Reunion (Harry Potter Fanfiction)

The Fallout

"Thank you, Mr. Krum. Your first flying lesson will take place on Thursday at 10 o'clock." McGonagall said to Viktor, magically sorting the documents. He had used a spell to restore them all, and told her he dropped them on the way over. "Any questions?"

"Yes. When does Qudditch season start? And what house am I coaching for?" Viktor asked, fiddling with the buttons on his shirt. He was anxious to get back onto the pitch. Any pitch, for that matter. McGonagall smiled.

"Tryouts for the teams will be held next weekend. You aren't obligated to attend them all, but I encourage that you do. You will be coaching all four house teams, so I suggest you don't pick favorites." Viktor cracked a smile.

"Well, thank you Professor. I look forward to starting!"

"My pleasure. There are lots of excited students, ready to be taught by you, Mr. Krum. You're quite the celebrity here."

Yeah, I'm sure everyone wants to be just like me... Thought Viktor. Fired for losing one lousy competition...

***

Viktor entered the library, and headed towards the charms section. He grabbed a large textbook, and sat down at a vacant table. He was looking for a special lock charm, to make sure nobody ever got into his office again. Who would do something like that?

He skimmed through the book for nearly an hour, until he came across what he was looking for. The librarian, a stern faced woman, walked past him, and loudly hushed a group of talking students. He suppressed a chuckle as she zipped past him again. He watched her sit back down in her grand desk, and he focused his attention back on the book in his hands.

"Hermione, dear! How are you today?"

A shiver went down Viktor's spine.

He looked up, just long enough to see a flash of brown hair disappear behind an aisle of books. He knew what he needed to do. Viktor put the textbook back on its dusty shelf, and retrieved the note out of his pocket. The note. He walked through the extensive aisles, until he finally saw her, turned back on from him, head bent over a book. He took a deep breath, and walked up behind her.

"I need to talk to you."

Hermione jumped, and whirled around to face him. Her face turned scarlet.

"Viktor...er...hi...how-" She stopped herself, took a breath, and tried again. "Are you settling in good?" Viktor took the book out of her hands, and placed it back on the shelf.

"Please, cut the rubbish, Hermione." He said. She bit at her lip. Damn, she looks cute when she does that.

"What are you talking about?" She asked, shifting the weight between her feet. Viktor handed her the note, and watched as she read it. A look of shock crossed over her face, and her cheeks flushed scarlet in embarrassment.

"Well? Who left this note in my office?" He asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Viktor, I have no idea. I swear I didn't put it there, and I sure as hell didn't tell anyone too!" She exclaimed, passing it back to him. He returned it to his pocket.

"Well, what about your boyfriend?"

"Ron?"

"Yes, he didn't look the happiest when I showed up yesterday, maybe he did this?" He said. Hermione anxiously fiddled with the books on the bookshelf beside her.

"I'll ask him about it, okay?" She said, looking up to him. Viktor got lost her chocolatey brown eyes.

"Sure. Thanks, I appreciate it, Hermione." He turned on his heel, but was stopped by Hermione's voice. "Viktor, wait!" He faced her again, raising an eyebrow. "Yes?" He asked, scuffing his boot against the stone floor.

"I really am sorry. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again." He smiled at her, and left the library.

***

Hermione was furious. She stomped up the marble staircase, heart pumping a mile a minute. She was in no way mad at Viktor, but mad at whoever had left him the note.

Ron.

She was 100% positive it had been him. She couldn't understand why he would do it. She had told him there was nothing to worry about. So why would he go and do something so stupid?

She entered the Common Room, and found it nearly empty, except for Dean Thomas, Lavender Brown, and Ron. Ron smiled and waved at her, but she didn't smile back.

"What's wrong?" He asked when Hermione approached him. She grabbed his arm and pulled him into the dim staircase, leading to the dormitories. "Hermione, what's your problem?!" Ron said, freeing his arm. Hermione folded her arms and scowled.

"Ron, how could you?" She said, shaking her head in anger. Ron's forehead wrinkled in confusion.

"You're going to have to be a little more specific..." He said, scratching the back of his neck. Hermione flicked him in the shoulder.

"The note, Ron. I know you left it." Ron smirked.

"He got it?" He exclaimed. Hermione opened her mouth in disbelief.

"Why the hell would you do something like that?" She asked, putting her head in her hands. "Ron, we have to live in this castle with him. See him in the halls, have meals with him. I know what we had, but I told you it was over. So grow up!" Ron glared.

"That's funny, considering what you told Ginny last night. If you're so over him, then tell me Hermione, why did you feel attraction when you talked to him?" Hermione froze, panic and guilt flooding her body.

"Ginny had to right to tell you-"

"It wasn't Ginny, Hermione. Maybe you should be more careful next time you're talking in private." Hermione heard a giggle, and saw a wisp of sandy hair rush away.

Lavender.

Ron scoffed, and turned away from her. Hermione grabbed his arm, dread washing over her. "Ron, please. It's only a stupid feeling I had. I just hadn't seen him in years! I promise you-"

"No!" Ron yelled, pushing her arm away. "No more promises. You broke the only one I ever asked you to make."

"Please, Ron! I don't love Viktor, I love you!"

"This isn't about that feeling you had with him. You broke our promise. To always be truthful with each other. If you had just told me, I would've felt better. But you lied, Hermione. And I can't forgive you. I'm done with this, and you."

Ron swiftly turned on his heel, and left Hermione alone in the staircase. She felt hot tears fall down her cheeks. She watched him, the only boy she ever truly loved, leave her, and felt part of her go with him.

Her heart.

***

Viktor put his special lock charm on the doorknob of his office door, and watched in satisfaction as it sealed shut with a click. He smiled at his work, and pocketed his wand. Outside, the late September sunshine was shining in a cloudless sky, and Viktor could see many students doing homework out on the grounds, beside the shimmering black lake. He decided a nice walk would clear his head.

Had Hermione talked to Ron yet? He hoped she had. He wanted to be clear who was trying to psych him out, and to let them know their plan wasn't working. He found himself falling for Hermione more and more, every time he saw her.

He rounded a corner, heading for the marble staircase.

And that's when the first punch was thrown.