Nothing beats a nice walk on the grounds at the start of winter weather. It was the best time of year, when the rain would finally stopped and there was a cold crisp feel to the air. Inside the staff was still trying their best to impress our visiting schools. The decorations were better than usual at least. Everlasting icicles hung on the banisters of the marble staircase, the usual 12 trees were vastly decorated in the Great Hall, there were golden hooting owls, and etcetera. They were nice and all but at the same time if I wanted gaudy decorations I would have gone home for Christmas. Those ostentatious trinkets were part of the reason I had decided to take a walk. Not too big a reason but it did contribute to the decision.
I was on my way to see Vik at the moment. It had not been my initial motive for going on a walk either but I was already in the area so why not pay him a visit. Careful not to be seen I made my way to the Durmstrang ship. Some of the students were still a bit touchy about the whole Lightning thing that happened between Robert and I although I didn't really see why. None of that had anything to do with them but some people are just sensitive I guess.
Vik stood outside the Durmstrang ship much to my convenience. As I reached him I made less of an attempt to remain hidden and just headed straight for him. He saw me, smiled, and decided to meet me halfway. I figured this was more for his classmates than for me seeing as a few of the other students nearby were giving me careful looks. I ignored them as usual and apparently so did Vik.
"Hey" I greeted as he stopped in front of me.
"Hello, Katerina" he replied with a smile. "Vhat are you doing here?"
"I was enjoying the weather and saw the ship; thought you might like to join me" I offered, giving a small glance to the two girls who were standing a few yards behind him. I smiled at them making the two turn around and walk hastily in the opposite direction. Vik noticed and shook his head at me but didn't make any further comments on the subject.
"I vould love to" Vik answered with a peculiar, almost knowing, smile. "But are you not to stay away from the ship? It's not really a big mystery vhat happened."
"Whatever do you mean?" I asked innocently, putting a hand on my chest. Vik shook his head again and snickered a little at the gesture.
"I mean, vhen a person comes barging into the ship—"
"I didn't barge in, I knocked. Albeit a little loudly it was still knocking" I corrected crossing my arms. If he was going to call me out on what I did the least he could do was get his facts straight. I started walking again, this time away from the Durmstrang ship. It took him a second to realize I wasn't angry with him, just continuing my walk. When he did, Vik followed.
"Vhen a person knocks on the ship's door," Vik continued, catching up to me, "demands to see someone, disappears for a few minutes, then the 'someone' who said person vas looking for is found in the middle of the lake, bound and unconscious... That scenario isn't too hard to piece together."
"Oh. Well no I think I'm alright" I shrugged ignoring the disapproving tone in his statement. "Robert and his friends refuse to admit who did it, seeing as they're not complete idiots, so there is no proof of who did such a thing. I'm sure Professor Karkaroff just 'banned' me so no one would accuse him of favoritism. Besides I had my reasons, and Bobby deserved it. He's always been a bully."
"Yes vell that does not take away from the fact that vhen they found him Solberg vas in the grasp of a giant squid" Vik gave me a look, crossing his arms against his chest as if scolding me. I laughed at the gesture but maintained enough composure to answer him properly.
"Have you ever met the giant squid? He's actually quite lovely" I said honestly. Despite his size and threatening demeanor he was a very sweet creature. Vik gave me another look.
"That's not the point I am trying to make, Katerina" he sighed at me but uncrossed his arms.
"Yeah, yeah" I rolled my eyes at him in reply. "I get it, alright? You lecture me more than my father does, did you know?"
"Have you spoken to your father about this yet?" Vik asked curious.
"Uh huh" I nodded as we passed by the first batch of trees that made up the Forbidden Forest. "Professor Karkaroff sent a letter home after enough of his students guessed it was me. My mother was slightly upset that I would resort to physical aggression while my father was just disappointed I got caught so easily. I actually agree with him on that, I could have hid it better. Although, in my defense, I was doing it more to teach Bobby a lesson than to just hurt him… If I had simply wanted to hurt him I doubt he would have been found for at least another week."
"Vhen you put it that vay it is easy to see vhy you are like this" said Vik with a slight laugh in his tone.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I narrowed eyes at him though I wasn't angry. On the contrary, I was glad he was done lecturing me and decided to have a little fun. He guessed as much and gave me a sweet smile.
"It means that you are very similar to your father, at least from vhat I remember of him."
"I guess. My mother sure thinks so. She once told me I'm basically like another son to her…" My sentence trailed off as my thoughts turned to Nikolai. It always bothered me, remembering he was gone. I stopped walking and frowned at the ground. Vik stopped too, and by the look on his face I assumed he knew just what I was thinking.
"But really, you should try not getting into confrontation so often" Vik gave me a small smile ignoring the obvious topic of my brother.
"No, I should just try not to get caught" I answered returning a small smile to him. I was glad he knew me better than to drag the conversation out. If I wanted to talk about it I would have brought it up myself. It always bothered me when people couldn't accept the fact that not everyone wants to talk about everything.
"You haven't changed" Vik chuckled a little as he watched me sit down in front of a batch of trees that lined the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
"Why do you always say that?" I asked rhetorically as he joined me on the ground. He shrugged at me in response which made me smile a little. "You have changed, even if only slightly. You're a bit more assertive in mien; that's good.
"You think so?" he asked trying to find a comfortable spot on the ground. I nodded at him.
"I do. It makes me wonder if this was caused from just growing as a person or if it has anything to do with your more recent fame."
"Who knows" Vik gave a small sigh. "Perhaps it does. Although, it is strange to think of myself as famous."
"I understand" I answered apparently too quickly. Vik turned to give me a curious look. I giggled a little before continuing. "Of course I think you're great and all it's just… strange. If you weren't such a goody-two-shoes then maybe it would be easier to see but something about your personality negates what is the common stereotype for more popular figures. But, whatever the case, I'm glad you're coming out of your shell."
"I agree it is not vhat I imagined I vould be doing vith my life but I love the sport and I am glad I received this opportunity."
"You were always good at Quidditch" I noted thinking back to when we were younger. "It was a bit strange considering how much of an invert you were, still are really, but more so then."
"It vas a surprise for me too" Vik chuckled and I smiled at him.
As Vik looked into the depths of the forest, thinking of the past, I turned my head to look at the Durmstrang ship. There were some bad memories from that school but also some very good ones. Those I remembered most were from when visiting my brother at Durmstrang. I would get into fights here and there but it was usually not bad. Long ago that was where I had met Viktor Krum for the first time. He was always a sweet kid, almost to the point of annoyance. Still, something about his personality made me like him. Even back then I still enjoyed his company.
******Flashback******
"What do you mean I can't go to class with you?!" I screamed at my brother, stomping my foot.
"Don't you yell at me!" Nikolai screamed back. I narrowed my eyes at him and crossed my arms. Looking at my 'clearly not fooled' expression his fake frown turned into a playful grin. "Just shut up and listen for a moment, okay? We've been through this, Katerina. I've already explained to you why you can't come to certain classes of mine."
"Because Papa said so" I pouted turning to the side. Nikolai squatted down, so he was at a closer eyelevel with me. He rested his elbows on his knees and leaned into my face.
"Look, Princess, you know that if it were up to me you'd be attending Durmstrang with me, but it's not. He told me not to let you, in fact he insisted on it. You can't come to this class with me. Maybe when you're a little older, I mean you're only 7—"
"I'm 7 and a quarter and I could kick your butt!" I snapped, turning back to point at his face for emphasis. Slowly Nikolai leaned in and bit my finger. "Ow!"
"I've warned you not to point that thing at me" he remarked in a casual, matter-of-fact tone. We stuck our tongues out at each other at the same time. Judging by his smug expression he probably realized I was going to do that and decided to copy me. Nikolai laughed and I let out a breath.
"Well what am I supposed to do while you're in your dumb class?" I grumbled to him cradling my injured finger in my other hand. He shrugged at me in reply.
"Have a walk around the grounds, there's plenty to do here. Just be careful, alright? Don't stray too far, I'll get worried" Nikolai smiled and poked my cheek. I glared at him in response which only made him laugh again.
"Fine!" I exclaimed and turned to storm off. But before I could I was pulled back.
"You're not leaving without giving me my hug" Nikolai frowned at me, holding onto my sleeve. I silently reprimanded my mother for choosing a dress that had long ones instead of short. Sure it wasn't summer anymore but it's not like it was even that cold outside.
"What if I don't want to give you a hug" I frowned back at him as he forced me back to the spot in front of him.
"Please, who wouldn't want to hug me" Nikolai gave me cheeky smile. I giggled a little; it was really hard to stay mad at him. He outstretched his arms and I moved towards him. We hugged for a moment then he kissed my cheek and stood up. "Now stop with the faces, alright, Princess? I'll come find you as soon as my class ends, I promise."
"You better!" I warned him. He gave me one more smile and ruffled my hair before rushing off to a group of students that was waiting for him. As soon as he met them they all quickly headed off to class, probably already late. I didn't feel bad though; if I couldn't go to his class why should he?
As per his suggestion I wandered around the Durmstrang grounds for a while. It was more than just a while actually. The place was rather vast and left plenty of areas to explore. Going to classes with my brother was fun, and I certainly did prefer it to being outside, but when given no other choice it was a nice place to visit. There were a lot of options at least.
Seeing as I had the length of an entire class period to waste, thanks to my recently unreasonable father, I made my way to the Fruit Forest first. It had very nice fields and a wide range of trees all bearing delicious fruit, hence the name. Nikolai constantly reminded me that Fruit Forest was not the actual name of the place but that was what I wanted to call it. He was already keeping me from going to class I wasn't going to let him tell me what I could and couldn't call a patch of trees with fruit. As far as he was concerned that was the original name of the place so what was he complaining about?
For a while I contemplated whether or not I wanted to also visit the Night Forest. Just like with the Fruit Forest, the Night Forest wasn't the 'official' name for the place but as previously established I was going to call it whatever I wanted. Though I did reserve the right to call it as I pleased I did decide against visiting the place. If I had, Nikolai would've thrown a fit. I had chosen the name Night Forest because of ambiance of the place. Thick and tall trees were densely packed to the point where daylight was barely visible and seemed practically nonexistent, even at high noon. It was also the place where the professors had decided to place all the dangerous creatures in; they were mainly used for classes. I had been there with my brother before but he had strictly told me not to go in there alone. Normally I couldn't stand to be restricted, not even from him, but I didn't want to give him too many reasons to not want me at school with him. I really enjoyed the time we shared there.
As time passed I grew increasingly bored of the Fruit Forest and decided to walk across the bridge and back to the main grounds. There were a couple of bridges; they passed over the huge lakes surrounding the castle. The boat house nearby looked to be occupied by a class so I decided to ignore it. Instead I decided to get closer to the castle. If Nikolai was getting out soon it would make it easier for him to find me. I walked by the Quidditch field on the way. According to my brother and father it was almost to professional standards and much better than those offered in other schools. There were a few students playing there from the sound of it as I passed.
Finally I decided to go to the gardens. It was the closest place of leisure to the castle. Different years had different schedules so while my brother was in his hopefully drawling class a few first, third and sixth years were free to roam about. That's what they looked like at least, I didn't bother learning all the years' schedules. A lot of the students were gathered in groups talking and laughing a little too loudly for my liking. I preferred visiting the area in the winter. The place would fill with snow making it difficult to even walk so not as many people would think to visit the area, leaving it almost entirely to my brother and I. But unfortunately the area was covered with excited students all anticipating the new year.
Strangely enough there was one in the bunch that stood out. One of the first years wasn't in a large group but rather sitting alone, book in hand. It was strange. While I did realize I wasn't the only person with antisocial tendencies it was my experience that most at least tried to break those habits. This kid however looked perfectly comfortable with his reclusion. He looked heavily engrossed in the book, not even noticing as people stepped past him. A little curious, I got a little closer to him. The book really must have been interesting if it kept so much of his attention. As I got closer I did think I recognized the cover but his hand covered it too much for me to be sure. Once I finally recognized it I realized I was standing directly in front of him, and he wasn't looking at his book anymore.
"Hello?" he called in a really quiet tone.
The kid looked to be a first year. He had an accent too, then again most of the students there did. Many from Durmstrang came from different parts of Europe. There were other schools like Beauxbatons, although my brother said they were very snobbish, and Hogwarts, which I hadn't heard many complaints about. But my brother and father always said Durmstrang was better. That was where my father had gone, where he had met my mother, where my brother currently went, and where I would one day go.
"What page are you on?" I asked turning my attention back to his book. He was reading Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky which I was also currently reading, among other things. It was a good book yet not enough people bother with it because it was either too long or too complicated for them. My mother was one of those people. Of course the language was very complex, both the English and Russian text, but that's what dictionaries were for. And if I could understand it, albeit with a little help every now and then, I didn't see why they couldn't.
"I'm sorry?" he responded in that polite way not many people did. I rolled my eyes at him and chose to check it myself. I sat down next to him and leaned in to see. Page 324, he was about halfway through the book.
"Huh, you're just a couple of chapters behind where I am" I said, though mostly to myself.
"Oh?" he called back, half asking and the other half sounding confused.
"It took me a while to get through the beginning, it was really boring. The murder scene did make it a bit more interesting. The book itself is pretty good though, don't you think?"
"Yes" he said quietly, again. The kid was one of those shy ones I guess.
"You're really quiet, did you know?" I told him with a look. It was rare to find someone who wasn't obnoxiously noisy. And it felt even more so compared to the surrounding students all laughing and joking loudly. He sighed a little and looked back down at his book.
"I'm sorry."
"Why are you sorry?" I asked him, tilting my head as I did. He absentmindedly mirrored my movement. "It's not a bad thing to be quiet. Don't apologize for something as dumb as that"
"I'm sorry" he repeated. I gave him another look and shook my head at him.
"Why do people apologize when they did nothing wrong? I don't apologize even when I did do something wrong."
"I—"
"Would you stop apologizing!" I whined, covering my ears. He kept quiet; I sighed. "So what's your name anyway?"
"My name is Viktor Krum" the boy answered very formally and with a greeting sort of nod.
"Viktor?" I repeated with a slight frown. He nodded again.
"Yes" he replied once he saw I didn't. I was still frowning at his name.
"Viktor…" I repeated once more. "That sounds so formal… How old are you?"
"I'm eleven"
"You're eleven? Why do you go by Viktor when you're only eleven?" I asked him making a face
"It is my name."
"Okay well I don't like that… I mean, it's a nice name and all but you're only eleven." He was still young and didn't need to go by a name like that. "I'm going to call you something else. How about… Vik?"
"Vik?" he repeated with a confused look on his face.
"Yes, why? You don't like the name I picked out for you?" I asked, crossing my arms. He got a little nervous with the gesture.
"No. I—I mean yes. Yes, it's nice" he smiled though raising his hands in defense.
"Good" I smiled happy we had come to an agreement. "So from now on your name is Vik. I'm Katerina by the way."
"Isn't Katerina a little formal for your age too?"
"Are you saying you don't like my name?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
For a second his eyes widened and he grew a little flustered. The way he looked at me made me want to smile. His expression was not really one of fright but it looked a little scared at the same time. It was an odd thing to see and it would be even odder to have to describe. Yet the way he was looking at me was, in a strange way, oddly charming. I let out a giggle at Vik and he looked to have relaxed because of it.
"Nice to meet you" he smiled sweetly at me though sounding a bit nervous.
"You too" I smiled back. Vik looked down for a second and let out a sigh.
"Do you go here?" Vik asked, turning to look at me only slightly. His tone sounded a little forced. Not forced in a bad way but more like he was really trying to make a conversation. I thought it safe to say he wasn't much of a talker.
"No. Why do you ask?" I replied though I thought the answer was obvious. But at least he was trying.
"Vell," he continued, pausing for a second to think of an answer, "I have seen you a lot but you looked too small to—"
"Are you calling me short? Because I just haven't hit my growth spurt is all!" I snapped at him. Vik quickly shook his head and elaborated on his comment.
"No, no, I meant small as in young" Vik answered with a smile, one that was a little warmer than I had expected. It made me want to return the smile for some reason.
"Oh" I said still a little surprised that I smiled back. "Well, yes, I'm only 7… and a quarter. But I will be coming here in a few years."
"Vhy do you come here now?" he asked sounding a little more comfortable with the conversation, although still a bit forced.
"I visit my brother; he's in class right now though. I would normally be with him but my father said it was for the best if I didn't accompany him to that one because I'm 'too young' or something" I whined still upset about that.
"You are too young to go to that class yet you are allowed to read Crime and Punishment?" he asked with a skeptical tone. I smiled and shrugged.
"It's a good book." Vik smiled back at me.
"Vhat class is your brother in?" Vik asked a little curious. I noticed he had set his book down and to the side. I tried not to look at it knowing this would only bring it back to his attention. He was making progressed.
"I don't know, they won't even tell me the name" I answered sounding nearly as irritated as I felt.
"Vhy not?"
"Because I'm not stupid and could find detailed information of where the class is and what it contains if they would just give me the dumb name" I grumbled, crossing my arms. I was still annoyed with them for that.
"I see" Vik smiled at me. While with most this would have felt derogatory with him it didn't. He looked too nice to even know what the word meant. I smiled back at him too finding his behavior quite curious.
"Vell look what we have here" a voice called out from behind us. Among the other students came a small group of boys walking in our direction. They were watching Vik as the approached and all looked to be first years too. "So he does talk. And he has a girlfriend!"
"He has a girlfriend yet he still can't part a foot away from his book" another one commented kicking at Vik's book beside him as they met us.
Vik moved to grab his book as the other two smirked. I frowned at them; I had just fixed that. Among the two standing back was the one who had first spoken and another who had yet to speak. Somehow, from his posture, I felt like he was the one in charge. Something about the way he was looking at the other two just said 'superior', to his self at least. The boy in the front bent down and plucked the book out of Vik's hands. Vik stood silently trying to get his book back. I stood up too, still watching the other boy. He smiled at me just before flicking Vik's book back a few yards.
"There I took care of it, now you can actually pay attention to your girlfriend" the boy laughed as did the other two.
I frowned at them, not just because I was confused as to why they kept referring to me as his girlfriend but as to why they were acting that way. Vik didn't seem like the kind of person to have any sort of disagreements with others yet they were here. It took me a moment to realize why that was. They were bullies. It had been so long since I had to deal with something that petty that I didn't realize it sooner.
It was true that I hadn't known Vik very long, just a few minutes together, but the kid was obviously as tame as a pup. There was no doubt in my mind that he did nothing to provoke this sort of behavior. Besides that he was just all around a good kid and good kids didn't warrant this kind of mistreatment. Even as the other three boys continued to mock him Vik stayed quiet, not wanting to provoke them further. I crossed my arms, getting more and more irritated as time passed. Vik didn't deserve it and they weren't nearly as funny as they thought they were. One of the two in the back noticed my glares and decided it to share with the one next to him. As the first stayed with Vik the other two came with me.
"Your girlfriend doesn't look happy" the one with stupid hair called out to Vik beside me.
"She's so cute and tiny" the one who I had thought in charge laughed, patting my head as if I was a dog. I gritted teeth and glared up at him. Something in my eyes made him let go. Not noting my glare his friend laughed.
"Are you even a first year? You look a little short there, Shrimp."
I took a deep breath in, gave them each a look, and turned to walk away.
"Oh look you at vhat you did, Andrew. Now you've gone and upset her."
I ignored the comment and continued to walk past them for a few more feet. Once I reached the book they had tossed I reached down for it and picked it up. Once I turned back they had forgotten about me and were all now looking at Vik. He was still refusing to respond to their 'jokes' and comments. That was something parents always tried to teach their children, to sit quiet and stay away from conflict. But I wasn't most children and I didn't have those kinds of parents.
Letting one more breath out I pulled the book back and threw it at the group of boys, aiming for one in particular. It hit him straight in the back of the head, the smug jerk who had patted mine. I smiled a little as he slowly stood straight again, having been bent a little by the force of the blow. He turned back to me as I crossed my arms.
"Walk away, now" I told them as the others turned to look at me. The one I hit was still glaring at me with a shocked expression, holding a hand to the back of his head.
"Did you just hit me?" he asked the stupidest question he possibly could have.
"Are you deaf or just stupid? I said leave!" I repeated myself seeing if maybe this time he would listen. But of course that would be too simple. No, instead he came closer to me and sneered.
"I'm sorry did you say something I cannot hear you from all the vay down there" he smirked staring directly down at me. I glared up at him as his friends laughed at the stupid joke. They were really trying my patience. Having already been irritated about something I didn't have time for their dumb jokes. I kicked his leg, hard, making him bend over to hold it.
"Can you hear me now?" I asked, now his face directly in front of mine. "Leave!"
"Look kid you don't vant to start something with us" said one of his friends coming up to us while the other stayed with Vik who looked stunned by what I had just done.
"No, actually, it's the other way around. Leave before you get me really angry" I warned.
"Ve think ourselves very high and mighty do ve not?" he taunted standing up again, though I could see his hand twitching to grab his leg. I smiled knowing it was a good kick.
"At least you admit it. You know, acceptance is the first and most important step to recovery" I taunted back. Something told me they weren't used to being talked back to. If I argued with my own father why wouldn't I give the same courtesy to strangers?
"Alright that's enough" the last of the three came to join us. "Why don't you go play with dolls or something, little girl"
"You know I wouldn't have expected this" I said to them. They all gave me a confused look. "To think you are all so weak that you can't take a little girl on by yourselves. It's a little emasculating don't you think? I had always heard that Durmstrang only accepted what they considered the best but I guess that hasn't been an issue in more current years. Then again I doubt anyone would consider you men so it's not too much of a loss. But your ability to pick on innocent children sure makes up for that though, doesn't it. In case you didn't catch it that was sarcasm. Either way your parents must be very disappointed. Aww, you almost feel pity for you three."
By the time I ended they all looked furious. I smiled at them as they continued to stare at me. In truth I had meant what I said, I wasn't just trying to aggravate them. Well, all except for the 'pity' part. I would never even think of feeling bad for that kind of person. One of the boys moved towards me but Vik blocked him, coming to stand next to me.
"Alright, vait" Vik held a hand out to them. His voice was small but I highly doubted he had experience with this kind of situation so it was to be expected. "She has nothing to do vith this. Just leave her alone, okay?"
"Maybe you should teach your girlfriend some respect" one of them called in a mocking tone. I sigh and stepped beside Vik. It was sweet that he was trying to help but it was obvious standing up for himself wasn't a regular occurrence for him.
"Look, whatever-your-name-is—"
"My name is Robert Solberg" he interrupted, saying it in an uppity sort of tone as if that should mean something to me.
"Robert Solberg you say?" I repeated with a frown as he looked on happy with my expression. "So… Bobby then."
"Robert" he corrected through narrowed eyes. Apparently his name was a touchy subject for him.
"That's what I said, Bobby" I smiled sweetly and watched his anger grow.
Bobby came to stand closer to me. He leaned down at me trying to intimidate me. I smiled thinking of how ridiculous it was to think of any of them as anything but laughable buffoons. We stared at each other for a moment, until we heard one of his friends say something.
"Wait… I think I know her…" I leaned over around Bobby to see one of them was looking at me with a thoughtful expression on his face. I didn't think I recognized him from anywhere but then again it wasn't common for me to pay particular attention to people, especially not a spineless bully like him.
"You know her, Markus?" asked his friend, Andy or something, mirroring his friend's confusion.
"I…" Markus muttered thinking hard. Suddenly his eyes got a little bigger. He recognized me. Bobby turned back to look at his friend too. "Guys I think we should go. Now"
"Vhy should we? It's just a little girl" Robert called back to him and began patting my head like last time. I resisted the urge to break his arm.
"Who are you calling little, Bobby?" I snapped pulling away from him.
"My name is not Bobby, kid" he growled.
"My name is not kid, Bobby" I replied. He began to glare at me again. Nothing angered people more than having their own insults turned on them.
"Listen, kid—"
"Robert I'm serious, let's go" his friend Markus called anxiously.
"Vhy?" he snapped at him. Markus pulled him back a little ways from me. Vik was still standing quietly beside me, wanting to help but realizing it was probably better if he didn't. Robert's expression changed as his friend leaned in to whisper something. He looked to me now with a completely different expression. "Vhat's your name, kid?"
"Why do you care?" I kept my glare. He did too but now Bobby's looked more careful.
"Come on, the fourth years are almost out of class. Do you want to wait for her brother to get here?" his friend hissed quietly looking at me and clearly thinking I couldn't hear. Nikolai knew I could take care of myself so he wouldn't care. Apparently they didn't know that.
"Fine" Bobby hissed back at him. He gave me one last look then turned around with his friends.
"Coward" I called to him as they walked away. Robert paused for a second but was pulled forward by his friends.
Next to me I heard a sigh. Vik stepped a few steps forward and leaned over to pick up his book. I frowned at him. He noticed and looked down at his feet.
"Why didn't you say anything?" I scolded him, saying what he had probably already guessed I would say.
"I'm sorry" he said quietly making me roll my eyes. "I should have defended you sooner. It vas not your fight—"
"I can take care of myself. Why didn't you do the same?" Vik looked up a little surprised by my words then looked away again.
"I'd rather avoid confrontation" he mumbled sounding like he was guilty.
"Why? That sounds boring" I shook my head at him. Vik looked at me surprised again. "What's the point of just sitting back and doing nothing? Why let someone walk over you when you can grab them, knock their legs from under them, and shove their face in the dirt? It seems to me that confrontation is much more fun."
For a second Vik said nothing, he just looked at me with the same surprised expression. Then he laughed. It was a cute laugh; it was like that of a boy, but not quite a child. I giggled at it finding it strangely adorable coming from a boy like him. Normally I didn't like quiet kids but he seemed alright. As our laughs faded I looked across the gardens to see how far the three had gotten. Apparently it was decently so since I didn't see any of them. I looked around but found none, instead I found my brother.
Nikolai walked our way having just gotten out of his special class. I smiled at him and walked over to him. Vik stayed where he was as I met my brother halfway.
"What are you doing here?" Nikolai asked giving a quick look to my company. I glanced back to see Vik give a polite nod in our direction; strange kid.
"I'm fighting a dragon. What does it look like I'm doing here?" I rolled eyes at him. Nikolai smirk at me and ruffled my hair.
"Very funny, Princess. I just meant since you usually stay away from the gardens that it's a surprise to see you here. So," Nikolai's smile faded a smidge as he looked once again to Vik, "who is this?"
"Oh. Nikolai this is Vik. Vik, this is my brother Nikolai" I called gesturing for Vik to step forward. Vik quietly came to meet us giving my brother a courteous smile once he was close enough. My brother didn't return the smile. Instead Nikolai continued to look at him carefully.
"Vik?" he asked.
"Viktor Krum" Vik replied quiet again with a nod. I frowned. Clearly he was still the same quiet kid but part of me thought we had fixed that.
"I told you your name is Vik" I crossed my arms in protest. Nikolai was still watching him carefully but let out a small smile.
"You decided his name wasn't good enough so you gave him a nickname?" Nikolai asked me with a chuckle. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Did anyone ask you?" I snapped back. Vik looked a little surprised, although I don't know why, but Nikolai continued to smile at me.
"No one had to ask me anything. I am my own person capable of making my own observations. And, clearly, you are a spoiled brat who uses people like toys." Nikolai laughed as he picked me up. I kicked my legs about but he didn't let me go. He was used to that I suppose.
"Put me down!" I complained which only made him laugh more.
"I could but then you wouldn't be able to come to my next class with me. That would be a shame since we're learning poisons this week" Nikolai said innocently but with a smirk. I gave him a look. He knew I loved his next class. Sometimes he let me cut up his ingredients for him too.
"Fine!" I snapped at him annoyed but stopped struggling. "Can you at least put me down so I can say goodbye to Vik?"
"Just don't take too long" Nikolai answered, setting me down. He ruffled my hair one more time, gave one more look to Vik, and walked a little ways away. Vik was still quiet. I turned back to him fixing my hair. He gave me a smile.
"Vell it was nice meeting you, Katerina" Vik said politely with sincere smile. I smiled back.
"You know the year just started and I'm already not allowed in one of my brothers classes so I'm going to need some place to go. Obviously you will be joining me then" I said not leaving him room to reject. He laughed a cute laugh and nodded.
"It vould be my pleasure."
"Good. Now if you'll excuse me I have a poison to make" I replied and walked away. We waved to each other as I went to meet my brother.
Nikolai reached for my hand and led me to his next class. It wasn't a far walk but he always told me he just wanted to make sure I didn't wander off. There wasn't much to do inside so I didn't think there was a reason to be too concerned with that but I never argued. He waited until we were out of the corridors and inside the classroom before talking again.
"So did you have fun with your new friend?" he asked sitting us down in his regular spot. It was more of a questioning tone than the curious one I had expected but I didn't bring it up.
"I hardly know him so I wouldn't call him my friend but he seems nice" I shrugged in response swinging my legs from my chair waiting for the class to start. Nikolai smiled a little seeing me do that but his expression stayed serious.
"Good."
"There were some annoying kids picking on him though" I grumbled still upset with them. In my opinion they had gotten away too easily but if I had gone after them that might have started more trouble for Vik. He didn't look like the type to get into trouble so he certainly didn't need more.
"Someone picked on you?" Nikolai frowned. I shook my head in response.
"No, not me, him" I said waving the comment off. My brother nodded and let his frown disappear. "They looked like dumb cowards though so they ran away after a little while. I mean if they're going to start picking on people they might as well do it properly."
"Maybe you could teach them" Nikolai chuckled as I rolled my eyes at him. "Alright, well just remember to tell me if anyone is being mean to you. Also, if you ever need me to curse anyone for you I would be more than happy to teach you to do it yourself instead. We might as well start practicing now, if you really want to scare people once you're my age."
"Okay."
I giggled as my brother picked me up and sat me on his knee. He turned a little to the side so we could both have comfortable access to the desk. His potions partner, who I hadn't noticed until now, took his seat in the chair I had just been occupying. He smiled at me and started taking out his supplies. Nikolai took out his parchment and quill too just as his professor walked in. He also gave me my own pair, like usual he usually did, so I could either draw or take notes; it depended on my mood. My brother gave me a kiss on the head and smiled at me.
"Now be quiet so we can learn how to boil a person form the inside out" he smirked, ruffling my hair one more time before his professor began the lesson. Before I could reply Nikolai put a finger to his lips reminding me I had to be quiet. I narrowed my eyes at him and stuck out my tongue but did as I was told. Like he had said before, I might as well practice now.
****Flashback over****
"Hey, why were they picking on you?" I asked turning to look at Vik.
"Who?" he asked surprised, having been caught off guard by the question.
"Bobby and his two friends; why did they pick on you?" I asked again. Vik frowned, no longer surprised but just confused by the question.
"He hasn't…" he muttered just before understanding. "They haven't done that in years. To vhen are you referring to?"
"I was thinking of around the time we met. That's when I first met him too. He's still as annoying" I grumbled at the memory. Beside me Vik began to chuckle lightly.
"Oh that. It has been a vhile hasn't it" he said as if to himself. After a second he turned to give me a warm smile. "I think they thought it vas strange I never talked to anyone during our lessons. They stopped after a vhile though since I never fought back. Also I think it may have been around the time I joined the Quidditch team that they finally gave up on it."
"That's stupid, and no reason to pick on you."
"It may not be a good one but it is a reason" Vik said with a shrug. That was true. I shook my head at the absurdity of the comment. That was exactly why Robert needed to be put in his place.
"Well I guess you have a point" I sighed. "But why did he pick on me too? The other two never bothered but he always tried to get me angry with him."
"Maybe he had a crush on you" Vik chuckled as if he had just told a joke. I frowned at him.
"How would that work?" I asked confused as to what he meant.
"Sometimes vhen young boys start to like girls they don't know exactly how to express their feelings so they pick on them. It is a quite common occurrence" he shrugged at me
"That seems ridiculously inept thinking" I debated as he laughed. "Are you being serious with me?"
"Yes I am" he said sounding sincere though still with a bit of a laugh in his voice. Vik shook his head and smiled at me. "But I guess I'm not surprised this is all news to you"
"What do you mean?" I frowned at him.
"You are not the best judge vhen it comes to those sorts of feelings."
"And how would you know that?" I challenged crossing my arms.
"I've seen you be oblivious to it" Vik replied. I rolled my eyes at him.
"Give me one instance" I demanded. Again he smiled and shook his head. "I'm serious. You seem to be so sure I don't notice; then tell me one time I've missed something like this."
"Katerina" he said my name with smile, like that someone would give to a child.
"Don't look at me like that, tell me. Name one time, just one. What, do you like someone?" I asked sarcastically.
Vik shook his head and quickly looked away. Instead of answering me he turned to look at a patch of trees to the right of him. He was avoiding eye contact. Vik continued to look at the trees for another minute. He was waiting it out… When he turned back he sighed noting I hadn't looked away.
"You're avoiding the question" I told him as he once again tried to casually look away. "Wait, do you like someone?"
"I don't see vhat that has to do—"
"You do!" I called out shocked.
"Katerina" he said in a pleading sort of tone.
"Is it someone from Durmstrang?" I asked curious.
"No, I—"
"So it's someone from Hogwarts then?" I said to myself with a nod. "Sure some from Beauxbatons are attractive but they're all rather obnoxious so it's not one of them."
"This isn't the place—"
"Tell me. You've been keeping this from me and I want to know, Viktor. Tell me" I insisted. He sighed at me and turned back to look at the trees. I was about to argue some more when he finally decided to speak.
"It's… that girl…" he mumbled quietly, still ignoring my gaze.
"Who?" I asked again
"Your friend, the one who stopped by during the First Task…"
"You like Hermione?" I called out, probably a little louder than necessary. "Are you serious?"
"Yes I'm serious" he said still quiet but a little more forceful. Vik looked around to see if anyone had heard. Lucky for him no one was anywhere near us.
"Since when do you like Hermione and why didn't I notice?" I asked sounding loud again. He was probably starting to feel glad we had chosen the forest to talk in.
"You can't even tell vhen someone likes you, how vere you—" Vik stopped himself and turned to the side stopping before my mind had completely processed his words.
"Woah, wait a minute. Who likes me?" I demanded from him. Normally I would have just taken the comment as sarcasm but Vik didn't have that kind of personality, nor would he have stopped so suddenly if it weren't true. Vik shook his head.
"It is not my place to say" he refused to answer. I frowned.
"Well isn't it my place to know? Tell me" I insisted.
"I should not have brought this up" Vik groaned to himself.
"Well you did and it's too late to take it back now tell me" I insisted again, getting very curious as to who he meant.
"I vould not feel comfortable vith that" said Vik a bit more quietly, turning to give me a look. I gave a look too, though mine was a little different, and sighed.
"If you weren't so nice I'd trick it out of you but I don't want to be a jerk" I grumbled to him. Now Vik sighed.
"Thank you" he smiled at me.
"Yeah, yeah" I breathed. "So, about you and Hermione. Is that why you're always in the library? That's why you didn't want to get any books from Hogsmeade, isn't it?"
"Katerina" Vik sighed again, though this time it was for a different reason. Hearing him I paused. It took me a moment but I realized I was acting an awful lot like Daphne. With an internal cringe I turned back to Vik and smiled.
"Have you asked her to the Yule Ball?"
"Vhat?" he asked, sounding taken aback.
"She's a smart and pretty girl, you should hurry up. Come on, don't be shy now" I teased poking his cheek. He turned to give me a look until I stopped. "Tell you what, I'll help"
"Vhere are you going?" he called, standing up as I rushed away.
"Where do you think?" I called back and kept going.
If history really did repeat itself then this was the time she usually spent in the library. I hurried up the stairs hoping I would find her there. Vik liked a girl; this was odd behavior for him. I didn't remember a time where Vik had been interested in a girl. It was also odd on my part that I would be so enthused by it but Hermione was a good pick. Once I finally reached the library I found Hermione, thankfully, reading intently from the pages of an old book. Taking a second to catch my breath I slowed my pace to a walk and made my way towards her.
"Hey" she greeted me with a smile.
"Hey, come with me for a moment" I smiled back and took her hand. Before she could argue or start asking questions I pulled her towards the door.
"Where are we going?" she asked setting the book she had been holding down on a nearby shelf as I pulled her the rest of the way out of library.
"We're going to talk to Vik" I answered still pulling her ahead.
"Who?" she asked as we began our descend on the stairs.
"Viktor Krum. You know of him, right?" I asked. While sometimes I forgot Vik was what many considered 'famous' he was very widely known, even to those who didn't follow Quidditch closely. He was among the youngest professional players and that was enough to bring him to people's attention. But considering Hermione was muggle born I wasn't completely sure if that still applied. But apparently it did; Hermione sighed at me.
"Yes, I know. He's the famous Quidditch player who everyone keeps fawning over."
"That's him" I agreed as we started down another flight of stairs. "He's a nice kid, you should talk with him."
"You mean like Malfoy is a nice kid?" she asked making me laugh.
"Please, that boy is the opposite of nice. Vik on the other hand is a very sweet boy" I said truthfully.
"He is?" Hermione asked me a little suspiciously.
"Why else would I care to introduce you two?" I smiled, stepping down the final set of stair and towards the grounds.
Vik was standing where I had left him, watching the castle. When he saw us he sighed, shook his head, and turned to the right. By his expression I guess he was contemplating heading for the ship lest we reach him first. Before Vik could leave we found our way to him. I stood in front of him with Hermione on my side. He gave me a look as I smiled up at him.
"Katerina, vhy must you be like this?" he sighed at me once we stopped in front of him.
"Vik, Hermione. Hermione, Vik." I introduced the two, ignoring Vik's comment. "I felt that you two should be introduced. I like the two of you; you're both good kids. Sometimes a little too good but that's a topic for a different day."
"Are you leaving?" Hermione asked as I parted from her side. I smiled and shrugged.
"Okay, have a good talk you two."
Both gave me a look as I waved. I watched as Vik sighed and, I assume since I had now put a decent amount of space between us, apologized to Hermione. She in return smiled at him and, I assume again, told him he had nothing to apologize for. The two smiled at each other sweetly and began a conversation. If he liked her should have just done that himself. What's so hard about telling someone you like that you like them? Yule Ball is getting closer by the minute and that in itself is a useful excuse for this kind of situation. I shrugged and walked back towards the castle leaving the two to talk.
.
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So apparently the update chapter helped some people. That's good :)
Anyway you can thank my annoying neighbor for not letting me sleep giving the perfect opportunity to finish this chapter in time for today. She sucks; I tweeted about it.
Sorry about the long wait, that's my bad. I was genuinely planning to have it done, at the latest, by Wednesday (as in last week's). We can all see that didn't go as planned. I just suck at planning. Like seriously I'm that kid that everyone in class hates that never does any classwork and turns in last minute assignments or even late work yet is still one of the top students. I'm okay with that last part but I am really bad at planning; you would not want to be in a group project with me.
Well, I hope you liked the chapter even if it was a little late. Also for those of you starting soon, or if you already did, good luck in the new school year. Try not to be like me except on the getting good grades part, that's always a good part. Work hard and stuff. Okay have a super fun day you guys and see you next time (^-^)/