At dinner, the Krums were pleased to see that Hermione, healthy eater that she was, possessed flawless manners. She wasn't afraid to try dishes new to her, asked the kitchen maid her name and thanked her for the dinner and impeccable service.
"Viktor tells us that you are accomplished piano player, would you care to play for us?" Anna asked.
"I'll be happy to play for you, but what else has he told you about me?" Hermione asked. "There are some other things that I'm working through that you should know."
Marko nodded for her to continue.
"I have anxiety attacks from time to time. The nightmares are over for the most part, but I have bouts of depression. My dad, who was in the Army, recognized the symptoms because he saw it often in soldiers. It's called post-traumatic stress syndrome, and he urged me to get help for it."
"We don't think less of you, it's just a shame you had to take part in such a war," Marko said. "It's good is that you have people who care enough about you to help you help yourself."
"Now, where's the piano?" Hermione asked.
#
The next day, Viktor showed her the grounds of the property (and made friends with the German shepherds) then gave her a tour of Sofia, the nearest city and capital of the country. He explained that once long ago, the city was destroyed by the Huns, but was rebuilt by the Romans. Then it was conquered by the Visigoths, the Ottomans for a time, and Crusaders.
He discretely waved his wand and warmed a bench next to a riverbank. "Before us is the Vladaiska River. Sofia has many churches that are considered architecture treasures, and the public mineral baths are one of the city's most popular attractions," he said. "If we had more time, we would go to Vitosha mountain to ski. However, I think you'll be pleased with today's plans."
They toured the National Historical Musuem, which he knew Hermione would enjoy then arrived at one of the largest buildings in the city. With a flourish he opened the doors and said, "Our National Library." Hermione thought that she had died and gone to heaven.
Back at the manor, Hermione babbled excitedly about the library and picked a slice of banitza from a serving tray.
Viktor asked, "Are you hungry, pretty one?"
She nodded.
"Good, tonight we go to Etno."
"It's one of the best restaurants in Sofia, we go often," Marko said.
"Then I have something fun planned tonight," Viktor said.
Until dinner, Hermione and Anna talked about recent innovations in Charms while Marko brought Viktor up-to-date about the latest developments with the Nightwatch. Early evening, a car arrived to take the four to Sofia for their dinner at Etno.
"Gregor, it's been a while, how are you?" Viktor asked the driver.
"I celebrated my 145th last week," was the reply.
"Ah, my best wishes for a hundred more," Viktor said.
"That's a vampire driving," Hermione whispered to Victor.
"Yes, he's one of the family's watchers when we go into the city," Anna said casually.
"Don't worry, my dear. We are perfectly safe," Marko said.
"My coven has had the honor of keeping watch for the Krum family for over three hundred years," Gregor said.
At Etno, they were shown to a table and given menus.
"I have an idea what you would enjoy, would you like me to order?" Viktor asked.
"Yes, I have no idea what any of this is."
The Krums already knew what they were going to eat because they ate the same thing every time they dined there. A waiter arrived and took orders of Shopska salad and pita bread for starters and they both ordered Moussaka.
"It's our favorite," they chimed.
"I think Hermynee will enjoy the Shopska too, and Gyuvetch for her meal," Viktor said. "Make that two, I want it as well."
"Drinks?" the waiter asked.
"Trust me with the wine?" Viktor asked.
Hermione nodded and he ordered. "It's a plum wine, you'll love it."
#
Hermione cuddled into Viktor's side on the journey back to the manor. "I enjoyed dinner, I've never had beef prepared like that, it was delicious. And that cake!"
"We're glad you enjoyed it," Anna said.
Now Hermione was wondering what fun activity Viktor had planned. "When we get to the manor, we need to change into something… to play in."
"Huh?"
"Something warm to play in," he said.
"Is this fun activity outside?" Hermione asked. "At night, in the snow?"
"You trust me?" he asked.
"Of course."
At home, they changed into boots, jumpers, denims, gloves and their warmest coats. Outside, Viktor produced two aluminum sleds from a lean-to.
"Sledding down the hill during the full moon," he said. "The dogs like to run alongside the sleds as well."
Hermione clapped in anticipation. At the ledge, Viktor pointed out the smoothest route and warned her about drifting too far to the right.
"Unless you're a polar bear, we can't have you taking a swim in the pond. I go first to show you," he said, hopped on the sled and took off down the hill. At the bottom, he apparated back to the top.
"Now, we both go," he said.
They sat on the sleds and pushed off. She shrieked in surprise at how fast the sled moved, but it was exhilarating. The dogs were running beside them, yipping and barking in excitement. On the tenth trip down, one of the dogs jumped in her path. Not wanting to hit the dog, she swerved her sled, but swerved it too much. She felt the ground rough beneath her and knew she was sliding over rocks. She heard Viktor shout "Let go!" when the sled hit a large rock, tossing her and the sled in the air. Out of control and was heading for the pond, she desperately wished for her wand, because she couldn't apparate or redirect her path without it. She braced herself as best she could for the freezing water but was in no way prepared for it.
It felt confusing, like burning cold fire, like she was being pulled under thick, suffocating, freezing fire. She tried to slip out of the clothing weighing her down and dragging her under. She swallowed water and felt her lungs burn, then she felt like falling asleep. The dogs were howling and barking frantically at the pond's edge.
Viktor got to the pond, throwing off his heavier clothes, preparing to dive in when he saw her hand disappear under the water. Gregor appeared and dove into the water, returned with Hermione, and placed her in Viktor's arms. Marko and Anna were in the parlor when they were startled at the sight of Viktor suddenly appearing by the fireplace with Hermione wet and unconscious in his arms.
"Pomosht!" he shouted and started stripping away the wet clothes. Anna called for the maid to bring hot water and blankets and stoked the fireplace. Marko swore in Bulgarian and helped strip away the clothes. Viktor breathed into her mouth, pressed her chest and patted her cheeks. Her eyelids fluttered she and coughed up water. Viktor cried out in relief and wiped the tears from his face.
"I'll summon a physician," Anna said and left the parlor.
#
"It's a case of mild hypothermia," the healer said. "She was submerged for only seconds and she's a tough young witch. These rejuvenation droughts should be used if she feels she needs them, but mainly she requires warmth and rest."
"Thank you, sir," Hermione croaked and sneezed.
On Victor's lap, she was wrapped in a blanket, on a chaise lounge by the fireplace. She shivered, and her throat ached, but it was nice to be in his arms. He kissed the top of her head, thankful to every deity he could think of that she was all right.
"Try and get some sleep," he murmured and laid her on the chaise. He sat on the floor next to the chaise and reclined back against it. She was exhausted and fell asleep in minutes.
"You warned her about the pond, didn't you?" Marko asked.
"Yes papa, but she turned the sled to avoid hitting one of the dogs."
"And ended up in the pond," Anna finished. "Thank goodness Gregor was out there."
"I had no idea he was even out there. I already had a foot in the water when he dove in. I dread telling her parents about this."
"It was an accident, surely they will understand," Anna said.
"You don't know Mr. Granger. He's a good man, but he's fiercely protective of his family."
"Perhaps we should make the trip with you to help explain," Anna said.
Viktor nodded. "I will write, tonight."
He wrote a brief letter explaining the accident, that Hermione was fine, and asked if it was permissible for the Krums to return with them. Hermione's owl returned with a letter in John's writing.
The Krums are certainly welcome. We will be waiting. John
"He's not pleased," Viktor said and gave the brief missive to his parents to read.
December 24
Hermione woke surrounded by cats. She chuckled until she realized it hurt her throat to do more than breathe.
Viktor shooed the cats off the chaise and sat beside her. "Dobro utro. How are you feeling?"
"My throat hurts, but I feel fine," she croaked.
"The physician left a drought for that," Anna said when she entered the parlor and gave Hermione a bottle and spoon. "I've almost finished packing for the trip, and your father is talking to the housekeeper."
"I'm sorry to cause so much trouble," Hermione said.
"Don't be silly, you were returning today, were you not? Now, you go back with three instead of one. Are you hungry?"
"Famished," she said.
"Good, cook has made her special egg and potato omlettes. I've never been to London, you can tell me all about it at breakfast," Anna said.
Just before lunchtime, the Grangers heard the distinctive crack of apparition from the backyard. They went to the back porch and saw Hermione pointing out the tennis court and swimming pool to the Krums. They followed Hermione into the home. Evie took her daughter in her arms, then her face in her hands. She looked in her eyes, felt her forehead and took her hands.
"You had us worried, pumpkin."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Mum, I'm fine, they took good care of me."
"Let me see my girl," John said and hugged her. When he was sure she was fine, he shook Viktor's hand.
"Mum, Dad, this is Marko and Anna Krum."
"We're John and Evangeline Granger, happy holidays," John said and all shook hands.
"Let's all go to the parlor so we can hear about your trip," Evie said.
An hour later, John took a sip of his drink and shook his head. "Just when I thought I've heard it all. Hermione already shocked the devil out of me about dragons, fairies, and werewolves being real, but now I hear she was saved by a vampire. I'd like to shake his hand and say good show chap, thank you for saving my daughter."
"Honestly Hermione, I think the dog would have been all right," Evie said. "You could have frozen to death or drowned!"
#
Hermione showed the Krums to the guest room and gave them a tour of the manor while the Grangers prepared lunch.
"I smell fish and chips!" Hermione said and entered the kitchen, the Krums in tow.
"Have you visited England before?" Evie asked.
"No, we have not," Marko said.
"This is a typical lunch in England," Hermione said. "If you'd rather have something else, let me know."
"My dear, you tried everything we placed in front of you, it is only right we do the same," Anna said.
"The shopska salad was excellent," Hermione said.
They chatted over lunch and Hermione gave her point of view about her brief tour of Sofia. "You should have seen the library," she gushed.
Viktor wondered when a good time would arise for him to talk to her parents. Luckily, the time came when Ginny and Harry arrived.
"Hermione! Happy Christmas, how was Bulgaria?" she asked.
"Harry, Happy Christmas," Evie said and gave Harry a quick hug.
"Hey you two, I have someone for you to meet."
She brought the two to the parlor and introduced the Krums.
"Mr. Potter, an honor," Marko said. and was surprised at the power he felt radiating off the young, friendly wizard.
"Can you come to the house for a bit?" Ginny asked.
She was exhausted and didn't want to disappoint Molly; but she didn't want to seem rude with guests that had just arrived.
"Go pretty one, you should spend time with friends," Viktor offered.
"Yay! Let's get your coat," Ginny said and the two witches babbled and scampered from the parlor. Hermione returned with a coat, gave Viktor a quick kiss, and left the parlor.
"Herms, I dare you!" they heard from Ginny before the door closed.
"My goodness, the young red-haired witch is a spirited one," Anna noted.
"Now would be a good time," Marko whispered to Viktor as he watched John and Evie rearrange some Christmas tree decorations that Ginny had accidently displaced.
"Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I need to speak with you about a matter of importance. I wish to marry Hermynee."
The room fell quiet. Evie dropped the decoration she had been holding. Anna covered her mouth, and Marko thought that he might have led more into the conversation rather than just blurt it out and surprise the Grangers as he did.
"You love her that much?" John asked.
"Da, very much, more than I ever thought possible. She is all happiness to me, I cannot see my life without her," Viktor stated.
"That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard!" Evie exclaimed and wiped a tear. John gave her a handkerchief and held her close.
"It's a good match, I'll say that. She loves you, that much is obvious. When do you plan on proposing?" John asked.
"Tomorrow."
"Blimey lad, quite a Christmas surprise for our pumpkin," John said.