Reunion (Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Arrival

Viktor stepped off of the Hogsmeade train platform, into the late September sunshine. Clusters of people crowded the platform square, greeting their companions who exited the train. He couldn't help but feel various sets of eyes on him as he dragged his trunk around the groups of people. The main street was a lot less crowded, with only a few shoppers, streaming in and out of the shops that lined the road.

He found himself in the Three Broomsticks, and ordered a butterbeer from the barmaid. He sat in a booth towards the back, dropped his trunk on one side, and sat himself on the other. He sipped his drink, watching various group laugh and drink together. When his mug was drained, paid at the counter, and headed off again.

He couldn't stop thinking of Hermione. What was he going to say when he saw her? What did she think of him, especially since he stopped writing to her? The embarrassment of getting fired from the Bulgarian team had forced him to stop writing to her. Of writing to anyone, for that matter. Did she know? He had too many questions circling around in his head.

By the time he arrived at the huge, metal gates of the school, the sun had started to set. Viktor gripped the bars, and pulled. They stayed firmly closed. He tried tugging on them a few more times, only to be unsuccessful. He pulled out his wand, thinking some magic spell was how to open it.

"Put that away, you idiot." Came a drawling voice, from the other side of the gates. In the dimming light, he saw a swish of black cloak. Then a familiar face came to the bars.

"Severus Snape." Said Viktor. "How have you been?"

"Oh, just peachy." Snape replied sarcastically. With an intricate flick of his wand, the gates creaked open. Viktor stepped inside, and faced Snape.

"Well, let's get on our way, since I've been anticipating this moment all day." Viktor rolled his eyes at the professors' sarcasm. They walked down the twisted, cobbled path in silence.

"So, Mr. Krum, you went from playing on one of the world's greatest Quidditch teams, to here. How did that downward spiral come about?" Snape smirked. Viktor tried his best to stay civil.

"If you don't mind, Snape, I'd rather not discuss it." He said, rolling his fingers into fists.

"Well, I'd hate to put you out. No, actually, I rather enjoy it." Snape fired back. Just as Viktor was about to retort, they were in front of Hogwarts' large, oak doors. The doors swung open, as Viktor and Snape stepped inside. Through another set of doors, Viktor could see all the students eating dinner. He scanned the crowd for one familiar face, but couldn't come across her.

"Come Krum, McGonagall wishes to give you a grand entrance. Because you deserve it so much."

"McGonagall? Is Dumbledore not headmaster anymore?" Viktor asked.

"Not this year. Dumbledore has stumbled across a far more important job." Snape said, looking away. Viktor decided not to pry.

"Follow that hallway there. Wait in the hall until a Professor comes to get you. I'm sure you remember the castle. Although, last time you were here, you didn't have the best luck...I'd imagine you've tried to block out your time here." With one final smirk, Snape disappeared into the Great Hall. Viktor took a deep breath, and crossed to the hallway Snape pointed out.

The walls were lined with paintings, all cheerily talking to each other. Viktor couldn't help but grin at the happy atmosphere in the castle. He reached the end of the hall. A small, wooden door sat beside a shiny suit of armor, shined to a glossy finish. Viktor seated himself on a bench next to the door, and waited. He could hear the clanging of cutlery, chairs scraping against the floor, and many voices talking excitedly. He sat there for nearly 15 minutes, staring at the floor, until he heard echoing footsteps coming closer. The door next to him creaked open, and a happy looking, plump woman came through.

"Hello there! You must be the new flying instructor. Krum, is it? Yes, I remember you! I'm Professor Sprout." Viktor shook her hand, smiling. "This way, I hear some kids are very excited to meet you." He followed Sprout through the door, and headed into the Great Hall, stomach flipping with nerves, one thought running through his head. The same thought that had been there since he accepted the job.

What was Hermione going to think of him?

***

Hermione sat, fiddling with the braid in her hair. She was once again in the Great Hall with Ginny, Ron, and Harry. Ginny had shown the boys the newspaper article. Ron was reading it, his forehead scrunched up in irritation.

"You've got to be kidding me." Harry breathed, shaking his head.

"Of all the bloody people they could've offered the job to, why him?" Ron spat, flicking the paper back at Ginny. She folded it up and stuffed it into her bag. Ron turned to Hermione. "What do you think of this?" He asked.

"Well, I'm not happy about it, but I don't see why you have to get mad!" Ron folded his arms across his chest.

"Hermione, are you forgetting you dated him in fourth year? What if he's come back to finish what he started?" Hermione punched Ron in the shoulder.

"Oh for God's sake! Don't be ridiculous, Ronald! That was 3 years ago! I'm sure he took the job to help his dignity. I mean, the poor guy hasn't had a career since he got fired from the Bulgarian team." Ron sighed, and gripped Hermione's hand.

"I'm sorry. I guess I'm just worried I might lose you." Hermione kissed him, then wrapped him in a hug.

McGonagall took to the Headmaster's podium. She coughed, requesting silence. Slowly, it swept over the crowd, until it was quiet in the Hall.

"Thank you." She said. "Now, just an announcement for you all. As I'm sure you've all read in the Prophet, Madam Hooch will be leaving us this year, and has been replaced with someone quite famous, Mr. Viktor Krum. He will be starting his work here with us immediately. Let us give him a proper Hogwarts welcome."

Hermione alarmingly looked as a wooden door in the back of the Hall opened. In walked Professor Sprout, looking cheery as ever. Following behind her was a young man. But not just any young man.

Viktor Krum himself.