Krum Trouble
The Great Hall buzzed with anticipation as the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students entered, their regal presence turning heads from every table. Juliet Van Der Hart sat with her usual poise at the Slytherin table, her perfectly styled hair shimmering under the enchanted ceiling. She barely paid attention to the excited whispers around her. After all, being at the center of attention was second nature to her.
Pansy, sitting beside Juliet, leaned in with wide eyes. "I heard Viktor Krum is here, the famous Quidditch Seeker! I wonder if he's as broody as they say."
Juliet gave a small, amused smirk. "Broody and Quidditch-obsessed? Not really my type."
As she finished speaking, Viktor Krum entered the hall. He was taller than most students, his dark eyes surveying the room with an intensity that made even the loudest students quiet down. Conversations about the Triwizard Tournament continued, but Juliet could feel a shift in the air — all eyes were on Krum, but his eyes were on her.
Without warning, Viktor made his way to the Slytherin table. He walked with a quiet confidence that seemed almost unnerving, and before anyone could react, he stopped directly in front of Juliet. His sharp gaze lingered on her, completely ignoring Pansy's presence.
Pansy, sensing the change in atmosphere, tried to make herself heard. "Juliet, don't you think—"
But before she could finish, Viktor smoothly interrupted. "Excuse me," his thick accent wrapped around the words as he unceremoniously slid into the seat beside Juliet, nudging Pansy further down the bench.
Pansy's eyes widened in disbelief. "What—"
Juliet, slightly taken aback by the boldness, arched an eyebrow. "Confident, aren't we?"
Viktor leaned in closer, his dark eyes studying her intently. "I had to see for myself," he said in his deep, husky voice.
"Oh? See what exactly?" Juliet asked, her lips curling into a playful smile as she tilted her head, clearly intrigued by the attention.
"You," Viktor replied simply, his gaze never wavering. "I've heard about you."
"Good things, I hope?" Juliet teased, her tone light but her curiosity piqued.
Viktor's lips twitched into a slight smile. "Very good things. But now I know they are true."
Juliet laughed softly, the sound catching Viktor's interest. And what exactly have you heard?
"That you're the most interesting person here," Viktor said, his bluntness leaving no room for doubt.
Juliet's smile widened. "Interesting? That's all?"
"Beautiful," Viktor added, his voice a bit lower, his eyes locking with hers. "And dangerous."
"Dangerous?" Juliet raised an eyebrow, playing along. "You make me sound like a curse."
"Maybe," Viktor said with a soft chuckle, leaning back slightly. "But a curse I vouldn't mind."
Juliet was used to flattery, but there was something about Viktor's straightforwardness that threw her off guard. He wasn't trying to impress her with charm or wit. He was just stating the facts as he saw them. Juliet respected that in men.
"You certainly know how to make an impression, Krum," Juliet said, her voice carrying a light flirtation.
"And you,"Viktor said, his eyes flicking down to her lips for a brief second, "are used to having that effect on people."
Juliet tilted her head, locking eyes with him. "I can't help it if people notice."
Viktor let out a small, amused huff, clearly enjoying their back-and-forth. "Maybe they do. But I notice more."
The way Viktor's deep voice carried those words sent a thrill down Juliet's spine, and she leaned closer. "Oh? Do tell."
"Other people see the face, the beauty," Viktor said, his gaze never leaving hers. "I see the voman beneath."
Juliet was silent for a beat, her amusement giving way to genuine intrigue. Viktor Krum wasn't like the others who threw themselves at her, desperate for attention. He was blunt, focused — and now, he had hers.
"Well then," Juliet said softly, her voice almost teasing but laced with sincerity, "what do you see?"
Viktor's gaze darkened slightly, his expression serious. "Someone not afraid to take vhat she vants."
Juliet smirked. "Maybe you're right."
Pansy, completely sidelined in the conversation, rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, leaning toward Blaise, who had watched the entire exchange with mild amusement. Pansy couldn't be happier in where she was with Blaise, not that they were dating, but they were a thing. And she'd been dreaming of that for a long time. But Pansy wouldn't mind other men's attention here and there, especially beside Juliet to finally prove to her that she was equally as attractive as Juliet.
Meanwhile, Juliet and Viktor continued their quiet, intense conversation, as if the rest of the Great Hall didn't exist.
Draco Malfoy, seated across from them, watched with narrowed eyes, his expression a mix of irritation and something darker, though he kept silent. Juliet Van Der Hart, always the center of attention, now had the full focus of Durmstrang's star, and Draco found himself uncomfortably aware of how much it bothered him.