A Year Abroad (Hermione/Viktor)

Support

Hermione felt guilty, groaning at the rising sun. If she was honest with herself, she did not want this day to come. It had been a long while since she had wished to cancel a plan, but she knew she could not. Draco needed her.

Viktor had been up and working out for almost an hour before Hermione had woken. He had an important day ahead of him, his first day of training with the Bulgaria team. He was nervous, but he didn't want to burden Hermione with his issues when he knew how much was going on in her life. She had left when he returned from his run and part of him was happy for this. It meant that he would not have to put on a fake face and smile. He would be glad to see Hermione later. But, for now, he hoped that her day was not too difficult and focused on himself and getting ready.

McGonagall knew that Hermione had been standing outside the house for fifteen minutes. She had spotted her stood, looking down at her hands, whilst she made breakfast. She wasn't going to rush the girl, but if it got to thirty minutes she would go out and ask what was wrong.

Hermione knew what was wrong, she didn't know what she was going to say to Draco. She was going to apologise that she could not take him in herself, but what past then? She had never been in this situation before, she didn't know how to handle what was going on. So, she stood, and contemplated her options.

Thirty minutes had gone by and Minerva sighed, opened her door, and looked down at the terrified girl. It was a few moments before Hermione looked back up at her, but when she did, McGonagall saw the confusion and anxiety on the girl's face. She took a few steps to meet her and placed her arm around Hermione's shoulder.
"Come in and we'll have a bite to eat before anything." She told her and led her into her home.

Hermione had never been in Professor McGonagall's home before. It had never been her place to do so. It was sweet and small, perfect for a woman living on her own. They sat around the old table with worn oak chairs that had seated many people, it seemed. Minerva made Hermione some toast, with gooseberry jam and placed it in front of her, with a glass of apple juice.

Hermione didn't say anything. She just sipped her juice and nibbled on her toast.
"You know, you don't have to say anything to him." McGonagall reassured Hermione, as if she had read her mind.
"Of course I do." Hermione replied with a sigh.
"No, you don't. He is very talkative and I am sure he will be willing to take the conversation and lead you." Minerva stated. Hermione thought for a moment, then nodded silently.
"Good. When you've finished your toast and juice, we will go up and see him. Once again, Hermione nodded and slowed down on her sips.

Viktor had only ever been at Bulgaria's training grounds a handful of times. When he had been drafted to play in charity games, he had trained there for a day or two before the game. He adored the place. It was old and used. The stone and wood had seen generation after generation pass through, each leaving their mark.

Hugo Slaven, the leading coach of the team had met Viktor at the doors, as he had promised. He could tell the young man was nervous, so he took him to his office before meeting the team.
"Do you know what I thought when I first saw you play, Krum?" He asked and Viktor could not think what Slaven had thought.
"No, Sir."
"I wondered who in Merlin's name is casting on this boy, to make him so good." Viktor felt the blood drain from his face.
"I honestly thought someone was helping you. There was no way that anyone your age was going to be that talented. But then I came to another game, and another and you proved me wrong." Viktor felt himself blush slightly and he looked down at his hands.
"Thank you, coach." He smiled.
"Don't let the boys intimidate you, they admire you, trust me. But they will be distant to start off with, but that's just because you are new." Viktor nodded and prepared himself to meet the team.