The first few days after term ended were spent in a haze of contentment. Hermione, Harry, and Ron filled their hours with games of Exploding Snap and Wizard's Chess, magnificent meals prepared by soon-to-be-paid house-elves, and for Hermione, homework. They spent a lot of time with Fred, George, Lee, and Ginny, too, so that it was almost reminiscent of their summer at the Burrow.
Most of the other students fourth year and above had elected to stay for the ball this year, so the common room was often crowded. With the upcoming Yule Ball being the topic of choice for countless nearby conversations, Hermione couldn't help but to grow just as excited as most everyone else. Ron, too, even began to look more hopeful after she and Harry helped turn his dress robes into something almost smart-looking instead of the frothy pile of lace they had resembled before.
Hermione also managed to convince the boys to squeeze in a few more practice sessions for their spellwork in between everything else. Instead of their usual shield and protective spells and a few simple offensive spells, she asked Harry to show them the method for producing a Patronus. So far, she'd only managed to make a few silvery wisps appear.
Harry finally received a reply from Sirius after sending him an account of the first task last month. Sirius congratulated Harry, but warned him to stay vigilant. Hermione inquired as to whether Harry had made any progress with his clue for the next task, to which Harry skillfully diverted attention from himself by pointing out Hermione's smile. Harry and Ron leaned in for a closer look, and she told them about letting Madam Pomfrey carry on a bit back after that accidental tooth-elongating hex from Malfoy. Ron let out a disbelieving snort at the word "accidental".
Harry also brought good news shortly after break began that Cho had set Ron up with a lovely girl in Ravenclaw called Luna. He didn't think Cho was close with her, exactly, but Cho insisted that Luna was very enthusiastic about attending the ball. Harry and Ron would meet Cho and Luna in the Entrance Hall at a quarter 'til eight on Christmas evening.
Hermione woke on Christmas morning to a pile of presents at the foot of her four-poster. Her mum and dad had sent a beautiful pendant that would perfectly complement the periwinkle dress robes she had chosen for the evening. Mrs. Weasley sent Hermione a few of her knitted goods, a matching blue hat and gloves, and Hagrid sent along a box of sweets. Harry gifted her a charming set of parchment stationery embossed with her initials along the top, and Ron's gift turned out to be a care package of sorts for Crookshanks. The box contained a few of his favourites: a small pack of Catnip balls, some butterbeer corks Ron had collected over several Hogsmeade visits, and a new double-sided pin and bristle brush.
She grinned over Ron's thoughtful gift and patted the bed to call Crookshanks up, who was currently toying with one of the ribbons from her discarded gift wrapping. After a thorough grooming, Crookshanks convinced Parvati and Lavender to abandon opening their own gifts and throw crinkled up balls of wrapping paper around the dormitory for him.
After lunch, most everyone insisted on taking advantage of last night's snowfall with a snowball fight on the grounds. Uninterested in participating, Hermione watched the four Weasleys, Harry, and Lee run around pelting each other with giant globs of frozen water, laughing a stitch in her side when they all dog-piled on Fred who had been discovered trying to secretly cheat with magic.
Ginny came to sit with her after a while, sharing the warmth of the Bluebell Flame she had conjured. Hermione looked towards the Durmstrang ship down on the lake, wondering if Viktor had returned yet. The ship had been oddly quiet since the end of term; maybe some of the other Durmstrang students had gone home for part of the holidays, too. Hermione supposed they could have had international Portkeys approved for that purpose. Once the light outside had begun to fade, she and Ginny retreated to their dormitories to begin getting ready for the ball.
Inside, Parvati was already dressed in robes of bright pink and weaving a gold ribbon into her braid, and Lavender was draping a sheer plum shawl over her shoulders that matched her own dress robes. They were babbling excitedly about the upcoming evening and their dates, Dean and Seamus. Hermione summoned her toiletry bag and the hair potion she had ordered especially for tonight, and made her way to the girls' lavatories. Her hair would take the longest of anything.
With her hair finally coiffed into a sleek twist, Hermione returned to the now-empty dormitory to try applying a few of the cosmetics she had borrowed from her mum for the occasion. She kept it simple, sweeping a neutral colour over her eyelids, darkening her lashes, and glossing her lips. The light outside the window grew steadily darker until night had fully descended.
Checking that she had time to spare, she glazed her nails in blush pink before changing into her periwinkle blue dress robes and slipping on a pair of elegant slippers. Her preparations complete, Hermione retrieved the pendant from her parents off of the bedside table and fastened it around her neck.
Hermione studied herself in the stand mirror. She could still see her features under the enhancements of the cosmetics, but without her usual mane of wild hair, it almost felt as if another person were gazing back from her reflection. It was different, but she felt beautiful in a sophisticated kind of way. Hermione smiled at herself and stood up straight, pulling back her shoulders to admire the entire effect.
Checking the hour once more, Hermione decided she had best leave now if she wanted to be on time to meet Viktor. Having a sudden thought, she hesitated halfway out of the door and turned back to dig out the golden rose that Viktor had gifted her. She threaded it carefully into the back of her hair.
The common room was beginning to fill with people dressed in a spray of bright colours, but Hermione didn't see Harry and Ron among them. Deciding she would just meet them downstairs, she made her way towards the front doors of the castle. A few students were already milling about the Entrance Hall, but the doors to the Great Hall remained closed.
Hermione stopped short when the front doors opened to reveal a garden of rose bushes filled with fairy lights — it must have been conjured in the past few hours. She admired it as she passed through, then crossed the grounds quickly in the wintry air, casting an Impervious Charm around her feet and hemline to keep off the worst of the snow.
Viktor was waiting for her in front of the ship's gangway. He invited her up to the quarterdeck to keep warm with the other Durmstrang students and their dates until it was time to head in.
Viktor gave her an appraising look. "You look very beautiful tonight, Her-my-knee."
She beamed at him, both for the compliment and for the obvious time he had taken to learn her name. "Thank you, Viktor."
He returned her smile instantly. "I have been vorking on it. I am close now, I think."
He smiled even more widely when he noticed the rose woven into her hair.
Viktor was dressed in robes of deep red with a fur-lined cloak draped over his shoulders. His sleeves and lapels were embroidered in intricate patterns with white thread. Overall, Hermione thought he looked quite fit, especially with the smile lighting up his face after she told him so.
After a few minutes more discussing their holidays up until now, Karkaroff signalled for everyone to gather together to begin the walk to the castle. Karkaroff made sure that Viktor and Hermione were at the front of the group with him.
Viktor draped his cloak over Hermione's shoulders as they exited the ship. It nearly swallowed her, but it was wonderfully warm. She offered it back for him to refasten once they entered through the front doors.
Her eyes immediately sought Harry and Ron, but if they were in the mass of students roaming about, she couldn't see them. She did notice a group of girls nearby, the same ones that frequented the library to giggle over Viktor, watching her through narrowed eyes and looking sour.
The doors to the Great Hall opened then, and Professor McGonagall immediately called the champions over to wait on the side until everyone else was through. As she and Viktor separated from the group of Durmstrang students, Hermione spotted Cedric Diggory ahead, who was accompanying Fleur Delacour. Cedric looked sharp in robes of unrelieved black, while Fleur was even more breathtaking than usual in robes of pure silver. They were chatting amicably as Cedric threw his head back and laughed at something said by Fleur.
Harry and Cho came over together next, Harry's jaw going slack as he looked Hermione over. She grinned at him mischievously while Viktor introduced himself to Cho. Harry looked quite handsome himself in elegant green robes — Mrs. Weasley had been right, they brought out his eyes nicely. His hair was still somewhat untidy, but he had obviously taken a comb to it. Cho also looked very beautiful in flowing robes of white with golden embroidery.
Hermione peeked into the Great Hall as they waited. It had been decorated splendidly with garlands and icicles, and the walls and windows covered by a layer of glittering frost. The long House tables were gone, replaced by numerous smaller tables with lantern centre-pieces. The enchanted ceiling still reflected the outside weather, which only added to the effect as snow appeared to be falling overhead.
Suddenly Viktor was offering his arm, and it was time to enter the Great Hall. Everyone else was seated inside, looking out expectantly towards the champions and their partners to enter and open the Yule Ball. Hermione took hold of his arm, smiling up at him nervously and worrying her lower lip between her teeth.
Viktor placed a hand over hers and gave her a reassuring smile. Fleur and Cedric had already gone in together, and Harry and Cho were to be announced next. Once Harry and Cho were halfway to the large round table at the top of the Hall, Viktor steered Hermione gently forward as their names were called. She tightened her grip on Viktor's arm.
Hermione was dazzled at first by the brightness of the room compared to the dark Entrance Hall she had just left. Hundreds of faces were staring at her from all around, almost everyone applauding at their entrance. Hermione beamed, suddenly feeling more confident. She spotted Ron sitting next to a blonde girl in lime green dress robes who was gazing off towards the ceiling. Ron was staring at Hermione in astonishment.
Halfway to the head table, Hermione found another familiar face. Malfoy, seated between Pansy and a slim girl she didn't recognize, was watching her progress with an unreadable expression. He had on an elegant set of black velvet dress robes with a snug collar, and had cut his hair for the occasion. She blinked, feeling a sense of familiarity. Hermione met his eyes momentarily before tearing her gaze away to look forward again. She could still feel his scrutiny following her to the front of the Hall.
The Head table was already filled with the other champions, Cho, and the judges (minus Mr. Crouch). Harry was seated next to Percy Weasley instead, who appeared to be filling in for his absent head of department. Karkaroff was watching Hermione and Krum with something close to disapproval, and she was glad that Viktor pulled a chair out for her on the other side of Cho and took the seat next to Karkaroff himself. With everyone inside and seated, chatter began slowly filling the Hall again.
Hermione put Malfoy out of her mind for now and resolved to enjoy the evening with Viktor. They ordered food off of menus lying on their plates, and Viktor immediately engaged her in conversation about the Hogwarts castle compared to the Durmstrang castle. Across the table, Fleur was telling Cedric about the Beauxbatons palace. Harry was attempting to talk to Cho, but Percy kept interrupting to pontificate about his work at the Ministry. A disgruntled Cho finally turned to converse with Hermione and Viktor instead.
Once dinner was finished and Dumbledore moved the tables to the side of the Hall, Viktor offered his arm once more and Hermione felt a nervous weight settle in her stomach. She exchanged glances with Harry, Cho already on his arm, who also looked as if he would rather face another dragon than dance in front of the entire school. Hermione stumbled slightly as they moved to the centre of the room, gripping Viktor's arm tightly to regain her footing. Grinning down at her, he must have mistaken her apprehension for excitement.
The music started up, and she and Viktor began to move in a slow rotation. He was not much more coordinated dancing than he was walking, which was a good deal less than flying, but he still grinned down at her unabashedly, uncaring about the hundreds of eyes upon them.
Hermione laughed, suddenly uncaring as well. If their dance looked to be awkward, well, anything would next to the gracefully whirling forms of Cedric and Fleur. Cho caught Hermione's eye and beamed at her, shrugging as if to say she understood. Harry's attention never wavered from Cho's smiling face.
Dumbledore waltzed in next with Madame Maxime, and a flood of other students were spinning around the floor soon after. Hermione waved to Ginny dancing nearby with Neville, and Ginny gave her a thumbs up. When the first song ended, the Great Hall rang with applause as the band struck up a much livelier tune.
Hermione remained for several more dances with Viktor among some of his Durmstrang peers. Beginning to feel a bit breathless, she eventually pulled Viktor to the side, narrowly avoiding being trod on by Fred and Angelina, who were cutting a wide path through the floor with their spirited dancing, and shouted over the music.
"Do you want to take a break?"
He nodded and they moved out of the throng of students to the edge of the hall. Spotting Ron at a table with Harry and Cho, she pointed out where she would be while Viktor left to get drinks at the tables now set up in the Entrance Hall.
Hermione dropped tiredly into a seat beside Ron. "Where's Luna?" she asked him, eyeing the nearby tables curiously. "That was her in the green robes, right?"
Ron looked around at her. "Yeah, she's nipped off to her dormitory, I think? Claimed she saw nargles or something in the mistletoe and wanted some kind of necklace to keep them from… something. I don't know." He shrugged at Hermione's raised eyebrows. "She's…um… unique. Anyway, where's Krum?"
"Should be back any minute now. He's just gone to get some drinks," Hermione replied.
Cho, overhearing this, mentioned that a drink sounded nice, and Harry leapt out of his seat immediately with promises to return with drinks for them and Ron, too. One of Cho's friends quickly took over Harry's seat and they began giggling together.
"So, are you having a good time?" Hermione asked Ron, who was looking at her sideways while pretending to watch the students dancing nearby.
"What did you do to your hair?" Ron asked instead.
"Hair potion," she laughed. "Too much to bother with every day, though."
"Oh," was all Ron said. "Yeah, ok." Then after a moment, he added, "You look nice."
"Thanks," Hermione beamed at him. "Did you dance at all?"
"Yeah, I did one song. Not really my thing. And Luna seems to prefer to dance alone."
Hermione looked at him, bewildered, but before she could reply, Viktor and Harry came over together, several bottles of butterbeer in their arms.
"For you, Her-my-knee," Viktor said, placing a bottle in front of her. She thanked him before uncorking it and taking a long swig, grateful for the cool relief that washed down her parched throat.
Viktor and Harry resumed a conversation they'd been having about flying. All it took was the mention of Quidditch for Ron to perk up and begin chatting animatedly with them. Hermione listened for a while before politely excusing herself for the loo. She was halfway out of the Great Hall when she caught a familiar voice, but not in a way she expected.
Malfoy was at a table just beside the doors, his back to her, talking with the slim girl she hadn't recognized earlier. Hermione realised this must be his date, and from the perfect French he was speaking, she was a Beauxbatons student.
She knew a little French from holidays in France with her parents, but they were speaking so rapidly that she could only make out a few words here and there. Something about ice sculptures? Hermione took a second look at the other girl. She was pretty, with long, dark hair and big eyes, wearing robes of pale yellow. Hermione continued out of the Great Hall, a small sense of discontent gnawing at her. Maybe the butterbeer wasn't sitting well.
When Hermione returned, she pointedly avoided looking in Malfoy's direction, despite being able to hear him. Consequently, she noticed Pansy a few tables over, sitting next to Cassius Warrington and staring through him to glare icily at Malfoy. She was surprised that Malfoy hadn't asked Pansy. Then again, they'd seemed to have a falling out after the incident by the Potions classroom.
Returning to her own table, Hermione found several additions. Ginny and Neville were sitting with them, and Ron's date had returned. Luna, a girl with prominent eyes and long dirty-blonde hair, now had a necklace of butterbeer corks draped over her lime green robes. Ron seemed to be trying to maintain a careful distance from her that wouldn't appear rude outright.
Ginny already knew Luna from classes and introduced Hermione. Luna gave an airy hello and a placid smile. She seemed to exist in a dreamy sort of state; Hermione errantly wondered if Luna ever experimented with potions. After a few minutes of strange conversation about completely made up creatures, Ludo Bagman came over to say hello to Harry, while Percy stopped by to visit with Ron.
Cho gave Percy an irritable look and drew Harry back to the dance floor, effectively sending Bagman on his way. Viktor disentangled himself from the rest to ask Hermione if she would like to walk through the garden. She accepted, and after making their excuses to the others, they left through the Entrance Hall.
The front doors stood open, and Viktor draped his cloak over Hermione's shoulders once more before they descended the steps to the front lawn. Twinkling rose bushes adorned with live fairies lined the winding paths created for the evening. A bubbling fountain had been set in the middle, surrounded by stone benches.
Hermione and Viktor spent a while wandering around the ornamental pathways before settling on a bench. They discussed everything from Hermione's brief interest in Muggle historical fiction to her cat, Crookshanks, and Viktor's family at home in Bulgaria.
A few other couples came and went as they talked. Hermione was surprised at how easy it felt to sit with Viktor, almost as easy as spending time with Harry or Ron. Before she knew it, eleven o'clock came and went, and a chill was starting to seep into her despite Viktor's heavy cloak. She shivered and pulled the cloak tighter over her arms. Viktor noticed, suggesting they make their way back towards the Entrance Hall since the ball would be ending at midnight, in only a few minutes' time.
The paths around them were now empty. It seemed that everyone else who hadn't already gone to bed had retreated to the warmth of the Great Hall for the remainder of the event. As they drew near to the front doors, Viktor stopped and turned to her before they left the last row of glittering hedges.
"I had a vonderful time vith you tonight, Her-my-knee," Viktor said softly, smoothly tucking a strand of hair that had come loose from her bun behind her ear.
Hermione blushed. "I did with you, as well, Viktor."
His eyes dropped to her lips and Hermione felt her breath quicken in anticipation. Viktor lightly cupped the side of her face with a broom-calloused hand. He searched her eyes once for approval, then tilted her chin up gently, slowly bringing his face towards her. Hermione's eyes fluttered shut. His lips had barely brushed her own when a crash of brambles from the nearest hedge caused them to jump apart.
Malfoy, brushing twigs and leaves off of his dress robes, was suddenly standing in front of them, looking distinctly annoyed. He looked around and saw them then, still standing much closer than two people who hadn't been about to embrace, and his expression turned to one of badly feigned surprise.
"Ah, sorry. Didn't see you there, Granger. Krum." Malfoy nodded once to Viktor. Before Malfoy could take another step, though, Karkaroff stormed out of the hedges on the other side of the doors and spotted them.
"Viktor. Good," Karkaroff said brusquely, looking generally discomposed. "It's time to head back to the ship. Say good night to your lovely date and we will leave immediately."
Viktor began to protest. "But Professor, I—"
Suddenly, Snape appeared on the path behind Karkaroff. Snape's cold gaze roved over Karkaroff, Malfoy, Hermione, and Krum in turn, before he swept off into the castle, his cloak billowing out behind him.
Karkaroff sent a glare at Snape's retreating form, turned stiffly on his heel, and began walking briskly towards the lake.
"Immediately, Viktor," Karkaroff called over his shoulder.
"Her-my-knee, I must apologise, I—"
Hermione cut in with a small smile. "It's alright, Viktor. I can make it back from here, I think. You should go."
Viktor returned her smile. Reluctant to do more with Malfoy standing nearby, Viktor brushed his lips across the back of her hand once more, as he had the night he had asked her to the ball.
"Good night, Her-my-knee. Ve'll speak again soon."
"Good night, Viktor," Hermione said fondly. Viktor nodded to Malfoy as he turned to leave, and Hermione smiled after him a moment longer.
Malfoy had been watching the entire scene unravel with a mildly curious expression, but he frowned slightly at the final exchange between her and Viktor. Hermione turned to him with an accusing look.
"Were you waiting around to interrupt us?" she asked in cutting tones.
"No," he retorted, a beat too late. "I was returning from walking my date to the Beauxbatons Carriage and tripped over a loose stone. If they were going to conjure a bloody garden, the least they could do was make sure it wasn't full of shoddy walkways. It's bloody dark out here. I could have broken something." Malfoy looked around, scowling. "Fairy lights," he added with a scoff.
"Fine, have it your way," Hermione huffed. She crossed her arms over her chest under Viktor's cloak and sighed. "Bugger, I've forgotten to give Viktor's coat back."
"I'm sure Viktor can manage without it for a night," Malfoy sneered.
"What's your problem, Malfoy?"
"I don't have a problem, Granger. I was having a perfectly pleasant evening before now, so maybe you've got a problem."
Hermione opened her mouth angrily then closed it again, changing what she had been about to say. "Why have you been avoiding me?
"What?" Malfoy looked startled at the change of topic. "I haven't been—"
She cut him off. "Yes, I think you have. And I thought maybe now that you'd seen me with Viktor you wouldn't run away thinking I fancy you or whatever Nott was saying—"
"Theo?" Malfoy burst in defensively. "What's he got to do with anything?"
"I don't know," Hermione said, waving a hand carelessly, words now tumbling out of her mouth ahead of her brain. "He had some crazy idea that just because I want to be friends with you means that I fancy you now, which is just absolutely ridiculous, I'd never—"
With the sudden sense of horror at having said too much, she snapped her mouth shut, her teeth clicking audibly.
Malfoy's face grew dark. "Well this may be news to you, Granger, but we're not friends. A few conversations doesn't change anything between us. And Theo's just winding you up. He knows I'd never make friends with a Mudblood."
Hermione's mouth dropped open. Something like regret flashed across Malfoy's features before he hardened them. She looked away for a moment, trying to school her own expression.
Hermione took a deep breath. "I see." She cleared her throat. Something horrible was trying to claw its way out of her. "Good night, Malfoy," she said softly, and strode past him through the front doors without looking back.
Behind her, Malfoy swore loudly. "Granger. Granger, wait—"
Hermione heard footsteps rushing up the stairs behind her, but she wasn't paying attention. In front of her, Pansy, Warrington, Montague, and a group of Pansy's friends were coming out of the Great Hall, looking around. They stopped in front of the doorway to the corridor that led to Gryffindor Tower.
"Draco, there you are!" Pansy shrieked, looking over Hermione's shoulder. Then her eyes landed on Hermione, and her lips curved into a mocking smile.
"Excuse me," Hermione said coolly, trying to exude calm as she waited for them to move out of her way.
"Granger," Pansy said, smirking nastily. "Care to weigh in? We've been taking bets, you see. Montague here thinks you used a love potion on Krum, but I disagree. I think only an Imperius Curse would be strong enough to dupe Krum into taking you to the ball."
The group around her roared with laughter.
Hermione felt tears beginning to well in her eyes, and a desperate need to get away came over her. Malfoy had come around the side, not quite standing with the group of Slytherins, but close enough. She glanced at him once and he looked away, his jaw tightening.
She held her head high and pushed past a still giggling Pansy. As soon as she rounded the corner ahead, she broke into a run.
Hermione didn't break stride until she was shouting the password to the Fat Lady. The portrait swung open and she crawled through, dashing away a few hot tears that had escaped down her cheeks with the back of her hand.
The common room was blessedly empty, and Hermione sank down on the couch in front of the fireplace, tearing off Viktor's cloak. She sat with her face buried in her hands, desperately trying to keep her emotions in check. What had she been thinking, trying to befriend Malfoy? She'd been so stupid to think that he would suddenly forget the last three years for the last few months. No matter what she did, she couldn't erase the fact that she was Muggleborn. Things had been steadily improving between them, but after everything, Malfoy still couldn't see past her "dirty" blood.
At the sound of the portrait hole opening again, Hermione scrubbed furiously at her cheeks to clear away any remaining tears. Harry and Ron came through, talking in low tones.
"Hermione!" Harry said, spotting her. "You'll never believe what Cedric just… Hermione, is everything alright?" She looked around at him. She had managed to get herself under control, but her eyes were puffy and she felt a terrible mess. Harry and Ron hurried over to sit on the couch next to her.
"Was it Krum?" Ron asked immediately. "Did something happen?"
"No, no, it wasn't Viktor." She gave a sniff. "Just Pansy and a few other Slytherins being cruel at my expense. It's nothing, really. I'm just being stupid."
"You? Never," Harry said seriously. He patted her knee consolingly. "Don't let them get to you, Hermione."
"Yeah," Ron agreed. "The day Parkinson has anything nice to say about someone else is the day I'll take a Blast-Ended Skrewt home for a pet."
Hermione gave the boys a watery smile. "Thank you. Did you two enjoy the rest of your evening?"
Ron shrugged. "It was fine. After you left, Cho dragged Harry off for more dancing or walking around or something. I mostly sat and talked with Neville, Dean, and Seamus. Ginny and Luna left for bed pretty early, and I guess Parvati and Lavender skipped off with some Beauxbatons blokes when Dean and Seamus were tired of dancing."
Hermione bit her lip. "Luna was… interesting, wasn't she? But she seemed very nice."
"She's alright," Ron said ambiguously. "Didn't understand half of what she was saying."
Hermione looked to her other side. "Are you going to see Cho again, Harry?" she asked.
"Yeah, I think so," Harry said with a grin. "She seemed to have a decent enough time. When we managed to get away from Percy, at least." Ron groaned sympathetically.
"What were you saying about Cedric before?" Hermione asked with interest.
''Oh, right!" Harry said excitedly. "Just as Ron and I were leaving the Great Hall, Cedric asked to have a chat. Said he owed me one for the dragons, and wanted to play fair. He told me to take the egg into the prefects' bathroom on the fifth floor and open it under the water for some kind of clue."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Harry, that's huge!"
"I know," Harry said, relief evident on his features. "I'm not sure I ever would have worked that one out. I'm going tomorrow night under my dad's cloak."
They discussed what it could mean for the next task that the egg needed to be underwater. A rather pointless discussion without the clue, Hermione announced that she was exhausted and ready to get to bed.
"Are you sure you're alright, Hermione?" Harry asked once more before they parted, concern wrinkling the scar on his forehead.
"I will be." She gave Harry and Ron a reassuring smile. "Good night. Happy Christmas."