Thank you to everyone who has started reading the story and is enjoying it

Here is Chapter 2!

Chapter 2

Harry woke up the next morning and realised that if all went according to plan this would be the last morning that he would ever wake up at Hogwarts. The thought filled him with anticipation and excitement for what the future could hold, as well as a little sadness about what he was leaving behind. He pulled the curtains back from around his bed and saw that the dormitory was in fact empty. 'Perfect time to start packing,' he thought as he climbed out of bed and started getting dressed.

He pulled on a pair of Dudley's old jeans and a t-shirt and started gathering all his things that had spread throughout the dormitory over the past school year.

It took surprisingly little time for Harry to gather his things and pack them all in his trunk. That done he decided to head to the great hall for lunch, he wasn't sure when Krum would come for him but he wanted to be ready to leave at any time.

He wandered down towards the great hall but as he drew nearer, he saw crowds of people milling about, 'people obviously still hanging around after the celebration yesterday' he thought. Quickly dodging behind a portrait before anyone spotted him, he followed the passageway down towards the dungeons, where he took a sharp right and headed to the kitchens for lunch instead. It wasn't like Harry didn't want to see or talk to people, it was more that he was tired of people talking at him or over him rather than to him. Tired of people watching and judging every move he made. The whole thing was exhausting and quite a bit depressing.

Harry entered the kitchens and felt himself relaxing, house elves ran at him from everywhere offering something to eat and drink. Dobby bounded over to say hello, already carrying a plate of sandwiches and a piece of treacle tart. Harry took the plate smiling fondly at Dobby while he sat down to enjoy his quiet lunch.

After lunch Harry tried to make his way outside to enjoy some fresh air and for one last walk around the school grounds. However, he was waylaid by Ron and Hermione demanding to know where he had been all morning. Before he could even answer they dragged him off for a meeting with Fudge and Dumbledore, where they proceeded to explain that Harry was going to start extra defence training from next year so that he would be ready to join the Aurors straight out of Hogwarts. Ron would be receiving the training as well so that they could join the Aurors together. Harry found himself gritting his teeth at that but managed to bite his tongue. Only a few more hours and he would be leaving all this behind.

Upon leaving Dumbledores office, Harry found himself trailing behind Ron and Hermione as they talked excitedly about the training Ron was going to receive. They turned heading towards Gryffindor Tower, not sparing a glance for Harry as he headed out the front doors. Walking across the school grounds, Harry didn't stop until he came to a secluded part of the black lake and took a seat under the shade of a large oak tree. Harry stretched out on the soft grass, his arm behind his head as a pillow as he watched several thestrals roaming on the edge of the forest.

He couldn't lie to himself, there were parts of Hogwarts that he would miss, just not all the fickle people within it.

As he closed his eyes and started thinking about what a perfect time it was to take a nap, he heard a twig snap nearby. Quickly sitting up he looked around before spotting Krum and instantly relaxing.

A soft smile broke across Harrys face as he took in the slightly hunched figure before him.

"Hello Harry, I saw you valking and thought I vould come and make sure that you vere all ready to leave tonight?"

"Hey Krum, yep I'm all ready to go. My trunk is packed, I just have to shrink it and put it in my pocket. I was thinking I would send Hedwig down to you earlier tonight if that's ok with you?" Harry enquired, smiling at Krum as he took a seat beside Harry on the soft grass.

"Please Harry ve are to be family, call me Viktor."

Harry tried the name out on his tongue a few times "Viktor…Viktor" he said softly. It felt strange at first, but Harry knew it wouldn't take long for him to get use to it.

"That sounds like a good idea sending Hedwig down a little earlier. I vill be able to make sure she is safe and comfortable before you arrive. I vill meet you here around midnight after everyone else has gone to bed. Bring all your belongings vith you then. My father has organised for a Gringotts goblin to meet us in my room to assist with the blood adoption as vell as any financial matters."

Harry blinked, mulling over the information he had just received.

"Will… will the blood adoption hurt?" Harry asked carefully.

Krum turned to look at Harry, "Harry, if you are having second thoughts about this there is no pressure, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do." Krum said sincerely.

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, "No! God no, I really want this," Harry exclaimed. "I guess I'm just curious what the blood adoption entails, I don't actually know anything about it."

Krum nodded thoughtfully. "Essentially it is a very specific potion that has my blood added to it. You vill drink the potion and it vill render you unconscious for several hours vhile it takes effect. It has been said to be painful, but I promise to stay vith you through the vhole night."

Harry smiled shyly as that proclamation made his heart warm.

"Thank you" Harry said softly.

Krum's eyes softened as he took in the smaller teenager before him. "Also, your looks may change a little as the potion takes effect. Ve von't know exactly vhat until it's done." Krum continued.

"I'm not worried about that," Harry chuckled. "It might make it harder for people to recognise me if I look different."

"Very true," Krum said smiling at Harry.

They fell into a comfortable silence, laying back on the grass and just enjoying the others company. After a what felt like hours Harry sat up.

"I guess I better head back to the castle for dinner," Harry said with a sigh, running his hand through his already messy hair. He really didn't want to have to go back to the castle and face everyone again.

Krum stood, helping Harry to his feet.

"OK, I vill see you back here in a few hours" Krum said. He reached out and gripped Harry's shoulder before turning and walking back towards the Durmstrang ship.

Harry watched him walk away for a minute before heading back towards the castle.

Dinner had started by the time he made his way to the great hall. As soon as he entered people called to him, asking him to join them. Harry ignored them all and made his way to the Gryffindor table. He had just taken a seat when Ginny slid into the seat beside him, sitting a little to close for comfort truth be told. Harry bit back a sigh before dishing some food onto his plate and starting to eat. Ginny was talking to him but Harry just let the noise wash over him, thinking about where he would be eating dinner tomorrow night.

After dinner Harry wandered back up to Gryffindor tower, the common room was mostly empty as everyone was still at dinner. Harry decided to make it look like he was heading to bed early. He went up and climbed into bed fully clothed, pulling the blankets up under his chin and closing his curtains.

He laid there for hours, eventually hearing the other boys come up and get ready for bed. After Ron's snores filled the room and he was sure the other boys were asleep Harry crept out of bed. He pulled his invisibility cloak out of his trunk, shrunk his trunk and placed it into his pocket. Throwing the cloak over himself he cast one last look around the room before saying a soft goodbye and sneaking out of Hogwarts. Harry arrived near the black lake and spotted Krum already waiting. He walked up slowly pulling the cloak off his head and gave Krum a bright smile.

"Harry," Krum said in relief. "Let's go, the goblin is already there vaiting for us. Leave the cloak on for now."

Harry nodded, trailing behind Krum as they made their way quickly aboard Durmstrangs ship. Harry had not seen the ship this close before, it was truly magnificent. They were moving so quickly that Harry didn't have time to take in much more than beautiful wooden halls before they arrived at Krum's room. As they entered, they found a goblin sitting and waiting for them, looking impatient.

Harry and Krum took a seat opposite the goblin waiting to begin.

"Good evening, my name is Trerd." The goblin said eyeing both Harry and Krum

"I understand I am here to assist in managing Mr Potters financial interests as well as providing the potion for a blood adoption." The goblin didn't wait for a reply before continuing. "We will start with the financial aspects first."

Harry nodded, "I was thinking, if it was OK with Viktor" Harry began nervously. "That I could change my surname to Krum"

Krum looked pleasantly surprised and nodded his consent. "I vould like that Harry."

Harry smiled happily at Krum's assent.

"Excellent, we will close the extensive Potter accounts and reopen a new account under Harry Krum, transferring everything over to him," Trerd said making notes in a ledger on his lap.

"As soon as Mr Potter drinks the blood adoption potion, he will essentially become your son Mr Krum. You will become his legal guardian and his welfare will be your responsibility. I just want to impress upon you the seriousness of this undertaking and make sure that you are both in agreement before we continue" Trerd said.

Krum nodded seriously, "I understand."

Harry nodded as well, "I understand and still want to continue."

Trerd stood, pulling out a small potion vial and handing it to Krum.

"Simply add six drops of blood to the potion and it will be ready. Mr Potter should be placed somewhere comfortable before he takes the potion. It will take several hours for the potion to come into effect, though I would give it to Mr Potter soon so that the blood adoption will be finished before anyone up at the castle notices he is missing."

Trerd stood from his seat, walking over to Krum and handing him the potion. He continued on to, where he handed over several documents for Harry to sign. After he was done Trerd collected the documents, filing them away for his return to Gringotts.

"Thank you Trerd" Harry said.

The goblin inclined his head slightly to Harry, then Krum before taking his leave.

Krum turned to Harry. "This is my room Harry, you vill be staying here vith me vhile ve are travelling. I think it vould be best that no one knows you are here."

Harry nodded looking thoughtful, his green eyes travelled around the room, taking it in for the first time. It was a beautiful room, with dark wood walls and deep green carpet. A large bed took up most of the space in the room, though Harry could see a door that he assumed led to a bathroom.

"That sounds good. I would prefer it if no one knows when or how I left or where I left to. Less chance of my 'fans' finding me that way." Harry said with a roll of his eyes.

"Very vell, go to the bathroom and prepare for bed. I vill add my blood to the potion and by the time you come out ve vill be able to proceed." Krum said waving his hand to the door Harry had noticed earlier.

While Harry was getting ready for bed Krum added his blood to the potion. He watched as the potion glowed brightly, changing from black to a red colour before settling down to a deep purple.

Krum took a seat on the bed while he waited for Harry. He ran his hands up and down his thighs nervously, thinking about what was to come. He just hoped he was up to the task of being a good guardian for Harry.

Harry came out of the bathroom dressed in his striped red pyjamas and took a seat next to Krum on the bed.

"That the potion?" He asked indicating the phial held in Krum's hand.

Krum nodded handing it over. "Climb into bed and get comfortable before taking it."

Harry did as he was told, climbing into the soft bed and pulling the warm covers up. He looked up at Krum as he pulled the topper off the potion. He knew he should be feeling nervous but all he felt was a flutter of excitement. He closed his eyes pouring the potion in his mouth and swallowing. The effect was instantaneous, Harry fell back on his pillow, eyes closed and body writhing in pain.

Krum jumped up from his position at the end of the bed and ran to Harry's side. He took Harry's hand rubbing it in comfort as Harry calmed a little at the soothing touch. Krum settled onto the bed beside Harry preparing himself for a long night.