Summary: Despite the fact that Viktor Krum no longer has a chance with Hermione, he still writes to her after the war to make sure he can maintain his friendship with her. To his surprise, she invites him to spend some time with her, and in the process, she accidentally manages to bring love into his life once again. Viktor/OC. Please R&R!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or its characters. I only own Rosalyn Hawthorne.

A/N: I haven't felt very brave about uploading this. I hope you enjoy it, and you would like me to continue it. Let's just say that I've wanted to write a Viktor/OC for a while, but I've never had the guts to. Please let me know what you think.

Happy reading!

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A Chance Encounter

Chapter One: A Surprise Invitation

Following the war against Voldemort, the lives of witches and wizards everywhere would never be the same again.

Finally, they were living in a Voldemort free world. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, among many others, were war heroes. The heroes of Hogwarts. Viktor Krum had read a lot about the trio who had helped defeat Lord Voldemort, and he knew how brave they really were from what he'd seen when he took part in the Triwizard tournament. Hermione was in a 'sort of' relationship with Ron Weasley, as he'd discovered at Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour's wedding. But while it had been disappointing to discover that, it had been nice to see her again, and as they were still writing to one another, his latest letter to her was ensuring that she was happy and safe. They'd stopped contact for several months while the aftermath of the war died down.

He'd come to terms with the fact that their romance in her fourth year had been and gone, and he'd been with another girl in between who couldn't compare to Hermione in kindness and cleverness. She'd also only seen his fame. Not the man he really was. Fame wasn't what people made it out to be. He didn't enjoy getting the attention he did, and he didn't like worrying that a woman would want him only for his fame and fortune.

As he slowly paced his panelled study, which was located in the large wing of his parents' house that had become his private apartment, he awaited the next reply from Hermione. They were, more often than not, almost immediate and very detailed. He missed her a lot so it was nice to hear from her so often. They were close friends though, and he'd reconciled to the fact that he couldn't have her, and he'd gotten over her in time.

The distant shrieking caused the Bulgarian seeker to lift his head, and he saw his new owl, Erik approaching with a letter in his beak. The snowy backdrop made his descent towards Viktor's window look incredibly beautiful, and he grinned as his newest pet landed on his perch, allowing Viktor to take the letter from him and feed him a treat. The handwriting made him smile. It was from Hermione.

Dear Viktor

It's been a difficult time for us all here, but we are safe and we are well. Unfortunately, Ron has lost his brother, Fred. It has come, of course, as a terrible shock, but I'm sure you've read or heard something about it because the media never know when to stop. Many people have been wounded and lost, but the three of us are okay. I hope to God that you and your family are also safe.

Ron, his brother George, myself and a friend are staying at a small cottage in Cornwall on the south coast of England this weekend, just to have a little break from it all. I would love to see you again, and I wondered if it would be possible for you to make the journey to join us. Perhaps by the floo network or apparition? Please let me know as soon as you can so I can give you more details. I hope that you're well and that things are okay in Bulgaria.

With love

Hermione.

Viktor smiled as he read the letter. The offer to spend time with her and her friends was too good to pass. He couldn't wait to begin his reply to her, and in his haste to do so he almost knocked poor Erik from his perch. Viktor sighed and steadied the owl, petting his head in apology. He really needed to stop being so excited about writing to his friend. He began to reply quickly, but found himself stuck after 'Dear Hermione'. It was a slow process but after a while he had a letter ready to send back.

Dear Hermione

I am glad to know that you are safe. It has been worrying me for a while. Send Ron my condolences, and I'll ensure to speak with him when I join you on Saturday. Thank you for such an invitation. It is very kind of you to ask me to join you. Please reply soon, I would love to spend the weekend with you and your friends. Here in Bulgaria, we are just relieved to be living a safer life. I hope to hear from you again soon.

With love

Viktor.

Viktor sealed the letter, deciding to send it when a very sleepy Erik had been given time to rest himself. The Bulgarian hated to overwork his pets with regards to his correspondence with Hermione. With them being so far apart it was a very long journey for his owl to take with his letters, and he always tried to give them as much rest as possible. Erik was very strong, he'd found, and messages were delivered and retrieved quickly which made it easier to keep up to date with what was happening on her side of the world.

The owl in question was now snuggled into himself and sleeping like a baby, so Viktor left him to his peace and quiet, and made his way across his lavish apartment to the main area of the house to find his parents. He'd grown more handsome over the years since he'd been to Hogwarts. His hair was slightly longer, darker and thicker. His stubble (which was something he'd always liked having) was darker and his body was more muscular and more manly. He had seen pictures of Hermione since her fourth year and she had grown into a gorgeous young woman. Funnily enough as he thought of this, that twinge he'd always felt in his chest at the thought of her belonging to another had gone.

"Ah, Viktor!"

Viktor turned at the sound of his father's voice, and remembered to speak in his mother tongue. He'd been practising his English to improve for the sake of Hermione when the two of them would visit each other occasionally, but he had found since the war grew worse, his English was slipping terribly.

"Father." He replied in Bulgarian, "I'm paying a visit to England this weekend to see my friend Hermione and some of her friends. Now that the war is over, I want to make sure she's alright."

"I see."

Viktor was the spitting image of his father. His father however had slightly lighter hair than him, but none the less, they were like two peas in a pod. Was that the correct expression? Viktor was certain he'd heard that from Hermione at least once or twice. The seeker wasn't aware of whether or not his father as alright with him travelling so far so soon after the war had ended, but when the voice of his mother Alba came from the corridor to the left of them, they were broken from their conversation.

"Viktor! What's this about England?" She asked, dark eyes sparkling with delight, "You're going to see Hermione?"

"Mother, you are aware that Hermione is with another man, aren't you?" Viktor asked as Alba wound an arm around him gently, "It is just a friendly weekend."

"Oh, I know that." She sad softly, "Have a good time. And don't you say no, Antoni."

She pointed a warning finger at her husband, and both Antoni and Viktor moved away from her slightly. She was a very fiery woman, from whom Viktor had inherited his determination and his fighting spirit. She wasn't one to back down, and Antoni recalled his attempts to court her during their youth and how she'd made him chase her for months on end. She was a woman of her own mind. Very independent, and very willing to speak her mind, no matter what the consequence. Viktor, thank goodness, knew when to hold his tongue. He had learned that from his father.

"I had no intention of telling the boy no." Antoni replied, raising his hand in surrender before gripping Viktor's shoulder, "He is an adult now. He can go where he likes with whom he likes. I might not enjoy the idea of him travelling alone after the war, but I'm sure he can take care of himself."

"Yes, contrary to popular belief, he is a bright boy." Alba said, earning a look of pure offence from her son.

"Popular belief?" He asked, watching the expression of horror cross his mother's features, "Look, Mama, it's irrelevant. I'll join you for dinner, I'll send my reply to Hermione, and I'll arrange everything with her. Yes?"

"Of course." Alba replied, watching him walk towards the dining room and following him with interest.

She was a little nosey sometimes but Viktor knew it was because she cared about him, and that she wanted to make sure he was safe. He'd always be her baby boy after all. His mother had always been very tentative despite her wild spark. His father had been the sterner of the two, but had always bowed to Alba's will. Viktor knew that Antoni didn't really fear Alba, but that he appeased her to show her he loved her. It was a strange logic, the seeker thought, but it worked for their family.

"So...Which of Hermione's friends are you spending the weekend with?" The witch asked as she smoothed out the front of her black dress, "Hermione, and...?"

"Her boyfriend...The Weasley boy." Viktor began, "Um...His older brother, George, and another friend. She didn't mention this other friend's name, though."

"I see." His mother said quietly, "Where in England will you be staying?"

"Just on the south coast." He answered, "Hermione has told me it's very beautiful."

His mother smiled and pressed a soft kiss to his head. She knew he'd enjoy being with friends away from home. She had a feeling her son would come back changed, and she wasn't one to shrug off a hunch because usually she was right about whatever her gut feeling was. She shared one more smile with her boy before heading to the kitchens to let the house elves know that Viktor would be joining them for dinner.

"He'll be here any minute, Ronald!" Hermione exclaimed, pulling the covers from her boyfriend's body, "Get dressed!"

Ron, who had been snoring away in the cosy double bed he was sharing with Hermione, curled up on himself as the cold of the morning hit his legs and arms. He fumbled around for the covers that Hermione held away from the bed, causing him to open his eyes to look for them.

"Come on, Hermione..." He breathed, "It's not like he's anyone special."

"He's a guest here and we promised to be ready!" She scolded him, "Get up."

When she headed out of the room, he pulled a face behind her back like a petulant child before stretching to wake himself up, dragging himself with a struggle from the mattress to start looking for his clothes. He heard his girl scolding George for putting his feet on the table, missing the traditional joint response he would've heard if Fred were still alive. He hoped Hermione had told Viktor about that.

Downstairs, George was roped into arranging the flowers on the small table, while Hermione busied herself fluffing up the cushions on the couch and in the arm chair. She hurried upstairs to double check that Viktor's bed was neat, and that the room was clean and tidy. She passed Ron on the landing who was heading for a shower, giving him a glare before rushing back down the stairs, almost losing her footing at the bottom.

She jumped as a loud pop signalled the arrival of Viktor, who gazed at George and Hermione, smiling at them both. She gave him a soft smile, realising he was covered in soot.

"I travel by powder to London and apparate here." He told her, noticing the way she studied his clothes, "How are you, Hermione?"

She smiled as he said her name perfectly with no trouble. They both knew there was no need for formalities, and they shared a warm, friendly hug, while George shot the Bulgarian a hearty smile, shaking his hand firmly.

"George..." He said quietly, giving the solo Weasley twin a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry for your loss."

George, who felt a little choked up by that, nodded and patted Viktor's shoulder in recognition and thanks for his words. He turned away and headed to make some tea while putting on a brave face, leaving Viktor and Hermione alone with Viktor's luggage. The witch waved her wand and it all vanished out of sight. Viktor knew it would be waiting for him in his room, unpacked.

"Where is Ron?" He asked, "I haff not heard or seen him yet."

"Ah...Ronald overslept." Hermione replied, letting out a soft chuckle, "He's just in the shower. He shouldn't be very long, though."

Viktor nodded and smiled at his friend, both he and Hermione looking towards the door as it opened, revealing a brunette with the most gorgeous deep blue eyes Viktor had ever seen. Just the sparkle in them caught his attention immediately, but the colour was like nothing he'd ever seen before. He studied the shoulder length locks that just curled at the ends, the small nose and the plump lips that belonged to the new arrival. Her porcelain skin was hidden beneath a dark blue jumper and lighter blue jeans. Her small toes poked out from the bottom of the jeans, making Viktor realise she was barefoot. Her toenails were painted a pretty shade of pink, and she wiggled them as they made contact with the wooden floor.

"Sorry I'm late..." She said softly, her voice sweet as honey, "I found a little bird on the steps leading up to the house...It died, unfortunately..."

Hermione bit her lip at the sad look on the girl's face, which was quickly replaced by a small grin. She moved towards the Bulgarian seeker, holding out her hand for him to shake. Viktor was expecting a request for an autograph or something, but she surprised him when she simply smiled at him.

"Hi...My name's Rosalyn Hawthorne." She said softly, taking his hand.

"Viktor Krum." He replied with a smile, losing himself for a second in those eyes before letting her hand go.

"Why don't I let George show you where your bedroom is?" Hermione said quickly, making Viktor a little suspicious as she called for George, "Rosalyn and I will make the drinks. Tea, Viktor?"

"Thank you." He said quietly, allowing George to lead him away.

He cast a glance at Rosalyn from the stairs, watching Hermione take her into her arms and rub her back soothingly. He watched the exchange for a moment, hearing Hermione whispering soft assurances to her. He realised when Rosalyn pulled back looking mortified that she was upset over the bird that had died outside.

Ron and Hermione walked hand in hand down the beach that afternoon. George was teasing Ron about his new hat, and therefore chasing them as they tried to walk in peace. Winter was cold on the south coast, but not as cold as Bulgaria, which meant that everyone was wrapped up. Viktor, however, only wore a thin jacket on top of his clean jumper. He walked along side Rosalyn who rubbed her hands together in order to warm them. He studied her pretty face, and he realised he hadn't been able to stop looking at her all day. An hour earlier, they'd had lunch, which had been cheese on toast and tea. The perfect meal for a winter afternoon. And then the group had decided to take a walk on the beach below.

"So...Vhat happened to George and Ron's brother?" Viktor asked, "I am not sure if it is good idea to ask."

Rosalyn shook her head and stopped the Bulgarian in his tracks, thankfully not catching the attention of the others.

"George in particular is heartbroken still. All of that family are." She explained softly, "It's best not to talk about him in front of them. As for what happened to Fred...I'm not entirely sure. I believe it was the killing curse."

"Ah..." Viktor nodded in understanding and the pair continued to walk, "This place is very beautiful. Not as cold as home, though."

"It is beautiful. Almost deserted in the winter months, but very busy in the summer. It's a lovely place to come and think." Rosalyn said, smiling at the seeker gently, "It has lots of history."

"Tell me about your history with Hermione..." Viktor began, "Forgive me, but I do not remember your face from Hogvarts."

He was pleased that his English was coming out so well. He didn't like to make mistakes and he had been practising to make sure his pronunciation was a lot better than it had been a few years back.

"Hermione and I would sometimes study in the library together. We would talk late at night sometimes...She's been there for me through a lot." Rosalyn said, looking to the floor as they continued to walk.

Viktor took in the darkness that crossed over her features suddenly and he bit his lip. He recognised that hurt on her face. He felt guilty for making her think of bad memories again, but the dark look was suddenly replaced by a bright smile as Hermione beckoned them over to join them closer to the water.

That night, Viktor had offered to help Hermione make the dinner, and as George and Ron decided to join one another in teasing Rosalyn about her small hands, he wanted to talk to Hermione about the girl who'd suddenly captured his attention so quickly.

"She has some...How you say..." He stopped for a moment to think of the correct term, "Emotional baggage?"

They were speaking in hushed voices to prevent Rosalyn from hearing them. It wasn't malicious, of course. Hermione hadn't realised that this trip would bring Viktor the possibility of love again, but it had, so she wanted to help. He was her friend and she wanted him to be happy, as she wanted Rosalyn to be happy.

"Yes...She was in a rather...well..." Hermione began, struggling to find the right words, "Volatile relationship at Hogwarts...With a Slytherin."

Viktor nodded softly and listened to Hermione, using his wand to mix up the gravy that sat on the kitchen top. He cast a glance at the young woman who was hitting the older Weasley with a cushion to shut him up, and he had to fight back a grin at the sight.

"Since then, she has had nothing but heartbreak. And with the war bringing on more stress...She's had just as much to deal with as anyone else." Hermione told him, "She was tortured. Twice."

Viktor's head snapped around towards Hermione's direction. He couldn't believe what she'd just said. It made him angry. The news that anyone had been tortured made him angry. It reaped up the same feelings he'd had when he knew Hermione had been tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange.

Hermione gave him a knowing look and put a gentle hand on his arm, squeezing it softly in reassurance. She smiled at him gently and leaned a little closer to whisper into his ear. Her words made him grin like a child on Christmas morning.

"By the way...She can barely take her eyes off of you."

-TBC-

Hope you enjoyed!

Thanks for reading so far!

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