The training went on each day until two days before the third Task. I got up that morning and suddenly realised that Viktor's parents were due to arrive. I was about to panic when Ginny stuck her head in the room and said, "Catch. The jar of Sleekeazy is yours to keep. Percy can buy himself another one, the git. You need it more than he does. You looked spectacular at the Yule Ball. What is that look on your face for?" She asked as soon as I had caught the jar she lobbed at me.
"Ginny, Viktor's parents are coming in today for the final Task. I need to look presentable again tonight. Will you help me? You might as well show me the Spells and how to use this gunk, too." I did my best to look totally helpless, which didn't fool Ginny at all. She shot me a look that said I was not taking the Mickey out of her at all.
"Meet me right here directly after your last class today and we'll have you as pretty as a shiny new Galleon. Do you have something nice to wear? He bought you a party dress, didn't he? Wear that."She looked in the wardrobe and pulled out the dress.
"Karkaroff is having a party tonight at the Three Broomsticks for Viktor's parents and the rest of the Durmstrang students to celebrate Viktor passing his NEWTs. I want to look like someone Viktor's parents will like. And I'm frankly terrified of meeting them. What if they hate me?" I was letting things get out of hand.
"I don't think that will happen. If one of my brothers brought home a girl who wasn't goofy over them being a Quidditch superstar, Mum would welcome her like she was Nimue herself. Get a grip, Hermione, they'll love you." Ginny teased. She was right, I was losing it badly. We grabbed our books and headed down the stairs to the Great Hall for breakfast. She teased me the whole way to keep my mind off that night.
When we got there, I saw Niko and Poliakoff holding Viktor back and one of the others holding Draco up. Apparently there had been another confrontation. Draco looked terrified and had a bloody nose. Viktor was coldly furious. If Niko hadn't been holding him back, I think he'd have killed Draco. Ginny had noticed, too.
When they noticed I had entered, they all calmed down and separated. I saw Snape heading for the Slytherin table. He dragged Draco out of the room and was heard shouting at him as we sat down at the Gryffindor table. No one who'd heard the argument would look at me. Viktor came over to the table and said, "I need to talk to you, Hermione. Now, iSupruga/i, please," he said the unfamiliar word louder, as if he wanted his classmates to hear that particular word. His eyes were worried. I got up from the table and we went outside.
He took my hand as we left the building. He walked us almost down to the lake before he turned to look at me. He was very unhappy, I could tell. "That stupid Malfoy! He's going to keep saying things until I must kill him. I don't want to do that because it would upset you, but he is forcing me to consider it. I won't tell you what he said. When I asked you to come out here, the reason I raised my voice on that one word... it means wife. The few who understand Bulgarian will tell the others and those will tell Malfoy. He'll believe it, because he has seen my temper where you are concerned. Tonight after my parents arrive, I want you to start wearing Yaya's ring. I'll Disillusion it. But I want it on your hand, your left hand, please."
"Viktor, won't your parents be upset? I'll bring the ring to the party tonight. You can't keep letting him upset you. It will be over soon, four days and you never have to see 'ferret boy' ever again. The day after tomorrow is the third task. You have to be calm and in control or something horrible may happen, please." I tried to make him see reason; he was on the verge of letting his Slavic fatalism wreak havoc on all our careful plans. I knew what would focus him. "Viktor, I need you to hear me and think. iObicham te/i." I saw my words calm him down. He took a calming breath and relaxed.
"You're right, as usual, love, I must focus. I won't let Malfoy distract me again. If he irritates me, I'll simply kill him. Problem solved." I knew he was kidding by the shrug and the half smile.
We walked back to the Great Hall and finally finished breakfast. My teachers had come to the conclusion that no one was going to learn anything these last two days, so they embarked on a course of reviews. Flitwick had us naming off, and performing, every Charm we could remember. The same was true for all of the classes that day until we got to Potions. Snape had apparently decided that we were more useful doing inventory on Potions ingredients, than reviewing anything. When class was over, I started to leave, but Snape called me back.
"Granger, take these potions to Karkaroff. I take it that you're going to be at his celebration tonight? Have you still got your necklace of coins? May I still see it? Tell your Bulgarian he won't have to murder any of my Slytherins. I will endeavour to keep Malfoy from sticking his foot in his mouth again. Now, get out." He sneered, but I had a feeling he wanted to say more.
I took the phials of potion with me and made my way to the Great Hall. Karkaroff was standing talking to someone in the shadows. I suddenly realised the man he was talking to was Pavel Krum, Viktor's father. Karkaroff saw me and called me over. "Pavel, here is the young lady Viktor has found so fascinating this year, Mademoiselle Hermione Granger. Hermione, this is Viktor's father, Pavel Krum. Ah, yes, the potions from Severus, thank you for bringing them to me." He took the phials and tucked them into a pocket.
I stuck my hand out to shake Mr. Krum's hand, as I said, "It's very good to meet you, sir."
He laughed and took my hand and kissed it exactly like Viktor did. "I am charmed, my dear. I see my son has excellent taste. You are quite as lovely as he said. My wife will be so envious that I have already met you. She is getting us settled into the guest rooms here in the castle. I see Viktor coming down the stairs. He will most likely take you up to meet her." He bent and kissed my cheek as he whispered, "Welcome, daughter."
I know I was blushing. I gulped and turned to run up the stairs to the safety of Viktor's nearness. Viktor waved at his father as I was running up the stairs. He caught me gently and laughed at my red face.
"Papa embarrassed you, did he? Pay him no mind, love. He loves to tease. Shall I take you up to meet Mama? She is settling into the quarters in Gryffindor Tower. I think there was a general consensus of opinion that they should be away from the Slytherins. Your Head of House graciously offered the Gryffindor rooms." Viktor was leading me up the stairs after he took possession of my schoolbooks. When we reached the landing where the Gryffindor Tower was, I ran inside the Portrait Hole to put my books away. When I emerged a minute later, Viktor walked me down to the eastern end of the landing where a tapestry had been hiding a door to the guest quarters. He knocked and the door was flung open in seconds. A willowy, dark-haired, dark-eyed woman clapped her hand over her mouth in surprise. She looked very much like Yaya.
"Mama, I brought Hermione to meet you. Papa embarrassed her in the hall downstairs; please don't you do the same thing. Shall I leave the two of you alone? No, I think I'd best come in." He laughed.
"Viktor, don't be foolish. I will not embarrass her or scare her. I'm so pleased to meet you, please, both of you come in." She ushered us into the large living area. "Hermione, I am Pasitheia Krum. Oh, please, say something. I don't want to terrify you." She led me to the sofa and sat down beside me. Viktor sat on the other side of me.
"I'm very glad to meet you, Mrs. Krum." I was completely tongue tied and felt like an idiot.
"Mama, she is worried you won't like her. She usually talks more than this but ..." Viktor was teasing.
"How could I possibly not like her? She is beautiful and sweet. Oh, dear child, don't let that thought even enter your mind. My mother said you were the most perfect match for my Vitya. And as always she is right. You don't chatter, you have captivated his teammates, charmed Igor and best of all; my son has not scowled once since we got here. I love you already. Would you like tea? Vitya, how do I order tea here?"
I took his mother's hand in mine and smiled. "Let me, please. Dobby, I need you to come here." I called softly.
The house-elf appeared seconds later. "Yes, Miss. Dobby is bringing whatever you is wanting. Just tell Dobby."
"We need tea and biscuits for four or five people, please, Dobby. Thank you." I told him gently.
"Yes, Miss, Dobby will be right back." He popped away and returned two minutes later with a laden tray which he placed on the table by the windows. He set the cups and saucers and plates out then looked at me for instructions.
"Dobby, please find Headmaster Karkaroff and Mr. Krum. We would like them to join us here." I suddenly thought I was taking too much of a liberty and looked at Viktor's mother. She was smiling at me and patting my hand.
"Perfectly done, my dear, I see why Vitya is so enamoured. You will make a brilliant hostess. I like that you know your own mind and can take charge of things. He sometimes needs someone to get him organized." She wasn't offended at all. I excused myself and went back to the Gryffindor dorm to retrieve the necklace of gold coins which I had remembered that Snape had asked to see. I took Yaya's ring off of the gold chain and put it into my pocket. Ginny asked me what time I was going to be back. I told her I was having tea with Viktor, his parents and Karkaroff.
I returned to the guest quarters and found there was an extra person in the room. Snape had joined the group for a few minutes. I handed him the necklace of coins and Viktor's parents each looked at it. Snape then took his leave after reminding Karkaroff of a meeting they had with Dumbledore the next day. Viktor's parents were very insistent that I call them Mama and Papa. I did not feel comfortable with that yet and they did not force the issue.
"It is for the best, Pavel. She isn't yet ready to be a wife to Viktor. I think, perhaps it would create problems for her, if she referred to us as Mama and Papa. Perhaps the Bulgarian words might be better, Mayka instead of Mama and Bashta instead of Papa? Would that make you feel more comfortable, Hermione?" She covered my hand with hers as she asked.
I smiled at her. "Yes, Mayka and Bashta are perfect. I want you to take charge of the necklace of coins, please, when Professor Snape returns it. I'll wear it when we are married properly after the Dark Lord is defeated. Until then, I think it makes Viktor unhappy."
"She knows you well, son. I agree with Selene, Theia. She couldn't be more perfect if she were created specifically for him. You're a treasure for us, Hermione. We never thought Viktor would find a young woman of such character and sense. The ones that trail after him would never do." Bashta was passing around the tea cups and the sandwiches.
Karkaroff smiled at me and told them other things about me. "She is also the most accomplished Arithmancer at Hogwarts. Her teacher is Septima Vector, who sings her praises loud and long. Hermione Granger is a very unique young woman. I'm hoping she and Thera will become friends. This young woman is going to be a valued addition to your family. During the second task, she was braver and much calmer than the other hostages. She shows remarkable good sense, maturity and resourcefulness. I was honoured to have been the one to do the Tzigane betrothal ceremony." He raised his tea cup to salute me and I smiled back at him.
Viktor chose that moment to announce that he wanted to have the second betrothal ceremony this summer. "Mama, Papa, I want the Greek Orthodox ceremony to take place in the cave where my grandparents were married. Do you think Aunt Cassandra could arrange it?"
His parents exchanged glances before answering him. "Your Aunt Cassandra would be delighted, Viktor. She'll also do it without allowing your grandfather's family to obtain knowledge. You know what kind of problems that could cause." His father patted his wife's hand as he spoke.
"What Papa is trying to tell you both, is that my Leonidas relatives will be incensed by your choice of a bride. They'll make problems if they know." His mother sent an apologetic look at me.
"Mama, Papa, we are aware of this. Yaya talked to us about it. I understand what my Leonidas relatives are and where they stand. It makes no difference. Hermione is my chosen bride. They had best get used to it. Now, I think it is time Hermione goes to get ready for the party tonight. I'll be waiting for you, doushenka. Just send to me when you are ready." He kissed me softly. I said good bye to his parents and Viktor walked me to the door. I handed him Yaya's ring from my pocket before I left.
I ran back to the Gryffindor dorm to find Ginny. We worked on my hair until Ginny was satisfied that it looked even better than at the Yule Ball.
She had me do my makeup lightly, before she helped me put on the dress. The high heels were the next thing to be put on. My Arithmancy bracelet was the final touch. We both looked in the mirror Ginny had conjured and grinned at each other. "Perfect! You're going to be the focus of every eye tonight, I promise." Ginny crowed. I hugged her tightly in thanks and sent a message to Viktor that I was ready. He just chuckled and told me he was right outside the Portrait Hole, waiting.
We met his parents at the bottom of the stairs. The four of us walked the short distance to Hogsmeade together. Viktor was talking to his parents about the third task, explaining about the maze and the other contestants. We arrived at the front door of the Three Broomsticks to find Karkaroff and eight of Viktor's classmates already there. Viktor and I were placed opposite each other at the end of the table where Karkaroff sat. Mayka sat next to Viktor and Bashta sat next to me, the rest of Viktor's classmates sat farther down the table. The food was a hodgepodge of Russian, Bulgarian and Greek. The other students returned to the ship to continue their packing for the trip home after the dinner was over. Once they were gone, Karkaroff carefully checked for any presence other than ours and cast the Silencing Spells, so we could talk freely.
When he was satisfied we were truly isolated, he nodded at Viktor. The five of us stood in a circle, Viktor at my right, Bashta at my left and Mayka at Viktor's right. Karkaroff stood between Mayka and Bashta. Viktor brought Yaya's ring from his pocket and passed it to his father who wove a spell into the ring then gave it to Mayka. She wove another spell into it, then gave the ring back to Viktor who placed it on my left hand. Karkaroff explained that after the Dark Lord had been defeated and the marriage had been performed according to the Wizarding rites the ring would be worn on my right hand. Both of Viktor's parents hugged and kissed me as did Karkaroff. Viktor then Disillusioned the ring and removed the Silencing Spells. We all walked back to the castle together after Karkaroff had settled up with Madam Rosmerta.
Bashta whispered in my ear as we were walking, "Theia and I blessed the ring, Hermione, Protection and Blessings Spells only, I promise." His grin was identical to Viktor's. I was a very happy girl that night.
The next day I worked with Harry on a 'Point Me' Spell so he could find true north with his wand. I had another fight with Ron about Viktor and went to bed in a bad mood. Apparently, Ron felt I was spending too much time with Viktor and Ron's homework was suffering. I told him I wasn't his private tutor and to get over himself.
The morning of the third Task was sunny and warm. I had breakfast with Viktor's parents in their rooms. Viktor showed up in time for tea and toast. He was very keyed up. Mayka told me he was the same before important Quidditch matches. My teachers had excused me from classes that day. I only had to show up for Potions out of all my classes. Snape had some students scrubbing cauldrons, some sweeping the rooms, but he assigned me to alphabetising potion ingredients and making a list of what supplies needed to be replenished. Surreptitiously, he slid the coin necklace into my book bag as he was telling me to make the list in duplicate. He ostentatiously handed me more Potions for Karkaroff as I was leaving the classroom. With a slight wave of his hand he cast the Muffliato so that his words were not over heard. "You must be the one to cast the Counter Curse for Imperius on both Krum and Potter. I suggest you do Potter's first, in the common room. You can do Krum's walking to the maze. Is Flitwick going to cast the one on Diggory? The necklace you should give to Pavel and Pasitheia. They can keep it for you until after this business is over. I'm meeting with Lupin just before the Task begins. We'll endeavour to keep Moody in sight at all times. Now, you may go, Granger." He removed the Muffliato spell and I walked back to the dorm. Harry was sitting in a chair looking out the window when I got there. I cast the Counter Curse and hugged him. He started practicing the 'Point Me' Spell as soon as I was done.
"Tell Viktor 'thank you' for me. The duelling practice helped a lot. I never thought he'd help me as much as he has. He really is a good bloke, Hermione. He really loves you. I'll do my best to throw a spanner in Ron's way when he starts going off about you two. I know he drives you round the bend." Harry blushed a bit as he was talking.
"You're the best, Harry. Just remember what we told you. Viktor will be Disillusioned, but he is going to try to go with you, to keep you safe." I had to hug him again; he was really my best friend.
I hurried up to my room and changed into jeans and a top. I took my light jacket with me, too. I put the Potions for Karkaroff in the pocket. Viktor's voice in my head was saying to meet him at the standing stones up from Hagrid's. I ran down the stairs to the grassy hill. Both Viktor and Bashta were waiting for me.
As soon as I got to them Viktor told me to do the Counter Curse on him. Bashta watched and complimented me when I finished. We walked to the Quidditch Pitch now masquerading as a maze. Mayka was already there, talking to Professor McGonagall. I saw Lupin and Padfoot standing at one of the entrances of the maze. I spied Molly Weasley and her eldest son, Bill, talking to Fleur and Fleur's parents. Cedric was standing with Cho and his parents. Mr Diggory was acting very silly still. It made me certain that Ron would be the exact same way when he was older. I saw Karkaroff standing by himself, looking worried. While Viktor was introducing his parents to the other families, I walked over to Karkaroff. I handed him the Potion phials and said, "Don't worry. I cast the Imperius Counter Curse as we were walking here. He will be safe."
Karkaroff answered me with a small smile. "I have no doubt you'll take excellent care of him, Hermione. The Dark Mark on my arm and that on Snape's arm have darkened considerably. If what we fear happens tonight, I will disappear. Will you give my love to Selene? I have sent word to my wife, but had no time to contact her mother. Ah, they're almost ready to begin. I see Severus talking to Lupin. Moody just emerged from the maze. Go find your seat and say a Protective Spell for all of us." He gave me a little half bow and walked off to stand with the other Headmasters.
Moody was checking the different entrances to the maze and I happened to see him wave his wand slightly at Cedric's back and whisper some words. I hoped Flitwick had remembered to cast the Counter Curse on Cedric. Filch, as usual, set off the cannon too soon. Harry and Cedric were off into the maze. Then two minutes later, Viktor entered. Two minutes after that Fleur entered. About twenty minutes later, I was sitting next to Molly and Bill when the first red sparks went up into the air. Lupin went into the maze and came back out with Fleur, who was limping badly.
" 'eadmaster Dumbledore, I was caught in the Devil's Snare. Viktor was helping me untangle myself when someone used the Cruciatus Curse on both of us. When I opened my eyes, Viktor was gone and whoever cast the Curse was gone also." She was furious.
The crowd gasped in unison. I saw Bashta stand up and head for Karkaroff. Mayka came over to me and led me back to their seats. She was holding my hand tightly. There was a flash of light from inside the maze and Snape stunned Moody. The crowd went crazy. All the Houses were speculating on what was happening.
Dumbledore was irate. Lupin went back into the maze to see who was there. He returned in a few minutes with Viktor leaning heavily on him. Karkaroff, Bashta and Mayka all ran to Viktor. Everyone was talking at once. I could hear Viktor saying that the Cup was a Portkey. The students in the stands heard his comment and began to talk loudly among themselves. The teachers tried in vain to quiet them. Snape and Dumbledore took the unconscious Moody to the Castle. Padfoot was running back and forth in the maze.
Suddenly, Karkaroff grabbed his arm as if in pain. I had run down to where the others were when he began to talk to Bashta excitedly. He looked directly at me and said. "The Dark Lord is back. He will have injured Potter." Karkaroff pulled two phials of Potions from his pocket and handed them to me. I knew one was a general palliative and I used part of it to deaden the pain in Karkaroff's arm.
Viktor said, "Cedric used the Cruciatus on Fleur and me to slow us down. I Disillusioned myself to follow, but Cedric was waiting and used the Cruciatus on me again. He must have stunned me so I could not get any closer to Harry."
Karkaroff stood with a hand on my shoulder as we waited for something—anything—to happen. Dumbledore had just returned to the maze area when the Cup, Harry, and Cedric landed in full view of the stands. Harry was bleeding profusely from a wound on his arm. Viktor was helping Harry to stand. Cedric just lay there. I knew without a doubt that Cedric was dead.
Moody had used the Imperius on him to force Harry to the Cup. Harry must have grabbed onto Cedric as they were whisked away. I ran to Viktor's side and poured the entire other phial of Potion over Harry's arm. Harry promptly fainted and Viktor picked him up to carry him back to the school. Karkaroff and Viktor's parents followed us immediately. I could hear Cedric's father screaming that Harry or Viktor had murdered his son. I think Molly Weasley stunned him, but it had probably been Ginny casting Langlock, who silenced him.
Professor McGonagall and Padfoot were following us closely. I saw Lupin bringing a broom up to where we were walking. Viktor shifted Harry to his shoulder and climbed onto the broom and took off for the school with Padfoot running behind them. We hurried to the school to find Viktor sitting with Harry in the Infirmary. Madam Pomfrey had healed the cuts on his arm and given him Pepper Up Potion. He detailed all that had happened to Dumbledore, Snape and McGonagall. Minister Fudge arrived just then and announced that Barty Crouch Jr., had been dealt with by a Dementor. When Snape, Karkaroff, and Viktor all tried to tell Fudge that the Dark Lord had returned; he refused to believe it. He threatened Viktor with Azkaban for even suggesting it. Molly Weasley took over sitting with Harry while the Krums, Karkaroff and I went to discuss things in the Gryffindor guest quarters.
Snape had been in a discussion with Dumbledore and then exited the school grounds to go where I knew not. Karkaroff was telling the Krums what we had speculated and that he must flee or his family would suffer. He talked to Viktor for a long time before calling me to join them. My mind was in a whirl, I knew we had saved Harry from the death Crouch had planned for him, but I wanted to hear what had gone on. Karkaroff was outlining his plans for his family again to Viktor, but turned to me and asked, "If I send my daughter here to this school, will you help to keep her safe?"
"Of course, Headmaster Karkaroff, I will befriend her and make every effort to keep her as safe as I can. You have my word."
He kissed my cheek and replied, "You are the perfect mate for Vitya. Bless you, Hermione Granger. This must be goodbye. I most probably won't survive to see your wedding, but I'm most glad to have had the privilege of meeting you."
He kissed Mayka and hugged Bashta and Viktor before going out the door.
The third Task was over.
The Dark Lord had returned.
i'Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war'/i was the Shakespearean quote that came readily to mind.
All Hell would break loose now.