A Year Abroad (Hermione/Viktor)

New Year

Hermione was in shock when she awoke on boxing day. Everything had changed so much. Her Mother had returned, which she had never truly expected to happen, and when she looked down at her left hand, she blushed. She didn't know how to feel about it all. She was blissfully happy that Viktor had asked her, and that she had said yes. But, she was so young and she feared the judgement of others. But she was a free witch, and if she wanted to get engaged young, she could. Her Mum approved of it, and that was all that mattered to her at the moment.

Viktor awoke refreshed. He and Hermione had slept in separate beds that night. He missed her, but enjoyed the extra space. He still couldn't quite believe that she had agreed to marry him at some point in the future, he had always thought that she might have been against such an institution, but alas, she had been so excited when he asked her, it couldn't have gone better. But he still worried, still feared. His team mates were all bachelors, and he feared what they would say. She was so young and he worried that people would disapprove of making such a choice so young. He also didn't want anyone thinking that Hermione had accepted him because of who he was. He had no idea about her finances, but he was sure she was worth just as much as him, which made any point about money irrelevant.

Mladen felt rather left behind. Viktor was always rushing ahead of him in life. He had started playing quidditch on the senior team at the same time and had played for his country many times, while Mladen never made the team and was forced to become a coach. It paid well, but it had never impressed his parents like Viktor had. His engagement to Hermione hurt. It seemed that the eldest son should marry first, have children first, and that cold all still happen. But Viktor had gotten engaged first, and he would always have that. Mladen sighed, he was happy for both of them. But some part of him envied their happiness.

Things were not well back in England. Luna had received an owl from Bulgaria. Ivan had told her that he had rekindled his love with his childhood sweetheart and that he would not be returning to Hogwarts. She was devastated. Luna had never put too much thought into romance, but Ivan's interest in her had awakened some part of her who enjoyed male attention. She tried to talk to her Father about it, but he told her that she did not need a man. No help at all. So she owled Hermione. She was good with men, especially the Bulgarian variety, and she had been invited to the Krum New Year's party, so she could talk to her then.

Hermione sat with Viktor whilst she read the letter. He rubbed her legs as she read.
"Oh, how awful. Ivan has completely brushed off Luna as if she was the dust on his shoe." She shook her head and Viktor sighed, remembering his old school friend with the blonde girl.
"He vas never serious about her. He alvays have a girl back in Bulgaria." He told Hermione and she sat, open mouthed.
"And you knew this?" She asked. Viktor felt his face blush and his arms stop moving on her legs.
"It vas not my place to say." He mumbled, looking down.
"Do you think that this is okay?" She asked, hurt.
"Are you going to get a girl in Bulgaria when you are sick of me?" She asked, smiling up at him mischievously. He grinned back at her, pulling her onto his lap, causing her to cry out.
"Get a girl, you say. Silly, silly girl." He tickled her and kissed her and Hermione was truly blissful in that moment as she cried out with laughter.

Jane watched them as she walked past.
"They seem happy." Chigvintsev noted, stood behind her.
"Yes, I think so. She has chosen well." She smiled, walking along side Sergei.
"You vill have to vatch him play." He smiled down at her.
"Yes, I have never watched a game of quidditch." She told him. He was shocked for a moment, then remembered she was a muggle and was not surprised anymore.
"So Hermione makes glass?" She asked, wanting to learn a bit more about her daughter's new life.
"Yes, she enchants it to mold and glow in a specific vay. It is a rare talent." He smiled down at her as she beamed proudly.
"It vas good rehab, after-" Sergei could not bring himself to finish the sentence.
"Was it really that bad?" She asked him honestly and he cast his eyes to the ground.
"It is the vorst var ve ever had. For a child to play such a vital role, is extraordinary." He told her and felt herself tear up.