A Year Abroad (Hermione/Viktor)

Explosive Emotions

Viktor's training with the Vultures had now truly begun. He found it hard to get away, to see Hermione. He knew that this was a hard time for her, with the fear of the final challenge no doubt on her mind, he went to his Mother, to ask for her help.
"I will go and see her. I know that her Mother is busy, so I will go, while you can't." She told him. He was so grateful for his Mother then.
"You like her, don't you Mother?" He asked. Ada laughed.
"Viktor, you would know if I did not like her. She is a fine young woman. You just need to treat her well." Ada told him and Viktor nodded, knowing that she was right.

Hermione was having a hard time. Chigvintsev was helping with her Mother's practice and Seamus had been given permission to look after owls for a while, so Hermione was quite alone. Of course, Harry would wave at her and Draco would give her a smile. Cormac's lack of acknowledgment confused her. But she had to put that to the back of her mind. It was Ron that she concerned herself with lately.

She watched him as he ate, stealing quick glances over at her. She felt embarrassed. How had she not been able to notice it happening? How could she not tell he cared? His anger was probably a side effect of all of this. She just wished that things could be less complicated.

So, Hermione did what she always did when she was stressed: go to Hagrid.
"Well, I am so glad to hear that you and Harry have made your peace. But, the business with Ron is worrying." Hagrid noted. He had to admit that he could tell that the ginger boy had a soft spot for Hermione, but never to this degree.
"But, surely now, he knows." Hagrid pointed down to Hermione's ring.
"I don't know. Apparently he is very angry with me." Hermione shrugged her shoulders.
"Then let him be angry. You have not been friends for a long while, so it would make no difference to you." Hermione nodded, she knew that Hagrid was right, but something within her wanted to address the issue.

Hermione felt alone. She knew that Viktor had his training, but she wished that she could go and see him. She wondered if she should surprise him. But after what happened with the mermaids, she was not so sure. She was shocked when she saw Ada stood outside of the Durmstrang boat, all wiggle dress and kitten heels. She smiled down at Hermione and embraced her when they met.
"How are you?" She asked, Hermione understanding now that she always wore her translation devices.
"I am okay, how are you?" Hermione asked and Ada saw right through her.
"I think ve should go and talk somewhere." She told Hermione and immediately, she began to panic.
"We could go to the pub?" Hermione suggested, her hands shaking and Ada nodded.

They sat in the corner, with the most privacy available. But, people still looked, Hermione could feel it.
"I am here because I know that you are stressed. Your Mother is focusing on her business and you might not have anyone to talk to." Ada told Hermione and she felt a breath leave her that she did not even know she had been holding.
"You didn't have to-"
"Yes I did, I am going to be your Mother one day, and I need to start supporting you now." Ada interrupted Hermione and watched as the young girl blushed and smiled.
"Thank you."

Ron and Harry sat, having a pint of butterbeer. Harry had never felt so stress free in his life. Making peace with Hermione was one of the best decisions he had ever made. His life seemed so easy now. Ron, on the other hand, was not so peaceful.
"Who is that she's talking with?" He asked. Harry didn't know much about the Krums, but he had seen a picture of Viktor with his parents once and recognised the woman as Ada Krum.
"That's Viktor's Mother." He told Ron and watched as his hands balled into little fists.
"Ron, come on. Why are you so angry?" Harry sighed, wishing that Ron could be in the same mental space as he was.
"I cannot believe that she would allow her son to be engaged to someone so young. It is disgusting really." He huffed, throwing his arms over his chest. Harry sighed, shaking his head.
"I don't care anymore, Ron. It is Hermione's decision and she has made it. If you don't like it, then go and tell her. If not, then shut up.