Viktor Disapparated us to the edge of Sozopol, where we spent the day exploring the ancient city and the museums. We ate at a small cafe near the harbour.
"You are quiet, love. Has there been too much for you to absorb these last few days?"
"No, Viktor, I was just thinking how different things will seem when we go back to Hogwarts. I am going to have to go back to sharing a room with two of your most ardent fangirls. Thankfully, Ginny threatened them with her special Bat Bogey Hex, if they tormented me about you. They got the point after she hexed Malfoy, when he was being particularly annoying. I don't think I can go back to being just a schoolgirl. Too much has happened."
"You must go back to school. Harry will need you to guide him. You have already been trusted by both your Head of House and the Headmaster when they gave you the Time Turner last year. They recognised the maturity you possess. Your thirst for knowledge gives you an edge over the girls in your year. You may well be a Prefect next year, with added responsibilities and duties."
"When we get back to school, I want you to meet Remus Lupin. He may be able to assist us in figuring out who put Harry's name into the Goblet. He was our defence teacher last year and helped Harry quite a bit."
"Your Headmaster has asked for a meeting with Karkaroff and me next week. I do not doubt it will be to discuss you and this Tournament. There is so much we have not discovered. And Dumbledore seems so unconcerned. It is as if he wanted to put Harry in danger. Do you think he could have put Harry's name in the Goblet?" Viktor was back to worrying about everyone, except himself.
"Remember what Karkaroff said, Viktor, that Dumbledore personifies deviousness. It could very well be that Dumbledore put it in there. But I don't think he did, he was as shocked as the rest of us. He could have stopped the Tournament, couldn't he?"
"This will get us nowhere, love. We must wait until we get back. Come with me. I want to go back to that jewellery shop and buy you that Black Sea amber parure. And you will help me pick out a present for Yaya, won't you?"
"You are spoiling me, Viktor. When we go back to the house I want to talk to Yaya about Genea. There must be a way to set her free. I will research it when I have access to the school library. You are upset that Yaya told us she is dying, aren't you?"
"What bothers me is that I can do nothing. The only thing she asked of me was to be buried next to my grandfather. She has told my aunts and my mother already. She isn't particularly close to my cousin Thera because my aunt has kept her away for years. I am virtually her only grandchild. My Uncle Anastasis never married. Our children will never know her, Hermione. That makes me incredibly sad."
"Why would your aunt keep her daughter away? I don't understand."
"When my cousins were killed, Aunt Persephone refused to let Thera out of her sight. She became obsessed with keeping her out of anywhere the Dark Lord's people could harm her. We all used to have to go to Petersburg for holidays. Yaya cannot abide that kind of cold, so she never went and my aunt never sent Thera here."
"That is so sad. I understand why your aunt kept her child close, but to deprive her own mother of the chance to see her granddaughter is cruel, nonetheless."
"My aunt went a little crazy when the boys died. Uncle Igor had just taken the Headmaster's job at Durmstrang and he got her to start designing clothes for society witches. Now she makes more money than he does. Thera is always dressed in the top fashion. I would like for you to have Aunt Persephone do your wedding dress after the war."
"Let's just get through the war, Viktor. This shawl would be beautiful on Yaya. It has the same colours of the sea that are visible from her beach. If you aren't going to buy it for her, then I will."
"I will buy for each of you, love. And when we get back I will take pictures of you with Yaya. Then you can take pictures of me with her. I will have Niko bring the pictures he took at the betrothal to school. You should take some for your parents, too. They would like it here. One day we will bring them here to visit us, to play on the beach with our children. You would like that, wouldn't you?"
"Yes, Viktor, I would like that. One day, after the madness has ceased and our world is safe again. I love you, you incorrigible dreamer. It is getting late, we had best return."
Yaya was waiting for us on the balcony. She gave me the grand tour of the house while Viktor was busy in the kitchen.
The house was surprisingly large for being built into the side of a headland. The bedrooms all faced the sea, except for the two smallest ones. The large room where I had conquered my fears, was still bare of furniture. Yaya wisely suggested that we use it as the library, and turn her study into a family room. There was a formal dining room and several bathrooms. Cupboard space was plentiful as well. The balcony ran in front of the three large bedrooms and the dining room. There was a pathway going up to the headland as well as the steps to the beach.
When we finished the tour, Viktor had produced dinner and was waiting for us on the balcony. He seated Yaya, then me. He had poured elf-made wine for the three of us. It was stronger than I had expected.
The dinner was traditional Greek. There was spanakopita, dolmades, pastitsio, village salad and baclava for dessert. I had a sneaking suspicion this meal was a ritual for these two.
He produced the shawl I had picked out for Yaya, and then went into his room to bring out the gold necklace that I had worn at the betrothal. He carefully fastened it around my neck, and kissed my hand before sitting down. The mood was light, we were having fun eating and talking. Clearing the dishes away after the meal, I was using the housekeeping spells Molly Weasley had taught me. Within moments the kitchen was cleaned, and tea made for Yaya and me. I brought a glass and the bottle of Vodka from the fridge for Viktor.
Yaya had been talking to him, but when I came in the room she excused herself and went to her bedroom. She came back moments later with a stack of books which she handed to him. As I brought the tea and vodka to the table, she beckoned me to her side.
"These are the books I want you to take with you. The only information I could ever find about Genea is all there. There are other books which will help you understand the history and magic in this part of the world, Hermione. That will be vital to being Viktor's wife. At some point, Viktor will have to go to Greece and confront his relatives, who still believe in the Pureblood tradition. You will be insulted and reviled by them. Pay them no mind. You will take precedence over them. You are the wife of the oldest grandchild of Yannis Leonidas. You will understand what that means when you read these books. Viktor has a great heritage. Thank you both for the shawl. Having you both here means so much to me."
Viktor took that opportunity to ask if we could go by Floo to Athens before going back to Hogwarts.
"Yes, of course, you can. Take her to see the Acropolis, Viktor. Then you can use the international Floo from the Ministry in Athens to return to England. Your Uncle Anastasis is going to be gone. Send an owl and see if you can stay at his house."
"I don't think his house is quite equipped for female visitors, Yaya. We'll stay at a hotel. Go on to bed. We are going to stay talking for awhile."
She kissed both of us and went on to bed. Viktor refilled his glass of vodka before we walked out onto the balcony.
"Could you live here, Hermione? With me?"
"I could live anywhere with you, Viktor. It would be very easy to be happy here, with the memories of Yaya and your childhood visits."
"You are wise beyond your years, love. I would like us to live here; the house is convenient to both Sofia and Athens. The climate is moderate. We would be protected by the sea and the invisibility of the cove. It would be quiet. Would that not bother you?"
I looked at him. Turning to face him, I placed my left hand on his heart. "This is where I live, Viktor. Your heart welcomed me, as my heart welcomed you. You are my home and my family, now and forever."
He set down his glass before pulling me back against his chest, wrapping his arms about my waist. We were both looking out to the sunset on the Black Sea. His cheek rested against my hair, the whispered word sounded soft in my ear. "Beloved."
I knew I had found my future, no matter what happened in the next few years.
When the last rays of sun had dipped beyond the horizon, he kissed me and suggested I go to bed.
In the morning, we said our goodbyes to Yaya just after breakfast. She pressed a small package into Viktor's hands before we stepped into the Floo. She kissed us both. When we stepped out of the Floo, it was into what looked like a room in a museum. There was statuary everywhere and books in climate controlled cases. Viktor merely shook his head when I asked him if we were in a museum. He led me out the back door into a rocky garden, then through a gate into a street in the heart of Athens.
"That was my Uncle Anastasis' house. He is the liaison between the Ministry and the Greek government. We have reservations at Thermopylae House at the foot of the Acropolis. It is only a few minutes' walk."
He kept up a running commentary until we reached the hotel. The young woman at the desk greeted Viktor like an old friend, but turned her nose up at me.
"Ekaterina, may I present my fiancée, Hermione Granger. We need to get into my suite, now preferably." He was not amused by her attitude.
Her attitude changed abruptly. "Yes, Mr. Krum, of course; it is lovely to meet you, Miss Granger. I will have housekeeping sent up there at once. Will you be with us long?" She was desperately trying to salvage her dignity, as she blushed profusely.
"We will be leaving Sunday morning. Come on, love. The lifts are this way." He picked up both bags.
As we approached the lifts, someone called Viktor's name. It was Valentin Zograf, the Keeper for the Bulgarian Quidditch team.
"Viktor, are you still on Easter break? Hello, Miss Granger, are you here to see the sights in Athens?"
"Valentin, come upstairs with us. I want to get out of this lobby." The lift doors opened and the three of us stepped in. Viktor punched the button for the topmost floor.
The door of the suite opened into what seemed to be a marble-floored temple. Marble columns framed the huge glass windows that looked directly onto the Acropolis. The furniture was copied from classical Greek art, but was surprisingly comfortable. There were four bedrooms off the main room. Since it was a corner suite, all the bedrooms had impressive views from the windows.
Viktor indicated a bedroom for me and I proceeded to unpack. I could hear Viktor and Valentin talking.
"So, Val, why are you here? I did not expect you to be in Athens."
"Anya had the baby and I brought them both to visit her parents here. I am a father, Viktor, little girl. We named her Radka. Why are you and the glowing Miss Granger here? Were you visiting family?"
"Yes and no, Val. We got betrothed in Sofia. Then we went to Yaya's. Strange things happened at the betrothal. Remember the legend about the bride and the blessing of Athena? It happened. Hermione, bring the necklace, please."
I drew it out of the velvet bag and carried it in to Viktor. Valentin was looking at us curiously.
Viktor handed the necklace to Valentin, who whistled at the weight of the coins.
"Gold Tetradrachmas, Viktor, these coins look authentic but ..."
"I know, Val, Tetradrachmas were only minted in silver. The gold coins on the necklace Karkaroff gave her at the betrothal changed into what you see now. And she said 'paristemi' before she fainted in my arms."
"I stand beside or I guard, interesting. What would she be standing next to, Viktor, or who?"
"Her best friend at school is Harry Potter, Val. The fact that she is Muggle-born, like your Anya, puts her in harm's way if the Dark Lord returns. And Uncle Igor is sure that is going to happen soon."
"Mother of Merlin! No wonder you are worried. Can we expect a wedding any time soon?"
I answered him, sitting on the edge of Viktor's chair. "Not until the Dark Lord is defeated and we have both survived. Sorry."
"If he returns soon, that means professional Quidditch will be abandoned until the war is over, doesn't it, Viktor?"
"I am afraid so, Val. But we will have other opportunities for flying. Are you worried about money?"
"All of us have gotten rich since you brought us in, even Ivanova. Not money, Viktor, I am worried about my wife and daughter."
"We will hide them, Val. There are places where they will not be found. If I could persuade Hermione to go with them... But, she will not go. The prophecy said she must stand by her friend or he will fail. It also said that I must stand beside her, or she will die. So, I asked Karkaroff to do the Gypsy betrothal. I want to do the Greek Orthodox betrothal, as well, soon. I will protect her from the Dark Lord and his fanatics."
"Viktor, you do remember that Volkov and I have had Auror training. And both of Ivanova's brothers are Aurors. I think Vulchanov and Levski have Ministry training as well. I know Vulchanov fought the Dark Lord before. We would all want to be part of whatever you are planning."
"Don't be an ass, Val. You have a new baby and a Muggle-born wife to think about. At Least Ivan's children are grown. Volkov and his girlfriend had a falling out before the Paris match. And Anton Levski has no permanent attachments that I know of. Olga knows her way around, even in the Muggle world. The rest of them I'll consider, but not you."
"You are really a piece of work, Viktor. You'll consider Ivan Vulchanov, Pyotr Volkov, Anton Levski, and Olga Ivanova; but not me because I have a new baby. I have more at stake than Levski; he is a good Chaser, but that is all he does. He chases every woman he finds who will let..."
"Watch it, Val; you do not want to say what you are thinking around Hermione. She does not need to hear how we talk in the locker room."
"Oh, right. Sorry, Miss Granger, did not mean to offend you. But Levski is a womanizer; he has no reason to want to fight."
"Val, you can stay here tonight. There are extra bedrooms. We will talk to Karkaroff on Sunday. We are going to the Acropolis now. Go tell Anya where you will be. We will see you back here for dinner."
"Viktor, we both have the same problem; do you think I would do anything foolish? Seriously?"
I touched Viktor on the arm and he nodded at me. "Alright, Val. You are in. We just won't tell Levski what we are doing. Now go talk to Anya. I have a lady to impress, get lost." Viktor grinned at him.
Val closed the door behind himself as he headed for the lifts.
"Come here, Hermione." Viktor's voice was low, soft and warm as honey.
When I sat down next to him he reached into his pocket and drew out a slim gold chain. There was a rose gold ring hanging on the chain.
He fastened the chain around my neck.
"The ring is Yaya's. It was her wedding ring. She wanted me to give it to you. I know you won't wear it yet, but the chain seemed like a good idea. She loves you as much as I do, doushenka."
His lips just brushed mine as he steered me towards the door.
The Greek sunshine was beautifully pure and warm on our faces as we ascended the steps to the Acropolis. The ancient buildings glowed in the midday sun. I was very glad I had worn sandals. When we descended back to street level, Viktor took me to the museums. A small cafe provided us with salad and lemonade. There was a statue in the Athens National Museum; the Anavyssos Kouros, which looked a great deal like Viktor, the same physical musculature and perfection. I did not speculate on the statue's other attributes in relation to Viktor.
The afternoon ended with Viktor, Val, and I having dinner in the suite at the hotel. We were all standing on the balcony when a large owl landed on the railing. It looked at Viktor and shook its leg, which had a message attached to it. I went back into the suite to bring a bit of chicken for Viktor to give the owl. The message was from Karkaroff, requesting Viktor to bring his teammates with him when he came back to the school.
"Send to Vulchanov, Volkov, and Ivanova will you, Val? Tell them not to say anything to Levski. Tell Ivan what is going on. And, yes, tell Olga about the betrothal." Viktor rolled his eyes at Val.
I wished them both goodnight and went in to soak in the tub. After bathing, I started to read one of the books Yaya had given me. I must have fallen asleep with the book in my hands because the next thing I knew, Viktor was taking the book away from me and kissing me goodnight. He turned the lights out as he left the room.
I woke up early and watched the sun slowly light up the Acropolis. When I had dressed I found that both Val and Viktor were already up and dressed. Viktor had ordered breakfast from room service. He and Val were drinking Turkish coffee and had brewed tea for me. Val looked much more rested today. Viktor had said Val was ten years his senior, so that would make him twenty-eight or twenty-nine. He had the same colouring Viktor did; dark hair, very dark brown eyes, and a heavy beard. They could have passed for brothers.
The three of us walked to the Ministry offices to arrange a time to use the Floo back to Hogwarts. Once inside the building, Viktor took me to an alcove where a life size statue stood. Undoubtedly ancient, but different than the usual run of Athena statues, this one held a spear in her right hand, and her helmet in her left hand. Her face was turned slightly towards her left; the eyes did seem to follow the viewer. Her left foot was forward of the other with the straps of the sandal needing to be tied. There was a small marble owl sitting on the right shoulder of the goddess.
Looking into the eyes of the statue, I knew that everything had happened for a purpose. I knew I must be prepared to both guide and teach Harry.