Viktor Krum had never enjoyed the limelight, so how he frequently ended up standing in it was beyond him. For most of his life, he thought that as long as he didn't have to give an interview or make a speech, he was fine with being in front of large groups of people.
He first agreed to be on a Chocolate Frog trading card in 2003. There were just one witch and two wizards present on the day they took his picture. Viktor spoke as little as possible, quietly moving and changing positions as directed by the photographer. Constantly being subjected to publicity shots left him knowing what to expect.
He still held the title of youngest wizard to play on a national quidditch team. At 18, he played in his first Quidditch World Cup finals. After the devastating defeats in the World Cups in 1994 and again in 2002, Viktor grew disillusioned with playing Quidditch.
He announced his retirement, but felt at a loss, not knowing what to do with his life. The endorsements started drying up at the same time he realized there weren't many job offers rolling in to supplement them.
He was forced to start overcoming his taciturn nature and began to meet with prospective employers, making sure during interviews he slipped in, "When I was a Tri-Wizard Champion…"
In a cliché that should induce eye rolls, Viktor ended up Deputy Head of Bulgaria's Department of Magical Games and Sports. After four years, he received a promotion to Head. For seven years he held that position, prepared to be a footnote in history.
Life often holds surprises, such as the shock that Viktor could get used to public speaking, even excelling at it after enough practice
The biggest surprise came when it seemed Quidditch wasn't finished with Viktor Krum.
When the Bulgarian National Team manager offhandedly commented to Viktor, "I wager you always wondered what it would be like to go out on a win," he suddenly found himself back on the team.
An 18-year-old seeker playing in a World Cup final had been unheard of 20 years ago, and now he was making history again as probably the oldest seeker, at the age of 38.
The stadium thrumming with shouts of, "Krum, Krum, Krum!" sounded exactly the same.
Emerging victorious with the snitch held tight in his hand felt like nothing else he'd ever experienced.
This all led to a new trading card with a new picture, and really, a new Viktor who didn't shy away from the spotlight. Viktor smirked at the picture of himself on the new card, watching as he caught a golden snitch over and over, finally completely at ease with himself, ready to be more than just a footnote.