A Year Abroad (Hermione/Viktor)

Finally Free

Ron looked over to Harry in a state of panic.
"Where's the rain?!" He shouted.
"It's still raining! I have no idea!" He called back. Harry looked over to the Headmaster's box and saw Dumbledore staring off into the Hufflepuff sector and that was when he saw her, Hermione performing some of the most complex magic he had ever seen.
"This is not good." Ron replied and they both accepted their fate.

Viktor watched her for a moment, ensuring that she was alright. Hermione looked different this time, more confident and less uncomfortable. With this knowledge, he diverted his attention back to the game. He was not going to catch the snitch right away. He wanted the boys to be able to cause the red head a bit of pain before he went after the win.

Hermione was still conscious when the game began. She was rather upset that she could not watch the game. But, nevertheless, she was glad that she was playing her part.

Chigvintsev noticed that once the game began, the students sat around them ignored Hermione and got involved in the game. This was good, this was what she needed. Hermione needed to be left to her own devices to concentrate.

Mcgonagall asked Dumbledore impatiently about the rain.
"It is Hermione. She is performing one of Chigvintsev's charms." Dumbledore replied and Mcgonagall couldn't believe it. She smiled looking over at Hermione, sat with an openly proud Chigvintsev. They looked like quite the duo and Mcgonagall had a sneaking suspicion that Chigvintsev was becoming attached to the girl, in a paternal way.

The game was difficult for the students of Hogwarts to watch. Anger had put fire behind the brooms of the Bulgarians. Poor Ron was being hit by bludger after bludger as goals kept being scored. Hermione was faring well, managing to block out the commentary. Until Viktor's name was mentioned.
"Viktor Krum has decided to now pursue the snitch." The boys voice called over the crowd and Chigvintsev noticed Hermione twitching, obviously losing her concentration. So, in a bid to aid her, he slid his hand in hers and closed his eyes.

Dumbledore looked up at the sky as a light came over the pitch. The sun was brighter than it had been before, only slightly, but he noticed. He looked over and saw Chigvintsev joining Hermione in trance. They looked so right, Master and protege and for a moment, Dumbledore wondered where it was that Hermione belonged. But then, the pursuit of the snitch caught his attention.

Hermione felt Chigvintsev's power flowing through her. They had created a link and their energy was flowing to and from. She allowed herself to relax a little, ease off of the energy ever so slightly. She smiled to herself, having help. She praised herself for how well she had done, but also accepted that she needed a little bit of help.

Viktor made a point not to look at Hermione. It was hard, but he was persistent. His eyes remained on the snitch. Once Durmstrang was a dozen goals up, the chase began. He could feel Harry on his tail, but he knew he was faster and there was a hesitance from Harry that Viktor had not expected. He chased and chased, touching it with his fingers, before it just getting away from him. That was until he flew up to the Hufflepuff stand and snatched it, just like that.
"Viktor Krum has caught the snitch! Durmstrang wins!" Both Chigvintsev and Hermione heard the commentator below.
"Release gently." Chigvintsev whispered to Hermione, letting his grip on her hand soften. Hermione felt her muscles relax, and the rain begin to pitter patter on her face. Finally, she opened her eyes and jumped with shock when she saw Viktor there, sat on his broom in front of her.
"Oh my!" She cried out in shock and Viktor placed one hand out to calm her. They held eye contact for a few moments and the crowd silenced. That one look had almost everyone swooning. Hermione stood and bowed her head, congratulating Viktor and after that moment he commenced his wet lap of honour.

Chigvintsev walked with Hermione out of the stands.
"Vell done. I am very proud of you." He smiled down at her.
"Thank you for helping me." Hermione replied. Things were never going to be the same. They had shared energy, they would never be just Headmaster and pupil again. She was his student, but he felt a protectiveness that he had never felt before. He sighed and realised what had happened, stepping up to the responsibility, understanding what a talent Hermione was.