Viktor cursed to himself. As he walked up to the pitch dining hall. He grabbed his dinner from the buffet and sat down alone at a table only to quickly find himself surrounded by the other members of the national teams that were in society. He rolled his eyes. This was something that was bound to happen, but he didn't have the patience at the moment.

"Hello, Mr. Jewel." Alexei Levski teased.

"Can you introduce me to Miss Jewel?" Asked Eamon Troy.

Lynch cut in, "If you should ask anyone for introductions to the Jewel you should be asking me, I'm the only one out of all of us that actually danced with her."

Viktor looked up at him, "You did? What was she like? Isn't she five years younger than you?"

"Four and three quarters years younger." Lynch corrected. "There wasn't much time for talking when you're dancing. But damn she looked good in that silver dress. That girl does not look 14. Don't forget about the bet, Viktor."

"How could I? I plan on catching that snitch and giving it to my rose before I collect on your cottage."

"She will wear green. We are the superior team after all."

Viktor smirked, "I would not be so sure of yourself. She's too smart for that."

Getting up, not hungry anymore, Viktor patted his shoulder.

As Viktor walked away, he heard Lynch yell back, "Just because you have your rose means nothing when I have the favor of the jewel."

Viktor waved him off, "The odds are already in my favor," he whispered to himself.

That night when Viktor got home from another late workout, he sent another letter to Hermione.

Good evening my Rose,

I hope I did not scare you when we met. I thought it would be best to be honest with one another from the start and not dance around one another blind until it came to a time for the contracts to be written.

Tonight, the boys teased me about being a Jewel and were asking if I could help introduce them to you. They do not know you are my Rose yet, I would rather them find out at the next event, if that is okay with you of course. I was hoping that you would like to meet again before the next event, to confirm my suspicions on our compatibility.

I don't know if your mother was able to tell you this but during the balls after the announcement of the Jewels it is traditional for them to open the balls together. I cannot wait to have the chance to dance with you this season.

I hope that it will not be our only dance and that we may dance at other times in the evening. I understand if that is not possible, as you have so many people to meet.

Yours,

Viktor

PS. Tell Harry it is key to understand sharp turns and to practice getting them right with the outer hoops before trying the Feint for real.

After sending his owl on it's mission, he retreated downstairs to watch some television with his mother. He hoped that the news could distract him from his worries about Hermione. During an advertisement for the Vicar of Dibley, he heard a tap on the window and allowed Dimo in. The proud tawny owl gave him his letter before retreating to his perch in Viktor's room.

Viktor hurriedly opened the letter recognizing the handwriting.

Dear Viktor,

It did not so much scare me as it did surprise me. I guess my youth made me naive in the impression that children would not be part of my selection of a match. You were right at the end of our outing that I needed time to think over things.

I am okay with not being identified as your Rose until then. And I still promise that I will not wear green to the Cup. But I do have to ask, is there anything I will receive for such a great favor. It's only fair, you asked so much of me afterall.

I would like to meet with you again very much. I am free all day Saturday if you would be able to meet then. If not, I am available anytime Sunday afternoon.

I did not know about the opening of the balls. I will have to scold my mother for not telling me and I will be sure to practice my waltz before then. I would love to also close the ball with you if that would work for you and you are not promised to another for that dance.

Your Rose,

Hermione

PS. Harry is already begging my mom to allow him to go to Diagon Alley's community pitch to practice. He's only lived with us for half a day, and I can say it is annoying to have a brother.

He excused himself from the living room and climbed up the stairs to his room to write a reply.

My Rose,

Again, my thanks as to your avoiding the color green. As an expression of thanks, I will get you something one of a kind. Payment will occur after visual confirmation of the absence of green on the day in question.

Thank you for agreeing to meet with me again. I unfortunately have a work event that I must attend on Saturday, would you like to accompany me to brunch on Sunday at 10?

Do not be too harsh on your mother. She may resent me for telling you. I would like to stay in her good graces while we are getting to know one another.

Yours,

Viktor

PS. I finish work the day after the Cup, if Harry wants pointers, I can help then.

He sent the letter with Dimo, his eurasian eagle-owl, and went to bed hoping for a response to be waiting for him in the morning when he woke up.