A Snake in the Gryphon's Den: A Riddle in Gryffindor {Completed}

Prince of Drumstrang

As I entered.. Dragging my heavy feet.. The dance had already begun. The terror of Draco's eyes from moments before stung the back of my mind.. Actually I found it quite comical. Never have I seen his eyes bulge out as big as the cheeks of a puffer fish until that moment. The show of wit and macho madness really plucked my strings.. The way George and Drake went at it.. The way that the Weasley threw snide remarks over took that of Malfoy's quite easily.. Draco couldn't really say anything other than his usual banter.. Then again I did notice he held a lot of comments back. He too.. Has seemed to grow up quite a bit.

My mind wondered in many a direction.. My movement slow and disorganized. I didn't register the fact that we were actually dancing until
I stepped on Geroge's toes. He squeezed my hand making me look up at him, " What's wrong..?"

I turned to my right as I was about to answer, my jaw hung ajar as I saw the painted image of Viktor and Hermione.. Dancing.. Smiling.. And..

"Oh.." George's eyes too zoomed in on Hermione then back at his dance partner. " Did something happen between you and 'mionie?" He whispered.

I didn't look back, my eyes were just fixed on the pastel pink and flurry of red that swayed beside us. My heart raced.. And before I knew it.. Our eyes.. Met.. And..
~*~
Viktor just stared at the girl dancing to their left.. A tug in his gut.. A swell of anger.. She had the audacity to show her face here? After what she'd done?
She left him literally standing on thin ice.. The last letter really hit the target..
" I'm engaged.. I'm sorry we can't continue.."
The last line.. Bit deeply. How long had she been leading him on!?

And above all people she had to go through.. She chose to go through her fience's first cousin.. What made things worse for him.. Was.. William's confidence in the matter.

" Ask her yourself.." Was what that wizard had told him.. That smug expression.. Made his blood boil.

"Viktor..?" Came Hermione's soft voice breaking into his trail of thoughts.

Tom had been away on an internship that year.. Oh what would he give to hear what that boy had to say in all this. Thomas was his best friend after all.. He always knew what to say in these types of situations.. And unfortunately Tom was his only link to Elizabeth's fellow schoolmates and best friends Fleur and Gabrielle.

"You alright?" Hermione asked again with a slight frown. He could feel Elizabeth's eyes stare into the side of his face.

"I'm alright," he smiled as the song called for all the Lords of house to pick up their partner and spin lightly. Hermione was a quiet girl, very pretty and very sweet, but she did not carry that mischievous spark. It was then his eyes glanced over at his familiar Fleur who seemed to glare daggers at him.

For some reason he felt quite betrayed. Didn't the Beaubaton know? The fae seemed to act oblivious as to the exact situation of it all. He was sure, if she knew.. She most probably wouldn't be looking at him as if he'd just stolen something from her. His heart sank.
{Just try to have a good time..} he reassured himself mentally; determined to catch up with Elizabeth after the dance.

Into the night the music continued, a more modern punk rock blend seemed to break through the once formal atmosphere. All the loud cheering and bouncing, really helped him loosen up and relax. He found himself grinning, smiling, laughing and staring at this Hermione often through the night.

She really did warm up the ice that formed in his heart.. The urge to get to know her much better also itched at the back of his mind.. But not before getting closure with Elizabeth. But that however.. Would be left for another night..

For.. Tonight.. He would just relax and enjoy himself. After all, he had to stay focused on the second task and didn't have time to worry about such petty things such as girls, love, and relationships.

Once the flurry of energetic youth did sober up a bit, he walked with Hermione and took note of her two friends sitting down. With a smile he added, " I'll get us some drinks," and took his leave.

Eyes searching the sea of heads for that one raven haired girl.. She didn't seem to be there.. With a disappointed sigh he poured two cups of punch and zoned out as he dipped the ladle back into the bowl.

" You did what?" Draco's voice snapped as William snickered.

"I was only looking out for you little cousin.." Came the sarcastic remark as the lad glanced over his shoulder to a girl dressed in black standing at the far corner, talking with a Weasley. " Better watch your wife," he mocked,".. Before she makes a scandal of herself.."

Draco curled his fist and nearly hit the young man- had not Professor Snape walked right into the scene.

All the while Viktor had been listening to the stray bits here and there, stone faced and fuming. He turned to the side to view a younger lad, wearing a very angry yet pathetic demeanor. She was engaged to this weasel? What did she see in him?

"Excuse me.." Came a familiar soft voice from behind him, a left hand taking hold of the ladle.

"Oh not at a-" as Viktor turned he froze. Eyes locking onto the soulful blue eyes before him.

"-Elizabeth-"
"-Krum-"

"Ah! Lizzy!" Came George's purposeful interruption.

{Oh blast it George..}