Since the flight back from Istanbul with his mother, Viktor had been playing World Cup series games. They were only 2 games away from finding out who would play in the cup. Going to a World Cup final was always a goal of his, and ever since his father passed last year, he was more motivated than ever to win the Cup with his team.
When his father had passed, his mother (a muggle-born) chose to move back to England to be close to her family. His brother, Mikel, had already graduated and was heading the family business in Sofia. Since he was still underage until his 17th birthday, Viktor lived with his mother. This was difficult because of his job on the Vultures. Due to the distance of his job, they had many discussions on why the floo was a necessity. It always made his mother uncomfortable, but she reluctantly agreed that a floo could be placed in their living room.
Luck was on his side this year. His 17th birthday was yesterday and the World Cup was to take place in England this year. Which made it easy to commute to and from his mother's house for work as she lived only a 30-minute jog to the practice stadium. It was perfect he was able to warm up on his way to work.
Tonight, he stayed up throwing a tennis ball against a wall and catching it. He was thinking about the event that he was invited to this evening as a dual citizen. He had chosen to skip it in favor of more training and preparation. The harder he worked, the more success he would have. That was something both his father and mother instilled in him. It had guided him to top marks, to the position of prefect, school team captain and to recruitment to a national quidditch team.
He remembered being in the mess hall at dinner hearing Lynch go on and on about getting contracted to the jewel of the ball by the cup series and she would be wearing his team's colors.
Viktor laughed. Lynch looked at him, "What?"
"You think that the jewel will give you the time of day with that attitude."
"You don't want the jewel, Viktor?" Lynch jeered.
"I don't need the jewel when I already have a girl saying she'll wear my colors at the cup."
"That doesn't mean you're contracted to them."
"She's not even 17, I will not force a contract on her unless that was what she wanted. Plus, I have the time to wait, I'm still in school."
"I'll challenge that. I bet my cottage your girl will wear green to the cup.."
Green is icky in Scotland. "I'll give you the snitch I catch at the end of the Cup."
The challenge had been set, and now Viktor had to win the snitch and write to Hermione to not wear any green come the day of the Cup. He wouldn't take the cottage but he had to make a point to Lynch to stop being cocky.
As soon as he got home, he wrote to Hermione.
Good evening Hermione,
I am writing to say that it was nice to meet you and that I hope that you and your family are well and you haven't taken any flights recently.
I also write to ask for you to not wear green to the Cup this year. One of the people here at camp is saying that he will be contracted to the Jewel by the Cup and that she would wear his team colors at the social event to follow. I told him that the Jewel would be too smart for that.
His retaliation was to challenge me to pursue the Jewel and see who wins, I told him no. I don't want to pursue the Jewel but my Rose. I would like to court you, at you and your family's approval. If not, can you not wear green to save my pride..
Thank you,
Viktor
He had just received a reply and was afraid to open it. He then took a big breath and unsealed the envelope.
Dear Viktor,
We are all fine here in the Granger household. I hope things are well in your household.
I am flattered to be called your Rose. You barely know me and yet you give me this honor. I don't know if I am ready for a full courtship as we only know each other a little bit. How about we meet for coffee at a time that is convenient to you. I would love to learn more about you.
I can absolutely promise you I will not wear green that day. I'll even be sure to not wear green socks or jewelry if that pleases you.
Your Rose,
Hermione
He quickly wrote a reply.
My Rose,
Would 5 o'clock tomorrow work for you? I can pick you up at your house.
Yours,
Viktor
Knowing he would be able to get to meet her soon, quieted his mind to allow for him to sleep.