A few notes
This chapter is LONG and is mostly cute and relationship memories…But look carefully because there are a lot of little nuggets along the way. The next chapter will finally address Viktor's girlfriend… I know you have been wanting to know about her!
Chapter 24- Memories Part Three
Hermione rubbed her head, "Rabastan made it clear that they are looking for us and their plan was to take us back with them." She said, "When he saw me there, he got excited thinking he was going to take me with him…. Wherever that is anyway." She closed her eyes for a moment taking a deep breath, "He was pretty forceful and fighting pretty hard to take me… in fact he was more concerned about me than the girls." He said with a worried look over at Kingsley who shook his head.
Hermione turned to see Neville and Harry looking at her with narrowed eyes and frustrated faces. Hermione looked over at Ana and Mecho who looked terrified and Alek was clenching his jaw but Viktor's team was not looking at her… they were looking past her shoulder to Viktor who she could feel was shaking slightly behind her… she could feel the tension rolling off of him. Hermione turned to look up to see Viktor's face frozen in a deep scowl and knew he was terrified. She could feel it the way his hand was so tight on her hip that it might leave a bruise, she could see it in the twitch of his cheek, the dark swirls in his eyes that were looking forward unseeing and she just wanted him to know she was here and safe. She carefully reached her hand up to his clicking jaw cupping it and trying to tilt his head down to look at her. He did not move though, closing his eyes instead, trying to breathe through the terror that was rolling through him, "Viktor." She whispered, "Look at me please." She whispered.
Viktor shook his head, his lips in a tight line, his nostrils flaring as he clenched his eyes tighter, as if he could will away the image of her being taken again. Hermione let her fingers brush his cheeks, "Please." She whispered, "Viktor… look at me." She watched him take another deep breath and waited for his eyes to open to a half-mast to look down at her, "I am here… and I am fine." She murmured her fingers still brushing his cheek, before sliding her fingers into his hair and let her nails scrape along his scalp, "I am here, and I am fine."
Hermione kept whispering until he closed his eyes, leaning his forhead on hers, his hand tightening on her shoulder pulling her over and up into his lap. He needed to feel her… her warmth… her chest rising and falling with her breaths… He needed to know she was hear and safe. Hermione knew what he needed and just brushing her fingers, "I am here, and I am fine." She whispered over and over again until he took a deep breath and nodded, after another moment he pulled back his jaw clenching as he looked down at her. He reached up cupping her cheek the feeling of terror still running through his body that had started when he had realized that she was almost taken from him again… could have been tortured and hurt again, that he would not have been there yet again.
"Fuck Mila…" He muttered darkly, his thumb brushing her cheek, "I cannot keep doing this… my heart cannot take it." He brushed his fingers over her cheek and gently kissed her nose, "
Сърцето ми… swear to me…. You are going to be ok." He begged her.
Hermione brushed her fingers over his cheek, "I promise I will love you forever and be at your side as long as I can." She whispered.
Viktor shook his head, "Not good enough…. You are not allowed to leave my sight ever again… never ever again." His breath sighed out, "I am going to tie you to my side." His heart still in physical pain.
Hermione pulled back to smile lightly up at him knowing what he needed, "What about your practices?" She whispered making him shake his head. "You know I am not flying with you…ever."
Viktor pulled back to look at her face seeing the laughter dancing in her eyes and gave her a small smile, as his heart began to settle at the feeling of her on his lap and the smile on her face, "I don't need to practice… I am the best seeker in the world." Viktor murmured with a shrug making his team laugh.
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "What about your games…... I can't be tied to you then." Hermione said with a smirk. "You will have to eventually let me out of your sight."
Viktor smirked down at Hermione, her laughter making his heart light and the terror slowly dissipate from his body as she leaned against him, "Fine…. I will quit Quidditch." He said making Hermione laughed at him, but his team narrowed their eyes when he shrugged and said, "You think I am joking."
Georgi snickered when Hermione snorted, "No you won't." Hermione said narrowing her eyes, "The only thing that you love as much as me…. is Quidditch… and if you and I really had to spend every moment of every day together…. we would kill each other." She said.
Viktor kissed her forhead, pulling back to smirk at her, "It would be a good way to go." Viktor said, his hands cupping her hips and pulling her closer.
Hermione rolled eyes, "You are being ridiculous." She said reaching up to give him a kiss, "Listen to me… I am fine… I don't take chances… and I can fight… and I ask for help when I can." She said her hand cupping his cheek, "I am not going anywhere…. And I don't plan on every letting anyone take me."
Viktor sighed, "Promise?" He asked, his eyes searching hers…. pouring out his uncertainty and fear… his need for her to be ok.
Hermione shrugged and crossed her arms, "ok…. You promise you will always be safe?" She asked, eyebrows raised.
Viktor sighed down at her placing his forhead on hers again, and Hermione sighed in the same low tone he had. She pulled back to look him in the eyes, "You know that I promise to always try with everything I have to come back to you, and I will fight with everything inside me…. But that is all I can promise because I do not lie to you and I do not make promises I may not be able to keep." She whispered, she bushed her fingers down his cheek, "But I promise to always love you… and to stay with you forever." She placed her hand over his heart, "Here." She said the last word so low only he heard her. "I love you… always and I will try my best… always."
Viktor took a breath and closed his eyes, leaning his cheek into her hand "You are ok?" He asked focusing on what he could.
Hermione shook her head, "I am starting to hate that question." She muttered making Viktor finally really grin at her.
"Well you better get used to it if you want to keep going on your adventures." He said with a raised eyebrow at her, his hands tightening on her hips, "Right now with the way you are getting into trouble we are all going to be asking you that question everyday all day."
Hermione huffed as she pulled back and crossed her arms, "I am going to get a sign that says, 'I am fine' and just hold it up as I walk by people from now on." She muttered making Viktor laugh at her.
"Go ahead…. I will still ask you." He said leaning down to kiss her lips gently, "So are you ok…" He asked softly.
Hermione smiled up at him, "I am right now when I am in your arms." She said, "And I will be fine with everyone here helping me."
Viktor nodded, "Good… now I need a kiss to be ok." He said making her roll her eyes but smile as she sat up in his lap and brushed her lips over his softly. But she went to pull back he followed her nipping at her lip making her laugh but they both turned to when Alek called out again, "Ok you two are sweet… we all get it… now want to give us some more information Mione?" Hermione turned in Viktor's lap to face the table and saw the smiles on most of the faces looking at them, at the way she had calmed Viktor down. Viktor was now leaning back into a relaxed stance on the bench, Hermione pulled back to lay against him, his left arm wrapped around her waist and his right laying along the bench arm. Anyone looking now would see a relaxed happy couple, not the melt down that Viktor almost had, not the stress or fear rolling off of him… just two people so in tuned with each other it was hard to see where one started nad one ended.
Alek tapped the table looking at Hermione with a come on look and Viktor snorted and leaned his chin onto Hermione shoulder, "He is just upset because he has no one that loves him." He whispered loudly making the table laugh.
Alek rolled his eyes, "Ok… yes… yes…. You found the love of your life at 17…. congratulations…. The rest of us have not been so lucky…. But I want to hear about what happened now please." He said.
Viktor snorted, grinning at Alek, "Not lucky would have been finding your love at 21 maybe even 23…. But He is 27… maybe he doesn't get love." He whispered loudly making Ana snicker and Mecho roll his eyes.
Alek threw a roll at Viktor who grabbed it out of the air in front of Hermione's face with a grin, "See I don't need practice." Viktor said looking down at Hermione with a smirk.
His team all laughed as Viktor sat back against the bench again, taking a bite of the roll smirking over at Alek. Hermione slowly leaned against his chest, her legs dangling over his as he wrapped around her hips pulling her even closer to put his chin on her shoulder again. She laid her head back on his shoulder and closed her eyes as the headache still pounded away. Viktor turned his head and kissed her curls, "You ok?" he asked softly.
Hermione nodded, "Yes… just a headache." She opened her eyes and turned her head to look at Viktor, "Stress… it is a killer." She smiled.
Viktor snorted his other arm wrapping around her stomach, "I know that… you have taken years off of my life with the things you do." He muttered kissing her temple but they both turned when Alek cleared his throat dramatically and Viktor sighed, "You better talk to him… before he loses his mind." He whispered.
Alek narrowed his eyes again and pointed at Viktor, "I hate you." Alek said before looking at Hermione and pointing at her, "You tell me what happened…. Who is we… you kept saying they were going to take US." He said.
Luna looked over Hermione and shrugged, "She means her and Ginny of course." She murmured quietly, her hands folding on her lap.
Alek looked over at Luna, fear taking over his heart when she said Ginny's name "How do you know that?" He asked, eyes wide.
Luna looked over at Hermione with a small smile, "Well I am assuming since it is Rabastan that he wants Hermione…. He feels like it is her fault Bellatrix was taken and he wants revenge…." She said watching Hermione nod at her, Luna turned back to Alek, "and Rabastan is working with Grayback who wants Ginny…He feels like he owns her…..." She paused for a moment, thinking, "It does the explain the capture bounty on them." She murmured taking a sip of her tea.
Harry shook his head, "Luna… what capture bounty are you talking about?" He asked looking over at Kingsley who shook his head in confusion.
Luna gave a small shrug, "It was sent to the Quibbler… we all have a bounty…. But Hermione and Ginny's are the highest for being taken alive…... so it makes sense that Rabastan was trying to take her." Luna looked over to Harry, "We are proof of death." She said matter of fact-ly.
Neville shook his head, "Wait is there a bounty on my head also?" He asked thoughtfully.
Luna nodded, "Yes… if you are killed… the Death Eaters will pay 10,000 Galleons." She said.
Neville nodded with a grin, "Nice…." He paused looking over at Harry, "Wait…. What is Harry worth?" He asked sitting back with his Butter Beer.
Hermione rolled her eyes tucking her head on Viktor's shoulder who was starting to tense again. She laid her hands on his arms and started rubbing until he slowly loosened again. She snickered when Luna said, "50,000 Gallons" and Neville spit out his drink.
"Well of course he is… over achiever." Neville muttered to Harry who was grinning, "What are you worth Luna?" He asked.
Luna smiled softly over at Neville, "I am worth 25,000 Gallons." She murmured making Neville roll his eyes nad throw his hands up. "Everyone is worth more thasn me." He muttered lowly making Harry and Hermione laugh and Luna smile.
Ludmil cut in looking at Luna carefully, "This word…. bounty… what does it mean?" He asked, eyes curious.
Luna looked over at Ludmil with a small frown, "Well there are still a group of Death Eaters that knows we are looking for them…. from the amount of money being offered rich and powerful Death Eaters…. They are willing to give who ever kills us and proves it …. money… the bounty is what we are worth when they kill us." She murmured looking over to Hermione, "Except for Hermione and Ginny… they have bounties to be captured and taken to the Death Eaters."
Ludmil's eyes went wide at the thought of this pale, soft spoken beautiful witch being hunted, "So not only do you worry about Death Eaters coming after you… now you have to worry about anyone who would do this for money?" He murmured looking around at his team.
Luna shrugged, "It is really no different from the last 4 or 5 years of our lives…." She murmured. "Longer for Harry and Hermione…. Really it has been 10 years of looking behind their backs."
Ludmil looked over at Viktor and began to feel the worry and began to understand just a small part of what Viktor had been going through for the last 6 years…. But it was only a sliver Ludmil knew because Viktor was in a relationship Hermione…. Had been, for years… all of the times she was gone and in danger. Ludmil finally realized what his best friend had really been going through…. he realized why Viktor had been randomly so closed off, short tempered and lost. Ludmil closed his eyes as the worry for the small girl next to him took root in his heart but also at the pain he knew Viktor had and was going through.
Viktor smiled gently over at Ludmil; Viktor knew that look … he had that look 5 years ago when he realized how much danger Hermione was in. When Ludmil gave him a small smile, Viktor nodded at him. Viktor remembered the moment that Ludmil came to the team 5 years ago, the two of them had become fast friends, in fact next to his coach it was hardest to keep Hermione from Ludmil. The two of them were the same age and the newest members of the team and had bonded immediately and had been best friends for the last 5 years. Viktor knew that Ludmil joked hard and often but it was always to make people smile, to bring them joy… Ludmil was the only one in the last few years and especially the last few months that could get Viktor to smile.
Viktor had been looking at the way Ludmil was looking at Luna… the way he was turned to her like a magnet... but it was in his eyes when he looked to Luna, the way he grinned at her that had Viktor double looking at them. It was the way Luna was smiling up at Ludmil softly when she thought he was not looking, leaning back into his arm on the back of her chair. Viktor looked down at Hermione who was noticing the same thing and grinned down at her, "She never acts like that." Hermione whispered.
Viktor nodded, "Neither does he." He whispered.
Hermione tilted her head on his shoulder, "She is an amazing person… I will kill him if he hurts her." She whispered to him
Viktor looked down at her, "He is pretty amazing…. He is my best friend and the kindest person I know." He said back, "Next to you."
Hermione grinned up at him, "Ok." She said looking back over at Ludmil and Luna thinking that was the first time she had seen Luna blush and smile like that. It took her a moment to realize that Alek was talking to her again.
"Mione…. Is that why they want you and Ginny?" Alek asked softly, his eyes fearful.
Hermione nodded looking over at Alek and sighed, "Rabastan wants me …. Well for a few reasons…. after what happened between us… there is some animosity …. Plus, I may have some things that he wants…" She paused with a grimace, "He might also be a little upset at me because of some stuff that I did to him…..." She said with a shrug "And yes, it is Grayback that wants Ginny…." Hermione turned to Harry, "He has been looking for her for a while… Harry…we have to protect her." She murmured as fear for her friend came to the forefront of her mind.
Alek shook his head, catching Hermione's eyes, "Who is Grayback?" He asked softly, Hermione felt bad for the fear she could see in Alek's eyes, the fear that her words were causing but she had to be honest with all of them so they knew how dangerous Grayback was, so they knew what he was cable of.
Hermione sighed, "Grayback follows the Death Eaters…. He was …He is a Werewolf." She sighed rubbing her forehead, looking over at Harry, "I know that we didn't talk about it… that we couldn't…... but when we were taken… Rabastan and Bellatrix took me and Grayback took Ginny." She whispered watching his eyes flash.
Harry took a breath, "For all 5 days?" He whispered.
Hermione went to nod but Ludmil shook his head, "What do you mean… they took you?" He asked softly looking at her carefully.
Hermione put her hand over Viktor's arms like a magnet, seeking comfort. Viktor pulled her as close as he could trying to ground her to him…. To give her the same comfort she just gave him. Hermione took a breath, "We were taken for information and…. Fun." She whispered softly; her eyes sliding closed.
Harry looked over the lake, not able to see her pain, "Minnie I am so sorry." He murmured taking a breath.
Hermione's eyes flew open, looking over at Harry and shook her head, "Harry it was not your fault…. It was not anyone's fault…... it is what it is." She looked up to see the worry and sadness in Harry's face and she took a breath sitting forward on Viktor's lap, he switched his hands to her hips, holding tight, "Harry, you need to stop … it is not your fault… for the last 10 years…every bruise…. Every single curse… every drop of blood spilt…. that was on Voldemort and that day we were taken was no different…. I did what I had to do and if I could go back right now… I would do it all over again… I need you to know that." She whispered.
Harry shook his head and covered his face and Hermione sighed, "Harry…that day…. I had a choice and I choose the right path." She said firmly, "I know this without a doubt… it was the right choice… and I believe that and if Ginny was here, she would agree." She said firmly.
"I would agree with what?" Ginny asked coming out of the house with a tired smile.
Hermione smiled over at her, noting the frustrated line of Ginny's eyebrows, something was wrong, but she watched as Ginny put it to the side, smiling at the table, "I mean if Hermione says it is true, it must be." Ginny said raising her eyebrows, "So, what am I agreeing too?"
Hermione smiled at her, rolling her eyes before she whispered, "That day… the day I chose to change Harry's appearance." She took a breath looking at Ginny. "Was it the right decision?" She asked softly.
Ginny looked from Hermione over at Harry with a raised eyebrow as she pushed Hermione legs over Viktor's knees making Viktor shift Hermione in his lap, so she had her lags dangling between his and pulled her even closer. Hermione wrapped her arm around Viktor's shoulder leaning her side into him. Hermione looked over to Ginny watching as she threw herself onto the bench next to them, letting her arms fall onto the table. "Why is that even a question." Ginny asked in confusion, "Of course you made the right decision."
Hermione smiled at Ginny's matter of fact tone for a moment before she took a breath looking over at Harry, "See we did the right thing…. there were 3 of us and 66.6% agree it was the right decision…...so the you do not get to keep bringing this up…" She said pointing at Harry. "or we." She paused pointing back and forth between her and Ginny, "Will beat you like we were beaten and then we can be even…. Right Ginny?" Hermione said with a grin.
Ginny grinned, "I like that ideal…. Maybe we should just beat him just because…." She looked over at Hermione, "We both know he is going bring it up again anyway… so we should just give him a warning beating." She said rolling her eyes.
Hermione nodded over at Ginny, "You could hold him, and I could hit him." She said tapping her chin making Viktor chuckle.
Ginny shook her head, "No…... you hold, and I hit… I feel like I would leave him a bit more bruised." She said winking over at Hermione.
Hermione gasped dramatically, "I would leave him bleeding on the floor…. He would be crying like a little baby." She said looking over to Harry who was shaking his head but starting to smile.
Ginny shrugged, "Maybe… but he would not even be awake when I was done with him." She said pointing at Hermione and grinning.
Hermione held her hands up and nodded, "Ok you win…. I hold and you beat." She said grinning over at Harry who was rolling his eyes at them.
Harry shook his head, "I hate you two." He mumbled with a small smile, after a moment he took a breath, "but I love you guys." He whispered over to them.
"We love you to… you idiot." Ginny said with a grin.
Hermione leaned along Viktor again nodding, "Yes Harry… if we did not love you, we would not put up with you." Hermione said shaking her head with a smile. "Now for more important things… Rabastan." She said with a sigh.
Ginny nodded at her with a grin, "Ok…. Hit me." She said looking over at Harry to see how her pun landed and watched Harry roll his eyes but smile.
Hermione grinned at Ginny, "Dork…" She whispered then sighed again looking Ginny, "Rabastan was at the Manor and told me that he was after me…. And that Grayback is after you." She murmured.
Ginny shrugged not even blinking, "I already knew Grayback was after me…... I figured the bounty on my head was from him… well partly anyway." Ginny paused looking closely at Hermione, "Rabastan was there today… are you ok?" She asked searching Hermione's face.
Viktor snorted out a laugh at Ginny's question and Hermione hit his chest, "Not funny." She said rolled her eyes and shook her head, "You guys realize that I beat him every time I face him…. I am stronger than I look…. So, will you stop asking me if I am ok every time, I see him." She huffed out.
Ginny grinned at her, "Only if you stop asking me if I am ok every time you say the name Grayback." She said back with raised eyebrows.
Hermione smiled over at her, "Touché." She whispered. "Fine only you can ask me that question."
Viktor snorted again pulling his coffee over to him, "Sure Mila… sure…. You lie and tell yourself only she is going to ask you that question." He said taking a sip f his coffee with a smirk.
Hermione huffed and looked over to Harry who was rubbing his scar and looking upset. Hermione looked over at Ginny and nodded at Harry. Ginny nodded back and held up her hand to start a count down. "3...2…1" She murmured and grinned when Harry sighed again looking at the girls again, "You guys should not have fear when you hear a name… or worried about being kidnapped or…" Harry stopped when Hermione huffed at him and Ginny laughed.
Hermione looked over at Ginny who rolled her eyes and muttered, "Told you he would do it again…. Not even 5 minutes." She muttered.
Ginny sighed looking over at Harry with narrowed eyes, "Look Potter…." She said in a fed up voice, "That day and the week that followed sucked…... not high on my list of time I want to repeat… but it was the right choice… we might not be sitting here if we changed anything…. And not going was not an option… Luna was there, and we needed to get her out." She rubbed her head, her fingers trailing over the fading marks on her face, "Sure we have some scars and some nightmares sometimes… but we are alive and mostly healthy… so it was worth it…."
Ginny narrowed her eyes at Harry, her hand waving in the air when he went to talk, "So, stop ok…. Stop or I am going to start pointing out all the times that you took a hit for me… or Hermione took a hit for me… or you took a hit for Hermione or Luna took a hit for me or Neville for Hermione…. I could go on and on… we all took hits for each other… we all pushed someone out of the way at least once and we all have scars from it." She pointed at Harry, "It was war and you were not the only one on the battlefield and it was not your job to be the only one…...we all…" She paused pointing to Hermione, Neville, Luna who all nodded at him and finally herself, "WE CHOSE to follow you… we chose to fight… we chose this life…... so, stop making it seem like we didn't choose this life, or you had anything to do with what we decided …. and stop taking our glory." She finished with a grin.
Her joke worked when Harry gave her a small smile and nod, But Ginny shook her head, "I mean it Potter… I really will beat your butt if you keep it up…so just bloody stop." She grumbled, "It is maddening."
Harry rolled his eyes but nodded, "I will try." He mumbled.
Ginny snorted, "Try harder." She said with a grin.
Neville shook his head and spoke up first trying to lighten the mood, "I agree with Ginny… and I want it to be known that I think it is utterly unfair that I am only worth 10,000 gallons with everything that I have done." He said pointing over at Ginny who grinned at him making Neville's eyes narrow, "Wait… how much is your Bounty Ginny?" He asked rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Ginny smirked over at Neville, reaching, and grabbing a plate to fill, "Um… not sure… I think like." She paused and pretending to look in the sky, "Maybe 35,000 Gallons… I am hot commodity." She said with a snicker making the Harry and Hermione laugh.
Neville threw his hands up, "Are you kidding me… 35,000 Gallons…. I am the one that killed the snake…. Ginny and Luna did not even destroy a Horcrux." He paused eyes narrowed, "Wait … how much is Hermione worth?" He asked.
Luna smiled over at Neville, "None of us can compete with her…. She is at 75,000 Gallons." She murmured, "Although I expect it is because they want the things and spells in her possession."
Neville sighed dramatically, "And all I am worth is a measly 10,00 gallons… I feel cheated after all the work I did." He said sitting back in his chair pointing at the table, "I want to point out without the snake dead… we would not be sitting here."
Luna shrugged, "At least you have a bounty…. You could be Fred and George who do not have one… They were not happy being left out." She said with thoughtful smile.
Neville pointed at her, "That is true but if I am murdered, I want it to be for a lot of money…. not a little." He said with a grin.
Ludmil shook his head, "You all joke about having a bounty on your head… like being hunted to be killed is a joke." He said confused, the rest of his team nodding in agreement.
Hermione smiled over at him, "We learned a long time ago to laugh when we could…and laugh as much as we could…. sing when we could, as often as we could…... Dance when we could, as often as we could." She smiled over at Ginny who shrugged and nodded, "If we stressed and freaked out at everything… we never would have made it… we would have gone mental." Viktor closed his eyes as he pushed his face against Hermione's curls, setting his chin on her shoulder and softly kissed her ear. Hermione leaned her temple on his head and looked over at Ginny who was shaking her head.
"Half of us did go mental." Ginny muttered with a grin making Harry and Neville laugh, "The other half started the war off Mental."
Neville grinned, "What group am I in?" He asked, leaning back in his chair.
Ginny grinned, "Let's be real…. all of us at the table started off mental… maybe minus Luna… she was always the most rational and calm out of all of us." She said grinning over Luna who gave her a soft smile back.
Hermione snorted absent-mindedly rubbing along Viktor's chest with her fingers, "I was not Mental before… and I am not metal now." She said with a grin. "I am the most normal one here." And felt Viktor choke on his laughter and she pinched him in retaliation making him jump.
Ginny paused dramatically looking over at Hermione, "You are by far the most mental…. Who in their right mind jumps two feet into certain death and says... come on guys… what are you waiting for?" She said looking over at Harry who was grinning.
Harry and Neville nodded at her, Harry calling out, "Ginny has a point, it was always you who led us into certain death…. you who jumps in front of a curse with no second thoughts."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "It was one time and it was go forward and maybe die or stay in that cavern and certainly die." She said with a grin.
Neville raised an eyebrow at her, "I mean… a second to think would have been ideal… like maybe one second to see of there was a side door." He said making the table laugh.
Ginny snorted, "Or the time she jumped on the dragon." She said taking a bite of her food.
Harry shook his head, "Or that time when she nailed Draco in the face before using her time turner…oh I still remember the crunch of his nose." He said grinning at Ginny.
Hermione shrugged, "He deserved it." She defended herself, "I don't care what he or his father were going to do." She muttered.
Harry grinned at her, "What did you call him again?" He asked, rubbing his chin.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at Harry, "First of all I stand by what I did… Draco deserved it and second I don't remember exactly what I said." She mumbled looking over to Ana who raised her eyebrows at her.
Viktor snickered, the hand at Hermione's hip rubbing gently, "I remember this one… Mila wrote to me after… I believe she said Draco was…." He paused looking over at Hermione with a grin, "what was it… a foul loathsome evil little cockroach." He said with a grin making table burst out laughing.
"Oh, my Gods, that is the best thing that I have ever heard…. Why do I not know about this one." Neville said covering his face as he laughed.
Hermione shrugged, "It might have been something along those lines." She mumbled blushing making the table laugh harder at her. She looked up at Viktor with narrowed eyes, who grinned down at her and kissed her nose.
Hermione sighed, "Anyway… long story short…" She said looking to Kingsley, "We all need to be cautious right now and the people around us need to be careful." She said looking around the table. "Until we get the last of the Death Eaters captured and put away…. We are all at risk."
Neville nodded, "Yes but you and Ginny are by far the most at risk… not only do they want to capture you… you are here alone… Harry, Luna and I are almost always at the Ministry, then we have been staying together at number 12." Neville looked at Hermione carefully, "It would be safer if you and Ginny came with us…. More order members and wards." He whispered.
Hermione felt Viktor tense under her again, and she shook her head, her hand resting over heart and began to brush it in comfort. Hermione looked at Neville, "I understand what you are saying… but right now I am still healing, and I promised Viktor and Alek both that until I was all the way better, I would stay here." She paused looking over at Kingsley, "And to be honest…. I am not sure if I am coming back to England any time soon…... I think that for me… my home is here now." She watched as Kingsley smiled over at her, "I mean I will come when you need help and do what I can… but long term… living and life… I think I have found my space… my peace." She said softly, felling Viktor relax behind her and looked over at Ana and Mecho who gave her shinning smiles. "I found my forever home."
Kingsley smiled over at her, "I understand, and I think that is a great ideal…" He paused taking a breath, "I would like to officially give you guardianship of the girls before I leave… I am worried." He said softly.
Hermione looked at him carefully, her body tensing this time and Viktor's hand rubbed along her back, "Why?" She asked knowing there was a reason for what he was saying.
Kingsley sighed and sat back, "I have known about the girls for a few days… their mother sent me a message… somehow... I am still not sure how… she had asked for your help… but she could not get a message to you…. it was why I was asking you." He rubbed a hand over his face, "I told no one…. But this morning at the ministry, in our morning meeting… it was on the memo to be discussed." He said.
Hermione quickly sat forward slipping on Viktor's leg, his hands going out to grab her hips trying to balance her, "Kingsley…. Who made the memo?" She asked sharply.
Kingsley shook his head, "When I asked, no one knew… they said it was sitting there when they got to the office…. But of course, it was immediately brought up that we needed to get the girls as soon as possible so they did not fall into the wrong hands." He said looking closely at Hermione's face.
Hermione closed her eyes and sighed, "Bloody Hell…. This is a nightmare." She mumbled laying back against Viktor again, rubbing her forhead for a moment as the headache that was fading came back in full force. She looked up eyes flashing, "You need to be careful." She said firmly, looking over at Kingsley before looking at Harry Neville and Luna, "All of you need to be careful…. You have to be vigilant… promise me."
Kingsley nodded at her, "Yes, I was thinking about that …. going back to what Neville said early." Kingsley turned over to Neville, "I know that you wanted the girls to come to us but…. I think it would be better for the three of you to stop coming into the Ministry for now… and to stop staying at number 12." He said softly making Harry groan.
"I finally just got my house back." Harry said sitting back. "Finally got a real place to stay… if you can even call it that." He rubbed his scar, "Why can't we get a break."
"Yes, but better than being murdered in your sleep in your bed." Luna said with a soft smile. "You are worth quiet a lot."
Harry nodded, rolling his eyes "Fine…. Well we cannot all stay at the Barrow…. They have enough going on and they are not at risk right now like we are…So where do you suggest Kingsley?" Harry said rubbing his forhead over his scar harder.
Mecho looked to Ana who looked to Viktor and they all nodded, "You will stay here." Mecho said firmly, "We have plenty of room and as you said you are better and safer in group… Mione and Ginny are already staying here." He said firmly, "Plus you can show me new wards for the house to protect the girls."
Harry shook his head, "That is a huge imposition… you already have Minnie and Ginny here… now the girls…. 3 more people is a lot…" He said softly.
Ana snorted, "First of all... Mione is my daughter… she is family, so she doesn't count…. Plus, we have 26 bedrooms in our house… even with each of you getting your own room we have enough space…. Also, you are coming to the game with us this weekend… and I know that Mione has missed you….it will be a time for you to relax and heal." She said firmly looking over at Hermione who was smiling at her knowing she was in her mom voice nad would not be deterred.
Luna smiled over at Ana, "I would love to come stay in your home and spend time with all of you." She said serenely.
Neville sighed, "I guess I can stay here a few days…it is a lot nicer than number 12…I don't think anyone will wake us up by screaming." He said with a grin over at Harry who rolled his eyes but gave a small smile.
Harry looked over at Ana, "If you are sure… I would apricate it very much." He said softy.
Kingsley nodded at them, "All you together is good… in a place that most would not think to look for you…... at least for now…... and you can look out for each other." He turned to Hermione and paused to look her in the eyes, "…... I would like you to perform the location spell." He held up his hands when several people started to talk, "I know… I know that you are not strong enough right now… and my goal is to get as many Death Eaters as I can this week while you all are here…. But long term I think we need to do this…. especially at the Ministry…. We have too many unknows that are doing who knows what right now." He said softly. "We have no clue how many people they are still holding or hurting… how many are still working manipulating the Ministry."
Hermione rubbed her forhead and she asked softly. "Do you know what it takes to do that spell?"
She shook her head at Kingsley, and when he grimaced, she sighed, "I can probably be ready to do it in 10 days… maybe 2 weeks…." She whispered.
Kingsley nodded at her, "I know part of it… so I am not expecting you to do it any time soon…. But eventually… only if you can." He said. "I think we could save a lot of lives."
Hermione closed her eyes, "I will try… but only after I am 100% back to normal and only for the Ministry… so all the workers will have to be there when I do it." She said firmly, looking over at Kingsley with narrowed eyes, "I get why it is important, but I do not have kind of magic right now… or any time soon if I am being honest."
Kingsley shook his head, "You can't do it beyond the ministry?" He asked softly. "To get all of them at once."
Hermione frowned but it was Ginny who spoke up fiercely her voice laced with anger, "No…. she cannot…." She said looking at Kingsley with narrowed eyes, "This spell can kill her… you get that right…" The table froze at Ginny's words, Viktor's hand clenching Hermione's hip tightly, his breath catching but Ginny kept talking, "I don't think she should do it all…. Ever… I do not think it is worth the chance of her going into a coma or dying…... and I think that it is bloody crap that you are guilting her into doing it… you know she will not say no when it comes to helping out others." Ginny rubbed the scars on her cheek, "I know that Minnie will do what she thinks is right…. Just like we all do…... But you need to know what you are asking her… what she is risking…. And the bigger the spell the bigger the risk." She said harshly making the table fall into silence as they took in Ginny's words as she looked at Kingsley, "You need to make sure that you are ok with something happening to Hermione in exchange for more Death Eaters."
Hermione placed her hand on Viktor's chest looking at him, knowing he was not ok as his body became rock hard under her, his hand clenching her hip tight enough to leave a bruise.
Hermione reached to cup his cheek, but Viktor shook his head refusing to take her comfort, tilting his head to the side away from her and closed his eyes because he could not right now… he could not speak because he would scream…. He would tell her no… he wanted to stand up and lock her away…... and he refused to argue with Hermione in front of his family and team.
He felt the rage spreading through his body at every word Ginny said, he felt his body burn in fury at what Kingsley asked Hermione and he felt like he could not breath, so he instead he quickly turned and buried his face in Hermione's curls and just soaked her in, wrapping one arm tightly around her hips the other falling over her legs, his hand tight on her thigh and pulled her as close as he could.
Hermione relaxed her body into Viktor's, letting him take what he needed from her and looked over to Ana and Mecho who were shaking their heads sharply at Hermione, eyes flashing and
Alek's jaw was clenched as his nose flared furiously at her.
Viktor's team watched Viktor closely, knowing he was close to losing his mind…. that he was holding on by a thread, his eyes tightly closed, and his jaw clenched so tightly it looked like it he was going to crack his teeth. He had wrapped himself around Hermione so tightly there was no space…. But instead of Hermione looking overwhelmed or frustrated, she looked relaxed and calm as she let do what he needed.
Hermione looked over to Harry and Neville who had closed their eyes in frustration and sadness. But in the end it was Luna who broke the silence, "I think that we need to trust Hermione with her limits… if she says that she can do the spell over the Ministry safely… then she can do it safely… she has not survived this long for no reason.." She paused and looked at Kingsley, "But I also think we should trust when she says she has limits and needs time… that is what she needs to do to be safe…. then that must be what she needs." She murmured softly before turning to look at Hermione with a soft nod.
Harry sighed, looking over at Luna, "I think Luna is right… although I want to go on record and say that I don't like it." He said turning to Hermione, "and I don't think that it is a good ideal… it is not worth the risk."
Neville nodded, shaking his head in regret, "I agree with Luna…. I trust Hermione and if she says she can do it… then she can do it…. but I also don't like it." He said sitting back in his chair. "I do not think it is worth the risk…. Things happen… especially with us... shite always happens." He looked at Hermione who nodded at him, "I know that you will do what you think is right Minnie… but please… please… just be thoughtful... ok."
Hermione nodded over at him, "I will not make any decisions without fully talking to Viktor first…" She said softly, laying her hand on Viktor's arm she felt him start to relax behind her slowly as her words washed over him, "And I will have to talk to Alek about how I am healing… and the rest of my family before I decide to do it… but I will really think about it Kingsley… and IF I can do it…. It will still be at least a few weeks."
Ginny threw up her hands, "Fine…. Fine…since everyone wants to step back, I will be the bad guy… " She turned and pointed at Hermione, her eyes wet with tears and fear, "But I am watching you like a hawk and until you can apparate to the moon and take 50 side alongs… you are not strong enough and I will stop you." She said siting back and crossing her arms over her chest in a huff.
Hemione smiled over at Ginny and shook her head, "When have I been able to Apparate to the moon?" She asked softly, her hand absently mindedly rubbing over Viktor's arm that was around her.
Ginny rolled her eyes, "Oh please let's not even start on your normal limits." She said, looking behind Hermione to see Viktor face still buried in Hermione's hair, "Although…" She said with a grin when Viktor looked up with a scowl, eyes still burning with his fear. "I do not think it is me you are going to have to get through anymore."
Hermione looked behind her to Viktor and gave him a soft smile, "I will make no decision or do anything without talking to you first." She promised looking deep into his eyes and saying it again, "I swear it." She whispered watching his jaw tick for a moment, but then he gave a sharp nod down at her before laying his forhead on hers for a moment before brushing his lips across hers.
After a moment Viktor looked up and over at Ginny, "You were the one who kept her in check… watched out for her when she pushed to hard… like we all know that she does." He asked softly, his hand reaching up to cup the back of Hermione's head pulling her temple to his lips, "You made sure to keep her alive?"
Ginny shrugged, "We all did…. But I was often the most vocal and demanding of her to take a break…... and I was the hardest to get through when she pushed to far." She said watching Hermione roll her eyes but smile.
Viktor nodded at Ginny, "Thank you." He whispered softly.
Ginny gave him a smile back, "In her defense she did the same thing to me when I pushed to hard… we all tried to keep each other in check." She said.
Viktor took a deep breath and looked around the table at Harry, Neville, and Luna, "Then thank you all." He said softly.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "I am not that stubborn… I don't push that hard." She said with a grin making her family and friends laugh, much to the amusement of Viktor's team.
Ana was the one who spoke up, "Mione… the reason you and Viktor match so well is because you are just as stubborn as he is… if not more." She said with a grin. "You never let him get away with anything just like he doesn't let you."
Viktor's team snickered knowing how stubborn Viktor could be and Hermione shook her head, "I am not that bad." She called out.
Neville raised an eyebrow, "Do you remember the time you Body-Binded me and left me frozen and freezing on the ground when I didn't agree with you and Harry leaving?" He asked making the table snicker at him.
Hermione shrugged, "That doesn't count… we were 11 and Harry and I had to go." She muttered looking over at Harry who was grinning at her.
Harry shook his head, "Oh no… remember the time you insisted that you could use your time Turner and 'be just fine'" Harry said putting quotes on the just fine, "Even though you had not slept in almost 36 hours… and then you got lost in time?" He asked pointing at Hermione.
Hermione shook her head, "No… I was not lost… I just went a little far back… so I had to hide until it caught up." She said waving her hand, "And it was not because was I tired… it was because you were distracting me while I was turning." She said rolling her eyes.
Ginny looked over at Hermione, "Ok what about the time we were camping in those woods… do you remember the ones with the giant tress…. You instead that you could set up camp by yourself."
Hermione nodded, "And I did." She said back with a smirk.
Ginny raised her eyebrows, "And then go cut down firewood." She said with a grin.
Hermione shrugged, "Which I did…" She said shaking her head.
Ginny snickered, "Without getting hurt?" She asked, sitting back in her chair, and crossing her legs.
Hermione paused for a moment then shrugged again, "I got it done." She said firmly.
Ginny rolled her eyes, "Only after you nearly bleed to death after getting sliced by snatchers when the tree fell and hit one…. Then you put the wards up dripping blood everywhere and then you walked back into camp like everything was normal." She said rolling her eyes, "All because Harry and I had colds."
"Ok dramatic… bleed to death is a little much… it was not that bad…" Hermione said grinning at Ginny, "And you were both whining about your colds for days… I mostly went into the woods to get firewood to get away from you two." She said making Harry and Ginny Laugh and yell, "Stubborn" At her.
Hermione shrugged "Fine I may be a little stubborn." She said with a grin.
Luna shook her head, "Minnie…. You are a bit challenging when you get an ideal in your head." She murmured with a smile.
Neville and Harry jumped up laughing, "See if Luna says it is true... then it must be true." Neville said making Hermione crossing her arms over her chest with a huff.
Luna shook her head, "Although I will say 98% of the time her ideal is the right one…... so it might be ok that she is stubborn… I am pretty sure the 6 of us are only alive because of her." She said looking at everyone including Kingsley.
Hermione grinned and stuck her tongue out at Harry as he nodded at her with a grin, "True True Luna… I can think of no less then 5 times her ideal and action literally saved my life." Harry paused and looked over at Neville who nodded back at him, "But you don't always have to have that look on your face when you are right." He said.
Hermione smirked over at him with a raised eyebrow, and Harry yelled pointing, "Yes that one." He said making the table burst into laughter at her.
Hermione smiled and rolled her eyes, "Oh shut up all of you." She mumbled, feeling Viktor laugh behind her, "I hate all of you." She muttered and watched as they all laughed harder. She slowly relaxed against Viktor setting her head on his shoulder. She took in the table as they began to talk again. Different conversations flowing around her, and she began to feel the day catch up, the headache still there and getting stronger… the exhaustion starting to creep up. But she pushed it down not wanting the day to end.
"My Mila." Viktor set his chin on her head and whispered down to her, "I love you." His hands tightening around her again.
Hermione closed her eyes tilting her forhead to brush his chin, "I love you more." She whispered her hands resting on the arm wrapped around her stomach.
Viktor snorted, "Not possible." He said brushing a kiss on her forhead, "I love you the most."
Hermione smiled softly her eyes still closed just letting the feeling the warmth of the sun coming through one of the open slices of the gazebo brush her face, "I love you more then you will ever love me." She murmured, her lips brushing his neck.
Viktor smiled and closed his eyes, "That is cheating… and a lie." He said laying his cheek on her forhead, "I love you today more than yesterday… and I will love you more tomorrow then I do today."
Hermione felt her heart catch, "I love you more with every beat of my heart." She whispered back, her nose brushing his collar bone when she turned into his chest.
Viktor shook his head, "I love you more then I love Quidditch." He said firmly his face in a grin.
Hermione giggled brushing her lips and a quick lick against his neck, and grinned when he jumped and tensed, "I love you more than all of the words… in all of the books in the world." She said whispered making him smile.
"Fine I will let you win for now…" Viktor murmured into her ear, he looked around the table again to see all of the joking, laughing and talking going on and smiled, "Look Mila…. Our family." He said.
Hermione tilted her head forward to see everyone wrapped around the table she had made and smiled. "Yes… and they are getting along." She said watching Harry and Neville talking to members of Viktor's team, Kingsley talking to Viktor's parents, Luna smiling up at Ludmil as he spoke to her. She turned her head to see Ginny looking over the lake in silence and frowned.
Hermione sat up from Viktor's chest, leaning over to Ginny, "What is wrong Gin?" She asked quietly so only Ginny could hear her.
Ginny looked over and shook her head, "I am just realizing that I am related to complete idiots." She sighed softly rubbing her forhead.
Hermione looked to Viktor who gave her a small smile and kissed her forhead, before letting her slide off his lap onto the bench next to Ginny. He could not lose contact though and made sure she was pressed along his side tightly and placed his hand on her thigh before leaning over to the other side to talk to his coach.
Hermione looked back to Ginny who was giving her a tired smile, and leaned closer to her, "Want to talk about it?" She asked Ginny softly.
Ginny nodded then shook her head then nodded, "Yes and no…... I don't want to, but I have to tell you." She said looking at Hermione.
Hermione tilted her head to the side, "What is going on Gin." She asked softly. Watching Viktor out of the corner of her eyes to see him laugh at something one of his teammates said, his hand still rubbing along her thigh.
Ginny sighed, "Percy woke up." She murmured looking back over the lake.
Hermione frowned, "Isn't that good news?" She asked, her hand setting onto Viktor's thigh making him smile over at her, but she did not even notice what she had done, she just need to feel him and so she had reached.
Ginny snorted, "You would think so." She muttered closing her eyes.
Hermione set her other hand on Ginny's arm, letting her thumb rub back and forth in comfort, "Hey… tell me." She said.
Ginny closed her eyes, "You are gonna be upset… you are going to be so tired of my family." She whispered closing her eyes.
Hermione snorted, "You do realize that your family is my family." She whispered softly making Ginny look over at her and smile sadly.
Ginny shook her head, "The first thing that Bloody Git said when he woke up was…. Did they catch the mudblood." She whispered looking over at Hermione, "He was taken… held hostage… tortured by Death Eaters…... and he was still only worried about if you had been captured." She said her voice catching.
Hermione sighed leaning over to pull Ginny into a tight hug, "You silly girl… you do realize it doesn't matter what he says…. You are still my sister." She said knowing Gunny was worried about how she felt.
Ginny closed her eyes, "First Ron and now Percy…. I am sorry Hermione." She whispered, her breath catching.
Hermione shrugged, "We loved Sirius... and we did not judge him for Bellatrix." She said softly.
Ginny sighed and sat back wiping the tears from her eyes, "Fred almost killed him when Percy said it… George was not far behind." She rubbed her forhead in exhaustion, "Bill and Charlie had to push them out of the room…. While mom and dad yelled at him." She closed her eyes, "I just left… I am sure that mom and dad are upset with me."
"No, they are not… they will not be mad at you…. they will understand." Hermione sighed, brushing Ginny's hair off her face, "I am sorry." She whispered gently.
Ginny snorted, "Why are you sorry?" She asked in disbelief.
Hermione reached out to cup Ginny's cheek, "Because you are the one hurting right now… she looked in Ginny's eyes, "I am not hurting…. What he says does not hurt me… I want you to know that I am ok and if you are upset for me… don't be..." She looked around at all of the talking and laughing people around the table, "My family is here… and they love me for who I am … just like your mom and dad… Fred and George and Charlie and Bill."
Ginny nodded and then sighed, "How can someone be so stupid… so ignorant." She whispered.
Hermione grinned, "In case you missed the last few years…. Percy is not alone… and at least he didn't become a Death Eater." She said with a shrug. "So, it could always be worse." She said making Ginny snort and roll her eyes.
"What does that say that I am excited that he is not a Death Eater?" Ginny muttered looking ever to Alek who was looking at her from the corner of his eyes. Alek gave her a soft gentle smile that made her heart settle a little.
Hermione shrugged sitting back next to her, "Got to start somewhere." She said grinning over at Ginny who gave her a soft smile back, "Really though… we are fine…. You are fine… and Percy is allowed to have his own thoughts and beliefs, even if we don't agree with them."
Ginny jumped over and pulled Hermione in for a tight hug making her flinch when Ginny's hands hit her back, but Hermione pulled Ginny closer, "Come on sis…. You think you were gonna get rid of me because your brother was bloody Git?" She whispered into her ear making Ginny laugh.
"I love you." Ginny murmured into Hermione's ear. "And I have never thought of you like that… I need you to know I have never thought that word about you... that way about you." She said quickly.
Hermione pulled back with a frown, "Is that what you have been worried about?" She rolled her eyes, "Of course you haven't thought of me like that…. That never even crossed my mind." Hermione reached to cup Ginny's cheeks, "Now we need to talk to Kingsley about adding Viktor to the order…. I want to do it but need the opinion of one of the people I trust most in this world." She whispered lowly so only Ginny heard her. "So, what do you think?"
Ginny smiled brightly at her, "I think that is a good ideal…... with Viktor in the order he can come with us and be included in all of the information and wards and everything else." She said with a nod.
Hermione bit her lip, "Are you sure... I know that I am sure about him joining…. but I REALLY want to know what you think." She said looking down. She felt Viktor's thumb brushing her thigh again and looked over to see him leaning forward onto the table talking to his parents and coach about the up coming season. He was not even looking at her, but he had felt her tense and started giving her comfort immediately.
Ginny rolled her eyes, "When have I not given my opinions freely?" She cupped Hermione's cheek, "I think that If I was in a fight with him… I would trust him with my life." Ginny smiled, "Viktor is a great man… even know I can see he is comforting you" She said pointing to her thigh, "…... and I agree with you, he belongs in the Order... so talk to Kingsley."
Hermione nodded at herm, "Thank you…. I am going to do it now before he leaves." She whispered turning over to look at Kingsley, "Can we talk to." She said softly nodding to the field.
Kingsley nodded at her turning to bid goodbye to the people around him, Hermione looked to Viktor, "Viktor…. Are you still planning on playing Quidditch?" She asked leaning on his arm.
Viktor smiled and started to shake his head no, but his team all yelled out yes making her laugh. Viktor rolled his eyes, "I guess I am." He muttered with a frown, "Are you ok?"
Hermione raised an eyebrow at his question making him smile at her, but she smiled back and gave him what he wanted, "I am fine…. I am going to talk to Kingsley for a bit about stuff and then I was going to come watch you guys play if that is ok." She said softly.
Viktor nodded at her leaning down to softly kiss her lips, "Ok…... fine I will play, and you will talk." He said, his fingers brushing her side making her giggle softly.
Ana and Mecho stood, "We are going to go and switch with your brothers inside so they can play with you guys." Ana walked over to kiss Hermione s curls, "I will get the rooms set up for your friends too…. I am going to put them in the guest quarters by yours Ginny." She said looking over at Ginny. "We have extra brooms if you all want to play with the boys."
Ginny's eyes lit up, "Quidditch?" She asked a smile breaking over her face.
Ana smiled, "Yes… they always play on the field... they will make up teams with my boys… so with you and the rest of your friends the teams will be bigger." She said tuning to walk into the house.
Hermione smiled, "Harry would love to play…. I am not sure about Neville and Luna." She said.
Harry looked up, "Oh I am playing…." He said standing with a grin.
Neville shook his head, "I am good." He said. "But I can be the referee."
Luna gave a small smile, "I am going to sit here and talk to Hermione when she is done, I think." She said.
Hermione reached over and gently kissed Viktor again, "Go play with your friends." She said with a grin.
Viktor sighed, "Are you sure..." He asked cupping her cheek, his thumb brushing her cheek. He could see her eyes starting to dim with the pain and exhaustion.
Hermione laughed gently at him, "Yes…. Go… have fun…" She paused, "Although after I talk to Kingsley, I might call you over if that's ok." She said.
Viktor nodded, "What ever you need." He said looking up to see his brothers walking out with brooms, and his team standing up. "It looks like they are ready."
Hermione held her hands up so Viktor could help pull her up, "Come on love." Viktor said wrapping an arm around her, "You can give me a good luck kiss." He said walking her around the table.
Hermione grinned over at Ginny who looking at her and then the team and laughed, "Go play." She said watching Ginny smile and pull her into a quick hug and then run over to the team.
Hermione looked up at Viktor, "I have not seen you have fun since I got here…. So, go have fun… I am right here… and I am not going anywhere." She murmured.
Viktor looked down at Hermione and grinned, "Fine… I will at least go and get them under control." He said looking over at all of the boys and Ginny fighting over the teams already. "Hey…." He called out, "Stop it." He said, he looked down Hermione who was laughing, "OK… I am coming" He said giving Hermione a quick kiss before running over to the team.
Hermione turned as Kingsley walked over, "What did you want to talk about?" He asked walking with her to the lake shore.
Hermione bit her lip, "I think that we need to admit Viktor to the Order… as we go forward, I need to make sure that I am including him… and I can't right now…. I cannot tell him everything… I cannot take him with us when we go…. He can't even visit 12 if I go there." She said softly.
Kingsley looked down at her, "Do you trust him?" He asked softly.
Hermione looked up at Kingsley with a smile, "More than any other person in this world… we are getting married…. I know that you are worried, but I have no doubts." She said.
Kingsley nodded, "If you trust him and you have at least two others to stand with you I think that it is a good ideal." He said,
Hermione looked out over the water, "Ginny already agreed, and I think any of the others would agree." She said, "I know I need two higher members."
Kingsley nodded, "I heard that you are going to the European Cup next weekend, Molly will be there and so will Author. The two of them can induct Viktor with you and most of the other members… I think it is a good ideal." He said.
Hermione smiled up at him, "Viktor will be happy when I tell him… he is tired of being left behind." She looked out over the water thinking for a moment, "And I think I hurt him more trying to protect him all these years…. I cannot keep pushing him behind me…. I need to let him stand next to me." She whispered.
Kingsley nodded at her, "I think you are right…." He turned to look at Hermione, "You know… next to Dumbledore there is no one I trust or respect more then you…I have watched you grow and fight… I have watched you bleed and cry to protect those around you… and I have watched you do all of this by yourself… standing in front of all of us." He reached out and put a hand on Hermine's shoulder, "I think finally letting Viktor stand next to you is the best thing that you can do." He said softly.
Hermione pulled Kingsley in for a hug, "Thank you." She whispered. "I also need your help…. With my parents things… I was hoping we could get everything all sold and transfer the muggle money into Gallons…... I want to be able to buy things for the girls… and I need to go shopping... I currently have two dresses." She said with a smile.
Kingsley smiled, "I will take care of everything…... it will take a while so I will go to the bank and set you up with money from my bank…. Just charge the things you want under your name." He held out his hand when Hermione started to shake her head, "I have plenty…... more than I will ever use… and I know when we get you settled you will give it back…For now I will give you a few thousand Galloons… just let me know if you need more."
Hermione gave up seeing the look on his face, "Fine but as soon as I get the will and properties settled …. You will get it back." She promised.
"Yes, I know you will." Kingsley grinned down at her, "Now for the girls…. Are you sure you want to do this… it is a huge commitment… even if it just guardianship" He shook his head, "I can and will figure out something else if it is too much."
Hermione beamed up at him, "No…. I can feel it in my heart… I am supposed to take care of those girls… this was always meant to be." She put a hand over her heart, "I am meant to make sure their life is happy and safe."
Kingsley nodded at her, "OK… and Viktor?" He asked looking at her ring, "If you are getting married that means the girls are as much his as yours."
Hermione smiled, "I asked him that… he said he felt it to… that when he saw them, he knew he was supposed to take care of them… just like he was supposed to take care of me." She sighed, "I know that this was not what we had planned, but I feel like it is the right thing." She said.
Kingsley nodded, "Then it is simple." He said pulling some papers out of his robes, "You sign these with your wand, and it will be binding…. The girl swill be under your protection instantly… I will file these as soon as I leave here and if you decide to adopt them permanently no one will be able to stop you." He said.
Hermione called for her wand and watched it fly out of Harry's pocket and over to her, "I think I want to adopt them, but I want to talk to the girls and Viktor more before we do that." She paused, "If something happens to me… they need a backup, don't they." She asked.
Kingsley nodded down at her and Hermione looked over at Viktor who was watching the game from the ground yelling out directions. "I want it to be Viktor…. I know he will protect them with everything he has… and so will his family." She said.
Kingsley nodded at her, "Then he will have to come sign under you." He said.
Hermione nodded at Kingsley, looking over to Viktor and whispering on the wind, "Can you come here Viktor?" She watched him turn and nod looking to Georgi next to him and saying something before he turned and ran over to her.
Viktor walked up at them, laying his hand on Hermione neck, needing to feel her skin, "Yes Mila." He said.
Hermione handed Viktor the papers, "I need to sign these papers and I get guardianship of the girls." She said letting him look over the papers, "Are you sure you are ok with this?" She asked softly.
Viktor nodded down at her, "I already told you Mila… this is what was meant for us….we will take care of the girls… for the rest of their lives… even if they are adopted by someone else for some reason… we will look after them." Viktor looked down into her eyes, "You agree and want this too, right?" He asked, his hand brushing her side.
Hermione nodded, "I do." She said with a small smile. "They are part of our family now."
Viktor held the paper up, "Then sign, Love." He said with a smile.
Hermione took a deep breath looking at the paper for a moment before she used her wand to sign her name quickly. Hermione looked up to Viktor with a grin and then watched as he turned the papers and pulled his wand out. Hermione looked up at him in surprise, "What are you doing?" She asked.
Viktor looked down at her in confusion, "I thought we were taking the girls… that means that we both have to sign…. Right?" He asked, wand hovering over the paper.
Hermione smiled up at him, "Yes… I just wasn't sure if you would want to sign your name to the legal papers." She whispered her eyes starting to water.
Viktor snorted and quickly signed his name, "Silly Witch… of course I sign my name and we are both guardians… we are US…not you and me… how many times do I have to tell you this?" He asked handing the papers to Kingsley who was grinning at them.
Kingsley nodded down at Hermione, "I think you are right; it is a good decision, I fully agree with you." He said with a smile before turing to Viktor, "I want you to keep the wards tight once I file this…. Hermione will have more targets on her back… some seen and some hidden." He said
Viktor held his hands out to Kingsley, "I will protect her with my life." He swore, "She will be safe…... they all will be."
Kingsley nodded, "I am going to go now… I will let you know as I get more information." He said.
Hermione nodded, "Thank you Kingsley for everything and let me know if you need anything else…. We are staying relatively quiet the next week…running into town to shop tomorrow." Viktor looked down at her in surprise, but she just kept talking. "and a family practice on Wednesday I have to go to… and then we are leaving on Friday to go to Spain…. But I will have Ginny with all of it and most of the rest of them have now been adopted by Ana and Mecho… so they will be with us." She said laughing.
Kingsley nodded, "That is a lot of going out…" he said softly.
Hermione gave small nod, "Yes… but I can't just hide away… we don't know how long it will take to gather all of the Death Eaters…... or if we even will." She took a breath, "I refuse to live my life in fear and hide away…. But I will plan, and I will have protections in place." She promised.
Kingsley nodded at her, "I know you will…... just stay safe…. You are one of my favorite people… so try not to get hurt." He said walking away and aperating as she laughed.
Viktor turned and set his hands on her shoulders, "Looks like you are in everyone's hearts…" He said with a grin, "and we will talk about your trips later…. But what did he mean when he said you made a good choice?" He asked.
Hermione smiled up at him, "I have asked to induct you into the Order…. That way things like this afternoon do not happen again…" She paused to cup his cheek, "I know that I have to let you come with me… I want you by my side when I fight." She said softly making Viktor beam down at her, "I NEED you by my side from now on." She whispered a tear sliding down her cheek.
Viktor felt his heart stutter at Hermione's acceptance of what he so desperately needed, her understanding of what he was frantic for…. a chance to protect her… to be by her side always… to be part of the world she so desperately kept him separate from to keep him safe.
Viktor felt the instant need to kiss her, the needed to feel her against him. Viktor reached down sliding one arm around her hips and the other to cup her neck, pulling her in for a deep kiss, covering her mouth with his, his arm tightened around her hips to pull her up against his chest, her feet hitting his knees. Hermione smiled against his lips draping her arms around his neck and slid a hand in his hair, quickly wrapping her legs around his waist. "I love you." She whispered against his lips, "So very much."
Viktor chuckled as his hands gripped her hips, "About time you let me stand by your side." He said biting her bottom lip sharply making her grin at him. "Now it will be you and me forever…. And we will take care of each other…. Protect each other and we will take care of the girls…... Together." He promised, his lips brushing her lips.
Hermione set her forhead on his, "Not two." She whispered.
Viktor nodded, "But One," He said, reaching his lips to press against hers again, "Always."
Hermione kissed him back softly, "Forever."
Viktor closed his eyes, "So now… now we have to get married…" He pulled back to look at her face, "How about next week after the cup?" He asked making Hermione throw her head back and laugh. Viktor watched as sun hit Hermione's face, her smile beaming, and he felt his heart race for a completely different reason. She was stunning and she was his…... she was his, he thought. He watched her look back down at him, her hands cupping his cheeks, her smile blinding him and he just shook his head at how everything had changed in one week… one week ago he was struggling to live and now he had everything he had ever hoped for… everything he had ever dreamed of and more.
"You are funny" Hermione said kissing his lips with a huge grin.
Viktor snorted, "You think that I am joking." He said giving her ass a soft slap, making her laugh harder at him.
Hermione shook her head, "Absolutely not…. We need to plan, and we need to tell people and you mother would kill both of us if we tried to get married next week." She said cupping his cheek and kissing his nose.
Viktor shrugged, "I can take Mama on." He said with a grin.
Hermione gave him a grin back, "Ok if you can convince her for next week, I will do it." She said kissing his lips, brushing along his cheeks.
Viktor pulled back, "You are only saying that because you do not believe I can convince her." He said nipping at her lips again making her smile, He slid one arm around her hips tightly so he could take his other hands and bury it in her curls, tilting her head down to him, his nose brushing hers, "I will convince her and then you will be mine."
Hermione nipped at his lips, "I am already yours." She said, licking his lips gently.
Viktor grinned up at her, "Yes but people still look at you and I don't like it." He said, turning and walking with her in his arms towards the field, his hand making sure to keep her dress tucked.
Hermione snickered, "You know they will look if I am married or not." She said leaning down to cover his mouth with hers again. Her tongue brushing along his making him pause mid step and fight her for dominance, his teeth scraping and biting making her moan into his mouth and he felt himself turn to go towards house as her nails scraped along his scalp.
Viktor paused when he heard a yell behind them, "Hey will you put her down and come play?" Ludmil yelled, "You can kiss her later." He said with a grin.
Viktor looked over Hermione shoulder at Ludmil and groaned, "I hate him." He muttered.
Hermione grinned down at him, "No you don't…. he is your best friend…. He is your Ginny and Harry." She said cupping his cheek.
Viktor snorted and scowled, "That doesn't mean that he is not a pain in the ass." He muttered making Hermione giggle and wiggle in his arms.
"Put me down." She said kissing his nose.
Viktor shook his head, "I don't want to." He said tightening his arms. "You are mine…" He said hiding his face in Hermione's neck, so he did not have to look at Ludmil. "And I play with them every day."
But Ludmil would not be deterred and flew around Viktor and Hermione in circle's making Hermione grin over at him,
"Go play with your friends, you get to see me every day now too… and" Hermione reached her lips down to his ear, "If you are good I will give you so many kisses tonight when we go to bed." She murmured making Viktor pull back and grin at her.
Ludmil rolled his eyes, "Let's go Viktor… It is an hour or two of your time." He said.
Hermione wigged in his arms until Viktor set her down and Viktor glared at Ludmil who just laughed at him. "Go… I'm going to go sit with Luna and talk about you." She said giving Viktor a push.
Viktor pulled her back and slapped a hard-deep kiss on her lips before pulling away, "Be good." He said watching her roll her eyes and walk over to sit back at the table back at the bench he made them earlier. He turned to Ludmil, "You are a pain." He muttered.
Ludmil shrugged, "That is nothing new…." He said with a grin, "Now about that beautiful pale witch with the blue eyes." He flew next to Viktor as he walked, "She is free... yes."
Viktor paused and looked at Ludmil carefully, "She is good and sweet… be carful with her… or Hermione will kill you and then me." He said darkly.
Ludmil paused the broom hovering, "She is different… I don't know why… but when I saw her... my heart hurt." He said looking over at the table, "But at the same time I wanted to protect her." He whispered, "It is weird… I have never felt like that before."
Viktor looked over at him and grinned, "Welcome to love at first sight…... that was how I felt with Hermione." He said.
Ludmil frowned, "What if she doesn't like me back?" He asked.
Viktor shrugged, "You just have to get to know her… let her get to know you." He said.
Ludmil sighed, "I don't like it." He said.
Viktor tilted his head to the side, "Then walk away from her and leave it be…."
Ludmil shook his head, "I like that less." He mumbled.
Viktor shrugged, "Your life and your choice… just remember you hurt her… Hermione will kill you and then me… and I will kill you…ok" He said.
Ludmil nodded and flew off quickly back to the game and Viktor shook his head, "Our house is becoming a freaking match making house." He said rolling his eyes, "Hermione is not allowed to bring any other females home…... no more." He said walking back over to the field, "No more witches."