"...English..."
"...Bulgarian..."
'...thoughts...'
...Flashbacks and letters...
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Truth Hurts
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January 8th, 1993
As much as the whole family wanted to postpone it, it was finally time for the kids to go back to school. Andrei seemed a bit more relaxed and outgoing so Alexander decided to leave everything that happened behind them. Of course, there was still the unsolved matter of Andrei's assailant but he would discuss it with Karkaroff, no need to put his son through it again.
Viktor on the other hand could not help an occasional whine that escaped him whenever school was mentioned. What amazed Andrei is how different he always was within the family circle as opposed to public. There was no way anyone would believe him at school if he said that Viktor Krum actually whined. He was a model student, teacher's favourite and the most serious one among his pears. However, Viktor never even thought twice when it came to crying his eyes out at the mere thought of school when in Andrei's company. Andi could swear he was doing it just to annoy him through the holidays.
The older Krums have arrived with their kids to Karkaroff's office. After the boys took off Karkaroff requested that Alex stay for a conversation. He did not foresee it would turn into a fierce argument, though.
"Expelled! He should be in Azkaban, Igor!"
"Alex, I am a Headmaster, not a chief mugwump. Please understand..."
"He used an unforgivable on my son! You have connections so make it happen..."
"Neither of us would have any use of that kid getting a kiss, my friend."
"Speak for yourself! The boy obviously wasn't naive, and he cursed my son for a reason, damn it!"
"The trouble is he isn't speaking! We do not know why he did so, Alex."
"So make him tell! Ever heard of veritaserum?"
"He is a minor..."
"So is Andrei! I don't see much of concern for him in all this!"
"Now, Alex, you know that's not true..."
"What I thought I knew and what I see now are two different things, Igor! Either that kid goes to Azkaban or I am pulling my sons out of this school!"
"Alex, you are overreac..."
"No! Make it happen! I do not care how you do it or who the fuck his parents are, I want it done!"
"Alex, do not make me choose sides here! Lisovskii is a Death Eater I can not go against his son!"
"Fine! But know this you traitorous scum! If your Lord ever returns, do not expect the Light to hide your cowardly ass again, Karkaroff!"
"You used to be on his side too! You can not blame me for..."
"I made my choice for better or for worse! I left his side! I made myself a target, but at least I know I am doing the right thing! Do not drag me down to your level, Igor, I will not stand for it!", he turned to the fireplace and threw the floo powder in, but then turned around to Karkaroff, "If anything happens to either of my sons, Voldemort himself won't be able to protect you, Igor" he whispered and stepped threw the floo, leaving a wide eyed Headmaster staring at fireplace.
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Viktor and Andrei were the first to get to school, so they opted for a stroll around the castle to pass their time.
"What do you think he wanted to talk to dad about?"
"No idea. Maybe it's about Lisovskii. Have you talked to Sev?"
"Not yet."
"Andrei!"
"I will! Give me..."
"...some time! No more Andi! Write him a letter as soon as you get to dormitory, or I'm telling Dad."
"Vik, I don't know what to say. Hey, Dad, I read a letter from your lover and saw you enter the room thoroughly snogged. Is there room for me in your oh so fulfilled life? How does that sound, Vik?" he asked sarcastically.
"Just be honest with him."
"Fine, I'll write the damn letter tomorrow."
They walked in silence for some time.
"Vik?"
"Yeah?"
"You serious about quidditch?"
"You know I am. What brought this on?"
"Dad talked to the national team coach."
"What! Why didn't he tell me? When?"
"Before New Year."
"And?", Viktor asked impatiently.
"He said he'll think about letting you play."
"How in the world do you know this?"
"Mum told me."
"Why didn't she tell me?"
"Because you would start slacking in school."
"I wouldn't!"
Andrei gave him the look that obviously said Who are you kidding?
"Fine, but they can't hide it forever! I want to play!"
"Dad will talk to you about it when we get home for a spring break if your grades can hold that long."
"Of course they can, they always have!" he got a dreamy look in his eyes, "I don't believe it! I'll finally play professional quidditch!"
Viktor smile overshadowed the sun.
"If your grades hold." Andrei teased.
"Nothing to worry about." Viktor beamed.
Andrei sombered and looked over the grounds in thought.
"Oh, come on... " Viktor wined.
"What?"
"I know that look. You get it when you are about to screw up my good mood."
Andi smiled.
"So, are you gonna do it already or are you gonna keep me on my toes?"
"It won't be the same." Andi replyed finally.
"What won't be?"
"School. It'll be different without you around."
"It's only until the world cup, kiddo. I'll be back then."
"You may not want to come back. You may want a carrier in quidditch by then."
"Sure, and with no degree I'd have absolutely no choice afterwords. Of course I'll be back, Andi."
"If you say so."
"I say so, and you better believe it."
"Like I believed Dad?"
"For crying out loud! I'm not having this discussion again! Not before you talk to him! And just for the record, you read that letter because you didn't believe him."
Without any further words they returned to the castle to wait for other students to arrive.
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Januay 9th, 1993.
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The Great Hall of Hogwarts was swarming with students. Three mornings in a row Severus was subjected to this torture. He tried to focus his attention on his Slytherins, especially Draco Malfoy. Potter seemed to believe Draco was the heir, a hilarious assumption that nearly made Severus smile every time he thought about it. Malfoy seemed to be distracted at the moment, talking to Parkinson. As the rest of the students they were oblivious to the real danger that surrounded them.
Severus turned back to his empty plate and started filling it with salad when he heard a collective gasp. He raised his head to see what the commotion was about and didn't have to look far. An impressive black bird swooped from the enchanted sky of the Great Hall and landed in front of him.
Every single eye in a Hall was turned towards him. Dumbledore's inquisitive glance was following his every move. 'Damn it! It better be important, Andrei!' he thought as he accepted a letter from Hoof's beak. The phoenix dissolved into dark flames right in front of him.
"Severus? Was that a dark phoenix?" Dumbledore sounded positively giddy.
"Obviously, Albus. If you would excuse me."
He got up and hurried to his quarters. The second year class would start in half an hour so he had enough time to read the letter. He was curious as to what was so important so his reckless son would send a rare bird strait to the Great Hall.
Hi, Dad.
Vik convinced me to write this letter so I am not entirely sure how to start. You are probably thinking 'From the beginning of course'. But it is not that simple, mostly because I am going to confess how I lied to you.
Severus frowned. This was not what he expected, and he was getting more and more annoyed by every word he read.
But, it shouldn't matter, because you lied to me, too.
I am talking about the person who sent that letter this Christmas.. I read it so I know what you were hiding. I am not sorry for reading it, but I am for deceiving you.
Vik thought we should clear things up. Would it be foolish to believe nothing has changed between us?
You can send your answer with Hoof if you wish. He will come to you if you call him.
Severus read the letter a few times, horrified. 'How could this have happened?' He was so careful, Andrei wasn't supposed to know anything. He took a piece of paper and scrawled a quick response. He called Hoof and gave him the piece of paper. As Hoof left there was a knock on the door.
"Severus?"
"Come in, Albus."
"That was a lovely bird, Severus."
"It belongs to a friend, Albus."
"Ah... of course, my boy. I won't pry any further." Albus smiled indulgently.
"Good. If you would excuse me, Albus, I do have a class to teach."
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Hoof was standing on his desk with a letter in his beak. The letter Andrei dreaded and didn't expect at least until the evening. It was only a few minutes since he sent his own and it took him whole night to put it together. He opened it with the trembling hand.
Andrei,
Whatever was in that letter was none of your business, as I have said a few times already if you recall. Whatever possessed you to open it? You have betrayed my trust and I am deeply disappointed in you.
Furthermore sending the bird where everyone could see it was an act of an idiot, which I foolishly believed you were not!
Father.
Andrei stared at the letter in his hands, not moving an inch. And stared... and stared. Finally he folded it and put it in the book on the nightstand. He dressed and went to his second class this morning, since he already missed the first.
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Andrei knocked and entered the potions classroom. It was dimly lit and drafty as always.
"I am sorry I am late, Professor."
Espen Arnesen, the potions master extraordinaire was Andrei's favorite professor, just as Potions were his favorite subject. So naturally young professor was concerned when Andrei did not show up this morning.
"Mr. Krum you will have detention this evening after dinner. You will be doing the potion your classmates have nearly finished already. Please have a seat and finish this written test until the end of the class."
Andrei nodded and took a seat in front of the professor.
When the bell rang students gathered their things and left the room. Andrei handed his professor a test.
"You have not finished, Mr. Krum."
"There wasn't enough time, sir."
"There was plenty of time, Mr. Krum. Please, read the instructions from the book before the detention."
"I will, Professor."
Andrei left the room and found Rolf and Alvin waiting for him.
"Hey, where have you been?" Rolf asked as they walked to the charms classroom.
"You were awake when I left for breakfast." Alvin added.
"I had to do something first, guys. It doesn't matter."
"All right..."
"Sure, mate..."
When they arrived to Charms the rest of their group was already there. Professor Radanov entered only a few moments later.
"Today you will learn how to perform a summoning spell. Have you already mentioned it in Theory of Magic class?"
A few students nodded their heads.
"Good, then there should be no problems. The spell is pronounced Accio." he gave a demonstration with a quick flick and a whispered spell, "Start practicing the correct wand movement as described in your textbooks."
Professor Radanov did not care how the students did the spell as long as it worked. It gave them some semblance of authenticity which he encouraged, or simply wouldn't be bothered with any further explanations.
"Very good, Mr. Krum. Help your friends do the same."
Andrei turned to Rolf who was struggling with his wand.
"It's a semi circular motion, Rolf, not a flick."
"Well, thanks, Andrei the Great! I can read you know, I just can't do it."
Andrei stood behind him and took his hand in his. A few times he repeated the correct movement so Rolf would memorize it.
"Hey, Andi, wanna give me the demonstration?" Alvin whispered with a wink.
"With the stuff you read, you should be the one demonstrating." Andrei whispered back smirking.
"Mr. Krum, anything you would like to share with the class?" Radanov asked, not looking at all pleased.
"No, sir. I apologize."
"Detention after dinner, Mr. Krum."
"Um... sir? I already have a detention at that time, with Professor Arnesen."
Radanov's face darkened.
"Nine o'clock, Mr. Krum. Hopefully it fits your busy schedule."
"It does, sir. I'll be there."
The rest of the class laughed at his response, but instantly quieted down at Radanov's dark look.
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"Two detentions in first two classes. That must be a record, Andi." Alvin laughed as they went back to the dorms.
"Viktor won't be pleased." Rolf teased.
"You wouldn't be laughing if it was your ass on the line."
"Of course I wouldn't, but it's not." Rolf laughed.
"Well, you better think of a damn good excuse for being late this morning." Alvin said.
"And pissing Radanov off." Rolf teased again.
"Well, the second one is Alvin's fault, obviously."
"And you are obviously the one with detention." Alvin laughed.
"What detention?" came a deep voice from behind them.
Andrei turned around and gulped. 'How does he do that? Whenever something is wrong he's there, like he has a muggle radar or something'.
"Hey, Vik"
"What detention, Andrei?" he repeated the question.
"With Radanov." Andrei said as he walked alongside Viktor.
"And Arnesen!" Alvin added over Andrei's shoulder.
"Shut up." Andrei mumbled.
"You have two detentions already?" Viktor scowled.
"Well, Alvin is to blame for the second one."
"Am not!" Alvin exclaimed
"And the first one? Will you blame it on Rolf?" Viktor asked scolded, but was smiling at Andrei.
"He overslept." Rolf answered.
"He didn't! I would have woken him up, but he was awake when I left for breakfast." Alvin replied.
"So basically, you chose not to show up for class?" Viktor asked incredulously.
"Sort of."
"Are you insane? What will Dad say when he hears that?"
"Dad won't care." Andrei dropped a subtle hint which Viktor missed.
"Are you insane? Karkaroff will tell him straight away!"
"Viktor, why don't you go find Ebba. I'm sure she misses you." Andrei smirked, trying to dismiss him.
Viktor blushed but realized his brother wanted him to leave so he let it go and went his own way. Ebba, a girl with ginger hair and sparkling amber eyes has captured his heart last year. The problem was that they were best friends since they both started Durmstrang and Viktor did not want to risk their friendship. Andrei knew all of this so he had perfect means to drive Viktor away if he wanted so.
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As soon as the dinner was over Alvin went to the dorm. Andi had his share of detentions and he planned to have a good rest tonight. He helped Andi with potions during dinner and considered his knowledge in the subject sufficient if he could teach his know-it-all friend. Therefore studying was out of question for tonight.
He sprawled on his bed and thought what he might do when Konstantinov entered. The boy never even spared him a glance, just proceeded to his trunk and pulled out some books. When he was about to leave he frowned at Alvin.
"Where's Krum?" he asked in a gruff voice.
"Out." Alvin answered disinterestedly.
"I can see that." Konstantinov growled.
"Then why'd you ask?" Alvin put on his best 'innocent' look.
Konstantinov mumbled something in Russian and slammed the door behind him, leaving Alvin baffled on his bed. 'What did just happen?'
Forgetting the incident he decided to try out Andrei's reading material. Currently his best friend was reading 'Mysteries of the Wizarding World'. Taking the book in his hand he eyed the cover. 'Could be interesting... unlike the other stuff he reads...' Alvin thought, remembering their first conversation.
He leaned on the headboard and skimmed through the table of contents until he found something of interest. 'Core magic'. He turned the first few pages but then he stopped. There was a peace of parchment between the pages. A letter with neat script. Alvin unfolded it and read what it said.
According to Andrei's stories his dad was always overprotective and kind to his children. He has also heard from students who knew Viktor that nobody messes with him especially when it comes to his family. Furthermore he has seen with his own eyes the enraged man yelling at the Headmaster for the lack of security at school right after Andrei was attacked. There has been fear in those eyes, Alvin could clearly remember it. Relief, when Andrei was finally in his embrace after the ordeal, was overwhelming and obvious to everyone.
All in all, he could not imagine Mr. Krum sending a letter like this to his son. 'You don't say things like this to your own kid!' Alvin fumed. But the letter was signed by his father, so there was no mistake.
Alvin himself has come from a wealthy family. They had their share of trouble but distrust and disrespect (such as name calling and humiliation) were not part of it. They prided themselves in their unity and love for every and each member, no matter how different he or she may be. Alvin knew he was lucky to have a family like that, but he was convinced Andrei did too.
'Clearly I was wrong...', Alvin thought as he refolded the letter and returned it with a book exactly where he found it. After all it is wrong to pry into other people personal matters, even if they are your best friends.