Diary - Viktor Krum - November 2002

2002-11-01 19:28:00,
Post Mortem,

Written in Bulgarian:

This is the first time I have taken the time to analyse the events of Halloween Night. Even now, I do not know what came over me. Why I did what I did. What is it the Muggle police say when trying to convict a criminal?

Motive, means and opportunity? I certainly had all three of those and more. She was taken from me through no fault of my own, and I took what was owed, what belonged to me, right?

Wrong.

I feel like the evil thing they have been calling me all along. I tresspassed, I took without permission, I FORCED myself upon the woman I ~~love~~ loved. I can't love her anymore if I have no heart, can I?

You would think.

I need to make amends, to her and to Ron. If nothing else to ease them of any wrong doing they may feel. I don't care about my conscience. I banished that a long time ago.

Faithfully, Viktor

2002-11-02 23:40:00,"
Hello again, Hermione

An IC RP with Hermione and Viktor Krum.

Viktor sat back in his chair, and growled. He crumpled up the piece of parchement he had been working on, a note to Hermione, and tossed it into the fireplace near him. He was having no luck putting his feelings down on parchment that evening. He knew he should speak to her in person, but he was afraid of what might result from Ron, or others should he even try. A note would be safer, if he could only get it written. He leaned his head in his hands, his elbows resting on the desk as he sighed. He remained like this for a moment then sat back with another disgusted sigh, and poured himself another glass of wine, and sipped at it. Perhaps that would help

Hermione pushed the door to the dorm open, her face devoid of tears now though the traces remained. She closed it behind her before turning to face the occupant of the room, confused and slightly angry, at what she was not sure. "Why?" she asked simply, wanting an answer to something, wanting to give form to something abstract in an attempt to keep herself level. Her world had just been knocked slightly off of its axis, and she needed something she might understand.

Viktor suddenly looked up, saying he was startled, and surprised to see Hermione standing there was putting it mildly. "Her.... Hermione?" he asked, blinking as if he wasn't sure if he was really seeing her or not. "Vhat are you doing here?"

The brunette met his eyes as levelly as she could, her chest still hurting slightly from crying before, and her voice was as controlled as she could manage. "I want an answer, Viktor," she said, not unkind but not wavering in the least. She stayed by the door in case her senses kicked in and she left this before it got worse. But she wasn't thinking logically, otherwise she would not be standing in Viktor Krum's bedroom demanding an explanation.

He stared at her for a moment, then slowly got up from the table. He started to approach her, but then thought better of it, and stopped. He leaned back against his writing desk, and folded his arms across his chest. "I don't know vhy I did it. I can't give you a reason, only my deepest regrets, and an apology to you and Ronald." he said softly. His dark eyes were flat looking, sad and lifeless almost. "I'm sorry Hermione, it vill never happen again." he said, then looked down at the floor, unable to meet her gaze.

Her anger flickered in her, and died out completely, and she was left feeling helpless and hopeless again with nothing solid to hold on to. "Do you have any idea..." she started, but her voice faltered and she choked slightly, looking down at her feet. Is was betrayal, and it had hurt. Hermione's face, if he could see it, was pained, and she was at a loss for words.

"No.... I haff no idea. I haff no idea vhy I did it, I haff no idea ov the pain I haff caused you and Ronald. I need to apologise to him as vell..." he said quietly, then looked up at her. He opened his mouth to say something more, then changing his mind, he closed it, and just shook his head.

She looked up at the second mention of Ron, that pain shooting through her like the prick of a knife, and the tears welled up again. "Don't talk to him..." she managed, knowing that anyone trying to talk to Ron then (other than her or Harry) would most likely be hexed into another time. The thought of Ron, hurting in the other room, caused her chest to tighten, and she had to look away from Viktor again. "I just don't... don't understand..." she said, and her voice was quiet and childlike, filled with helplessness.

Viktor looked directly at her, "I think I vill talk to him Hermione. Maybe not tonight, but I vill tell him of the dishonorable thing I haff done to him. I must admit my falsehood to him." he said in a firm tone. He stood up straighter, as if to show his determination to do as he had planned.

"Do whatever you like, then, far be it from me to try and warn you..." she almost whispered the words, closing her eyes for a moment. The brunette leaned back against the door as though it could hold her up from falling, and was silent. She really should leave, she thought to herself, but somehow she lacked the energy or willpower to do so.

Viktor watched her, torn as to what to do next. He wanted to run over to comfort her, and part of him wanted to be as far from her as was humanly possible. He knew that her being here would only cause more trouble for the both of them. "Go home Hermione." He said at last, his voice was low and cold. "You do not belong in here vith me. None of you do." he said, sounding more edgy with each word. He glanced at the door, dreading that anyone would come along and find her in here with him. He then looked straight at her, even though she could not see him. "Go back to the man you are vith, and leave me be. Your place is not here." He said then turned his back to her.

Her eyes opened, searching the ceiling for some answer and only half hearing his words to her. With a short nod and without looking at him again, she stepped away from the door and pulled it open. "Goodnight," she muttered, common courtesy being something she could hold to, the repetition of word and movement soothing almost. She left, letting the door close itself behind her, and descended the stairs, her eyes on her feet and her mind elsewhere."

2002-11-03 21:38:00,
How many times do I have to say, go?

Written in Bulgarian:

I suppose I should be grateful she saved me the trouble of having to compose that note to her.

But I am not.

I suppose I should be grateful I don't have to worry about the awkward way I would approach her to give it to her, avoiding Ron.

But I am not.

I can see there is more bothering her than my stolen kiss from her. It is not my concern however. I have been cast aside, and told my boundaries in no uncertain terms by the both of them. I overstepped them, yes. But never again.

I still plan on apologizing to Ron, no matter what she says. I want closure on this and if he wants to accept my apology, or challenge me to a dual that will be fine with me. Once that is taken care of, I can move on with other parts of my life.

To go to Bulgaria, or not to go to Bulgaria? That is the question.

Faithfully, Viktor.

2002-11-04 11:23:00,
My most sincere Apology,

An IC RP with Ron and Viktor Krum.

Viktor looked up from the massive piles of parchment in front of him that Snape had given him to mark and then return to the students. Snape was making his rounds through the rows of seats handing out praises, (To Jack and the other Slytherins) and derisive scathing taunts, (To the Gryffindors).

When Viktor had finished the pile for this particular class, he notified Snape. "Well, at least ONE Gryffindor in the room can follow simple instructions." he snapped, then with a wave of his hand, indicated that Viktor should pass back the quizzes, just as the bell rang. Viktor nodded, not answering verbally, then began to hand out the papers while Snape barked out homework assignments.

Choosing to sit alone, not with his usual friends, tended to leave him with no choice but Neville. NO ONE wanted to be his partner, but Ron was just glad Neville didn't seem to avoid him. Neville was always so misunderstood. As Snape's spit began to fly, he flinched, and waited for his quiz to be handed back, as he began to pack and gather his things.

Viktor moved silently along the rows, looking like a slightly slimmer, younger version of Snape in his own black robes. He returned the papers dispassionately, and when the last of them were handed out, he returned to the desk he had occupied, and resumed his corrections. Snape, having issued his assignments, left the classroom with a flourish of robes, and a slam of his office door. Viktor flickered a glance in Ron's direction, looking for his reaction to the note he had scrawled at the bottom of the quiz. "R, see me after class, VK."

Ron was rather enthralled that he managed a decent passing grade on that last quiz and small grin coming to his lips in light of such recent events. Reading all the way down, he noted the grader's note, furrowing his brow. Making eye contact with Krum, he pursed his lips together and nodded politely.

Viktor nodded as well, his expression was neutral as he went back to grading the next group of papers, and waited for the classroom to empty. It didn't take long until he and Ron were the last ones in the cavernous room, and when the was the case, he looked up at Ron, and then stood up and walked over to him. He pulled out his wand, and make a clear showing of leaving it on his desk behind him. "I need to talk to you, for just a minute Ronald." he said softly.

Packing his things up slowly, he saw Neville waiting for him. He waved him off and said he'd be around in a minute. Neville nodded and headed out, while Ron turned just in time to watch Viktor place his wand on the table and approch him. "Alright ... " he spoke rather dully towards Krum's comment. There was no anger, no fear, no pain. Simple indifference.

Viktor stepped up close to Ron, but not so close as to invade his personal space or make him feel any more uneasy than he no doubt already was. He laced his hands together to drape in front of him, then spoke softly. "I owe you an apology Ronald, for my unexcuseable actions on the night of the Halloween Ball. I haff dishonored myself, you and Hermione vith vhat I did. I am very sorry for vhat I did, and I promise you that nothing like that vill ever happen again." he said, his eyes watching Ronald closely for any reaction or motion.

Ron flinched at the mention of Hermione. As if he'd almost forgotten what he did to her. He blinked a few times and nodded. "Apology accepted ... " Once again, he took such incredible news as if it were nothing. Not wanting to hold grudges, he settled on just accepting Krums appology, and began to ready himself to leave. "I'm sorry but ... I have to get to Charms ... " he gave a rather weak, pathetic grin, "I'll ... catch you later ... " He flung his bag upon his back and turned away, that smile almost instantly fading to a neutral tone. Well, that was certainly unexpected.

If Viktor was surprised by Ron's lack of emotional reaction to his confession and apology, he didn't show it, he was ice. "Is there nothing dat you vant from me in return?" he said to Ron's departing form. "I vill not allow Hermione to be near me vhile she is.... vith you." he said, then sighed.

Ron flinched again at the mention of her name. Each time it brought back memories of how he yelled at her, how she looked when he told her his secret. "I don't care any more ... " he said with a wave of his hands. A small swish of his robes, and he was back on his path towards the doors. He didn't want to be possessive, and the way Viktor spoke made him uneasy. Very uneasy. He wasn't even sure that he and 'Mione broke up, or are just not talking to each other. It was confusing times.

Viktor watched Ron depart the classroom, not saying anything more. Was he confused? Certainly. He wasn't sure what was going on between Ronald and Hermione, but he vowed not to care either, or get involved in any way. "Be vell Ronald..." he said softly, not sure if Ron heard him or not, then turned and returned to his mountain of paperwork.</lj-cut>"

2002-11-04 12:37:00,
Observations,

Written in Bulgarian:

Ronald Weasley is going to blow. I can't beleive I am the only one that sees this. But perhaps, I am. I pulled him aside after classes this morning and apologized to him for my transgressions against him and Hermione as I had said I would.

He took it calmly. Far too calmly from what I have seen of his passionate temper and emotions thus far. He accepted it with the dull enthusiasm of a child accepting an apology from a playmate that had broken a toy he no longer cared about anyway.

Is this how Ron and Hermione are now? Broken?

I have heard other strange rumors about him, his actions and reactions to things lately. Allegedly he and Harry Potter are even on the outs. He seems to be pushing or driving all that are close to him, away. That is a danger sign quite clear.

I shall observe, but not interfere. I am not wanted, trusted or revered by any of them, and am only now becoming accepted by others in this House and the School. I do not care to rock the boat and involve myself with this Teen age Drama any further. The spell seems to have worked, at last. I have become quite dispassionate about my past relationship with Hermione, and her current dealings. Clarity of purpose has returned, and my goals are again in sight and attainable.

I plan to keep it that way.

Faithfully, Viktor

2002-11-07 07:43:00,
Time passes...

Written in Bulgarian:

I suppose an update is in order. Not much to report actually. I am continuing with my studies, my assisting of the Professors, and of course wrestling with decisions that need to be made.

Hermione and Ron and even Harry seem to be existing in the same house, but not the same world. There is a definite sense of despair where there was once an unbreakable bond between the three of them. Well, what did they expect? To grow up always being in each other's pockets for the rest of their lives?

You have friends, you grow up, you go on through life alone, perhaps with a mate if you are fortuneate enough to find one, and then you die. Does this sound quiet fatalist and cynical? Do I care?

I have written back to Team Bulgaria with my decision, and with the permission of Headmaster Dumbledore and the help of a Magickal item he imparted me with, I will be able to fulfill my obligations here fully at Hogwarts, and play for my National Team as well. I am quite sure he heard of the fallout between Hermione and myself, and this is being done to distract me from that, if not "get me out of the way" so that she and Weasley can be together.

Again with the cynicism, right? What else do I have to occupy my time and my thoughts? I look forward to returning to the Pro league. This will mean that I can once again play "full stop off" and not have to worry about hurting anyone or their precious feelings.

Speaking of such, I attempted to do a good deed the other day. I saw George in the Hallway and mentioned to him the dark and oddly repressed mood his younger sibling was in. He instead of being grateful for the insight, accused me of PUTTING Ron in such a state and meddling in places I did not belong.

Fine. When they find him swinging from a shower stall by his necktie blue with death... Not my concern now. It is not my place to care for the boy and his emotional traumas, but I did my part and TOLD someone of my suspicions. The responsibility it in the hands of his family and paramours now.

Time for breakfast, then classes. More soon. I need to prepare for my trip to Bulgaria this weekend. I look forward to many things there. The cold, the Vodka, the people. I am adored there.

Faithfully, Viktor

2002-11-07 16:05:00,
Seeker to Seeker,

An IC RP with Viktor Krum and Cho Chang.

Viktor looked through his locker in the Gryffindor Team locker room, and made sure he had taken everything out. Pads, gloves, pants and training shirts. His Firebolt, was zipped up in it's silk carrying bag slung over his shoulders, and his other equipment was stuffed into a black and red duffelbag bearing the Team Bulgaria colors and crest. He had shrunk down his Quidditch set to fit in the duffel bag, and once that was tied shut, he gathered it up and turned to leave the locker room. He paused at the door, looking back inside at the rest of the equipment remaining there for the rest of the team, then with a face devoid of any apparent emotion, he turned back around and stepped out of the door.

It seemed that lately Cho had a lot of time on her hands for Quidditch practice, and yet, she had not logged more than her usual hours on the pitch. Perhaps even less, she mused as she made her way towards the changing rooms, her Comet in tow.

She still hadn't returned Jack's broomstick to him, he never asked for it, and it never seemed to come up in conversation. Still, she didn't feel comfortable using it without his further permission. It was such a wonderful broomstick though ...

Cho felt a little wistful about it as she gripped her loyal Comet; it still did the job even if it was older. She must have been particularly distracted thinking about the Firebolt because she hardly noticed someone in front of her before she had already walked straight into them.

Viktor had seen the Ravenclaw Seeker approaching him, distracted only a second before she collided with him. He hadn't the time to side step her, only brace himself so that she ran into a firm, unmoveable object and didn't send them both and his luggage to the floor in a heap. "Pardon me... Miss... Chang?" he said politely, searching for a moment for her name. The Quidditch players, particularly the Seekers were the only students he really had bothered to attempt to recognize on site. Assessing the competition as it were. He said nothing more at he looked down at her, waiting.

Feeling the colour rise in her cheeks slightly, she took a quick step back, not wanting to be standing so close to him.

It was true that Cho was indeed the shortest Seeker of all four at Hogwarts, or five if one counted Krum, and if she remained standing beneath him she would look foolish having to look so high up.

"Yes," she nodded at the sound of her name; but how should she address him? He was so formal, but he was also famous - a national team player! Surely she could address him by his given name? She was almost certain all his fans would ... "Mr Krum," she finally said tentatively, "I'm so sorry, I really should look where I'm going. You're not hurt?"

Viktor's face slowly relaxed into a soft smile from his stoney expression of before, and he spoke in the most gentle of tones, as if he knew how he intimidated people. "Viktor, please call me Viktor." he said, then shook his head slowly, his longish hair moving in black inky waves. "No, I am not hurt. I have taken Bludger hits to most of my body. A collision vith vone so soft as you did no harm." he said with a slight smile of amusement. Was he flirting? Perhaps. "It is time for Raffenclaw to practice?" he then added, the tone in his voice, detached once again.

"It's time for this Ravenclaw to," she replied with a short nod and a small smile, "You don't get to be Seeker going through ordinary practice schedules"

She bit her lip nervously when she realised she had just forgotten herself again; as if Viktor Krum didn't know about all the extra practices Seekers put upon themselves. Once you were the best, you had to keep working at it.

"I ah," she stammered slightly. "But I suppose you know about that," and she let her voice trail away, not knowing quite how to save herself from that

Again there was a flicker of a soft smile on his face and an understanding light in his dark eyes. "Ah... I do. Ve must practice harder and more than any person on the team," he said shifting his luggage around on his shoulders as he leaned against the building for support. "I vork out every morning, running, training, and then doing visual exercises to keep my spotting skills alert." he said quietly. For one so famous, he was quite shy and introverted. He tilted his head to look at her more directly, interested. "Do you do such things here?"

"Can't give away trade secrets," she grinned despite herself, and then noticed him shifting, "Are you going away somewhere?"

It was really none of her business, but she couldn't for the life of her figure out anything to say to him. Even though she saw him around the school a lot, she had never spoken to him before - one didn't just approach Viktor Krum for a passing chat about school or the weather.

Viktor laughed softly at her cagey reply, and then nodded slowly, glancing at his duffle bag. "Jah... I am returning to Bulgaria to begin practices vith Team Bulgaria vonce again." he said with a bored tone. He seemed neither thrilled or regretful of the news. It was just there. "Professor Dumbledeedore haff given me permission to return there on the veekends for practice und games." he explained, then looked directly at her, "They haff offered me a great deal to return and since I haff... plenty of free time..." he said as his voice trailed off and he laughed darkly. Was that sarcasm? Most likely.

Cho restrained herself from acting like a fan, but she was really dying to know all about it. Sure, she'd met plenty of British league players before, even a few of the national squad members; but never a player who was quite such a superstar as Viktor Krum was.

She wasn't very convinced that he even wanted to be talking to her anyway; he must have had several million dull little chats with people who were far less reserved about their admiration than Cho was. She had always imagined that making it to the top, doing what you'd always dreamed; well, she'd always imagined that achieving those things would make anyone happy.

But he didn't quite seem happy, it was somewhat perplexing considering everything he had done.

"Your work load won't be too much, then?" she asked meekly, it was the best she could come up with.

Viktor shook his head slowly, shaking the long bangs of his hair out of his eyes, "No, I am finding the vorkload here to not be as bad as I had thought it might be." he sighed. "I haff no..." he stopped there a moment, editing himself, "Personal distractions to speak ov, and the school vork is not much of a challenge. Mostly repeat." he said, then gazed up at the sky as if checking the weather. He would be apparatating to Bulgaria, so the weather wasn't really much of a concern. He looked back down at Cho. "Correcting papers for the Professors takes up the most time. " he added, then shrugged, again assuming his sulky slouch position.

"Oh well, that must be rewarding," she said, sounding like a teacher's pet; she really didn't care though, she was genuinely interested, even if he did think she sounded ridiculous. "I can't imagine what it must be like to do the things you do."

Correcting work for a Professor was only one thing though, Cho knew some of the seventh year Ravenclaw often volunteered their services; maybe one day she'd even volunteer herself. But he was a professional Quidditch player, something she had wanted for so long that she couldn't recall when she had first thought of it. It was always there.

"I mean," she continued, looking away from his penetrating stare, "t must be so wonderful to live your life; top player in your old league, National Team-" she stopped when she realised that high excited voice was creeping up on her.

He shrugged, he seemed not to mind or notice she was slipping into "fan-girl" mode, at least she was not screeching at the top of her lungs and clawing at him for a souvenir. "I like vhat I do. Quidditch." he said, adding that at the end for clarification. "The rest... just a back up in case I get hurt and cannot play anymore, though...." he paused, allowing himself a small smile, "I suppose I could coach a team." he said, then laughed softly and shook his head, "I just vant to play Quidditch the vay I do best. I cannot do that here." he said, definitely sounding disappointed.

It would have been her first reaction to smile sympathetically; how could anyone hope to compare to the incomparable Harry Potter? But Viktor was a professional, he could compare to Harry. They both flew very differently, and Krum's tactics were a lot more refined than Harry's, of course they would be. But Harry was a good Seeker, a great Seeker even; he was the best one in the whole school.

"You're part of a strong house team," she said, trying to keep her tone even and smooth, "I wasn't always a Seeker, before I joined the Ravenclaw team I wasn't anything; but I would have given everything to play any position at all, just so I could play Quidditch. I know it's probably not the same for you ..." and again her unsure voice drifted away.

Viktor seemed more at ease and willing to chat, once the topic focused on Quidditch, and not him, or his personal life. "I started out as Chaser on my School Team, Durmstrang." he narrated, setting down the dufflebag at last, and shaking out his numb arm. "Thenn in my third year, the Seeker graduated and I tried out for Seeker." He paused, "The rest is history I suppose." he said wistfully. "It is qvite something to play for the National Teams. The pace, faster. Not just because ov the Brooms," he said, glancing down at hers, again opponent assessment, but hadn't she had a Firebolt before?

"It's more intense, physical." he said with a smile. "I look forvard to playing against Slytherin House." he grinned, a wicked gleam flashing in his eyes for just a second. "They are the closet thing to Pro Level Quidditch here. They are not very skilled, but they haff the aggression needed." he said with a small amount of complimentary tone to his voice.

He had certainly collared Slytherin House effectively, although knowing they were all elbows was not difficult to ascertain. Slytherin's skills were not a total loss; but they weren't very daring, as a team anyway. Individually, Cho thought any one of them could pull off anything, but they moved in packs and forced themselves into possession with questionable moves; it wasn't a surprise they were the cause of more fouls than any other house team.

"Aggression doesn't need to be everything though," Cho said lightly, she herself was not very aggressive at all, "There can be an element of grace, you see it in the French league a lot, there's a lot more stock put into skill over there."

Viktor snorted at that. "Jah, and just VERE did they place in the standings last Vorld Cup?" he asked, genuinely amused. "I am not saying you haff to play like a brute, but yes, a balance of aggression and finesse is required to vin." he said, then laughed a bit more. "France..." he chuckled.

"I was talking about the league," she said wryly and winked at him, "We all know that France chokes at International level." It was true enough, Cho hadn't been alive long enough to see any sort of Cup victory for France.

"Besides," she added with a smile, "You know what the pundits say, anything can happen in the World Cup, it doesn't necessarily represent a nation's true skill level."

Viktor nodded at that, after smiling in return to her wink. "Jah... just look at vhat happened to us at the Cup. Ve should have knocked Ireland flat." he growled, this was obviously still a sore point with him. "I don't know vhat happened that match, but ve w ere just not on..." he mused, shaking his head. "Ah vell, there is next time..." he said, then looked up as he noticed more people approaching the pitch, and unconsciously took a step back from Cho, making more space between them. "Ah... your team approaches I think."

Cho turned slightly and saw her team mates coming, and then looked back to Krum, "Indeed, so they do." There was a moment of silence between them, it didn't look like he felt very uncomfortable in it, but Cho did a little; it was difficult to know how to relate to him.

For a second she imagined what it must feel like to have people thinking like that all the time - how many people ever really got to know him apart from his fame? She tried not to think about, it was so sad, "I suppose I better go join them." she added.

Viktor looked away from the approaching team, then back down to Cho. He gave her a polite half-bow, and smiled at her as he gathered up his things again. "It vas a pleasure talking to you Miss Chang." he said with a shy smile. "Good luck vith your Team this year." he said with a wink then shouldering his duffel bag again, moved away from the Locker Room building and across the grass of the pitch.

If he had turned back he would have seen her watching him slink away; she couldn't help it, even if he had the last word, she would be the one to watch things come to a close.

There was something so sad and melancholy about him, she felt very sympathetic, and yet she felt it wouldn't interest him at all to have yet another person care about him. So many did already.

With that final thought, and with him out of her sights, she tries to focus and walked towards her team-mates.

2002-11-08 21:10:00,
Home again.,

Written in Bulgarian:

Here I am home in Bulgaria for a long weekend of Quidditch Practice with Team Bulgaria. We already did some drills tonight, and I am quite tired and sore from it.

I was glad for the "all out" sort of practice the Pros do versus the children of Hogwarts. My team, they seemed to be eager to see me back as well.

Such is evident by the amount of bruising that is starting to appear on my arms and torso. Not that I didn't expect it, or evene welcome it to a small degree.

I am WELCOMED here, I am HONORED here, and people ADORE me! Why would I want to go back?

Ah... well early to bed tonight, more drills and practice tomorrow. I shall have a shot or two of Vodka, soak in the whirlpool and go to bed. Marta sent me an owl of course. Perhaps I shall answer her in the morning. Perhaps not. After all, I am here for Business, not pleasure.

Faithfully, Viktor

2002-11-11 14:17:00,
Back at Hogwarts,

Written in Bulgarian:

Well, it was quite a weekend. I returned late, and found the Gryffindor Common Room mostly empty. Harry Potter was sitting there, alone and brooding. I spoke to him briefly, about Quidditch. I did not bring up his other friends nor their current speaking status.

I told him of my weekend practicing with Team Bulgaria, and he seemed quite interested. I may invite him to come with me next weekend to the practices if it will be allowed by his Guardians, and the school.

We shall see. I shall write first to Dimitrov and see what he thinks of it.

How was my weekend? Long, and full of hard work. I slept like the dead, dreamless and full both Friday and Saturday nights, then again here in the Dorm last night. It was quite a workout, but I welcomed it. I like being pushed to my physical, and competence limits when it comes to Quidditch. It is then I am at my best. Cold. Efficient. Deadly. Effective.

Even if I cannot be such in all aspects of my life, over this I have control.

Faithfully, Viktor

2002-11-19 08:02:00,
Letters from Home,

Written in Bulgarian:

I know it has been a while since I last wrote in here, but there has not been much to report.

I have fallen into a new routine of Classes at Hogwarts during the week, Gryffindor Quidditch practice in the afternoons, and correcting papers for my teachers in the evenings.

I travel to Bulgaria on Weekends for practice with Team Bulgaria, which is going quite well. I spoke to Dimitrov about bringing Harry Potter with me one weekend soon to watch and maybe even work out with us. He seemed to be suspicious of my motives at first, the sign of a true Bulgarian, but just yesterday I received an owl from him saying he would consider it, but not immediately. As always, it has to be on his terms and time schedule.

Am I busy? Oh quite. I suppose it is for the best I do NOT have a social or love life. Ther simply isn't any time for that right now. Besides, if I am wanting for attentions from a woman, I need only send an owl to Marta.

She has been writting me sporadically as of late. Just e nough to keep in touch with me, but she is not pressing for anything more than conversation, yet. She has heard of my break-up with Hermione of course, and offered her condolences and shoulder to cry on. If I WERE to go see her, it most likely would not be just her shoulder I would be seeing...

Faithfully, Viktor

2002-11-23 17:18:00,
Tell me what you see...

An IC RP with Viktor and Lavender.

Lavender walked across the courtyard thinking quitely to herself, it was a beautiful day outside and the weather was prefect enough for her to do her class work outside. She then Noticed a familar figure on the Quidditch Pitch and walked over.

Viktor was sitting on the grass in a patch of sunlight near the bottom of one of the stands of Goal hoops. He had a pile of papers in his lap, and a quill in his hand. He seemed to be concentrating on the papers, correcting them most likely. His longish hair blew around in the autumn breeze occasionally getting in his way. He would shake it clear with a toss of his head, and continue working.

Lavender opened the door to the Quidditch pitch and walked over to him. "Viktor, hello" She said in a very soft and sweet tone. She sat down next to him and looked around, "It is pretty outside today." She commented.

Viktor quickly looked up as he was spoken to. Still a rare occurance here considering recent events. He blinked owlishly at her, and rapidly tried to recall her name. Lavender something... "Good Day to you Miss Lavender...." he said in a quiet, awkward sort of voice. He closed the folder shut over the papers he was grading for Professor Binns, and gave her a nervous smile.

"How are you Viktor, I haven't seen you much lately..." Lavender said quitely. She bit her lip and glanced at him. She Looked at the folder and smiled, "What do you have there, some Top Secret stuff?"

Viktor looked at the girl as she questioned him, and paused a moment before answering her. "I haff been qvite busy." he explained. "I haff classes, practices vith Gryffindor, grading papers for Professors, and then I go to Bulgaria on the veekends to practice vith Team Bulgaria..." he said, then smiled shyly. He saw her looking at the folder, and grinned as he gave it a pat. "Oh, not hardly secret at all. Just Huvvelpuv History ov Magic essays..." he smiled.

"Oh, I heard a rumor that you had quit the Gryffindor team. It is nice to know you haven't." lavender said in a Happier tone, "I almost was starting to think you were leaving, if you did that I would have been sad." Lavender started to play with her hair.

Viktor got an annoyed look on his face at the mention of one of the MANY rumors going around about him, then he smiled at hearing that she would have missed him. At least SOMEONE would have. "I haff not qvit from Gryffindor Quidditch. I just am practicing with my old Professional Team as vell..." he explained, then set the folder on the grass next to him, resting his hand on the top to keep a stray breeze from taking them across the Pitch like leaves.

"Are you going to be playing for Bulgaria again?" Lavender smiled. She then looked directly at him, "So, what would you like to talk about? You look like someone that is in need of a friend." she remarked, then Lavender brushed her hair from her face again.

Viktor nodded in answer to her assumption about palying for Bulgaria again, then raised his eyebrows at her presumptuous question. "Uh... I am not sure vhat I vould like to talk about Lavender..." he said, looking quite nervous. "I am not that interesting..."

"Now Viktor don't be like that, I happen to think you are Interesting if you weren't I would not be talking to you." Lavender smiled as if she wasn't about to let him get off easy. That she was determinded to get him to talk.

Viktor looked shocked at her reply to him and then actually blushed a bit. He looked away from her and down at the grass. He cleared his throat, and tried to think of something to say, anything, but his mind was blank. He was at a loss. "I... I.... can talk about Quidditch, that is about all..." he said at last.

"Okay lets talk Quidditch, although I really don't know all that much, just enough that I know how it is played." Lavender gave a weak smile feeling a bit akward. She wasn't sure how he would take this at all. She wondered why Viktor couldn't think of anything else to talk about, him being older and seeing so much she figured he would have plently to talk about.

Viktor was still looking down at the grass, and he nodded. "I like to talk about Quidditch." he said shyly, then looked over at her, and managed a smile again. "I am just a QUidditch player, and a student from Durmstrang.... Not much else is there about me." he said with a soft sigh to his voice.

"That is where you are wrong there is More to you than Quidditch and being from Durmstrang..." Lavender bit her lip, she believe there was more to people than they let on.

Viktor smiled at her, and nodded after a moment. He glanced around the Pitch, seeing if anyone else was approaching. No one was, so he looked back at her. "Vell, of course dere is.... But, I am a rather private person Miss Lavender. I don't talk avout myself that much." he said, then sighing, tried to think of some topic he was comfortable with. "It vas qvite exciting to play in the Vorld Cup last year..." he said with a bright smile. "Did you go to it?"

Lavender sighed, "Sadly no I didn't, I was in Africa with my parents... I wished I could have gone though." Lavender smiled at him, "I am sure you did amazing, everyone was talking about it. Perhaps next time I will actually get to see it."

Viktor smiled at her, he seemed to be feeling a bit more at ease around here. "I haff not been to Africa..." he said. "I mostly stay in Europe." he mused. "I vould like to see America some day." he said with a smile. He then picked up the folder of essays and set it on his lap, then placed his hands on top of it. "Vhat do you like to do for fun?" he asked quietly.

"I never have been to America, I would have though that you of all people would have been all over the world." said Lavender in a meek sort of tone. Lavender then looked down at the ground and back to Viktor, "Most people don't like the stuff I like to do for fun. I like analyzing quotes and such. I also love to do Tarot readings."

Viktor didn't know what analyzing quotes meant, but he knew was Tarot was. "Vould you like to do a reading on me?" he asked after a moment. "I haff never really had one done on me outside of a class assignment." he said with a shy smile.

Lavender bit her lip, "I don't know if you would want me to... see my readings tend to bring out stuff most people don't want known." She started twirling her hair with her finger. "See, someone told me I have a gift for the tarot and all.. unlike the Professor here... She told me I should think about making a career of it." She wasn't sure if Viktor had any idea what he was getting himself into asking her for a reading.

Viktor looked at her and shrugged. "I am not afraid ov vhat the cards haff to say about me. I think you vould not cast a bad reading for me." he said with a smile, then picked up the folder of papers. "How about ve go to the Common Room vere it is much varmer, and we can do the reading there?" he asked as he stood up, and offered her his hand to help her up.

Lavender took a deep breath and took his hand, his hand had quite a few calluses but was still surprisingly soft to the touch. She grabbed her bag and put it on her shoulder "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you- " she smiled slightly.

Viktor continued to hold her hand for a few paces before letting it go, and laughed softly. "It can't be vorse than taking a bludger to the nose..." he mused, then walked with her to the Gryffindor Common Room inside of the Castley where it was much warmer.

"I wouldn't be so sure, a lot of people fear me when it comes to tarot reading." She said neverously. Which was true a lot of people we scared of her doing another reading on them. She bit her Lip hoping that Viktor wouldn't end up being one of the people that wouldn't come near her after doing a reading on him.

He didn't seem too concerned, his life was pretty much out of his control at the moment anyway, what would a Tarot Reading add to his misery. He held out a chair for her at a table near the fireplace, and set the folder with the papers into his book bag for finishing later. He folded his hands and laid them on the table and gave her a smile. "Vell, how do ve start?"

Lavender opened her book bag as she sat down then took out her Tarot cards and smiled weakly. "This is your last chance to back out if you want to." Lavender opened her tarot card and set them on the table. She glanced around the room an noticed some students were watching and waiting to see what was about to happen.

Viktor rubbed his chin as if thinking, then shook his head, 'no'. "I think I vill take my chances," he said taking the deck and shuffling it for a moment with a series of elaborate shuffling maneuvers, then handied it back to her with a smile. "Let me see vhat your cards haff to say about me." he grinned, then leaned back in his chair, ignoring the curious looks from the others in the room.

"Okay what kind of reading would you like?" Lavender said a bit more cheerful but still with a slight bit of nervousness. There were so many different spreads, most people wanted the Three Fates. Then there was one she didn't use often which was Shadow of Truth. Most people were scared of that one. Hell she wasn't sure if she wanted to use that one on herself. Lavender smiled, "Most people like the Three Fates or Celtic Cross. Which one would you like?"

Viktor rolled his eyes as he thought, and rubbed his chin again, "I think I vould like the Cross, even though I am Slavic and not Celtic." he mused, then looked directly at her and smiled. "Yes, that vill do just fine please." he said with a smile and a confident look in his eyes.

Lavender nodded, as she took the cards into her hand and smiled, "Okay is there anything you would like to know?"

Viktor sighed and rolled his eyes upward as he thought, and then a moment later, he looked at her directly again. "I vish to know if I will ever find true love again..." he said with a dangerous grin, then patiently tapped his fingers on the table.

Lavender tried to hide the fact she felt bad for him as started on the spread watching him carefully and once in a while glancing around the room. She then looked up at him. "Well, here goes nothing- at the center of the cross, represents the core or central issue of the situation. Nine of Wands - Strength (reversed): Obstacles. Adversity. Problems. Delays. Barriers to overcome. Ill health." She watched him careful after she said this wondering what he was thinking.

Viktor's face was impassive, unreadable as she laid out the cards, and foretold his future. He nodded a bit here and there, but said nothing for the moment. He seemed to be mulling this over in his mind, and whether he believed any of it or not remained to be seen.

Lavender bit her lip as she pressed on, " This card at the center of the cross represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue, a force supporting it, or an element in collision with it. Knight of Cups: An invitation or opportunity may soon arise. Arrival. Approach.Advancement. Attraction. Inducement. Appeal. Request. Challenge. Proposal." She then brushed a piece of hair from her face, "This card here at the top of the cross represents a shallow level of awareness or surface appearance. Six of Swords - Science: A trip or journey. Travel. Headstrong attempt to overcome difficulties. Expedient manner. Success after anxiety."

Viktor nodded and gave her a winning sort of smile. "So, all is not doom and loss and death..." he grinned. "I think it is going qvite well... Is there more?" he asked, leaning forward and looking more closely at the spread of cards on the table.

Lavender laughed, "Of course not. And yes Viktor, there is much more- " Lavender smiled as Viktor leaned closer, "The card at the bottom of the cross represents a deeper level of understanding or underlying meaning. Two of Pentacles - Change: Difficulty in launching new projects. Difficult situations arising. New troubles. Embarrassment. Worry. Concern. And the card at the left of the cross represents the past or things to be released. Page of Wands (reversed): Indecision in proceeding. Reluctance. Instability. Inability to make decisions. A gossip. Bearer of bad tidings. A person who may break one's heart. Displeasure." She took a deep breath as she stopped for a moment ot watch Viktor and his reactions wondering if she was right in her reading.

He looked at the cards, nodding thoughtfully again, and let a little sigh escape. "It seems a mixed bag if you ask me...." he said in a soft tone. He didn't seem expecially worried or concerned by the reading. He looked up into her eyes again. "Is that all?"

Lavender laughed, "No you have five more left, Mixed bag perhaps... The card at the right of the cross represents the future or things to be embraced. Eight of Wands - Swiftness: Swift activity. Sudden progress or movement. Speed. Hastily made decisions. Too rapid advancement." She took a deep breath and conutined, "The card at the base of the staff represents you and your role in the situation. The Magician (reversed): Weakness of will. Ineptitude. Insecurity. Disquiet. Lack of imagination. Willpower applied to evil ends." Lavender bit her lip nervously, "You have three more to go..."

Viktor just laughed and waved it off with his hand. "Oh please, keep going, it is getting far too amusing," he chuckled and leaned back in his chair again. "This is the best laugh I haff had in veeks..."

Lavender bit her lip she was failing her gift was gone or so it seemed Viktor was laughing at her and it hurt a bit but she kept going on. "The card second from the bottom of the staff represents the person, group, or environment that you are interacting with. The Hanged Man: Life in suspension. Transition. Change. Reversal of the mind and one's way of life. In a passive sense, apathy and dullness. Boredom. Abandonment. Renunciation. The change of life's forces. Event's of anuncertain nature. The period of respite between significant events. Sacrifice.

Readjustment. Regeneration. Improvement. Rebirth. The approach of new life forces. Surrender. Lack of progress. Oversacrifice. An unappreciated person." She watched him carefully, "The card second from the top of the staff represents hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. Six of Wands - Victory (reversed): Indefinite delay. Fear. Apprehension. Disloyalty. Superficial benefit. Inconclusive gain." She stopped at watched him before she went on to the last card.

He simply raised his eyebrows, and let out a long sigh, sitting there for a moment before speaking, "It all seems to pertain to the past, to Hermione and Ron...." he said in a low, bitter tone at last. "You are telling me nothing new," he said, then leaned his chin into his palm as he rested his elbow on the table, waiting. "Please, continue..." he saied with a wave of his other hand.

"Oh okay, i wasn't sure.. I did d a reading on Hermione once... I don't think she will ever let me do it again." Lavender bit her lip, "Well this care is more to the quiestion you asked, see the other stuff is as I said it was- this card is the main one you are looking for and such." She smiled slightly as she Looked at the last card, "The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome of the situation. Strength: Strength. Courage. Fortitude. Conviction. Energy. Determination. Defiance. Action. Awareness of temptations and the mental and physicalabilities to overcome them. Confidence. Innate ability. Zeal. Physical strength. Attainment at considerable peril. Hidden forces at work are challenged. Heroism. Virility. Strength to endure in spite of obstacles."

Viktor gave her a wide grin. "See, it ALL turns out at the end after many trials, and struggles." he said, then standing up, he leaned forward and holding her face in his hands, placed a kiss on her forehead and sat back down grinning. He seemed quite pleased with her, the reading and himself. "See, you are qvite gifted at this Miss Brown. I thank you for the reading." he said, then after knocking his knuckles on the table twice, he gathered his things and stood up.

"Life is full of Struggles it would be to simple and boring if it wasn't. Thank you Viktor for a moment I was starting to think I failed you." Lavender said as she blushed from him kissing her on her forehead. She look up at him and smiled, "I am glad you were pleased, please do let me know if you ever want to talk about anything."

Viktor stepped up close to her, looking down at her and smiled shyly, "I vould like that very much Lavender, please know that you are welcome to ask me to talk if you vould like to as vell. I am not so busy that I cannot chat vith a nice young lady vonce in a vhile." he said, then leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. "I haff to go now Miss Brown, I haff to go and finish my vork for Professor Binns, thank you for a vonderful time." he said, then started toward the stairs leading up to his dorm. He glanced at the chorus of shocked, and now furiously whispering girls, and gave them a polite wave as he left.

Lavender smiled slightly, picked up her cards and headed to her room ignoring the whispers of the other girls. She really didn't care what they said, except if they accused her of cheating on Fred which she hadn't. If Fred got upset by this it was his problem, not hers."