A Year Abroad (Hermione/Viktor)

Finally Free

Ron hadn't slept a wink that night. He couldn't believe what he had said, and what he had lined up for himself by doing so. He was sure the Durmstrang men were going to go at him with full force and that idea kept him up all night. But it was not only the idea of his own physical torture that kept Ron awake. It was Hermione's feelings. She had sent him countless letters before she gave up and he had convinced himself that it was right to ignore them and now, he was unsure if he could ever apologise for what he had done. He had revealed her darkest secret to the Durmstrang boys before she even had a chance to do so herself. He was infuriated with himself. Even Harry thought what he had said was cruel and unfair. He wished he could say something, but he knew that his chances of doing so were slim to none.

Hermione had awoken to the sound of rain falling on the boat. She smiled into her pillow, glad that she had not travelled in vain. She washed and dressed in her Durmstrang uniform, wearing her jacket and boots. She looked in the reflective surface of her window and smiled, she was very happy with her appearance and even happier with the comfort of her shoes.

When the Durmstrang team saw her, they understood why Chigvintsev had brought her. She stood in her uniform coat and boots and they chuckled amongst themselves at her adorable attire.

Viktor had been training for the rain all week and although he wouldn't admit it to anyone, he was not as comfortable flying in the rain than the clear skies. So, having Hermione to keep away the rain was a miracle. Although, he remembered what happened when she stopped the rain before, and he worried that she would be injured again.

Before Viktor could say anything, Hermione was being whisked away by Chigvintsev.
"The rain is heavy. Are you sure you can do this?" He asked and Hermione nodded enthusiastically.
"Okay, I am there if you need me." She smiled and joined the team, ready to walk to the pitch.

When Ron saw them, he began to shake in his boots. Their stares were full of hate, even Hermione's.
"Ron, what have you done?" Harry whispered, looking at the men.
"Don't worry, we are better in the rain than them." He attempted to see the positives.

Hermione stayed for a short while. However, it was now time to leave. But before she went, she stood before Viktor.
"I don't vant you hurting yourself." He whispered to her.
"I won't, trust me." She smiled up at him and in a gesture that was so unlike Viktor, He placed his palm behind Hermione's neck and placed a soft kiss on her lips. Everyone stopped to look. Hermione felt herself blushing, but she didn't care, she was being kissed by Viktor Krum. Once he released her, he watched her leave, then diverted his gaze to Ron, with a wrath that could not be imagined.
"Harry, tell my Mother I love her." Ron whimpered.
"Will do, will do." He himself felt the fear, hoping that Viktor would not divert his fury his way.

Chigvintsev had told Dumbledore that he and Hermione would not be sitting in the Headmaster's box. Dumbledore had found it rather strange, but had accepted their request. He waved when he saw them take their seats and both Hermione and Chigvintsev waved back. They were sat amid a group of Hufflepuffs, who seemed rather dazed that they were in such company.
"Are you ready?" He asked her quietly.
"Yes." Hermione nodded. Chigvintsev then turned his eyes away from her to give her the privacy she needed.

Hermione thought that she might be nervous, or that the energy might be a little stiff due to pressure. However, this was not the case. She closed her eyes and felt the rain on her skin, feeling it on her face. Then she focused her energy and began to picture the dome forming over everyone, shielding them from the rain. The Hogwarts players had no idea what was going on. They could see the rain on the river, but they were not getting wet. Dumbledore could not believe his eyes, the last time he had seen someone attempt such a thing was- He looked over to Chigvintsev and saw Hermione in a trance and was captivated by her. It was not against the rules to adapt the weather to make the game more pleasant for the players. He had seen rain been lightened, but he had never seen someone block it out all together.