Catching Her Heart Pt. 2

Chapter 104

"Come on, Hermione," Ron said. "Let's get out of the castle, it's too crowded."

"I have to study," Hermione replied, sitting in a chair by the fire and pulling her feet up.

"You're always studying!" Ron protested. "Besides, don't you usually do that in the library?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and looked at him.

"It's too crowded," she replied.

"And the common room isn't?" Ron asked.

"Come on guys," Harry said, growing weary of their arguing. "Quit fighting."

"I'm perfectly comfortable right here," Hermione said.

"Fine," Ron replied. "I just thought you might want some fresh air. You've hardly been outside. Come with us. You can study by the lake."

Hermione groaned. Of course he'd be wanting to go down to the lake, she thought, rolling her eyes. He's hoping maybe he'll see Viktor and get a chance to get his autograph. He never shut up about it.

"All right, fine!" Hermione said at last and jumped up, slamming her book shut and shoving it under her arm. "Though I don't see why I have to hold your hand."

"What are you talking about?" Ron asked in confusion.

"Nothing, never mind," she replied and headed for the door before turning back. "Well, are you coming or what?"

Ron smirked and turned to Harry.

"Told you I'd get her to go," he said.

"I'm leaving now!" Hermione called and headed out the portrait hole.

It wasn't long that Harry, Ron and Hermione found a spot along the lake shore that looked like it had a well travelled path and was near to Durmstrang ship without being too obvious. Hermione sat between them, using them to shield her book from the wind as she opened it to read. She hoped that Viktor didn't show up, or that he went the other direction, but her hopes were soon dashed when Ron perked up, and she glanced up to see Viktor was indeed passing them on what appeared to be his daily routine, a gaggle of giggling girls following close behind.

He turned and saw her, and she gave him a dirty look before turning back to her book, wanting to hit Ron for dragging her down here when all he did was sit there and gaze longingly after the seeker he had idolised all year, but didn't move to even talk to him. Hermione shook her head, rolling her eyes. Even the gaggle of girls got closer to Viktor than the red-head beside her ever did.

She glanced after him again, wondering if Ginny was right that he hadn't asked anyone else to the Yule Ball yet. Was that what those girls were hoping for? Had Ginny witnessed this once before, the way he ignored them? She couldn't be sure, but she hoped her friend was right. Time was running out and no one else had even approached to ask her. She had thought maybe Ron or Harry would have, even if they just went as friends, but neither had said a word to her about it.

"Will you calm down?" Ginny asked when she and Hermione talked about the coming ball and had told her that no one else had asked her yet and time was running out, it was already the 19th after all.

"But what if he's changed his mind?" Hermione replied. "What if he doesn't show up, or worse, what if he shows up with someone else?"

"Mione," Ginny said. "Do not spoil this for me!"

Hermione blinked.

"Spoil what?" she asked.