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Emeraudedeux

You Again

Chapter Two

June 2004

The weeks flew by all too quickly for Hermione's liking, and before she knew it, the World Cup was among them. She wasn't particularly thrilled about the event, despite it being an international favorite amongst witches and wizards alike. Hermione had never been a fan of Quidditch herself, but appreciated the sport none the less and would go to please her friends.

"Holy shite!" Ginny exclaimed as she walked into the tent. "You look amazingly hot!"

Hermione looked down at her clothes; she had on low-rise dark-blue jeans with knee length high-heeled boots and a long sleeved low cut shirt. Her long brown hair, normally falling at mid-back, had been charmed into tight curls and she had minimal makeup on. She blushed, squeaking out a 'thanks' before swiftly changing the subject.

"How was leaving James?" she asked, greeting Harry. "It was okay," Ginny sighed. "He was really happy to see mum and dad. I told them not too many sweets, but I don't think they will listen."

Hermione's laugh was interrupted by a voice she wasn't quite prepared to acknowledge. She turned around slowly, taking in the sight of Ron with an auburn haired girl hanging off his arm, dopey smile on his face.

"Hello Ronald. And… you are?" She asked tersely, staring holes into the girl. The brunette smiled softly. "I'm Katherine," she held out her hand. Hermione shook it before turning her attention elsewhere, looking around the tent. Hasn't changed much since the last time we stayed here, she thought.

Her eyes swept back around, landing on Katherine. She couldn't help but wonder if she was any different than the other bimbos Ron had dated. She had hoped that he would have settled down by now, no matter what happened between them.

Harry broke the silence by muttering, "Alright, mates. Let's go meet the teams." They all nodded in excitement and walked out of the tent to go find Ludo Bagman; he would be directing them to the locker rooms where the teams prepared.

oOoOoOo

It had been nearly 10 years since Viktor Krum stepped foot in this locker room. They'd lost the World Cup that day in 1994, and though he didn't know her at the time, Hermione Granger had been there in the massive crowd. Months later would find him at Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament, and as he dressed into his scarlet Quidditch robes for the day's match, he thought back to the first time he'd set eyes on her all those years ago.

xxx

He had run into the library, looking for sanctuary in the many rows of books to help escape his 'fans.' He grabbed a book on magical creatures and sat down near a puffy haired girl who thankfully didn't register him.

Odd… He thought to himself. "She must not have heard me. Everyone always tries to talk to me, Quidditch fan or not."

He opened the book and quickly flipped through it, unsuccessfully finding some clue that could help him get through the first task. Of course he had been picked as champion for the Triwizard Tournament, representing Durmstrang.

Frustrated, he glanced around and saw that the bushy haired witch was diligently reading through another large tome on magical creatures . He stood and walked over to her, stopping just in front of the table she was working at. He waited a few minutes before clearing his throat, slightly annoyed; Viktor Krum was not made to wait.

The girl didn't bother to look up, but huffed out an irritated "Yes?" He stared at her for a few seconds before uttering, "I vould like the book on creatures."

Upon hearing him speak, her head shot up and she scanned him as if she couldn't quite place his face. After a few more moments, she stammered out, "Oh! I'm sorry… I thought you were someone else. You can have it, I'm finished." She handed him the book with a small grin.

When she smiled, Viktor couldn't help but hold her gaze; her smile was mesmerizing. The sound of someone giggling wildly broke him from his stare. Both he and the girl, he still didn't know her name, looked around for the source of the sound.

A dark skinned witch stepped out from behind the nearest bookcase, giving him a dazzling smile. When she noticed who was sitting at the table behind him, her demeanor changed and she spoke with a sneer, "Oh, Viktor. You don't have to make nice with her. Come with me and I'll show you what real fun is like."

Halfway through her sentence her sneer changed to a flirtatious grin, and she took a small step towards him. The witch he'd approached quickly gathered up her books and stood, opening her mouth to speak but Viktor cut her off first, turning his attention back to the bothersome fan.

"I am fine here, you go avay." he motioned to the witch. A gaggle of witches had come up behind her, and they all stopped their excited chatter, glancing at each other with confused looks on their faces before retreating from the library in embarrassment.

Viktor turned around to face the brown-haired witch, who smiled, thanking him for the kindness.

"My name is Hermione. Maybe I will see you around…" She stood to leave once more, inclining her head briefly as if apologizing. "I'm actually running late to class." She gave him a shy wave before scurrying away.

Viktor watched her leave, vowing that he would get to know that girl no matter what.

xxx

"Hey Krum," his team mate Vasily Dimitrov's voice pulled him out of his daydream.

"Vhat?" Viktor grunted as he turned to face him. Shaking his head, he tried to focus on his surroundings, resisting the urge to sink back into his thoughts of Hermione. If only I could just—

His thoughts were interrupted once more as the rest of his team laughed at his glazed expression.

"You are putting your robes on vong," Dimitrov snorted, causing his mates to howl once more.

Clara Ivanova stepped forward, interjecting, "Were you thinking about a special someone? Maybe the witch who got avay? Or are you thinking about Levski?" She winked, making obnoxious kissy faces at him in the process.

The team roared even louder as Viktor quickly fixed his robes and took a step towards her. "Shut up," he growled, making her slowly retreat backwards with her hands up. Their laughter died down as someone called "Excuse me… Hello?" Viktor didn't even need to turn his head to know that voice. How could he ever forget it?

oOoOoOo

The group had decided to visit the Bulgarian team before the Brazilians - by Harry's choice. Hermione wrung her hands nervously. She wasn't sure if Viktor Krum was on the current roster, and she was too anxious to ask.

After checking in with the team manager and getting the go ahead, the five of them stepped into the locker room. Upon entering, they heard the team arguing in broken English, rather than their native tongue.

Hermione had always loved the way the Bulgarian language sounded rough, yet beautiful. It shone through, even as their words were spoken in English. She caught sight of Viktor and she couldn't tear her eyes away.

Viktor Krum had the same short black hair and brooding, dark eyes she remember from their younger days. He appeared to have grown even more muscular and lean, if that were possible. He'd always been an attractive man, and the years had treated him well. His facial hair was cropped into a short beard, and she briefly wondered how it would feel to run her hands along the stubble as he kissed her.

Horrified with the turn of events her thoughts brought forth, she glanced at Ginny, shrugged, and cleared her throat loudly, intent on making their presence known before she chickened out and left.

The effect was instantaneous. The team had stopped their banter and turned their full attention to the small group of spectators.

Viktor stepped forward as his eyes locked onto Hermione. "Herm-own-ninny?" He said breathless, shocked to find her here just moments after she took over his mind. Ginny coughed, reminding him that they weren't alone.

"Er… Velcome! Harry, Ginny, Ron and …?" He quickly took in the group, eyes stopping at the auburn haired woman at Ron's side.

"Katherine," she replied, stepping forth and holding out her hand expectantly. Hermione scoffed at the sight, frowning deeply when Viktor took it to kiss her knuckles.

"It's so nice to meet all of you," Katherine gushed. I can hardly believe that I am standing in your locker room!"

Viktor gave her a small smile and stepped back to introduce his team mates. He pointed to a man that was the same height as him. He had shaggy black hair that fell to his ears, dark brown eyes, and a thick mustache. "This here is one of our chasers, Vasily Dimitrov."

Next, he pointed out a small woman sitting on a bench. She looked fierce, with steel grey eyes and a braid of dark red hair. "Clara Ivanova, another chaser."

Viktor motioned to man of short stature, not much taller than Hermione herself. His eyes shone kindly as he cut in, speaking almost perfect English, "I am the last chaser, Alexi Levski." They stared at him with mild surprise, prompting him to offer "My sister-in-law speaks English, so she taught me how to speak it properly." Hermione smiled and nodded her head.

Alexi took over, pointing to the three last men in the locker room. Two were holding bats, beaters clearly, going by Ivan and Pyotor.

Finally, a man with long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail stepped forth, blue eyes locking with each of their guests. "Lev Zograf, keeper."

The team dispersed, intent on greeting everyone properly. Viktor took the opportunity to make his way to Hermione. He bent down, clasping her hand in his own and kissing her knuckles gently. Without breaking eye contact, he straightened up and spoke in a throaty whisper, "You are just as beautiful as I remember."

Hermione blushed, eyes falling to the ground. Before she could muster a response, Ron angrily interjected. "Are you going to show us around or what?" All eyes fell on the tall ginger, where he was staring intensely at Viktor and Hermione. Volkov locked eyes with Viktor, silently telling him that he would deal with the rest.

Volkov stepped forward and replied with a huff, "Okay," he pointed to the lockers. "This is vhere ve change." His gestures were grand, as though they were looking at fine art rather than a dingy old changing room. "That," he pointed to a door opposite the entrance, "...is the bathroom. And that is all."

While the others mingled about, Viktor tugged on a stray curl framing Hermione's face and spoke sweetly, "Vill I see you later?"

She glanced up at his eyes, seeing nothing but warmth. Taking a deep breath, she whispered "yes." Her grin faltered slightly as she saw Katherine approaching out of the corner of her eye.

Katherine came right up to Viktor as if Hermione were invisible. She batted her lashes, "Excuse me Mr. Krum… Will you walk us to the stands?" Viktor shook his head and with a roll of eyes, said "No." Katherine blinked, trying not to look disappointed and failing miserably.

Harry came to her rescue by announcing cheerfully, "Let's go, mates! We have to meet the other team." He waved his arms towards the door, instructing them to get a move on.

"It was nice to meet all of you. Maybe we can meet up for drinks after the game, yea?" The team replied in unison, and Viktor watched on with sad eyes as their reunion was cut short far too quickly.

"Yea, good riddance." Ron muttered, eyeing Viktor as he ushered Hermione and Katherine out before they could say their own goodbyes.