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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!!!!!!!
