Author's note: we know that this pairing will NEVER happen, but if Harry was with Hermione, Ginny had to be with someone! She couldn't go with Ron!
Viktor Krum was lonely and he knew it. Ever since the war had ended, and Hermione had refused his love for the last time, he had no one. There was one that he thought of, but Viktor thought no one would consent to it.
Ginny Weasley was beautiful. Her long flame colored hair shone in the sunlight, and her bright blue eyes sparkled. Viktor thought of this particular girl often, and what would happen if they would meet. Then he remembered her brother, Ron Weasley. Hermione had told him many things about how protective he was. Seeing as Ron loathed him for supposedly going out with Hermione, there was now way that he could even look at his sister.
…
"Hermione, what ever happened to Viktor Krum?" Ginny asked suddenly.
"We're still friends," she answered, taken aback by the youngest Weasley's sudden question. "Actually, I think I am going to invite him to our apartment this weekend, if that's okay with you." Hermione and Ginny shared an apartment. Harry came over often.
"That's a great idea. Can I finally meet him?" she asked.
"Sure, but what's with the sudden interest?" Hermione inquired a grin quivering on her lips.
"Nothing, I was just wondering what happened between you two, now that you're going out with Harry," said Ginny, turning a faint shade of pink.
"Okay," said Hermione, still suspicious.
Viktor,
I was wondering if you would like to come over to my apartment for a couple days. Harry and Ron are away on business, if that would bother you. Ginny is here though. You know, Ron's little sister. She's very eager to meet you. Owl me back with you answer soon!
Love,
Hermione
She could finally put love on a letter, as they both knew that it was brother sister love.
She tied it to Ginny's owl, and sent it out.
…
Viktor heard an owl tapping on the window of his apartment, and hurried to let it in. He knew the owl, and hoped it was from Hermione.
He read the letter several times. Viktor still looked for hidden meanings in her letter. Now, it was hidden meanings about Ginny. She's very eager to meet you, it had said. It probably just meant that the Weasley girl was eager to meet another Quidditch player. Ginny played on the Holyhead Harpies, as Captain and Chaser.
Viktor sighed, then went to write the reply.
Hermione,
It would be wonderful to see you and Ginny. I will Apparate there the day after tomorrow. Thank you.
Love,
Viktor.
He still felt longing as he wrote "Love". He knew that Hermione now meant it as though he was her brother, but for him there would still be a touch of real love in it.
"I suppose I should get packed," he said wearily.
He packed enough for a week, even though he knew that would be too much. Still, there was hope.
Two days later…"I can't wait until he gets here!" Ginny said excitedly.
"You're more excited than I am!" Hermione remarked. "Are you sure this isn't just about having another Quidditch player to talk to?"
Ginny glared and swatted Hermione. "Gosh! You are so rude!"
Hermione just laughed at her. Ginny was so nervous that she was doing a sort of jig all around the room. Ginny noticed her watching and blushed as red as her hair. She willed her feet to stop. They wouldn't completely. Her right foot, shod in a ballet flat shoe, tapped the floor to a fast rhythm.
The fire turned emerald green and a figure came whizzing out of it. He stood up, brushed his clothes off and looked at the two girls.
"Viktor!" Hermione cried and went over to him. She gave the Quidditch player a hug, which he returned. Ginny held back uncharacteristically. Omygosh omygosh, calm down, stop blushing, she thought to herself. Her insides felt like snakes, writhing and slithering inside of her.
"Viktor, this is Ginny. You remember Ron, right? This is his sister. She plays on the Holyhead Harpies. I bet you already knew that though," Hermione prompted.
Viktor came over to her. He shoulders were still rounded, and he still had duck feet. To Ginny, his nose didn't look so much like a menacing beak now. He seemed a bit weary, and a bit heartbroken.
"Hi," she said very softly. Viktor held out his hand. Ginny took it and they shook.
"I am very glad to meet you," he said formally. The redhead felt a rush as their hands touched. His was callused and worn from holding onto a broom for so long. It was like her hand.
Ginny did not know how long she stood there in silence, but she eventually snapped back to earth.
"Oh, it is good to meet you too. You're not like my brother makes you out to be," she said. Why did I have to bring that up? Shut up brain! Viktor looked slightly uncomfortable at the mention of Ron. Of course, who wouldn't be nervous when the conversation is brought to a person who called you the "enemy"?
Hermione looked amused at the obvious attraction between the two. She wondered how long it would take Ginny to admit to herself that she liked him. Let's hope this doesn't end up in heartbreak, Hermione mused.
"Viktor, let me show you to your room," Hermione said and led him out. Ginny was still stunned by the feel of his warm hand in hers. She absently touched her hand to her face. Her ivory skin flushed at the thoughts in her head. Hermione came back down the stairs, quiet as a mime.
"So, what did you think?" She teased. Ginny jumped.
"Oh-er- uh- he was very um, polite. And nice," she said stumbling over her words. Stupid brain! Ginny tried to walk out of the room with a dignity at all times nature, but ruined it by tripping over a bump in the rug. And then falling again when she tried to get up.
Unfortunately, that was the moment Viktor Krum chose to come in the room. Ginny's face turned scarlet and walked into the kitchen looking like she wanted to hit herself hard.
Once Ginny was safely out of earshot, Hermione asked Krum, "What do you think of her?"
"She is very nice. Vhen does she haff practice for her team?" Viktor answered carefully.
"I actually don't remember. Why don't you go ask her?" Hermione said. An evil laugh was playing itself over and over in her head.
"Alright," Viktor said hesitantly. He didn't move.
"She's in the kitchen. Through that door." Hermione pointed.
"Yes, sorry."
Ginny was about to beat herself over her head with a wooden spoon when he came in. Why! She fumbled with the spoon, and ended up dropping it on her toe, which was more painful than you would think.
"I vas vondering vhen you had practice," he told her.
"Oh, yeah. We have it er- when was it again? Oh yes, it's actually tomorrow. Didn't realize that," she answered half to herself, half to Viktor. Great. Now I sound like I don't even care about my team! Why do I have to be so stupid?
"Could I come and vatch?"
"Yes, of course. You could even give us some tips if you want," Ginny offered. Krum nodded.
"Er- do you want something to eat?"
"That vould be nice."
"Hermione! Come here! I need help cooking!" Ginny called. Now I am admitting I can't cook. Okay, I can cook a little. But not much.
"I'm hopeless at cooking without magic," Ginny admitted. Viktor smiled at her, and laughed a little.
"My mother used to alvays use magic because she couldn't cook. She vould burn everything." Hey a conversation!
"My mother loves cooking! Whenever Harry and Hermione came over, she always deplores about how skinny he is. Sometimes she forces fifth or sixth helpings on him. Actually, she does that on everyone, even me. I certainly don't need it," Ginny joked. I just said I thought I am fat!
"You are not big," Krum reassured her. Tentatively, he asked, "Are- are Harry and Hermione together?" He looked like he already knew the answer and just wanted to make sure he knew correctly.
"Well, yes. They are. For about a year. And I don't know if she told you, but they are engaged too. Harry still lives in Ron's flat though. I don't think I could take it if he lived here."
"Oh," was all Viktor said. He looked forlorn. I really wished I hadn't said that. Really wish. Gosh, how stupid do I get?
"I'm sorry," Ginny said softly.
"It is okay. Are you- vith anyone?" he asked.
"Not at the moment. I don't really go out that much," Ginny said off handedly.
Hermione rushed into the kitchen. She saw the look on Viktor's face and said, "You found out."
"Yes, I did. Congratulations. I am happy for you and Harry," he said, although everyone knew he still felt otherwise.
"Thank you! Now what do you want for lunch?" Hermione asked brightly.
"I don't care," the other two said.
"Fine, I'll just make something. You can't help," Hermione said bossily.
Viktor walked out, and Ginny sent a hopeless look at Hermione. "Go!" she mouthed. "Entertain!" A glare was sent, although she really didn't feel that way.
"Well- um. So," she stuttered.
"Yes," he prompted.
"Er- how about a tour of the flat?" Ginny said the first thing that popped up in her mind.
"That vould be nice."
"Well, this is our front room, I guess. There's some couches a television, a radio. We don't really watch the telly though." She explained. Viktor didn't say anything, so she went on to the next room.
"You don't really need to see the bathroom," she said, and flushed once more. Why do I have to blush today? "And you've already seen the kitchen and the guest room. So… onto Hermione's room."
This would be the greatest room of all, Ginny was sure. With all the pictures of Harry and Hermione in the room, Viktor would feel right at home. Not.
"Okay, um, this is Mione's room," she mumbled.
"Ah." Viktor supplied.
It was painted periwinkle, with lacy bed covers and curtains. It was very much a woman's room. To make it all worse, there were at least ten pictures of Hermione and Harry, Harry, Hermione, or Harry, Ron, and Hermione. There were only two of Ginny and Hermione. Ginny suddenly felt annoyed at Hermione. Why didn't she have some of the two of them together? Merlin knows they took weird enough pictures. Why did it have to be all about Harry?
"She keeps hers spotless. Mine is a different story." Ginny tried to lighten the mood. It didn't work very well.
"Do you haff as many pictures in your room?" Crud.
"Not of boys. At least, those boys," Ginny hurriedly corrected herself, thinking how wrong that could sound.
"Vhat boys then?" Viktor wanted to know.
"Er- uh. Quidditch." Viktor's face looked brighter at the prospect of Quidditch. It was probably the only topic safe enough, so Ginny pursued it.
"Well, Ron has given me a ton of Chudley Cannons posters. He is obsessed. It is actually quite scary. That obsession is the only thing that outweighs Lavender," Ginny ranted. She noted the amused look on Viktor's face and quickly added, "Lavender is his girlfriend. He isn't obsessed with the colour. Although it would be very hilarious. His room, his walls, his house, his pets, everything lavender colored. Lavender would get a kick out of it. I should go over to his apartment and do that. Or I could get Fred and George to do it."
"That vould be quite funny. Who are Fred and George?" Krum asked, trying not to laugh at her ramblings.
"Oh, they are my other brothers. They are older than Ron, but younger than Percy." Ginny's face clouded over at the mention of Percy. She still hadn't forgiven him.
"Percy is the one who vas assistant to Crouch?" Viktor guessed.
"Yes. He walked out on us because Mum and Dad supported Dumbledore."
"Oh. I guess you still don't like him."
"No."
They arrived at Ginny's room. It was hot pink and orange, with white draperies to give it contrast. She loved it. She loved tropical, bright, loud, spontaneous colors. They were the best for her. Hermione liked calm, serene colors. They really were opposites. It was amazing how well they got along.
With a flourish, Ginny presented her bed, and quickly kicked a pile of undergarments under it. A big grin made up for it. Viktor did notice the kick, and was glad he did not have to look at lacy bras and underwear. Too much for him. Way too much.
Most of the pictures weren't posters, but actual pictures. They were autographed by the player. Most knew of Ginny, and asked her to sign an autograph, instead of the other way around.
"You really like Quidditch don't you?" Krum said quietly while he took in the vivid walls.
"Yeah, I do. It's a life style," Ginny replied. Then, of course, she tripped. On a pair of jeans. Once again, her face turned fiery. Viktor barely kept back a smile. This girl was so clumsy, but so beautiful. He offered the red head his calloused hand. Ginny took it and he pulled her up. Since she was so slim, he actually pulled her a bit farther than he meant to. Ginny flew into his broad chest. She turned to look up at him. When she touched Viktor's hand, it was like a spark flew into her heart, stealing her breath. She let out a little gasp. Though he wished not to, Viktor stepped back and mumbled, "Sorry." He too had felt the rush when they grasped hands.
"LUNCH IS READY!" Hermione yelled from the kitchen. Viktor went out of the room first. He sneaked a look back when he thought Ginny wasn't looking. Thankfully, she wasn't. Then she did the same thing when he looked away.
Ginny didn't walk out of the room. She was too busy contemplating the little light that flew into her body. Why was it Hermione's old crush? What if he fell back in love with her? She shook her head like a dog after a bath, except for no water came out of her. She wished her thoughts would come out like a sprinkling of water, but they stayed firmly in her head. Poo.
"VIRGINIA!" Hermione shrieked. She really was getting irritated. She's gonna make a good mum some day, Ginny thought. Better not tell her that.
When Ginny ran into the kitchen, Hermione was glowering. Ginny slid into the seat next to Krum.
"Your real name is Virginia?" he asked. "I alvays thought it vas Ginerva."
"Either way, I'm not real blessed," Ginny answered.
"At least you're not Hermione. People are always calling me the wrong thing. It gets so irritating," Hermione complained. Viktor turned a tiny bit red, remembering how he used to call Hermione "Herm-ee-own." Hermione realized it was the wrong thing to say, and flushed as well. It's just a day for blushing, Ginny thought. I wouldn't be surprised if the moon came up early and turned red.
"I have a friend, named Lydie, and people always called her "Lyddie." You know like Lid with an "e" on the end?" Ginny recalled.
"In Muggle schools, I had a friend named Fatima Ugur, and she got so annoyed when people asked her to spell her name. It was actually quite funny," Hermione remarked.
"Your friends have unusual names," Viktor noted.
"You don't know the end of it," said Ginny.
"Once Harry told me that Dumbledore knew someone named Hepzibah Smith," Hermione added. She didn't tell that Harry found that out from diving into a memory in order to learn more about Voldemort. That part might be a little too weird.
Ginny's face fell at the mention of Dumbledore. She still remembered his funeral. She could see in her mind's eye the white tomb in which he lay. She could still remember what Harry told her that day. Then of course, he fell in love with Hermione. What luck.
"He vas a good man. He vas alvays nice to me. He never discriminated against me for Karkaroff." Krum said the name of his former headmaster with as much scorn as he could muster up.
"Are- are you glad that he died?" Hermione squeaked out.
"Yes."
All three ate in silence. Ginny was marveling at the character of such a person. He had such depth.
"Hey, Viktor do you want to go fly for a bit? I'm sure Hermione would like to have us out of the house so she can prepare for her huge dinner," Ginny offered.
"Sure," he answered simply.
They finished the meal of pasta quickly and went up to the guest room. Don't trip. Ginny warned herself. It took less than five minutes for Krum to get everything ready. Ginny took quite a bit longer than that. Hair and make-up took her time.
"Okay, let's go. There's a park nearby that's Unplottable and spelled like the Cup Stadium. Don't really know why they did it though. A bit stupid really."
"All right."
"We can walk there."
They walked. Ginny was too scared to start a conversation with him. Normally she wasn't shy at all, but this was different.
They finally reached the park.
"Race ya," said Ginny. She took off like lightning, but Viktor was close behind. With one final push he caught up. The two of them reached the park at exactly the same time. Ginny flopped down onto the freshly mowed grass and laughed her head off. She loved running almost as much as she loved Quidditch. Viktor watched her, smiling, and then he took off into the cloudless sky. Ginny followed.
"Race you," said Viktor and flew off. Ginny flattened herself, trying to pick up speed. She had recently gotten a Lightningbolt, the newest version of the Firebolt. Unfortunately, so did Krum. Ginny was within a hairs breath of Krum, but he crossed the finish line first.
"No fair!" accused Ginny. "You started before I was ready!"
"So did you," was Krum's solid answer. She couldn't argue with that.
They flew until the sky turned dusky and stars started showing their faces. Ginny loved every minute of it.
"We should go back now," she said disappointedly.
"You vill be flying again tomorrow," reminded Krum. "I think ve should Apparate."
"Kay." Pop! They disappeared. Pop! They reappeared in the kitchen. Hermione was working on a pizza.
"Viktor, you do like tomatoes right? And basil? On pizza?" she asked worriedly.
"Yes. That sounds fine."
"Good, because it will be ready in about five minutes. Gin, you might want to get changed."
"Well duh. I was going to anyway."
So Ginny went up into her room. Throwing herself on her bed (nearly missing) she sighed. It had been perfect. She threw on a deep purple silky shirt and a pair of jeans and went out again.
Dinner was delicious, as always. They played Wizard Monopoly (Viktor won) and bid each other good night. Ginny went to sleep positively floating with happiness.
Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Groggily, Ginny turned off the alarm. She dragged her feet down to the table, where Viktor was already eating.
"Do you always get up this early?" she asked in disbelief.
"Yes. I haff practice nearly every day."
"Gosh, we only have it, like four times a week."
Ginny took down a box of Lucky Charms and ate the all the cereal first, leaving the marshmallows for last. Hermione had introduced her to this new way of eating a delectable cereal. All the sugar made her a little more awake.
"C'mon. We'll Floo there," Ginny said and brought the little jar over. She threw it into the fire place, and shouted " Harpies locker room!" With a woosh she was gone. Viktor carefully shouted the same thing.
As he came spinning out of the fire place, looking like a sooty top, he asked Ginny, "Should I cover my eyes?"
"No," answered Ginny, laughing. "The girls aren't in here yet. Well, one is. But she's in the bathroom. You won't see her till later. She's our seeker. She is so skinny that one of the girls kept making sure she wasn't anorexic, and she isn't, so now she changes in the bathroom."
"Right," said Viktor, slightly confused by the long explanation.
"Just go out that door"- Ginny pointed- "And to the right and you'll be able to watch."
Viktor left. Haylie, the seeker, came out and asked, "Was that who I thought it was?"
"Yep. Viktor Krum. He's visting Mione."
"Just Hermione?" Haylie asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No idea."
Ginny told her team the news about Krum. They practiced better than they had ever done before. She was smiling broadly as she asked Krum what he thought.
"Very good. Maybe a bit less talking from the Beaters." With a million watt smile, Ginny strutted into the locker room. Unannounced, Viktor followed her. He stood at the entry of the room, afraid of seeing the girls in only underwear and bras.
The team talked very loudly about many things, some of them making Viktor very uncomfortable. Everyone except for Haylie Flooed out.
"Is something wrong?" Ginny asked the Seeker.
"Yes." Haylies's almond shaped blue eyes filled with tears. "My mother died. They think someone that wasn't actually a Death Eater but supported them killed her."
"Oh no. I'm so sorry! Do you want me to come over? Do you need anything?" Ginny could sympathize with her. Molly had been killed in the Final Battle.
"No. No. I'm fine," Haylie assured her, though she was weeping. Viktor had moved away before the converstain started.
Ginny took Haylie into her arms. They hugged for a long time. Just before they broke away, Viktor came in. He looked shocked, then furious.
"I'm sorry Haylie. I really really have to go now. Owl me if you need anything," said Ginny and raced after Viktor.
"Viktor it isn't what it looked like!"
"Really, then vhat vas it?" he spat at her.
"We were just hugging!"
"So you haff done more! I didn't think you vere like this, Ginny."
"THAT'S BECAUSE I'M NOT!"
"Right. Sure you aren't. It sure didn't look like it."
Viktor went off in the emerald green flames, with Ginny close behind him.
"Viktor we didn't do ANYTHING! Her mother just DIED!"
"Sure."
Hermione took in the shouting and the red facing in bewilderment. Viktor turned to her.
"I am very sorry Hermione, but I haff to go. Now. Thank you for your hospitality, and I hope to see you soon." His bags flew into the room. He shot Ginny one more glare of utmost loathing and Apparated back to Bulgaria.
"Ginny, what happened?" Hermione asked.
"Haylie's mother was killed, and I was hugging her. He saw me and thought we were doing something more. Now he hates me. I don't even know why he hates me so much!" explained Ginny and promptly burst into tears.
"Oh no. I'm so sorry," Hermione said. Her eyes were nearly full with tears too. She whispered comforting things into her ear. Ginny cried all her tears out and took deep, shaky breaths.
"We'll fix this somehow," Hermione vowed.
Viktor-What happened?
-Hermione
Hermione-I was waiting for Ginny to come out of the locker rooms. I went into there to find out what was taking so long and I saw her hugging the Seeker! It wasn't friendly hugging either. They were rubbing each other's backs! I didn't think she had that life style.
-Viktor
Viktor-You liked her didn't you?
-Hermione
Hermione-
Yes.
-Viktor
"Ginny?" Hermione called softly.
"W-w-what?" Ginny said, struggling to keep her voice under control.
Hermione walked into the tropical room and sat down next to her friend, stroking her hair comfortingly.
"He liked you. That's why he was so mad."
A few tears trickled down Ginny's splotchy cheeks. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying.
"I liked him too," whispered Ginny.
"That's why you have to talk to him."
"What? NO!"
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"NO."
"Yes."
Ginny took a deep breath. She had to do this now or else she wouldn't ever do it. Pop! Ginny Weasley disappeared from her apartment.
Pop! She ended up in Viktor Krum's apartment.
"Viktor?" she called, her voice catching in her throat.
"Viktor?" she asked again louder.
"Vat? Who is it?" he came into the room and upon seeing her became stone. "Vat do you vant?"
"I'm sorry for just Apparating here, but if I was at the door, you wouldn't have let me in." She stated the truth and it showed on Krum's face.
"Vhy did you come?" he asked.
"Because you need to know the truth," said Ginny, her voice not betraying her fear.
"Fine. Vhat is the truth?" he said with scorn in his voice.
"That I'm not what you think. That day, Haylie, the Seeker, had found out that her mother had been killed. By someone who supported the Death Eaters. By someone who supported the person who killed Dumbledore. I know how she feels. My- my mother died in the Final Battle. Voldemort killed her." Krum looked genuily sorry. "When your mother, or anyone in your family has died, you need comfort. I hugged her. And rubbing someone's back makes them calmer. I wanted to help. Okay?" Ginny was struggling with her composure. Tears were fighting their way out of her eyes.
"And- and there's something else," said Ginny.
"Vat?" Viktor asked.
Ginny took a step closer. And another one. She was looking up into Viktor's face. Ever so gently, she touched her lips to his. She nearly fainted right there. She broke off the kiss and looked up into his face again.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"Me too."
And they kissed again.
Hermione-It's all good now.
-Viktor
Isn't that sweet?