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PChapter three! Viktor goes to Diagon Alley, finds out what Dumbledore wants, Hermione makes her debut, and both of them receive some shocking news. Oh yeah, and I wanted to say something else: I know Dumbledore would never ever do anything like what hes about to do, but thats why it called a fan FIC, right?! FICTION!!?? NOT TRUE!!! Okay......I;m done...... :PBR
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns the sexiest Bulgarian in the world, and I hope she realizes what a lucky little shit she is............(no offense to her, of course)BR
**********************************************************BR
When I awoke the next morning, the first thing I did was pack a small

valise. We would be staying in London overnight; Mother wanted to do

some shopping in Diagon Alley. After a hurried breakfast, Mother, Father,

and I headed outside and prepared to depart. We were Apparating.

Apparation was a tricky concept to begin with, but Cross-Country

Apparation was almost unheard of. We were one of the few families

brave enough (or foolish enough) to do it frequently. Father looked over

at my mother and I.BR

We both nodded, and I closed my eyes, preparing

for Dissapparation. I sensed the disappearance of my parents almost

immediately; I was still relatively new to the art of Apparation, and

therefore, much slower than they were. I pictured Diagon Alley as well as


I could remember it, and focused my energy. I felt a strange windy

sensation around me, and had the faint impression I was flying. The next

thing I knew, I had opened my eyes and was standing in Diagon Alley. I

had Apparated right outside the brick wall that separated the Leaky

Cauldron from the rest of Diagon Alley, and my parents, having arrived a

few seconds before me, were already walking through the arch that had

appeared. I hurriedly followed them. When we entered the pub, the old

bartender hurried up to us, as if he had been anxiously expecting us, and

spoke briefly and quietly with my father, then hurried off up a set of

stairs. Seeing my puzzled expression, Father explained.BR

s gone to get Dumbledore. I nodded, and we

waited. After a few minutes, I heard footsteps coming back down the

stairs and turned to see a smiling Dumbledore.BR

Hello again, Mr. Krum, he said, shaking my hand.BR

Hello, Professor, I replied, suddenly feeling quite shy. His

blue eyes twinkled at me for a moment, then he turned to Mother and

Father.BR

Mr. and Mrs. Krum, he said, shaking hands with each of

them. I am Albus Dumbledore, as Viktor has probably already told

you. As soon as the others arrive, I will be most delighted to explain

everything. IWho else is coming?/I I wondered, but before I


could ask, the front door of the pub swung open and in walked Hermione.

I was, to say the least, stunned. All I could do was stand and stare.

Hermione, however, was different story. The minute she saw me, her

whole face lit up with a smile.BR

she cried, and to my utter amazement, she ran

over and hugged me.BR

I stammered, after she had let go of

me. Herm-own-ninny, vat are you doing here? She shook

her head.BR

I dont know, what are you doing here? I

shrugged.BR

I dont know either. Despite the odd circumstances,

I was very happy to see her, and although surprised, I was very flattered

that she was so happy to see me. Behind her were a middle-aged man

and women who could be none other than her parents. I was surprised

at how much she resembled her father, only a lot prettier. (A/N: Hee hee

hee......)BR

After everyone had been introduced to each other, Dumbledore cleared

his throat in order to get everyones attention.BR

I know you must all be wondering why I have called you

here. he began. I noticed with a slight jolt of alarm that his face


and his tone of voice had become totally serious. He continued,

addressing Hermione and me.BR

Mr. Krum, Miss Granger, Im afraid I must first speak to your

parents, alone. You will wait in another parlor. Hermione and I

just had time to exchange puzzled looks before we were ushered, by

Dumbledore and the bartender, into separate parlors. As the doors to my

parlor closed, I sat down in one of the chairs, my head filled with

bewildered thoughts. IWhy is Hermione here, too? /II wondered.

IWhy does Dumbledore want to talk to our parents first? /II waited

for what seemed like a lifetime. A couple of times, I contemplated opening

the parlor door a crack and eavesdropping, but I knew that would be

disrespectful, so I kept still. I was just pondering why Hermione and I had

not been able to wait in the same room, so we would at least be able to

keep each other company, when the door opened and Dumbledore came

in. I jumped to my feet, assuming he wanted me to come back into the

other room, but he motioned for me to sit back down. I sat and anxiously

gazed at him. I was relieved to see that he was smiling, but his eyes

were still quite serious. He sat down in the chair across for me, and after

a brief silence, spoke.BR

Well, Viktor, you must be very curious as to what is going on, am I

right? I nodded politely, shy once more in the presence of this


wizard. Dumbledore leaned forward, and fixed his bright blue gaze on

me.BR

Viktor, I am going to get straight to the point. You and Miss

Granger do not know it, but the two of you have a very special and

powerful magical connection to each other. It is very complicated; so

complicated in fact, that even the most intelligent wizard in the world

could not fully explain it. It is the work of an ancient magic. Very few

wizards or witches ever possess a connection like this. You and Hermione

are the only ones alive at the moment who have it. Are you following me,

Viktor?BR

I wasnt, not completely. I was too shocked at the moment to

understand even the simplest of explanations. Nevertheless, I managed

to nod. Dumbledore continued.BR

The fact that the two of you met last year was most likely a stroke

of luck, although personally, I believe it would have happened no matter

what. In any case, your unique connection is no doubt the cause of your

attraction to Miss Granger.BR

As soon as the words left his mouth, I felt my face change from deathly

white to crimson. I knew it had been no small secret among the youth of

Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons that I fancied Hermione, but I

had no idea Dumbledore knew about it. On the other hand, it


wasnt really that surprising. Dumbledore didnt overlook

much. Noticing my embarrassment, Dumbledores eyes shone with

amusement for a moment, then growing serious once again, said,BR

I discussed the matter with both of your parents, and I will tell

you what I told them. Undoubtabley, you are aware of the situation with

Lord Voldemort (I flinched at the sound of You-Know-Whos

name, but Dumbledore took no notice) You were a first-hand

witness and victim of the horrors of his regained powers. The reason your

and Hermiones connection is so important is that you can use it to

help defeat the Dark powers, should the need arise. When you and Miss

Granger are together, your connection gives both of you extraordinary

magical powers, many times stronger than the ones you possess already.

When you are together, you are protectors of not only yourselves, but

the whole magical community. Together, you are protectors of all that is

good, and your powers can only be used to stop evil. If things happen as

I predict they will, we will need you both right now. If the two of you join

together, we have an amazing chance of defeating the Dark Lord.

He paused to let his speech sink in. I couldnt believe what I was

hearing. it shocked, excited, and scared the bloody hell out of me all at

the same time. After a few moments, I spoke, my voice shaky.BR

Professor, if Herm-own-ninny and I haff a connection, vhy


dont vee feel it vhen wee are together? Dumbledore

smiled, and replied,BR

When you are with Hermione. what do you feel? I thought

for a minute.BR

Vell......vhen I am with her, I feel.......safe. I feel a bit braver, and

happy, but I mostly feel....I mostly feel love. I blushed as I spoke,

not used to revealing my feelings to another person. Dumbledores

smile grew wider, his eyes twinkling.BR

Ah, that is the connection you are feeling. As I said before, you

and Hermione are bonded very deeply, in a way most people could never

even dream of. When you are with each other, you become a part of each

other, and you are already beginning to sense it. I nodded

thoughtfully, then asked,BR

Does Herm-own-ninny know yet? Dumbledore

nodded.BR

Indeed, I have already talked to Miss Granger. Which reminds me,

there is another thing I need to discuss with you, and it is quite a serious

subject. He leaned forward and continued. Even though

you can feel your bind right now, in order for it to be complete, you and

Miss Granger must be fully joined together. My heart did a weird

skip in my chest.BR


Vat do you mean? I asked apprehensively. How do

vee become fully joined? Dumbledore sighed, and I could tell that

what he was going to say next was troubling.BR

Viktor, in order for the bond to be fully effective, you and

Hermione will have to be legally and spiritually joined bound together. In

short, you and Hermione will have to be married.BR

I had the sensation of being dropped from a tall building, as my heart

plummeted into my stomach at these words.BR

M-married? Me and Herm-own-ninny? I choked out,

stunned. Professor Dumbledore nodded gravely.BR

Yes, Im afraid so. I have already discussed the matter with

your and Hermiones parents, and they have all agreed that it

would be the best thing for the both of you. For reasons best left alone

for now, it will be safest for Miss Granger to go back to Bulgaria with you,

after you are married.BR

I felt dangerously close to being sick.BR

But Professor! I protested. How can vee possibly

get married? Vee are much too young! I am only eighteen, and Herm-

own-ninny......she is still only a child! As much as I loved

Hermione. I was in no way prepared to become her husband. I was

barely an adult, and Hermione still had her whole adolescence ahead of


her. I couldnt do that to her, take away all those years of freedom

and innocence. Dumbledore shook his head sadly.BR

Viktor, believe me when I say I do not like this anymore than you

do. I wish there was something I could do, but there just isnt.

Remember this though: your fate and the fate of the entire wizarding

world rest almost squarely on this decision.BR

I understand, I said softly. We sat in silence for a moment,

then I asked, BR

Professor, vhen are vee to be married?BR

In one week, he said promptly. Seeing my dumbfounded

look, he added,BR

I know it is too soon, but it is vital that this is done as soon as

possible. Your parents have decided that you will be married here, in

England, but you will be going home tomorrow to prepare

yourselves.BR

I thought of something else.BR

Vhat vill vee do during the school year? Vee vill not be together

then.BR

Dumbledore smiled.BR

Ah, you see, this is where it gets even more interesting. Once the

two of your are bound legally and in spirit, your connection will stay


strong even when you are apart. it is only in times of growing trouble,

and times of utmost urgency that you will have to be with each other

physically. I nodded, then asked, rather embarrassedly,BR

Professor, vill I be able to see Herm-own-ninny at all during the

school year? I mean, I vill....I vill miss her... I trailed off, my face

hot. Dumbledore laughed kindly.BR

You will certainly be able to see her. She can go home for the

holidays, and you can meet on Hogsmeade weekends. I nodded

again, feeling slightly happier, and Dumbledore stood up, saying,

"Well, that is all, I'm afraid. I will let you and Miss Granger discuss the

matter with each other." He opened the door, and I got up and followed

him out of the parlor and across the room. I could feel the eyes of mine

and Hermione's parents on me, but I kept my gaze fixed on the floor and

didn't look at them. When we had reached Hermione's parlor, Professor

Dumbledore smiled encouragingly at me, then left me on my own. Taking

a deep breath, trying unsuccessfully to calm my nerves, I quietly opened

the door and entered. Hermione had her back to me, her head resting on

her arms. Feeling a sense of dread, I closed the door softly behind me

and walked over to her. I stood there for a few moments, but she didn't

move. Finally, I spoke.

"Herm-own-ninny?"


Hermione raised her head with a start to look at me. I could tell

immediately that she had been crying; her eyes were red and watery and

her cheeks were flushed. I was feeling more awful by the second.

"Viktor." Her voice was a devastated whisper. She sat up straight in her

chair, and spoke again, this time in a would-be nonchalant voice.

"Sit down." I pulled out the chair next to her and sat down. For a minute

neither of us said anything, then I murmured,

"Herm-own-ninny, I......I'm sorry..........I vish I could do something about

this........" I trailed off, not knowing quite what it was I wanted to tell her.

Hermione attempted a shaky smile.

"Oh Viktor, it's not your fault. It's not anybodys fault. Only......" she broke

off, tears beginning to run down her face again.

"Only vhat?" I prodded gently. She looked down at the floor as she

replied in a trembling voice.

"We're so young, Viktor. I'm only fourteen!" By now, Hermione was

sobbing as she spoke. "I'm not even out of school yet! I'm not ready to

get married, neither of us are! How is this ever going to work?!"

Overcome, she buried her head in her arms again. Feeling horrible, I

akwardly reached out, and gently rubbed her back until she had calmed

down enough to talk. Sitting up again, Hermione brushed the tears off

her face.


"I'm sorry," she muttered. "I must sound so selfish." I quickly shook my

head.

"No, you are not being selfish. I feel exactly the same way. I don't think

there is anything we can do, though." Hermoine gave a short laugh.

"I know," she said softly. "But it's going to be so hard. I have to leave

Mum and Dad, and all my friends....." she trailed off once again, once

more on the verge of tears. What I did next surprised even me. Moving

closer to her, I gently took her hands in mine. Hermione looked up in

surprise, and her eyes met mine as I said,

"Herm-own-ninny, I know it is going to be hard. For both of us. But, I

promise you, I'll take care of you as well as I know how, and be the best

husband I can." As I gazed into those beautiful brown eyes, bright with

tears, somehow I knew she trusted me.

"Okay," she whispered. I managed a small smile, then stood up. Hermione

followed suit. I opened the parlor door for her, and she led the way back

to where our parents and Dumbledore were sitting. Right away I noticed

the both my mother and Hermione's mother had been crying. Our fathers

just sat there looking so grim you would have thought someone died.

After exchanging a brief, apprehensive look with Hermione, we each went

and sat next to our parents. Immediately, Dumbledore spoke, addressibg

Hermione and I.


"Miss Granger, Mr. Krum, I know this decision is not at all in to your liking,

and seems, without a doubt, unfair and ludicrous. But," Here he fixed his

peircing blue gaze on each of us in turn. "Belive me when I tell you, it was

ment to be.
You will begin to feel your bond even in the moments after

you are married, and as it grows stronger, you will began to understand

the working magic behind it. And remember this as well: by acknowleding

your bond and respecting it, the two of you have become heroes. You will

be beacons of hope in dark times to come."

Hermione and I said nothing; we merely nodded. To tell the truth, I

wasn't thinking much about becoming a beacon of hope. I was too busy

feeling horrible about being the man with whom Hermione was being

forced to spend the rest of her life with. I was sure Hermione wasn't too

thrilled about it either. I was brought back to the real world by the sound

of chairs being pushed back and people standing up. Our little meeting

was over. Quickly, I stood up too. Dumbledore once again shook hands

with everybody, and with a faint popping noise, was gone. I wanted to

go to Hermione, but she and her parents were already making their way

towards the pub doors. As she passed by me, she whispered,

"I'll owl you soon." I nodded.

"Goodbye, Herm-own-ninny." She smiled briefly at me, then was gone. I

stood for a moment, gazing at the spot where she had been standing,


then turned to my parents. They were standing side by side behind me,

watching me intently, their expressions unreadable. The sight was

strangly eerie; I felt a small shiver go down my spine. Drawing and

uneven breath, I tried pathetically to make conversation,

"So........." They didn't react in the slightest. Feelng increasingly

uncomfortable, I stood there, silently twisting my hands. Finally, Mother

cleared her throat and said in a would-be cheerful voice,

"Viktor, honey, why don't you go up to your room? Or find something to

do in Diagon Alley? Your father and I have a few things to do." I started

to ask her what it was they had to do, but stopped when I realized the

answer was obvious. Instead, I nodded. Mother smiled at me, her eyes

growing bright with tears. She kissed my cheek, the turned to father.

"Come, Stasi." Father began to follow her, then paused. Putting a hand

on my shoulder, he opened his mouth as if to say something, but then

closed it again. He gave me a small smile, patted my shoulder, then

followed my mother out of the Leaky Cauldron. After they had gone, I

stood there, unsure of what to do. Part of me wanted to shut myself up in

my room and think about everything that had just happened, and part of

me wanted to get the hell out of there, to go walk around and try to get

my mind off of things. I chose the latter, strode over to the door, and left.

**********************************************************EEP!!! What a surprise! Well, I hope you all are properly shocked! You know what to do now! R/R!!!!!!!