The weeks passed and things continued to change for the better. Blaguna continued a steady recovery, receiving bi daily visits from Hermione and Viktor. Whilst Ada worked slavishly in the flower shop, Hermione began to settle into her new job and the team began to learn her techniques. Unlike England, the Bulgarian team only had one mediwitch, who took on all of the jobs of a mediwitch. However, Hermione was aided with the production of the potions by a small team, who worked in the lab. This was the kind of work that Hermione loved, the hands on healing that really made a difference, not merely instructing others and supervising. Also, her increased time with Viktor allowed her to begin seriously thinking about wedding plans. She knew that the ceremonies couldn't take place until the World Cup was over, but it was not as far off as she had thought and she was ecstatic.

Things were changing with Ivan and Ginny also. His busy schedule meant that Ginny had to commute to Bulgaria to spend time with him. Often, this lead to her spending the night, although the activities that would ensue would not involve much sleeping. She was proud of Ivan, massively so. But she had to admit that she would be glad when the World Cup was over and they could fall into a kind of routine.

The English team had dispersed and returned to their seasonal teams. The separation was especially painful for Tiffany and Tamsin. Tiffany had to move back in with her parents in her family home and she couldn't have them knowing about her relationship with Tamsin, out of fear of what they might do. So, visits were few and far between, putting a true strain on their relationship. Cho and Cormac remained strong, living in the same complex meant that they could spend time together and keep the flame of passion ignited. Where Harry and Daria were concerned, things were moving slowly. She was eager to see him more, to spend valuable time with him. But Harry was always busy or reluctant, not wanting a relationship to get in the way of his career. He was ashamed to say it, but he felt that he was letting her down, and doing so consciously.

The games passed and Hermione was massively enjoying mediwitching for the Bulgarian team. It felt similar to what she was used to with her time at Vratsa. Bulgaria were one of the leading teams, so the games weren't going to stop for a little while. But slowly, teams were eliminated and there were only a dozen teams left, meaning the end was in sight.

Hermione sat with Ada in the flower shop and looked at different varieties of flowers for the wedding.
"Do you really think it should be such a large event?" Hermione asked her.
"Of course! I did not get to plan my other son's wedding, but I will plan Viktor's and it will be beautiful." She stated in Bulgarian, sounding a little offended. Hermione nodded, keeping quiet for the time being. They flicked through the pages and everything was pastel and fluffy and very typical. Hermione said nothing, knowing that she would do more harm than good, until she saw a certain arrangement.
"That one, it has to be that one." Hermione pointed to the array of deep red roses, surrounded by a bed of golden leaves.
"Why?" Ada asked. When Hermione thought about it, those colours had been present in every step of their relationship.
"When I was young and Viktor visited Hogwarts, my house wore burgundy and gold. Viktor wore burgundy as a student of Durmstrang. Then, when I joined the Vratsa Vultures, they wore burgundy and gold. Now, we both work for Bulgaria and the kit is red. Viktor loves those colours, he is never happier than when he sees me in the red uniform. And he is never more handsome than when he wears his red robes." Hermione realised that she was rambling, so she stopped herself. Ada looked at her with a smug smile plastered onto her face.
"Very well, I suppose if it means so much to the two of you, then we will have burgundy and gold." Ada agreed. Hermione placed her hand over her's in thanks.

Viktor loved Hermione, and he wanted her to have whatever she liked for her wedding. He would not care if they were in a barn or a castle, as long as he was being married to her he would not care. He could not stop his Mother from interfering, but that was natural and Hermione seemed glad for the assistance. He revelled in the time he could spend with her now that she worked at the Sofia base. They would sit at lunch together and talk about their friends, or a book Hermione was reading, anything other than quidditch, to get their minds off of it for a while. Daria would watch as Viktor would tuck a curl of Hermione's hair behind her ear and sigh. They were so happy and she knew that she would never have him. But it was not just Viktor who was unavailable. Harry had been ignoring her letters all together now for a week and she felt very fed up, enough so that she had resolved to give up on him altogether. He was a nice man, but he had little if any time for her and she believed that she deserved better than that.

Hermione had asked Viktor if she could instal a muggle phone in their house, he was welcoming to the idea, glad that she wanted more communication with her parents.
"Hi Mum, it's me." Viktor heard Hermione answer to her Mother.
"Yes Mum, everything is going well." She responded to her Mother's questioning.
"I need to talk to you about the wedding, Mum. The World Cup will be over soon and I would like the um, the uh ceremony with you and Dad to be right after." Hermione stuttered and stumbled over her words, embarrassed and nervous, Viktor was sure.
"Okay, Mum. I'll call you Thursday. I love you, bye." She hung up the phone and joined Viktor on the sofa.
"Vhat did she say?" He asked, smoothing her hair as he held her.
"She was really happy, she's going to book the church by our house." Hermione muttered.
"Then vhy are you sad?" He asked, wondering how she could frown at such good news.
"Because no one will be there. Just Mum, Dad an auntie or two and some distant relatives. I don't have any muggle friends, and there will be no one there on your side. What will we say? We can't just say that you are a wizard!" She frowned, wanting her muggle wedding to be as beautiful as her wizarding wedding. Hermione soon forgot about their conversation, but Viktor did not.

Viktor stood before the Vultures, who he had called to the local pub in a matter of emergency.
"Guys, I need you to come to my muggle wedding. Hermione is having a wedding for her family but fears that no one will be there, especially on my side. You'll be there as my friends from my Bulgarian rugby team and we will say that my family are not there because we are having a ceremony in Bulgaria, okay? I need you to come, both for me and for her." He begged them.
"Of course, Viktor. I'll be there." Ivan replied. What he didn't know was that he was going to be there, as the best man.
"Viktor, of course!" Alexei replied. The guys all agreed willingly and Viktor felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Hermione would be so surprised and her extended family would then ask fewer questions.

Viktor stood by the muggle phone and dialed the number that was taped on the wall. It rang twice before Jane picked up.
"Hello?" She chimed.
"Hello, Mrs Granger, it is me, Viktor." Viktor replied, looking down at the phone in wonder, having never used a telephone before.
"Ah Viktor, of course, call me Jane. How are you?" She responded, slightly confused as to why he was calling.
"Yes. Things are good. I vant to call you to tell you that my team vill be at the vedding. Her-my-nee has been vorried I not haff anyone there. But my team haff said they come, so no questions are asked." He told her, hoping that this arrangement would be okay.
"Yes, Viktor of course darling. That is very thoughtful of you, she will be very pleased indeed." Jane replied, touched that Viktor had Hermione's family in mind.
"I vould like to keep it a secret though, so she is happy vhen she sees." Viktor schemed, hoping that the plan would pay off.
"Of course, she will love that!" Jane replied, making a note in her diary to make a Bulgarian version of the cards.
"Okay, thank you, Jane. I vill see you soon. Goodbye." He hung up the phone before Jane could say goodbye.
"Who was that?" John asked Jane.
"Viktor. He's bringing his quidditch team with him, to the wedding." Jane replied, dazed.
"Better get stronger pues then, for those lads." He joked, chuckling gruffly. Jane also laughed, placing a hand over her mouth. She shook her head in disbelief. He was such a sweet considerate boy and she was immensely happy now with Hermione's choice, all doubt from before being washed away.