A Year Abroad (Hermione/Viktor)

Graduation

The year was dwindling down and Hermione felt a sadness at the fact she would be leaving Durmstrang. She had not felt much sadness when she had left Hogwarts, not for the building, anyway. But the Durmstrang building, the castle, it played scene to so many moments in her life, so many memories that she would treasure.

Seamus, on the other hand, couldn't wait to be done with his education. He wanted to get to the owls at the ministry, he wanted to live in England again, he wanted to find a girlfriend and maybe even settle down. What he really wanted was to get into a situation that might last a little while.

Chigvintsev felt the sadness from the final year students. He had some boys going onto further study, some going to play quidditch all over the world, and some going into more regular jobs. But, Hermione was the one he was most proud of. She was going to leave with a business and further her study. He wanted to give her something, honour her with something in the school, for being the first female to ever really make the most of the school.

He sat and thought for a long while and then he decided that he should donate the glass blowing studio to her. He would call it the "Granger Hall" and she would be remembered by all who learnt the physical arts there.

But there needed to be something more, something that was going to make a difference. He wondered why girls had never been allowed at the school before, and he knew it was because people thought it was too tough for them. But, Hermione had proven that women had just as much of a place at Durmstrang as the men did.

Graduation rolled around quicker than anyone had imagined. Chigvintsev had invited a large number of professors from Hogwarts, and Hermione and Seamus had fleshed out the audience with their friends from Hogwarts. The press lingered, not only for the graduation, but also because Viktor Krum was promised to appear, and why shouldn't he? With his wife to be graduating.

Jane had never been so proud in her life when she saw Hermione in her Durmstrang colours, up on the stage.
"Now, one student in particular has shone brighter than any other this year. They have come from a foreign land, started a business, and won us the TriWizard tournament." Chigvintsev announced.
"Hermione, please come up here." He asked her, and Hermione felt her tears welling in her eyes before she even got to the podium.
"You have done more than any student that I have ever seen. You have survived such tragedies, and still you have achieved so much." He told her, looking down at her with such love that no one could miss it.

There was a moment of silence, before Chigvintsev continued.
"Miss Hermione Granger has shown the wit and talent of our witches. So, commencing this year, Durmstrang will not only be accepting our finest wizards, but also our finest witches!" He announced and the room exploded in applause. Not everyone was happy, but Hermione couldn't believe it, she felt her hand come to her mouth, as she shook her head.
"Are you serious?" She asked Chigvintsev quietly.
"Yes." He nodded and she pulled him into an embrace.

Viktor had mixed feelings about the announcement. He was proud of Hermione, and she had proven that witches could do anything. But Durmstrang was an all boys school, and there seemed something a little sad about it losing that tradition. But, he knew what was best, so he kept his mouth shut on the matter.

Hermione had spent the afternoon hugging people from Hogwarts, promising to see them more often, when she started her Mediwitch training. And then there was the deeply sad farewell to Seamus. They had spent almost every day together for two years and they both cried a little as they embraced.
"We can't let this be the end, promise?" Hermione asked him and he chuckled.
"You think I would let you go that easy? You idiot." He shook his head and she laughed.

Viktor's family took Hermione out to dinner after her graduation. She brought her Mum, Chigvintsev and Luna, so she could be with Mladden. They sat at a fancy restaurant and toasted her success. She smiled and blushed as Viktor kissed her on the cheek and congratulated her.

It was not long before wedding talks began at the table.
"Mother, we will start when we are ready." Viktor told his mother, seeing panic in Hermione's face. She sighed and pouted, but accepted the decision.
"So, I guess you two will be living in Vratsa now then, in Viktor's place?" Jane asked and Hermione looked to him, as he squeezed her hand.
"Actually, I thought that ve might find somevhere in England, just vhile she does her training. I can apparate to vork." He told Jane and Hermione looked to him with pure shock on her face.
"Viktor, you can't move to England." Ada told him.
"Of course he can, he can get an apparation permit for work. He will be fine. And it is only for a year." Andon told his wife and she sighed and shook her head.
"But I think we should get married before then, really start our lives together." Hermione announced and it was Viktor now, who was shocked. Ada perked up at that, and began speaking of how quickly everything would have to be done.

Hermione tried to listen to everyone. But she was just so happy that Viktor had suggested they move to England for a little while. She would have never suggested it. But, he knew her better than anyone, and he knew that she did not like to apparate all the time. She kissed him on the cheek and he told her that they would begin looking soon, for places. The room was so filled with love, so filled with joy that Hermione could not help but smile so wide that she thought she looked rather silly. A thought that was confirmed when she saw a magazine the next day, with her silly grin plastered on the front cover. But she didn't care. She was so happy she thought she might burst!