AN: Important message at the end of this depressingly short chapter! Be sure to read! :3

… And I still don't own any of this shit. I'm only playing with JKR's brain children.

Chapter 5

Feeding Frenzy

I came to consciousness slowly. The bed seemed extra fluffy, extra warm, making it very difficult for me to find the motivation to get up. I snuggled deeper beneath the covers, telling myself I'd get up in just five more minutes.

The first hint that something wasn't right was the shift of the covers and a weight sliding over my waist. Next thing I know, I'm being snuggled by a particularly large male.

The morning calm was shattered by my scream.

Both of us jumped out of the bed at the same time. While I curled up in the corner clutching the sheet to my chest, the man leaped to his feet and assumed a defensive stance, prepared for a fight.

"What the hell are you doing in the girl's dorm!"

The man, Viktor now that I recognized him, turned to me wearing a look of confusion. "Mila? Vat you mean girl dorm? You are in my room."

Upon further inspection, I realized that I was not in my dorm room in the Gryffindor tower. First, there was only one queen bed. Not four twins. Second, the walls were made of varnished wood, not gray stone. And third, I could see a private bathroom through a partially closed door. The only rooms that had private bathrooms in them were the teachers rooms and the Head Boy and Girl, though I hear they had to share one.

One thing was for certain: I was in Viktor's territory. The question is how I moved from the Gryffindor tower to the Durmstrang ship, a ship that had no boats to take me to it without getting wet and then maneuvering the unfamiliar halls to Viktor's room, without getting caught by a patrol?

The second door flew open and there stood High Master Karkaroff and a few of his students. Comeran was peeking around Karkaroff's intimidating form with little success. His eyes widened when he spotted me.

"Vat iz going on in here?!" Karkaroff's dark gaze landed on me and shot to Viktor, narrowing in disdain. "How did you get girl in your room? You know the rules!"

Viktor didn't look nearly as flustered as he should have been, but his tense shoulders revealed his unease. "I do not know, High Master. I vake up to Mila's scream. I have not a idea how she got here."

Karkaroff went off on a tangent then, and a well rehearsed one if the irritated response of the students was to be believed. While the High Master ranted about traditions, slipping into his native tongue, I began pondering just how I ended up in Viktor's room. I wasn't wet so I couldn't have slept-swam to the ship. Even if I did, there was nothing for me to climb my way to the deck. Flying was definitely out. Besides, how could I have known where to go? I've never been on a ship before and I wouldn't have known where to go. Just how in the hell did I end up here?

The flare of my Star Ball coming to life against Viktor's skin provided the answer.

If the quick glances Viktor was shooting at me was anything to go by, I think I have discovered how I moved from my bed to his undetected.

I climbed to my feet, wrapping the sheet around me. "I think I know what's going on here, but I want to be sure. Viktor, when I give the word, I want you… think of whatever you were thinking of last night about me." I walked around the bed and the glowering Karkaroff in favor of walking down the hall. The sea of curious males parted to make way for me. I stopped only when the hall did, stealing a glance out the circular window to the dark skies. I could barely see the outline of the castle against the starry backdrop. Turning to face the Durmstrang students, I shouted for Viktor. "Okay, Viktor! I want you to touch the… charm I gave you and think of me. Preferably of whatever you were thinking of last night!"

Before I could even finish my sentence, I was overtaken by a wave of warmth and the feeling of weightlessness. The comforting heat only lasted for a few seconds. When the air cooled and gravity reclaimed me, I was back inside the room standing directly in front of the man that called me.

"Oh no."

Viktor was palming the orb hanging between his impressive pectorials with a grin. "I zee no downside."

Karkaroff shook off his shock and addressed me. His english was much better now that he wasn't shouting. "I have never heard of zat spell. Iz it a Port Key?"

Merlin's toenails! How am I going to explain my Star Ball's abilities without revealing what it is and what that makes me? "It's a… charm I made myself, sir. It was honestly only supposed to be a spell that would alert me if Viktor needed me and lead me to him. To make it a little easier to serve my debt to him. I guess it turned more into a kind of Port, but much less jarring and nausea-inducing. I guess I wasn't specific enough or put too much energy into the orb for it to transport me from the tower to Viktor's side."

"Hm." Karkaroff eyed Viktor's fist holding the ball. "Impressive how you made a Port Key vithout trying. I'll excuse your breach of da ship if it iz debt business. Have Viktor escort you back to ze castle. This ship has many traps for ze unwary intruder."

Karkaroff left us then, shutting the door and cutting off us off from the other boys. Viktor beamed at me, but I was much less perky. "Well, Viktor, I guess it's a good thing we figured this out now and not later, say, during a test. Now this may be fantastic for you, but you must take into consideration my schedule. I don't know how sensitive that… charm is, so it might be that you even having a passing thought about me could bring me to your side. Though I don't want you to take off my Sta… the charm I gave you, that means you will have to study and memorize my schedule and avoid thinking of me during our classes. And while you bathing."

Viktor nodded in understanding. "I vill do my best, but you are very… mem… mem-or-a-ble person. You come to my thoughts every now and zen."

My face heated in flustered embarrassment and I turned away to hide my blush from him. From his subdued chuckles, I knew I had failed. Still, I couldn't bring myself to berate him as I would have done to Harry, Ron, or anyone else that saw me in such an undignified manner. I don't think he'll be spreading it around anyway.

VHK

The excited chatter of students had me waking from my morning nap, peeking through my many tails to watch them close in on the 'classroom'. Apparently, waking up in another person's bed and then hiking back to my dorm is very draining, hence the mid-morning nap. My dreams were haunted by condescending Ministry workers and sneering reporters, making for a rather unfulfilling nap. Compared to the rest of my night, sleeping with Viktor was much better.

A thrill I couldn't name shot through me at the thought of sleeping next to Viktor. I recalled how nice it was to cuddle up next to him and how it felt to be held. Shocked at my indecent thoughts, I tried to shake it off and stretched my stiff muscles. Why should Viktor's cuddly sleep habits matter to me? They don't. Not at all. The only thing about him that concerns me is his physical, mental, emotional stability and safety. Everything else was trivial. I barely know him. I owe him a life debt and once it has been satisfied, Viktor and I will go our separate ways without ever speaking again. He'll eventually forget me in favor of his career as I will forget him.

The stutter of my heart begged to differ when I spotted his face among the crowd. The warm, light feeling in my chest chilled and sunk to my stomach as I spotted a group of beautiful Beauxbatons and Hogwarts girls giggling around him. One brunette bimbo, dressed in the blue silk of the french magic school, brushed her impressive bust against his arm. It made me want to do bad things to the shameless slag. My seething hatred for the irritating tart morphed into smug satisfaction when he scowled and pulled away. He gave Hagrid a look of profound relief when he called class into session.

"Hello hello! Welcome ter Care of Magical Creatures. I am Professor Hagrid. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask." A hand shot up. "Yes, miss…?"

Some harlot that batted her lashes at Viktor stepped forward, a little look-alike sticking to her side like glue. Much too young to be taking seventh year classes. "Delacour, Messier Ha-greed. Is it true zat you have a Kitsune?" Her voice was light and airy. Nearly all masculine, and even a few feminine, eyes were on her and hung to each syllable that fell from her lips like a waterfall. It was disgusting to watch.

Hagrid heaved a sigh. "I guess keepin' her a secret was too much ter ask. Yes, we will be studyin' Kitsunes this week! Ember has volunteered ter stand in class as an honored guest. I highly sa'gest you treat her like one. Set a poor boy's robes on fire yesterday. Come on out, Ember! Don't be shy!"

I exited my hiding place in the bushes with my head held high. Delacour may have my human form beat in the looks department, but my animal form is gorgeous. I am a powerful witch any man would be lucky to have. At least that's what I told myself. Because I am. Though it doesn't matter. It's not like I care what anyone thinks. It certainly wasn't Viktor's gaze of awe that had me fanning my tails. Nope. I am simply enjoying the admiration of my peers. Merlin knows all of it will disappear when my secret is outed. I'll just enjoy this good attention while it lasts.

The little girl by Delacour's side was squealing and thrashing her hands as if fanning a really hot bite of food in her mouth. She began firing off french words in such a rapid pace that even her french-speaking companions couldn't understand her. Seeing as french was my second language, being a conversationalist at best, I hadn't a chance of translating the girl's nonsense. It eventually slowed and turned into french garble I could somewhat understand as gentle beckoning. I spared her a single glance and sat back on my haunches, curling my tails around my legs. Hagrid silenced the class easily compared to yesterday and started asking questions.

We were only five minutes in when Viktor finally made the connection.

He had pulled my Star Ball out and started stroking it. I felt every rub against my skin as if he were touching my fur. After a while, he jerked his hand back wearing a bashful expression on his face. He had looked around and grew confused with every second that passed. I assumed he had been thinking of me and was waiting for me to appear. When I hadn't, according to him, he had grown worried.

A part of me wasn't surprised. No matter how talented, no matter how good he may be, there is no way a national quidditch team would allow a student with less than exemplary grades to play on their team. And even if it was good publicity, a man like Karkaroff wouldn't let one of his students play in the big leagues unless Krum was an upstanding pupil. At least he shouldn't. I hope he wouldn't. That's just asking for trouble and a lot of bad press.

Of course, a Hufflepuff had to bring up the topic of Star Balls. It wasn't until Hagrid described the orbs and their appearance that Viktor realized what he wore around his neck. A gentle probe, a soft call of my name alerted me that he had me figured out. My head shot towards him so fast my neck cracked. He watched me with a shrewdness not many their age, or even older, had. A passing thought pertaining to Durmstrang's curriculum had me pondering if maybe the masculine students were taught observational skills equivalent to that of Aurors. As a first year, I became curious of the other magical schools and read up on them. I remember a passage from one of the pitifully few books in the Hogwart's library stating that many Durmstrang graduates were highly skilled duelists and warriors. The Bulgarian Ministry of Magic supposedly had the highest number of decorated Aurors than any other hands down.

"Come here." His lips barely moved as he whispered his command. Even if I wanted to deny him, I couldn't stop myself from getting up and padding towards him. I weaved around his kneeling form and took a perverse amount of pleasure in his gentle strokes on my back. "Hello, Mila."

I let out a soft chirp in response.

"Might wanna be careful dere, Mr. Krum! Ember can get o' bit snappy."

Viktor's lips curled in a small grin and continued giving me the petting a lifetime. "No. Dis girl iz too sweet."

"Ah, you say that now. Jus' wait 'til she gets annoyed."

Viktor's only response was to add a second, talented hand to scratch my lower jaw and throat. I had been reduced from a powerful creature of Japanese legend to a purring mass of furry happiness.

My ears flicked and focused on the sound of approaching footsteps. Gentle purrs turned into a savage growl that made Delacour's mini clone stumble to a halt. The original pulled her back, glaring daggers into my skin.

Another caress of my neck shut me up quick. "Stop. You are okay. I vill not let anyzing happen to you."

That doesn't change the fact that I don't want to be touched. It's too weird! He started petting me again. But you are the exception. Stars above! I love his hands!

I passed the rest of the class in Viktor's lap, reveling in his wonderful attention and barking at anyone who got too close. The French girls kept their distance while those from Hogwarts and Durmstrang were more curious. Viktor's friends managed to get in quick pats and pulling away before I could snap at them. The only female amongst the men was allowed to pat my head. I still didn't want her hand any lower than that. Viktor I liked, though. That and I owed him a life debt after all. He can pet me all he likes. It's not like he's hurting me or anything. He's only stroking my bare skin covered only by tan fur_ He gently pinched the nape of my neck. Oh, that's nice.

The test of the day was uneventful and I was finally released for dinner. I was about to join Harry when I felt fingers run along my skin. My head snapped sideways to see Viktor waving me over. I have Harry an apologetic smile and continued down the aisle to join Krum. The men greeted me warmly, shielding me from and returning Slytherin's glares with their own darker versions. The glaring soon ceased.

"Mila! Vhy did you not say you vere Kitsune?"

I shrugged and eyed the foreign dishes laid out on the table. "I wanted to keep it secret. There's never been a magical Animagus form before, at least not since the commencement of records, and I didn't want to be crowded. I'm already a record breaker and holder of an Order of Merlin and that fame is starting to die down. I didn't want to bring more attention on myself."

If anyone would understand, Viktor would as a professional Quidditch player. From the look on his face, he did. "Ah. Zen you have nozing to vear vrom me. I vill keep secret until dying breathe. I take it to grave."

"Thank you." I let Viktor help load my plate and half listened as he said the names and explained what and how each was made. Though it all looked less than appetizing, the food was delicious if a little strange. I specially liked the garash cake. The earthy undertone of walnut was paired perfectly with the creamy chocolate frosting. Dimitri had demanded another Patronus display, and I complied. I was able to hold it without collapsing this time, but I did drop the spell after showing I was proficient. I even helped a few others. Some, like Viktor, had managed to get misty shields. Most of them were only capable of creating wispy lights. With my help, two had a nearly corporeal Patronus. Viktor's Patronus resembled a german shepard. Comeran's took the shape of an orca. The others would get there, but they needed memories of true happiness.

We ended the day with a run and Viktor escorted me back to the castle. He was seemed contemplative, fingering my Star Ball and all but driving me crazy with his silence. He stopped us before the front doors. "Mila?"

"Something on your mind, Viktor?"

He kept rubbing the orb between the enchanted wire. "I zink I know how you can pay off debt. At least to start off."

I leaned against the wall, trying to hide my apprehension. "What do you need?"

Viktor caught and held my gaze. "I vant you to teach me how to be Animagus."

What? "Me? I only just achieved my second form. I don't think I'm the right person to ask. If anyone, you should be asking Professor McGonagall. She's a Transfiguration Master and has been an Animagus for many decades."

Viktor shook his head. "I don't vant McGonagall. I vant you to teach me. Give me chance to see more ov your fox."

"Viktor, I really…" A cat Patronus darted through the air, curled around me, and settled in mid air as if perching on a chair. Minerva's voice stated that the Ministry representatives have arrived and to join them in her office. The cat faded away, leaving me and Viktor in silence. "Alright. I'll teach you the steps to becoming an Animagus. Who knows, maybe you'll be german shepard like your Patronus. Then we can run around together and you can watch me set fire to annoying peoples' robes."

His grin was bright. "Sounds like good time. I look forward to learning vrom you."

I bowed deeply and encouraged him to return to his ship before making way to McGonagall's office. When I got there, Minerva and a strange man were waiting for me. He was thin and wiry and had lush, honey brown hair that fell past his shoulders and gentle waves. If I had met him before my hair had turned from a frizzy bird's nest to shiny curls, I would have automatically hated him and his perfect hair. As it was, I offered him a kind smile. My father, a retired soldier desk jockey for the british Navy, always told me that a sweet smile and go-getter attitude could get you far in the government. He said that no matter what asshole you were dealing with, you had to grin and bear it and never give an attitude. People talk and it's best not to give them anything to talk about.

The man got to his feet and offered a hand. "Good evening, Miss Granger. My name is Leo DeVroye. I'm here to ask you a few questions and confirm your Animagus form and its appearance so we may have it on record."

"It's nice to meet you." I shook his hand the way I was taught, firmly and with confidence. We all took our seats and the interview began. We talked about how long the process took, why it took so long, debated if the events of the last two years may have affected the Transfiguration at all, and if I knew I would be a Kitsune before I changed for the first time. He also wanted to know if I may have had or done something in my childhood that may have caused me to have a magical Animagus form. Besides a trip to Japan when I was probably six, I couldn't think of anything that could have affected me so dramatically. The interview ended with me changing in front of Leo and being poked and prodded and viewed from every possible angle.

He left with a broad smile across his face and a solemn vow that my Animagus form would remain unsaid. I would still be in the registry of course, but one would have to be looking to find me.

Alrighty, my beloved readers. I have been doing a lot of thinking over the past months and I've got a some news for y'all.

Firstly, I got a job over the summer at a pizza place. It's annoying as hell as everyone and their aunt Fanny's are overcome by the desire to call and order all day Friday and there are an endless number of assholes who call or come in ten minutes before closing and order something nice and messy and complicated. If you do this, I'm not that sorry to inform you that you are, in fact, a dick. Stop it.

Secondly, nieces and a nephew from the eldest sister have moved in with us. Not fun.

Thirdly, college begins bright and early Monday morning. 8:30 in the morning to be exact. Aren't I lucky?

And finally, now that I have a steady paycheck, it's time I join a gym and get my lazy butt into gear and do some damn running. I used to be in such great shape. And now my body is like… pleh.

Taking all this into consideration, I have come to a conclusion:

I will be setting all my stories on the back burner. All except one.

Why you ask? Simple. I have way too many stories going on, too many plots swirling in my head, and I need to take one and go with it. I know I am capable of finishing a story. I've done so before, even if the endings kinda sucked, but I can still finish these plots! And to do that, I'll need to narrow my focus down to one storyline.

And you all will choose which one.

I love my readers. The feedback I get from you guys really brightens my day and encourages me to write more. I just need to do so one story at a time.

I have a poll up on my profile for you all to choose which story you want to see completed first. There are a few on there that are more recent that I find really interesting and would love pursuing. To get you all as excited about them as I am, I'll be posting the first chapters or prologues as soon as they're completed for you all to get a feel for them. They will hopefully be up by the end of the month. Hopefully.

Final note: I have thought about Hermione in this story, really thought about her strengths and weaknesses, and I've agreed with most of my fans that she isn't perfect. You all haven't seen it yet but Hermione will have flaws. Hell, she already does. Considering her powers though, their will be weaknesses and flaws in her abilities. While cool and incredibly powerful, there will be ways around them. Have any of you seen "Breaking the Magician's Code"? Sure, those magic tricks may seem amazing the first time around, but it stops being so impressive once you know how they did it. Some of Hermione's abilities will be like that. Powerful and intimidating, until you figure out how it works. Once you know how something works, you can work around it. Blood sucking parasi… I mean lawyers do it all the time. They know the law and they work around it.

So while Hermione may seem flawless now, we are only a few chapters in and haven't really done anything yet. It's only just begun.

That's all I've got to say for now. I hope you enjoyed this short, short chapter.

SPN :3