To the you of 1994

Prologue: The bees, The Birds and The Bond

Viktor

Viktor and his brother, Alexei, were outside racing on their brooms. Their laughter echoed through the crisp winter air as they poked fun at the pompous witches and wizards who would soon arrive at their house for the annual Yuletide gathering in a few hours.

Viktor's heart pounded with exhilaration as he soared through the sky, the wind whipping through his hair. The feeling of weightlessness, the rush of speed – it was intoxicating.

"We should head back, Viktor. It's getting late."Called Alexei, stopping in the middle of the Quidditch pitch in their backyard.

"One more lap," Viktor replied with a mischievous glint in his eye. "And the loser dances with Madame Ivanova tonight." Viktor shivered at the thought. Madame Ivanova was a pushy, perfume-drenched dance partner, notorious for stepping on her partners' feet.

Alexei scrunched his face in disgust. "You're on!" Gripping his broom tightly, he accepted the challenge.

Viktor grinned at his brother and took out his wand to cast a timer charm.

As they were getting ready, their mother approached, her face etched with disapproval.

"I do not know Viktor. Maybe it is not a good idea."

"You can call it off if you're afraid," Viktor teased his younger brother playfully, knowing he would get in trouble later for coaxing Alexei into being late.

As the timer reached the last five seconds, their mother's voice boomed. "Don't you dare! You get down now!"

"One more lap," Viktor defiantly replied, his competitive spirit overriding his fear of his mother's wrath.

Before their mother could answer, the timer went off.

Viktor's heart raced with adrenaline as he pushed his broom to its limits. The world seemed to blur beneath him as he swooped and darted, attempting to gain an edge on his brother. Viktor's heart pounded in his chest, his breath coming in short gasps. He could feel Alexei's presence close behind him.

As they neared the finish line, Viktor surged forward, his broom straining under the pressure. He leaned into the wind, his determination burning like a fire within him. With a final burst of speed, he crossed the finish line, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

Alexei landed beside him, breathing heavily. "That's cheating. I'm pretty sure you're more bird than human. You've got the face for it too."

Viktor laughed and threw his broom over his shoulder. "You could beat me if you practiced."

The younger Krum rolled his eyes. "Yeah right, because I can beat the natural talent of a bird."

"It's more than natural talent; it's dedication."

"Ugh, yes, yes, hard work and all that," Alexei mocked.

Viktor put an arm around his brother, knowing how irked Alexei got when people compared the two. "At least you'll have fun dancing with Madame Ivanova."

Alexei grunted. "Gods, dancing with that witch always gives me a headache."

They enjoyed a couple of seconds of peace until their mother and her elf popped up next to them.

The rush of winning was short-lived due to their mother's nagging about being late. She lectured Viktor about being more responsible now that he was considered an adult and the next heir of the Krumovs. He had been right about getting an earful about being a role model for his younger brothers, but it had been worth it to avoid bruised toes.