Ch.28

Hey guys, I am sorry this story isn't finished, I truly am. This has not been an easy year for me, I know the last 2 years with COVID hasn't been easy for a lot across the world. I never intended this story to take this long to finish. I've mentally had a rough time, depression, anxiety, broken keyboard on my laptop, life, and all that jazz, so thinking of this story I just pushed it aside, instead, I began writing (actually writing like in notebooks crazy I know, I have like 3 full fronts to back notebooks of stories) other stories as a distraction because I felt like a failure in so many aspects in my life, and it just put me in a sour mood for this story, I've known all along how this story would end, and I can never express how thankful I am to each and every one of you for reading this, I know there are typos and errors and I am sorry for that. Thank you all for your patience. It means a lot to me. Sending happy thoughts, prayers, vibes out to all of you.

-E

Viktor was sitting on his chair in front of his make-shift locker, already dressed and ready for the match. While he wouldn't say he was nervous about the match, he did understand the weight of it. Not just for him, his team, and Bulgaria, but for the wizarding world in total. The first Cup since the war ended, it was a moving point to the future, to hope. Viktor looked around the locker room at his teammates, his friends, his family. They were all joking around as they normally did before a match. Usually never one for nostalgia, Viktor couldn't help but smile at the group. This was going to be something to remember with or without winning it, Viktor would look back to this moment in fondness, always.

He couldn't help but think of Hermione, hoping she would be here, choose him, choose a future together. He'd do anything for her. She was his heart.

"Alright boys 10mins till the match starts! Get to your station for your entrance!"

One of their couches yelled outside the tent, a silence fell over the group, the nerves starting to set in. Viktor stood up and all eyes fell on him, their leader.

"For Bulgaria"

It was he could say and all he needed to say, the team cheered and the group became rowdy leaving the tent trying to get amp themselves up for the ultimate test for their sport. Grabbing his broom Viktor followed his teammates out of the tent last. Clearing his mind of anything that wasn't important, he had to focus solely on his team, this moment. To be the best seeker in the world. His uncertain love life would have to be put on the back burner of his brain; Hermione would have to wait.

Hermione arrived at the World Cup location in Switzerland, the cold December winter hitting her face hard, it was a windy New Year's Day, snow falling down and covering everything. It would not be an easy type of weather to fly in, but this also helped the Bulgarian team, they knew how to fly in this kind of weather. More importantly, they knew how to win in this kind of weather.

"Hermione, are you coming?"

Hermione snapped out of her thoughts to see Ginny in front of her, waiting for her. Everyone else had made their way to the ticket booth, but Ginny had waited for her. Smiling Hermione walked to Ginny clasping her friend's arm happily.

"Of course, let's not miss the biggest event of the year!"

Hermione teased her friend walking them over to the group.

Arthur was like a child, dressed in his absolute best robes, he was beyond excited about getting the chance to see this quidditch match. Hermione would never be able to thank Viktor enough for giving this is Arthur, to the whole Weasley family. It just showed how caring of a man Viktor was. That he would do this not for her, or because it was expected of him too, no, he didn't this because he wanted to.

Smiling Hermione walked with Ginny to the rest of the Weasley clan, releasing her hold on the youngest and handing her over to Harry. Everyone here was either married or engaged to be married, well everyone except her and Charlie. The 2nd eldest had decided to stay a little longer than he normally did. She could tell he was uncomfortable being with his family this long, he was a solitary kind of wizard.

Charlie saw her laughing at him and walked over to her.

"Laughing at my despair? Not very Gryffindor of you."

Charlie joked at her.

"The sorting hat is never wrong."

She teased back. The Weasley group had received the tickets and she could hear how excited, Arthur, Harry, and Ron were to see where they would be sitting.

"Bloody hell! He's given us the box seats! Seats were all the most important wizarding world will be!"

Ron yelled in shock to Harry, Hermione couldn't say she was surprised that Viktor would pull all the stops for this. Ron and Arthur both comically began a fast pace up the stairs to reach their seats. Hermione looped Charlie's arm in hers.

"I won't let you suffer alone; don't worry you have me"

She advised him lovingly as a sister would to a brother. Charlie laughed at her antics and instead wrapped his arm around her shoulders pulling her along with the group.

Once Hermione and Charlie reached the group at the box seats, they entered the area, finding countless people, high-up wizarding officials from all over the world, important families, those who held power. She even got sight of Draco Malfoy with his family, Lucius looking ever like the head of the Malfoy name, his wife standing by him proudly like the pureblood wife she was raised to be and then there was Draco with his wife and holding his son, Scorpius just 1-year-old now being held in his father's arms. It was strange for Hermione to see Draco as a loving father, but he was holding his son and rocking him gently while bottle feeding. She smiled when Draco tilted his head at her, a slight scrunch in his eyes telling her that was the best smile she would ever get from him. She tilted her head back before allowing Charlie to take her to their seats that overlooked the pitch completely. There was food everywhere, never-ending right before her seat, with wine, fire whiskey anything you could want.

Hermione felt eyes on her and turned behind to see Daniela, Viktor's sister looking at her, she was sitting next to a handsome man, she looked beautiful and elegant. Hermione shyly smiled at the witch, knowing she was not her favorite. Daniela gave her a tight smile before turning her head back to companion. A canon went off signaling the match would begin. Hermione turned back around in her seat; she felt her nerves return to her. Not for the game, but for Viktor, what would happen after this match? Would she and Viktor work or would she fail at another relationship?

She was brought out of her thoughts when a large screech washed over the stadium, instantly quieting the crowd. Everyone looked to the sky at the sound and saw a large fire Phoenix consume the sun. The bird flew over the crowd, fire flowing for the wings over the crowd, the bird fly straight towards the middle of the pitch before a large burst exploded and the Egyptian team came flying up from the ground as the Phoenix soared high above the stadium blocking out the sun again. Loud cheers rang through for the Egyptian team flying over the crowd now, wearing their countries colors, red robes, black shirts, and white pants with black boots.

Above the stadium and loud almost thunderous boom was heard, everyone turned their attention towards the Phoenix of magic fire. The bird turned around to the sound, just in time for a large Hippogriff fly straight through the bird, killing the magic out. A hippogriff was a half horse half eagle creature, one the trio and those from her class knew at their time at Hogwarts. Extremely proud but extremely dangerous creatures, she saw Harry lean forward in his seat at the sight, no doubt thinking of Buckbeak, the marvelous creature that saved her and Harry from werewolf Lupin.

With the Phoenix destroyed the Hippogriff flew straight through the Egypt team formation, making the players have to scatter unless they wanted to be run over. It reminded Hermione of the 94'Cup where the Bulgarian team barged through the Irish. A scare tactic, intimidation. The Hippogriff screeched loudly Bulgarian team descended from behind the clouds to the match. She saw Viktor's form immediately, his broad shoulders, again too large to be a seeker. She heard the women in the crowd go wield seeing Viktor as well.

Hermione smiled, these poor women if they only knew just the other day he was in her bed, taking off her knickers. It was she who got to touch his body, hold him, kiss him, be with him in the most intimate way possible. Her heart fluttered at the feeling she was having, she loved him. More importantly, she was ready to fall completely in love with him, to give him everything. Tears prickled her eyes at the thought of telling him she loved him. That she was ready to face whatever their future would hold with him.

Both teams had landed in the middle of the field, shaking hands and going over the rules. The players rose to the air on their brooms and the Swedish Ministry of Magic commenced the final shot of fire from his wand for the match to start. The snitch flew out of sight quickly. Each team's two beaters sized up the other team's three chasers, the Quaffle was in the air being passed around between the Chasers as Beaters sent forth the bulgers. Hermione could hear the score and the intensity of the game, each team scoring quickly and countering with points. It would be a game won with whoever got the golden snitch. She turned her head towards the skies to see Viktor and the Egyptian seeker Zaghoul on opposite sides of the pitch from each other. Both searching and listening for the snitch.

Viktor could hear the game below him, each team was battling it out, currently, the score was 150 to 90 his team was up, but Quidditch wasn't a game that guaranteed the one in the lead would always be the winner, as long as neither team was too far ahead of each other the snitch would be the final play. He had been sitting on his broom unmoving listening for the snitch, he would dart his eyes every once in a while, to make sure a beater was trying to hit him with a bulger, but he knew his team would protect him. They understood he needed silence around him to find the snitch. To his surprise, he saw the Egyptian seeker across the pitch from him unmoving as well. His eyes were toward the sky as if trying to see past the clouds and snow falling down on them.

The snow had picked up since the match started which was fine with him, colder weather and snow wouldn't affect him. He was born in it. This would not deter his abilities. Closing his eyes, Viktor shut out and sounds of noise from the crowd, the score being yelled out by the announcer and the teams below. Slowing his breathing he could only hear the snow falling against him, and the wind.

"Ladies and gentlemen I don't believe it! Viktor Krum has closed his eyes!"

Viktor remained steady on his broom unmoving, eyes closed. He was unsure how long he waited, the game was still going on, it was like background noise for him, every once in a while, he would hear a large battle cry from his team knowing they were fighting. But that was all he allowed himself to hear. He was focused on listening for the snitch. All of a sudden he heard a whispering sound, it was extremely faint, almost like the wind blowing through the leaf's on trees back home. But he was too high up to hear that, he knew immediately it was the snitch, it was behind him, opening his eyes he tipped his broom back suddenly flipping behind him and flying towards the sound.

"It looks like Viktor Krum as spotted the GOLDEN SNITCH! Here comes Egyptian seeker Zaghoul not far behind him as well! The score is 280 Bulgarian, Egypt 290! It's going to come down to who catches the SNITCH!"

Viktor could now see the snitch standing out against the falling snow, it was just a little gold dot against all the white. But he was closing in. He felt Zaghloul right behind him, damn he was a fast seeker. The snitch fluttered abruptly, quickly moving side to side before ascending up towards the clouds, Viktor kicked his foot, pulling his broom hard up to follow the snitch.

"BULGARIA AND EGYPT ARE NOW TIED 300 TO 300! It seems both teams down below have turned their eyes towards their seekers instead of scoring both teams are rather playing defense! WHO WILL CATCH IT FIRST?! WILL VIKTOR KRUM REDEEM HIS TEAM FROM THE 94 CUP OR WILL THE RISING SEEKER ZAGHLOUL DETHRONE KRUM AS THE BEST SEEKER IN THE WORLD?!"

Viktor and Zaghloul were both now neck and neck nearing the snitch, the clouds around them engulfed them, leaving it only to the two of them would be catching the snitch. Viktor was pushing himself as hard as he could go, as hard as his broom would give him. He was pushing and pushing, he was closing in on snitch, but so was Zaghloul. Reaching out in desperation Viktor leaned forward on his broom trying to grab the snitch, it was a mistake his broom at his speed wiggled below his grip causing his hand to just miss closing on the snitch before he could correct his mistake another hand enclosed around the wings, Zaghloul had beat him, Viktor had once again lost for his team in the World Cup.

Looking to his side, Zaghloul looked at him, this young boy not even 18 wide-eyed and surprised to be holding the snitch, to be World Cup winner.

"Good job"

Viktor congregated, the boy looked at him, shock written over his face.

"You are still the best seeker in the world"

Zaghloul stated, Viktor felt his chest pinch at the compliment, Viktor wasn't old, he was 26 going on 27, been with the national team before he was 18 like Zaghloul. He was touted as the best seeker of his generation yet, he had never done what this young kid had down, win the World Cup.

"No, you are"

Viktor smiled before clasping his hand on Zaghloul's shoulder giving him a warm shake. The two of them descended towards the pitch both teams and the crowd waited in silence to who won. Zaghloul opened his hand to reveal he caught the snitch and half the stadium erupted.

"UNBELIEVABLE! ZAGHLOUL HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH, EGYPT WINS! 450 TO 300! EGYPT WINS! ZAGHLOUL BESTED KRUM!"

Viktor turned towards his teammates who flew over to him, the looks in their faces showed how disappointed to lose again, and again Viktor could only blame himself for this loss.

"You all played amazing…. I…I am sorry I was not enough…"

Viktor confused showing his team the most emotion he's ever shown them. But he couldn't care to hold himself like a man, he was crushed. He should've caught the snitch. He was right there…tears threatened to escape. With his head hung down in defeat he descended on his broom until his feet hit the ground. He heard the cheers and celebrations from the Egyptian team. He felt hands on his shoulders. Looking up he saw his team standing before him, Nayden in the front smiling at him with tears in his eyes.

"Viktor you will always be more than enough to us, you are leader always will be"

Nayden spoke over the crowd. His team cheered in agreement before they all wrapped their arms around him, giving a group hug, Viktor couldn't help but smile. His team was not disappointed with him.

Soon the noises of the crowd hushed when the main announcer came down to the pitch, he spoke first with Zaghloul who thanked his team and country for their win and also noted how it was incredible to play against his hero Viktor Krum, who he repeated was still the best seeker in the world, no matter what. The stadium erupted in cheers at his compliment for Viktor and he was touched to know the young seeker had so much class and honor. It hurt less to lose to him knowing the future of the sport was in good hands.

'Future? Where did that thought come from? Was he considering himself in the past tense?'

The announcer parted through the team and fans that flocked to the pitch now, reaching him.

"Viktor, I know this isn't the outcome you were hoping for, to lose this World Cup, how are you feeling?"

Removing himself from his teammates he stood proudly. Would not be a sore loser. No matter how much he hated talking to the media.

"Da, ve tried, best seEKer von"

The tears in his eyes returned, he was trying to hold them back.

"What's the next move for Viktor Krum, come back in four years to the next World Cup, you are 26 right now and would be 30 years old. While that isn't an old age for a wizard, for a seeker it is a young man's sport. So, what's next for Viktor Krum?"

The question was one that he wasn't truly ready to answer, he was unsure how to answer it. Would he come back in four years? 30 was old, but it wasn't common for a seeker's age either. At least not for a World Cup-winning seeker. He was about to answer the question when there was a loud gasp from the crowd. Turning his attention to the noise he saw a Patronus running down from the stadium towards him. It looked like a small cat. The animal danced around his head for a bit before disappearing. The crowd was silent only quiet whispers and murmurs could be heard. It was amazing the whole stadium was holding their breath at the Patronus and for his answer. Looking up to the crowd, his eyes caught the sunlight hitting off of the VIP box way up high, he smiled knowing who's Patronus it was that came to him and what it meant.

Again, he felt tears, but this time he didn't hold them back, he let the tears slide down his face. His emotions were overwhelming.

"Viktor?"

The announcer asked, Viktor wouldn't break his eyes away from the metal gleam of the box high in the stadium. He knew who was up there and knew whose eyes were on his. Hermione, she had come and she had given him reassurance, her answer and so much more; a promise. He smiled at the future he would have, whose arms would be waiting for him.

"I announcing retirement, no longer the vest, I luff my team"

The crowd gasped at these answers, some were cheering some booing, Viktor turned to his teammates, all were smiling at him, showing they understood his reason and were supporting him.

"Retirement for Viktor Krum! It's unbelievable for me to hear that and I'm sure for the crowd. What made you make that decision? Is there a reason?"

Viktor placed his broom between his legs before turning back to the shocked announcer's face.

"Da, my divi tsvetya"

That was all he answered before kicking off the ground, flying above the chaos below him, flying over the crowd in the stands.

"Well, you heard it here folks VIKTOR KRUM announces his retirement and seems to be flying towards the VIP box!"

Viktor reached the box quickly, he scanned the small crowd, he saw his sister first. Tears in her eyes, he smiled lovingly at her and she returned the smile. His sister titled her head to the side, directing him, he followed her direction and saw his reason for a future. Hermione was standing there looking beautiful. He could tell she was crying, her eyes puffy and pink, her hair wild curls that he loved so much hung loosely around her. She was wearing a deep burgundy dress, his colors. He smiled at her before directing his broom closer to her.

Hermione made her way to the front of the box, a crying mess. She reached him, now only the box separating them. Balancing himself on his broom he reached out with one hand and cupped her face.

"You got my message"

She spoke gently to him. He smiled at her, gently caressing his thumb across her cheek. Wiping away the tears that still fell from her eyes.

"Da Moya lyubov (my love)"

Before she could question what, he had said he pulled her in, capturing her lips, with a kiss that conveyed how much he loved her. Her arms flew around his neck pulling him further down to her, deepening the kiss. When they broke away, he could hear the crowd deathly loud cheering.

"IT LOOKS LIKE WE KNOW NOW WHY HE RETIRED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! FOR HERMIONE GRANGER!"

He saw her face turn a bright scarlet red, embarrassment on her face, she was never one for attention. The whole stadium attention was on her, soon the whole wizarding world would know as well. Running his fingers through her hair to confront her.

"Her-mynee"

Mentally cursing himself for butchering her name this bad, his emotions were getting to him he would blame. He opened his mouth to try again but he didn't get the chance.

"I love you, Viktor Krum, I want to love you until I die"

Her words caused his heart to stop for a moment. She was confessing her love to him, that she wanted to love him until her last breath…she was his. A smile spread across his face, wrapping his arm around her waist he pulled her easily over the windowless VIP box into his arms, holding her close. She squealed wrapping her arms around his neck and legs around his waist. Straddling him. In the future, he would have her ride him like this again, away from crowds and prying eyes, just the two of them naked.

"Viktor?"

Her voiced shook against her neck. Gripping her tightly he smiled at what the future would hold for them.

"Hold on"

With that he kicked his feet on his broom ascending in the sky abruptly, Hermione's grip turned deathly around his neck and he heard her yell at the sudden movement. The crowd below screamed and cheered at the two of them. Until the noise disappeared, and the only sound he heard was his heart beating through his ears. Hermione was quiet now, holding onto tightly. He was about to say something when he felt her lips on his neck, light kisses against his skin. He gripped his broom tightly at the feeling. Flying quickly through the sky with one thought on his mind, getting her in his bed and never letting her leave.

2 more chapters remain. wrapping this up. The next chapter will mainly be smut lol