Being Honest
Chapter 6 of 8
Southern_Witch_69A confused Hermione decides to be honest with Viktor about her feelings for Ron and for him. What does Viktor do?
ReviewedDisclaimer: I've borrowed some of J.K.R.'s characters, but I'll return them shortly.
Thanks go to CocoaChristy for giving this a read through.
Hermione put aside Professor Snape's essay on Inferni and pulled the article she'd clipped back to her and frowned. She'd recognize Viktor's surly expression anyplace. He seemed annoyed with the reporter, but the female clutching his arm certainly beamed brightly for the picture. Her name was Avgustina, and she had accompanied him to his team's annual party.
Why had he never mentioned anything to her about this girl... woman... in his letters? She'd not ever kept anything from him. Frowning, she knew that that was untrue. She'd never explained about her confusing feelings for Ron. And lately, more than ever, her confusion was even worse. She hated that Ron and Lavender were an item, and she also hated the way he'd been treating her. She'd found out that he'd been angry at Ginny for snogging Dean and that Hermione had snogged Viktor.
In her mind, he had no right to be angry over something that was none of his business, but then, partly, she was pleased because it certainly meant that he cared. However, she didn't understand why he'd turned to Lavender. She'd thought it was to make her jealous at first, which had worked, but then, she thought that maybe he simply liked what Lavender did for him. More than ever, Hermione wished that she'd carried on a bit more with Viktor. She'd be able to compete with Lavender then, knowing what boys liked.
"Ugh! Listen to yourself!" she said in disgust. "If I have to be like her to get a boyfriend, it's not worth it."
And her thoughts were so unfair for Viktor. He'd pined for her for so long, and she hadn't wanted to hurt him, but she'd done so. Now that it seemed he was moving on with his life, she was uncertain if she liked it, for the same jealousy she felt with Ron and Lavender hit her full force with Viktor and this Avgustina person.
There was only one thing to do.
Dear Viktor,
I hope this letter finds you well. I know that I've just written to you last week, and you haven't had time to write back to me just yet, but I couldn't stop myself from writing this to you. There are so many things that I want to say to you, and I am uncertain where to begin.
Starting off with an apology would be silly because then you wouldn't know what I am apologizing for. Therefore, I suppose I'll start by saying that I am so very confused and feel the need to be honest with you about my feelings on everything in my life.
When I went home this past summer, I didn't stay very long, but I realized that everything had changed. One day I was an odd little girl, and the next day, I was off to a school for magical people. My parents have always been supportive or loving, but they will never understand me fully. Things weren't as they seemed when I was home. For the holidays, I usually don't spend much time with them, and I realized that I don't truly know my parents any longer. I don't know what Mum's favorite dress is. I don't know what Dad likes to watch on the telly each night. I couldn't tell you the names of their patients that they see most often.
In return, they couldn't name my favorite charms, subjects, people I've fancied, or any of my close friends...aside from the Weasleys and Harry. When did this change? It seemed like not so long ago we were all happy and still knew how important each other's lives were. It feels like it's slipped away. I hate that feeling.
Now, it also feels like you are slipping away. We barely owl each other anymore. What is it now...once every other month? I hate that, Viktor. I don't want you out of my life, though you are because you live so far away, but you know what I mean. I never want our letters to stop. Promise that we'll always be friends, that I'll always remain as special to you as you are to me. For I am promising you that you will always be here with me, even though there is this distance between us.
I should also tell you that on some days it feels as if I fancy Ron. I think about him often, I wonder what it would be like to kiss him, and I even get a bit jealous that he's paying more attention to another girl than he is to me. I don't like feeling like that, but I can't seem to help it. However, on other days, I want to slap myself and feel like I've gone temporarily mental. How could I fancy him? Most of the time, he's quite rude to me, and yet there I go thinking of him in "that" way.
Please don't hate me for saying that. I think it's time to be honest with you. Ginny has been thinking that he and I fancy each other for a long while. There may be some truth to that, but I swear I've only truly realized it recently. I wish that I'd told you before. I feel dishonest by not doing so.
Viktor, I am confused because I care about you, too. I never wanted to tell you, but when we were together in France, I realized that I loved you. I didn't want you to pine away for me or ruin your life by knowing...making you want to come here with me for my protection or whatever. Although my feelings have dimmed, they are still there. This is the most confusing thing to me. I think of Ron. I think of you.
I don't expect you to be pleased about this, but I just thought you ought to know. Whatever happens in life, Viktor, please be happy. If you meet or have met someone that you care about, please don't hesitate to build a life with her, for I can make no promises to you and won't do so. Your happiness matters to me.
Love always,
Hermione
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Viktor read the letter unhurriedly and felt the breath slowly leave his body. She had loved him... still loved him. She also fancied Ron. He noted that she never said that she loved Ron, but he supposed that she did on some level. There was still a chance for him. Perhaps the time of waiting patiently was over. He was too far away to be serious competition, but if he visited her, she would see that Weasley was not for her.
Weasley would never care for her the way he could. Viktor prided himself on the ability to protect her the way she needed to be protected. Everyone was worried about Harry Potter and keeping him safe, and while they did worry about his two closest friends, they weren't as watched over. He could do that for her.
Would it be wrong for him to go to her? Would it be wrong for him to make her choose? He shook his head even as he thought it. She was seventeen...of age in her country. She could make any decision regarding her life legally. It wouldn't be long before the summer months were upon them, and his season in Quidditch would finally be over. He would go to her then and take a leave from the team.
"Viktor? Are you ready to eat?" came a soft voice from behind.
"Yes, Avgustina, I vill be right in," he said, smiling at his cousin. "I haff a letter to write."
"Is that from your friend in Scotland?" she asked, nodding to the letter.
"Yes."
Avgustina smiled knowingly and left him alone to respond to Hermione's letter.
Hermione,
I hope that this letter finds you well. I think that I should be honest with you. I thought that you felt more for the Weasley boy than for me. It is why I have been trying to keep you at a distance from my heart, but you have never left it and will always be a part of me. There is no one for me but you.
Your letter, it made me happy. You words will never be forgotten. I would also like to have you happy in life and hope that you can find peace again. After you are finished with schooling, you can build the relationship with your parents again. They will be there waiting for you... as will I if that is what you want.
In fact, I was thinking of taking some time away from the team this summer. I am tired and have been playing Quidditch for a long time. I need time for myself. Perhaps I will see you this summer then. It would be good to do this and would make me happy. I will not pressure you about anything so long as I can see you.
My family is giving a dinner for my cousin this night. She is to be married to one of my friends. I cannot write a longer letter, but I want you to know that your honesty is appreciated.
Always yours,
Viktor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione stepped off of the Hogwarts Express carrying Crookshanks and following her friends. She put her cat's carrier down and hugged Harry tightly. Since Dumbledore's murder a few days before, things had been tense. So many things had happened. Ron and Lavender had ended things. Harry had broken things off with Ginny. Snape was a murderer...this caused her to grieve internally. She'd never thought he could do such a thing. Draco was a right foul git and a coward.
While she'd felt comforted when Ron had held her and snogged her a little, there was something missing. Her long-desired fantasy of kissing him had proved to be less spectacular than she'd hoped for. She supposed it was all the tragedy around them that had taken away it, but it wasn't like it had been with Viktor. The wonder, the excitement... that was missing.
"Look," Ron said, pointing. "Your mum and dad are over there." His face darkened. "Who's that?"
"Oh!" Hermione gasped, unable to keep the shocked smile from her face. "Viktor!" she called out, running towards her friend and hugging him tightly. "What are you doing here?"
"I haff taken time avay," he said plainly. "I thought you might need a friend in this time of disaster."
"I do," she said, squeezing his hand. Suddenly, her flushed cheeks paled. Ron. She turned around to see him gazing at them through narrowed eyes. "Come see," she called, beckoning him over. "Viktor's come to visit. He heard about Professor Dumbledore."
"Yeah, I expect everyone has," Ron said, nodding tersely in greeting.
"Hello," Harry said, reaching over to shake Viktor's hand. "Er... how long are you here for?" he asked when nobody spoke.
"I do not know for certain," Viktor replied smoothly. "I vill see how things are."
"Well, things are fine," Ron said bluntly.
"Ron!" Ginny called. "Come on. We've got to escort Harry. The Ministry has given us cars again."
Harry frowned but moved towards Ginny, who promptly turned to ignore him.
"We've invited Viktor over for dinner," Jane Granger said with a smile. "It's been so long since we've seen him. I thought it would be nice to catch up."
Ron took Hermione's hand and pulled her a few feet away. "What is going on, Hermione? How are they so cozy with Viktor?"
"They met him before," she said as honestly as she could. It wasn't the time or the place to tell everyone about their families meeting in France two years earlier. "Honestly, I didn't know he was coming, but it's nice to see him all the same."
"I suppose," he relented. "I'll owl you." When she nodded, he shocked her by kissing her fully on the lips in front of her parents and Viktor. When he pulled away, he looked directly at Viktor as if staking his claim. "I've got to go, but it looks like a Ministry car is going to follow you home, too." He hugged her again. "Bye."
Hermione's mouth gaped open as she watched him run off to join the other Weasleys. When Hermione gazed at Viktor, she saw the amusement in his eyes. What have I gotten myself into? she asked herself, allowing him to guide her out of the platform behind her parents.
Southern's Notes: It's about time she admitted her feelings, eh? I sort of feel sorry for Ron. Hmmm. I'll have to fix that.
Christy's Notes: I enjoyed Hermione's jealousy and how it brought out her feelings for Viktor.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Distance Between Us
68 Reviews | 6.93/10 Average
Lovely Viktor/Hermione, which is always welcome! Thank you.
this is a great story. like your friend I truly enjoy this ship as well, but it is difficult to find multi-chapter well written stories. Thank you for this!
I enjoy Viktor/Hermione stories and this was very sweet. I'm glad that they are together and that Ron and Harry accept him.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Thank you!
I'm sorry it's been so long since I replied but I just got the chance to read and review. I loved the chapter and I felt so overly happy seeing them come together like that in the end. You may not be a VK/HrG shipper but I must say you definatly know how to write it.Brit
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Not a problem at all. I'm so happy that you enjoyed this. :)
That was a beautiful story. I loved your in depth exploration of the emotions involved and I'm a sucker for happy endings. Wonderful writing.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Thanks, Ally. :)
I loved this story! The only thing wrong with it was that it was too short! I am typically Hermione/Snape, so I know many of your stories. Thanks for doing a great Viktor story too. After Snape, he is my fav for Hermione (my apologies to the Hermione/Ron shippers!).
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
You're very welcome. Thanks for reading. I'd o ther projects goin g, so I cut it a little short. Sorry about that. :)
I enjoyed your story and have started to follow some other Viktor/Hermione stories. I am still a Snape/Hermione shipper at heart, but my next choice would be Viktor. I liked the way you showed his personality, loyalty, maturity, patience, and love. I thought you also did a good job showing Hermione's ambivelance. Although I have not written many reviews, I am a great fan of your tales. I am not an author so I am not sure I am giving you the feedback you are looking for.And my personal rant: Why Rowling would pair Ron with Hermione boggles my mind. Looking back on couples from high school, the smart girls who married football players ended up divorced. Viktor is athletic and smart.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
I'm still an hg/ss, too. As far as Ron / Hermione... blah. No, say it ain't so! LOL
Yay, Sun! Too lovely, and although I'm not usually aboard the Great Ship HG/VK, I certainly enjoyed this little excursion! I see her with Viktor after the war, based on this fic, simply because it's nice to think of happily after after too! **hugs**
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Thanks, sweetie!
This was a great chapter and the perfect ending to this story. I like the open-ending. Her first time was very realistic to me! 
Brava!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Thanks, mate!
Poor Viktor. I have to admit, I'd rather see Hermione with Viktor than Ron. He just seems more her type. Since this is a HG/VK story, I will hang onto the hope that her feelings will strengthen with time.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Same here.... damn Ron! lol
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
IMHO, Ron just gets in the bloody way,
"She smiled at the tall erection," huh? That made me smile. LOL I like this chapter. Pity that their vacation was so short!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
bwahahahahha
I sort of wish they were closer together as well. But distance can make the heart grow fonder.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Nod. That's so true.
I like this side of Viktor, very sweet and gentlemanly. I have a greater respect for him now. ;)
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Thank you. It's how I see him. :)
I was sure I had already written my review for this chapter, but I didn't. Bad Lore... Hermione smiled as Viktor washed dishes the Muggle way, getting most of his shirt and trousers wet in the process. Simple, but still so cute. He accepts to do this simple things for her just because he knows about her parents being Muggles and all that. You know I loved that part with the kiss in the swing, I was squeeing like a mad fan-girl when you first showed it to me. It was sweet, romantic and he was a perfect gentleman, first when he asked if he could kiss her and later when he refused to touch her until things were settled between them. He was very clever with the way he managed things. Ron was finally treating her better. *Snort* He fancied her and wanted her to be his girl… sort of. He hadn’t made any declarations, but it was obvious that he assumed her to be his. That was very presumptuous from Ron if you ask me. Sometimes I feel he takes things for granted and that he doesn't have to make an effort fot her since she's his, and if she easily forgets about Lavender it will be worst. I wish that if Rowling decides to keep them together, at least Hermione gives Ron a lesson, and makes things difficult for him.“Thanks, Mum,” Hermione said, feeling as if things were clearer to her suddenly. I liked so much the conversation between Hermione and her mom because usually her parents are simply ignored. Well, Hermione seems to do that a bit in the books also... However, she's just a teen, and she needs to talk to her mother as much as any other girl her age. Being with Ron seemed to be what everyone expected: Harry and the Weasleys anyway. Too much had happened between them, what with the things he’d done and said to her. I kept on murmuring 'on bloody time' when I read that part. I really, really hope canon Hermione thinks the same, at least to treat Ron the way I told you before. “Thinking of you being in danger… I do not like it,” he admitted. “Vhat if I fail you?” Awww, that melted my heart, his need to protect her and not fail her. He's a keeper, definitely, and if Hermione dumps him at some point I'd certainly give him love. In that instant, Hermione realized that she’d made the best decision of her life when she’d decided to choose Viktor. It felt even better that she’d done so before seeing Ron revert back to his immature behavior. I cheered like the fan-girl I am when I read that part. You know my reasons well enough. Wasn’t it about time they explored a little more? Shouldn’t she show him what she was feeling? Shouldn’t she allow him to do the same? But of course it is. As I have already told you I know you will do it sweet and perfect for her, so it will be fine. She's about to turn eighteen, so I guess she's ready, and to be honest, she hasn't stopped to have feelings for him. I love this fic so much, I'll just copy it and paste it in book seven in order to make it canon for me. Thanks for writing it, Sun.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
LOL. It's great that you liked it so much. Thank you, doll. I'm so happy that you did.
"Shouldn’t she show him what she was feeling? Shouldn’t she allow him to do the same?"
Hell yes she should! With all due respect to your busy RL, remember your following, Sun, your fans!!!!!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
LOL Thank you
OOOoooo hooo hooooo !!! Right , RONALD, it's rather late for that! That's so .. male, isn't it. It's like dogs peeing on fire hydrants! Interested to see what Viktor vill do in retaliation! The gloves are off - let the battle begin!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Grin. Naughty, naughty
Arrgggghhhh.... c'mon Sun, don't DO this to us ! Ve are not amused! 
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Ve luff Viktor, don't ve?
Poor Viktor indeed, being so far apart and not able to do anything to change things. Love your story, Sun, and vill do my best not to steal Viktor away ... yet!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
You're a doll, you know.
*Vill consider taking him away from Hermy-own-ninny!!!* That most romantic evening and broomride !!!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Thank you! :)
I haff to agree with Cocoachristy in that Hermy-own-ninny certainly had every right to feel special, and more so because Viktor was the one pursuing her! With Ron being so ... vat iz vord ... oblivious to her interest in him, it's only right that she should feel alive at Viktor's attentions! ;o)
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
:) Thank you!
Vell, eye think that Viktor has been quite the gentleman! Smart boy to take it slow!
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Vu are right! :)
I'm so glad that she's chosen Viktor, he's so romantic. I wonder what their mission is? Looking forward to the next chapter.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
I wouldn't have it any other way (in this story anyway lol).
Sounds like the next chapter is going to be pretty interesting. Or at least the part when they get back to Hermione's home. I don't blame her I'd be grining like a fool too and I wouldn't be suprised if Harry lets Vitya in on the whole "treasure hunt" thing. Can't wait for more!Brit
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
Teehee! Thanks for reading.
You know, I don't feel sorry for Ron, not even for five seconds. He messed up his chances with Hermione, and now he's paying his mistake. I think that when feelings are broken in that way you can just go and put the pieces together to feel the same again. Ron. She turned around to see him gazing at them through narrowed eyes. I couldn't refrain myself from thinking about the look he gives Harry in GoF when his name is out of the goblet. He looked rather nasty IMO. I bet that's the same look he gave Viktor and Hermione. She’d thought it was to make her jealous at first, which had worked, but then, she thought that maybe he simply liked what Lavender did for him. I agree completely, he kept his relationship with Lavender for a very long time. And sneaking in empty classrooms, I bet they even had a good grope. More than ever, Hermione wished that she’d carried on a bit more with Viktor. More than ever? Does that mean she had wished it before? Interesting... He was too far away to be serious competition, but if he visited her, she would see that Weasley was not for her. On bloody time, Viktor. I really hope to see this happening in canon. When Hermione gazed at Viktor, she saw the amusement in his eyes. Always a gentleman my sweet Viktor, he would have never reacted the way Ron did, even when the Weasel kissed Hermione in front of him. Well, it's just that Viktor is not a teen anymore, he's already a man, and a very confident one I might add. Gorgeous chapter, hon. I'm sorry it took me too long for writing the review, but you know I read it only minutes after it was posted. As I've already told you, from this point everything is fair game, no canon to bother with. I'm waiting so much for the next ones.
Response from Southern_Witch_69 (Author of Distance Between Us)
~sends hugs and kisses~ :)