Hermione apparated to an alley near the hotel they had arranged to meet at. It was the one the team were staying in. Viktor had told to her to use a side entrance that would be free of any reporters. He was just inside the door, ready to greet her.
"Hermi-own-ninny!!'
'Viktor!! How lovely to see you again.'
They joined hands, and he kissed her on each cheek in the continental fashion.
He took a step back and looked at her, smiling broadly.
'You have changed not at all' he said. 'Pah' she replied 'I'm 25 years older for a start, and several dress sizes larger.'
He laughed, and then took her by the arm. 'I have a private dining room. I think will be better private. We do not want reporter coming out of soup!'
They moved to a small, tastefully furnished room containing a table beautifully laid for lunch, all silver and cut glass. He poured the wine, and they toasted each other as they sat down for the starter.
It soon became apparent that things were not going well after such a promising start. They had run out of small talk and the silences between them were growing. Viktor seemed to have something on his mind. He was having trouble looking at her. Hermione was starting to get a little frantic, wondering how quickly the meal could be over so she could escape.
'Viktor, what's the matter? Would you prefer it if I leave?'
He stared at his plate, crumbling a piece of bread.
'No, Hermi-own-ninny, I do not want you leave. I want see you today so I can say to you… say…that I sorry.'
'Sorry? Why? Viktor, please tell me what is wrong.'
'Hermi-own-ninny….you remember Yule Ball at Hogwarts? I want apologise for kiss you'.
'Apologise? Why? There's no need for that. I was not upset, I had a lovely evening. Why do you want to apologise?'
He was still looking down, but now blushing.
'I think it was not very good kiss. I…I have never kiss girl before….' However he was going to finish the sentence was lost as Hermione burst out laughing.
'Oh, Viktor!! I can't believe you want to apologise for that after all these years! Was it really your first ever kiss?'
He still looked uncomfortable. 'My father was very strict man. I not allowed see girl. Must practice Quidditch all, all time. When I kiss you, I know not how properly. I think what other boys say how girl is kiss '
Hermione now had her napkin in her mouth to stop herself laughing. 'Oh, Viktor!! I should probably say sorry as well then. It was my first kiss, too. I thought you had kissed lots of girls. I was terrified!! I didn't have a clue how to do it properly.'
That broke the ice between them and they had a wonderful afternoon; talking and talking and talking. They spoke about their time at Hogwarts, remembering sadly the death of Cedric, and drank a toast to him. That led on to the fight against Voldemort. Viktor knew she had fought. Hermione gave a small account of that time; it was part of her life she tried to put behind her. Viktor sensed her reluctance, so moved on to a happier topic; Bill and Fleur's wedding, when they had last met.
'The boy with red hair, you dance with him. Harry say you are with him that day, as girlfriend. You see him still?'
'Yes, I do see Ron, very regularly.' Viktor cocked an eyebrow at her. 'We got married! We have two children, a girl and a boy now both at Hogwarts. And what about you? Are you married?'
'Of course. I meet girl in Bulgaria. We marry long time. I have three sons, good boys. The oldest, he is very good Quidditch player. I say you, but not him, he is better than me. One day he fly for Bulgaria. I will be manager. Then he must do what I tell him, not like at home!!'
They both laughed, and sat back in their chairs, relaxed now and enjoying each other's company. Family tales filled the time. Both had pictures with them of their children, and these were dutifully looked at, and nice things said.
'You happy with Ron, Hermi-own-ninny? It is good marriage?'
She smiled, and took a sip of wine. 'Yes, I am happy…well, contented. We've been married a long time and we're comfortable with each other now. We have a quiet, peaceful life together and that's good after what has happened to us.' She paused, and then started talking almost to her self. 'Of course, it isn't as exciting as it was when we first got together, but would I want it to be? It's different now, we're still good friends, and we're used to each other. He's like an old comfortable cardigan you could never throw away.' She roused herself suddenly, realising what she had said. 'What about you? Are you happy?'
'I am like you. Married many years. When first we marry, it is very good time. We have good…we are young and in love. Now, it is like you. We grow old together. It is different, yes?'
Hermione glanced at her watch, and jumped up.
'Gracious!! Viktor!! It is almost 5 o'clock. Where has the time gone? I need to get home. Oh, it's been wonderful seeing you again. I've enjoyed this afternoon so much.'
'I have enjoy also. We must not wait again for so long.'
They stood holding hands, looking at each other.
'Will you write to me Viktor? We should keep in contact. Will your wife mind?'
'No, she not mind. But Ron? I think he not like me, he jealous.'
'Oh, that was years ago!! Of course he won't mind at all. (Will he?) He was always a great fan of yours. Now, I must go. I really must go. Now. I must.'
She was still holding his hands, looking in to his eyes, moving closer to him without realising.
'I'm much better at kissing now,' she whispered, 'I've had practice.'
Their lips met. This time, she knew to close her eyes.