Chapter 7
The next morning Hermione woke early, brushed her teeth, and fixed a cup of tea. The Daily Prophet was waiting on the coffee table, no doubt compliments of the house elf, so she picked it up and went out to the balcony to read. There was a large picture of Viktor Krum on the front smiling large as he put his arm around another man. As she read on it became apparent that this other man was his 'lover'. Hermione couldn't help but laugh out loud. She always knew Viktor was shy around women, but this was unexpected. She was glad he was happy. They had split right before school had started her fifth year, deciding it would be best to remain friends and owled each other quite often.
When she had finished there she went back inside to get ready for her first day of classes. Draco was waiting on the near couch when she emerged from her room. "G'morning Granger, I take it you've seen the Prophet, based on the laughter." She smiled and just shook her head.
"I didn't expect it. Not right now anyways. Though he did tell me he though he found his soul mate." Draco just smiled and started down the stairs to the portrait hole, and Hermione followed. He was waiting at the bottom and took her hand to help her down the final few steps. There was that feeling again! Like someone had sent a bolt of lightning through her body. The portrait slamming closed behind her brought her back to reality. The two shared some quiet stories about Viktor the rest of the way to the Great Hall.
The two split to go to their house tables, Hermione grinning like an idiot and laughing to herself. Ginny gave her a sideways look before laughing herself and holding up a copy of the same page of the Prophet.. "I knew he was either gay or stupid to give up a girl like you 'Mione!" The two girls giggled together over the redhead's words.
Just then the owl post arrived, and a tawny barn owl was headed right for the pair. It landed in the little bit of space between the Hermione and Ginny, a red and black envelope clutched in its beak. Hermione took the letter and gave the owl what was left of her toast. She recognized the handwriting on the envelope immediately. This was from Viktor. How convenient. As she broke the wax seal, glitter seemed to come out of nowhere, covering Hermione. Ginny started laughing, seeing as her friend's hair was now filled with shiny pieces of paper. Hermione read on, ignoring the cackling red head beside her.
Hermione,
I apologize that you had to hear about Michael through the media. To make up for it I am inviting you and whomever else you choose to bring to my estate over winter holidays so you can get to know him. He is truly a great man, and I know the two of you will like each other very much.
Love,
Viktor
P.S. The team has a match in Scotland three weeks from now, I have enclosed two tickets for you.
Hermione couldn't help but smile. It was so like him to do this. She could not wait to see him. "Wow 'Mione, he wants you to meet this guy. Must be something special!" Ginny was grinning ear to ear.
"Apparently so Gin, so would you like to see Bulgaria play Scotland in three weeks?" No time like the present to start making her plans.
"Is that even a question? Of course!" the two girls giggled as they finished their breakfast, and then went to start their first day of classes.
