Harry sat high up the Quidditch World Cup stadium as the roaring of the crowd pressed heavily against his senses, like a thick fog made of sound. Feeling as if the thousands of voices had given life to hundreds of dragons Harry could barely hear his friends as they commented excitedly about the game. A confused mix of euphoric cheers and shrill jeers promoted Harry to stare through his omnioculars with his heart set a flutter as he followed the mass of muscled physique that was Viktor Krum. The strength of the hormonal onslaught was making his throat thick and concern creeped over him as he worried everyone in the box would pick up on the smell. He. Was. Fucked.

The game was done. Krum caught the snitch which left his team 10 points down. Harry could not deny the courage this would have taken as he knew Viktor was resigned to his lesser team mate's inability to get the score needed for the seeker to win them the game, by catching of the golden snitch.

He watched as Krum hopped off his broom and was surprised how the man that had the grace of a falcon in the air walked along like a ducking chasing after its mother, when on the ground. From Harry's own experience he could tell this man, who looked like he was sent by the Gods, did not relish the attention and probably wanted nothing more than to fly away.

His hands started to sweat profusely and his heart was in his mouth as the Bulgarian team were flying up to their box. With Krum bringing up the rear Harry was all but ready to jump out of the box to avoid the close proximity of the man. Anything to prevent Krum from noticing the hot and sweaty mess he had now become. 'Merlin help me' Harry said to himself in a silent prayer.

Harry was subconsciously aware that his two best friends were bickering about something. As this thought was brought forward to his conscious mind he heard his red headed friend say "Do you think I should get his autograph 'Mione". Harry did not register Hermione's reply as he legs seemed to now be propelling him forward as if they have been placed under a locomotive jinx.

'What am I doing, oh for the love of Merlin, stop, for fuck sake please stop, this will be humiliating' Harry internally screamed at himself. It was too late now as he was just a few steps from the stairwell and his mouth moved without instruction from Harry.

"Umm Mr Krum" 'oh for fuck sake, who calls a 17 year old Seeker superstar Mister, you fucking dingbat' Harry said to himself. Assuming the muscled seeker would just keep walking Harry couldn't find his Griffindor strength to follow and had resolved to return to his friends.

"Yes, can I help you?" Krum said making Harry almost fall backward from shock. 'Oh dear Merlin! What the fuck do I say now?' Harry thought whilst wracking his stupid hormone riddled brain. With the famed Griffindor courage moving up from the depths of his guts Harry again spoke.

"Sorry I know you probably get approached a lot but I just wanted to say it was brave to end the game on your own terms and your flying is sensational" and with that Harry felt like his face was on fire and he could definitely feel eyes boring into the back of his head.

"Well you seem to understand my, umm how you say, umm, my intentions, and I thank you for your kind words. What is your name young man?" Viktor said to Harry who was sure he was redder than Ron's hair. Hyper aware the famous seeker had asked him something Harry willed his brain to sodding sort itself out.

"My name is Harry, Sir" 'Oh Merlin, is it Sir now is it Harry, could you be any more of a loser?' Harry thought praying the seeker wouldn't laugh at him.

"Please Harry, you can call me Viktor. You go to Hogwarts I am thinking?" Viktor replied putting Harry a little at ease.

"Umm yes, that is right sir, sorry I mean Viktor" Harry said quickly looking at the floor with his courage seeping through his feet into the ground around him.

"Well I hope to see you this October in that case" Viktor replied which baffled Harry. Looking as if he was turning away to leave, Harry thought he can't just leave it like that and metaphorically slapped himself seeking to return to his senses.

"Umm, sorry Viktor?" 'Please, please don't leave yet' which Harry added in his mind but it was left unsaid.

"Yes Harry?" This was starting to spin Harry out. He didn't have any questions left so on a wing and a prayer he said. "Would it be okay if maybe I write to you this summer? You see I play seeker for my house team and I would love any advice you can offer?" at which point Harry was sure he had started to shake from the insane amounts of adrenaline flooding his body.

Harry saw a warm smile spread across the seekers face which he felt gave him permission to start breathing again.

"Ah yes I heard of a boy named Harry being picked during his first year and never losing a fair game, it would be my honour Harry". There was a cornucopia of emotions flooding their way into Harry's mind and he started to grin like the cat from Alice in Wonderland. Feeling lighter than air he spun around to be greeted by Ron gawping at him. "What?" Harry said returning to where Hermione was sat and for some reason she was smugly smiling at him, so he returned it tenfold.

Harry was lying on his bed at the burrow. He was still reeling from the Death Eater attack after the World Cup. As much as he knew that should be occupying his mind fully he couldn't stop thinking of the handsome seeker. 'Urgh, is it normal to feel like that about another guy. Maybe it is just his skill in Quidditch and on a broom. No point to over think this as nothing will come of it anyway' Harry told himself hoping to calm his mind. With Ron snoring away he decided to sneak downstairs to send a letter to Viktor, which made him smile like an utter fool.

Putting quill to parchment Harry wrote what he hoped would be the 1st of many letters to the older seeker.

Dear Viktor

Firstly I would like to thank you for the generosity you showed me after the world cup last week. I am sure the last thing you wanted after a hard game and injury was talk to some silly fanboy. However I am sure you know your own mind so decided to write this letter as you so kindly agreed to allow.

I am not sure if you and your team left right after the close of the game but I am sure you heard of the vile demonstration by the Death Eaters that night? I have not been told if there were any fatalities and can only hope you are safely home.

If you knew me better you would probably not be shocked to read that I got myself and friends mixed up in further danger and dramatics that night. I feel so bad for anyone who is kind enough to want to be near me or be my friend as this seems to mean their lives are always at risk. I won't bore you with the details as in the end it was sorted by my friend's dad, Mr Weasley. I am actually staying with them until I return to Hogwarts.

I was impressed with your flying as I said and the sheer skill you possess as seeker. The wronkski feint was spectacular and you must have nerves of steel? I would be grateful to understand how you trained in this manoeuvre? How long have you been playing Quidditch and do you like any other positions?

Anyway I do not wish to take up too much of your time and I hope this letter finds you well. I will be sending it with my Owl Hedwig. She is very clever and should easily be able to find you.

Yours,

Harry Potter

Having reread the letter about ten times Harry called for Hedwig who was settled snoozing next to Errol, Percy's owl.

"Are you up for a long trip Hedwig?" Harry asked whilst running a finger down the snowy beauties back. She made a soft hoot and nibbled his little finger affectionately.

"This is for Viktor Krum, if you could find him? Hopefully he will write back before you leave as it is a long trip". With the letter attached, Hedwig took off through the kitchen window that Harry opened.

Harry was sat in the garden the following afternoon under the shade of an oak tree as it was a little hot. His friends were all occupied with talks of the World Cup and the Death Eater attack which Harry did not have the energy to discuss. He noticed a small figure moving toward him in the distance. As the figure got closer he recognised it was Hedwig. Harry felt like he was drenched in a shower of sadness. Hedwig had never failed before but he should have asked Viktor for more information on where to send his letter.

As she landed Harry noticed the letter she brought was not the one he sent. He thanked his snowy white owl who promptly flew up in the shade of the oak for a rest. Letter in hand Harry stealthily headed for the house to the room he was sharing with Ron and was relieved to see it was empty. Closing the door and hopping onto his bed he opened the letter.

To my young Seeker,

I was thrilled to receive your letter so please do not put further worry about writing me again. It did indeed find me well. As you say your Owl Hedwig is clever and she is beautiful to behold. She is clearly fiercely loyal to you as is waiting for my reply before she leaves. Luckily I am in London as I took up a 3 week English course as I wanted to ensure that I can write my little seeker to a good standard! How am I doing? Also as Hogwarts will be hosting Durmstrang this year our moody headmaster requested we brush up on English. In truth I was not going to attend this course but upon meeting you I had a renewed vigour to try my best.

I was lucky I guess in relation to your question about the Death Eater's attack. Our coach was somewhat furious at me for ending the game making the score 10 points down and meaning we lost, so he made us return home straight away. In all honesty though with my injury and the Irish chasers there was very little chance of two more goals before the Irish seeker was back in action. As you rightly said I ended the game on my terms and no one else's.

I am glad you are safe but it pained me to read you were in danger. Having read some books about Voldemort for a dark arts history project I do know about some of what happened to you. All though I took the information with a pinch of salt (I believe is the correct English colloquialism?). I want you to know my young seeker that what that madman did is no fault of yours, nor is the danger that seems to follow you that you told me of. I don't know you well but from what I have seen please do not worry that the ones you love would resent any danger centred around you, as it is clear this is not of your doing.

So, onto Quidditch, my future Quidditch star. With regards to other positions I have of course trained in them as is standard practice but none hold the same thriller that is being a seeker. As a person I do prefer tackling issues by myself mostly, which means being a seeker fits that side of my personality. I am not so sure that my nerves of steel can compare to my young brave seeker but it does require a strong belief in your own skill to dare to do the wronkski feint. In terms of training it is best to practice this move above a body of water, like a lake. This way the only risk is getting wet. I, like you, was picked for one of my school teams my first year at Durmstrang, which is very rare meaning I have been playing competitively for almost 7 years now. I was picked for the national team when I was just 15. As much as I love the game I loathe the fame that is comes with. I know that my little seeker knows this all too well and that is a big reason I am glad to know you Harry Potter.

Anyway Hedwig is getting somewhat restless to get your letter back to you. If you are going for your school supplies soon please let me know and I will meet you for a tea? If that is something you would welcome of course?

I hope this letter finds you well and please do not be a stranger.

Your new friend and with warmest regards

Viktor x

Harry fell back into his bed and after rereading the letter for the hundredth time feeling nothing but joy.

An hour later Harry had calmed down and decided to write back straight away knowing Viktor was in London.

Dear Viktor

I was thrilled to receive your reply so soon and thank you for your kind words about Hedwig. I am pleased that you will be coming to Hogwarts this year and hope we get to fly together. I am honoured you decided to take up the English course so that you are able to write to me but you didn't need to do that for me. Yes, your English is excellent and better than mine I am sure.

Well, in my opinion, your coach had no right to be upset as even though your team did not win they got to the final of the world cup and thanks to you only allowed Ireland the smallest of victories. However if his bad mood was the cause of your early departure I am glad for that. I am sure you are a skilled Wizard but I hate it when good people are put in harm's way.

Thank you for saying that the trouble that follows me is not my fault. It is hard for me to see the people I love put in danger but I understand your point and should allow others to protect me. I have not read books about Voldemort or myself and I am glad to read you didn't take any of it at face value and yes 'with a pinch of salt' is correct. When we meet I am sure we will be able to share our stories and the experience of being in the public eye, as I know we both loathe it.

I was pleased to read that you have been playing Quidditch and started to play for a team at the same age as when I took up the sport. It gives me hope that I might be able to play professionally one day as flying is what brings me the most happiness outside of my friends. I like my classes at school but nothing compares to that rush of closing your hand around that little golden snitch. As I mentioned at the start of my letter I hope we get to fly together because it would be amazing to learn from the master. I love that the reason you play seeker is similar to my own views. I, like you, prefer to tackle issues by myself too. Although getting to know you a little better I would welcome your company and support in tackling issues.

I of course would have happily welcomed a cup of tea with you. Before replying I checked with my hosts for the summer, specifically Mrs Weasley, who said no to me visiting Diagon Alley due to all the chaos caused after the World Cup. I am so sorry to have let you down. Mrs Weasley did say you would be welcome to floo to the Burrow and we could have that cup of tea and maybe do a little flying. I understand if that does not sound appealing but please do let me know if you would be willing?

I wish you well with your English course and thank you again for the advice, kind words and offer of tea.

With warm affection

Your young Seeker x

Happy with his letter he went to find Hedwig taking her favourite bag of Owl treats along as this would be her 3rd trip in less than 24 hours.

With dusk now falling and her stomach full of treats Hedwig took off into the sky which was burning with a beautiful mix of purples, oranges, reds and golds.