Blood for Blood, the Return of Viktor Krum

A Measure Stick For Lunatics.

The Return of Viktor Krum. Chapter Three.

Hermione awoke and found herself, lying on a dirty floor. She was very drowsy and ached all over. She slowly sat up and tried to gather her thoughts but found it a formidable task. However, she did start to get a grip. Thoughts floated back to her very tired mind. Nevertheless, long hours spent in the library made her go beyond normal limits when she needed to concentrate on something. Viktor Krum had kidnapped her and brought her to this place. She tried to process everything that had happened, but after awhile she was so emotionally stretched she just fell back in a heap.

As time moved on, a latch on a big door slowly opened with a creepy noise. Hermione braced herself. She looked for something to defend herself. There was nothing available. The door began to open and this brought her terror. She desperately tried to summon her courage and face whoever or whatever was entering.

He stood looking at her with contempt. He then smiled. His grin was malicious and his teeth as best she could see were somewhat yellow. His body language projected delight of having power over her. He closed the door as slowly as he opened it. When the door was closed he ran his finger from the top to the bottom of the door, showing her there was no way out. He turned toward her and she was now able to get better view of him. Although, it was obvious he was human he had the features of a creature. The most outstanding feature of this creature was his tongue. Hermione did not want to look at it, but she couldn't stop her effort. She thought that Hagrid would have loved to have it. It was enormous and as he moved toward her with measured steps he swished his tongue across his teeth.

As he was moving closer the door opened again. A regal looking man stood looking at them. The man with the big tongue turned slowly and then shook. "What are you up to Julsrude?" He nervously replied that he was only looking in on the young miss. The regal man looked over his shoulder and announced he would attend the miss and told Julsrude to get out. Julsrude quickly left. Although the regal looking man was an improvement on the terrible tongue, Hermione sensed something sinister about him. Although, she could not put her finger on it, there was something evil about him. He walked to her and introduced himself. His name was Paris Krum, Viktor Krum's father.

Hermione said nothing. He gave her a smile that made her crawl inside. He lightly laughed and asked her if she was hungry? She slowly nodded yes. He turned about and said he would have something brought to her by Julsrude. He went to the door and before leaving smiled again and told her that his son had good taste. He opened the door and left. Hermione was alone with her thoughts until the door opened and Julsrude entered with a tray. He moved toward her and set the tray down and then went to a corner and produced a table and two chairs. Hermione saw the two chairs and was frightened to think that he might eat with her. He then reached for the tray and placed it on the table. He also put two cups on the table, with silverware. There was toast and marmalade and a large quantity of eggs and bacon. Hermione noticed there was nothing to drink. Moments later Paris Krum reentered holding a bottle of what looked like wine and two glasses. He walked to the table and placed the drink on to it. He sat down on one of the chairs, making no effort to help her up to the tiny feast. He motioned for her to come and occupy the other chair. Hermione wanted to resist, but she was so very hungry. She moved towards the table and sat down on the chair. She tried to bully her brain to command her body to stop shaking, but she could not. He poured her a glass of wine. She did not want it, one because she did not drink alcohol and two she was afraid it would make her even more tired. Being too tired she would not be able to defend herself against her keepers should they try something against her.

He pointed at the food and told her to eat to her full. She hesitated, but then grabbed for the food and ate ravenously. She did not care what Paris Krum thought of her table manners. She had a husband who had no table manners. Paris Krum joined in and ate very slowly and seemed to enjoy the eating show before him. She grasped the glass of wine and gulped it. When she finally finished the gorging she felt full, but somewhat sick. She fought the desire to vomit. She folded her arms over her chest and said nothing. She felt wafts of cold air drifting through the placeand searching about she noticed the cool air came through the bared windows. She shivered. Paris Krum remarked that she looked chilly. She told him no defiantly. He gave a slight laugh, knowing she was lying. He pulled back his chair and told her he was glad she enjoyed her dinner. He started for the door when she asked him to wait. He slowly turned toward her and asked her what she wanted. She asked him if she could have a blanket. He remained silent for a small amount of time. He then said no, that she had informed him that she was not cold. He again moved and then stopped once more. He looked at her and told her if she needed to go to the bathroom, there were plenty of places to go. He also told her that he and Viktor would enjoy teaching her many things. He informed her that the lessons would begin in the morning. He said she should get a good rest. He reached for the door, opened it and closed it. Hermione trembled violently, placed her face in her hands and cried.