Autor's Note

Sorry for the late posting, life keeps moving...

All the italic letters mean that the dialogs are on Bulgarian...

As always, all comments and suggestions are welcome.


Sofia, Bulgari

Milena Krum neé Vulchanova was at her office at the Bulgarian Ministry reading the latest changes for the upcoming conference, it was not uncommon having a reunion without the Americans, Asians, and Africans but the urgency and the need to present a united front, ultimately defend themselves, their citizens and if the word had got out…

She was also concerned with the information from Durmstrang as a member of the Vulchanova family, and their place on the board plus her children's involvement, the damages, the progress of the repairs, the inventory of the library, the labs, the interviews for the new staff, she was having a headache, she did notice the owl from The Prophet leaving her a Special Evening Edition, but she had a lot of work, so, she was putting it to the side when the front-page picture caught her eye...

Viktor...

She read the entire article and her eyes were wet, she immediately stood up and leave her office, setting the guards, she went to the disapparate area...

Aleksander Krum was reviewing a few papers regarding his business, he was intrigued by the expenses of the rugby team, but he did approve the amount with the bank, he really couldn't help himself, he just loved the game, and still tried to convince Viktor to play with him, it was very muggle, but he loved it. He was daydreaming about it when he heard the alarm of an apparition, it was very early for his wife, probably one of his children, Viktor may have news about his work or Elena had news about her internship interview...

He gets up, when a disbelieved Milena enters his office with her eyes full of tears, holding a paper in her hand.

They got sited and while Milena curled into him, he read the paper. With a smile, he embraces Milena while thinking. A little later they untangled and went to eat, the elves had prepared something simple. Elena got in with a smile planted on her face.

Mother, Father, I got the internship. –Aleksander smiled as well as Milena but as she got sited Milena drop her the prophet.

Did you know something about this? –She asked coldly. Elena was reading the newspaper, and she shed a single tear before wiping it away.

No, I knew he was going for a reading, –Elena took a deep breath knowing she couldn't lie to her mother – and I suspected he will try and look for her, but no, I didn´t know about this interview.

Why did you didn't tell us? Did someone travel with him? How-

Mother, Viktor is a grown man, –she answers a little annoyed – besides, the medi-wizard father sent clear him completely, after that no power on Earth could stop him to go and look for her...

But-

Enough, Milena, –Aleksander intervenes before they start arguing – Viktor is young but he already knows his limits and desires, he will not be reckless...even if he seems determined to leave Bulgari.

That is not my concern, –she said looking first at her husband and then at her daughter I already know the medí-wizard clear him, and the bit about the girl? –she says with a smile – I know of it as well, my boy, below that sulky exterior he is a romantic at heart, – she said with pride – I´ll never come to work with me, he is too much like you... –she gently cares Aleksander cheek– not interested in anything else but sports, and art... although I don't think Viktor likes art that much, so he won't work with you either, –she said teasing– my concern is more like a gut feeling... –Milena took a deep breath, dismiss the elves and raise a silence spell shocking her family, since she never needed to do one at Krum Manor– There was a lot of chatter in the high ranks of the Ministry –she even lowered her voice– this is confidential, the small information I'm going to tell you, is monitored by the Secrecy Department and the task force in charge of covering sensitive information, I had to ask permission to tell you –she took a breath– as you know by regulation, all citizens deaths are reported to the Ministry and if they happen outside the Country is our job to get the bodies back here and then to their families, Durmstrang Institute, as all magic schools, is considered independent, so is not bound by secrecy or loyalty to any country, after the Death Eaters bodies were identified, a task force arrived to check the status of the Bulgarian children as well as discretely collect the bodies of the Bulgarians that died, officially, all the deaths in Durmstrang that can be somehow explained are classified as casualties, the other ones are mark as people under Imperio curses, –she let out a sigh– the truth is that many of the adult Bulgarian bodies carried the mark, and for Durmstrang shame, several teachers and students as well, by law the families must be notify, when the families appear to collect the bodies, several noted the mark and decided not to claim the bodies, ashamed of them, so they requested the Ministry to dispose of them as fit, but there were a few that, even knowing about the association with Voldemort, claim the bodies, and even when no one can confirm it or even prove it, there were traces of vows and reveling spells on the chambers –Elena and Aleksander look at each other, then at Milena, Elena look paled, but Aleksander looked puzzled.

I don't understand –he said plainly. Milena looks fondly at him.

Sometimes I forgot that you aren't alumni of Durmstrang, –She said with a sad smile– In Durmstrang, we learn about vows long before we learn about unforgivables, but the ones made in the presence of the death are the darker of them all, if you fail or broke the vow, you died as well, in excruciating pain, whoever cast it…

Ok. But why is relevant to us? –He asks, but then it hit him like a lightningViktor killed most of the people in Durmstrang...

Yes, that's my concern –She said defeated– inadvertently, he just revealed that he is not in Bulgari. Here, he will be somewhat safe, I can request discrete protection but in a foreign country, it gets complicated, especially because I don't know who was in the chambers. It sounds awful, but there were other defenders on Durmstrang, so I hope, –She sighed looking down– I hope is someone else, and that they are being protected, –She looks at them– he is my son, I don't want a death feud on him, unfortunately, there is no record of who killed who, Viktor wand snapped after the spell, and there was no reason to check it anyway, it was a battle in one of the most secretive and high tolerated dark arts school in the world, I don't doubt the fights were bloody and nefarious. So, I'm worried for my boy.

You can only imagine it was mother, –Elena sighed and look at Milena– But I saw part of it, I may had arrive after the battle, my brother was already in the infirmary, at death door, but while they were working go him, I saw all the bodies being piled at the grand hall, the rows of Death Eaters, defenders, and innocents, she was at the verge of tears– among the defenders I saw a couple of teachers, civilians, probably alumni that responded to the call, and students… first years next to seven years boys and girls, their faces showing peace, as if death caught them in glory, –Her eyes went wet when she looked eyes with her mother– they told me what he did, why he was dying, and I pray too, for other to take his place –She bows her head and wiped the tears before look at them– but if he is strong enough to survive that, he will survive anything, we just need to trust on him.

They finish eating in silence and went to sleep. While Milena and Aleksander hold each other to sleep, their faces covered in tears, of pride, fear, uncertainty, joy...

Elena didn´t sleep, concern covered her face, she and Sergei stayed with Viktor for a couple of weeks after the battle, making sure he will be ok, that he will survive, but he was not well, he was restless and had nightmares, he attacked Sergei while sleeping, but she didn't mention that to her parents, even she didn't know why he was reacting like that... but she can't go to him, she can't show this fears to her parents, they already had theirs hands full, thanks to the death feud, she decided to send an owl to Sergei, see if he will be willing to travel and see Viktor, he will never admit, but that night, when Viktor attack him, he was petrified, he loved Viktor as a brother, but maybe, he was scared beyond anything that Viktor actually kill him, because she knew, Sergei will never raise his wand against Viktor, not after all they had been through together since they were kids, she knew Viktor feel the same, but he was not well and they didn't know how to help him…

Shell Cottage, England

After Viktor left, Fleur went upstairs while Bill cleaned and put the dishes away, Bill took a few moments to watch out the window, to the blackness, finally, he went upstairs, Fleur was sited in front of the mirror and he embrace her from behind.

I'm really scared, honey – Bill said with a trembling voice, while she turns on the chaireven if our kids don't inherit wolf traits, it may not be safe for you, we don't know much, I don't know enough, I... I'm scared that something may happen, I... I can't lose you... – he said kneeling and looking at her eyes. – But I can't deny you anything, no when I want it as well – he closes his eyes and lock their foreheads together. I'm going to take his offer, of Viktor I mean, and do a little bit of research; I know it's not the answer you wanthe strokes her chin gently and looks into her eyes – but that is what I can offer right now just give me a little bit of time to make peace with my fears, ok?

Fleur just smiles – Oui.

Bill kisses her as if there was no tomorrow and then carries her to the bed, giggling, a few hours later they were sleeping peacefully and Fleur was dreaming, in her dream, she was chasing tiny feet all over the house, cold shivering wake her up, and she didn't like it, all should be solved, all of them should be safe, she holds on to Bill harder and went back to sleep, hoping that everything will be ok...

The Burrow, England

Arthur Weasley was late...

To be fair, he had been checking his son's business and that took much more time than he had liked it, plus Lee, had arrived late, and when he explains the reason, he decided to delay going home. He was preoccupied, his wife was still sore about Fred, and according to Lee, she may have a reaction to the Special Evening Edition of The Prophet. So, he apparated a little further than usual, he hadn't read the paper, but based on the mood of Jordan, well, to say that he was curious about the interview was an understatement.

Molly was finishing dinner when an owl of The Prophet leaves her a Special Evening Edition, she was not really in the mood to read about Viktor Krum, but she had nothing else to do, Arthur was late, but according to the clock, he was on the way, George was on the garden, Ron had gone to Harry's with Ginny, and Charlie was reading at the study, waiting for dinner so, she picked up the paper and started reading...

Charlie had heard his mother sobbing frequently since the battle, but at that moment, it was a different sob so he quickly made it to the table and saw his father arriving and holding her, he notice the paper in her hand and took it, he started reading, and end up falling on the chair, a single tear on his eye, he saw the tears on his mother face and the puzzled expression on his fathers, he gives him the paper and watches his father reaction to morph into one of skepticism, they collect themselves and once George enters, they hide the paper, and dine quietly. After they finish dinner, Molly and George go to their rooms, while Charlie followed Arthur to the study, there, Arthur Wesley was looking through the window and Charlie quickly puts away the books and waits for his father to talk...

George noticed the looks that his father and brother were sharing, and for a moment, he remember, who was George Weasley, on that single moment, he took out one of the Weasley twin's oldest inventions, the Extendable Ears, and positioned both of them on the window, so he could drop it right next to the window of his father study since his father had never put any silence spells on the house, then he took his old seat, leaving space for Fred as if he was there, and listen to his father and brother...

Father?Charlie was nervous and sounded scared...

Arthur keeps looking through the window, then, a small smile appears on his face, he turns around to see his son with a more serene expression while walking to the desk.

Yes. My son. What do you fear? – Charlie looks at him puzzled.

You don't fear it, father? – Charlie swallows – If George reads the paper...

Nothing will change... Arthur took his seat, while Charlie sit in front of him – he still will walk through this house like a ghost, he will not go to the shop or the flat he shared with his brother, – Arthur sounded defeated – is too soon, he is more broken than us, – hesighs heavily – they were together every single day since birth, even Molly wasn't that close to them, – Arthur sounded intrigued – muggles said that twins share sensations or even pain, they even make experiments separating twins to confirm this, the separated twin's married similar women, or have similar jobs or possessions, I truly find them fascinating, but, if it's true...if it's true, George must have felt Fred dying, and he will never recover, at the most, he'll learn to live with it, like all of us. – Arthur sounded resigned.

Is it still a good idea to let him go with Ron to Scotland? Arthur looks at his son – Do you think he will be alright? Charlie was apprehensive.

I do he was confident – if anything, he'll find peace and strength to get back to us, to their dream. – he looked concentrated – I'll contact Hermione to get me a meeting with him, and thank him properly. – Charlie nodded.

He did make us look grater than we are he smiled a bit – Do you think that he really sees us that way? he sounded surprised.

I do Arthur looks into his eyes, – I think he is not a person who lies, besides, he doesn't owe us anything, why will he talk like this if he doesn't believe it? – Charlie was thinking – go to bed son, I got you the access to the restricted section in the Ministry Archives, and one for the Scamander Family collection, but there are rules and restrictions, I don't know about the ones in Scamander Collection but the Ministry Archives as always, you can't take anything out, so you better make the most of it. – Charlie was so excited that he forgot everything else and bolt to his room. Arthur saw him with emotion filling his eyes – Come down George, – Arthur said in the loneliness of the study – I saw your ears on the window – a pop later George was in front of him.

Why did you talk like that if you knew I was listening? Arthur looked amused – and why you didn't tell Charlie? – he was puzzled.

My son, – Arthur looks into his eyes, – I'll never lie or hide things from you – he gives him The Prophet – I trust in your strength, and I'll give you all the time you need, if necessary I'll take a sabbatical and take care of your shop, but I need something from you, – George look at him – the ears on the window, that was the first time you were back to your old self, I didn't tell Charlie because he'll be hopeful, and you are not ready, what I want, – Arthur stands up and circles the desk to be behind George, and he turns to see him – is that you let your gut, your heart to make decisions, don't think on your mother, your siblings or me, just do what makes you happy, as long as you go on, we'll be happy. – Arthur swallowed Don't stay up late and don't let your mother know that you read the article, she'll be worried, and maybe consider cutting her some slack, she will always be a mama bear, she'll always worry about her pups. Think about it. – He did try to embrace him but he didn't want to push it, so he left the study.

George took a seat and after a moment he read the article and weep; he too was surprised but was unsure of what he wanted...or not…

Grimmauld Place, England

Harry and Ron were having a nice time playing chess, Ginny wasn't interested in watching them play, so she used the time before dinner to decorate a little bit, the old portrait of Sirius's mom had been removed early on the week and had been reduced on size and put on the room were The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black family tree was, the portrait of Walburga Black was now on silence and occupying his place on the tree. Even when the House of Black was extinct (since there were no more males on the line) they still were present thanks to the female line through the descendants, and Ginny had always been fascinated by the fact that Bellatrix Lestrange, Andromeda Tonks, and Narcissa Malfoy, were sisters of the Black family as well as the crossing with the Weasley's and Prewett's line (her mother was a Prewett by birth) and even at some point a crossing with the Potter's line, in any case, she was finishing the decoration on the second floor when she heard an owl arriving, she went to the owl's room to see what was so important that the Prophet released a Special Evening Edition, the boys were still engrossed on the game so she read the paper and sank on one of the chairs, she had a single tear rolling, but almost immediately a mischievous smile appears on her face...

In the living room the boys were cleaning up, once again Ron had won, and Harry was not sulky, he knew he was bad, but he had managed to last 5 minutes longer and for that he was proud...

Finally… – She said crossing the room, – I'll reheat what mom send so, place the table.

Wait, Ginny – said Harry – Aunt Petunia is teaching me to cook, – Ginny look at him impressed, he smiled – can you reheat the bowl I have on the oven as well?

Why are you cooking, mate? You are crazy rich; you can get an elf…

That's why you'll never get a smart girl… – said Ginny between her teeth.

It's not my fault! If Snape–

Professor Snape – Harry intervened as Hermione had done for years.

Hadn't call Krum, maybe I had a fair shot, now is a lot harder, and–

She is already his girlfriend, you know. – Said Ginny all too pleased. Harry and Ron looked at her as if she had three heads.

No, they just reacquaintance a couple of days ago, they can't be together yet! – Ron was livid.

Enough teasing him, Ginny, you know he is too sensitive about it, – Harry tried to not laugh – He is not in the mood for pranks.

Well, they may be just reacquaintance physically a couple of days ago, but they have been writing to each other for years, – Harry looks puzzledShe had a life of her own, you know, not all her time was about helping you, Harry,he was embarrassed to realize she was right, he never knew much about his friend life – and we are good friends, and we are girls, so, she confides me and I on her, – Ron looked paled – Plus they were together all the time on Bill's wedding, that was a huge–

Is irrelevant – Ron continuesThey can't be together, he lives and works on Bulgari, and as far as we know, Hermione will be back at Hogwarts with you, so they'll have a continent of distance, they aren't together, I have time–

Ron, – Harry tried to put sense back on him – Maybe is time for you to let her go, there are many other–

Not like her, she is special, she–

Enough Ron, – Ginny practically yells to him – she is not for you, you already miss that chance, twice, they–

I'll not fall for your prank again.

Is NOT a prank, – she shows them The Prophet – He just made it semi-official, – Ron took the paper from her hands and started reading – I seriously doubt he will make this kind of declaration without her consent. – Ron was fuming, he makes the paper a ball and send it flying across the room, defeated, he went to the cupboard to place the table. Harry got it back and read it.

Well, that's settled – He took a deep breath – Ginny, am I a lousy friend? – Ginny seems puzzled. – I mean, I been so concern about surviving that, I never consider she may have other interests, other that read half of Hogwarts library –Ginny smiled bit – she has this all other side I know nothing about… – Ginny hold his hand.

You have time, the war is over, you can catch up to be a good friend to her.

So, I am a lousy one… – he smiled with her, and after pecking his lips, went to help Ron.

Ginny sees him go and keeps smiling. She went to the kitchen and put the food on the fire, while writing a note, she picks a treat for Harry's owl to take the note. Then she took the bowls of food and went to the table. Ron was sulky but eating peacefully while Harry was lost in his thoughts…

SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE

I found him.

Are you sure? – A man in the shadows ask

Yes, – he drops a photo on the table – A friend of mine send me this earlier today.

How? – Another one asks looking at the photo.

My cousin in the Ministry was so excited after helping him to get travel papers, that he forgot the secrecy during our lunch a couple of days ago. And to be sure I contact a friend in England that saw him leaving The Prophet offices, follow him to Gringotts, and to a muggle hotel, there he meet with a woman – he drop a series of photos on the table– and after a few errands on Diagon Alley they use a dispparate spot he tried to follow, but no avail. He came back to the hotel, so we know where he is staying.

And why – All of them look at the newcomer who drops a Special Evening Edition of The Prophet on the table.

So, England? – The fifth man asks.

For now. Until he signs with another team. – The man that arrived with the paper said.

But he has a girl now… – said a man at the table while reading the paper – we may follow her if we lost him.

She has no part in it, plus she is a hero in England, very high profile. We only use her if necessary.

We should just go and deal with it.

No, we have time, it has to look like an accident, or do you want to spend the rest of your life in a tower?

Is just easier to go now–

Dimitri is right, going now will put us on a cell, Ivan – the guy said softly but firm I understand your anger, but you need to get it under control, three of us did a blood vow in presence of the death, each of us has a separate motive and separate fates, but if we want to succeed being together is the best option, we should consider link our vows–

No. – the one named Ivan was furious I'll not compromise my vow on your agenda, especially when you fail to bring him back to Bulgari.

That was out of my control! The teammates that visit him were too hostile, of course, he was not going to take my offer after that.

He is right. – both look at the man they call Dimitri we'll not link our vows. At least not me. This pentagram was created for the proposes of information, now, we all know where he is and why the purpose of this pentagram is done. I'll never see or hear from you again. My vengeance will come, but you two…your anger and your hubris blind youhe said looking between the two men – you two you didn't do a vow, still want information. – the man and women in the shadows were still wearing their capes – I don't know your names, only your faces, and even that I doubt. Don't cross my path, – he walks to the door – My boy is worth the lives of every single one of you, and many more, so don't stand in my way…he leaves shouting the door behind him.

He thinks his son is more precious than my brother…

Quiet Ivan, – he sounded scared He was my tutor once, and even then, I knew he wasn't teaching me all he knew, he traveled the world, his wife and son grounded him for a bit, but he has been erratic since she died, and now his boy is gone…unlike you, that has nephews, he doesn't have anything of his son, he has nothing to lose…

Come on, Marten, he is not that impressive. Are you two leaving? – He asks the couple that was leaving in silence.

We are. – Said the man looking at them.

Are you still not going to tell us your names? – Marten asks.

My name is not important, my girl was. I'm not interested in any vendetta, my reasons to look for him are mine…

And you woman? Certainly, I like to know your name… – Ivan said with a flirting smile.

My name is not for the likes of you, – she said coldly – my interest on this is similar to my companion, but still my own, and is not for you to know. – she walks to the door, where the other man was waiting, but spins and smiles maliciously – By the way, you are a lousy coach and you, please, find something else to work… as a quidditch player, you disgrace the uniform you wore. – Both men were left in the dark and fuming.

Let's go, we have practice tomorrow on Vratsa and for the first time in years, we need to hold tryouts and reorganize the team, with him leaving, we lost the best player…

He was not the best…

Who are you trying to lie to? 90% of the games were won by him, he knew exactly when to go for the snitch, he read the board and the game. Every time we were losing, he did the math and catch the snitch in a way that we won for barely 10 points or lose by 10 points. He saved us from so much shame… – Marten walks to the exit waiting for a fuming Ivan, he follows him a little later, the wheels on his mind already working…

Two shadows appeared in front of a ruined building…

So, this is it? – the male voice sounded defeated.

You knew this was going to be a temporary alliance. – the woman sounded tired.

Yes, but…I had hoped that at least you give your name, I…we share a propose, you know all about my girl, my reason, yet I know nothing about your man, he should have been a fine man for you to do all this…certainly he wasn't a Death Eater

He was a good man and no, he wasn't a Death Eater, but as I said to them, she looks at his eyes – I have my reasons to look for him. And is not of your concern…

But—

Don't worry, I'm not planning on killing him, and I know you don't want to do it either, so, we might see each other again or not, – she took a step back – in any case, thank you for the help, and I hope your lost gets lighter with each passing day. – she then disapparate. He just signs and disapparate as well.

Did you find him? – said a woman from the bed…

Yes, he is in England – said the woman but her features were changing to ones of a taller male. – I barely made it, I tough that I was going to change in front of him, destroying our cover – the woman on the bed smiled.

In a little while it won't matter – the woman was tired. He was terribly sad. – Light up, as his wife I already had all cover with the law, my lawyer and a judge will be here in an hour, his wishes are going to be respected, that was the point of this charade – he was crying – Come on…

Is just… we take so much from you, we–

Hey, I offered – she smiled – is not like I miss anything, I did fall in love, you know – at that moment she didn't sound sick, she sounded younger, hopeful – she was the most beautiful girl in the planet, she make me laugh of the craziest things, and my heart choose her every day, my Irina, – she look at him – your Nicolai was the only one of our, so call friends that look for me after her murder, they all knew about us, and I always suspect that one of them betray us, but I was so broken that I didn't care, he help me to heal, the least I could do was to help you guys, maybe one day our country will be more open but now, I'm just making sure that what he wanted is respected, – she smiled – just promise me that you protect him, he avenged our Nicolai, he deserves a peaceful, happy life, promise me…

I will protect him, you can go with your Irina, tell Nicolai I'll miss him, and be confident that I will protect him…

I'll hold you to that, Mikael Gregorovitch….