A/N: I decided to rewrite this chapter after realizing that this should be a story, a narrative, not a History of Magic essay. Please let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. The names of Viktor's parents are my own creation, though their physical descriptions are canon.

"Wheee" cried the little boy as he raced his broom down the hallway.

"Viktor, come back here!" yelled the dark haired, hook nosed man as he chased his son down the long, stone passageway of Pliska Castle.

But the boy careened on, disregarding his father's orders.

"Slow down, child." "Obey your father!" chimed in the voices of the portraits that lined the hallway.

*Smack*

Viktor's flight was cut short as he lost control of his broom and slammed into the wall. His pained cry echoed down the hall, drawing a beautiful, curly haired witch out of her room.

"Oh, sinŭt mi, how many times have ve told you not to fly your broomstick indoors?" crooned his mother, Milena, as she looked him over, checking him for broken bones and other injuries. "It looks like you have broken your arm."

"Ach, serves the child right. It vould be a fitting punishment, I am thinking, if he vere to have to heal the Muggle vay. It vill teach him not to take magic for granted. See son…"

"Da, tatko, I know, I know. 'Magic is a gift to vizards for the betterment of the people.' But tatko, if the Muggles can't know that ve are vizards, how can we use magic to help them?"

"Now, Viktor, you know that it is our duty as the descendents of the noble Khan Krum to protect and defend the commoners. Ever since he instituted the first written code to provide for the peasants, it has been the responsibility of the House of Krumov to guard the people of Bulgaria. Even though our role has changed since the introduction of the International Confederation of Wizards Statute of Secrecy in 1692, ve still do our duty to the people. Now ve just fulfill our responsibilities by working in national and international government, rather than working directly vith the Muggles," lectured Ivan, the hook nosed man.

"Tatka, that is all vell and good, but vhat do you expect me to do vith no friends nearby to play vith? Vhy can't ve live in Serdica like most other vizards?" complained Viktor.

"Now Viktor," said his father sternly, "how many times do ve haff to discuss this? Khan Krum built this castle specifically for our family, and as the župan, it is my birthright and my obligation to live here vith my family, as it vill one day be yours. Besides, you can always play vith your cousins. Now go to your room."

"Da, tatka," replied Viktor.

"Oh Ivan," said Viktor's mother after Viktor left the hall. "Vhen are ve going to tell him the truth. Ve cannot keep him isolated here forever. In just a few years he vill be going to Durmstrang."

"I know, Milena," said Ivan. "I vill think of something."

Please review and let me know what you think! I appreciate all feedback.