Hermione stood in the old rickety pub, on the outskirts of Sofia, with a butterbeer in her hand.
"A toast to the greatest team in the world!" One of the men shouted, causing toasts all round. They had just won their game in the semi finals. It was official: Bulgaria were in the World Cup final. Who they could play was in the balance at the moment. It would either be a repeat of four years ago, with Ireland. Or, they would play Japan, who had been somewhat the underdogs the entire season. Hermione was just glad that they had made it to the final without any serious injury or ailment, so she drank her butterbeer and celebrated with everyone else.
Viktor was beginning to feel the pressure. His face was on posters, boys and girls walked around with his face on their jerseys. In a post-war era, he was one of their only hopes. He left the party early, sneaking away, not wanting to disturb Hermione, and apparated back to the house. He kicked off his boots and stood on the shore. The seemingly black water brushed his toes before rolling away. Viktor wondered if he deserved any of this. It seemed, that he had not fought hard enough for this. He was unsure still if he was deserved of Hermione. She was the most sought after mediwitch in the world. He sighed, lightly kicking the sand beneath his feet, piling it before it was flattened again by the sea. He loved Hermione, he knew this. And he was quite sure that his affections were returned, but why? He was not exceedingly attractive, he was not the best with words, he did not have the charm that many on the team possessed. He stood and pondered on what his positives were. He was a good sportsman and he brought in a stable salary. His figure was well trained and strong. He thought about the way Hermione would smile at him and how she would laugh and wondered perhaps if it was his misfortunes that she loved so much. Perhaps she enjoyed the slightly crooked nature of his nose, perhaps she was touched that he would speak in his native tongue when she knew how much more challenging it was. Perhaps his clumsy charm matched her introverted beauty. He placed a hand over his mouth and chuckled. He did not think he would ever understand why she loved him, but he was not entirely convinced that it mattered so much.
Hermione apparated back home when she realised that Viktor was gone. She saw him, through the window, stood by the shore. She removed her shoes and planned to join him. The air was cool and Hermione felt herself shiver against it. She approached him silently, hoping to surprise him. Then, she gently wrapped her arms around his waist and placed a cheek against his back. He sighed and leant his head back, resting against hers. She squeezed him a little tighter and whispered into his ear:
"If you win, it shall be the team who wins and if not then the fault is of the team, not you. You are not the only player out there, my love." She cooed to him and he chuckled.
"You alvays know exactly vhat to say." He replied and turned, pulling her into a tight embrace.
"That is because I can read you and I know that you are feeling the pressure." She smiled up to him and he shrugged his shoulders to indicate that she was correct. After a few moments, she took his hand and began leading him inside. They made love that night. It was sweet and tender and loving, and Viktor knew why she loved him then, and it was just for the reason that he loved her. Because throughout all of the terrible events, all of the times that darkness had threatened to blanket over them, they had each been each other's beacon of light in a world of impending darkness and that surpassed looks or charm or any other nonsense. It was true, the truest form of love there was.
Daria had stopped sending Harry letters. She supposed that it simply wasn't worth it as he never had the time to reply. Despite not being on the main team, Daria trained harder than ever. She wanted to prove to everyone that she was good enough for the national team. Of course, it still stung when she saw Viktor and Hermione together, but she knew that someone would come along, someone who would be able to appreciate her for who she was. But, for the moment, her sport would have to do.
Hermione had attempted everything to calm Viktor about the Cup Finale that they would play against Japan. She had cooked his favourite food, dressed up more for him and shown more affection than ever. But still, he was tense, even when smiling and laughing, it was always there in the back of his mind, behind the happiness in his eyes. Ginny, however, found no issue in calming Ivan's nerves.
"You must meet my family after the Vorld Cup!" He had blurted out one day and she had showed true enthusiasm towards the idea. She was nervous, but she would do it for him, if only to prove to him that she was serious about their relationship. Ivan wasn't too worried if they won or lost. Of course, he wanted to win for his country and the fact that they had made it to the finals was brilliant. However, whilst he was training, all he could think of was Ginny. He couldn't wait for the time that he could spend with her, thinking only of her, without the Cup Finals on his mind.
The day finally rolled around and the Bulgarian team stood in front of their portkey and looked at one another.
"Now, as you all know, I am not the most rousing of coaches. But I know that we can win if we use all of our talent. Isn't that right boys?" Vlad asked and was met with a gigantic response. He nodded and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. He then took Hermione's hand, smiling down at her, before transporting them all to the stadium in Berlin.
Viktor could feel himself sweating. He watched Hermione as she smiled and conversed with the men in her little skirt and bouncy curls. He wanted nothing more than to be there with her, enjoying her company. But he couldn't, he had to be alone in this moment. Daria had attempted to console him but he had soon sent her away and he sat, alone in the corner of the tent, with his hands on his knees and his head in his palms.
Hermione wished that she could say something, anything to make Viktor feel better. But she knew, that he would have to face this day and wait until it was over to relax. She couldn't explain it, but something within her gave her the strange sensation that things were going to be okay. She treated the rest of her team, explaining to Vlad that Viktor was better left alone.
"I think you know him better than I, so I will trust you." He smiled down at her and placed a caring hand to the small of her back before pacing off.
The time had come, Bulgaria could become the first team to win after the war, they could be heroes. And to many, this dream relied on Krum. He stood, his broom sweaty in his hand, feeling the beads form upon his brow. He looked over to Hermione, who met his gaze and nodded reassuringly. He closed his eyes and fantasised that it was only them, that he was playing only for her eyes, only to please her, and this thought brought him the greatest amount of peace as he took to the air and greeted the crowd.
