A/N: Here's another chapter as promised. Enjoy!

Chapter 10: Off to Bulgaria

"Thanks again guys for coming with me," Hermione said gratefully to Harry and Ron as she packed a t-shirt. But are you both sure you can take off work? I mean, I don't know how long it'll take to find Oliver."

"Don't worry Hermione. We took care of everything," Harry assured her.

"We're going and that's final!" Ron declared as he zipped his new muggle backpack and tossed it over his stomach making himself appear to be…well, pregnant. Ron still hadn't gotten the hang of muggle items.

Harry burst out laughing, while Hermione found herself cracking a grin. "What? What's so funny?" Ron asked, confused, as he glanced about the room trying to find the reason for his friends' laughter.

"Your backpack is ---nothing," Harry answered, realizing that his answer would lead to an endless series of questions from Ron.

"Okay, is everyone ready?" Hermione asked.

"Ready," the guys answered.

"I've been doing some light research and I think the best place in Bulgaria to apparate to would be—" Hermione began in her lighthearted know-it-all voice that the boys remembered from their days at Hogwarts.

"Um…Hermione," Ron began timidly, "I can't apparate."

Harry and Hermione looked curiously at Ron. "What do you mean, you can't apparate Ron?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, I mean all sixth years have to pass that apparating exam in order to graduate," Harry added.

"Well, I mean I know how to apparate. It's just that I got into a bit of….trouble during the last time I apparated, so the Ministry has put me on three month's probation," Ron answered uneasily.

"What did you-" Harry began, but thought better of it. "Never mind. I probably don't want to know," Harry said as he noticed Ron was blushing.

Hermione sighed. "All right then. I guess we'll have to fly there."

Ron scratched his head quizzically. "But Hermione, we don't have wings."

Harry shook his head with exasperation, while Hermione just sighed again. "Honestly, Ron, you never cease to amaze me."

Ron beamed as if this were a compliment.

"We best be going. We'll have to get to the airport early and hope there are still some seats available," Harry said as he glanced at his watch.

Hermione nodded. "All right everyone. Grab your luggage and let's be off then."

Once they had arrived in Bulgaria, the trio took a cab and went to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Ron ordered one of everything on the menu, which left many Bulgarians in shock.

Hermione picked at her food, completely lost in thought. Her mind was racing as she tried to think of how she was going to find Oliver. Harry and surprisingly, Ron, noticed this and patted her back comfortingly. Hermione smiled weakly at her friends, grateful that she had their support.

"Herm-oh-ninny!"

Startled by that familiar voice the trio turned around and saw none other than Viktor Krum, Hermione's first boyfriend and a famous Quidditch player for Bulgaria.

Viktor ran over to Hermione and scooped her up in his arms, twirling her about before setting her down. Viktor shook hands with Harry, who was fairly amiable. Viktor then turned his attention to Ron. Ron's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "So we meet again…Vicky," Ron said in an overly dramatic voice.

Hermione shot Ron a look. "Ron…"

Ron sighed as he reluctantly shook Krum's hand. "Good to see you again, Krum," Ron mumbled.

"It's vonderful to see you too, Ron," Krum replied, oblivious to Ron's animosity. His attention was focused on Hermione who had grown even more beautiful since the last time he had seen her. Hermione smiled nervously underneath his gaze, unsure of what to say.

Noticing the tension in the air and Hermione's nervousness Harry decided to change the subject. "So, Krum how is Quidditch going for you?" Harry asked lamely.

Hermione shot Harry a look of gratitude. "It has been going vell except today during the match against Scotland. Oliver Vood never showed up, so Puddlemere had to forgo the match."

This peaked the trio's interest. "Do you know why he disappeared Viktor?" Hermione asked eagerly.

Viktor shook his head. "I am sorry Herm-oh-ninny. I do not. In fact, I 'ave never even seen him before the game."

Hermione's face dropped. Ron mumbled something to Harry about Krum being useless, which earned him a nudge in the ribs.

"Herm-oh-ninny! Are those tears in your eyes?" Viktor asked vith alarm.

Hermione nodded, unable to speak. Ron threw his arms over her, patting her back comfortingly. Harry pulled Hermione's hair away from her tear-soaked face and wiped her eyes with a tissue. "Shh…Everything will be all right Hermione. Calm down," Harry whispered soothingly.

Ron glared at Viktor as Hermione continued to sob. "You see what you've done? You've gotten her all upset!"

Harry shot Ron a look. "Ron, you know very well it's not Krum's fault."

Ron sighed with defeat. "You're right Harry. Krum, I'm sorry. The reason why Hermione is crying is that Wood is her husband and now he's missing. The bloody auror won't help us, so we're completely on our own."

Viktor nodded solemnly. "Then I am truly very sorry Herm-oh-ninny for your missing husband. If you three vill allow it, it vill be my pleasure to help you in your quest to find Vood."

Hermione smiled gratefully at Viktor. She hugged him and kissed Viktor on the cheek. "Thank you, Viktor. You've never let me down."

Viktor kissed Hermione's hand. "And I von't start now. I promise."

"Thank you Viktor. This…means a lot to me," Hermione replied.

"Anything for you, my dear Herm-oh-ninny. Come. Ve must find this Oliver Vood."

A/N: Thanks to all of my terrific reviewers:

Longtimefan-firsttimewriter: I'm glad you're enjoying the story! I'm sure your story will turn out great. Let me know when you post it!

Aznquidditchchick: The villain actually becomes a lot more cruel later on in the story. You'll see what I mean very soon.

Lia06: Hehehe…Sorry, the identity of the captor won't be revealed until the very end of the story. Yes, I know I'm evil, but that's the way the story unfolds.

Keira: Thanks for your review!