(Disillusioned) Sinanishko Lake, Pirin Mountains, Blagoevgrad Province
"Captain? Captain! I can't believe it. It's good to see you again!"
The echo of the hollered words reached Viktor and his trainer as they walked onto the lush grass and over the stone slopes of Bulgaria's National Quidditch Stadium.
The lack of the usual eerie mist that would encompass the pitch – which was meant to intimidate foreigners more than the locals – in the early morning made the old but robust structure look romantic and warm in the daylight; the poles on top of the spectator's turrets waved the national flag merrily with the wind.
Viktor took in the sight in awe; from the ivy growing up the grey inclines and walls, to the goal posts that gleamed invitingly in gold. The grand bell tower at his far right was silent for once, considering it's still the off season. He knew it would ring for every successful shot at the hoops, the booming bong adding to the crowd's cheers or groans.
He never imagined he would see a sight like this outside of being a fan this soon; to be at the place he admired since childhood from the player's point of view. He even envied the groundskeeper at one time for having the privilege to take care of the field for everyone's delight.
But he shouldn't get ahead of himself, Viktor thought, shaking his head and donned a more serious mien. He still needs to prove he's cut out for the team before he can do a giddy tour of the area. He tensed up his legs where he stood behind Trainer Valkov to resist the urge to stroll. Instead, he turned his attention to the older wizard who laugh jovially while returning the earlier greeting.
"You're forgetting yourself, Petar. I have made peace with my retirement and no longer hold that title –,"
Trainer Valkov then stopped to look around him in an exaggerated manner, making Viktor and the player look at him oddly. The former Snipe then took the latter by surprise as he wrapped an arm around the man's neck, swift as a viper, and stage-whispered, " – for, as you know, I happily accede it to you last year, you zvyar!" he finished while using a fist to give him, as the North American's would say, a noogie.
The one called Petar blushed furiously, whether in embarrassment or anger, Viktor could not tell as the two started to wrestle in front of him.
The youngest of the three continued to stand still and suppressed his amusement from showing on his face, alert and wary in case any bouts that could stem from the rough housing might accidentally include him.
He has lived with boys in the school dorms to know enough that a stint between two notably hot-tempered people could be a messy and / or humorous affair. Even Mira and Georgi's heated arguments through the years were lessons he learned the hard way when he mistakenly laughed out loud or tried to intervene, trying to keep the peace. Both cases made him regret being in the cross fire as the two would turn their glares at him and enact creative retribution.
When the younger but more muscular man was able to wriggle his way out of the older's strangling hold – a Keeper has to have a good grip! – he leaped away comically, counterbalancing to a weighted stance with the help of his reflexes before he pivoted enough to catch a glimpse of Viktor's leaner physique.
He raised an eyebrow, blue eyes probing at Trainer Valkov before verbalizing about the odd bystander in their midst.
"He's not odd. He is here by design. I am endorsing who I think will mesh well with the team. After a little more group-oriented drills that is."
"A? Tuiii…He's your replacement Keeper? He looks too young. And too skinny. Like a sapling," said the team's Beater, looking back at Viktor skeptically. "He doesn't even look like he's out of school yet."
Viktor was a little miffed but tried not to voice it, still self – conscious of his ungainly long arms and legs that he knows he'll grow into eventually. He is cognizant enough to know that this is the person in the team he should show professionalism at all times.
Thus, he decisively moved forward with shoulders back, spine straight, and bowed smartly to the current Captain of the Snipes. "I would like to try out for the reserve team, if you permit me the chance, Captain Vulchanov. Not as Keeper but as Seeker."
The Captain narrowed eyes at him with a tilt of his head, rubbing a hand on his jaw in thought. "Yes…your built is better for that. You know of me of course but, who are you? How many summers are you now?"
Viktor pursed his lips briefly before answering, "Viktor Ivanov Krumov. Sixteen."
"Son of Ivan Krumov you say? I kakvo tolkova? You think you can just get in the team because of your heritage?" mocked the Captain, face suddenly filled with annoyance. He loomed over Viktor, poking his chest with a finger in emphasis.
"Petar!" shouted Trainer Valkov in exasperation.
"Listen up, Chukundur. You think a sixteen year old brat that has ties with the preserve is good enough for a professional team? I don't know how you got to Branimir but – "
"Petar Borislav Vulchanov, that's enough, pup! And you weren't listening to either of us. I thought I beat out the ear wax out from that thick skull of yours before I retired and named you my successor…!"
Viktor slowly slackened from his unconsciously defensive stance, uncrossing his arms before moving backwards for a step or so and remained quiet, choosing to butt out of the seemingly familiar argument between the men – if the facial expressions of the rest of the Snipes hovering over the field are any indication.
Viktor knew since childhood that his family name can evoke various feelings in the Bulgarian people, especially within his home city. He is proud of course of their clan's longstanding mission of protecting the delicate magical and non-magical biodiversity within the country in recent centuries, but it is also known that long before that, one fierce ancestor helped include Plovdiv soil to the Bulgarian Empire and protected it's advantageous geographic position from various foreign rule – protected all of Bulgaria essentially.
Many non-magical Bulgars and Slavs were not aware of Krum's pureblood origins. He let them think he was a chieftain, a descendent of an old but mugul Bulgar royal house, due to his intuitive military know-how and noble bearing. This deception was necessary – any citizen that was perceived to be a witch is executed without remorse.
But Krum loved his country despite the prejudice. He was wise and ambitious. After he learned from the best warriors and thinkers of the Turks, Mongols, and Slavs, he defeated their alliance, the Avar Khaganate. This started a series of events where he protected Bulgaria zealously numerous times and was a terror to his enemies that dared to disrupt the peace. His efforts bore fruit – he was eventually hailed by all to be Khan.
But after almost twenty years of strict but fair rule, Khan Krum named a non-magical but very able heir before quietly retiring in relative obscurity – at least to the mugul world. He knew that as a public figure, he will be questioned in due course for not aging as fast as the ordinary citizen, when life expectancy is already very low then compared to modern standards.
The former Khan's quiet contemplations and introspections during his retirement brought about a change in the family line. His memoirs, that were passed down through the ages, led to their family's redirected obligation from the Bulgarian people to the country's rich and much sought-after flora and fauna. It is not quite certain if Viktor's ancestor had the gift of the Inner Eye but this alteration is well-timed.
Succeeding foreign invasions had nearly destroyed the local habitat as much as the local people; deforestation, overhunting, and near-extinction of rare species. Since they are the only wizarding family that cared enough for the environment and its inhabitants and not just their own survival, it took the Krumovs generations before they made many locations inaccessible for human settlements, and trusting a handful of non-magicals to help them manage those areas.
This partiality towards mugul people, and control of various sites created mixed feelings in pureblood society within the country. But they are largely respected nonetheless due to their old lineage.
Viktor woke from his woolgathering and noticed that some of the other Snipes had silently approached, on foot or on their brooms, ignoring the loud arguing next to them and exchanged polite greetings. They inquired how he met their former Captain, if he indeed was still studying, and what position is he trying out for.
Viktor recounted, with a bit of discomfiture, an abridged version of the event that he and his friends have long called "The Dive Incident" and the succeeding meeting with Trainer Valkov in the street. Yes, he just finished his fourth year. He then repeated what he told Captain Vulchanov.
He added he's aware he may not be able to attend all matches since there are several scheduling conflicts at this point in his life that he still needs to smooth over with his school and family. But he would still like to try out – mainly due to Trainer Valkov's trust in him.
He also wants to find out his potential, if given the chance, he explained.
Feeling impressed, one of the Chasers summoned the chest of Quidditch equipment with a flick of her wand and offered to assess him. Another Chaser flew up to the bell tower and transfigured his wand into a heavy looking mallet, swinging it wildly into the biggest bell, activating it with magic in the process.
The moment the Snitch and Bludgers were released, Viktor's gaze automatically zeroed in on the glint of gold. Without looking away, he enlarged his shrunken broom – that had been in his fist since he left his home – mounted it, and flew off. The other players followed with keen interest.
Like last time, his sense of time and space went irrelevant; everything but the golden ball, a haze. He flew up high, like any Seeker would, and kept following the Snitch's progress with single-mindedness. The rest of the Snipes started a mock play, keeping at least one eye on him and his progress.
Viktor nearly forgot about the team's resident Seeker until she took off without hesitation, closing in on the flighty object while Viktor was still busy plotting the closest flight path to little ball.
The Snipe's main Seeker stopped a hairsbreadth away from it before she turned to Viktor with a raised eyebrow. He was so gob smacked from the quick maneuver that he hadn't had time to properly panic yet. The Snipe player chuckled, "Good. You're finally awake. Thought I might make you understand that games can be won easily within the first five minutes."
She glided over to his position near one of the turrets and continued patiently. "It's good you kept track of it since its release but it is not a wise thing to do and it shows your neglect for teamwork. You will forget to assist the Chasers in scoring goals, and forget to dodge the Bludgers coming your way. It will make you forget that these games are not just for your enjoyment but for the crowd's own as well.
Your sponsors won't like it either if things end too soon before a good show gets going."
Viktor listened in rapt attention, absorbing and percolating the information in his head. Now that it's brought to his attention, he did enjoy watching the games because of the suspense of not knowing who will win; the drama of sustaining injuries and whether or not the players will fight through it or let themselves be taken to oblivion; and the jubilation at the end of the game by either the great timing of the Seeker or the Chasers' efforts of scoring high enough to not make that matter.
The Seeker smiled as Viktor bowed his head to her and voiced his understanding. He asked if he could try again. She consented and pulled back to give him space.
When the female player flew away, Viktor took a discreet breath while turning towards the pitch in thought. He can see what Georgi is talking about now. He knew that there were women currently in the main and reserve roster of the Snipes and readied himself accordingly. But he miscalculated when he focused entirely on the Snitch and he admits he let his guard down enough for his shields to discharge.
At least all he felt from the female player was curiosity and sincere compassion, the last one he highly appreciated and took to heart as a morale boost. Sometimes, he needs reminding that there are many good people in the world like her; and his parents, his best friends and even Trainer Valkov. The teachings at Durmstrang make him feel like too much of a jaded warrior and he hasn't even reached his majority yet.
Viktor eventually tucked these thoughts aside to be reflected on another time.
"Are they always like this?" he questioned as he effortlessly darted away from an oncoming Bludger from his left before he engaged a conversation with the Beater that batted it at him. He can't believe the two Captains were still arguing!
"Like a married couple, aren't they? That's normal. It did escalate when Branimir's retirement was announced but it died down pretty quickly once we were finally briefed on the extent of his injury."
Viktor, deciding to apply his learnt knowledge, helped steal the Quaffle for the side that isn't the main Seeker's nor the Beater's – which he deduced during his chats – before passing it to a reserve Chaser, his assumed groupmate. He gave Viktor a quick salute before soaring away. The Beater from earlier sidled up next to him and clapped a hand down on his shoulder.
"You're getting it now. Let's see if you can keep that up."
An hour into the mock game, the Captains on the ground finally lost steam enough to notice what's going on around them.
Branimir gloated, seeing Viktor's labored determination in keeping pace with the game. He cheered when Viktor did a feint and almost made their resident Seeker chase after nothing.
Petar on the other hand was silent, studiously tracking Viktor. He raised his eyebrows when the younger man managed to position himself in such a way that any Bludger that was aimed at him will hit an opposing player.
Smart. He's starting to see what the kid is all about, Vulchanov mused.
After two more hours under the scorching summer sun, the match ended with Viktor holding up the Snitch, recreating his "Dive", stopping a foot or so away from the ground. The bell tower tolled to announce his team's victory.
"That's it! That's why I wanted him in the team. He's brave, Petar, and clever. If we develop that talent, our team may…no – our team will qualify into the European Championship someday."
"Hmp. You're that confident in him?"
"I was confident in you, and look where you are now."
They both turned back to Viktor in time to see him being dog piled by his enthusiastic team mates, the Chaser from earlier went up to them and yelled her approval with two thumbs up.
Residential Area, Krumov Ancestral Estate, Acropolis of Plovdiv
"Mamo, I'm home."
Alexandra looked up from her reading to the tired call of her son. He walked pass the living room, looking disheveled and even more uncoordinated than usual. Her heeled feet tapped the floor with rhythmic clicks as she rapidly went towards his slouched figure. She drew her head back almost instinctively though when she caught a whiff of his sweat.
"Dushichka, why did you not take a shower? I thought they had those working again at the stadium after the freezing crystals accident," she tutted while guiding him to his room. "You look as if you were rolling with the bears in the forest."
"…I forgot to bring extra clothes." He explained with a tint of color on his face. "…and you're not that far off. I was exhausted after the tryouts and fell to the nearest grassy areas of the peaks. I didn't look this bad but Trainer Valkov insisted on apparating me. Since he hasn't been here yet, I gave him direction to the entrance of the Acropolis. I walked the rest of the way here."
Alexandra sounded out a sympathetic hum and gingerly patted his back. "So? How was it?"
A smile bloomed bright on her son's face. "I think it went well. We just need to arrange my schedule for training and possible weekend matchups before I sign a contract."
Alexandra squealed and hugged her dear boy tight, forgetting her earlier hesitance entirely. He snorted and returned the embrace, most likely feeling a load of her bright mood if the pleased smile on his face is any indication.
"You do our family proud, sin. We need a feast for lunch, even if it's a little late. Or maybe we can do an early dinner? But you definitely need to eat some tarator to freshen you up. Want me to send you a decanter of mineral water? We need lamb kyufteta to celebrate. What kind of kebapche would you like? What about Lozovi Sarmi? I know it's your favorite. A fresh batch of Kiselo Mlyako arrived today it'll be perfect! Would you like boza or rakia? I'll allow you one goblet – "
" – mamo, mamo, everything sounds good. Have anything prepared, whatever you think is best. I just really want to take a shower now. Water sounds great." Viktor said with affectionate exasperation before giving his mother another small squeeze before dragging himself straight to his en-suite bathroom.
Clapping her hands in joy, Alexandra dashed away, swerving towards the little painting again on the hallway wall and rapidly enumerated the meals to be prepared for dinner. "And tell Bilyana I'll be at the kitchens in a few minutes to start the sarmi myself. Thank you, Ana!"
Once the figure curtseyed hastily with a beam and disappeared off frame, Alexandra raced her way to the master suites, stopping at the room's fireside and sprinkling what looks to be like iridescent sand into the fire. When the flames turned blue, she took a few breathes to calm her heart before simply calling out "Ivan Krumov".
"…"
"Ivan? Are you busy?"
"…asha…o..all…"
Alexandra sighed before taking a seat on a nearly chaise.
"Come closer to the fireplace, Vanko. I can barely hear you. I have great news!"
A few more silent flickers of the dancing flames had her tapping her fingernails impatiently on the back of the chaise before a deeper voice boomed out of them.
"Forgive me, lyubove. I just arrived from a meeting with the Ministry. They were giving me a headache on the boundary lines at the Pirins again. Did Viktor make the cut?"
"Seems so! He says he will sign after an arrangement on his time is agreed on."
"A, good, good. And I have a feeling you are preparing a celebratory meal for an army as we speak?"
"Not quite. We haven't invited his friends yet. Little Gosho alone can out-eat our Viktor easily."
A short chortle sounded from the fireside. "I will be with you in an hour. I just need to review some missives from the Strandzha Park. Apparently the Velekan veela are discontent with some of the visitors that venture too far into their river."
"They're always discontent, Vanko. They never liked human beings.
And make sure that is only one hour. The last time you said something similar, you were home at midnight!"
"But that was when – "
"Yes, yes. The Kamchia Reserve caught on fire. Which I still think is ironic since it's near the Black Sea and has many rivers.
Come. Home. On time. This is Viktor's moment."
"Yes, madam."
Author's Note: At the time I was writing this, I watched a video called "The dangers of a single story". Which said exactly what I was aiming for with Viktor's back story. I was skeptical when Ron stated something along the lines of Viktor being a total genius in the air. I'm sure he has talent but he definitely had to work to get to the level of competing internationally, like any serious athlete had.
EDIT 10/13/2020: Requested Translation / Explanation:
zvyar (звяр) - 'beast' in Bulgarian. Captain Vulchanov is a Beater so...it fits.
I kakvo tolkova? (И какво толкова) - 'so what' in Bulgarian. Clearly he's not impressed with Viktor.
Chukundur (Чукундур) - 'beetroot' in Bulgarian. You can say its the equivalent of calling someone a 'douchebag'. Someone who isn't mindful of other people, or if they inconvenienced them.
mugul (Мъгъл) - actual Bulgarian book translation of 'muggle'.
~ o ~ History of Plovdiv and Bulgaria mixed with magic ~ o ~
mamo (мамо) - 'mom' in Bulgarian
sin (синко) - 'son' in Bulgarian
tarator (таратор) - A Bulgarian yogurt-based soup of cucumbers, garlic, dill and sometimes walnuts (and even ice cubes)
kyufteta (кюфтета) - every Bulgarian household has their own meatball recipe. Anyone would say their mother's is the best.
kebapche (кебапче) - an elongated piece of grilled minced meat, shaped like a hotdog. It's usually a mix of pork and beef.
Lozovi Sarmi (лозови сарми) - stuffed grapevine leave dish, that typically is filled with rice, and minced meat. Onions and carrots as well as various spices are typically added to the filling.
Kiselo Mlyako (Кисело Мляко) - a mild sour-tasting yogurt. Or also known as sour milk. Bulgarian yogurt considered one of the best types out there.
boza (боза) - It is a malt drink made by fermenting wheat or millet.
Rakia (ракия) - its brandy that is made from fermented grapes, plums, or virtually any fruit with sugars in it. Its alcohol content varies from 40% for the commercially sold liquor to 70-80% of pure firewater for the home-produced ones.
lyubove (любове) - 'love' in Bulgarian
Onwards!
Reine