Finding their way back to love

by melissa122683

The war has ended but Hermione's pain may just be begining when someone she trusts takes away one of her last safe spaces. She runs to the only family she has left but is worried she may not be welcome but finds out that everything she believed was a lie. Viktor finds the thing he loves the most back in his life, but it may be too late.

22. Chapter 21- New Family Members

Chapter 21- New Family Members.

Viktor's head swiveled from group at the table when he heard a loud pop and saw Hermione siting in the field in front of the lake and finally felt his heart stutter back into place. He took his first deep breath in over 2 hours… from the moment he realized that she had to go… from the moment he realized she was leaving and might not come back again. His eyes narrowed as he took her in, she was slightly hunched over and holding onto something, but she was home.

All the thoughts that had been racing through his head the last 2 hours left and all he was left was the need to be by her side, to have her in his arms. He shot to his feet hard enough to push his chair to the ground and just ran…. Just raced to her, he just needed her in his arms… he needed to touch her like he needed his next breath…. He just ran not noticing that his team and family were close behind him, their own worry and fear pushing them to follow.

"MILA… your late." He yelled, the first thought coming to his head as relief of her sitting here finally came over him and his frustration of her being gone and late took over. He slowed down as he got closer and felt his anger rise as he looked at her back, With her hair still up in the bun her back was on full display and it now held new black and blue bruising over the yellow and greens that were fading. New colorful patterns rising from her lower back all the way up to mid back over her spine. A distinct imprint of the corner of something to one side of her spine almost set him off.

Viktor felt his heart race as his fury began to take over, and it only got worse when he noticed the two new wounds oozing blood onto the white dress that tinged with dirt and grim. He paused running as he took in the obviously new injuries across her back and her shoulders and felt his rage climbing until he could not breath, his chest tight as the rage and fury tried to climb out of him.

He was immediately irrationally angry with her… with the situation… with the world…. that she was once again hurt and in pain while he had been sitting at the table waiting for her. She had promised… promise that she was going to stay out of the fighting… that she was going to be safe. Yet she came back home covered in new bruises and bleeding wounds yet again. He felt his breath coming out in harsh gasps as the fury at the unfairness of all it rolled through him…. as the inability to help her rolled through him… as the fury of her pain and suffering hit him yet again. He startled when his couch laid a hand on his shoulder, "She is here and alive… we can deal with the rest after you hold her." He whispered and his words kick started Viktor back up and he started to run again.

His team and family came up behind him, taking in the bruises and bleeding wounds across Hermione's back, and horror swept through them. Only Ana, Alek and Viktor had seen her back before and now the rest of his family was seeing all the old wounds plus the new ones and seeing them broke their hearts. His team however had not seen or really knew what Hermione had been though before looked at her back carefully and their horror stopped them in shock. They looked back and forth at each other and realized that this girl was formidable because when they looked closely, they could see the fading bruises and realized how hurt she really was when she left just a while ago. They could also see the new bleeding bruising and realized she had fought yet again just now.

They all waited for Viktor as he slowed down to a walk before falling to his knees like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders down into the grass next to Hermione. Maybe it was the weight of the guilt of not being there…. the weight of her being hurt yet again... the weight of being powerless to help her when she left.

They all watched as Viktor's trembling hand went up to cup Hermione's cheek and they saw the tears gathering in his eyes and the group had to look away, had to give them a moment of privacy.

Viktor took in new bruises on Hermione's cheek and the fingerprints back on her throat and he had to close his eyes for moment to take a calming breath, "Mila… you are hurt." He said in a harsh voice the fear an undercurrent to his frustration and anger.

Hermione smiled at him carefully, tiredly, "It is not bad…. I promise… I am ok." She said pulling her arm from around Bella to reach out and cup his cheek, her thumb rubbing back and forth.

Viktor closed his eyes and grabbed her hand carefully and held it to his face, letting his cheek rest in her hand. "Mila." He whispered, "You are literally killing me… each time you leave… each time you are hurt…. it is like the wounds come to my soul."

Hermione gave a small tried giggle that made him look up at her in wonder, "I love you too." She said looking into his eyes. "I am ok… I promise…" She smiled at him, "I swear it to you… I am ok."

His narrowed at her, "You are not funny… telling me I love you will not get you out of trouble….. you are hurt and you are late." He said harshly his fear still rolling through him and it was coming out like anger. He shook his head at her, "YOU ARE HURT." He snapped, but he paused when his tone made the little girl on Hermione lap tuck under her face under Hermione's chin and her arms tightening around Hermione's waist, making Hermione gasp in pain.

Hermione looked down at Adeline and rubbed her back, "It is ok Love… he is not mad." She whispered. "He is sad because I was hurt."

Adeline stuck her nose out and looked up at Hermione and spoke in rapid French, "He is very mean." She whispered softly; her tone scared.

The group behind them had turned at Viktor's snapping tone but it was the soft French voice that drew them closer to see the little girls in Hermione's arms.

Hermione smiled down at Adeline and spoke back in French as the rest of the team and family came around to look at them, "He is a man that doesn't know how to express his worry… his fear… and he is very worried about me… he had fear when I left to come and get you…. He is my fiancé, we are going to be married soon and he is upset that I am hurt." She paused brushing Adeline's hair back, her curls bouncing in the wind, "You know how your Momma would be upset when you were hurt? It is the same for Viktor." She said softly.

Adeline sat up in her lap, "NO… my mom did not yell at me when I was hurt." She said softly.

Hermione laughed, "Viktor is stubborn and he is frustrated and sad… he is angry because it is easier to be angry than sad… but he is NOT angry with me… he is angry at the people that hurt me.. and he is sad that he was not there to defend me." She said softly, "Watch this." She whispered.

Hermione turned to look at Viktor who was kneeling next to them on the grass, and smiled at him, "Viktor my wonderful amazing love….. why are you mad at me?" She asked softly, her eyes looking down at Adeline who was staring at him carefully.

Viktor took a deep breath and ran his fingers over Hermione's face, "I am not mad at you Mila… well I am a little because you are late and you promised no fighting… but I am upset because you are hurt." He whispered, "I never want to see you hurt." He said a tear sliding down his cheek.

Hermione gave him a soft smile reaching out to brush away his tear, then looked down to Adeline, "Do you see…. He is a bit gruff and big and scary looking, but he is the sweetest man… he will always protect me and now that you are with me… he will always protect you." Hermione said reaching over to tap Adeline's nose.

Adeline shook her head, "Are you sure? She whispered. Hermione chuckled when Adeline scrunched her nose, and narrowed her eyes, "Mamma said most boys are troublemakers… that my daddy was too... but she loved him anyway."

Hermione nodded, "Your Mama was right… all boys are trouble a little bit…..even Viktor… but I love him anyway." She said laughing. "Viktor is trouble like your daddy was trouble, but Viktor is a great man… just like your daddy was."

Adeline sat up helping Bella up off Hermione's lap when she started to squirm and watched as Bella crawled along the group, "How do you know my daddy was a great man… are you special like my mommy?" She asked.

Hermione shook her head watching as Anna picked Bella up giving her a soft hug and began to rock her. Hermione looked down to Adeline with a big smile, "Because of the way that you talk about him… because he took you fishing… because he raised such a sweet girl like you… he had to be great."

Adeline stood up and put her hands on her hips, looking down at Hermione, "And you say that Mr. Viktor is like my daddy." She said pointing hard enough and close enough to Viktor that her finger hit Viktor in the top of his nose making his eyes water in pain. Hermione covered her smiling lips and snorted through a laugh, "Are you sure… cause he yelled at you when you are hurt." Adeline said with narrowed eyes.

Ludmil leaned over to Ivan and whispered, "We have only known Hermione like 3 hours and that is the same face and voice she uses…. it is like the little girl is her mini."

Viktor snorted hearing them, "You are not wrong." He mumbled up to his teammates, rubbing his nose.

Adeline turned to Viktor, "Minnie said that you would not hurt her." She said hands on her hips, her attachment to Hermione quick and firm, dictating her worry.

Viktor narrowed his eyes and frowned, "I would never ever hurt Hermione." He said firmly, "I would give my life for hers."

Adeline tilted her head to the side, and said carefully "How do I know that you are not lying… I won't let you hurt my Minnie Mouse." Adeline said pointing at Viktor again.

Hermione's eyes shot up at her new nick name and she giggled at the very muggle name as the rest of the group tried to figure out why Adeline would call Hermione a mouse. She reached up and pulled the bun loose off the top of her hair and her curls fell down her back wild and free again. And the group took in the two girls in front of them and smiled.

Adeline turned back to Viktor, "My momma says Minnie Mouse is important like me…"

She said softly, looking Viktor in the eye, her little 5-year-old arms crossed with her serious face.

Viktor nodded at Adeline, "Can I tell you a secret?' He asked reaching out to dig his fingers into Hermione's curls and cup the back of her head softly, his thumb brushing back and forth, even now he needed to be touching her… to know she was alive and well.

Adeline nodded at him, arms crossed, "Yes…. I can keep secrets. She said eyes narrowed.

Viktor smiled at Adeline, she looked like a mini version of Hermione in every way…... exactly what he thought their daughter would look like one day. Long curly hair like Hermione's, but jet black like his, eyes narrowed, and arms crossed in her exasperation. "I know that Hermione is important… I have known it from the moment I met her…. And I have chased her and loved her from the moment she yelled at me to be quiet." He said with a small smile.

Adeline tilted her head, "She yelled at you… that is why you loved her?" She asked confused.

Viktor shrugged, "I knew the moment she yelled that she was special… going down her own path, caring for those around her and not letting others tell her who is special and right…. That is why I know that you are special too." He said reaching out to tap Adeline's belly, "If Hermione thinks you are special… then so do I… and if she wants to protect you…. then so will I."

Adeline looked at him carefully, searching his face for am moment before looking over at Hermione who was looking back at her. Adeline sighed dramatically, "Fine…I will trust him…. But only him." She said to Hermione in quick French making Hermione grin. The Adeline turned to Viktor putting her little hands on her waist, "By the way… you are not very good at keeping secrets… you just told everyone the secret you told me." She said shaking her head making Hermione burst out laughing.

"She has a point Viktor…. You did tell everyone" Hermione said reaching her hand out to him, "Now help me up."

Viktor rolled his eyes, "How am I going to deal with two of you?" He asked his heart finally starting to calm the more Hermione was just there… just smiling… just laughing… just being her. He slid his hands under Hermione's arms to gently help her stand, watching how she flinched in pain. "You need to be careful." He whispered as she leaned against him.

Hermione gave him a soft smile, "I am ok... really… I am starving though." She said looking up at Viktor who snorted and mumbled under his breath, "She is finally asking for food instead of us shoving it down her throat." Making Hermione hit him in the stomach with a smile. She turned to the group her back to the lake now and watched as Alek run up looking around and saw his fear starting to rise when he didn't see Ginny.

Hermione held her hand up, "Alek." She called until he looked at her, eyes wild, "She is fine…. She is at the hospital watching over her brother."

Alek's eyes narrowed, "She is in the hospital?" He asked, heart racing.

Hermione smiled at him, "She doesn't have a scratch on her, I promise… one of the prisoners we found was her brother Percy… he has been missing for a few months." Hermione said with a small smile, "Ginny took him to the hospital and is staying there with him until she knows he is ok."

Alek nodded at her carefully, "So… she is ok?" He asked.

Hermione gave him a tired smile, "She is absolutely perfectly fine." She said.

Alek nodded again as his heart slowed down and then looked at Hermione's face and neck and scowled, "You on the other hand seem to have a lot of new marks." He said eyes narrowed, "So much for no fighting."

Hermione rolled her eyes as Viktor snickered next to her and mumbled, "You are in trouble with everyone Mila… not just me." He said wrapping an arm across her upper back, still needing contact.

Hermione sighed, "Just a few marks… I would love some pain potion... if you have one in there." She said point to the bag in Aleks hand before reaching down and sitting her hand on Adeline's head, letting her lean on her side.

Viktor frowned, "I thought you were ok?" He asked softly.

Hermione nodded, "I am… just sore and a little pain… nothing to bad." She said feeling bad for slightly lying as her back started to ache more. "I am fine really."

Viktor snorted and rolled his eyes over his scowl, "She is bleeding from new wounds, has new bruises and can barley stand but she is fine, she says." Viktor mumbled his hand sliding up to cup her head so he could kiss her curls, his eyes closed taking in her wildflower scent. His body curved over and around hers like a protective shield.

Alek walked over and looked Hermione in the eyes, "Truth?" He said softly. "What do you need…. What is hurting."

Hermione shrugged as Adeline wrapped an arm around Hermione's leg and look up at her, "Just my back this time… promise…. I am more tired than anything else…" She took a breath, smiling down at Adeline, "I wanted to use my magic when I woke up…. And I guess that I did today." She said with a small grin, tapping Adeline's nose and making her giggle, "All of the magic I saved up for the last week and I decided to use it all in one day."

Alek rolled his eyes at her, "You are impossible." He said walking around to look at her back and quickly raised his wand to close the open wound on her shoulder after cleaning it up. He quickly moved to the one on her side, cleaning it and trying to seal it. When it would not seal, he looked up at Viktor and Viktor shook his head at him with a frown. "Mione what made this wound?" Alek asked.

Hermione looked over her shoulder, tying to see her own ribs, "A curse that will take a few days to heal… can you just cover it for now." She looked him in the eyes when he went to talk, "I will go over everything with you later… I promise." She said softly. "There is nothing life threating and nothing that will hurt more if I wait… I know that curse… it barely got me; I will be fine."

Alek sighed and mumbled under his breath making Hermione smile, "Barely got me… I will be fine she says… mean while she has wounds that won't close again and needs stiches and more bruises…. Fingerprints… I swear Ginny better not act like this… because I will lose my mind." He said using his wand to seal a bandage to her back.

Hermione snorted at the last part looking at Alek when he walked around, "Ginny is ten times worse than me…." She paused grinned at him, "Remember when you said you did not want to marry me because you need clam and relaxing and behaved…... Ginny is the opposite of all of that…... so good luck." She whispered.

Alek paled and shook his head, "I am so screwed." He mumbled handing Hermione a vile shaking his head. "It is only for pain and healing for the bones for now… I will give you the one that puts you to sleep later."

Viktor covered his grin by turning to Hermione's ear and whispering, "That was mean."

Hermione shrugged, "Yes… but true, better get him ready now." She said laughing swallowing the potion quickly and handing Alek the vile back. Viktor just shook his head while Ana hid her smile behind Bella's hair.

Hermione looked back over to the team that was still standing there, "I would LOVE to have lunch still if you guys are up to it… but I think I need to shower first." She said looking up at Viktor.

Viktor kissed her forhead, "You are a little dirty Mila." He said with grin.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "I guess I do… but that is not my fault… can you put all of the wards back up and only let Harry, Kingsley and Ginny in?" She asked Mecho.

Mecho nodded at her, "I will do it now." He said raising his wand to the sky.

Hermione smiled waving her hand, so her Patronus Falcon appeared. "I just need to send a message quick." Hermione quickly whispered her message to Harry into its ear and watched it fly off disappearing into the sky.

Viktor scowled as a new thought went through his mind, "Harry and Ginny were supposed to stay with you the entire time." He said quietly in her ear. "How did you get hurt if they were with you and they don't have a scratch on them? He asked

"We went to the prisoners in the basement first and realized that the prisoners were hurt badly, and Harry and Ginny would each need to take one to be safe…. plus, since it was Percy… Ginny needed to stay with him at the hospital." Hermione smiled up at Viktor, "I told them to go and keep the prisoners safe… it was supposed to be easy; we were all fine when they left…. Just a few scratches. I went to get the girls and there was a surprise waiting… but I took care of it."

Adeline looked up at Hermione a grin, "She sure did…. she took care of all 3 of the bad guys who came into our room." She said proudly making Viktor look down at her in surprise then back at Hermione with a raised eyebrow his scowl firmly on display as worry for began to mount again.

"3 bad guys?" He asked, voice tight, "That is 3 more then you promised." He said eyes closed for a moment.

Hermione's smile at Adeline looked more like a grimace, "Yes… yes, maybe let's not say everything at once." She said patting Adeline's head looking back up at Viktor with a small smile.

Viktor opened his eyes and shook his head looking down at Adeline with a calculating smile, "No.. no… I want to hear all about what happened… how brave your Minnie was." He said pausing to look at Hermione with a scowl, "All of it."

Hermione shook her head, but Adeline grinned up at Viktor thinking he was excited to hear the story, "Minnie Mouse kicked their butts…. The first two came in and she got one down right away, chained him up and everything but then the other one got her BAD… and then .."

Viktor cut Adeline off with a hand, "What do you mean he GOT her?" He asked with a smile that made Hermione cringe and try to cut in, but Viktor's hand tightened on her shoulder making her flinch, which caused his eyes to narrow even more as he let it go like fire.

Adeline began to jump up and down in excitement not knowing she was pissing off most of the group at Hermione being hurt. "Hermione was throwing spells sooooo fast like super-fast like a superhero." Viktor looked at her not knowing what a super hero was but let her keep going, "She was so fast but he got a spell past her wall and it hit Minnie Mouse in the chest and she gasped so hard." Adeline said hitting her chest dramatically and making a gasping sound as she took a step back like a good storyteller, not noticing Hermione's cringe at the stares she was getting. Hermione quickly looked away from Viktor's piercing narrowed eyes as he looked at her covered chest and fierce scowl.

Adeline kept bouncing as she talked, "And then Minnie mouse FLEW across the room and hit the wall SO hard… I would not have been able to get back up after that, but Minnie Mouse got up and started throwing spell AGAIN when ANOTHER bad guy came through the door and ALSO started throwing spells at her."

Hermione closed her eyes and winced knowing that no matter who she looked at right now there were varying degrees of anger and frustration coming off them. She reached out to hold Viktor hand, and when it tightened in hers, she looked up at see the fury rolling off him in waves. She began to rub her hand up and down his arm as Adeline continued her story.

In fact, Adeline was dancing now as she spook in her excitement still oblivious to the group around her, "Then Minnie mouse threw a spell at the new guy at the door and he flew out the door and Minnie locked it up tight so no one else could get in but then the other bad guy threw a spell and…."

Hermione cut Adeline off, with a large fake smile "And then we all got out and came here." She said in a bright voice.

Viktor raised an eyebrow at her and looked back to Adeline, "Is that true?" He asked her with a calculating smile and soft tone, his hand tight in Hermione's. "Is that it?"

Adeline shook her head, her black curls swirling in the wind, "Noooooo." She said in at way only a 5-year-old could do in exasperation, "Minnie Mouse don't you remember that he tackled you to the ground?" The group gave a small gasp that Adeline took as encouragement to keep telling her story.

Hermione tried to take a small step away from Viktor, but his grp tightened on her hand as he looked down at Adeline, "Tackled her?" He said in an exaggerated excited voice, Hermione closed her eyes tightly.

Adeline nodded enthusiastically, "Yes… he was sitting on her chest and he hit her like this." Adeline mimicked the back-hand Hermione had gotten and Hermione heard the catch in Viktor throat as he looked over at her face, his eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at the new bruise by her mouth. Adeline still kept going, digging Hermine's grave for her, "AND then Minnie mouse put her hands on his chest like this." She said holding her hands up, "and used a spell that sent him across the room SO FAR and he ran SO SO scared… and when he couldn't get out of the door since it was locked he jumped out the window." Adeline said in an exhausted voice like telling her story was equal to running a marathon.

Hermione gave Viktor a small smile and shrug, "It was not that big of a deal." She whispered, "Way less dramatic then that." She said softly.

Adeline put her hands on her waist again, "Minnie." She said out in a drawn-out voice. "You kicked their butts… even if they hit you too…. I mean you hit them way more then they hit you and you stopped 3 bad guys…. By YOURSELF." She rolled her eyes, her black curls bouncing everywhere.

Hermione nodded down at Adeline with closed eyes, knowing everyone was looking at her, "Yep….. I did really well….. especially since I was not supposed to even be fighting." She whispered.

Viktor narrowed his eyes at Hermione and gave her a calculating smile. "You certainly did Mila." Viktor growled out.

Hermione looked up at him, and gave him a smile, "It wasn't my fault…." She said eyes wide and innocent as she held his hand closer.

Viktor raised an eyebrow at her, "It never is." He said tightly, after hearing the story fear had taken root in his heart all over agine, knowing how close he had come to losing her.

Hermione smiled up him, bright and sweet, "I love you." She said wrapping an arm around his waist and leaning into him.

Viktor looked down at her with a straight face and Hermione leaned up to kiss his chin, "I really, really, really love you." She said smiling brightly.

The look that Hermione was giving Viktor paired with the sweet way she said she loved him, while Viktor shook his head at her made the group burst into laughter. Adeline however looked back and forth at Hermione and Viktor thoughtfully, "My mom would do that too when she was in trouble with dad." She said making the group laugh ever harder.

Viktor shook his head looking at the group before looking down at Hermione with a sigh, "Are you sure you are ok?" He asked softy, his hand going to cup her cheek.

Hermione smiled up at him sincerely this time, "I really am…I promise… just sore and tired." She said laying a hand on his chest, "I promise I am not hiding anything."

Viktor sighed setting his forhead on hers, "OK…" He whispered against her lips before kissing her lightly, "But we will talk about this later…... including everything that happened and ALL of your injuries."

Hermione smiled as she kissed him back softly, her lips brushing back and forth on his until he sighed and kissed her back. After a moment she pulled back and set her lips on his chin for a quick kiss, "I promise…. We will talk and I will tell you everything." She said softly.

Adeline smiled, "My mom would kiss dad to…. to make him not mad." She said with a tilted head looking at Viktor when he smiled down at her before leaning over to kiss Hermione softly again, "I think that I like you, Viktor." Adeline said thoughtfully, "You remind me of daddy…. He was mean to everyone but Mommy … and Theo and me and Bella." She said, "Kind of like you with Minnie Mouse."

Viktor smiled down at Adeline given her a small smile, "Minnie mouse is my favorite person in the world and the only one who can probably not get in trouble with me…." He said rolling his eyes.

Hermione snorted, "I get in trouble all of the time." She said wrapping her arm around his waist.

Viktor grinned down at her, "Yes but you are the only one who can sweet talk me to forget why I am mad…. Or completely from mad to happy in a few words and kisses."

Hermione looked up at him thoughtfully, "Yes but in everyone else's defense…. Do you let them try to kiss your anger away?" She asked with a sly grin.

The team burst out laughing and Viktor scowled but Hermione looked over at Ludmil with a gleam in her eyes, "I mean Ludmil did say that he had very soft and kissable lips." Hermione said trying to hide her giggle.

Viktor shook his head at her, "You are the worst… the absolute worst." He said rolling his eyes at her, "I don't know why I love you… I really don't." He said stiffly.

Hermione looked up with a large grin, "Because I challenge you…. And I work hard… and I am smart…. And….. I have kissable lips." She said with a smile looking up at Viktor until his lips cracked and he chuckled.

Viktor closed his eyes for a moment letting the panic of her being gone fade away…. Letting the feel of her in his arms warm the cold fear that had paralyzed him the last 2 hours. He reached up a hand to cup her cheek and looked down into her eyes, "Yes…. I love you for all of those reasons… but also because you are a fighter." He murmured, telling her with no words how much he understood and supported her, "I love you because you are the bravest, sweetest loveliest, kindest, most amazing witch that I have ever met." He gave her a quick hard kiss and one of his rare grins, "And you do have the most kissable lips… I have it on good authority that yours are much softer and even more kissable then Ludmil's." He said.

Hermione burst out laughing at his last sentence, rolling her eyes, "I would hope so…. Unless you have been kissing Ludmil a lot…" She paused and looked back and forth between them, "Is there something you have to tell me Ludmil?" She asked with a smile making the rest of group shake their heads as they laughed.

Viktor sighed in exasperation with a small smile, "I love you, Mila." He said as he kissed her forhead gently. After a moment he took a deep breath, "OK…. So you want to shower then have lunch?" He asked quietly, "Are you sure?" Viktor looked over to his team who gave them small smiles, "I am sure the team will be fine coming another day." He said watching his team nod at them.

Hermione shook her head, "I actually want lunch if you guys are up for it." She said with beaming smile, "I am starving… as long as you guys don't get upset if I fall asleep while you play quidditch later."

The team broke out into laughter, and Ludmil Stepped forward, "I will sit with you while they play… you can lean on my shoulder." He said with a sly smile.

Viktor snapped his hand out and hit Ludmil back a step, "I will kill you." He snarled his eyes narrowed as he scowled.

Adeline tugged on Viktor's pant leg, "You should not threaten people….. My mom says that you should use your words." She said primly.

Ana snorted as she walked up still holding onto Bella, "Adeline is right." She said with a small grin making Adeline beam up at her.

Viktor narrowed his eyes at his mother before he gave an evil grin, "Ok." He said turning to Ludmil, "Stop hitting on Hermione… and I will promise to not beat you unconscious." He said with a snarl.

Adeline tugged on Viktor's leg again, "I don't think that is how it works." She said looking up at him with smile, "You are supposed to say…. Please stop hitting Hermione." She said primly.

Hermione covered her lips as she giggled at Adeline's face and Adeline tugged on Hermione's dress, "But Minnie Mouse… he is not hitting you… so what does Viktor mean?" She whispered softly making the team cover their chuckles with coughs.

Before Hermione could say anything, Viktor crouched down to look Adeline in the eye, "I was saying hitting on… it means that he is trying to steal Minnie Mouse from us and take her far away." He said with a gleam in his eyes.

Adeline's eyes narrowed as she looked over at Ludmil, "You are not a nice person." She said pointing her finger. "You can not have our Minnie Mouse…. You stop hitting her… I mean it." She said putting her hands on her waist.

Ludmil took a step back at the evil gleam in Adeline's eyes and whispered loudly, "I can't tell who she looks more like right now… Viktor or Mione… but either way she is scary." His dramatic voice making his team burst out laughing at him.

Hermione reached out her hand to Adeline, "I am not going anywhere bug." She said softly with a smile, "Viktor is stuck with me forever now."

Adeline smiled, "Of course he is…..that is what happens when you get married." She paused her eyes watery, "What about me?" She asked softly.

Hermione smiled, "You are stuck with me as long as you want to… I will always watch out for you now… both you and Bella."

Adeline smiled looking at Hermione's hand in hers, "I love your ring." She said grinning, "It is so pretty….and so shinny… I want one just like it one day from a prince charming."

Hermione looked up to Viktor in shock, "She can see it?" She whispered to him, "I don't remember dropping the glamour… I swear it is still there."

Alek looked down at her hand, "It is still glamoured…. I don't see anything but your finger." He whispered loudly so everyone could hear him, "So do you have something to tell us?" He said eyebrows raised a grin on his face.

Viktor looked over to his mother and father, eyes wide, "NO." He said pulling Hermione closer in front of him like a human shield between him and his parents, particularly his mother whose eyes had narrow into slits at him.

Hermione rolled her eyes at what he was doing and looked back up at him, "What happened to always standing in front of me and protecting me?" She asked, laughter in her voice.

Viktor whispered into her ear loud enough that most of the group heard him, "That was from any and everything but angry mothers…. Mama is less likely to kill you." His hands on her waist, placing her square in front of him, not that it would do any good since he was taller and wider than her.

Hermione grinned up at him, "Fine, you big scared-y cat." She said watching him shrug his shoulders and dip his knees so he could rest his chin on her shoulder to hide a little more.

Viktor wrapped his arm around her waist careful not to touch her back, "From Mama and Papa… yes." He said with a grin kissing Hermione's neck making her burst out laughing.

Hermione looked over to Ana and Mecho who were looking at them with narrowed eyes, then she looked to Alek, Andrian and Vlad who had crossed their arms and had scowls on their faces that rivaled Viktor's. She gave them all a huge smile, "Look what Viktor surprised me with." She said with a beaming grin letting the glamour off and holding out her hand, so her engagement ring shined in the light.

She giggled when Viktor's hands tickled her side and he whispered loudly making his team chuckle, "You were supposed to take the blame… you found it on the dresser and took it." He said hiding his grin in her hair.

Hermione nodded at him and said loudly, "I found it on the dresser and took it." She said eyes wide and laughing.

Ana rolled her eyes, "You two are the worst…. Viktor, I thought you wanted us to help you plan… I was going to buy flowers and lights for by the lake." She said frowning.

Mecho shook his head, "I wanted to see her face when you asked." Being honest, knowing he was not going to help plan but did want to see it happen.

Alek shook his head, "I was going to hire music." He said crossing his arms with a frown. "I violinist."

Andrian pointed at Viktor, "I was going to get a photographer so you could have the memory forever." He said with a scowl.

Viktor snorted and grinned at Andrian behind Hermione's curls, "He wanted the photo for the paper." He whispered into Hermione's ear making her narrow her eyes at Andrian.

Andrian narrowed his eyes back at Viktor, "One posed photo at the end when it was done, yes… for the paper to stay off your backs…. but the rest were going to be for you to have as memories." He muttered.

Hermione looked to Vlad who just shrugged, "I just wanted to see it happen… I had no plans…" He turned his big eyes to Hermione, "I thought I was your favorite brother… I can't believe you let me miss it." He said softly, eyes wide.

Hermione rolled her eyes at Vlad, "Oh save it…... you are my favorite brother… sometimes… not all of the time and you know this." She looked down at the ring for a moment before looking up to the family, "But Viktor proposed to me… right at the right moment and he did it with the prefect words in the prefect way… it was not planed by either of us… but I would not change a thing about it." She turned to look at Viktor who was looking at her with a soft smile and love pouring out of his eyes, "Would you change anything about it?" She asked him softly.

Viktor shook his head, "No My Mila… it was prefect in every way." He said leaning over and placing his lips on hers in sweet kiss. "No flowers or lights or music would have made it any better."

Andrian groaned, "But there were no photos." He said throwing up his hands.

Hermione grinned at Andrian, "I have a photographic memory." She said as she smiled and turned in Viktor arms and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him in for a deep kiss.

Viktor smiled against her lips wrapping his arms around her hips and pulling her up, his lips covering hers carefully before his tongue slid across her bottom lip, asking for permission to come in. When she opened up to him, he smiled more into her kiss. They didn't break apart until they heard, "Ewww" From Adeline.

Viktor and Hermione looked down to see Adeline covering her eyes and the group laughing at them.

Ana smiled at the two of them and shook her head, "Fine…. fine…. But I will be in every single part of the planning of the wedding." She said crossing her arms, her eyes narrowed.

Hermione looked at Viktor with an evil grin before letting her face fall blank and turned in his arms to look back at Ana with a frown, "But Viktor already said that we could elope after his cup next week." She said her voice serious making Ana gasp in horror and Viktor hid his face in Hermione's curls to hide his grin.

Andrian was the one who pointed at them and shook his head, "Absolutely not!" He yelled, "The press will have field day… Bon Bon Seeker runs off and gets married in secret?"

Hermione shrugged, keeping her face straight, "Yes. But you can spin it… Bon Bon Seeker gets married to a smart witch who fought in war… after hiding love for years…. It would be a great cover." She said thoughtfully tapping her chin making Viktor team start chuckling at them.

Andrian gapped at her, eyes bugged out "Are you kidding me?" He shook his head looking over at his mother who was looking at Viktor and Hermione with narrowed eyes. He turned to look at Viktor who was still hiding her Hermione's curls, "Viktor you must see this is a horrible ideal." He begged, "As your manager... I am telling you it is not a good idea."

Hermione could feel Viktor laughing behind her and felt him take a breath before he came out from her curls and say in a straight face, "I think you could spin it…. It is almost romantic if you think about…. They waited so long; they could not wait any more." He said sincerely, "You are a great manager… you can do it."

Andrian's eyes went even wider, "NO…. it is never gonna happen….. you two have to listen to me." He said starting to pace, "You can not run off and get married without photos… without any press… without a plan." He paused when he saw Hermione's grin and Viktor laughing behind her silently again and realized he had been played, "I hate you both… hate…. loath." He said throwing his hands up and walking away muttering to himself.

Hermione burst out laughing and called out, "I love you, Andrian." Making the team shake their heads laughing at the two of them but it was Georgi that pointed at Viktor with narrowed thoughtful eyes, "But if she wanted to elope… you would do it in an instant… wouldn't you?" He said with a grin.

Viktor looked over at his coach and shrugged, "Of course." He said, "I don't care how we get married as long as we get married. "

Ana shook her head, "You two will be the death of me." She looked to Hermione and frowned, "You don't want to elope… do you?" She asked her voice hesitant.

Hermione shook her head and smiled, "Even if I wanted too… between you and Molly and Ginny and everyone else…... it will never happen." She said with a shrug looking to look behind her at Viktor, "But honestly… I kind of want a real wedding… to say our vows in front of everyone… to celebrate with everyone." She whispered.

Viktor kissed her forhead, "I do too… I want the world to see me claim you…. For everyone to know that you belong to me…" He paused at Hermione's narrowed eyes and grinned, "And for the world to know that I belong to you…" He carefully leaned down and over to kiss her lips and whispered, "For a million photos to be taken when we go from two to one."

Hermione smiled up at him, "Me to." Then she looked around the group, "And for all of our friends and family to be there with us when we do it."

Ana rubbed her forehead, "Thank you Merlin." She whispered, "You were giving me a heart attack for a moment."

Hermione smiled over at her, "Sorry Mama…. I couldn't help but mess with Andrian." She said with a shrug. Viktor wrapped his arms around her shoulders and chest letting her lean her upper back against him but keep her lower back free.

Viktor looked at Ana, "I am sorry I didn't tell you guys I asked her… I just asked her last night and it was a literally a last-minute decision…" He gave his mom a smile, "I saw her beautiful face smiling at me and we were talking and it just kind of came out."

Ana waved her hand at them, "Its fine…. As long as I am there for the wedding."

Viktor smiled at his mother, "Everyone here will be there… standing and supporting us." He said with a grin looking around his family and his team. "Well if you want to be." He grinned.

Hermione felt Adeline tug on her dress again, "Do I get to be there?" She asked softly, eyes wide.

Hermione grinned and leaned down to tap her nose, "Of course you will be there." Hermione said, "You and Bella both… I will make sure."

Adeline grinned up at her, "Do I get to wear a pretty dress like a princess… like Arial… she is my favorite… I want to meet someone like Prince Eric….. Viktor kind of looks like Prince Eric." She said thoughtfully before pulling on Hermione's dress until she knelt down, and Adeline looked her in the eyes, "But Eric is just a little more handsome then Viktor." She said putting her fingers close together in front of her, making Hermione burst into laughter. Adeline shook her head serious and bit her lip looking up at Viktor who was looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

Adeline looked back at Hermione, "I mean Viktor is ok…. Pretty good… he is way better looking than Aladdin and Beast…" Adeline paused thinking carefully, "and Philp." She said, "But Not Eric." She said firmly.

Hermione nodded at Adeline, face serious, "Yes…. I think you are right… Viktor is better looking than Philp for sure and I never really liked Aladdin or Beast." She said making Adeline nod at her, "But I do think that Eric is much more handsome then Viktor." Hermione said with a smile as she looked up to see Viktor's scowl. "Plus Eric was is a Prince."

Adeline nodded at her, "Yes… what is Viktor?" She asked thoughtfully

Hermione shook her head, "He just plays quidditch." She said giving a mock frown and heard Viktor's team chuckle.

Adeline raised her eyebrows up high, "You mean like the game…. That is not a job." She said putting her hands on her hips.

Hermione bit her lip looking at the offend looks they were getting from the team and smiled at Adeline, "Well it is a job for Viktor and his team." She said pointing that the team. "They work really hard… practice so much and fight hard to be great."

Adeline narrowed her eyes at them, "Ok fine…. But it is still not being a prince." She said crossing her arms.

Hermione shook her head, "No… Viktor is not a prince." She said grinning up at Viktor who scowled down at her with narrowed eyes.

Viktor shook his head, "Who is this Eric?" He said crossing his arms.

Hermione smiled up at Viktor, "The first man I ever loved… he was prefect in every way… and his smile…. Oh his smile" She sighed dramality looking over at Adeline, making her giggle, "Maybe it is the smile that makes the difference." She said thoughtfully tapping her chin.

Adeline looked up at Viktor with narrowed thoughtful 5-year-old eyes, "Yes and the nose… Viktor's is crooked." She said making his team burst into laughter and Viktor narrow his eyes at them.

Hermione hid her smile as she looked over at Adeline and nodded seriously "I think that you are right…it might be the nose." She said grinning up at Viktor who was scowling deeply now.

Adeline shook her head, "And it is that face he makes…. This one." She said pointing to Viktor quickly, "It looks like he is angry… Eric is never angry." She said with a shrug.

Viktor looked over at Hermione who was now biting her lip to keep her laughter inside, her eyes dancing, "You are right Adeline….." Hermione said her voice high and light with uncovered laughter, "Eric never ever scowls, and he is always happy…. But we do have to remember that Eric forgot Arial and couldn't remember her face just because she had no voice."

Adeline nodded at Hermione, "That is true…." She said thoughtfully.

Hermione nodded at her and smiled gently up at Viktor, "And Viktor has never ever forgotten me or stopped loving me… even when I was away for a very long time." She said softly making Viktor smile gently back at her, the scowl slipping away.

Viktor nodded over at Adeline, "See I am better then this Eric…. I would love to meet him." He said a gleam in his eyes, arms tightening over his chest making his muscles ripple and Hermione snickered.

Adeline shook her head, "You are silly." She said smiling and confusing Viktor making him scowl again. "You can't meet him… well not YOU anyway."

Hermione threw her head back this time laughed hard as she turned back to Adeline. After a moment Hermione reached for Adeline's hands gently still smiling and asked, "Hey love… you have been talking about princess and Minnie Mouse and superheroes and other things…. Who taught them to you?" Hermione brushed a curl back off Adeline's forhead.

Adeline smiled at her, "My daddy… We would watch them together and he would read them to me…. Ohhhh and once he took me to Paris to meet them." She said jumping up and down, "I would love to go again… I didn't get to meet Eric that time." She said with a frown. "Only the Beast." She said rolling her eyes, "Who wants to meet the Beast?"

Hermione giggled at her, "I agree, and I think that would be so much fun… I went once when I was little too." She said. "but I only met Princess."

Adeline's eyes got big, "Who took you?" She asked.

Hermione smiled, "My mom AND my dad." She said softly.

Adeline tilted her head, "So both your mom and dad knew these things?" She asked softly in a knowing voice.

Hermione nodded at her, "Yep…. That was all I knew until I was about 10." She said softly.

Adeline's eyes got big, "So you didn't know about this stuff until you were 10?" She asked pointing around them.

Hermione nodded, "Yep." She said.

Adeline bit her lip, "I got to know both things…." She paused thinking for a moment, "Some people say that my dad's stuff is bad… are they right?" She asked softly.

Hermione shook her head, "No… I think that knowing both makes us even more special because we get to know more and do more stuff." She said with a shrug.

Adeline smiled at her brightly, "That is what my mommy used to say too."

Ivan stepped forward, "OK am I the only one that doesn't get what they are talking about?" He said confused.

Hermione smiled up at him, "Adeline's daddy was a muggle." She said holding onto Adeline's hand when she stood up, "Like both of my parents… the only difference is that Adeline's Mommy was a powerful Witch." She said smiling down at Adeline who grinned at her swinging their conjoined hands.

Ludmil nodded thoughtfully, "That is pretty cool…. Wait is that why she keeps calling you a mouse?" He asked scratching his chin.

Adeline snorted, "Minnie Mouse is only one of the coolest Disney characters and one of the first…. She is Iconic." She said rolling her eyes as she brushed her curls off her forhead.

Hermione looked down at Adeline and grinned, "How do you know what iconic means?" She asked with a grin.

Adeline shrugged a grin, "I don't… but daddy always used to say that to mommy when we would watch Micky Mouse Club house and she would tell us it was a waste of time." She said.

Hermione smiled at her, "Well I think your daddy was right… Micky and Minnie are the best…. With the Little Mermaid and Eric next." She said seriously.

Viktor shook his head, "I need to meet this Eric." He mumbled making Adeline and Hermione look at each other and burst out in giggles.

Viktor shook his head, smiling at them, "Come on you need to shower and then we will eat." He said holding hand out to Hermione.

Hermione nodded, "Yes... I do feel gross." She turned to Adeline, "I know that you want to stay with me always, but do you mind hanging out with Ana and Mecho." She said pointing to them, "They are my family and I think if you ask Mecho or one of my brothers Alek or Vlad they can tell you if there are fish in the lake." She whispered loudly.

Adeline bit her lip, "You are not leaving me, are you?" She asked softly. "My mommy and daddy are in heaven now… but mommy said it was going to be ok as long as Bella and I stayed with you." She said her eyes welling with tears. "Are you gonna leave me too?"

Hermione shook her head kneeling down all the way so they could be nose to nose, "I am never gonna lie to you… I am not sure what is going o happen in the future… but I do know that I will always be around and always help you…ok?" She said her voice soft as her own tears threatened to fall. Hermione looked up at Viktor who smiled and squatted down to be level with the girls.

"I don't know if your mommy told you about me or my family….. but Mila is my family… and anyone that she loves and takes care of…. So do we… everyone here will all take care of you." Viktor said softly holding out a hand to Adeline.

Adeline looked down at it for a moment then around the group, "So we are safe here?" She asked softly, eyes wide.

Viktor nodded, "I will always protect you and so will everyone else here… you are family now if you want to be."

Adeline bit her lip, "We don't have any family left…. It is just me and Bella… Mommy, Daddy, Theo and Uncle are all in heaven." She whispered making the groups eyes well up at the innocent way she said heaven, knowing that she was now alone in the world after losing so many important people. Adeline bit her lip looking at Viktor, "Are you sure you want me and Bella.

Viktor gave Adeline a smile, still holding out his hand, "You remind me a lot of my most favorite person in the world…." He said taking his other hand and cupping Hermione's curls with a smile, "Who wouldn't want you around." He said but then narrowed his eyes, "But you have to say that I am better looking than this Eric guy."

"PRINCE ERIC." Adeline said grinning at him, sliding her hand in his, "and Mommy said that I am not supposed to lie…." She said tapping her chin with a finger, making the group laugh, "But….. when you smile you are more handsome then Eric BUT not when you make your angry face with your eyebrows down and your lips mashed together." She said mimicking his scowl, so Hermione snickered at them.

Hermione shook her head, smiling "Now I am pretty sure Alek is itching to follow me inside and ask me questions… and give me more medicine…" She said pausing to roll her eyes at Alek who was nodding at her, "Would you like to come up and see my room with Alek and then he can bring you back to see the lake while I shower?"

Adeline nodded, "Do I get a room too?" She asked eyes wide.

Hermione looked up at Ana who gave a quick nod and then smiled down at her, "How would you like my old bedroom?" She asked.

Adeline nodded, "You had your own room here?" She asked.

Hermione smiled, "When I first came to stay with Viktor, I was still very young and needed my own room until I became an adult." She said, "So I had my own room when I came."

Adeline's eyes went wide, "So you have been with Viktor FOREVER?" She asked in a loud voice, looking up at Viktor who had stood up next to Hermione.

Hermione smiled, "It feels like it sometimes… especially when he is being a pain." She whispered loudly making the group laugh, "But we have been together for almost 5 years…"

Viktor snorted, "No Mila… almost 6… you were….." He stopped when Hermione hit his leg not wanting Adeline to know she was 14 when they met.

Hermione looked over at Adeline with a smile, "I have known Viktor for over 6 years… but he didn't ask me to be his girlfriend until AFTER the winter ball…. Way after the winter ball….. like in the summer…. So, we have been together as a couple for about 5 years …" She said with a grin when Viktor rolled his eyes.

Viktor snorted, "You have been mine since the day I stepped into the great hall for the announcements ceremony and you looked me in the eyes and smiled… it would have been sooner if I had gotten your name at the world cup." Viktor said crossing his arms.

Hermione looked up at him with narrowed eyes, "Claiming someone like an ape is not the same as asking them and them saying yes, Viktor." She said with smirk.

Viktor shrugged, "Not to me…. It was just you and me every day in library studying one week after school started… just you and me sitting together… you and me talking…." He paused and grinned down at her, "You and me kis….." He stopped talking when Hermione hit his leg again but laughed and shrugged again. "Its true…. If anyone else had come to talk to you… I would have beat them."

Adeline looked at Viktor with wide eyes and whispered to Hermione, "He is kind of like the Beast… all yelling and scowling and angry."

Hermione nodded at her, "His temper really is the worst." She said shaking her head with a smile.

Adeline looked up at Viktor, "You should really work on that." She said primly making the group laugh again. "Can I see my room?" She asked Hermione

Hermione laughed standing up slowly as her body started to ache again, "Yep…. Off we go." She said before turning to the group, "Just give us a few moments and we will be back for lunch?" She asked and when they all nodded at her, she looked down at Adeline, "I am STARVING how about you?" Hermione asked Adeline as she slid her hand on to Viktor's back.

The group watched as Viktor reached down and picked up a giggling Adeline and yelled, "Do you think I am the worst?" As he began to tickle her, Hermione following them and laughing.

Alek shook his head, "I think we may have just adopted two more girls into our family." He said looking over to Ana who was tickling and talking to Bella who was still in her arms.

Ana looked up and smiled, "I would never say no to more kids." She said looking over to Mecho who shrugged," It is not like we don't have the room." Mecho said grinning walking over to help tickle Bella. "Besides what is better than a huge smiling and laughing family." Mecho asked.

Alek smiled, "Nothing… nothing at all." He said as he followed Hermione into the house, "Absolutely nothing at all."