Chapter Seventeen: I Like You
"So how's life as a trainee Auror?"
Nymphadora Tonks, Auror-in-training, almost rolled her eyes at her boyfriend's cheeky grin being reflected on the communication mirror that she is holding—with the Auror in question currently being holed up in the Auror office's break room.
"Most of it is just training, really, and even learning how to file paperwork." She deadpanned. "But I had the luck to be taken on by Mad Eye Moody himself!" Her eyes almost sparkled. "I've been learning lots!"
On the mirror, Charlie Weasley winced at the mention of the paranoid ex-Auror. The man is all but retired now. But he does still comes back to train the new Aurors. Alastor 'Mad Eye' Moody had been one of the best Aurors of his time in Magical Britain, but he is also highly paranoid. And from what Charlie knew; after the entire Black fiasco a couple of years ago, Moody is one of those that had severed his ties with Dumbledore, being royally pissed at what the latter had done.
"A-Ah. Old Mad Eye Moody, huh?" Charlie murmured hesitantly.
"So what's been going on with you?" Tonks changed the subject expertly. "I received a rather concerning letter from Percy the other day. He's saying something about your mother being up to her old tricks again? And that he's seriously considering moving in permanently with your Great Aunt Muriel at this rate. And that the twins likely wouldn't be far behind?"
With Tonks dating Charlie since their Fifth Year (albeit secretly, since neither one of them wants to deal with Molly Weasley who had never liked the Tonks family and even the Blacks since the day when Andromeda Tonks had come down to deliver a dressing-down), she is also quite well acquainted with Percy and even the twins when they have started their First Year. They were amongst those that have helped Charlie and Tonks to sneak around so that news of their relationship won't get back to the Weasley parents.
Even after Tonks and Charlie have graduated, they have exchanged frequent letters with Percy and even the twins.
Charlie let out a long sigh, looking really exhausted. "Okay, you know how my mother is with the Sorting of houses in Hogwarts?" he said at least, weary. Tonks nodded with a frown. "We were still in Hogwarts when Percy and even the twins started their first year, so no doubt you recalled the Howlers they received when they were Sorted into Ravenclaw and Slytherin respectively."
Tonks winced. Slytherin House wasn't pleased with the Howlers that the Weasley twins have received at breakfast the next day just because they 'were Sorted into the wrong House'. The entire House was particularly protective of the twins for nearly a month after that, particularly against Gryffindor House who seemed to take it as a personal insult for some reason.
And Tonks definitely remembered Charlie mentioning how Percy and the twins have spent their summers at their Great Aunt Muriel's, electing to remain at Hogwarts for Yule. Professor Flitwick wasn't pleased with the Howler that Molly Weasley had sent. And neither was Professor Sinistra who was the Slytherin head of house.
Tonks knew for one that both professors were one Howler away from calling Wizarding Child Services down on Molly Weasley.
"It's gotten worse since Ron started at Hogwarts this year." Charlie revealed solemnly.
"Wasn't he Sorted into Gryffindor?" Tonks questioned with a frown. "I remember Percy mentioning that in one of his letters."
"Well, yes." Charlie tried to hide a smile with the fact that his younger brother is exchanging frequent letters with his girlfriend. Percy had a poorly disguised crush on Tonks since his First Year, Charlie remembered. Poor boy was heartbroken when Charlie started dating Tonks. Though from what Charlie knew from the twins, it seems like Percy had found love of his own at Hogwarts now. Though much like Charlie, he too had kept his budding relationship quiet. "That is the problem actually."
Tonks took a moment to analyse the situation and put together the pieces from what she knew about the Weasley family drama. Heck, the entire school knew of the drama, since Molly Weasley seems to have no issues with airing the family drama at breakfast with her Howlers. That, and her mother is Muriel Prewett's acting attorney, so she knew more than a fair bit than most people; as Charlie had taken her to visit his great aunt not long after they've started dating. And much to Tonks' relief, Muriel had actually liked and approved of her.
Seems like that old witch had liked a witch that is independent and has no problems with speaking her own mind. Certainly explains why she had gotten along so well with Andromeda now.
"Let me see if I can guess what's going on." Tonks had an eyebrow raised. "Considering yourself and Bill were in Gryffindor. And now Ron too is Sorted into Gryffindor, whereas Percy and the twins were Sorted elsewhere—that proves it in your mother's mind that it is something wrong with those three, and they're 'shaming the family name by daring to be Sorted elsewhere'?" She deadpanned the last bit, having heard those infamous Howlers shriek it more than once at breakfast.
"…Yeah." Charlie looked very tired. "And the issue also is that Hadrian Potter is supposed to be starting Hogwarts this year. The last time when I went home for Yule, Percy told me that Dumbledore dropped by for a visit, dropping hints that it will be beneficial for the family if Ron befriends 'Harry Potter'."
"…Hadrian isn't attending Hogwarts though?" Tonks was confused. A moment later, she understood the underlying reason. "Ah. I get it."
Charlie was about to say something, but the door to the break room opened just then, admitting Auror Proudfoot—a senior Auror that had assisted with Tonks' training.
"Tonks, there you are!" Proudfoot looked rather harried. "Director Bones is calling for us. You can flirt with your boyfriend later."
"Who's flirting?!" Tonks spluttered, and Charlie laughed. "Sorry, Dragon Boy. I'll call again later."
"Yeah, no issues." Charlie smiled. With how Auror training is, he treasures every bit of time that he can get with Tonks—their long distance relationship notwithstanding. Not to mention that Dragonzoologist training isn't exactly a walk in the park either. "Are we still down for Yule?"
"Yeah. I'll be taking on extra shifts before that day so I can get the day off." Tonks promised. "Mum and Dad would love to have you." The door opened again, revealing an irritated Proudfoot. "Sorry, I really have to go."
Tonks ended the call quickly, following Proudfoot even as he led the way to the office of the Director of the DMLE. Even Tonks had only met Amelia Bones once, and that is when she was admitted into Auror training, and was then introduced to her trainers—Mad Eye Moody and Proudfoot. She is one of five trainees admitted into the training that year. And from what Tonks had heard, two had already failed the course, with a third being on their way out.
Proudfoot knocked on the office door, with Tonks hearing a muffled "come in", from inside.
Amelia Bones was seated behind her desk, leafing through a stack of parchment, and with a frown on her face.
"Director, you called for us?" Proudfoot questioned, even as he closed the door behind him. Both Aurors then watched, even as Amelia activated the privacy and secrecy wards of her office, and Tonks shivered, despite herself. The only reason why the Director would do that, as what Proudfoot had told her once, is when there is a high level case she needs to discuss with her Aurors.
"Yes. I have an arrest warrant here for Maria Rivers, current head of the Wizarding Child Services department." Amelia handed the arrest warrant over to a gobsmacked Proudfoot who took it without question.
"What is she being arrested for?" Proudfoot questioned, even as Amelia handed over a rather thick file. Tonks peered at the documents within only to realise that there were various bank statements from Gringotts and even witness accounts from department workers of WCS.
"Embezzlement and fraud, and potentially breaching our laws and treaties with the Downworld." Amelia said grimly.
When the Shadowcloaks' organisation had reached out to her a week ago, she had nearly gotten a heart attack when they told her of the crime committed. They've already gotten lots of evidence on their end, and it didn't take Amelia long before she'd gotten her own evidence to haul Maria Rivers in. Even without a trial, she already knew that Maria is guilty—but she also knew that a trial would be held, considering what happened to Sirius Black.
Wizarding Child Services is a sub department of the DMLE; handling the orphans and even the muggleborns that comes into their world. Hence, when the missive had crossed Amelia's desk, informing her that the department head herself had been embezzling money from Downworld children whose names were actually down for Hogwarts, Amelia had looked into the case herself instead of handing it to her Aurors.
She knew of Maria Rivers.
She's a muggleborn witch that had attended Hogwarts, but was several years below Amelia, and was Sorted into Gryffindor. A bit too pro-Dumbledore for her tastes. And then again, that is the case with most muggleborns that ended up Sorted into Gryffindor—they always harbour hero worship for Dumbledore who openly favours his old House.
"This woman is an idiot." Tonks only murmured, able to scan the evidence that was already collected.
"Well, I agree on that point." Amelia coughed with amusement, seeing Proudfoot shoot Tonks an annoyed look. "Go and collect her, please, and put her in our interrogation room. Also, make sure that she doesn't get out on bail, and she gets no visitors until I get there. Considering that this also involves the Downworld, she gets no access to a lawyer too either until after her interrogation."
"Yes Ma'am." Proudfoot nodded, closing the file with a light snap. "Come on, Tonks. WCS is one level down."
"Yes sir."
Tonks had to jog to catch up with Proudfoot's longer strides. And while Proudfoot is one of few words, Tonks knew her mentor well enough by now to know that he's furious. And for good reason. Most of the Aurors in the DMLE became one to protect people, most especially children. Children are sacred to the wizarding world. It is why when Hadrian Potter's situation was revealed to the public years ago, there was an outrage, and it is what ultimately leads to Dumbledore losing most of his positions of power and influence.
And Downworld children or not, no Auror would stand by as someone comes along and robbed those children blind. Particularly if they were orphans, and those funds given to them were for the sole purpose of getting an education—whether through Hogwarts or hiring private tutors.
"Sir, you might want to calm down." Tonks murmured quietly, even as Proudfoot jabbed at the button to summon the lift. At this hour, the Atrium is pretty silent; and hence, the lift came quickly. "You're projecting."
Proudfoot looked at Tonks, surprised for a moment, before he breathed deeply to calm himself down. He wasn't that much older than Tonks—just a couple of years older, and had only been promoted to Senior Auror the year before. Hence, he was rather honoured when Amelia Bones had asked him to mentor a trainee Auror. It is one of the greatest honours that an Auror can get—being entrusted to train the next generation of Aurors.
Mad Eye had taken care of the bulk of the magical and physical training for Tonks whenever he is back in the Ministry. But when it comes to things like evidence gathering, interrogation, and even criminal profiling—that had been what Proudfoot is teaching Tonks. While she is clumsy and likely wouldn't last long in an undercover operation, she clearly excels at criminal profiling and stake-outs—considering she is a Metamorphmagus.
"…Right." Proudfoot swallowed to calm himself down, even as the lift doors opened. "You let me do the talking, and be ready to stun first if she tries to run."
'Stun first and ask questions later', had been the first lesson that Moody and Proudfoot have taught Tonks. It is easier to ask for forgiveness than lose a potential criminal, after all.
It is the first time that Tonks had been to the offices of the Wizarding Child Services—arguably one of the most important departments in the entire Ministry. Various workers looked harried, and only pointed Proudfoot towards the door at the end when he had asked for Maria Rivers.
Proudfoot's face was as black as lightning when he knocked on the door, admitting himself and Tonks in without even waiting for a 'come in'.
Maria Rivers was seated behind her desk, with a sheet of parchment in her hands. She had an eyebrow raised when Proudfoot and Tonks both walked in, with their Auror badges pinned to their robes—identifying them as part of the DMLE without neither one having to say anything. The woman however looked at Tonks with distaste because of her purple hair.
"Aurors." Maria greeted coolly. "Can I help you with anything?"
Proudfoot and Tonks exchanged looks before turning their attention back towards Maria. The former then unrolled the arrest warrant that he'd received from Madam Bones earlier.
"Maria Rivers, you are under arrest for the charges of embezzlement, fraud, the withholding of funds from children, and knowingly breaching our treaties and laws with the Downworld." Proudfoot recited. "You have the right to remain silent. But note that anything that you say can and will be recorded and used against you in a court of law. Please come willingly. Otherwise, I have no problems with removing you forcefully, and it will also be an additional charge against you."
Maria's eyes widened with every word that Proudfoot is saying. And by the end of it, she is as pale as anything, with her eyes darting around frantically like she's searching for an escape route. Noticing this, Tonks quickly cut off her route to the fireplace in her office.
"Maria Rivers, will you come willingly? And do you understand your rights?" Proudfoot questioned once more sharply.
"I… I…" Maria was pale, even as she got to her feet shakily. "I…demand my right to a lawyer." Her voice was weak.
"You don't have the right to one, considering the crimes that you've committed are against the Downworld." Proudfoot stated. "After questioning, then you would have rights to one for your trial. Will you come willingly, Maria Rivers? Or do we have to apprehend you?"
"I… I'll come willingly." Maria said meekly. She remained silent even as Proudfoot snapped magical manacles on her wrists, as is procedure.
"Damn it all, Maria, I would really hope for your sake you at least had the funds to find a competent lawyer." Proudfoot hissed, even as he is securing magical manacles on her wrists, with Tonks searching the woman to ensure she didn't have anything else on her, and also confiscating her wand. "You might have just ruined your entire life at this rate! And for what? Just because 'Albus Dumbledore said so'? Will he help you now, I wonder? And stealing from the Downworld of all things you could have done?! Are you insane? You'll be lucky if they don't demand we hand you over!"
XXXXXX
Dear Hadrian,
How are you and Draco doing since our last letter? Sorry for the lack of letters for awhile. Things have been really crazy at Hogwarts since our first day.
Where to start?
So, do you recall me mentioning Ron Weasley in my last letter to you over a month ago? He's been making a total nuisance of himself from day one, and not to mention his eating habits and his lack of hygiene is driving even my dorm mates crazy. We ended up asking one of the older years to teach us cleansing and silencing charms, considering he also snored loud enough to wake the dead!
All three of us—me, Seamus and Dean, ended up sleeping down in the common room our first night here. Definitely not the best night we could have, or the best impression we have of our dorm mate.
Not to mention that just on our first day, Headmaster Dumbledore requested to have a meeting with me. ALONE.
I know what you're thinking, best friend of mine.
I didn't turn up, of course. I instead wrote a letter home with Sage to inform my parents about this improtu meeting. And when the headmaster expressed his 'disappointment' at my refusal that day at dinner, Mum and Dad turned up at the right moment with Gran in tow.
The dressing down they gave Dumbledore for trying to 'lure the Longbottom heir alone to his office without any witnesses' is GOLD! Pretty sure more than a few owls would be leaving the Owlery that day with interesting letters home.
Mum even told Dumbledore that if she even caught a whiff of him trying to drag me to his office without her or Dad present, she would sue him with everything she got!
Ron Weasley too had been trying to befriend me or something the next day. Surprising, considering he made clear what he thought of a 'near squib and loser'. Susan lost patience when he kept sniffing around us even when we were trying to study in the library, and got one of the Hufflepuff older years to chase him away.
Dean and Seamus are very nice blokes, in contrast to Ron. But they seem to make better friends with each other. They did try to involve me in their activities, and I appreciate it. But I do prefer Susan, Hannah and Ernie's company. Maybe I should have taken up the Hat's offer to be Sorted into Hufflepuff at the Sorting, after all.
One of the Gryffindor girls seems to be having quite the hard time making friends. A muggleborn by the name of Granger. I have no idea if she's of any relation to the Dagworth-Granger clan though. Quite intelligent, she is. But she also seems quite eager in class, and it seems like she doesn't quite fit in with the other Gryffindor girls who seems more interested in boys and fashion than their studies.
She seems nice enough. But she just doesn't really seem to fit in properly at Hogwarts. Too eager to prove herself, and all that. I do think she would have done better in Ravenclaw, with her interest in books and learning.
Samhain was yesterday. Too bad we couldn't practice the rituals at Hogwarts, though, with the ridiculous laws we have here. I do miss being able to practice freely, the way we did whenever we visited you at Bulgaria.
There was also an accident at Hogwarts yesterday.
Someone let in a troll in the middle of the feast, and we were all sent back to our common rooms. Now that I have the chance to calm down, and with Mum and Dad rushing down to Hogwarts just a few hours earlier to check on me; it hit me. Wasn't the Slytherin common room located in the dungeons? You know, where the troll is reported to be at by Professor Quirrell?
Lessons were cancelled today due to the troll attack last night. And by lunchtime, we got the gist of things.
Apparently, the troll was wandering the corridors instead of the dungeons, as is reported, and stumbled across Hermione Granger, the muggleborn I mentioned earlier. The troll all but bashed her skull in. If it wasn't for the professors' timely arrival, she would have died.
As it is, from what is said, Professor Dumbledore refused to send her to Saint Mungo's and instead insisted on having Madam Pomfrey, the school Medi-witch, treat her instead. Lots of parents came down to Hogwarts in a panic today, not just Mum and Dad. And when Dad heard about Granger, he all but hit the roof when he heard from McGonagall and even Madam Pomfrey just what Dumbledore decided with Granger.
DMLE officials as well as officials from Wizarding Child Services were summoned to Hogwarts within the hour. Granger was removed from Hogwarts and transferred to Saint Mungo's immediately and treated as a top priority case. I don't know more than that. But Mum told me that the Healers at Saint Mungo's were able to help Granger. She would be in recovery and rehab for a month at least, from what is said, even with magic and potions. Her parents were also called for. And last that I heard, they intend to sue the school and to send Granger elsewhere.
Mum had been rather helpful in that regard, and would be representing them as their lawyer. This would be her first real case, and she's rather excited. Mum too had suggested Beauxbatons Academy of Magic to them when Mr Granger asked for a list of magical schools.
Seems like the Grangers have relatives in France, and they speak it fluently, having holidayed there often. So the language won't be a barrier for Granger.
I'm not too close to her, but I do hope she gets well soon. Maybe she'll fit in better at Beauxbatons than Hogwarts?
And due to this, Ron Weasley is in hot water with not just Gryffindor House, but also his brothers. Seems like he had been bullying Granger since the start of term, and the insults he gave her after our Charms class on Samhain is the last straw. That is even how the troll found Granger when she had holed herself up in the girls' bathroom.
So all in all, it had been a very long two months for me. How are you and Draco doing at Durmstrang? It seems strange, not being able to see or speak to you often. But I'm coming home for Yule, and Mum and Dad said something about joining you at Bulgaria for the celebrations again.
I can't wait!
P.S. Have you confessed to Viktor yet? Or vice-versa? Viviane was complaining to me in her last letter. WHEN are you both going to get a clue?
~Neville
XXXXXX
—presentation ages for omegas and alphas ranged between the ages of eleven to fifteen, though the oldest recorded age of a presentation was seventeen. Despite the presentation however, alphas and omegas, regardless of gender, only becomes fertile at the age of sixteen.
It is however not uncommon to see omegas and alphas having sexual relations even before that age; as is the norm for our ancestors centuries ago when it is common for children to be married off at the age of thirteen. The youngest ever recorded marriage during that time period is eleven.
An alpha and omega's presentation is when their bodies start maturing, and they start feeling that urge to have sex.
While not uncommon, it is also not considered rare for an omega and alpha to be drawn to each other from the start, even before their presentation age. It was believed that Lord Zir, the Lord of Magic, arranged for Fated Pairs, or even Soulmates.
Such pairs, as is believed long ago, are essential to Magic's own survival and the growth of the wizarding world.
While not much is known about those chosen pairs, with the last known recorded pair being back in the late 18th century, it is known at least that those pairs will gravitate towards each other, no matter what others around them tried.
Soulmate magic is the oldest form of magic in the world, blessed by Lord Zir and Lady Hecate. Such ancient magic and bonds are considered sacred and rare amongst even our kind, and it is considered a blessing from Lady Magic for one to find their other half.
Viktor Krum closed the book that he had been reading on his bed for the past hour—a book assigned in his Fourth Year Cultural Studies class by Professor Alexandrova.
Secondary genders and sexual education have always been part of the Cultural Studies class since First Year, though the professor don't start going more into detail about the sexual part until Third Year at least, which is the age for when most alphas and omegas start presenting.
Even Viktor himself had only presented just the summer before, and he is still trying to get used to the heightened senses and instincts that comes from being an alpha. His magic too had received a tremendous boost, and he had been trying to control the power in his spells. Especially when he'd accidentally blasted a hole in the wall of the Dark Arts classroom when practicing a spell.
(The look on Kovarev's face however is very amusing)
The book that Professor Alexandrova had assigned for reading in her class is particularly interesting, though Viktor can't help his face growing hot at some of the diagrams that he'd seen in said book that contains of some rather…interesting sexual positions.
He knows for one that the professor will likely go into sex rituals after the Yule holidays, from what she'd said on the first day of class.
And for some reason, whenever this topic comes up, Viktor's mind automatically always goes to one person in particular.
The Krum heir stared down at his hand thoughtfully.
He recalls after he'd presented, when there was skin contact between himself and Hadrian just before the start of the school year. He definitely felt a zap and some kind of connection between his magic and Hadrian's. Hadrian however didn't seem to feel anything, and Viktor is unsure if it's because he had yet to present.
Viktor had always been protective over Hadrian, even as a child. But after his presentation as an alpha, his protective tendencies had gone through the roof, like how Viviane had commented one time.
"Maybe I should speak to the professor…" Viktor murmured out loud, though he felt his face growing hot when he thought of speaking to the Cultural Studies professor about the issues plaguing him.
Knock! Knock!
Viktor looked up when a knock sounded on his dormitory room door. Alec whom he roomed with isn't back yet from his club; but being a resident of the room, he could easily walk in. The room, like all dormitories, are warded against all students save for the dorm leader and Prefects, in the event of an emergency.
So whoever is knocking on the door now, it definitely isn't Alec.
Viktor muttered something even as he got off his bed and opened the door only to see his younger sister standing outside. He raised a brow at Viviane. "This is the Fourth Year boys' dorm level," he pointed out bluntly, and Viviane's eye twitched.
"Geez, really feeling the love here, big brother." Viviane deadpanned. Viktor shot back an unimpressed look, and Viviane grinned which only sent alarm bells shooting through his head. "Tell me you're free right now."
"I'm…free right now?" Viktor echoed, hoping he isn't going to regret this. Quidditch practice was cancelled for the day, as the captain of the team he's in had some make-up lessons to do. But Viktor was planning to go for a quick fly around the pitch once Natasha is done with classes for the day, with the latter taking a few extra electives for extra credit.
Viviane's grin only widened. "Good. You won't mind taking my place as Hadrian's model then," she chirped. "I have something urgent to attend to, so I need you to go in my place."
"I'm sure—" Viktor's brain came to a halt when he registered Viviane's words. "Wait, what?"
XXXXXX
Hadrian's mind is still reeling over what he'd read in Neville's letter that he'd received earlier that day at breakfast. Draco happened to be with him when Arcturus had delivered it, and while both cousins were understandably concerned with the amount of drama that seems to be rampant in Hogwarts, they have put it out of their minds.
Hadrian however is in no way amused with Draco's hysterical laughter with the last part of Neville's letter to the point the blond had fallen off his seat, much to their year mates' amusement.
"Damn you, Neville." Hadrian grumbled, setting up his art easel whilst waiting for Viviane's arrival.
Why is everyone around him telling him the same thing lately? Sure, Hadrian would love nothing more; since a very tiny part of him could admit that he does have quite the crush on Viktor since they were kids. But Viktor in the end is still older than him, and quite popular as the school's best Seeker. There were already rumours that the National Bulgarian team had their eye on him and is just waiting until Viktor turns fifteen before they approach Lord and Lady Krum.
(Hadrian conveniently ignored the small part of his brain that whispered he too is quite popular amongst the school)
There was a knock on the door just then, and Hadrian got to his feet, relieved that he will have something to do to take his mind off things.
"Viv, you're late—" Hadrian blinked owlishly when he opened the door only to see not Viviane as he was expecting, but Viktor who had quite the sheepish look on his face. "Huh? Viktor? Where's Viv?"
"Well, she said that she had something urgent to attend to, and she sent me in her place instead." Viktor answered sheepishly. "I-Is that okay?"
"…Damn you, Viviane, you did this on purpose." Hadrian muttered beneath his breath, unsure whether to thank his best friend or strangle her.
"Pardon?" Viktor blinked. He could have just sworn that Hadrian had said something.
"N-Nothing!" Hadrian spluttered, a light flush overtaking his cheeks. "W-Well, wouldn't you come in?" Hadrian hated how his interactions with Viktor of late turns him into a swooning idiot. It certainly doesn't help that after his presentation, Viktor had easily grown another foot in height, with his features becoming more defined. And he's certainly not the only one that noticed, judging by the swoons of the girls in the school.
Viktor looked very amused even as he entered the art studio, with the door automatically closing behind them, looking around with interest. This is likely the first time he had entered the art studio, as much like most of the rooms in the school, it was warded against malicious intent.
The school, from what Sirius had said, takes the safety of their students very seriously.
"So, what do you want me to do?" Viktor asked, turning towards Hadrian.
"W-Well…" Hadrian had to do some quick thinking. The portrait that he's doing of Viviane is meant for his end-of-year submission for his Art elective. But he can maybe do one of Viktor for the end of the year school fair.
Durmstrang holds one at the end of each year to showcase their students' works. The various school clubs too normally showcases different things that they've been working on. It is also the one day of the year when the school is opened to the public, and it is also a way to entice new students. The school fair is a very lively affair, and often turns into a carnival of sorts.
Hadrian's first thought is to draw Viktor in his element – as a Quidditch player. But he was just as quick to decide against it. Viktor is a talented player, yes. And Hadrian certainly won't be surprised if he becomes a National player even before he is out of school. But it doesn't define him as a person. Viktor loves Quidditch, yes. But he has other likes.
Viktor only watched with amusement as Hadrian walked over to the middle window—with the windows in the art studio reaching from ceiling to floor, and which also lets in natural light. The smaller omega then drew the white, almost translucent curtains over the window which kept out the hardness of the sunlight. Hadrian then took various tomes from the nearby bookshelf and placed it on the wide ledge of the windowsill, along with a few sheets of parchment, and a quill, with an ink bottle from his bag.
"Viktor, do you mind sitting on the windowsill for me?"
Viktor was more interested in watching Hadrian move about, and as such, he almost missed the question, but was quick to follow the orders. Hadrian was quick to direct him to sit a certain way, and to tilt his head a certain way. And could he also loosen his tie a little? With a bit of his outer robe falling slightly below his shoulder? Now, could he look like he's reading a tome?
"Don't move." Hadrian chirped, now happy with how Viktor looks. He's almost eager to see how Viktor looks like as a painting, never having the chance to draw him before. He never had the guts to ask the older boy, though Viviane did say more than once that Viktor wouldn't say no to him.
Viktor was very amused when he watched Hadrian scurry back to his art easel and picked up his pencil to sketch Viktor, but was careful to not move. Truth be told, he is happy enough to just spend time with Hadrian. Ever since starting at Durmstrang, he hardly had the time to see the smaller boy at all.
And to be honest, he is eager to see how this painting turns out. Even from a young age, Hadrian does have the gift for art, and it is something that Sirius, and even his own mother encourages since they were small children. The art studio that Hadrian took lessons from as a young child too had made sure to nurture and encourage that talent.
Hadrian had a small pink tongue sticking out of his mouth as he sketched happily, and Viktor's lips quirked with amusement.
'Viviane, I owe you one for this.'
Viktor made a mental note to get his sister a very good birthday or even a Yule present that year. Maybe that set of music sheets or even that Stradivarius violin that she had been eyeing up for awhile now? Viktor knows for one that Viviane had been saving up for nearly a year for that violin. Even in the magical world, Stradivarius violins aren't cheap.
But the wood that it's made of is also the best for magical musicians.
Viktor has no idea how long he'd stayed in that same position—not moving, but occasionally looking at Hadrian out of the corner of his eye. It is only when Hadrian had put down his pencil, and saying that they both need a break, when Viktor realised that it is going to be sunset in a few hours, judging by the position of the sun that he can see outside the window.
"I'm amazed that you can stay in the same position for hours, and not have to move." Hadrian commented, passing Viktor a drink that was stored in the cupboard in a corner. The house elves of the school often stocked the cupboards in the various club rooms and art studios in the school with drinks under a stasis charm. "Viviane can never stay in one position for long before fidgeting."
Viktor laughed even as they both sat down on the floor under the window that Viktor had spent the last several hours posing on. "I'm almost amazed you got my sister to agree to be your model," he smiled, trying to ignore the faint stabs of jealousy that he felt that Hadrian asked his sister and not him. "Viviane is too active. She can never stay in one place for long. What did you bribe her with?"
Hadrian only gave him an innocent look, and Viktor laughed.
"I'm tired." Hadrian gave a small polite yawn. "I guess I really should have taken a nap earlier—"
His words were cut off as Viktor pushed his head down gently so that he is using Viktor's lap as a pillow.
"Uh, Viktor?" Hadrian's words were muffled, even as Viktor took off his outer robe to cover Hadrian with it.
"Just sleep. I'll wake you up in time for dinner."
His face hidden by Viktor's robe, Hadrian only blushed. Does Viktor ever hear himself speak?! Does he do this for everyone?
…Why does he feel a pang when he thought of Viktor doing this for someone?
"Just sleep." Viktor's large hand cascaded through Hadrian's soft hair gently, and it slowly lulled Hadrian to sleep. His early morning Astronomy class that day certainly didn't help any matters, either.
Viktor was careful not to wake Hadrian as he slowly peeled off his outer robe covering Hadrian so that he could see his face. The young omega is asleep, his face relaxed, with his long eyelashes fluttering every now and then.
A soft smile appeared on Viktor's face as he gently brushed two fingers against Hadrian's soft cheek. He pressed a hand against Hadrian's back, able to feel the warmth of his skin, and he swallowed nervously.
Careful not to wake Hadrian, Viktor brushed his lips against Hadrian's forehead. After the surgery done years ago when Hadrian is a child, his famous lightning bolt scar is all but a faint mark against his skin by now. And without his glasses, he doesn't look like how Britain envisioned their 'hero' to look like.
"I like you."
Viktor was taken aback when brilliant green eyes opened without warning, and Hadrian gave Viktor a startled look.
Did he hear Viktor?
Viktor cleared his throat, embarrassed.
"Well, I see you're awake," he said at last, trying to regain his composure. "I guess I'll see you at dinner, Hadrian? If you need me as a model again, just let me know the time and place, and I'll be there."
"…S-Sure…"
Viktor didn't look back as he took back his outer robe and all but ran for the door, closing the door behind him, and leaning against it. He is relieved when Hadrian didn't chase after him.
Viktor breathed heavily, staring at his hand. It still felt warm from where he'd touched Hadrian earlier.
"What am I doing?" he whispered. "Even if we're betrothed, and childhood friends, I shouldn't be feeling him up like this… He deserves more respect than this…"
Viktor remained this way for several moments before walking down the passageway, taking the route that would take him back to his dormitory.
Several moments after Viktor had left the vicinity, another student appeared from around the corner.
Valko Kovarev tried the doorknob of the art studio that Viktor Krum had just walked out of, and he gave a hiss when a light zap shot through his fingertips. That is the first warning of the warded doors, Valko knew, and he's not fool enough to test the wards a second time.
"Che. You're not getting him, Krum, betrothal or not." Valko growled. "Like it or not, that omega will be mine."