Chapter two: ...toil and trouble
One Month Later
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the minister finished. Hermione leaned in and gave Viktor a little kiss. She didn't want to get too intimate because otherwise she might find herself on top of him in front of all these people and she feared that may be taking it a bit too far (1). Hermione beamed at Viktor and they turned to walk down the aisle together. Everyone clapped and cheered and for a little while, Hermione forgot about the bruises on her body. Hermione could remember when it had started, that awful night he had lost control. But as she smiled at everyone in the pews, Hermione tried to push that memory away to make room for a new start.
Flashback
Take this laundry. I need it done vor tonight," Viktor showed Hermione a basket of clothes.
"Viktor, I can't today," Hermione replied as she packed her purse. Hermione worked for the 'Daily Prophet' as the chief editor. She had three copies due by five and she knew she wouldn't be home until much later than that.
"You vill do this vor me," he said. A little harshness in his voice made Hermione stand and look at him.
"Excuse me? Viktor, I said that I'm too busy. I have three copies due today and I have to do some extra work tonight because I'm going to be away for a week. You know, for our honeymoon (2). That's the thing you do after two people get married, remember?" She checked her watch. She was late and she really didn't need this.
"You don't haff to vork. I make enough vor both of us," he replied, trying hard to keep his temper in check.
"I don't do it for the money, Viktor. I like my job and I like helping sustain this relationship. I can't do your laundry. I'm sorry but I have to go now," she turned to leave but Viktor pulled her back by her wrist and threw her on the floor.
"Ouch! Viktor, what the-"
"You vill listen to me and you vill obey me. Soon you vill be my vife and then you vill belong to me," he sneered. His eyes were wide and he looked somewhat crazed.
"Viktor, you're scaring me," Hermione said as she began to cry. He still had a hold on her wrist and it was becoming very painful.
Instead of replying he just hit her, bringing his hand down across her cheek. Then he let go of her and covered his own face in his hands. Hermione gingerly touched her cheek. She flinched at the pain.
Hermione slowly got up and picked up the phone.
"Lynn? Hey, it's Hermione." Pause.
"Yes, I got that. Thank-you, it was lovely. I think we're hanging it in the kitchen," she shot a look at Viktor. "Can you tell Mr. Clark I won't be in today so I need someone to send me my work." Pause. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just a little sick. Don't want to have the sniffles on the big day," she forced a laugh. "Ok, thanks, Lynn. Bye." She hung up the phone and turned to see Viktor standing in the doorway.
"I got you some ice," he said, returning with a cold bag.
"I am sorry," he added, placing the bag on her swollen cheek.
"I know," she replied. Hermione didn't know why she said that.
"You vill do my laundry?" he asked. Hermione swallowed hard.
"Yes,"
End Flashback
The fights became more frequent and Viktor seemed to snap at every little thing, but after that first incident he always made sure to hit her where she could hide it. Hermione always forgave him. Each time he apologized and convinced her that he really did love her. Hermione even got herself to believe that it was just his way of dealing with the nervousness and that it would stop after the wedding.
Viktor didn't hit Hermione for a long time after they got back from the honeymoon. She told herself she had been right about him being nervous and everything went back to the way it had been. They decorated the apartment and went on trips. Hermione's bruises faded soon enough and it was as if all the incidents were forgotten because there wasn't a physical reminder anymore.
Everyone else thought they were the perfect couple. They hosted victory parties for the Bulgarian team and a month after their first anniversary Hermione and Viktor received some exciting news. They gathered all of their close friends and family for a party.
Hermione tapped on her glass.
"First, we would like to thank everyone for coming tonight. We're very pleased to give you some news we've been keeping to ourselves for the last two weeks," Hermione started. She turned to Viktor to take over.
"Ve vould like to tell you," he looked warmly at Hermione, "that ve are having a baby!" he finished happily. There was clapping and Hermione distinctly heard Harry and Ron woot their approval. Hermione hugged people for what seemed like forever before she got to her friends. "We're so excited for you!" Harry told her, beaming.
"Yeah, Krum is one lucky guy," Ron said, blushing slightly.
"He better treat you right, Hermione," added Ginny. Hermione's smile faltered just a little but she regained her composure to assure them.
"He will. Thanks for coming guys. I'll see you on Saturday?" she asked.
"Can't wait," Ron replied. They all kissed her good-bye and headed for the door.
The evening went almost without a hitch, but just before they got into bed Viktor took Hermione by the shoulders.
"What, Viktor?" she asked, trying to smile.
"It is mine, yes?" he asked. Hermione actually rolled her eyes here.
"Of course it's yours. I love you and only you," she kissed him before turning out the lights and climbing into bed.
"Hey!" Hermione waved as they made their way outside the locker rooms to meet Harry, Ron and Ginny. Viktor gave her a kiss and then headed towards the Bulgarian locker room.
"Hey, Hermione. Can't really talk. Game starts in an hour so I gotta go get ready," said Ron. He was in his happy yet jumpy pre-match mood.
"Ok, good luck! I hate these games, I never know who to root for!" she replied, laughing.
'Cheer for them, they need it!" Ron joked before heading through the doors. Hermione turned to Harry and Ginny who hugged her.
'You look good, Hermione," Harry said.
"Thanks," she replied.
"Let's go get our seats, we can chat up there!" Ginny said.
Before Hermione knew it, the ref was walking out onto the field and Lee Jordan (England's official commentator) was magically raising his voice to shout out names.
"Please welcome the English National Team, Wood, Dodwell, Trice, Robinson, Armstrong aaaaannddd, Weasley!" Hermione clapped and cheered as Ron flew out onto the field.
"And now put your hands together for the Bulgarian National Team! Dimitrov, Schovin, Kras, Volchanov, Volkov aaaaanndd Krum!" the sound from the crowd was deafening. Krum flew out and circled the pitch heading towards the Top Box. He stopped in front of the window to write, 'I Love You," in sparkling gold letters. He blew Hermione a kiss before flying to his starting position where he was greeted by snickers from his teammates and squeals from the female population in the crowd.
"He's so cute, Hermione!" giggled Ginny.
"Yeah, you have a really great guy and I'm happy for you," added Harry.
"And there goes the quaffle, the game has begun! And it's Vol kov, Volchanov, back to, no! It's been intercepted by Dodwell! Passes to Trice, Robinson, Dodwell, Trice, gosh she's a beauty," Lee said as Jeni Trice caught the quaffle from Dodwell. She aimed and threw.
"And this beauty scores! Ten points to England, well done!" Trice winked at Lee before zooming back to action.
Just then Harry's wand started to vibrate. He waved it and a hologram man flowed out of the tip. The hologram opened his mouth.
"Potter, you're needed at the ministry, it's urgent!" Then it disappeared. Harry sighed.
"Sorry, guys. The life of an auror," he said, standing.
"Its ok, Harry. You heard the hologram man, he said it was urgent business Agent Potter," Hermione replied in a fake serious voice even though she couldn't help giggling. Harry laughed.
Tell Ron what happened and that I'm sorry," he said.
"I will. And I'll call you later," Hermione said, kissing him on the cheek.
"Bye, Hermione. See you, Ginny," he left with a pop!
"Yay! Well done, Ron!" Hermione bounded towards the locker room after the game.
"Woah, slow down there. Going insane can't be good for the baby," he said, smiling.
"Good point, Dr. Weasley," she laughed.
"Speaking of which. It's a really early gift but I want my godchild to be the best dressed baby on the block," he said. Ron reached into his bag and pulled out a bib, hat, pajamas and a pair of socks with, 'Quidditch is my life' on them.
"And don't tell lover boy but I got this, too," he held out a tiny shirt with the English National Team's logo on it. Hermione put a finger to her lip.
"Not a word," she replied.
"Not a vord about vat?" asked Viktor, coming up behind her.
"Nothing," she said, hurriedly checking the shirt was safely out of sight in her bag.
"Vell, let's go. Good game," he added to Ron before they dissaperated. Hermione headed quickly to the bedroom but he followed her.
"Vat is it? Vat can I not know?" he asked. He was trying to be calm but Hermione knew that if she didn't say the right thing, he would snap.
"Just a present Ron gave me," she said offhandedly.
"A present?" he was frowning.
"Yeah. For the baby," she added hoping he would get the hint it wasn' t jewelry and drop it.
"Vell, if it is vor the baby, I should get to see it, too. That baby is haff mine," he replied. Hermione hid her disgust at how he claimed ownership to their unborn child.
"Fine," she handed him the shirt.
"It von't vear it," he said, tossing it into the fireplace.
"Viktor! I can't believe you did that!" Hermione shouted at him.
"Don't talk to me that vay or there vill be no baby to vear your stupid clothes," he snapped.
"You will not threaten my child!" yelled Hermione.
"Our child!" he screamed, pushing her into the wall. Hermione's head hit the wall and she slid down to the floor. A hand fell across her cheek.
"Stop," she tried to say, shielding her stomach. But Viktor was pulling her up and slamming her against the wall again.
"This is vat you deserve!" he shouted at her as he punched her in the jaw and scratched her arm. As she fell to the ground, helpless with pain, he kicked her in the stomach. He left her there and a second later Hermione heard him leave. She flinched as the door shut loudly. Hermione lifted herself up and gingerly began packing a suitcase. Hermione walked down the stairs as quickly as possible and reached the curb. She drew her hood up to shield her face from view and flagged down the Knight Bus.
Hermione lifted her finger and pushed the button, hoping he was in. Her clothes were soaked through from the rain that had begun to fall. Now that her hood was down again her hair fell in wet clumps around her dripping face. Her eyes were on her feet as the door opened.
"Hermione? My god, what happened to you?" he asked.
"Hi, harry. Can I come in?"
Wow, that was so much longer than I remembered writing it! Lol. It gets a lot rougher in this chapter (obviously) but don't worry, you don't see much violence or Viktor throughout the rest of the fic. I'm reminding everyone here that this fic is only five chapters, Btw which is why it is moving so fast. But don't worry, I have chapter 3 and 4 written so you'll get those soon!
And no comments on Harry's wand vibrating please lol.
Jes
P.S. whoever told me how to use quickedit, thanks soo much, it was very helpful, lol.
1 For an idea of how far is too far I suggest 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'
2 I also suggest 'Four Weddings...' for information on the origin of the word 'honeymoon. Very insightful film.
Reviewer Comments:
yaminy-grint4eva: Thanks for the tipoff on QuickEdit, I knew it was on here but I could never find it after I uded it the one time, lol.. However, it won't keep the italics so I have to stick witht the flashback/ end flashback. oh well. last set in the story. And no, this won't be like 'Enough' (that's Jlo, right?) I haven't seen it but I'm pretty sure her ex follows her or something and she beefs up to fight him. My pregnant woman aint liftin weights anytimme soon, lol. but, You didn't know she was PG until now. But it won't be like that!
GothWiccan4: I'm glad you like the story. Yeah, the stars are asterisks and if you use them on word they won't come up here. I got it fixed though, thanks for helping!
otakuprincess: It can't be that hard, can it? they are pretty smart from what I've gathered, lol. Yeah his accent gets annoying to write too, lol. but not much more of him so stick it out. haha
Demon-Blue015 : still cute? lol, I hope you didn't get too attached to the fluffieness, lol.
One Month Later
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the minister finished. Hermione leaned in and gave Viktor a little kiss. She didn't want to get too intimate because otherwise she might find herself on top of him in front of all these people and she feared that may be taking it a bit too far (1). Hermione beamed at Viktor and they turned to walk down the aisle together. Everyone clapped and cheered and for a little while, Hermione forgot about the bruises on her body. Hermione could remember when it had started, that awful night he had lost control. But as she smiled at everyone in the pews, Hermione tried to push that memory away to make room for a new start.
Flashback
Take this laundry. I need it done vor tonight," Viktor showed Hermione a basket of clothes.
"Viktor, I can't today," Hermione replied as she packed her purse. Hermione worked for the 'Daily Prophet' as the chief editor. She had three copies due by five and she knew she wouldn't be home until much later than that.
"You vill do this vor me," he said. A little harshness in his voice made Hermione stand and look at him.
"Excuse me? Viktor, I said that I'm too busy. I have three copies due today and I have to do some extra work tonight because I'm going to be away for a week. You know, for our honeymoon (2). That's the thing you do after two people get married, remember?" She checked her watch. She was late and she really didn't need this.
"You don't haff to vork. I make enough vor both of us," he replied, trying hard to keep his temper in check.
"I don't do it for the money, Viktor. I like my job and I like helping sustain this relationship. I can't do your laundry. I'm sorry but I have to go now," she turned to leave but Viktor pulled her back by her wrist and threw her on the floor.
"Ouch! Viktor, what the-"
"You vill listen to me and you vill obey me. Soon you vill be my vife and then you vill belong to me," he sneered. His eyes were wide and he looked somewhat crazed.
"Viktor, you're scaring me," Hermione said as she began to cry. He still had a hold on her wrist and it was becoming very painful.
Instead of replying he just hit her, bringing his hand down across her cheek. Then he let go of her and covered his own face in his hands. Hermione gingerly touched her cheek. She flinched at the pain.
Hermione slowly got up and picked up the phone.
"Lynn? Hey, it's Hermione." Pause.
"Yes, I got that. Thank-you, it was lovely. I think we're hanging it in the kitchen," she shot a look at Viktor. "Can you tell Mr. Clark I won't be in today so I need someone to send me my work." Pause. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just a little sick. Don't want to have the sniffles on the big day," she forced a laugh. "Ok, thanks, Lynn. Bye." She hung up the phone and turned to see Viktor standing in the doorway.
"I got you some ice," he said, returning with a cold bag.
"I am sorry," he added, placing the bag on her swollen cheek.
"I know," she replied. Hermione didn't know why she said that.
"You vill do my laundry?" he asked. Hermione swallowed hard.
"Yes,"
End Flashback
The fights became more frequent and Viktor seemed to snap at every little thing, but after that first incident he always made sure to hit her where she could hide it. Hermione always forgave him. Each time he apologized and convinced her that he really did love her. Hermione even got herself to believe that it was just his way of dealing with the nervousness and that it would stop after the wedding.
Viktor didn't hit Hermione for a long time after they got back from the honeymoon. She told herself she had been right about him being nervous and everything went back to the way it had been. They decorated the apartment and went on trips. Hermione's bruises faded soon enough and it was as if all the incidents were forgotten because there wasn't a physical reminder anymore.
Everyone else thought they were the perfect couple. They hosted victory parties for the Bulgarian team and a month after their first anniversary Hermione and Viktor received some exciting news. They gathered all of their close friends and family for a party.
Hermione tapped on her glass.
"First, we would like to thank everyone for coming tonight. We're very pleased to give you some news we've been keeping to ourselves for the last two weeks," Hermione started. She turned to Viktor to take over.
"Ve vould like to tell you," he looked warmly at Hermione, "that ve are having a baby!" he finished happily. There was clapping and Hermione distinctly heard Harry and Ron woot their approval. Hermione hugged people for what seemed like forever before she got to her friends. "We're so excited for you!" Harry told her, beaming.
"Yeah, Krum is one lucky guy," Ron said, blushing slightly.
"He better treat you right, Hermione," added Ginny. Hermione's smile faltered just a little but she regained her composure to assure them.
"He will. Thanks for coming guys. I'll see you on Saturday?" she asked.
"Can't wait," Ron replied. They all kissed her good-bye and headed for the door.
The evening went almost without a hitch, but just before they got into bed Viktor took Hermione by the shoulders.
"What, Viktor?" she asked, trying to smile.
"It is mine, yes?" he asked. Hermione actually rolled her eyes here.
"Of course it's yours. I love you and only you," she kissed him before turning out the lights and climbing into bed.
"Hey!" Hermione waved as they made their way outside the locker rooms to meet Harry, Ron and Ginny. Viktor gave her a kiss and then headed towards the Bulgarian locker room.
"Hey, Hermione. Can't really talk. Game starts in an hour so I gotta go get ready," said Ron. He was in his happy yet jumpy pre-match mood.
"Ok, good luck! I hate these games, I never know who to root for!" she replied, laughing.
'Cheer for them, they need it!" Ron joked before heading through the doors. Hermione turned to Harry and Ginny who hugged her.
'You look good, Hermione," Harry said.
"Thanks," she replied.
"Let's go get our seats, we can chat up there!" Ginny said.
Before Hermione knew it, the ref was walking out onto the field and Lee Jordan (England's official commentator) was magically raising his voice to shout out names.
"Please welcome the English National Team, Wood, Dodwell, Trice, Robinson, Armstrong aaaaannddd, Weasley!" Hermione clapped and cheered as Ron flew out onto the field.
"And now put your hands together for the Bulgarian National Team! Dimitrov, Schovin, Kras, Volchanov, Volkov aaaaanndd Krum!" the sound from the crowd was deafening. Krum flew out and circled the pitch heading towards the Top Box. He stopped in front of the window to write, 'I Love You," in sparkling gold letters. He blew Hermione a kiss before flying to his starting position where he was greeted by snickers from his teammates and squeals from the female population in the crowd.
"He's so cute, Hermione!" giggled Ginny.
"Yeah, you have a really great guy and I'm happy for you," added Harry.
"And there goes the quaffle, the game has begun! And it's Vol kov, Volchanov, back to, no! It's been intercepted by Dodwell! Passes to Trice, Robinson, Dodwell, Trice, gosh she's a beauty," Lee said as Jeni Trice caught the quaffle from Dodwell. She aimed and threw.
"And this beauty scores! Ten points to England, well done!" Trice winked at Lee before zooming back to action.
Just then Harry's wand started to vibrate. He waved it and a hologram man flowed out of the tip. The hologram opened his mouth.
"Potter, you're needed at the ministry, it's urgent!" Then it disappeared. Harry sighed.
"Sorry, guys. The life of an auror," he said, standing.
"Its ok, Harry. You heard the hologram man, he said it was urgent business Agent Potter," Hermione replied in a fake serious voice even though she couldn't help giggling. Harry laughed.
Tell Ron what happened and that I'm sorry," he said.
"I will. And I'll call you later," Hermione said, kissing him on the cheek.
"Bye, Hermione. See you, Ginny," he left with a pop!
"Yay! Well done, Ron!" Hermione bounded towards the locker room after the game.
"Woah, slow down there. Going insane can't be good for the baby," he said, smiling.
"Good point, Dr. Weasley," she laughed.
"Speaking of which. It's a really early gift but I want my godchild to be the best dressed baby on the block," he said. Ron reached into his bag and pulled out a bib, hat, pajamas and a pair of socks with, 'Quidditch is my life' on them.
"And don't tell lover boy but I got this, too," he held out a tiny shirt with the English National Team's logo on it. Hermione put a finger to her lip.
"Not a word," she replied.
"Not a vord about vat?" asked Viktor, coming up behind her.
"Nothing," she said, hurriedly checking the shirt was safely out of sight in her bag.
"Vell, let's go. Good game," he added to Ron before they dissaperated. Hermione headed quickly to the bedroom but he followed her.
"Vat is it? Vat can I not know?" he asked. He was trying to be calm but Hermione knew that if she didn't say the right thing, he would snap.
"Just a present Ron gave me," she said offhandedly.
"A present?" he was frowning.
"Yeah. For the baby," she added hoping he would get the hint it wasn' t jewelry and drop it.
"Vell, if it is vor the baby, I should get to see it, too. That baby is haff mine," he replied. Hermione hid her disgust at how he claimed ownership to their unborn child.
"Fine," she handed him the shirt.
"It von't vear it," he said, tossing it into the fireplace.
"Viktor! I can't believe you did that!" Hermione shouted at him.
"Don't talk to me that vay or there vill be no baby to vear your stupid clothes," he snapped.
"You will not threaten my child!" yelled Hermione.
"Our child!" he screamed, pushing her into the wall. Hermione's head hit the wall and she slid down to the floor. A hand fell across her cheek.
"Stop," she tried to say, shielding her stomach. But Viktor was pulling her up and slamming her against the wall again.
"This is vat you deserve!" he shouted at her as he punched her in the jaw and scratched her arm. As she fell to the ground, helpless with pain, he kicked her in the stomach. He left her there and a second later Hermione heard him leave. She flinched as the door shut loudly. Hermione lifted herself up and gingerly began packing a suitcase. Hermione walked down the stairs as quickly as possible and reached the curb. She drew her hood up to shield her face from view and flagged down the Knight Bus.
Hermione lifted her finger and pushed the button, hoping he was in. Her clothes were soaked through from the rain that had begun to fall. Now that her hood was down again her hair fell in wet clumps around her dripping face. Her eyes were on her feet as the door opened.
"Hermione? My god, what happened to you?" he asked.
"Hi, harry. Can I come in?"
Wow, that was so much longer than I remembered writing it! Lol. It gets a lot rougher in this chapter (obviously) but don't worry, you don't see much violence or Viktor throughout the rest of the fic. I'm reminding everyone here that this fic is only five chapters, Btw which is why it is moving so fast. But don't worry, I have chapter 3 and 4 written so you'll get those soon!
And no comments on Harry's wand vibrating please lol.
Jes
P.S. whoever told me how to use quickedit, thanks soo much, it was very helpful, lol.
1 For an idea of how far is too far I suggest 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'
2 I also suggest 'Four Weddings...' for information on the origin of the word 'honeymoon. Very insightful film.
Reviewer Comments:
yaminy-grint4eva: Thanks for the tipoff on QuickEdit, I knew it was on here but I could never find it after I uded it the one time, lol.. However, it won't keep the italics so I have to stick witht the flashback/ end flashback. oh well. last set in the story. And no, this won't be like 'Enough' (that's Jlo, right?) I haven't seen it but I'm pretty sure her ex follows her or something and she beefs up to fight him. My pregnant woman aint liftin weights anytimme soon, lol. but, You didn't know she was PG until now. But it won't be like that!
GothWiccan4: I'm glad you like the story. Yeah, the stars are asterisks and if you use them on word they won't come up here. I got it fixed though, thanks for helping!
otakuprincess: It can't be that hard, can it? they are pretty smart from what I've gathered, lol. Yeah his accent gets annoying to write too, lol. but not much more of him so stick it out. haha
Demon-Blue015 : still cute? lol, I hope you didn't get too attached to the fluffieness, lol.