A Fated Marriage

A/N: Hello everyone. Here is the long awaited next chapter. I hope you don’t mind that it’s longer than other chapters have been. I hope you guys like it.

Picnic

The days started to fall into a peaceful pattern for the young couple. As easy as breathing they fell in a routine that prevented them from getting into any more awkward situations. They woke up, went to two different bathrooms, showered, and dressed for the day. After all of that they both headed downstairs to the dinning room for breakfast. While eating they would keep talking to a minimum since neither was much of a morning person. They discussed their up coming day and what they had planned, but that was it. What else was there to say before your first cup of coffee? The couple thought it was a perfect way to start the day. He would ask her what she planned to study and would even offer to help her on some of the regular class stuff once he got back from practice later that night. It turned out he was pretty talented at Charms. He would leave for practice and she would head to the manor’s library where she spent most of the day. Later in the evening he would return home and they would have dinner. Dinner conversations were much livelier and fun filled. They would talk about anything and everything.

It was at dinner and after dinner where they learned the most about each other. Hermione learned that Viktor hated peas, loved muggle music, tried to fly when he was three years old by jumping off his house roof, and was afraid of needles. Viktor learned that Hermione liked to write as much as she liked to read, she hated being an only child, every other Sunday she would visit her parent’s grave site, and her favorite dessert was fresh brownies. Sometimes when joking was set aside they would talk about the war and the darker things of the past.

Hermione had a breakdown when she told him about her parents. Viktor held her silently as she sobbed into his chest telling him about how much she regretted no getting to be with them in their last moments, or how much she missed them telling her to brush her teeth in their letters from home. She cried for a long while. When she had calmed down a little he whispered, “They still live in your heart. You’re not alone. You can alvays come to me if you need to cry.” He smiled as he brushed her tears away. “And I can always remind you to brush your teeth.” Though neither said anything out loud it was that night where they stopped being two people forced to marry and truly become an engaged couple.

Now, just a few days later, Hermione stood at a table trying to decide what she should do with her day. Sitting before her was a stack of books that she needed to study for a big test, but she was having one of those rare moments when studying just did not like seem like an enjoyable way to pass the time. Outside summer was in full swing calling her name. The weather was warm and beautiful. It was the kind of day that brought out a person’s inner child. The want to play kids games, and eat ice cream was almost overwhelming. She gave the books one last glance before running down the fall and into the garden. All the flowers were in full bloom filling the air with a sweet fragrance. The various trees had heavy branches from ripening fruit. What a beautiful day!

Hermione walked around a little dirt path that cut the garden into sections lost in thought. Today was meant for something special, but what it was she wasn’t sure yet. She could go visit the family at the Burrow…but that could lead to another “what are your wedding plans” talk with Molly. In all honesty Viktor and Hermione never talked about the wedding. It was almost the “Untouchable Topic”. Visiting the Krums would mean a run in with Kamen which was not some she was ready through. She paced back and forth. What should she do? Then it hit her. “Nifty!” She called running inside and heading to her room. The house elf popped into the hall running to keep up with his unofficial mistress.

“What is it Miss. Hermione needs?” He asked trying to keep up with the giddy.

“Can you and the others make up a picnic basket for me? Oh, and please pack a huge batch of chocolate chips cookies.” She ordered while expertly finding her way though the maze of halls. When she needed to stretch her legs out after studying she walked around the halls and explored. Now she knew the place like the back of her hand.

Nifty looked like he was about to cry tears of happiness. This was the first time the young woman had ever made a request. Though Hermione gave up on freeing house elves a long time ago she was still very reluctant on using their services. “Of course we can Miss! What should we pack in the basket?” He asked eagerly.

The bride to be arrived to in her room and headed straight to the closest. “How about those big sandwiches that Viktor loves? The ones with all the layers. And some fruit, cheese, and some honey cake.” Her mouth was speaking of food, but her mind was elsewhere. She could not seem to find the right outfit. Flipping though all the new clothes was a task in itself, but she found what she was looking for. Carefully she pulled out a light blue sundress. This was the one! “Make sure the cookies are packed separately.” She gave the house elf a bright smile. “Please make sure to be quick about it.” The little creature popped out of the room as quickly as he came.

Hermione changed quickly and put on some matching heels. Around her neck a small tear drop pendent on a thin silver chain, an engagement gift from her future in-laws. She did not feel like messing around with her hair too much, so she simply combed it until it as shiny as a new Knut. A touch of lipstick and a small amount of blush was all the makeup she put on. She smiled at her reflection; once in a while she really felt the need to be pretty. And this was one of those times.

She made her way back to the garden where she spotted some blue flowers. Careful not to break the entire plant she snapped a few off and braided them into her hair. Everything was ready, now all she needed was the food.

As if reading her mind a house elf popped in front of her with one big basket and a smaller one, “Here is the cookies and picnic basket for Miss.” The house elf was Gabby, the reigning queen of the kitchen. She always made sure that the food was prepared to perfection. “I made sure there was a blanket at the bottom of the big basket.” Gabby told her with a bright smile.

“Thank you Gabby.” Hermione took the baskets into her own hands and took a deep breath. Now that she could use magic legally she could Apparate. She took the test a few days earlier and passed with flying colors, of course. She took a deep breath concentrating on Apparating to the fields where the Bulgarian team was training. Viktor told her they practiced five hours straight in the morning, had a two hour lunch break before practicing five. He usually went to the local cafes or pubs with his team mates, but today Hermione wanted to surprise him with a picnic!

Slowly she walked around the field and stadium. It was huge, and there were people everywhere. With the season close at hand people were preparing everything for the upcoming games and festivities. She knew that only those directly connected to the stadium and the players were allowed in. Press, fans, and rival teams were kept out by the series of spells. Hermione went up to a man who was hanging up posters around the place, “Umm...excuse me. Can you tell me how to get to the team’s practice area?” She asked him. She knew that it would be time for lunch in about fifteen minuets so she had to hurry.

The man looked at her. There was more hair on his face than his head and it was all white. “Vhy do you vant to know that?” He asked in a deep voice. Hermione smiled a little nervously and nodded.

“ I wanted to surprise Viktor with a picnic.” She told him simply holding up the basket. The man stroked his beard and looked her over. By now everyone knew who she was and her connection to Viktor. But he was still a little dubious about letting her know the team’s location.

“A picnic you say?”

Hermione nodded, “Yes. And I brought some cookies for the team.” She reached inside the basket and handed him one. “Maybe you could try one and let me know how they taste.” Maybe bribery would get her an answer faster. He accepted it and took a big bit. His expression changed from on of suspicion to one of delight.

“It is very good Miss. I am Mladen, and I have been vorking at this stadium for over fifty years. I am the Head Caretaker of these grounds.” He finished the cookie and motion for her to follow. “It is not often a vife comes to a practice. May I ask what the occasion is?”

“I just felt like it. It’s a beautiful day out, and I wanted to spend a little time with Viktor. That’s all.” She was concentrating on the path they were taking. That way she could get there by herself next time.

“Because you felt like it. That is very refreshing to hear. I am sure Mr. Krum vill be very pleased to hear that.” Hermione blushed lightly just before she abruptly stopped and gaped at the sight before her. Different tunnels, stairways, and halls had quickly led the pair to the practice fields. They were three times the size of a normal field. That way they could fit all of the regular players, reserves, and the training equipment on the field without too it being over crowded. “Come I will take you to meet the coach.” Mladen told her braking her out of her trance. They approached a huge barrel chested man. He was a professional athlete gone fat after years of retirement. Still Hermione was pretty sure he could break her in half. He had sandy colored hair with bits of grey. His deep green eyes were sharp and perceptive. “Coach Borislav may I introduce Miss. Hermione. She is here to give Viktor a surprise picnic.” Mladen told the other man quietly.

“Is that right? Vell Miss. Hermione I hate to be the one to tell you this, but lunch is not for another ten minutes.” He told her sternly. “And I never let the team go early. They have to stay until the very last second. No exceptions.”

“I understand, sir. I’m more than wiling to wait. I brought cookies for the teams as well. I’m fine with waiting until everyone is done at once.” She said once again holding up the cookie basket. The coach stared for a minute at the basket before lifting its lid to inspect the contents. In a second two cookies were in his hand and one was in his mouth.

“...ave...o…abe…umm…efore…the oys… et..em…all…” He tried to say between mouthfuls.

“Pardon?”

Coach Borislav swallowed and smiled, “I said I have grab some before the boys get them all. So you are here to surprise Viktor. Than get behind me.” He told her standing in front of her so she was completely hidden behind his enormous body. He brought a whistle to his lips and let out a sharp shill note. He yelled something in Bulgarian. In seconds she heard feet hit the ground. “Alright you worthless bunch for no talent hacks, I am going to give you an early lunch.” A wave of confusion was heard from the players. “You have our Seeker to thank for that.” All eyes turned to Viktor who looked just as, if not more so, confused as his team mates.

Hermione decided that would be a good to come out of hiding. She peeked out from behind the coach, “Umm…surprise.” Was all she could think to say. Suddenly she felt dozens of eyes trained on her. Trying not to look as shy as she felt Hermione walked over to Viktor and held up the bigger basket. “I thought we could have a picnic lunch.”

“Viktor’s got himself a good catch.” One voice said.

“My vife has never done that.”

“You better hold on to this one Viktor. Vhen you are not looking some better looking man vill snatch her up.”

There was some more words, mostly in Bulgarian, a few whistles, and playful banter. Viktor was turning a visible shade of red at all the teasing. “Boys I brought something for all of you as well.” She handed the nearest man the second basket. He flipped it open and smiled.

“Ve vill take care of this basket. You two go have fun.” He said pushing Viktor forward a little. The young man took the hint. Taking the basket from Hermione in one hand and her own hand in his free one they walked away trying to ignore the teasing from behind them. Neither said a word until Viktor stopped under a large tree just outside the stadium. They stood there in a tense silence unsure of what to say.

It was Hermione spoke up first, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you in front of your team mates. I just wanted to surprise you. I really didn’t feel like studying today and I thought you might enjoy a picnic. I swear didn’t know they would all make such a big deal out of it. You don’t have…” Her babble was cut of by a firm kiss which was clearly meant to shut her up. At some point he must have put the basket down because now his arms were around her waist holding her tight in place.

He broke the kiss after a moment, “Vhy are you apologizing? They are all jealous that I get to marry such a vonderful girl. None of their vives have every brought picnics or sveets for the team. Teasing is just their vay to hide their jealousy.” He kissed her once more.

She giggled a little looking down, “Well it’s good to know you aren’t made. Help me unpack this stuff so we can start eating.” Try as she might there was not preventing the increasing tempo of her heartbeat and obvious heat rising to her face. As they set everything out giddiness started to seep though the air. There hands would brush up against one another and they would blush. Their shoulders would bump and both would laugh a little unsure of what else to do.

The quiet was soft and warm very much like the day itself. They had both filled their plates and glasses before they started talking again. “You know you are not the first visitor I have had today.” Viktor said biting into a sandwich.

“Oh? Who else?”

“My mother.”

“Why did she come?”

Viktor sighed and finished off his first sandwich before picking up another. “She vanted to know if ve vere ever going to start planning the vedding.” He took a bite as Hermione thought over the words.

“I guess there’s no avoiding it. We might as well start now.” She said distractedly. Her partner nodded, but didn’t say anything. “Mum and Mama seem eager to help. So if we can give them something to do maybe they’ll stay out of our hair for a while.”

“Mama?”

“Your mum told me to call her that. Anyway maybe if we chose some colors we could leave the decorating up to them.” In all honestly Hermione never wanted a big wedding. She had always wanted something small and intimate. However that was not something they would be allowed. The wedding would be big, and there was a lot of planning to do.

Viktor polished off his next sandwich and watched her closely. He was getting good at reading her emotions, and by the downward cast of her head he knew that she was troubled. “Hermione vhat is the matter?” He asked moving to her so that he could take her in his arms.

“There’s just so much we have to do for the wedding. I had to study for the test. You have to train. We both have to prepare for Opening Week. I guess the weight of it all hadn’t hit me until just now.” Hermione shifted in his arms in order to look up at him. “How are we going to do it all?”

Viktor studied her for a moment before bursting out in laughter. What else could he do? She was looking at him with such and adorable pout and she was obviously worried about things that could easily be taken care of. He kissed forehead, “Silly girl. Is that vhat you are so vorried about?” He chuckled.

“I fail to see what is so funny.”

“Did it ever occur to you that ve could hire a vedding planner? And vith a little help from there family the vork vill be less, right?” He asked her starting to tickle her to coax out a smile.

“But wedding planners are so expensive.” She tried to protest and fight the urge to laugh.

“Are you saying I do not make enough money to afford one? I am the best Seeker in the vorld.” He said still tickling making little giggles escape from her mouth. “Or have your forgotten?” He asked continuing his attack.

“No…” Now she was outright laughing trying to push away his persistent hands. “Stop please.” Viktor smiled evilly.

“Not until you say ‘Viktor is the best Seeker in the vorld. I am lucky to have a man who can buy me anything I vant’.”

“Never!” Tears were starting to come out of her eyes .

“Oh vell. I guess I cannot stop.”

“Viktor is the best Seeker in the world. I am lucky to have a man who can buy me anything I want!” Hermione practically screamed. Viktor dropped his hands laughing at the flush on the witch’s face. Bam! A honey cake hit him in the head. He simply picked it up and took a bit.

“Fine! I’ll hire a wedding planner. But you have to plan anything that involves the men. The means dress robes, toasts, and anything else that comes up.”

“How hard could that be?” Hermione smirked. She knew what her adopted brother were capable of, and she knew they were not going to make it easy for her groom.

“Tomorrow I’ll get hold of hire someone and talk with our mother’s about what need to be done first.”

“That sounds like a plan.” Hermione took the rest of the cake and finished it. The rest of the time the talk was light and causal. The time passes quickly between jokes, kisses, a small food fight, and a brief nap in each others arms.

“Viktor! Hey Viktor! You have to come back to practice!” A voice called rousing the couple from their sleep. Viktor was the first to stand up. He stretched a little and bent down to give Hermione one more kiss.

“I have to go. Practice should not go over today, so I vill see you at home okay?” She nodded her head. “Thank you for the surprise. I loved it.” And he headed back to the fields. Hermione remained where she was thinking about what had happened in the last few hours. Sure it was a simple picnic. But she had come to a realization while they were talking and teasing. Hermione was falling in love with her fiancée.

“I better get home. Ginny is going to want to hear all about this.” A few waves of her wand and she was packed up and heading back to the manor with more on her mind than just wedding plans.

A/N: Okay what did you think? Did you love it? Did you hate it? Was it too long? Tell me! Please? I love the feed back I get back from you guys. See ya next time!