Drowning in the past

by Yalia

After the first war Severus had a son (OMC). With his life in a turmoil he has no choice but to leave him with the only man he trusts, not realizing that history has a way of repeating itself... especially if we try so hard to stop it. Or does it? Follows the events in books until GOF. Slash, mpreg.

17. World Cup

"...English (speech)..."

"Bulgarian"

'...thoughts...'

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World Cup

June 6th, 1994

Andrei was waiting alone at the docks, Durmstrang ship still floating on the water behind him and all his friends gone. Perhaps, friends would be too strong a word. He hasn't spoken to his real friends since February when Alvin made a scene in the middle of the lunch, calling him 'traitorous scum'. Maarika never said anything after he confessed what he had done, but the look in her tear filled eyes was more than enough to tell him how she felt about him switching sides. No matter how much he tried to convince her they were still friends, the answer would always be clear on her face even before she whispered 'no'. Alvin on the other hand wouldn't even let him talk. He would leave classes without a second glance and come back to their dorm at ridiculous hours at night, making it impossible to start a conversation.

So, after a while, Andrei started hanging out with Rolf and Valentin again, although it was safe to say that these Rolf and Val are nothing like they used to be. All of Andrei's hopes for easier year were crushed with this turn of events. Of course, the insults and humiliation have stopped altogether and he could even stop most of his new friends from going after his old friends, but it was for a very high price which made him question his decision on so many occasions. He absolutely loathed his new friends. He hated the way they walked, the way they talked, the way they laughed; he even hated the very air they breathed; and through all of that all he could do was go along and walk, talk and laugh alongside them.

Mikhail on the other hand has been as tender and possessive as before. It made Andrei sick. When he came up with this idea he thought he could pull it off easily, but every touch was a torture. By the end of May Andrei couldn't take it anymore and decided to at least enjoy his new position in these circles to the fullest. They wanted lying, devious and self absorbed brat, and that was exactly what he was prepared to give them. He ditched Mikhail for the guy's best friend: a richer, stiffer, duller, less cocky variation of his boyfriend. Where Mikhail would grope him, Yan would prefer to keep his hands to himself; where Mikhail would pull his head back by his hair and passionately explore his mouth, Yan would peck him on the lips; where Mikhail would cuddle on the loveseat, Yan would simply enjoy Andrei's dry humor, which was the only way to let off some steam Andrei had these days. So basically, Yan was a necessary evil, powerful enough so no one dared question Andrei's jump from Mikhail to him. The only downside was that Yan wasn't nearly as gullible as Mikhail which he demonstrated at the start of their relationship when Andrei had first approached him. He didn't care much about what Andrei did when they weren't together, which was thankfully for Andrei quite often, but if Andrei lied or cheated he promised a world of pain. Which was a little ridiculous, considering their whole relationship was a lie, with Yan trying to get revenge on Mikhail by stealing his boyfriend, and Andrei choosing the lesser of two evils.

The summer holidays were supposed to be a welcome change, however he knew he would have to keep up with deceptions and acting, only this time it wouldn't be his friends but his family. If Alexander was to know what's been happening this year and what his son has become… well, Andrei didn't even want to think about that. He is now everything that Alex fought against all these years.

The thought of Alex made him wonder where the older man was by now. He was supposed to pick him up from the docks, but he was nowhere to be found. This situation eerily reminded him of his last summer and Severus forgetting to pick him up at the airport.

Just when he started to wonder if he should go home by himself a tall figure apparated a few feet away and sprinted to him, out of breath. Alex looked as if he hadn't slept in days. He embraced Andrei and apologized for being late. Andrei simply nodded, unsure of what was going on with him.

"Ready to side-along?" Alex asked, still slightly winded.

"We are apparating?" Andrei raised his eyebrows.

Alex sighed. "We weren't going to, but I really didn't have time to organize a portkey. Hold tight."

When the world stopped spinning Andrei looked around and saw they were in the front hallway of their home.

"Will you be ok here by yourself? I have to be back at work now…" Alex frowned, but Andrei could see the regret the man was feeling for leaving like this. Truthfully he preferred it that way. No unnecessary questions and discussions meant no lies spouting from his own mouth yet.

"Sure, I'm fine!" he was quick to reassure him "Go ahead, I'll see you later."

"You're ok? I promise…"

"Yeah! It's fine… I'll just read something in my room…"

Alex uncertainly nodded and disapparated, presumably back to Ministry. He didn't return until Andrei was already in deep sleep.

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August 1st, 1994

Between his work, the chaos due to impending Quidditch World Cup, and Viktor's exhibition games, Alex had precious little time to spend with Andrei during this summer. Even during those times he could afford to spend with his youngest, Alex found that Andrei was being strangely evasive and secretive. He put it down to spending the whole summer alone, but there wasn't much Alex could do about that. Usually, he would ask Severus to take Andrei for the summer, but that was now out of the question. At least Andrei was able to go out and spend time with his friends using the floo, so Alex didn't feel too guilty.

On the other hand, Andrei was finally getting used to the whole situation. Time alone helped him put things in perspective. The only thing that bothered him was that he still had to deal with Rolf, Val and occasionally Yan when he decided to visit the regular wizarding places. Either way he was immensely grateful Alex had no time to accompany him at times like this.

He wondered about his new found freedom though… Of course, he knew, Alex wasn't nearly as paranoid as Severus when it comes to protection, but he was surprised he could go wherever he wanted.

The last year panic was all about Sirius Black, but the man managed to slip the dementors again just a month before, so Andrei was left wondering if Alex was aware of the man's connection to him. But from his point of view it was painfully obvious after putting together all the hints Severus occasionally let slip about his real dad. A light wizard turned Death Eater after Voldemort's downfall, arrested and sent to Azkaban, ex Gryffindor… when he added Severus' panic about Black's escape from Azkaban, Andrei came to a surprisingly reliable conclusion that Sirius Black was in fact his elusive father. And the man's resemblance to him, at least from his younger days, was stunning if you knew what you were looking for. With having three dads, biological or otherwise, Andrei thought that at least one would care about what he was up to... but luckily that wasn't the case.

Today though, he and Alex were supposed to join his mum and Viktor at the World cup. Since Viktor turned 17 a few days ago, mum didn't need to be there all the time, but she decided to stay around until the World Cup was over. Yesterday was the opening match, but Alex was too busy finishing up everything in Ministry to take him to watch it. So, instead, they would be going for Viktor's first game, Bulgaria vs Japan, and for once in the past few months, Andrei was looking forward to it.

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But of course, things never go as smooth as you hope they would. Alex was late. Again. And this time for Vik's match. Andrei was sitting in the chair with his backpack full of clothes for the next two weeks. After two hours of waiting, when Alex finally stepped through the floo, he was looking disgruntled.

"Dad, is everything ok?" Andrei asked, not moving from his spot.

Alex frowned at him, but didn't say anything. He regarded his son, anger shadowing his haggard features.

"Dad?" Andrei tried again, not really understanding what could have happened. And Vik's game has started an hour ago, shouldn't they be in a hurry to get there?

"Why don't you tell me, Andrei?" he startled his son with abrupt response, still not moving to close the distance between them.

"Tell you what? I've been here the whole day. Did something happen at work?"

Alex's face clouded even more. The look his father was sending him was not one to be ignored. Deep inside Andrei had an idea what this was about and his heart started hammering loudly in his chest.

"Usually, I'd feel proud when someone complemented on how I raised my children, Andrei. But it's a slap in a face when it comes from a scum like Rangelov!" Alex's voice was dangerously low and Andrei was now truly scared. He tried to even out his breathing and stopped himself from fidgeting. He put on the confused face instead. However, Alex wasn't finished, "Care to tell me why such a person would praise your good choice of friends Andrei?"

It took only a moment for Andrei to compose himself enough to reply.

"I don't know. I've been trying to help Val during the school year, he has a lot on his plate I guess… Maybe Val said something to him?"

He could see there was something more there, since Alex obviously didn't believe a word he said.

"I will not repeat the exact words Andrei, but the rumor has it that… that… you've been making your way through some… more...influential circles at Durmstrang?" Alex seemed to be begging him for the reply which would sort this out.

"Ok… now wait a minute… what?" he feigned ignorance. "I've been hanging out with Alvin and Maarika…" Alex' face darkened even more if that was at all possible.

"Stop. Lying. To me. Andrei." Alex whispred slowly, annunciating each word.

"I am not! Just ask them!" Andrei yelled in defense.

Alex looked at him stunned… as if he was trying to come to terms with something. His gaze did not lose that sharp quality and was still trained on him. He looked at his son up and down like this is the first time he saw him in his life. Andrei didn't even know the exact moment it happened, since he was trying so hard to keep his act together under the scrutiny, but the next time he looked, Alex's eyes were filled with disappointment.

"Dad, please… believe me…" he was close to tears himself. But Alex just shook his head, feeling the same way,but obviously wouldn't allow the tears to come.

"I don't think… I am not sure if I can anymore..." came the regretful reply which probably hurt more than every bone breaking in Andrei's body. "We should go."

He held out the portkey to his son and waited for Andrei to have a firm hold on it before he activated it, not once looking into Andrei's eyes. Andrei wondered how the hell everything can fall apart in a matter of seconds.

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August 22nd, 1994

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Bulgaria has won every game so far and Vik was unstoppable as a seeker. Even Andrei was impressed by his flying skills. A lot of work and missing school has paid off for his brother. Still, Andrei couldn't find it in himself to be as ecstatic about it as the rest of the people who came to watch the finals. He was wondering around through the tents and crowd after crowd, trying to avoid some people and find other.

"Andi?"

He turned around, staring surprised at the redhead who called his name. There were two other redheads with him.

"Hey Bill, didn't expect to run into you around here…"

"Hey! I'm not the one who hates quidditch! Shouldn't I be saying that?" Bill laughed

Andrei smiled. "Family obligations. The choice has been taken from my hands right at the start." He readily replied.

One of the other two redheads, which Andrei guessed were Bill's brothers, extended a hand to Andrei.

"Hi, I'm Charlie. I'm sure Bill told you a lot of nice things about me." Charlie said, wide grin adorning his face.

"Not a thing actually." Andrei shook his hand with a matching grin.

"Ok, guys, cut it out… Andi, these are my little brothers, Percy" here he pointed at the gangly boy to his right "and well… you've already met Charlie. Guys, this is Andrei, he is… ummm…." Bill blushed and Andrei decided for the good of everyone to introduce himself.

"Andrei Krum, Bill and I met through my Uncle." He said without a hitch.

Bill was stunned for a second, not having expected that, but he had to admit it was a nice save. After all he didn't want to go around spouting Sev's secrets.

"Wait… Krum?" Charlie looked at him like he has just sprouted two heads "Like Viktor Krum?"

Bill's eyes also widened in understanding. "Wait a minute! Vik… your big brother Vik… is actually THE Viktor Krum?"

"Ummm… yeah… didn't you kinda know that already?" Andrei asked quirking his eyebrow.

Bill was opening and closing his mouth while Andrei has put on a cute pout.

"Is now the time when you forget about me and start asking about Vik?"

"No!" Bill managed to recover. "I just didn't think… Hey! Why didn't you tell me?!"

"What? That my brother played quidditch? I did."

"Not that he is this good!"

"Who cares? It's just quidditch…"

Three redheads were staring at him in amazement. Well, two… Percy just looked amused. Nobody said anything for a few seconds.

"So… I'm off then…"

"Yeah, we should probably find our family now too… " Percy said, seeing as the other two had yet to close their mouths "We've just apparated here." He said excitedly, which left Andrei wondering if this was the first time this guy's apparated.

"Well… ok… see you later!" he waved and ran in the other direction not waiting for Bill and Charlie to recover. After all, the game was about to start soon.

He slowed down when he finally spotted his mum and dad.

"Mum!" he yelled. As Sofia turned around and spread her arms he ran straight into them. His mum hugged him happily; she was so excited about this match.

"Let's go to the Box. Oblansk told Alex we can join him there." She chattered happily. Alex on the other hand just nodded and led the way, his face grave, as always in Andrei's presence in the past few days.

As soon as they entered the box, Bulgarian Minister of Magic greeted Alex warmly.

"Hello, Minister, you already know Sofia and Andrei."

"Ah, yes of course, Alexander. Please have a seat next to me here, my friend! And for crying out loud, whatever you do, don't speak to me in English! This fool believes I don't understand a word he says and I'd like to keep it that way." He pointed at Cornelius Fudge with a huge fake smile and Alex subtly nodded and proceeded to greet the British minister.

Andrei sat two seats away, leaving a chair between him and Alex for his Mum. She shook her head, but didn't say anything about it. Alex and Andi have obviously had a misunderstanding before they got here, but they were now taking it too far. She looked around and spotted a family of redheads and a black haired boy. To her disappointment Malfoy was also there and he didn't miss their arrival.

"Alexander, Sofia… it is a pleasure to see you." He nodded not standing up to greet them.

"Likewise, Lucius… Narcissa…" Alexander politely accepted from his own seat, although there was a definite edge to his voice.

"Andrei! Well, you could have come with us if we were going to the same place!"

Startled Andrei looked at the beaming face of Charlie Weasley.

"Truthfully, Charlie, I wasn't expecting to be here myself." He smiled, but taking a cue from his parents, held himself appropriately in front of Oblansk. Needless to say Charlie was a bit surprised by the attitude, but decided to shake it off.

"Well, too bad we'll be cheering for different teams." Bill added, seeing how his brother was surprised by the change in Andrei. He himself was used to Andrei going back and forth from approachable to being a closed book. He reminded him of his lover in that respect.

Before Andrei could reply, Charlie added "Our brothers here are betting Bulgaria will lose, but that your brother will catch the snitch!"

The twins next to Charlie exchanged gleeful glances.

"You are Krum's brother!?" the right twin exclaimed.

"Wanna place a bet?" the left one added.

The tall kid next to them was just staring openmouthed.

Andrei simply cocked his eyebrow at them. "Yes, Viktor is my brother. And while I appreciate the offer, I am only here to watch my brother's performance." he turned towards the field and ignored the surprised looks on Weasleys' faces. Soon the voice of the commentator was heard echoing through the stadium.

Andrei was amused by the behavior of three kids who seemed a bit older than him at the end of their row of seats. Especially the tall one which he saw stare at him at the mention of Vik. They've clearly never before seen the veela or lepricons, judging by their reactions to the mascots. He smiled, but stayed in his seat. After all, the match hasn't even started yet, there is plenty of time to jump out of his seat… for example when Bulgaria wins… unless the Weasley twins are right and his brother proves himself to be a moron by catching a snitch too soon.

Finally the teams were flying onto the field.

"Ivanova! Zograf! Levski! Vulchanov! Volkov! Aaaaaaand - Krum!" Andrei heard Bagman yell.

"That's him, that's him!" the tall kid exclaimed. Andrei could only roll his eyes. His mum saw that and playfully swatted him on the leg.

They joined in on the applause.

After that, Andrei thought it was more fun to observe the Weasleys and the other two kids, who didn't look like they belonged to the said family, then the match. The black haired kid was looking through his omniocculars all the time not even realizing it wasn't at normal speed! 'What an idiot…' Andrei laughed at their excitement and he would have been quite content to continue if half way through the game his mum didn't pull him to his feet to cheer with her. Just to indulge her he applauded and occasionally hugged her when Bulgarians would score.

And then something happened that made the whole stadium gasp. Viktor and Irish Seeker, Lynch, plummeted through the center of the Chasers towards ground.

"They're going to crash!" screamed the bushy-haired girl who was now standing right next to Andrei.

"Lynch definitely is…" Andrei answered in a bored tone.

And true to his word, Irish Seeker hit the ground while Viktor pulled out of the dive in the last second. His mother never looked more proud.

"He'll be okay, he only got ploughed!" Charlie said reassuringly to the girl who was hanging over the side of the box, looking horror-struck. "Which is what Krum was after, of course..." Charlie added in a more forceful tone, so Andrei could clearly hear. All he got in response for his effort was a smirk.

Andrei turned around to his father who seemed to be in deep conversation with the Minister, but his eyes were still on the game. It was a very good thing the Weaslys were here. This game would be painfully boring for Andrei without them, even with his mum pulling on his sleeve every now and then, focused on the game.

Suddenly there was a commotion at the field. Apparently the judge fell prey to Bulgarian mascots. His mum was laughing so hard, but when another penalty for Ireland was awarded she joined in on enraged howling from the stands. From there on the game was ruthless, and Andrei also got interested in it. Usually it didn't get this brutal on the field. He saw Viktor in the air, searching for the snitch. He seemed peaceful enough, which seemed a bit odd in all the commotion. Andrei thought he was getting too cocky now… 'Perhaps if someone sent a Bludger at his face…' aaand there it was… apparently the Irish Beater shared Andrei's opinion. Viktor's whole uniform was bloody from his possibly broken nose. Andrei wondered why the referee didn't stop the game and heard the same protests from the Weasleys, which was odd since they supported Ireland… the whole world was insane at this game!

"He's seen the Snitch!" the black haired boy shouted. "He's seen it! Look at him go!"

Andrei looked from Viktor to Lynch and saw him perform a dive. But at this moment even if Viktor caught the snitch, who by the way wasn't far behind even with the bloody nose, Bulgaria would lose. 'Distract him! Don't catch it, Vik!'

"They're going to crash!" shrieked one of the girls.

"They're not!"

"Lynch is!" yelled the black haired kid.

"Again…" added Andrei, smiling to himself.

And of course, he did, but what happened to…

"The Snitch, where's the Snitch?" bellowed Charlie.

"He's got it - Krum's got it - it's all over!" shouted the other kid.

'Well shit…' Andrei thought. But there was silence all around the stadium. Nobody seemed to understand what just happened until there was a final result at the scoreboard. BULGARIA: 160, IRELAND: 170. At that moment the cheers erupted through the stadium. Sofia pouted, but there was still a proud glint in her eyes… mixed with a bit of worry for Viktor of course. Andrei turned to see the Minister congratulate Alex, but they were both a bit dejected.

"IRELAND WINS!" Bagman shouted, who like the Irish, seemed to be taken aback by the sudden end of the match.

"KRUM GETS THE SNITCH - BUT IRELAND WINS - good lord, I don't think any of us were expecting that!"

For Andrei the rest of the speech was drowned out by his mum who pulled him in the hug. She bounced then over to the Minister who also shook her hand and then threw herself into Alex' arms, who was now smiling faintly.

With his strained relation with Alex, Andrei felt like he was intruding, so he turned to the redheaded twins.

"Congratulations, guys. I hope you earned some nice money with that outcome."

Both twins looked like the Christmas has come early. One of them stepped closer.

"I'm Fred Weasley by the way, and this is George."

"Andrei Krum, nice to meet you."

The whole Top Box was then magically illuminated so that everyone in the stands could see the inside. The trophy was brought, but what caught Andrei's attention was a small voice behind him.

"Hey… " Andrei turned around to see the tall redheaded kid towering over him, looking shy. It was a weird sight. "Could you ask your brother to sign this for me?" he held out a picture of Viktor in his Bulgarian quidditch robes.

Andi sighed. "Fine, under one condition."

"Anything!" the redhead shouted.

"Say my name."

"What?"

"It's rather rude to ask favors before knowing a person first, so I suppose you can tell me my name."

The tall kid looked around at his brothers, but they were all snickering.

"They know you!"

"Well, I'd do it for them than, but not for you. Sorry." He handed back the picture to the embarrassed kid whose ears now matched the color of his hair, and turned just in time to see the Bulgarian players make their way into the box. All the players shook hands with both Ministers. Viktor was the last. He was a bloody mess and Andrei could see his mum fidgeting. He approached her and wrapped his arms around her giving her a smile. They both watched Viktor shake hands with Oblansk and Fudge as the stadium erupted into cheers. In his other hand he still held a snitch. Finally, Viktor turned towards Alex who enveloped him into hug and then had to magically clean the blood of his neat shirt. Viktor hugged his mum then and ruffled Andrei's hair who just laughed. It's hard to believe, but with all the practice and social obligations Viktor had in the past few days this was the closest they've come to each other since Andrei arrived. But Andrei wasn't expecting what came next. Viktor came closer and pulled him into a hug too. Pressed against a steady, and not to mention bloody, chest Andrei joked so only Vik could hear.

"Getting soft in your old days?"

Viktor leaned down so his mouth was next to Andrei's ear.

"Dad told me about Sev." he whispered. Then with one hand still holding Andrei's neck he pressed the snitch into his brother's hand "You made this possible." 'by covering my ass, even though it cost you your dad…' was left unsaid, but Andrei understood the apology and accepted the snitch. He nodded at Vik who only smiled at him and left the Top Box so Irish players could enter. He was barely aware of his mum fussing over him, trying to remove Viktor's blood from his hair and slight fluttering of the Snitch in his hand.