Where I Found You

"How vere the dances? Or should I say who vas the best partner?" Viktor grinned excitedly while Hermione swallowed thinking of his question, she didn't give a much thought on the matter but if she had to compare, there was one that stood out to her.

"It certainly was you," she replied and smiled, averting her eyes another second later.

Viktor was a great dancer, and he led her with confidence, maybe with a little bit too much of it...Neville was quite skilled, too, his practices had paid generously, but it was the first time she had switched partners and she missed a step which made it almost impossible for her to enjoy the experience completely. The last dance, the one that confused her greatly was surprisingly a little bit better than the other two. Although she would never admit that to anyone, it was the only dance she truly felt one with her partner while moving in harmony. It was ironic given he was the only person she despised between the men she danced with, but they both were very competitive and would do their best in whatever task they were handed with. 

"I knew it. They dance vell, but you need a bigger man to hold you," he took her mind off of Malfoy.

Her brows lifted at his statement. Neither Neville nor Malfoy was as muscled as he was, but she had no problem with them on that part, they were able to lift and guide her easily. Viktor either did show off his image or he was just used to people admiring him that way. Being a world-known quidditch player also meant that he was undoubtedly desired by almost anyone. Hermione wasn't one of those girls or boys who were interested in his muscles, but they were additional goods of course, no one could deny that. She pressed her lips as she tried not to look at his body, wondering how many people wanted to be in her place.

After nodding at his statement, she waved her hand near her face. "It's a bit hot in here. Shall we get some fresh air?"

His eyes softened as if they weren’t soft already and he held Hermione’s hand that brought back the tingling sensation in her stomach again. She let him take her upstairs while trying not to lose her cool next to him. Why was it suddenly so difficult around this guy? After making a few turns, they finally approached a small balcony. He turned to her and pointed his hand towards there, "Is this good?"

Hermione let go of his hand and slowly walked to the stone wall that ended right beneath her chest. How did he even know to come here? He couldn’t have seen the whole castle, it would take more time. But… considering he knew Hermione would be in the lobrary, it wouldn’t be surprising if he planned to go somewhere during the ball. His walk was purposeful, but not hurried. For a second, it felt like he was giving her a tour of Durmstrang.

After placing her hands on the parapet, she closed her eyes as the cold wind gently blew her hair. She could hear the faint music and people laughing, she felt their joy in her own body. The moon was full and even though she closed her eyes, she could still see its brightness. "It's perfect," it sounded almost like a whisper.

She felt a strong presence near her and opened her eyes to see his hand covering her smaller hand. It wasn’t that cold but his hand warmed hers instantly. Her eyes lingered for a moment before she turned to him, her heart making a little jump when he took her other hand. The buzzing was back again, but this time her body was not warning her to stay away, this time it was telling her to go closer. Her nerves were hard to calm her at the thought of them being alone in that small balcony, facing each other. The way he was looking at her lips made her cheeks feel warm despite the cold breeze. Is this what falling in love felt like?

"You look so beautiful. Not just tonight, all the time," his voice was deep but calm.

The comment put an instant smile on her face and she looked down to hide her rosy cheeks. He put his index finger under her chin, lifting her head ever so gently and suddenly, Hermione realised he was very close to her. She swallowed nervously and took a slight deep breath.

Her heart was beating so fast that she feared he could hear it if he got a bit closer, but he did anyway and she did nothing to stop him in contrast to her fears. She became nose to nose with a boy for the second time this evening, and she was not the one looking at someone's lips this instance and there was nothing awkward about this situation. She could see him lean in a bit closer and she closed her eyes in eager anticipation.

It felt like the time had stopped as she waited for the connection. His lips touched hers for a second and stayed there until she moved. When she accepted, his kiss deepened and he put his hand on her waist and held it there. She thought he would pull her towards him, but he was just caressing her back. Although her eyes were closed, she could still see the bright light and it made her feel even lighter.

Hermione had never kissed a guy before, and she didn't imagine doing it under the moonlight. It was all too romantic and new. The kiss itself was magical; she felt like one of those princesses in fairytales that her mother used to read to her before bed. The ones that would always have a happy ending, usually with them marrying and being happily ever after for the rest of their lives. She wasn’t thinking of marriage, of course, but the kiss was still the best ending for her ball night.

She opened her eyes, "That was-"

"Amazing," said Viktor with a big grin on his face.

She was also about to say something similar, but she only smiled and rose to her toes. After placing a small kiss on his lips, she intertwined their fingers.

"Shall we go back and dance more?"

His face lit up and nodded slightly, tightening his grip on hers. He followed her with wide eyes and didn't say anything on the way. He was the one who was left speechless this time and that made Hermione feel proud of herself. Who would've known initiating the act could be so effective?

They went back to the hall and danced to a more energetic music. She couldn't help but look around herself; everyone was dancing in the crowd together without any discrimination of house or school. They would occasionally sit at different tables at the Great Hall, but the dance could be the first thing that made them all truly united. That was the point of the whole tournament after all; to make friends. She held his hand while jumping up and down to the beat and danced without any worry. After some time, Viktor offered to get some drinks and she told him she would be with her friends when he got back.

She left the frenzied crowd and ran to Harry and Ron who were sitting with their partners. Hermione was feeling ecstatic with the music and dance and the kiss and the crowd! The kiss!

"Viktor's gone to go and get us drinks. Would you care to join us?" She was panting, because of her date or the dance, she wasn't sure.

Ron merely looked at her, narrow-eyed. "No, we would not care to join you and Viktor," he said spitting out his name. Her face instantly dropped.

Hermione tried keeping her voice down not to draw any attention. "What's got your wand in a knot?"

"He's a Durmstrang," he replied as if stating the obvious. "You're fraternising with the enemy."

"The enemy?" Hermione couldn't believe the words coming out of his mouth. Her smile had faded long ago. "Who was it wanting his autograph? It certainly wasn't me. Besides, the whole point of the tournament is international magical cooperation. To make friends."

He huffed. "I think he's got a bit more than a friendship on his mind."

Harry looked at Ron in shock. Although he didn't say anything on the matter, Hermione knew her friend well enough that he was on her side, and it gave her the sign to clap back at him, but when she suddenly noticed Viktor coming back with two cups in his hands, she decided it wasn't time to argue.

She rose to her feet and felt unsure of going away or staying because she wanted to say so much, but she knew there would be no end to arguing with him and she wouldn't want her date to witness this. She inevitably left their table, storming away. 

Viktor was coming her way when he noticed her stomping away from her friends. "What's vrong?"

"Nothing, we just had a little argument."

"Are you sure? You seemed like..." he began looking at her warily.

She didn't want to hurt him with her tone of voice and inhaled deeply, hoping to sound nicer. "It happens between us, don't worry," she smiled and peeked at the cups in his hands, "can I have a drink?"

He nodded and let go of the topic. He handed her the drink and she almost drank half of it in one gulp. After spending some more time dancing and chatting with Viktor, he said he needed to sleep early and left. Hermione was glad he was gone, she enjoyed spending time with him, but her mind was all over the place after the argument. It wouldn't be fair to him when she was thinking of something or someone else.

When she returned, Harry was not at the table and she saw Ron sitting at the exact spot with Padma next to him. She hadn't seen them dance at all, the poor girl looked so bored and annoyed. She sat near him putting a decent amount of space between them. He was shaking his legs as he looked everywhere else except Hermione. When a guy approached Padma asking for her to dance, she looked at her date if he would protest but Ron didn't seem interested at all. Hermione seized the moment to talk to Ron.

"Have you come to your senses now?" She looked at him.

A line appeared between his brows. "No, I'm not done-"

She folded her arms in front of her chest. "Is that so? What else do you need to spit out?"

"Malfoy." His name was like poison on his tongue.

"What?" Hermione froze for the second time that evening, and it was because of that git, again.

"You shouldn't have danced with him. He's not only a Slytherin but the worst one. How could you even stay near him after all the bullying he's done to you and us?" He started shaking his leg.

She inhaled quickly. "Because I'm not a coward to run from a boy."

His face got redder with each second. It was obvious this wouldn't end well, she just hoped it wouldn't end up harming their friendship. How come they have come to this she still couldn't understand.

"Vell, you should run from a certain one." He said imitating an obvious accent.

Hermione jumped to her feet. "You mean Viktor?!"

Ron stood up as well and walked past her going towards the entrance. "He's using you."

Hermione followed him, pulling the ends of her dress up not to fall. "How dare you?! I can take care of myself!"

He kept walking while constantly avoiding her gaze. "I doubt it. He's way too old."

"What?" Hermione was in shock. The same boy who would put posters of Viktor Krum in his bedroom was now berating her for flirting with him. "That's what you think?"

"Yes, that's what I think." They came to the corridor and Ron rushed a little towards the stairs.

"You know the solution then, don't you?" She yelled, not letting him leave.

"Go on," he turned towards her. He wanted to look indifferent, but he was terrified of her at the moment.

She stood right in front of him; her eyes were burning and he seemed to have noticed that, too. "Next time there's a ball, ask me before someone else does! And not as a last resort!" She could feel the tears forming in her eyes.

Ron took a step back and averted her gaze. "Well, that's just," he babbled, "I mean, that's just completely off the point." Ron went backwards on the stairs, slowly running away from her. He knew he wouldn't like to see what would happen next. Hermione walked up to him, ready to spill her heart out.

Ron lifted his head at that moment, relief visible on his face. "Harry." 

Hermione turned back to see her best friend who seemed lost in his own thoughts.

"Where were you?" She demanded, "Never mind off to bed, both of you." Harry looked dumbfounded and glanced at Ron, clearly not comprehending anything at all. Hermione, too, didn't understand why she sent them away like this, she wasn't their mother after all. But right now, seeing Ron's face was either making her angrier thinking about how he could say all that.

Harry walked past Hermione as she wiped the tear that had fallen. When did she even cry?

"They get scary as they get older." Ron continued to push her buttons.

She turned at a lightning speed and shouted at him. "Ron, you spoiled everything!" She ran after them as they went upstairs and stopped in her track as her knees gave away. She sat in the middle of the stairs and took off her shoes to feel a little bit of comfort.

She didn't care about the prying eyes anymore. It was the end of the ball and there were only a handful of people around anyway. Three girls were watching her from time to time from a few steps above. She overheard them talking about boys and ranting; she wasn't the only one whose night had been ruined. From the corner of her eye, she noticed another group of students looking at her near the hall entrance. She wanted to yell at them but felt too tired for another argument. If she knew everyone waited for this moment, she would’ve done it sooner and not face them now.

She could feel her stomach clenching as she recalled the words he said. It was supposed to be an unforgettable night! Well, it was unforgettable, but the direction of the feeling had changed the moment she talked to Ron. Before that, it was unforgettable for all the good reasons but now… she was heartbroken and disappointed. She knew dating the most popular quidditch player in the world was a huge deal, but she thought, with the support of her friends it would all be okay. She didn't tell them about Viktor before, but she thought that after tonight things would be okay and they would accept him. The entire Gryffindor players loved him for Merlin's sake! Especially Ron. Ron... She didn't know why he reacted the way he did all of a sudden, but he should've known better. He should've known her better.

She wiped more tears with the side of her hand and saw her hand that was soiled with little specks of her mascara and glitter. She probably shouldn't have done that, but so many people had already seen her cry after a magical night, she couldn't care about her makeup even if she wanted to.

She heard faint footsteps coming from behind and turned her head to her right before she saw black shiny shoes coming down towards her. Shoes that were coming to take her to the dorm and diffuse the tension between the two before they went to bed. "Harry, don't try to-" she looked up as she spoke and saw the person she dreaded to see the most. Again.

"Potter?" he asked unbelievingly, "You've seemed to have outdone yourself on insults, Granger."

Oh no.