Viktor traced thecontours of the map, his eyes following the winding paths that led to their destination. Hermione leaned in close, her curls brushing against his shoulder as she pointed out potential routes.
"The Hag's Tooth is situated in the Wicklow Mountains," she explained. "We'll need tobe prepared for steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and potentially hostile magical creatures."
Viktor shook his head. He couldn't look away from her. Little freckles dotted her nose, and he wanted to trace them.
"Da, I see. Vot about these passes here?"
"Those could work."
"Look here," he pointed out, his finger joining hers on the map. "This vay might be faster, but more difficult."
Slowly, he let his fingers drift towards hers, feigning interest in the map. His fingertips brushed against hers. Hermione looked up at him, surprise flickeringin her eyesbefore she quickly returned to the map.
"That, um, yes, that would be good."
Emboldened by her response, Viktor allowed his fingers to dance across hers, tracing delicate patterns on the parchment. Her fingers froze, but she didn't pull away. Encouraged, he ventured further up her arm.
"Itvouldsave us time."
He slowly moved behind her, his fingers never leaving her skin until he stood behind her, pressing his chest against her back as his cock hardened against the softness of her arse.
Hermione gasped, "R-right." Viktor waited for her to reject him, but she didn't. In fact, she arched back into him slightly as if inviting more contact.
Leaning closer, Viktor whispered into her ear, "I thinkveare ready."
His cock twitched as he stood behind her, his fingers tracing the soft skin of her arm. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear.
"You know," he purred. Hermione squeaked as Viktor lightly ground his hips against her arse. She pushed her soft flesh against him and Viktor fought the urge to ground his cock into her arse.
"For the trip," he continued, his fingers continuing their gentle exploration of her arm.
But just as Hermione seemed to be melting into his touch, Viktor heard the distant sound of voices approaching. Reluctantly, he pulled away, putting some much-needed distance between them.
Viktor fixed his gaze on the maps as the door burst open.
Potter and Miss Weasley strode in, the redhead's eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Well, well," the redheaded witch said, her voice lilting with amusement. "If it isn't the two lovebirds planning their romantic getaway."
Potter followed close behind. "Hermione, Krum," he greeted them, his gaze sweeping over the map on the table.
Hermione's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red, and she shot the other witch a withering glare. "It's not a date, Ginny," she huffed. "We're just trying to figure out how to get to the Hag's Tooth."
The redhead's grin only widened. "Sure, sure. That's what they all say." She winked at Viktor, who chuckled at Hermione's obvious discomfort.
"It's not like that!"
Miss Weasley's grin widened. "Oh, come on, Hermione. A secluded journey with your Bulgarian Bon-Bon? Sounds pretty romantic to me."
Viktor scowled.
Gods he hated that nickname.
As the girls continued their playful banter, Potter cleared his throat, drawing Viktor's attention. The bespectacled wizard approached him, his expression serious.
"Krum," he began, his voice low, "I need to talk to you. Privately."
Viktor shook his head, following the younger wizard to a quiet cornerof the room.
"Look, Krum," the raven-haired wizard started, his green eyes fixed on Viktor's face. "I know there's... something going on between you and Hermione." He paused, running a hand through his messy hair. "And I want you to know that I'm... well, I'm protective of her. She's my best friend, and I care about her a lot."
Viktor remained silent. No need to deny the truth.
"If anything happens to her, Krum," The-Boy-Who-Lived threatened, "if she gets hurt or... or worse, I swear I'll—"
"Ivillprotect hervithmy life," Viktor interrupted, his tone firm and unwavering. "Her-my-oh-knee is important to me, and Ivilldo everything in my power to keep her safe."
Potter studied him for a moment, then nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Good. I'm glad to hear it." He extended his hand, and Viktor shook it firmly. "But I need you to understand something. If anything happens to her,anythingat all, you'll have me to answer to. Got it?" Potter's hand grip was surprisingly strong.
"You haff myvord."
Potter let go of his hand and nodded.
As they rejoined the witches, Miss Weasley wasin the midst ofanother round of teasing. "Just make sure you two lovebirds pack plenty ofprotection," she said with a wink.
"Ginny!"
"What? I am too young to be an aunt!"
Potter grunted, looking uncomfortable. "Gin, please, just—"
The redhead shook her head, hands on her hips. "No, buts." She tilted her head towards Hermione. "Harry teach Hermione that contraceptive spell you used last—"
"Gin!" Potter blushed. "I am sure Krum knows one," he ushered almost defensively.
Miss Weasley chuckled, eyeing Viktor up and down. She smirked, "Oh, I am sure he knows more than one." Potter dashed to his girlfriend's side, yanking her behind him.
"I do know more than one," Viktor replied dryly, making Potter look more uncomfortable, which made Viktor feel like he won.
Miss Weasley laughed, elbowing Potter. "See, told you."
A warm small hand found his. Hermione looked between him and her friend, and if Viktor's eyes were working right, he could have sworn she was pouting.
"That's enough, Ginny, we should get going."
"Yeah, I bet you're in a hurry to get on his stick."
"Oh Merlin," Potter groaned.
Hermione flushed.
Viktor shook his head, earning a gentle swat from Hermione. "Don't encourage her, Viktor."
"I do not like to lie."
"Viktor!"
Miss Weasley laughed harder and Potter looked pained.
He fought a smile. And only to annoy Potter because he won the Cup, he added, "Ihaffa very goodstick."
"Okay, I am leaving," proclaimed Potter. "Be careful, you two."
Ginny pulled Hermione into a tight hug. "If you do ride his stick Hermione, could you—" Potter cut off his girlfriend, tugging her behind him. "You are coming with me before you get any weird ideas."
As they turned to leave, Ginny called out one last time.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
Hermione groaned.
"Viktor, don't—don't say stuff like that," Hermione said under her breath, her cheeks a lovely shade of red.
"Like vot?" he feigned ignorance.
"Like-like that stuff about your…stick," she huffed out. "Especially in front of Ginny. She's a fan and I-I don't think it's proper to talk about that stuff in a library."
He wanted toscoff,but didn't. He was about to saythat theyhad done far worse than talk about sticks, but he held his tongue, mostly because he was almost sure she was jealous.
So instead, he leaned in close, "I do not lie Her-my-oh-knee," he pushed a curl away from her face. "Ihaffthe best broom."
"Your broom! That's right!"
He tilted his head, "votvhereyou thinking?" he teased, fully aware of what she was thinking. He hoped, for his pride's sake, that she was thinking about hisotherstick.
"I, um, was thinking about—" her eyes dropped to his crotch, before darting to his. She immediately turned around and began to walk to the table.
She coughed. "I was thinking we need to leave, if we are to make haste."
Viktor smirked, happy she was thinking about his stick.
With their supplies packed and maps secured, it was time to depart.
Viktor maneuvered his broom through the dense Irish forest, the wind whipping through his hair. Hermione clung tightly to his waist, her warmth pressed against his back. A mischievous Sprite darted aheadwith a taunting giggle, Hermione's beaded bag clutched in its tiny hands.
"There!" she cried, her hand briefly leaving Viktor's waist to point towards a glimmeringtrail of light. "It's leaving a magical signature. Follow that!"
Viktor shook his head, adjusting their course to follow the magical trail. The Sprite was crafty, weaving between trees and ducking under low-hanging branches. But Viktor was in his element. This was what he lived for - the thrill of the chase, the rush of adrenaline as he pushed his flying skills to the limit. And he wasn't about to let the creature get the advantage. He had a witch to impress.
Hermione's grip tightened, her fingers digging into his sides as he executeda particularly sharp turn. Her body molded against his back, her breath hot against the back of his neck. Focus, he reminded himself. Now was not the time to get distracted by how perfectly Hermione fit against him, how soft her breasts were against his back, how her arms snaked around his waist.
The Sprite giggled, its high-pitched laughter echoing through the forest. It darted left, then right, clearly enjoying the game. But Viktor was done playing. With a burst of speed, he urged the broom forward, closing the gap between them and their quarry.
"Hold on tight," he called over his shoulder. Hermione's arms tightened around his waist in response.
Suddenly, the creature came into view, its tiny form zipping through the air with dizzying speed. Viktor narrowed his eyes, his muscles coiled and ready. In one fluid motion, Viktor leaned forward, crossing his ankles to hold onto the broom, his thighs lifted, closing the distance, he reached out, his fingers stretching towards the beaded bag. The Sprite grunted as it realized its game was coming to an end. With a triumphant grin, Viktor's hand closed around the bag.
"Got it!" he exclaimed, holding the bag aloft.
But his victory was short-lived. In his excitement, Viktor had forgotten about his passenger. He felt Hermione's weight shift, her grip loosening as she tipped sideways.
"Viktor!" she cried out.
He tried to correct their course, but it was too late. They tumbled from the broom, the world spinning around them. Viktor's Quidditch-honed instincts kicked in. He wrapped his arms around Hermione, twisting in the air to take the brunt of the fall.
They hit the ground with a thud, leaves, and twigs crunching beneath them. Viktor groaned, the impact knocking the wind out of him. But the discomfort was quickly forgotten as he realized their position.
Hermione had landed on top of him, her body pressed flush against his. Her wild curls tickled his face, and he could feel the rapid rise and fall of her chest as she caught her breath. Viktor's hands had somehow found their way to her hips, holding her steady.
For a moment, neither of them moved. Viktor staredupat Hermione, taking in her flushed cheeks and wide eyes. A part of him wanted to stay like this forever, with her warm, delicious weight on top of him, her face mere inches from his own.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
Hermione nodded, seemingly unable to find her voice. Her eyes darted to his lips, then back to his eyes. Viktor felt his heart rate pick up, and he was sure she could feel it too.
Unable to resist, he smirked. "If youvantedto try this position, you couldhaffjust asked," he teased, his thumbs tracing small circles on her hips.
Hermione's mouth fell open, and a deep blush spreadacross her cheeks. "I... what?" she sputtered, finally seeming to realize their compromising position.
She scrambled to her feet, brushing leaves and twigs from her clothes. Viktor immediately missed her warmth.
"That was... well, that could have gone smoother," Hermione said, trying to regain her composure. "Maybe next time, try staying on the broom after you catch the bag?"
Viktor pushed himself up, still grinning. "Vhereis the fun in that?" he asked, reaching out to pluck a leaf from her hair. His fingers lingered for a moment.
Hermione darted her eyes, and Viktor felt a surge of satisfaction. It was nice to know he wasn't the only one affected by their closeness.
"We should... we should keep moving," Hermione said,her voiceslightly breathless. "The Hag's Tooth can't be far now."
Viktorshookhis head, retrieving his broom from where it had fallen. As they set off again, he stole glances at Hermione. The way she bit her lip as she consulted their map, the determined set of her shoulders as she forged ahead - everything about her captivated him.
Their journey continued, the dense forest gradually giving way to rockier terrain. The air grew cooler as they climbed higher into the mountains. Viktor found himself grateful for the physical exertion; it helped distract him from the lingering thoughts of Hermione's body pressed against his.
"Look," Hermione said suddenly, pointing ahead. "I think that's it."
Viktor followed her gaze. A jagged peak rose from the mountainside,its shapereminiscent of a crooked tooth. Dark clouds swirled around its summit, occasionally lit by flashes of lightning.
"The Hag's Tooth," Viktor murmured. "It looks...unvelcoming."
Hermione snorted. "That's putting it mildly." She turned to him, and she straightened her shoulders. "Are you ready?"
Viktor met her gaze, seeing the strength and courage that hadfirstdrawn him to her all those years ago. He reached out, taking her hand in his. "Together," he said firmly.
Hermione's fingers intertwined with his, and she nodded. "Together," she echoed.
The path grew steeper and more treacherous as they climbed. Viktor kept a watchful eye on Hermione, ready to catch her if she stumbled. But she surprised him with her surefootedness, navigating the rocky terrain with determination.
"You are good at this," he commented as they paused to catch their breath. "I did not know youverea climber."
Hermione laughed. "You pick up a thing or two when you are on the run for months."
He scowled. He didn't like that. He didn'tliketo even think aboutthe things thatshe must have done to survive. Whilethere were many things about her that stayedthe same, many things were new. Maybe after this ordealwas done, she would let him discover how much she'd changed since 1994.
As they continued their climb, Viktor shared stories of hisownadventures - Quidditch matches in treacherous weather,encounterswith magical creatures during his holidays. Hermione listened intently, asking questions and sharing her own experiences.
"When did you get so good at flying?" she asked.
Viktor shrugged, his lips quirking into a half-smile. "I haffalvaysbeen good," he replied matter-of-factly.
Hermione raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin playing on her lips. "How humble of you to say that," she quipped.
He chuckled, shaking his head. "It is true," he insisted. "Just like you are naturally good at many things." His eyes softened as he looked at her. "Your loff of reading, for example. The vay you absorb everything likesponge- it isvery impressive."
A light blush colored Hermione's cheeks, and Viktor felta surge of satisfactionat having caused it. She opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off. She needed to be complimented more, all the time if possible. She was amazing, but something told Viktor that she didn't believe how great she was.
"Maybe Igiveyou flying lessons sometime," he suggested, his tone playful.
Hermione scoffed, and she shook her head vigorously. "Oh, no. No, thank you. I prefer to keep my feet firmly on the ground."
Viktor couldn't resist teasing her further. "Are you sure? I promise Ivillnot let you fall." He winked at her, enjoying the way her blush deepened. "Unless youvantto, of course. I hear somevitchesenjoy that."
Hermione gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in mock outrage. "Viktor Krum! Are you implying what I think you're implying?"
He laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. "I'm just saying, there are manyvaysto fly, Hermione. Some you do not need a broom."
"Viktor!" She blushed, picking up the pace.
"Vot, it is truth."
"You're incorrigible, you know!"
"No, I do not know because I do not knowvotvordmeans."
Hermione laughed again, and Viktor felt his heart swell. He loved making her laugh, seeingthe wayher eyes crinkled at the corners and her whole facelightup.
"When did you become such a—such a rake?" She huffed out. "I don't remember you being like this during the Tournament."
Viktor smiled. He took four big steps, easily spanning the distance between them. He stepped up a ridge, the ground uneven beneath his boots, and offered his hand to her. She took it, her fingers warm and soft in his, and he gently pulled her up. Their faces were inches apart.
"Many things changed, Her-my-oh-knee," he whispered into her ear, his voice husky. Their eyes locked, his gaze unwavering as he looked at her lips, their fullness and the slight curve of her smile making hisown mouth godry. "Do youvantto find out?"
She gulped, her gaze fixed on his lips,. "Maybe," she whispered back, the word barely audible, but it was enough.
They stared at each other, the air thickening. Every second that passed, they both moved closer, their breaths mingling. Then, as if suddenly aware of the situation, she stepped away, a blush creeping up her neck.
"We-we should get going," she muttered. She turned away, her footsteps quickening as she hurried down the path.
Their conversations flowed easily as they climbed, the constant banter and flirting helping to distract them from the increasingly difficult terrain. Viktor opened up more than he had in years.
It felt beginning, Hermione would only ask questions, but as they continued, she started opening up. She told Viktor of what happened during their 5th and 6th year. There was a moment where he thought she would tell him about what happened while they were on the run, but she seemed to think better of it. Viktor didn't push her. He knew all too well that sometimes the scars they bore from the war were better left in the past.
As they neared the summit, the air grew thick with magic. Viktor could feel it prickling against his skin, making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Hermione must havefeltit too, because she moved closer to him, her shoulder brushing against his.
"Viktor," she called out over the howling wind. "I... I want you to know how grateful I am. You've been so understanding and supportiveall this timewhen you didn't have to be." She rubbed the tattoo with her thumb.
The wind whipped her hair around her face, and he had to resist the urge to brush it away.
She needed to apologize, even if Viktor thought it was unnecessary. He didn't mind the tattoo. Fuck, he didn't even remember it until she brought it up. He was actually grateful for it. It had let him spend more time with her.
"Viktor, I'm sorry. This is all my fault. I should have been more careful. I got you caught up in this mess because I was careless."
Viktor nodded, taking her hands in his. "It is okay," he assured her, his thumbs tracing soothing circles on her skin.
"But it's not!"
"Really, it is fine."
He wanted to tell her that he didn't care about the tattoo, that he actually liked it. Well maybe not like it— it was horrendously cheesy, but he really didn't mind. He thought about saying this but held back, he probably looked like a pervert if he confessed that.
But Hermione was persistent. "No, Viktor. I should have been more careful. You shouldn't have to deal with this."
"I do not mind."
"Well, you should!"
"Vhy?"
Hermione sighed, frustration evident in her voice. "Because, Viktor! Having my name on your wrist... people will misunderstand. It could cause problems for you, for your career. What if the press finds out? They'll have a field day!"
Viktor shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Maybe Ivantpeople to misunderstand."
He watched as Hermione's eyebrows rose, her lips parting in surprise. Slowly, he raised his hands, cupping her face gently. Her skin was soft beneath his calloused palms. He remembered the softness of her skin, her thighs, the warmth and wetness between her legs.
"Vouldthat be such a bad thing? If people misunderstood?"
Hermione bit her lip, and Viktor's gaze was drawn to the motion. He watched as she seemed to war with herself.
"No," she whispered finally. "No, it wouldn't be terrible." But then she shook her head as if clearing her thoughts. "But I still need to fix this, Viktor. It's not right, it's not fair to you."
"You are so good, Her-my-oh-knee."
"I am not. I am selfish, I am—"
"You are not that," he interrupted. "You are, andhaff alvaysbeen amazing. Now and then."
Hermione darted her gaze, and for a moment, Viktor thought she might pull away. But then she leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed.
The world seemed to fall away as Viktor leaned in, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. His lips were mere inches from hers when a cackling laugh cut through the air.
They jumped apart, both reaching for their wands. At the top of the path stood a figure shrouded in mist - the hag.
"Well, well," the hag croaked, her voice like gravel. "What have we here? Two little lovebirds come to play in my domain?"
Viktor stepped forward, partially shielding Hermione with his body.
"We come for..!"
The hag's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Answers, is it?Oh, I have answers aplenty."