Chapter 15
Two days later, Viktor answered the legal challenge from Theresa Galloway. He stood in front of the Wizengamot with his solicitor and took a Wizard's Oath, even going as far as offering to take Veritaserum.
Kingsley Shacklebolt spoke. "That isn't necessary, Mr. Krum, your oath is enough. This isn't a criminal matter."
He then spoke to the gallery at large. "Today, we are to settle the paternity suit of Victoria Galloway, one month old daughter of Theresia Galloway. Madame Galloway will speak first."
Theresia Galloway took the witness chair and spoke emotionally of a night ten months prior, but offered no solid proof that Viktor was actually the father. Viktor was furious, he had never laid eyes on the witch in his life.
"Thank you, Madame Galloway. Now we will hear from Master Reed, representing Viktor Krum."
Bilius rose and spoke. "Mr. Krum appreciates the opportunity to defend his good name against these dubious allegations. We will offer irrefutable proof that Mr. Krum was not even in England at the time in question, and further proof that denies Mr. Krum as the father of the child."
"Very well, you may proceed."
He held up a piece of parchment. "This oath-certified parchment lists the time and place of Mr. Krum's employment and residence of the night in question. As you can see from the parchment before you, he was clearly in the employ of Durmstrang Academy of Magic in eastern Europe, nowhere near London."
He held up a stack of parchment. "These are statements, obtained under oath, from nineteen colleagues who verify that on the night in question, Mr. Krum was refereeing a Quidditch match at the school. A copy of the school newspaper quidditch section, also before you, will verify the fact. "
"That can't be, he was here!" Mrs. Galloway declared.
"Madame Galloway, you have had your turn to speak. If you have anything to add, you may do so when Mr. Krum has finished, is that understood?" Kingsley stated.
"I wish to call Healer Jeffrey Blake of St. Mungo's, who will present results of the paternity test performed two days ago," Bilius said.
Healer Blake sat in the wtiness chair and Bilius spoke. "Healer Blake, how long have you been a practicing healer?"
"Sixteen years."
"Please state your professional qualifications."
"I am a licensed healer. I spent my first three years in the accident and emergency ward, then two years in the Spell Damage ward. For the past 11 years, I have been in the Witches Care ward, which deals primarily with obstetrical issues."
"How many magical paternity cases have you testified in?"
"Counting this one, 34."
"What do you know of the paternity test of Victoria Galloway?"
"I performed it myself and brought the results with me today."
"How reliable are paternity tests?"
"The tests are one hundred percent accurate, Mr. Reed. There has never been a case of mistaken paternity; the science of it is irrefutable."
"Has anyone seen the results of the test?"
"No sir, not even myself. It is sealed with 4 different tamper resistant charms to ensure the absolute integrity of the test. Only a drop of blood from Mr. Krum will open the envelope."
Viktor pricked his thumb and let a drop of blood fall on the envelope flap. Healer Blake opened the envelope and removed the paper inside. He read it and spoke.
"The results show that there is zero chance that Viktor Krum is the father of Victoria Galloway."
He gave the paper to Kingsley.
"Very well. Madame Galloway, do you have anything to add?"
"I don't care what your papers say, I know who was there! It was him!" she said and pointed to Viktor. "It's all lies!"
"Madame Galloway, I know this is an emotional time for you, but the evidence is clear. Employment records and witness statements obtained under oath cannot be called lies. Proven medical science combined with years of experience cannot be called lies. Mr. Krum has proven that he is not the father of your child. While I feel for your situation, Mr. Krum is not responsible for support of the child. This matter is concluded, good day to you all."
The next day at breakfast, Hermione read the front page story with a smile.
"KRUM CLEARED OF PATERNITY"
"Told you," she said.
"This Galloway witch sounds crazy, accusing everyone of conspiring against her," Ginny said.
"Everyone knows that, but she's being irrational. She doesn't want to admit to a one-night stand with some strange wizard, and she wants Viktor to pay for it," Hermione said.
"Literally," Parvarti said.
#
After a good talking-to by his parents, Ron finally saw that he was acting as irrationally as Theresa Galloway and was embarrassed at his actions. After a private talk, it was Bill who got to the heart of the issue. It turned out that Ron had been "saving himself" for Hermione, and seeing her and Viktor together intimately finally snapped his wand, so to speak. He referred Ron to a certain brothel along a little-known street (unless you were looking for it) at the northeast corner of Diagon Alley.
"It's a decent, discrete place and it'll help you with your frustration," Bill had advised.
"How much?"
"40 galleons should do it."
"40 galleons?! That's a fortune!"
"It's a decent place, it's worth it, believe me."
So Friday night when he closed the shop, he ate dinner at his favorite pub, and then found himself standing in front of "Maggie's House of Magic, Discrete Pleasure for Discerning Wizards and Witches."
And witches? He took a deep breath and walked in. The bell on the door jingled and an older witch in dark purple robes approached him.
"Welcome sir, what is your pleasure this evening?"
"Um… not quite sure, miss."
"Never been to a place like this?"
Ron shook his head.
"Older brother refer you?"
Ron nodded.
"It's good to know people keep us in mind. Well, we have all kinds of women here who do all kinds of things. All depends on what you have in mind and the galleons, of course."
He showed the 40 galleons he brought with him.
"Well, with that much, you get the pick of the girls all night. How does that sound?"
"Sounds alright."
"Splendid! Now you just go through that door, the red one, and choose your companion for the evening."
She gave him a key. "Room 14, up the stairs to the right. Enjoy your evening."
He cleared his throat walked through the red door and got the shock of his young life. Before him, either lounging, chatting, reading, or playing cards, a dozen young witches, all scantily clad, paused and looked at him in interest. A petite witch with long brown hair and brown eyes got his attention. She left her card game and approached him.
"Like what you see?" she asked.
He nodded.
"Not much of a talker, are you?"
Ron shrugged and said, "Didn't know sex needed talking."
"If done right, talk can be very arousing, especially in bed," she said.
The other women chuckled. She stepped closer and whispered to him, "I love virgins, they're my specialty. We have all night, that's plenty of time to learn, don't you think?"
#
At the end of May, Viktor went through a pouty spell, as she called it, when Manchester came in third place at season's end. They were out of the running for the English Cup, losing to Tutshill in a close match by ten points in the last three minutes. The papers called it "the most well-played, thrilling playoff match in a decade."
"Then it was a well-played, thrilling loss, no matter how pretty they word it," he stated. "And I do not get pout."
Friday June 4, 1999
Hermione sat among the 87 others ready to leave Hogwarts and waited for her name to be called. Minerva called out their names and career plans as they walked to the podium at the front of the Great Hall.
"Susan Katherine Bones, who will be continuing her study of Herbology, you have my congratulations on completing your course of study here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
She felt a stab of sadness upon thinking that Colin Creevey's name should have been called soon after Susan's. Viktor noted her frown, deep breaths, then clenching her fists that showed her distress about something. She brightened and clapped when another was called.
"Anthony Steven Goldstein, who will be pursuing a career with the Wizengamot, you have my congratulations on completing your course of study here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
She was startled when she heard her own name.
"Hermione Jean Granger, who leaves with academic honors, will be taking a position with The Mage Guild.You have my congratulations on completing your course of study here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Her parents, the Krums, Viktor, the Weasleys, Harry and James Crowder all cheered when she held up her scroll in victory.
"Parvarti Garima Patil, who will be pursuing a career in public relations at the Ministry for Magic.You have my congratulations on completing your course of study here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
She smiled when she saw the contingent of Patils cheering for Parvarti.
"Dean Maxwell Thomas, who will pursue a career as an Auror, you have my congratulations on completing your course of study here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Poor alphabetically challenged Ginny was next to last.
"Ginevra Molly Weasley, Head Girl, will be joining the Holyhead Harpies quidditch team, you have my congratulations on completing your course of study here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
When all were called, they stood as a whole, sang the Hogwarts song, and threw their drooping hats into the air. After her parents treated her to a congratulatory dinner, she flopped down on her bed, exhausted.
"I think I had too much wine," she said and hiccupped. "Today I left Hogwarts… tomorrow, the Ministry Victory Ball," she said, her voice slurred.
"This is good month, we marry as well. You sleep now, pretty one. You make many people proud today."