Hermione's palms were sweaty. He was just a portrait for Merlin's sake. He can't hurt her feelings anymore.
She and Viktor ascended the spiral staircase to the Headmistress's office. They had approached the familiar gargoyle guarding the entrance, Hermione took a deep breath.
"Catnip Moggies," Hermione murmured, and the gargoyle sprang aside.
He's just a portrait.
The door to the Headmistress's office swung open, and there stood Professor McGonagall, her piercing gaze sweeping over them. Hermione felt as if the older witch could see right through her.
"Miss Granger, Mr Krum," the headmistress greeted them, her tone neutral. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
Hermione swallowed hard. Viktor pressed his arm against hers. "Professor, we, um, we need to speak with Professor Snape's portrait, if that's alright."
McGonagall's eyebrows rose slightly, but she said nothing. Hermione fought the urge to squirm under her scrutiny, instead forcing herself to meet the Headmistress's gaze steadily while focusing on the warmth of Viktor's arm.
Finally, the older witch gave a small nod. "Very well," she said, gesturing towards the far wall where Professor Snape's portrait hung. "I trust you'll inform me if there's anything I need to know?"
"Of course, Professor," Hermione assured her, relief flooding through her as they moved toward Snape's portrait.
He's just a portrait.
The painted figure of Severus Snape looked at them with his usual disdain. "Well, well," he drawled, "if it isn't Miss Know-It-All and her Bulgarian companion." His gaze flickered briefly to Viktor, the corners of his mouth tightening ever so slightly.
She blushed, feeling both embarrassed and irritated. It seemed even as a portrait, Professor Snape couldstillget under her skin.
Hermione swallowed hard. "Professor Snape, we, me and Viktor to be precise, we, um, we need your help."
Snape arched a single brow, his lips curling into a sardonic smile. "How shocking. Truly. Miss Granger requiring assistance? Surely the world must be ending."
Viktor's jaw tensed, his fists clenching at his sides. Hermione brushed her fingers against his. The last thing he needed was for Viktor to get into an argument. "It's about these tattoos that just appeared this morning." She held out her arm, revealing the intricate design that now adorned her skin.
Professor Snape leaned forward in his frame, his eyes narrowing as he examined the tattoo. "Interesting," he murmured, his tone losing some of its sarcasm. "And you say you've both developed these markings?"
Viktor shook his head, rolling up his sleeve to reveal his own matching tattoo. Professor Snape's eyes darted between the two designs, his brow furrowing.
After a long moment, the potion master's gaze snapped back to Hermione's face. "Where is the potion?" he asked abruptly.
Hermione blinked. "Potion? What potion?"
Professor Snape's lips curled into a sneer. "Come now, Miss Granger. Surely your vaunted intellect hasn't completely abandoned you. The potion that undoubtedly caused this predicament."
What was he talking about? Her mind reeled trying to make the connection the professor seemed to think was obvious. She glanced at Viktor, who shrugged his shoulders.
The portrait sighed dramatically. "I need to see the potion, you dunderheads. It's clearly the source of your embellishments."
And suddenly, it clicked. The potion from the hag. The restoration potion she'd taken in a moment of desperation. Hermione felt the blood drain from her face as the realization hit her like a wrecking ball to the stomach.
"Oh no," she whispered. "Oh no, no, no."
Viktor put his hand on her shoulder, looking worried."Her-my-oh-knee? Vot is it?"
She turned to him, feeling guilty and panicked. "Viktor, I... I did something incredibly stupid." Her voice shook as she continued, "I bought a magic replenishing potion from a hag in Knockturn Alley."
"The tonic?" he asked.
"Yes! No! I mean it wasn't a tonic, it was a potion. It was supposed to help me with my magic."
. Viktor's brow quirked up, while Professor Snape's portrait let out a bark of laughter that was entirely devoid of humor.
"Bravo, bravo Miss Granger," Snape drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I must say, I'm almost impressed. You, the brightest witch of your age, willingly purchased a potentiallydangerouspotion from ahagin Knockturn Alley , and now you find yourself in this... predicament." He fixed Hermione with a withering stare. "How utterlyfoolishof you."
Viktor stiffened.
Hermione felt her cheeks flush with shame, and she ducked her head. "I know, Professor," she murmured. "It was a reckless decision, but I was desperate to find a way to restore Hogwarts more quickly. I thought..." She trailed off, the words catching in her throat.
Snape let out a derisive snort. "Youthought?" he sneered. "Clearly, that was your first mistake." He leaned forward in his frame, his obsidian eyes boring into Hermione. "And now you come to me, expecting me to clean up your mess?"
Viktor glowered at the portrait, taking a step forward, but Hermione stopped him.
Professor Snape's portrait rolled its eyes. "As entertaining as this display of idiocy has been, I'm afraid I have some rather unfortunate news for you both."
Hermione's head snapped up, dread coiling in her stomach. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, Miss Granger, that you've managed to entangle yourself and Mr. Krum in some very old, very powerful magic," Snape explained, his tone growing serious. "The kind of magic that isn't easily undone, especially not by someone of your... limited experience."
Viktor spoke up, placing a hand on Hermione's shoulder. "Then vot can ve do?"
The potion master's dark eyes fixed on Hermione. "You need to find the hag," he said simply. "She's the only one who can undo this mess. Her magic, her responsibility."
Hermione felt as though the floor had dropped out from beneath her. She was too embarrassed to speak. How could she have been so foolish?
"Miss Granger, this is now your problem to solve, given you have involved… other parties," Snape replied, a hint of his earlier sarcasm returning. "Perhaps next time you'll think twice before dabbling in magic you don't understand."
With that parting shot, Professor Snape's portrait turned and disappeared, leaving Hermione and Viktor standing in stunned silence.
As they made their way out of the Headmistress's office, Hermione felt as though she might crumble under the weight of her guilt and shame. They had barely made it down the spiral staircase before she turned to Viktor, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
"Viktor, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice cracking. "This is all my fault. I've dragged you into this mess because I was too stubborn and too proud to admit I needed help. And now we're both stuck with these tattoos and-"
Viktor cut her off, pulling her into a tight embrace. Hermione stiffened for a moment, before melting into his arms. She buried her face in his chest, inhaling the comforting scent of broom polish.
"Hush, Her-my-oh-knee," he murmured. "Is not your fault. Ve vill figure this out together, yes?"
Hermione pulled back slightly, looking up at him with watery eyes. "But I-"
Viktor shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Look on bright side," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "At least now I vill not forget hov to vrite your name."
Despite herself, Hermione let out a watery chuckle.
Viktor's smile widened, and he gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. "See? Not so bad. Ve vill find this hag, ve vill fix tattoos."
Hermione felt a warmth bloom in her chest, pushing back some of the guilt and fear that had been threatening to overwhelm her. She nodded, managing a small smile of her own.
"Right."
Hermione and Viktor made their way through the castle's winding corridors.
As they approached the main entrance, familiar voices drifted towards them. Hermione's stomach dropped when she saw Harry, Ginny, and Ron coming up the path.
Ron's face twisted with anger the moment he laid eyes on her and Viktor, he turned and stormed off in the opposite direction.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Ignore him. He'll get over it."
Harry's gaze flickered between Hermione and Viktor. "Any luck with the tattoos?"
Hermione felt her cheeks flush with heat. She glanced at Viktor, who gave her a small, encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, she launched into an explanation, her words tumbling out in a rush.
"I... I did something rather foolish," she admitted. "I went to Knockturn Alley and bought a potion from a hag. That's what caused the tattoos. And now, Professor Snape's portrait says we need to find her again."
Harry's eyes widened in disbelief. "Hermione, are you mad?" he exclaimed, his voice rising. "Knockturn Alley? With Death Eaters still at large? Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?"
Hermione flinched at his harsh tone, but held her tongue, knowing he was completely right. She turned to Ginny, hoping for some understanding, but the younger girl's expression mirrored Harry's disapproval.
"Harry's right, Hermione," Ginny said softly. "That was incredibly risky. You could have been hurt, or worse."
Hermione felt ashamed. She knew it was a stupid idea, but hearing Harry say it made her feel even worse.
But then Viktor's warm hand settled on her shoulder. He stepped forward and looked at Harry.
"Her-my-oh-knee meant vell," he said, his deep voice calm and steady. "She vanted to help. And this time, she is not going alone. I vill be vith her."
Hermione glanced up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. She hadn't expected him to defend her, especially given how foolish her actions had branded him with her name. Yet here he was, standing by her side, offering his support.
Harry's frown deepened, but he seemed to consider Viktor's words.
"I understand wanting to help, Hermione," he said, his voice gentler now. "But you can't take risks like that. We've all been through too much to lose anyone now."
Ginny nodded in agreement. "We're just worried about you," she added.
Hermione swallowed hard. "I know," she whispered. "I'm sorry. I just... I felt so helpless, watching Hogwarts in ruins. I thought if I could just find something to help."
Harry sighed. "We all want to help, Hermione." He pushed up his glasses. "But you can't go around buying who knows what from hags."
"I know, I know," Hermione said.
Ginny squeezed Hermione's arm gently. " What's done is done. Good luck finding the hag" she said, giving Hermione a reassuring smile. "Be careful out there, both of you."
Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Ginny."
As she turned to leave, Harry cleared his throat. "Hermione, could I have a word? Alone?"
She hesitated, glancing at Viktor. He gave her a small nod.
"So, Krum," Ginny called out, "who do you think are the top teams for the European Cup?"
Before Viktor could answer, Ginny eagerly launched into a discussion about the Holyhead Harpies' latest match, whilst Harry led Hermione a short distance away.
"Hermione, what happened with Ron?" he asked quietly. "He looked... well, heartbroken. He wouldn't talk about it."
Hermione blushed hot as memories of the previous night flooded her mind. The library, Viktor's strong arms around her, the feeling of his skin against hers... She swallowed hard, trying to push the thoughts away.
She swallowed hard. I didn't mean to hurt him, but-"
"Did you and Krum...?" Harry trailed off, his eyes searching her face.
Hermione nodded, unable to meet his gaze. "Yes. We, um, you know," she mumbled, her cheeks growing impossibly hot. "Then Ron found us."
"In the library?"
She could only nod. Merlin, what possessed her?
"Bloody hell, Hermione, in the library?" He asked a bit louder this time.
Ginny and Viktor's heads snapped in their direction. To Hermione's horror, they both had the same smug look on their faces.
"Yes, Harry!" She quickly hushed him, but the damage was done. Ginny elbowed Viktor in the chest, a stupid grin across her face. It was Viktor who surprised her, though. He was smirking and shaking his head, which only made Ginny burst out laughing.
Hermione took Harry's hand and led him further away from prying ears.
Harry sighed, looking thoroughly disgusted, a look she understood too well. A look that she had also given him when she discovered him and Ginn... entangled in her dad's shed.
"Look, I'm just worried about both of you. You're my best friend. I just want to make sure you're okay."
Hermione's irritation softened slightly. "I appreciate that, Harry. Really. But it's complicated."
"I understand," Harry said, his voice gentle. "Just know that I support you, whatever's going on or isn't going on. And well, Krum seems like a good bloke."
Hermione's eyes drifted to where Viktor stood, deep in conversation with Ginny. "He is," she agreed softly.
She admired him as he talked. His strong jawline, the way his broad shoulders filled out his shirt, the intensity in his dark eyes. Hermione felt a flutter in her chest as she watched him. When he spoke to Ginny, his expression was neutral, almost stern. But then he turned, catching Hermione's gaze, and his entire demeanor changed.
His eyes softened, the corners of his mouth lifting in a small but genuine smile that made Hermione's heart skip a beat. She thought about his gentle touch, the way he'd held her close last night and felt a rush of heat that had nothing to do with embarrassment.
Viktor excused himself from Ginny and made his way over to Hermione and Harry. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice low and warm.
Hermione nodded, suddenly eager to be alone with him again. "Yes," she said, surprised by the breathiness in her voice. "Let's go."
The world spun and compressed, squeezing Hermione through an impossibly tight tunnel. Her stomach lurched as she clung tightly to Viktor's arm, his solid presence her only anchor in the dizzying vortex of Apparition.
With a loud crack, they materialized in a deserted alley off Diagon's main thoroughfare. Hermione stumbled, her legs wobbly from the journey, but Viktor's strong hands steadied her. She looked up at him, a small smile of gratitude on her lips.
"Thanks," she murmured, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach at his touch.
Viktor shook his head, his dark eyes scanning their surroundings. "Ve should be careful," he said softly. "This place... it does not feel right."
They made their way towards Knockturn Alley. The memory of her last visit here, of the hag's unsettling smile and the strange potion made her shiver.
As they turned the corner into the shadowy alley, Hermione's breath caught in her throat. The dingy shopfront of "Eldritch Elixirs" was shuttered, a heavy padlock on the door. A crudely scrawled sign hung in the grimy window: "Closed Until Further Notice."
"No," Hermione whispered, her stomach dropping. "No, no, no. This can't be happening."
Viktor placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Ve vill find another vay," he assured her, but Hermione could hear the doubt in his voice.
She approached the shop, peering through a crack in the boards. The interior was dark and empty, with no sign of the hag or her mysterious potions. Frustration and fear bubbled up inside her. How were they supposed to fix this now?
"Maybe someone knows vhere she vent," Viktor suggested, his eyes scanning Knockturn Alley.
Hermione nodded, trying to quell the panic rising in her chest. They had to find the hag. There was no other choice. She had to fix this.
They approached a group of wizards huddled near the entrance to Borgin and Burkes, their faces hidden beneath heavy hoods. Hermione's skin crawled as they turned to look at her and Viktor, but she steeled herself. She needed answers.
"Excuse me," she said, forcing her voice to remain steady. "We're looking for the witch who runs Eldritch Elixirs. Do you know where she might have gone?"
One of the wizards, a tall, gaunt man with yellowed teeth, leered at her. "Depends on what you're offering, pretty thing," he drawled, reaching out a gnarled hand toward her face.
Before Hermione could react, Viktor moved with lightning speed. He grabbed the wizard's wrist, slamming it against the wall with enough force to make the man yelp in pain.
"Donottouch her," Viktor growled, his voice low and dangerous. The other wizards backed away, clearly not wanting to tangle with the imposing Bulgarian.
She'd never seen Viktor like this before, all raw power and protective fury. It was intoxicating and hot.
The wizard whimpered, his bravado evaporating. "Alright, alright! I don't know nothing about no hag, I swear!"
Viktor released him, and the group scurried away, casting fearful glances over their shoulders. Hermione let out a shaky breath.
"Are you okay?" Viktor asked softly, his hand gentle on her arm.
Hermione nodded, unable to find her voice for a moment. When she finally spoke, it came out as a whisper. "Yes. Thank you."
They continued their search, questioning shopkeepers and passersby, but no one seemed to know – or was willing to say – what had happened to the mysterious hag. With each dead end, Hermione felt her hope slipping away. What if they never found her? What if they were stuck with these tattoos forever?
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the cobblestones, Hermione was ready to admit defeat. But then, as they passed a dimly lit apothecary, a raspy voice called out to them.
"Psst! You two. Looking for the old crone, are ya?"
Hermione whirled around to see an ancient witch peering at them from the doorway. Her face was a mass of wrinkles, her eyes milky with cataracts, but there was a knowing glint in them.
"Yes," she said eagerly, stepping closer. "Do you know where she is?"
The old witch cackled. "Oh, aye. I know where she's gone. But information like that comes with a price."
Hermione's hand instinctively went to her pocket, but Viktor stepped forward, producing a small pouch that clinked with the sound of coins. "Name your price," he said firmly.
The witch's fingers snatched the pouch greedily. She weighed it in her hand, then nodded, seemingly satisfied. "The old hag's gone back to her roots," she croaked. "Took off for Ireland, she did. Said something about needing to reconnect with the old magic."
Ireland? That was a start, but the mountains of Ireland were vast. How would they ever find her?
As if reading her thoughts, the witch continued. "Look for the Hag's Tooth," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "It's a jagged peak in the Wicklow Mountains. That's where you'll find her if you're brave enough to look."
With that cryptic message, the old witch retreated into her shop, the door slamming shut behind her. Hermione stood there. The Hag's Tooth. It wasn't much, but it was more than they had before.
She turned to Viktor, seeing her own determination reflected in his eyes. "We need to go back to Hogwarts," she said. "Get supplies, do some research on this Hag's Tooth. If we're going to trek through the Irish mountains, we need to be prepared."
Viktor shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You alvays have a plan," he said, a note of admiration in his voice that made Hermione's cheeks warm. There was no sarcasm, no annoyance, just admiration.
As they prepared to Apparate back to Hogwarts, Hermione felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. They were one step closer to solving this mystery, to undoing the magical tattoos that bound them together. But a small part of her, a part she wasn't quite ready to examine too closely, wondered if she really wanted to undo this connection with Viktor.
She pushed the thought aside as Viktor's arm wrapped around her waist, preparing for Side-Along Apparition. There would be time to sort out her feelings later. They had a hag to find and a mountain to climb.
With a crack, they disappeared from Knockturn Alley.