A Year Abroad (Hermione/Viktor)

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Hermione knew Viktor's house well enough to apparate directly into her room. She wobbled on her feet for a moment and then sat on the edge of the bed. She was exhausted. She hadn't had a full night of sleep and she was emotionally drained. She couldn't think of anything else to do. So she sat, placed her head in her hands and wept.

Viktor heard her apparate as he was eating breakfast. He immediately left his oatmeal and rushed up the stairs. He slowed when he heard her crying. It took him aback to hear her weeping. He wondered if he should leave her or whether he should go in and comfort her. The decision was not one easily made. But, after a second, he turned on his heel and returned to his oatmeal. She needed time to cry and then he would go to her.

Hermione laid her head on the pillow once her hyperventilating had calmed down. She found herself lost to sleep and before she knew it she was awaking to a knock at her door.

Viktor had left her for as long as he thought he could. Once the sun had set, he knew he needed to go to her.

Hermione saw him, stood in her doorway. Viktor's face was that of complete ignorance as what to do. She sighed. It wasn't his fault. He was completely ignorant of the situation. But Hermione didn't feel much like talking to anyone about what had happened. But, she owed it to Viktor. She knew it would be unfair to leave him in the dark. So she passed him to walk down the stairs and poured herself a drink.

Viktor waited patiently for her to speak. He didn't want to pressure her, but he wanted to know what had happened.
"It's Draco. He attempted last night." Hermione stated simply. Viktor didn't fully understand so he asked for clarification and felt the blood drain from his face. He sat Hermione down and asked her what on earth had possessed him to do such a thing.
"Nobody wanted him. He was completely alone, nowhere to go. He thought he had no other option." Hermione sighed, looking down at her glass of water.
"Vhere is he now?" Viktor asked and Hermione explained that she had gone to McGonagall. Now, he placed his arm around her and pulled her close.

Hermione hadn't cried in front of Viktor about this, she felt that she had cried enough. But still, she felt a tear fall onto her cheek. She couldn't imagine things being so hard that one would resort to the very worst. But then she scolded herself. She was sure if she had been left on her own for long enough that she would have very similar thoughts.

Viktor wanted to take her mind off of this terrible day. So, he asked her to go, shower and change, because he was taking her out for dinner.

Hermione could not remember the last time that someone had taken her out to dinner, or if anyone had actually ever taken her out to dinner. She was glad that Viktor had insisted, because the last thing she wanted was to be sat around, moping and wallowing in her misery. So, she stepped into the steamy shower, allowed the hot water to wash away her worries and pushed Draco out of her mind, just for the evening.

Viktor smiled when he saw Hermione in her little green tea dress, topped off with a little black cardigan. She needed to be showered with affection tonight, more so than any other night. She needed to know that he was there and that he was going to support her no matter what. So, he placed his hands on her arms and gently placed a kiss on her forehead. He watched her smile and took note.

Hermione enjoyed walking in the mild evening air. She had never been to Bulgaria befor and she had to admit that Sofia was beautiful, especially the wizarding part. Viktor led her by hand, to his favourite tavern. Hermione was sure if you were not looking out for it that you could miss the little hole in the wall. She could not read the sign, but she enjoyed the small, quaint style of the place.

The walls were covered in thick soft burgundy carpet-like material and the floor was fitted with a similar shag, in a forest green. The chairs were rickety and made of wood Hermione could not fathom the age of and the bottles of liquor behind the bar were questionable at best. Nonetheless, Hermione was glad to be there. She enjoyed the warm, sweet aroma of the place and the soft, padded nature of the pub made her feel very comfortable.