January 9th
Saturday morning, Manchester practice pitch
Anna Krum made another trip to England to see Viktor off before he left for America. He chatted with his mother while Hermione observed the various wives and girlfriends.
"You get used to this after a while," Anna said.
She saw Manchester's seeker, Devon Highwater, with his wife and four children. The head coach was with his wife and children, talking to a reporter from The Daily Prophet. What almost made her laugh out loud was one of the chasers, Henry McMahon, with three witches fawning over him. Not just any witches, but three perky, gorgeous, tall, blonde triplets that made Hermione feel like an inferiority complex was coming on. Who are they? They're not much older than me and I would have definitely remembered that trio from Hogwarts.
"Outrageous, aren't they?" Viktor murmured and drew her close. "Have no fear, my heart. They're harmless. You're ten times the witch they are, and that's saying a lot, seeing that there is three of them."
"Viktor, be nice," his mum chastised.
An official from the Department of Magical Games and Sports arrived to make the journey to America with the team. A representative from the Department of Magical Transportation was on scene to oversee the traveling arrangements with five international port keys. The coach made a short speech to the crowd of wives, girlfriends, and reporters.
"We'll be back before you have time to miss me," Victor said.
Hermione chuckled at his turn of phrase and straightened his cloak. "I already miss you, have fun," she said.
"I love you, take care of you," he said and gave her a soft kiss.
The coach called him to a port key. He winked, touched the port key, and disappeared. As she was inviting the Anna to accompany her to her parent's home for a visit, she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around. It was Devon Highwater's wife.
"Pardon the interruption Miss Granger, I'm Regina Highwater, Devon's wife," she said and extended a hand. "It's an honor to meet you; I wanted to catch you before you left."
"Pleased to meet you as well," Hermione said. "I was just telling-"
She was interrupted by more tapping on her shoulder. She gave an apologetic look to Mrs. Highwater and turned. It was one of the triplets.
"So it's true?" she asked.
"Is what true and you are…?" Hermione asked, perplexed.
"Oh, silly of me. I'm Christina Masters, but most call me Christy," she said and bounced on the balls of her feet. Yep, perky. She was joined by another sister.
"Hi, I'm Cassandra Masters, but people call me Cassie," she said.
"Hermione Granger," she said and extended her hand.
"Granger? The one who… Harry Potter's friend?" Christy asked.
"Yes, that one, now if you'll excuse me," Hermione said and turned to resume her conversation with Mrs. Highwater, who was observing the scene with amusement.
"Look, Viktor gave her a ring!" one of the triplets said.
"May I see the ring?" Mrs. Highwater asked and leaned closer. "They're a little outrageous, but they mean well," she said quietly of the triplets.
Hermione held out her hand for them to see the ring.
"Is this an heirloom? It's quite elegant."
"Yes, it was passed down from his grandmother."
"Oh, how pretty!" Christy exclaimed.
The third sister joined the throng. "That's a pretty ring, you must be so excited! I'm Cindy."
"Miss Granger-" Christy said.
"Call me Hermione."
"Okay Hermione, did you really break out of Gringotts on a dragon?" she asked.
"Yes, but it was three of us, not just me."
"Amazing!" the triplets chimed.
Hermione gave Anna and Mrs. Highwater a longsuffering glance. Amazing was not a word she would ever use for that terrifying, insane, desperate day.
"Can you see why Viktor is crazy about her?" Cassie asked.
"Yeah, all that smooth tanned skin-" from Christy.
"Petite figure-" from Cindy.
"Her amazing hair and eyes-" from Cassie.
"Just like a wood nymph!" all three declared.
Hermione was rendered speechless. The mirrored comments reminded her of the Weasley twins. She had been called a lot of things in her time: mudblood, bookworm, swotty-little-know-it-all, heroine, but never a nymph, of any kind, nor had anyone ever described her hair as amazing. What could she say?
"Um…thanks?"
Anna rescued her. "Hermione dear, don't we have that lunch reservation?" she asked, the lie small, white, and necessary.
"Oh-yes! Yes, we do."
Three days later, she received a letter from Viktor.
Pretty one-
Hello from Florida, "The Sunshine State" as they call it here. We arrived safely and have played two matches since our arrival, against Appleby and the team from Florida. It is amazing here, there is good reason it is called a sunshine state. The weather is perfect for playing and the fans in America are quite spirited and eager to be included in international play. I am amazed at the powerful brooms they possess- models such as Harley Davidson Air King, Kawasaki Tornado, and Ford Flame. This weekend we are to go to a beach and Disneyworld. Devon says we will love it, as he took his family there last summer. I am having much fun and playing much quidditch, but I miss you every day.
Counting the days, all my love,
Viktor
She sent a letter in return, telling him what was going on in her life. She spruced up the gardens around the cottage, studied the the Apprentice Introduction Literature for The Mage Guild, bought new drapes, met with some of the other quidditch wives for lunch, and looked through a dozen muggle and magical magazines for bridal attire ideas.
January 22
The team returned the same way they left. Wives and girlfriends excitedly greeted the returning players, Hermione included. No matter the bruise and scrape above his left eyebrow, he looked and felt perfect.
"I've been away far too long," he said, "but I am loving such an enthusiastic welcome. And team has week off."
After a fun, romantic weekend in Bulgaria, Hermione decided that the school term couldn't come soon enough and voiced it at breakfast. Ginny echoed the sentiment, and owls made their appearance with their morning deliveries. Hermione flipped through letters and more wedding catalogs until she heard a gasp from Parvarti, intently reading a front-page article.
"What, is Voldemort back or something?" Hermione joked.
"Oh dear," Minerva quipped when she saw the paper. She glanced at the Gryffindor table, and by seeing Hermione's usual countenance, she hadn't seen the paper yet.
"Hermione, I'm so sorry," Pavarti said.
"What for?" Hermione asked.
Ginny furiously shook her head and hissed "no!" as Hermione took the paper. She perused the article at the top of the page.
"You're sorry for a Wizengamot ruling?" Hermione asked then looked further down the page. She saw a picture of Viktor and a headline: Quidditch Star A Father? They all saw Hermione frown as she read the article.
Viktor Krum, Seeker for the Manchester Mages, is alleged to be the father of a witch born last month. Theresa Galloway, 25, of London, claims that Viktor Krum is the father of the girl, conceived in a one-night affair last year.
"I admit that we both drank heavily that night, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I expect Mr. Krum to take responsibility as well. His daughter has the right to proper support, and I will take the matter to the Wizengamot if necessary."
Bilius Reed, solicitor for Mr. Krum, made the following statement on his behalf: "While Mr. Krum is concerned for the welfare of any child, he wholeheartedly denies fathering the baby. Has never heard of or met Mrs. Galloway and is eager to prove his innocence in the matter."
There is no word yet from Mr. Krum's fiancée, Hermione Granger, regarding this latest bit of controversy. There will more to the story as it develops.
Hermione closed the paper, put on a brave face and gave a brave speech. "You see who wrote that article, right? Rita Skeeter, that's who. If Viktor says he didn't father the baby, I believe him. Now do you see why I say that paper should be used to line the bottom of your owl cages?"
#
At the practice pitch, Viktor walked into a strangely silent locker room. Everyone was looking at him in sympathy, and Devon gave him a paper.
"Read the paper yet?" he asked.
"No, it does not interest me."
"Well, it just might today."
Viktor took the paper, saw the headline about a Wizengamot ruling and let his eyes drift to the bottom half. He read the article, frowned, and swore, "Po dyavolite Skeeter!"
He felt his heart thumping wildly in his chest. By God, Hermione has probably seen this!
"Mate, this has happened to all of us at one time or another," one of the beaters assured him.
"I slept on the couch for a week," Devon said.
"Da, it happened before in Bulgaria, but was found untrue," Viktor said. "It is untrue again. This Reed is good legal wizard, it is what I would have said."
By the end of the day, Hermione was a nervous wreck and she stormed from the school without a word to anyone. She loved Viktor and trusted him, but she couldn't help how the article affected her. He was waiting at her door with flowers and saw the harried look on her face.
"Pretty one, I can explain," he said.
"Please do," she demanded and went into the cottage, he at her heels.
"It is mistake, it must be. I do not know this woman, and I was with no one at the time she claims the baby was conceived. I requested my schedule from Durmstrang to prove where and when I was. I have also arranged for paternity test tomorrow at hospital. You will see, pretty one, all will be well."
She quickly wiped a tear that fell, prompting him to pull her close and press a kiss on top of her head. "I hate to be the cause of your tears. I love you, I marry you, and you are the one I wish to make babies with. Say that you believe me, dear one, please believe me," he pleaded.
The loving, pleading look in his eyes was overwhelming.
"I believe you," she said softly.
He kissed her hands. "Thank you. Come, let me show that you are only one for me."
#
That night at his favorite pub, Ron toasted the barkeep, who shook his head. "Don't you think you've had enough there, kid?"
"I'm celebrating, wanna know why? I'm getting my girl back tonight," Ron declared and swayed on the stool.
He had yet to get over Hermione and Viktor's engagement. No matter how much his dad and brothers talked to him, he just couldn't let go. That morning, he rejoiced when he read the article of Viktor's alleged indiscretion. Now, after a couple of glasses of whiskey, his irrationally intoxicated mind imagined how hurt Hermione must be. He would convince her how wrong Krum was for her, and how right he was. I'm going to go right over there and comfort her broken heart!
Crookshanks and Zoya were discussing a bothersome neighboring cat and a nest of pesky crows when Ron apparated into the cottage. Crookshanks and Zoya recognized him as one of the companions of their mistress, so they weren't alarmed. Zoya thumped her tail in welcome and got a scratch behind the ears.
"Hey girl, is she here?" Ron asked.
Zoya thumped her tail, walked to the bedroom door, and sat down in front of it. He turned the doorknob and opened the door. What he saw rendered him breathless. He couldn't move, he was frozen in place.
Hermione-sex-naked-moaning-skin-breasts-gah!
Viktor sat on the bed, his back to him, suckling her breasts while Hermione straddled him, riding him vigorously. Her head was thrown back, eyes closed; her face contorted in ecstasy as she cried out in pleasure. Ron was mesmerized at the sight, if only for a few seconds until she opened her eyes to look at Viktor and saw Ron in the doorway.
"Ron!" she shrieked and dove for the blanket.
"Vat?" Viktor asked and turned toward the door.
He swore in Bulgarian and reached for his wand. Ron stepped back, tripped over the dog, and apparated. The last thing he heard was Hermione screeching about "a curse I invented just for him!"
He couldn't go back to the flat he shared with George above the shop; that would be the first place they would look. He went to The Burrow instead. His sudden appearance startled his parents, and he ran around the home, clumsily casting charms.
"They're coming for me! She said she has a new curse just for me!" he exclaimed and ducked under the dining table; wand held tightly.
"Who's coming for you?" Arthur asked.
"Have you been drinking?" Molly asked.
A loud crack of apparition was heard, along with a muted whimper from Ron.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley, you come out here right now!" Hermione screeched.
Molly went to the front door. "Hermione dear, what's the matter?"
Hermione said and dropped her wand arm. "Is Ron here?"
"Yes, and he's been drinking. What's he done now?" Molly asked and Arthur joined them.
Hermione sighed and told her what happened. Arthur shook his head and went inside.
"Ronald, get out here this instant!" Molly screeched and Arthur drug Ron outside by the collar.
"Explain yourself," he demanded.
By the time Ron finished explaining his side, Hermione was no longer as angry but more perplexed. "Ron, we will never be a couple, I thought you knew that," she stated. "As of now, I give up trying to convince you of that fact. The stunt you pulled this evening was an awful invasion of our privacy! I'm going to marry Viktor, please get that through your head," she said.
"Weasley, I will stand for no more of this. I have been patient with your boyish, jealous behavior for more than is reasonable, only because she is your friend. If you are true friend to her, you would be happy for her."
"Molly, Arthur, we're sorry for bothering you so late," Hermione said. "We'll go."