Valerie Krum sat on the floor in front of vanity, combing through her dirty blonde locks, before braiding it, letting it sweep over her left shoulder. Looking to her right, the clock above her study desk ticked over to 1 am.
Sighing, Valerie left the confines of her bedroom on the second floor of the Krum Manor and began her journey through the many corridors to the kitchen in search of a simple glass over water.
Yes, she could've called for a House Elf, but Valerie had never called for the use of one before, why start now? It wasn't the fact that she was one of those few people who were fighting for House Elf Rights, no, she just hated them all together. As she had been raised to like the Pure Blood she was.
Her feet lightly padding across the marble floor, she came to a halt outside one of the many living rooms in the manor, sighing at the sight in front of her. Her Mother was seated in one of the antique chairs, elegantly as ever.
Her face was slightly shadowed due to the only light in the room coming from the large fire place on the far wall. And although it was dark, it didn't take a genius to know her Mother was upset, and at a closer glance, Valerie could make out the tear stains trailing down her slightly wrinkled cheeks. Valerie knew the cause of her Mothers sadness; Valerie's Father.
Ivan Krum was a very, enthusiastic follower of the Dark Lord, along side of his closest companion, Igor Karkaroff, Valerie's twin brothers Head Master.
Her twin, Viktor, had been going to Durmstrang Institute for the past 6 years, and while Valerie and her brother were very close growing up, she only got to see him during break, if he decided to come home, which was a 50/50 chance.
Valerie had asked, time and time again, to both her Mother and Father why she couldn't go to wizarding school, and she always got the same answer. She had to learn the proper ways of a Pure Blood Woman.
Her Mother and herself were more or less the only occupants of the Manor, her brother attending school and her Father away on Business.
Vibrant green flames breaking from the fire place broke Valerie from her thoughts, quickly ducking back into the hallway out of sight, Valerie strained her ears to here the conversation between her Mother and whose voice soon recognised as her Fathers.
"Husband!" Valerie's Mother's cried, "Where have you been? I thought you weren't doing any missions tonight! I've been worried sick! Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?!" Her Mother questioned, her voice raising in pitch.
"Settle down, Katerina." Her Father soothed her Mother, his thick Bulgarian accent filled the room, "I have a feeling you will be pleased with what I have done." The confident and prideful tone of Ivan's voice boasted.
"What did the Dark Lord order of you?" Her Mother questioned quietly, so quiet that Valerie almost didn't hear it at all.
"Ah.." The self pride was evident in his voice, "I believe I have arranged a marriage for our young Valerie." Ivan answered.
Valerie froze.
"With whom?" Valerie's Mother inquired, all sadness replaced with a sudden happiness.
Valerie tensed waiting for the answer before her Father's voice was heard.
"The young Malfoy heir, Draco."