A Year Abroad (Hermione/Viktor)

Life Changes

It was only a week away from Bulgaria's first friendly of the season. They were playing against Japan, who in the few years they had been taking Quidditch seriously, had improved leaps and bounds. The boys had been working hard, in order to ensure a win against Japan. Thankfully, the rain had eased off, making training far easier for the boys.

Hermione had been working hard as well. Her hands were sore from all of the glass she had blown, but she had a long list of happy, satisfied customers and an even longer list of witches and wizards waiting for Hermione's services. It was overwhelming, the amount of attention she was receiving for her artwork. But Hermione knew that without hard work, she could have never gotten to where she was.

Seamus had become an even better friend to Hermione, accompanying her to her visits with Draco. He had never mentioned anything romantic again and Hermione was glad of this. She could not handle the guilt she felt when he said such things. Draco, seemed to be recovering. He was out of bed and using magic here and there. This was encouraging to Hermione.

They sat together one day. In McGonagall's living room, drinking tea and speaking of Quidditch.
"Is Viktor ready for the big game against Japan?" Draco asked. He had been following the Quidditch in the paper.
"Yes, I think so. The boys have been training him so hard I can't imagine him not being prepared." Hermione smiled and sipped on her tea.
"I think Potter is bringing around his projector so we can watch it." Both Seamus and Hermione went silent and looked at one another.
"Who?" Hermione asked, wondering if she had heard correctly.
"Potter, Harry Potter. He has been visiting me a few times a week. It's nice. I never thought he liked me, but he's been coming for the last few weeks. It's great to have someone from Hogwarts, to gossip with. Not that you guys aren't great." He began mumbling.
"We understand." Seamus smiled down at Draco, bringing an end to the mumbling.
"It's great that you are spending more time with Harry." Hermione nodded.

When she got home, Hermione thought about the Harry situation. She guessed he had received her letter and gone to Draco, which she was glad about. But there was something rude about taking a person's advice and not telling them. She had asked him to go and see Draco and he had, why was that not enough? She didn't know. But something didn't sit right with Hermione about it all.

Viktor had asked Hermione to come to the game that weekend. He felt he always played better when she was there, maybe it was because he wanted to impress her, he wasn't sure. He hadn't told her, but earlier that week, Slaven had asked Viktor to graduate from Durmstrang, without going to the Tri Wizard Tournament and play full-time for Bulgaria. Viktor didn't know how to feel. He had always dreamed of winning the tournament, but playing for his country, and being paid to do it. He was unsure he could turn that offer down. He wanted to honour his school and his family, but he was unsure which would honour them more. He was confused, and there was only one person he could ask.

Andon hadn't expected a visit from his son. But when he opened the door to Viktor, he was delighted to see his boy.
"Come in, come in." He ushered him in. Ada was out for the evening with friends, so Viktor and Andon had the house to themselves. Andon could tell that his son was in pain. His face was tight and his eyes lifeless.
"What have you come to speak to me about, son?" He asked and Viktor told him the situation.
"My son, the lead seeker for Bulgaria? I couldn't think of a better to way for you to honour our family son." Andon swelled with pride.
"But Father, what about the Triwizard Tournament?" Viktor asked.
"For me, I think they are in two different leagues. You win the tournament, you are the best young wizard in Europe. You become the lead seeker for Bulgaria, you are one of the best quidditch players in the world!" Andon exclaimed and Viktor knew his Father was right.
"I agree with you, Father. But what about Her-my-knee?" He asked, looking down at his hands.
"What about her?" His Father asked.
"I will have to leave her. She will be alone at Durmstrang without me." That wasn't strictly true, she had Seamus, but still one friend is not enough.
"Son, if she loves you, she will want what is best for you. You will make it work." Andon bat his son on the back.
"It is your decision, but you know how I feel. I will not tell your Mother about this, but think carefully before you make your decision, Son." Viktor left having made his decision. His Father was right. If Hermione loved him, she would support him in this.