A Fated Marriage

Here it is! The next chapter! …That’s all I really have to say other than Belle I need some way to contact you. Okay on with the chapter!

Lunch

The table was quiet. Too quiet. There was no conversation what so ever and the only noise was the sound of silverware on plates. Hermione was not used to the silence at the table. She was used to at least a dozen voices having conversations, laughter, teasing, scolding, shouting and occasionally exploding. Before the meal had started she met the final brother Miroslav. He was actually the shortest of the brothers. A few inches under Viktor, but he had the same good looks. Blue eyes, brown hair, perfect body. He had offered her a friendly smile and a handshake before everyone sat down at the table for the meal. She wanted to break the silence and was going to say something about the tasty food when Kamen stood up suddenly and looked at her.

“Vhy is she here!? Vhy did they do this to us?! Making a Mudblood marry in our family?! It is insulting!” He shouted pointing at Hermione. Now there was real silence in the room. Everybody froze and stared at the outraged young man. Viktor looked like he was about the kill his own brother and judging by his parents looks they would be more than happy to join him. Valko looked embarrassed. Miroslav seemed somewhat amused. And Boyko looked curious. Radko slyly used that opportunity to hide his carrots in his napkin. “Do you know who ve are girl?! Krums. Our bloodline is as pure as you can get. There hasn’t been one squib born in our family and ve alvays produce many healthy children. Your blood vill only dirty our line. You shouldn’t be here!” He concluded breathing fast.

Hermione stood up and left the room. She had expected that kind of reaction from somebody. Normally she would have become angry and confronted the person who had insulted her. But the people who usually called her Mudblood were people from school who already knew her. Or Death Eaters. She could get angry at them because they knew her and they knew she was the brightest witch of her age. They knew what she did to help bring down You-Know-Who. They knew she was not useless! The only real times she was hurt was when someone called her that was when they did not know her. When they judged her by her blood not her talent.

While Hermione quietly let a few tears fall in the living room Miroslav and Boyko were trying to restrain Viktor, who was unsuccessfully trying to jump over the table and strangle Kamen. “How dare you say those things to her?! She is to be my vife! Is that how you are going to treat all your sisters in-law?” Viktor shouted at Kamen. The older brother’s face was set and determined when he answered the question.

“I vill only treat them like that if they don’t belong.” Were the words that came out of his mouth before a loud slap echoed though the air. Ognyan had stood and it was his hand that slapped Kamen.

“I vill not have that kind of behavior in my house. Your mother and I have taught you better than that. That girl is more a victim of this ridiculous law than anyone. Have you not read what is expected of her. She cannot go to University like you and your brothers. She cannot even finish her basic schooling. She must start baring children vithin the year.” Mr. Krum pushed his son back into his proper chair. “That is added the fact that she has already lost her parents and many people close to her during the var. She must give up her dreams and talent because a few men thought it vould be a good idea to force her into marriage.” The whole family was watching him in a sort of shocked awe. Ognyan rarely raised his voice. When he was angry he normally expressed it much more quietly. “Now I can understand this is a sudden change for the family, but that is no excuse for you to be disrespectful to her. Should this behavior continue you vill find yourself paying for school.”

Kamen paled at his father’s last words. He attended Phoenix University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world and it was also one of the most expensive. Paying for it without a scholarship could cost fifty thousand galleons, a semester. He glanced at Valko, Miroslav and Boyko for support, but all three were just shaking their heads not wanting to be a part of the ugliness. Kamen looked from his father to Viktor than sat back in his seat.

“Viktor vhy don’t you go talk to Hermione and than bring her back here? I do not think ve vill have anymore outbursts.” His mother said quietly her eyes cutting to Kamen. Viktor nodded and found his little witch sitting on the couch in the living room. She was hugging her legs to her chest. He could tell by her shaking body that she was crying. He sat next to her without at word and just gently stroked her hair.

“He von’t do that again. Nobody vill again.” He said softly. “I am sorry I didn’t speak up quickly enough.”

She looked and forced a smile. She wiped her overly bright eyes with the back of her hand and shook her head. “It wasn’t your fault. I shouldn’t be crying like this. I promised myself I wouldn’t…besides it’s not the first time I’ve been called a Mudblood. It won’t be the last.” She said with a shaky laugh. She quickly stood and smoothed the wrinkles from her dress. “I hope I didn’t ruin lunch.” Hermione muttered as she started to walk.

Viktor stood in her way and firmly put his hand on her shoulders. “I am going to be your husband in three short months. It is a husband’s duty to protect and defend his vife. So from this point that is vhat I vill do. You of all people deserve respect, and I vill see that you get it.” He put a hand under her chin and made her look him in the eye. “I do not know vhat the future holds for us, but I vill do everything in my power to make sure you have no more reasons to cry.” Than his lips landed on her’s.

They had kissed a few times while they dated. But those had been quick flirty kisses. He had just been a boy who was having good time with his girl. Now he was a man trying to prove himself. With his arms warped around her waist and his soft yet firm lips on her’s Hermione knew she could trust him to keep his word.

“Eeew! Mama! Papa! Viktor and Hermione are kissing.” Radko yelled ruining the moment.

“I know my name mean volf, but I think out little Viktor is the real dog in the family.” Valko said with a smirk.

“It’s just no fair. He already has the fame and fortune. Now he get to marry a beautiful vitch. Why does he get all the luck?” Boyko asked shaking his head.

“Vell…I think ve should be happy for him. For now. After all vhen they ask us to vatch their children that vhen ve can have our revenge.” Miroslav put in evilly.

The couple broke apart and looked over to see the three young men in the doorway watching the show. “As the oldest brother I must be the first of offer my apologies. My brother’s behavior vas unacceptable.” Boyko said with true sincerity in his voice.

“Yeah. He can be a real ass sometimes, but you just have to give him time. He grow to like you. And if he ever tries to treat you like that again ve’ll kick the crap out of him.” Valko took her hand and gave it a little kiss.

“The reason that ve are here and not eating is because ve vanted to make sure that you did not think all your brothers in-law thought the same vay.” Miroslav pitched in. “Some of us are much more charming. Besides now you know that if you ever get bored of Viktor you can come running to one of us. Ve vill velcome you vith open arms.” He gave her a wink and a Malfoy like smirk. Viktor scowled at him. Hermione laughed a little and smiled.

“Thanks you guys. That means a lot to me.” She told them. It was nice to feel at least partially accepted into the family.

Radko ran back into the room nearly tackling Boyko. “Mama says that you all have to come back to the table. She says there’s chocolate cake for dessert and that you can not have any if you don’t finish your carrots.” He said authority in his young voice.

“You mean like the carrots in your napkin.” Boyko asked throwing Radko over his shoulder and heading back to the dinning room. Miroslav and Valko followed both poking fun at their baby brother.

Viktor offered Hermione his hand, “We have to finish lunch, but I have a surprise for you aftervords.” He told her. She smiled a little more and let him lead her back to the table that felt a little more welcoming.



A/N: Well? Well?! What did you think?! How did you like that last tiny bit of fluff? It’s just the beginning of what I have planned for these two. Next chappy is already in the making, and I’m going over the other chapters and doing some editing. See ya next time!