poised and to shine tonight. But also, remember to have fun and look like you're enjoying yourself. You too, Miss Granger. I have heard of your brilliance, naturally I might add. Do make it a good night." His smile seemed desperate, somehow.

Hermione and Viktor nodded coolly as Viktor subtly pulled Hermione closer as though to protect her from his headmaster. He was a known Death Eater and was known to target muggles and mugglborns, and he knew what they did during their revels. The young adult was weary of what his headmaster had meant when he said, "Do make it a good night". He would never make Hermione do anything she did not want, and he knew she wasn't ready for anything more than kissing.

Hermione understood the undertones, she was smart enough to "read between the lines", and she was both intrigued and insulted. If she had not used the time turner she would be under-aged. It was very pleasant to know that Karkaroff had no compunctions of his star having sex with a minor, as long as he was pleased. She would have only been 15, but no, as long as Viktor got his rocks off it would have been fine.

The young witch composed herself, having practice, so she wouldn't glare or shoot any dirty looks or nasty hexes at the older man. Viktor must have sensed something was wrong because he started to rub his thumb over her hand in a soothing manner rather than one that was leery. Of which Hermione was extremely grateful for.

"Now, let's make an entrance, shall we? Viktor, after you. Our Champion should lead us to the ball." Igor said, making a show of his hands to the oak doors of the castle.

Viktor kept Hermione close to him and they walked steadily towards the castle. The doors opened for them and they made their way, the fairy lights were flying about to get where they were directed. It did make for a decent entrance. Hermione was equal parts pleased and upset that Harry didn't recognize her yet. However she was fully pleased that Ronald hadn't recognized her yet, after all she wasn't normally considered pretty.

Thankfully at that moment Professor McGonagall called for the champions and Ron and Padma had to leave. They went to line up, standing furthest from the door. They didn't want to be close to Fleur, considering she had nothing pleasant to say about Hogwarts and from what little Krum had been able to tell her, Durmstrang was worse. It was also part of Viktor's reluctance to be shown off again, even if this time he had to be with others.

He was less reluctant though because he got to go with such a beautiful girl like Hermione. He had thankfully checked her age before trying to ask her to the dance, but didn't ask questions. He was sure that, much like most of the magical world, the reasoning was meant to be kept secret.

Hermione watched Harry check out the other champions and their dates. She smiled nervously, but was also very excited. It was a real ball and she was being showcased. It was also the first time people would see her pretty.

She watched Harry's jaw drop as he finally realized it was her. She simply smiled and waved at Harry and Pavarti.

"Hi, Harry! Hi Pavarti!"

The unflattering look of disbelief Pavarti wore was perfect. Hermione couldn't wait to see what the rest of Hogwarts students' reactions would be.