Embellished Aims

It was dark. Yes...it was always dark. That's how these types of situations always began.

He could see nothing but darkness, when suddenly light pervaded his senses, forcing him to squeeze his clenched eyes until they resembled nothing but a fine line. He was trying to block the light, free his mortal soul from its tortuous effect...yet, it was only light. It was like his one and only true kryptonite trying to pry itself into his spirit, feeding until he could not withstand it any longer.

Remarkably, the rays started to try to communicate...now this boggled him. They called his name into the pits of his being, trying to bring him forth...what were their motives? Why did this light want him above? Hands reached down, trying to pull him up towards the source but, alas not succeeding. He couldn't remember being a victim to this type of peril before...what was stopping him from pushing through the liquid until he reached surface?

It started to become clear...the thought taking shape in his mind. He tried shouting the words, but bubbles just wafted up, releasing whatever air he had left. Unfortunately it was too late; he could not reach the surface in time to survive his set-fate of drowning. Oxygen was vitally needed and his brain ached for it, yet not being fulfilled. The water engulfed his lungs and filled him completely until he sank softly to the bottom with a light thud.

Above the murky lake, Hermione Granger collapses onto herself and let's free of all her bottled-up emotions.

"Neville...," she sobbed. This was impossible, Neville isn't dead.

She held herself completely responsible, well actually, irresponsible, for the untimely death of her good-natured friend and classmate, Neville Longbottom.

This, interestingly enough, wasn't her fault. No. Not...in...the...least. I'm responsible for killing Neville. Now, now, now...I had a good enough reason to do it. Really, I did. Some folks might try and say, why? Why him? Why not that Potter kid or even that tall, red-headed one? Well, my good people, I'll answer all of your painful and throbbing questions eventually. But right now, hear my story, my side, my reason.

Let us head back to September of Neville's 4^th year. I had just met Hermione because my school was invited down to the fabulous Hogwarts for an exciting opportunity and event that hadn't occurred in years. The legendary Tri-Wizard Tournament. Now myself, I hadn't a second guess of who was to be the symbol of Durmstrang...it was most obvious that I would be the lucky one to represent my school. Somehow I knew that Karkaroff would be doing some fancy work to be certain I was to be the one competing. No doubt, I was the 1^st name to be gracefully spewed from the sparks, proving that I should come in first...in everything. I remember that proud moment...I stood up, shoulders back, chest out, looking like a champion as I strode into the side chamber. I slouched back onto the mantelpiece, looking arrogantly nonchalant, a unique style no one else could pull off.

Then she glided in, that veela girl from Beaux...beaux...what was the name of that school anyways!? It was like some tongue twister...oh right, yes it is Beauxbatons. Merlin, that's hard to say.

Just as she floated down into her seat silently, the hero of Hogwarts marched in. He seemed like an actual challenge, not just with his soft, good looks, but I was sure I would come in first in the long run. We waited for that Bagman guy to start instructing us, but suddenly as this puny, pre-pubescent, nerd, couldn't have been older than 13, shuffles in along with some other authorities.

I was baffled...I mean, what was this pre-teen doing in here? I had nothing against him; I thought maybe he was going to give a message to us. Turns out he's the 4^th champion, 2^nd of Hogwarts. This has never happened before and even more mind-churning, is that he is only 14. How come he was able to make it over the age line? Somehow he did, and this bound him to the competition, making it impossible for him not to compete.

Wait...oh...I knew who that little kid was! I couldn't believe I didn't realize it earlier...that's Harry Potter, the lucky kid who managed to get away from You-Know-Who with just a little scar. I never imagined I would ever get the chance to meet him. All of my pre-conceived notions of the boy vanished. I couldn't wait until I could finally speak to him.

Turns out, all of my fellow champions were quite good people and as the tournament rolled on by, I got better acquainted with the Hogwarts students. Not so much the French, I couldn't understand them, plus they were a little stuck up for my tastes. I did have the chance to talk to Harry and found many similar interests between us. We mainly discussed Quidditch of course. I also had the, I guess you could say, pleasure of seeing a young talented person putting the effort into a sport. He was fantastic on the broom during the first task. The only thing that warms my heart is seeing a new face glorious in Quidditch.

Anyways, a few days after the first task, I spotted her. Breath caught in my throat as my eyes slowly trailed her walking towards me. I puffed out my chest, one-of-a-kind tactics at work. Seconds after I put my special brand of magic on the job, it usually gets the girl hooked. She'll gape and scramble towards me while frantically searching through her purse for a quill. Imagine my shock when this young beauty just ambled past me. How dare she threaten my pride! My unfailing charm! I wasn't going to let this girl out of my sight.

So, I researched her. I followed her carefully in my spare time, asked awe-struck fans of mine who she was, how old, about her. I needed to know what was so spectacular about this girl that caught my eye. After learning adequate bits and pieces about her, me being the blasé lad I am, planned out a foolproof way to meet her finally. I snuck into the library unseen, astounding really, I would have thought some silly girls who hadn't seen me earlier would have stampeded me to the floor demanding autographs. Lucky me, I found safe ground leaning against a bookshelf near her study area. I plucked out a book, opened it up for me to "read" and slid into a chair across from her. Heart pounding and palms sweating, lines to break the ice paced through my mind when--

"Hello."

I looked around quickly, seeking out the worthy recipient of her attention when I realized I was the lucky one.

"Uh...'ello," I grunted. I hated the way I talked with my voice so low and gravelly; it was barely audible to the human ear.

She managed to stifle a cheery giggle behind her hand. I was bewildered, had I already ruined my chances? What did I do wrong? Is it my hair? I regained my composure and braced myself. She answered all my questions in one in return.

Smiling, she whispered, "I was wondering, why are you reading up on, er, kneazle menstruation?"

Oh no. I didn't...I couldn't have...

How come I didn't look at the title of the book I snatched? I would have saved my sorry hide of embarrassment soon to come. A surge of confidence swept over me when I put down the old book and looked into her eyes. She thankfully took over, obviously realizing my anxiety; respect shone in her eyes and reflected into me. Like a ripple of calming tenderness that filled my body. Must have been the best feeling I had ever experienced.

Her gentle voice flowed, "You know, I thought you were brilliant last week."

The slight corners of my mouth curved up into a small smile.

She offered her petite hand to me. Erratically, I reached out and took a firm hold and shook with her.

She released her grip, "Hermione Granger," and looked up to me.

What? She doesn't know who I am?

"I'm--"

"I know who you are," her eyes twinkled.

A little blush rushed to my jagged cheeks. I guess she was just looking into my face. Opening my mouth, I tried to think of some way to talk to her. Here I was, opportunity eyeing me inquiringly, and I couldn't think of anything to discuss. It finally came to me.

"So...vat book are you reading?" I asked.

So it wasn't a great start, but it was something, wasn't it? You must give me credit for that, from what I've seen, this girl is one book-lover.

She delicately placed a bookmark on her page and laid the volume down, "I'm reading Quidditch through the Ages. Two friends of mine love it, and well, I never quite understood the subject that entirely well so I decided to read about it. Perhaps you could help me understand a bit more?"

This was more than I was asking for. I couldn't believe how fortunate I was. Being the seeker for Bulgaria, I knew everything about the sport and was the youngest seeker to be in professional Quidditch for years. She must have realized my excitement.

"So you'll help me?" She smiled at me.

I couldn't say no to that face. I didn't want to either.

I leaned in whispering, "Of course I'll help you."

I started about the history of Quidditch, how it was invented and where the name came from. She listened eagerly, hanging on my every word, which was more than I could have hoped for. Slowly, I explained the basics on playing. I knew she understood the basics but she didn't stop me and continued to take note patiently.

"There are four balls and seven players on each team, vith two teams," I started. "One Quaffle, the big red one, vich is used to score goals in the three hoops at each end. The chasers deal vith the Quaffle, passing and throwing it to one another in order to earn points. The two bludgers are enchanted to fly around, trying to knock everyone off their brooms. Two beaters vith bats hit the bludgers to send them away from their teammates. Finally the snitch vich is the seeker's job; it is very tiny and golden and flies around quickly. The seeker has to find the snitch and catch it before the other team's seeker does."

"Oh...alright, it makes loads more sense now that someone actually explained it to me. Thank you so much."

If she's realized my playful arrogance by now, she's doing a great job at hiding it. I smiled but then it hit me. Now we had nothing else to talk about. How could I have been so gullible? My chances with even becoming friends with this masterpiece had reluctantly waved and flown away. I had to stop it. I must at least become an acquaintance, if all. I never met anyone quite like her. She genuinely was interested in what I had to say and responded like a normal human. Everyone I have met in my life didn't give a damn about my life, what I say, just that I catch the bloody snitch before the other guy does. That makes everyone happy. Everyone but me...this is why I need to talk to her some more. I have been neglected of a real person to talk to for 5 years, at least.

"What about you?" she asked. Excuse me...what was she saying? Did I miss something? Thoughts of mine must have overshadowed whatever she was saying previously. Erm...

"I'm so sorry, vat did you say?"

She chuckled, "Oh, it's quite alright. I was just asking if what book is your favorite."

I must do something witty and cute. That's definitely how I could charm this one. I grinned and said, "The Kneazle Menstruation Cycle." Oh and it worked.

She looked at me, gaping and started laughing delightfully. I joined in her mirth heartily and thought in my head, there's a chance for me.

I was brought back to life when she said, "So Viktor, I have to go now. It was nice meeting you. See you around school, I suppose?"

I stuttered and tried again, "Alright, Hermy-own. Goodbye."

She got up taking the book with her and left me in the dust. Oh I'll be sure to see you around, Hermione. I smacked my head. Couldn't believe that I mispronounced her name; Merlin, can't I just say it correctly with her? I can say it right in my mind.

Well that day went on...and then the hours passed...then eventually it was the next day, Wednesday. That day merged into the next...and the next...and the next. But that didn't matter. I hadn't crossed her path since that morning. And worse, Christmas holidays were coming up...and if I didn't talk to her before then, hope would be lost.

My prayers were obviously answered as I noticed the chestnut-haired girl walk up to me. Oh there's no mirror nearby! I hope I look good...

"Hello Viktor," she politely greeted me.

I wringed my hands in nervous habit while replying, "'Ello, Hermy-own."

She seemed to brush off my lack of good pronunciation and voice quality which made me feel much better.

She blushed slightly and continued, "We...get to go to Hogsmeade this weekend. I was, er, wondering if you'd like to go with me. We could go to this really nice place called the Three Broomsticks..." I hadn't heard the rest of what she said. I was too in reverie.

Hermione noticed my shock and quickly said, "Well, I guess if you don't want to go, that's ok." She started off towards the grounds, or somewhere. I didn't know, I just needed to stop her; this was what I was waiting for.

"No!" I grabbed her arm which caused her to stop. She turned around slowly and looked into my eyes.

I smirked and said, "I'll go vith you."

Her eyes lit up and made me feel like the damn luckiest man on the planet.

I woke up the next day and rushed into the bathroom. I needed to look perfectly posh for her today. Sloppily locking the door, I catch my breath and glance at the mirror in front of me. I squeeze some of my Sleekeazy's Hair Gel into my palms and rub them vigorously. I look intensely into my gray eyes while running my fingers greasy with the gel through my mop of brown hair. Brushed my teeth about 4 times and ran out of the room into my dorm where I changed into regular robes and clothing. While forcing my shoulders back, I marched out of the ship and onto the grounds.

I strode off towards the entrance hall, which is where we planned to meet. After opening the door, I brushed past many into the Great Hall. Haphazardly shoving food into my mouth is not normal for me but, hey, I wanted to finish quickly. The sooner I finished, the quicker I'd find her, and the sooner that happened, the earlier I would be on our date. I still can't believe I was blessed enough to be going to Hogsmeade with the smartest, most wonderful witch ever. Using a spoon as a make-shift mirror, I used my finger to pick out any bits of food - hey, it's disgusting, but would you want to be out with someone you liked, knowing you may have food wedged in between teeth? Anyways, as I was saying, I then got up and walked to the door but I didn't even make it that far.

Hermione said to me, "Hello Viktor. How are you?"

"I am fine...you?" I tried to make my voice sound as normal but nothing would work, would it?

She continued, "I'm doing well also. So...I have to go see Harry and Ron, but meet me out there -" she pointed left, "in a few minutes."

Nodding, I walked in that direction and waited. No sooner had my attention drifted to a group of students flying outside, when I felt a small hand on my arm. I turned around to find Hermione smiling up at me. She opened her mouth and spoke.

"Let's go, shall we?"