Pride and Polyjuice Potion

Chapter 5

The Great Hall a few evenings later.

The much awaited evening finally arrived when the Beauxbatons and the Durmstrang were due to arrive at Hogwarts.

The Patil twins could hardly eat, they were chattering away with so much excitement. They could talk of nothing but the Durmstrang and their red coats, so much so that Professor McGonagoll had to come over and calm them down.

"Now girls, I know this is all very exciting but you need to eat your dinner before our guests arrive."

"But Professor McGonagoll, you don't understand how excited we are," Parvati exclaimed.

"Oh girls, it may be hard to believe, but I was young too once. And I had a very strong liking towards a red coat myself. My heart broke when he went back to Bulgaria. But come on now, you must finish your food - everyone else already has."

The Gryffindors all burst out laughing when McGonagoll was out of earshot but were silenced by the sound of the Great Hall doors opening.

"They're here..."

The Beauxbatons were the first to enter, looking perfectly elegant in their periwinkle blue uniforms. The eyes of every single student was glued on them, almost bewitched by them.

Behind them was their Headmistress, and Seamous Finnigan spoke what everything was thinking when he said:

"Blimey that's one big woman."

Next to make their appearance were the proud sons of Durmstrang who blew everyone away with their incredible discipline and talented, albeit rather frightening, performance.

At the very end of the parade was their high master Igor Karkaroff and Viktor Krum, whom everyone recognised immediately for his fame. The girls all sighed as he walked past them. He was a world renowned heartthrob.

The only exception to this was Hermione Granger who was looking at Draco Malfoy for the entire duration of the parade. Her heart sunk a little when he saw him eye the Beauxbatons and even wink at one of the very pretty ones - Fleur Delacour she later found out her name was. She almost hit herself for doing so. Why should she care?

But when Viktor Krum strode into the room, Malfoy's face dropped a whole metre. The two made cold eye contact and both were visibly uncomfortable at the other's presence. He even got up to leave but Theodore Nott yanked him down and whispered something in his ear.

"Viktor Krum could punch me in the face and I'd thank him," said Parvati, receiving a mixture of laughter and agreement from the other girls. The boys scowled and retaliated by discussing Fleur Delacour's beauty and charm, hoping to offend the girls but they could only agree. She was truly admired by everybody.

They were silenced only by Professor McGonagall who took to the stand to introduce the customary Yule Ball that was held for the students of Wizarding Schools who participated in the Triwizard Tournament on Christmas Eve.

"This is far more important than our yearly September Formal. There hasn't been a Yule Ball for over two hundred years. Why you may ask?"

Hermione's hand shot up.

"Yes, Miss Granger."

"The attack of 1792."

"Very good, Miss Granger. Ten points to Gryffindor."

Malfoy rolled his eyes. Typical.

"As I was saying, you must all be on your best behaviour. No shenanigans will be tolerated whatsoever. I'm speaking particularly to you Mr Fred and George Weasley."

Fred and George stood up and bowed which received much laughter.

They were soon all dismissed and allowed to get to know the other Wizarding schools.

Several girls flooded over to where Viktor Krum was standing, competing for his attention but he ignored them and made his way over to the Gryffindor table.

"Am I correct in saying that your name is Miss Hermione Granger?" He asked. His Bulgarian accent made her sigh slightly under her breath but she composed herself immediately. She would not let herself swoon over him like everyone else, even if he did pay her the compliment of singling her out.

"Yes, that is correct. I believe yours to be Viktor Krum."

"You're very good, Miss Granger. That is what stood out to me. I am hardly acquainted with you but I can already tell you have a remarkable intelligence."

As they continued their conversation, Hermione was fighting the urge to ask him about the coldness between him and Malfoy which she slowly slipped into discussion.

"Do you happen to already know a few people that go here?"

He listed a few names before saying "and Mr Draco Malfoy. Although I regret to say that I would not wish to pursue that acquaintance any further."

"Yes, I won't lie to you, I did notice the cold manner of your meeting this evening."

"Ah, intelligent people are often observant. Tell me, what is your opinion of him? I would not wish to slander him in front of a dear friend of his."

"Oh, please do not stop yourself. I find him very disagreeable, as do most students at Hogwarts who aren't in Slytherin house."

"May I confide in you, then?"

"Certainly." Her words were calm, but she herself was not. She was trembling with curiosity and anticipation.

"My father and Lucius Malfoy used to be very good friends many years ago. We stayed at Malfoy Manor very often and it was always our fathers' intent for us to attend Hogwarts together."

Hermione could not but look surprised. She found her interest of the subject increase, and listened with all her heart.

"Yes, that's right. I was meant to attend Hogwarts, not Durmstrang. However, it soon became evident that competition for entry to Hogwarts was fierce. There was no way for both of us to be accepted. Draco Malfoy sabotaged my application, and I was forced to attend the school in Bulgaria."

"That is quite shocking! He deserves to be publicly disgraced."

"Some time or other he will be, but it shall not be by me. I've decided to be the bigger person and to never defy or expose him. Besides, I am more than happy where I am now. The result of his actions does not displease me, only his intent."

"You are too good, Viktor. I hope his presence will not impact your stay here at Hogwarts."

"Oh no, I will not be driven away by Draco Malfoy. If he wishes to avoid seeing me. He must go."

Their conversation was cut short by Professor Snape announcing that all students must retire to their dormitories.

Viktor bowed and kissed her hand, like Cedric had before the danced, and then took his leave. Hermione now understood why the girls fawned all over him. How could anyone not like him?

Hermione Granger was now the most envied witch in Hogwarts.