The stadium was filling up fast, but the crowds had allowed one couple to reach the top box without a delay. Harry Potter was still able to command respect, even years after the defeat of Voldemort.
Harry's wife, Ginny, had urged Harry to bring Hermione to the game because of who was playing for the other team. Ginny was now playing for England as a Chaser; she wanted Harry to bring Hermione because Viktor Krum was the Seeker for the Bulgarian team again. The Potters wanted to see if they could get their friend, Hermione, back with the one man who had never failed her.
Viktor had stopped playing Quidditch for several years while taking care of his parents who had been wounded during the war with Voldemort. This was his first game back, and his return had not been announced to the public.
Harry had not been in favour of the plan, but was desperate to reconnect Hermione and Viktor. He felt guilty for the way things had ended up years ago. Ron and Hermione had been dating after the war was over until the news came that Viktor had quit Quidditch. A chance remark by Ron to Harry had ended that relationship abruptly. Hermione had never forgiven Ron for his comments.
Ron's words were egotistical, bragging that Hermione had gotten better taste since their fourth year, she now preferred a better man than the Bulgarian. Hermione had overheard and screamed at Ron.
"What makes you think that you are the better man, Weasley? You have been trying to get me into your bed at every turn. I am so very glad I refused your advances. You aren't fit to wipe Viktor's boots. He was always a gentleman and never, ever conceited about anything. I am through with you, Ronald Weasley. Take your act back to Lavender, she still cares for you."
After that, Hermione had withdrawn into her work, not dating, not socializing. Harry and Ginny wanted Hermione to find a man she could love. They remembered how much Viktor had cared for her during the Triwizard Tournament and wanted to see if sparks would fly again.
When the game was beginning, Hermione finally realised that the Bulgarian Seeker was Viktor. She squeezed Harry's hand and smiled hugely at him. The game was completely unequal, the Bulgarians taking the lead early and winning in the first hour. Viktor had seen the Snitch and grabbed it, leaving the final score at four hundred thirty to seventy. He was flying the victory loop when he saw Hermione seated next to Harry. She was applauding and smiled shyly at him when he flew directly over the box.
He reached a hand down to her and pulled her up onto his broom before finishing the victory loop. The last Harry saw of the two of them, they were kissing just outside the locker room for the Bulgarians.
The announcement, less than a month later, that Bulgarian Seeker Viktor Krum had married war heroine Hermione Granger in a private ceremony, did not surprise the Potters at all.
DreamyDragon: England plays in the Quidditch World Cup Final. During the game two people meet unexpectedly. What happens?