A Year Abroad (Hermione/Viktor)

Christmas Day

Christmas eve had arrived and Hermione had settled in perfectly with the Krums. Mladen found her fascinating and was ashamed to admit that he watched her as she wrote her diary. Ada loved having another female in the house and Andon was simply happy that Viktor had a female apart from his Mother in his life.

Hermione had never celebrated a wizarding Christmas, her celebrations were always with her parents and muggle family. However, she found that Christmas was not so different in the wizarding world. They sat around the fire, a christmas tree stood in the corner and they drank hot chocolate whilst listening to music. Viktor had leant Hermione one of his sweaters, knowing that she had not brought clothes warm enough. So, she sat, snuggled in his jumper, sipping on hot cocoa.

They spoke of Christmases past and Hermione learnt many embarrassing stories about Viktor, which made him blush and made her chuckle. She felt nervous when Ada asked her about Muggle Christmas.
"Well, we eat and drink, and sing together. Open gifts and spend time with family." She put it simply.
"That does not seem too different." Ada nodded and Hermione smiled in agreement.

Seeing her there, with his family, Viktor knew what he had to do. He had withheld the truth for so long and he was glad that he had. But enough was enough. He was done waiting, done wondering what it would be like to hold her as his own. So, after his parents and brother went to bed, Viktor asked Hermione to stay.

Hermione was slightly shocked that Viktor had asked her to stay with him. His eyes burned dark and brooding and his gaze seemed even more intimidating in the candlelight. His hand shook as he tucked a curl behind Hermione's ear. She felt herself gasp quietly. He seemed so close now, so intimate.
"I know." He said simply. Hermione couldn't understand what he meant.
"I know vhat happened that night I vas sick." Hermione stopped. Her breath, her thought, everything stopped. Viktor saw the panic in her eyes. He placed his palm onto her cheek.
"I vent to Dumbledore, to the Pensive. I had to know." He explained himself. Hermione placed a hand over her mouth and shook her head.
"I am so sorry." She felt tears well in her eyes.
"The only thing I am sorry for is that you did not vant me to remember." Viktor argued. Her eyes lit up. She couldn't understand how someone like Viktor Krum would want to kiss her. However, she daren't question it.
"You haff me, if you vant me." He stated, staring into her eyes.
"I-I do." The words fell from her mouth before she could contain them. But, before she could take them back, his lips were on hers. They were soft, softer than she had expected and his hand laid against the back of her head.
"You are unlike anyone I haff ever known." He whispered against her lips. This was when she allowed herself to wrap her arms around his neck. He held her, for as long as she needed. He would hold her all night if she had wanted. She was so soft and sweet and her kiss felt more delicious than it had in the memory.

They sat in each other's arms for a long while before Viktor noticed that Hermione had fallen asleep. He cradled her and carried to her to her room. When he set her down, he tucked the curl away once again and smiled down at her. She was the greatest present he could want, and he had her.

The Krum family awoke early Christmas morning. Breakfast was eaten, then presents were opened. Viktor received a new jersey and broom. Mladen received a jumper and an owl, with which he was delighted. Hermione was speechless when Ada passed her a gift.
"For me?" She asked and Ada nodded. She unwrapped the paper and found a beautiful broach, a gold imprint of the Durmstrang emblem.
"To remember your time at Durmstrang." She explained. Hermione immediately pinned it to her clothing and thanked the family. They had expected nothing in return. However, Hermione went to fetch her vase for Ada. She gave it when the rest of the presents were opened.
"Oh no, you shouldn't have." She protested. Hermione sat in anticipation as Ada began to rip off the paper.
"Oh my." She gasped. It looked even finer than Hermione had remembered and for a short moment, she allowed herself to feel proud. Viktor couldn't believe that Hermione had made such a beautiful piece of art. It looked as if it had been done by a professional.
"Her-my-knee made that for you, Mother." Viktor informed Ada and the whole family turned to look at Hermione.
"You're a glass blower?" Andon asked, voice in disbelief.
"Yes, it is only a new hobby though." Hermione explained.
"It is vonderful!" Ada complimented her and Hermione felt her face turn bright red.

The Christmas dinner had been eaten and the Krums had retired for their post meal nap. Viktor and Hermione walked in the garden, to digest their food.
"She loved the vase." Viktor stated.
"I am glad." Hermione smiled. She had seen that Ada had placed it by her bookcase and filled it with roses. They walked along in silence. Hands brushed and then they interlocked. This was all so new for Hermione, she didn't know how to act. But, walking along, with her hand intertwined with Viktors, it felt so right, so natural and she couldn't think of anywhere she would rather be on Christmas day.