Ch. 41

Hermione's POV

"I still don't know if I'm comfortable with you going to meet him," Draco said from the bed.

I sighed and set my brush down on the small vanity, turning around to face him. "Draco, I've told you that you can come along if you're so uncomfortable."

His mouth formed a thin line and he shook his head. "I'm not going to be that kind of fiancé."

I smiled, and he raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"It's just nice hearing you say that," I laughed.

He finally smiled and looked down at the ground. "It's nice saying it too."

"Draco, I'm going to be fine," I said, crossing the small space and sitting down next to him. "He can't be worse than anything else I've dealt with."

"I know..." He sighed again and reached out to pull me against him. "I don't know why I'm so worried about this."

I rested my head in the crook of his neck and asked, "Is it because we're in a different country and you're not going to know where exactly I am?"

"That sounds about right," He chuckled. Then he sighed and gave me a squeeze. "I just want you to be careful."

"I will," I said quietly. "Nothing's going to happen, and I'll be sure to tell you everything that does happen."

He kissed my forehead and smiled. "I trust you."

About an hour later, I was waiting outside of the arena somewhat nervously. Random witches and wizards would pass by me, giving me a small smile or a nod as they did. I returned the gestures and continued to look around, waiting for Viktor.

"Ah, there you are!"

I turned around to see him walking through the tents up to me. I smiled and said, "Good morning, Viktor!"

He smiled in return and asked, "Are you ready?"

After I nodded, he held his arm out for me and I hesitantly rested my hand in the crook of his elbow. He looked forward and apparated us away. We landed in a small alleyway behind a building, and he squeezed my hand before dropping his arm and leading us out from behind the building.

"So," He started pleasantly as he held the door open for me. "You are engaged to Draco Malfoy?"

I nodded with a smile. "A little over a month, yes."

"I read about the horrible things that Veasley had done after our meeting yesterday," He answered gravely. "I must say, I am appalled at vot he did."

He led us to a small table off in the corner of the small café and I looked around, asking, "Is this a muggle café, Viktor?"

"Yes, it is!" He smiled. "I didn't vant to bring any attention to us in a vizarding café. Do you know vot you vould like?"

I saw a waitress slowly making her way over to us and I quickly answered, "Tea is fine, black tea."

He nodded and gave me a small smile before turning to look at the waitress who had stopped at our table. She looked between the two of us while asking something in Bulgarian, and after Viktor answered, she nodded and walked away, smiling at the two of us.

Turning back to me, he said, "I missed your letters. I am sorry for not continuing to send them."

"It's okay, Viktor," I said, waving him off. "I suspect we both got busy with our lives after everything that has happened. Speaking of, what are you doing with your life right now?"

"Vell," He started, taking a deep breath, "I actually retired from quidditch this year. Egypt had beat us in the Quidditch Vorld Cup, and I decided that it vos time to step aside."

"Merlin, I completely forgot about the cup," I said, putting a hand to my mouth in surprise. "I'm so sorry to hear that you lost the cup."

He shrugged and gave me a small smile. "It is okay. I still help vith the team, so I guess I have not fully retired."

I smiled in return. "It's good to hear that. I know that you always loved being on the team."

"Yes vell, the fame vos alvays annoying," He sighed. "I could not go anyvere vithout being recognized. Still can't, but I have been travelling also."

"That's good!" I grinned. "Where have you been going, if you don't mind me asking?"

He smiled widely. "Of course I don't mind! I've been all over the vorld these past few months; I even vent to America!"

"Oh, that had to have been exciting!" I exclaimed happily.

He nodded and we were interrupted by the waitress returning with our drinks. I noticed her giving him a long smile before turning away, but he didn't seem to notice, as he smiled at me and pulled his drink closer to him.

"So, how has your life been other than that business vith Veasley?" He asked, frowning slightly.

I sighed. "Well, it's been interesting. I work in the Ministry now, I actually work with people who have been victims of lycanthropy."

"Verevolves?" He asked quietly.

I nodded. "Yes, it's been rather interesting, I have to say. Though there are plenty of other departments in the Ministry that have been vying for me to join them."

"Vell, any of the departments vould be lucky to have you," He said warmly. "You are very bright."

"Thank you, Viktor," I smiled, reaching for my tea.

He nodded and smiled in return, taking a drink from his mug. "It vos very nice of you to join me; I have missed talking vith you."

"I know, I've missed it too," I said. "I will definitely start writing to you again."

"I vill be very happy to receive your letters again!" He smiled and then shifted in his seat. "So, are you here for the quidditch match?"

I smiled. "Yes, my friend Ginny is on the Harpies."

"Ginny?" He squinted his eyes as if he was trying to place her face to her name. "Ginny Veasley?"

"Yes," I laughed. "Though she is Ginny Potter now."

His eyes widened in surprise. "Is Harry Potter here?"

I nodded, and he grinned. "Vell, I vill have to catch up vith him as vell. It has been too long, and I am interested in vot he has been up to."

"He's been busy as an Auror," I explained. "He's Head of the department now."

"I alvays knew he vould do vell at that," He nodded. "He vos smarter than he gave himself credit for."

I grinned. "Yes, he has a lot of common sense. Though he can still be completely oblivious at times."

Viktor laughed at that. "Vot man is not?"

I giggled and nodded. "You're right."

"I have to ask," He started slowly, rubbing his thumb slowly against his mug. "How is it that you and Draco Malfoy are together now?"