The Prophecy

CHAPTER TEN

Hermione and Viktor walked slowly through the crowded streets of the Bulgarian capital. Viktor was holding her hand tightly. The thought had now taken up residence in his mind that strolling though the busy streets of downtown Sofia might not have not been the best idea. How could he have been so careless? Voldemort's followers were everywhere. They probably already knew that Hermione was in Bulgaria, and flaunting that fact would only make it that much easier for them to track down her precise location.

Viktor didn't want to let Hermione know that he was getting worried. They walked up a slight hill, and stopped in front of a stone gazebo. Viktor let Hermione walk in first.

The octagon-shaped gazebo was like nothing Hermione had seen before. It was made of a rough stone that resembled granite, and there were marble benches arranged against each wall. A few people were sitting inside, chatting and enjoying the view. From one side she could see the most of the rest of the city. From another, the square was visible, a great cathedral visible in the distance beyond. She could see office buildings, as well: modern, tall, and seemingly out of place amongst the magnificent and archaic architecture scattered around the city.

"You probably vonder vhy this is my favourite place?" Viktor asked. He walked slowly to the side where the entire city was visible below, and he looked at her out of the corner of his eye. She nodded minutely.

"Ven I look from this spot to the city below, I see more than beautiful scenery. To a non-magical person, this vould be a beautiful view of old architecture and modern buildings, but to me it is more a blend of two different vorlds. Not muggle and vizard, but old and new. The past meets the future, and they compromise." Viktor looked at Hermione, who was now leaning against one of the supporting pillars. Viktor continued.

"I come here venever I haff the chance, especially after Quidditch. I sit on the ledge and vish that I could fly over this land and see it in a new vay. I know that I vould draw too much attention, for I am recognized even here. So the best time to come is late at night, ven the city lights look like a sea of diamonds that I could svoop down and capture in my hands. You probably think that this is silly, don't you?" he asked self-consciously, interpreting her silence as disdain for his overly romantic descriptions. He scowled at himself for bringing her here in the first place, against his better judgment. He was about to suggest that they leave, but she cut in before the words could leave his mouth.

"I don't think that at all! I think that we all need a place to get away from reality and focus on something that is different. This is beautiful, peaceful place. Calming to the mind. I have a place like this back home." Hermione thought of the stone angel behind the old church a few blocks away from her house. Her secret place, where she liked to sit on the steps below the angel and read. "I hope that I can show you someday," she finished softly.

They stood quietly for a moment, deep in their private thoughts. She looked at him again, marveling at the sharp relief of his profile against the light stone. In that moment, she realized just how beautiful he truly was, how the peacefulness of this place had stilled his restless spirit and transformed him into a being of pure calm and light. He was truly exquisite to behold. His eyes met hers, and without a word being exchanged, he closed the gap between them. Standing behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist, they gazed together over the cityscape before them. He was the first one to speak.

"Vot vos the riddle?" he asked quietly. "The one that you had to answer to get into the Ministry?"

Hermione smiled, though she knew he could not see it. "It was you," she answered simply. She saw no need to tell him the rest right now. There would be time for that later.

Viktor tightened his arms around her, his chin resting on the top of her head. The softly floral scent of her hair mingled with the smells of his home country to create a uniquely comforting aroma. She leaned into his chest. He smiled.

It was nice to hold her in his arms like this, in his favorite place, as if they were simply two people in love who were oblivious to the strangers and activity surrounding them. For a moment, they could forget about the rest of the world.

The rest of the world, however, was still paying attention to them. A few steps away, a middle-aged couple sat on one of the stone benches. The woman looked at the young pair and smiled at them. How nice that Viktor Krum had finally met a lovely young lady! She had seen many articles and pictures in the gossip magazines linking him to several witches, but in none of them was Viktor looking the way he was looking now at the girl in his arms. The woman wondered who she was. Well, she would find out soon enough...it would be all over the Daily Prophet in no time. She looked away quickly to give them a little bit of privacy.

As the sun slowly made its downward trek, the shadows of the tall buildings began lengthening. Viktor had not forgotten his earlier trepidation, and he knew that they had to get home before night fell. "Ve should go, Hermione. Ve vill miss our train," Viktor said softly, still holding her tight.

"Yes, we should," Hermione answered lazily, showing no real inclination to leave. She didn't want to move from this spot. Here, in his arms, she felt safe; and for a moment, completely whole.

They slowly pulled apart and walked silently from the gazebo and down the hill. Viktor glanced at the couple on the bench as they left, and they both smiled at him. He smiled back, figuring that they had probably recognized him. He hoped that they had been the only ones.

The train ride home was uncomfortably quiet. The silence was almost oppressive. Hermione was staring out the window, but every so often her gaze would slide from the steadily darkening scenery to the man sitting across from her. Viktor simply watched her. He had done that many times, just looked at her while she was deep in thought. He had memorized her features, so that when he closed his eyes he could see her still.

He had noticed over time that her eyes changed color with her mood. When she was happy and calm, they were the color of chocolate with honey speckles. When she was upset or angry, they were like the core of an old tree, dark and harsh. But Viktor loved them the most right before he kissed her. In the moment before he claimed her lips, her eyes grew bigger and brighter, and the color reminded him of the ripe chestnuts that he used to pick from his great grandmother's garden when he was a boy.

Right now, she seemed to be warring between distress and delight, and the emotions in her eyes were tumultuous. They were dull and faraway when she looked out in the distance, as if she were silently asking the mountains for the answers that she so longed fore. Yet when she clandestinely shifted her gaze to his face, they shone with a fierce intensity. Whenever he caught her glance, she could only smile weakly.

The train finally arrived back at the small town of Rusa. They walked silently through the town and back on the road leading to Sokrovishte. Viktor held Hermione's hand firmly, which she didn't mind at all. Frankly, she could walk forever with him, wherever their legs took them. Ada's house finally came into view, and a familiar smiling figure was sitting on the bench near the door.

Viktor sped up abruptly, and Hermione followed.

Viktor spoke to his great grandmother in rapid Bulgarian. Hermione tried to read their faces, since she didn't understand a word that they were saying. She knew that Viktor wasn't trying to be rude; it was just easier for him to communicate in his native language. She could tell by the excited tone that he was simply recapping the day's events.

"Come inside!" Ada finally exclaimed when Viktor was finished. "It's getting darker, and I'm sure you are tired and hungry. Supper is waiting in the kitchen." Ada smiled at Hermione and patted her shoulder lightly. "Hermione dear, there's a package for you in your room," she added.

Hermione wondered who of the people that knew she was here would send her something against Dumbledore's express orders, but hunger overrode her curiosity, and she walked into the kitchen instead.

After a mostly silent meal, Hermione excused herself and ran up to her room. The package sat on the table. It was the size of a shoebox and wrapped in brown construction paper. There was an envelope attached to it, which she reached for first. Not recognizing the handwriting, she opened it carefully. Inside she found a small piece of paper.

Give us what we want, and we will return what we took.

Hermione gasped. She sat down heavily on the bed and stared at the box in abject terror, afraid to open it. Viktor, who had excused himself immediately after her, stood in the doorway, looking at her with concern.

"Hermione, is everything all right? Who wrote to you?" he asked. She looked at him, still horrified.

"I don't know, but they know I'm here...." she whispered. She unclenched her fist and let the note drop on the floor.

"Who knows you are here? Vot are you talking about...?" Comprehension dawned on him, and he looked at her sharply.

"Hermione, vot is in the package?" he asked.

"I don't know, I was afraid to open it. The note..." She waved to the piece of paper that lay crumpled at her feet, unwilling to touch it again. He swooped down and picked it up, scanning it quickly. He scowled angrily at it, then tossed it aside once more. "What does it mean? Viktor, I'm scared," she said, a sob rising in her throat.

He put his arms around her and held her tightly, though his mind was already racing ahead to the next course of action. Releasing her, he walked over to the table, regarding the package. He pulled out his wand - just in case - then slowly unwrapped and opened it. Inside, there sat a pair of reading glasses and a charm bracelet. Hermione immediately recognized the objects, and her hand flew to her mouth.

"Oh God. Viktor, those are my dad's glasses and my mom's bracelet."

"Ve need to notify Dumbledore. Ve cannot stay here any longer. They know you are here." Viktor paced around the room, trying to stay calm despite his rising panic. They would have to leave immediately. His great grandmother would have to find somewhere else to stay, as well. It only he hadn't paraded her around Sofia today! How stupid could he have been?

Ignoring Viktor's frenetic pacing, Hermione continued to sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the contents of the box. 'Give us what we want, and we will return what we took.' What was it that they wanted? What was she supposed to give them? What could she possibly have that the Death Eaters needed? Did they mean Harry?

Viktor, seeming to come to a decision, grabbed her hand and guided her down the stairs. His great grandmother was sitting in the family room reading a book. She looked up at the two young faces and smiled. The expression quickly faded away as she took in Viktor's thunderous countenance and Hermione's stiff posture.

"What's the matter, Viktor? Is everything all right?" she questioned.

"They know that she is here. Ve need to contact Dumbledore, and find another place to stay..." Viktor broke off as he strode towards the fireplace, tossing a handful of Floo powder in and proclaiming "Dumbledore's chambers" in a thick, angry voice. Hermione stood in the doorway in silence, still stunned by the package and the note. She did not hear a word of Dumbledore's instructions to Viktor. He shook her out of her reverie a moment later.

"Hermione, ve need to leave right away. I haff already packed your things." Viktor looked at her shell-shocked expression, and wondered what else she could possibly be forced to go through. This was enough to make an adult go insane twice over. Hermione nodded silently. Ada got up from her chair and touched Hermione's shoulder.

"I am sorry that you need to go through this, dear," she spoke softly.

What else could she tell her? The Sight was nearly impossible to control, and her mind was so clouded with darkness that she felt faint. She could not show Hermione or Viktor that she knew that the events of the upcoming days were going to be far worse.

Viktor sensed that his great grandmother was feeling something, but he didn't want to question her in front of Hermione. He made a mental note to ask her about it later, but knew that his first priority was getting Hermione to safety.

"Babushka, you need to leave as well." She raised an incredulous eyebrow at his commanding tone, but he did not see it. His attention was already focused back on Hermione.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked.

"As ready as I can be," she replied truthfully.

They said hasty goodbyes to Ada, then hurried outside. Viktor drew his wand with one hand, and guided Hermione towards the destination of the portkey with the other. Dumbledore had told Viktor that it would be in the form of an old hat. It reminded Hermione a bit of the one that Viktor had worn when he had attended Hogwarts the previous year.

"This is it. Ve vill touch it together," Viktor said.

Hermione touched the furry rim of the hat on one side, and Viktor the other. The now familiar, nauseating feeling came over her as everything started spinning. Hermione wondered if this was what it would feel like to be in the middle of a tornado. Once again, Viktor held her in his arms to ease the landing.

It took them a moment to get their bearings. Once the dizziness abated, they were able to take in their surroundings. They were standing in a dark alley near some large garbage bins. A flickering street lamp created a sickly orange path to the street. Viktor grabbed Hermione's hand and walked towards the main road.

"Dumbledore said to look for a house vith the address of twelve Grimmauld Place," Viktor whispered. "It should be the third house to the left."

They walked out into the deserted street. There were several muggle cars parked along the curb, and they found that the sidewalk was damp and slippery from the thick moisture in the air. The street lamps continued to shimmer weakly through the fog. Hermione wondered what town she was in, or what country, for that matter.

"Where are we, Viktor?" she asked.

"Ve are in London. This is the Order headquarters." Viktor stopped. He realized that shouldn't be telling her this on the street; anyone could be listening. He shrugged and continued to walk. There was a number 10, 11, and 13...but no 12. They both stared at the houses in front of them. Viktor thought hard about the password that Dumbledore had told him to use to get into the house.

"Amicus!" he exclaimed. Instantly, the fog around them thickened. Hermione was frightened, and immediately squeezed Viktor's hand tighter. But as quickly as the fog appeared, it dissipated, revealing Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. The house looked exactly like number 11 and 13 on either side of it, except there were no lights in the windows, and it did not look very inviting. They walked up the stairs leading to the front door. Viktor knocked three times. They heard someone running to answer.

Mrs. Weasley's plump face appeared in the doorway. "Oh, finally! We were beginning to get worried. Come in. Quickly, now!" She ushered them inside and shut the door behind them swiftly.

Hermione was confused. What was Mrs. Weasley doing in this house? Whose house was it, anyway? Her confusion was even greater when, after taking off her cloak, she walked into the kitchen: she recognized all of the pairs of eyes that were now staring at her.

"What are you all doing here?" she exclaimed in disbelief. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and the rest of the Weasley family were looking at her with a mixture of relief and curiosity. Sirius Black and Professor Lupin were also present; the only person missing was Dumbledore.

"We're staying here for the summer, helping out Sirius clean this place up for the Order," Harry explained quickly, watching Hermione's face become flushed.

Her mind was a mess of questions, though most could not be answered by those present. Why couldn't she have stayed here instead of in Bulgaria? Why was the Order so secretive? Why were all of them here in the first place? Her curiosity, however, was overcome by a sudden desire to be by herself.

Mrs. Weasley sensed Hermione's need, as usual.

"Hermione dear, if you would like to settle into your room, I can show you where it is." Mrs. Weasley bustled out of the kitchen, and Hermione trailed behind her. Without a word, Viktor followed them with Hermione's trunk.

The house was dingy and dark, and dusty. Hermione wondered again whom it belonged to, and why they had let it fall into such disrepair. Mrs. Weasley opened the first door on top of the stairs and walked in. Luckily, her room was somewhat cozier than the hallway outside of it. There wasn't much furniture; two beds sat on opposite walls, a table and two chairs separating them. A strange, angry-looking wizard snored softly in picture on the far wall. Dark violet curtains were drawn over the two windows.

"Ginny is staying in this room, too," Mrs. Weasley said. "I'll go prepare some tea, and something to eat. You must be hungry."

She left Viktor and Hermione alone.

Viktor set the trunk by of the unoccupied bed before turning to face her.

"You vill be safe here," he said, though she could tell by his tone of voice that he was trying to reassure himself as much as her.

Hermione wondered if he would be staying here, as well. Despite the circumstances of her visit in Bulgaria, she had enjoyed his company for her entire stay there. Also, she was curious to explore these new feelings that he had sparked in her.

"Are you staying, too?" she mumbled, not looking at him.

"Do you vont me to?" he questioned, also not meeting her eyes. He nervously shuffled his feet.

Hermione walked up to him and placed her arms around his waist, and rested her head on his chest. Viktor wrapped her into a firm hug, his broad shoulders creating a cocoon around her. She marveled at how this simple act could make her feel so safe. She felt warmth radiate from his body, and his heartbeat quickened as she pulled him closer. Neither of them spoke.

A knock interrupted their comforting embrace.

Before either of them could answer, a red head peeked around the door.

"Um, mom said that tea is ready, if you two would like some. And Viktor, Dumbledore is here to see you," Ginny said quickly, her face nearly matching her hair with the knowledge that she had just interrupted their quiet moment.

"We'll be right down," Hermione answered thickly. They waited until her footsteps receded before gently pulling apart. Viktor held her hands in his, looking over the top of her head.

"I do not think it is safe for me to return home, so I vould assume that I need to stay here. Dumbledore may need me here anyvays, for the Order," Viktor explained. "And I do not vont to leave you..."

Ever, he added silently to himself. A little bit of the tension left her shoulders, and she managed a small smile.

They walked back downstairs and into the kitchen. Everyone was still sitting around the table, talking amongst themselves. In the brief time that they had been gone, Dumbledore had arrived. He now walked up to them, extending his hand to Viktor.

"Ms. Granger, Mr. Krum." He shook Viktor's hand, and patted Hermione's shoulder gently.

"May I have a word with both of you? Perhaps we should go to the family room, away from all of this noise." He smiled at the disappointed faces his pronouncement produced.

They walked out of the kitchen silently. A large fireplace was the focal point of the room, and it was surrounded by couches and chairs in various colors and sizes. It was brighter than the rest of the house, with golden curtains hung over the windows. Viktor and Hermione sat opposite Dumbledore on the couch closest to the roaring fireplace.

Dumbledore began.

"I am sure you have many questions, Ms. Granger. About this place, about the Order, and about whether or not we have any more information about your parents. I will be glad to tell you all I know, so ask away." He looked at Hermione, who tried to collect her thoughts and prioritize her questions.

"Well, the house first, I guess. Whose is it?" she asked.

"It's the Black family house. It belongs to Sirius, and is the new headquarters for the Order," Dumbledore replied.

"Can you tell me more about the Order? What is it?" she asked.

"I'm afraid that I cannot reveal very much about it at this point in time. I can tell you that I am a member of it, and so is Viktor, and the others in this house, excluding those who have not yet come of age. Although they would very much like to be part of it," Dumbledore chuckled to himself. "We are trying to recruit as many people as possible in the fight against Lord Voldemort. Due to the sensitive nature of the information we deal with, and the fact that the Ministry has been slow in acknowledging His return, you can surely appreciate our desire to maintain complete secrecy."

Hermione was certain that there was more to it than that, but she could tell that he did not intend to explain anything further. "What about the note and package that I got? Has there been any more news about my parents?" This was the question that she had dreaded asking the most, but she knew she had to do it.

Dumbledore sighed. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, and his next words were very carefully chosen.

"Hermione, it is obvious that the kidnappers sent those items to you to provoke you. We have an idea of what they want. This is what I wanted to speak to you and Viktor about," he said, looking at their worried faces.

"I am aware of the prophecy," Dumbledore continued, now looking at Viktor.

Viktor stared at Dumbledore, and then at Hermione, who looked mortified.

"How? Who told you?" Hermione sputtered.

"You didn't truly believe that something like this would remain a secret for long, did you?" he asked, a little reprovingly. "I have been waiting for this sort of old magick to occur for many years. Actually, Viktor, it was your family that informed me prior to your arrival at Hogwarts. They wanted me to keep an eye on you," Dumbledore finished.

Viktor couldn't help but feel angry all of a sudden. How could they have shared something so personal, so private, before he had even begun to acknowledge it? He knew that Dumbledore was the most important figure in the wizarding world, but what if all that they had hoped for came to naught? Both he and Hermione would look like fools.

"Viktor, I know what you are thinking. Do not be ashamed. I am glad that your family shared the secret with me. Unfortunately, Voldemort and his followers are now also aware of it. This is the reason that I am afraid for everyone's safety, and have had to take so many precautions. Anyone who is close to either of you is now in danger," Dumbledore explained.

"I don't think that I completely understand, sir," Hermione interjected. "Why would You-Know-Who be interested in the prophecy?"

"A very good question, Ms. Granger, and one with a simple answer. Once the prophecy comes to fruition, you two will be able to perform certain spells that not many in this world are capable of. It would, of course, be very useful to Voldermort and his cause if he had you on his side. He is trying to get you to turn to him by taking what is most precious to you, starting with the ones that you both love. He needs more than Harry now to fight his war. With the powers that you will posses if the prophecy is fulfilled, he would be virtually unstoppable," Dumbledore concluded.

Hermione was dumbstruck. The faces of all of those closest to her flashed through her mind. Who would Voldemort be most likely to target next? One of the Weasleys? Harry? Or maybe someone from Viktor's family? Could it be Viktor himself? It was difficult enough that her parents had been taken, but if anyone else were to be abducted because of her, she would not be able to bear it. As if sensing her inner turmoil, Viktor grabbed her hand and held it tightly in his.

"Professor, how can we prevent more abductions? We are all already in hiding, what else can we do? We can't hide forever," she sighed.

"Hermione, I know that you are concerned for everyone's safety. But things have been set in motion that cannot be undone," Dumbledore responded.

She hated when her headmaster sounded so mysterious.

"What do you mean by that, Albus?" Viktor asked, his voice low and dangerous. Hermione's eyes darted back to him.

"Just as the prophecy is already in motion and cannot be undone, so is this path that has been laid before you. Such powerful magic cannot be stopped. Voldemort must be defeated, despite the odds against us," Dumbledore explained.

Viktor stood abrupty and stalked towards the fireplace. He needed to think, to plan some course of action, but he could not do so by being irrational. That would not solve anything. He began pacing around the room, seemingly unaware that he was doing so. Hermione just stared into the fire, deep in her own thoughts. Dumbledore watched them silently. He stroked his long, gray beard and smiled to himself. Despite all terrible things that had been happening, the two of them were a sight to see. So young, so innocent, so in love. They gave him hope that the dark days would soon be over.

Their quiet contemplation was soon interrupted by loud voices in the kitchen.

"Where is Albus? I need to speak to him at once," someone shouted.

Hermione and Dumbledore stood up, and they all quickly made their way towards the source of the commotion.

There in the middle of the kitchen stood none other than Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody. His magical eye was swerving back and forth between the faces of everyone seated at the table.

"Alastor, my friend. A pleasure to see you again, though I had hardly expected you back so soon. Have you found something new?" Dumbledore asked pleasantly, his deep, resonating voice cutting through the tension in the room.

"Ha, do I have something! Boy do I have something, those lousy, no good..." Moody was red in the face and shouting. All of those present were frustrated and anxious to find out the information that Mad-Eye obviously possessed.

"Alastor, please calm yourself. What have you found?"

"I just came back from the Ministry, had some business to take care of and ran into an old friend who used to be an auror back in my day. We started talking about things, and the Granger situation came up," Moody's magical eye made a dizzying turn and rested on Hermione. She stared back at him blankly. He continued.

"He told me that the Ministry has more information than they're giving us, which is no surprise - we already knew that - but he also said that they know who they are planning to target next and what they will try to do to accomplish that," he finished.

"Alastor, is this 'friend' a reliable source? Can he help us get more information?" Viktor interrupted. The eye spun around again, and it lingered on Viktor's face.

"I trust him. In our business, if you can't trust your fellow auror, you can't trust anyone! Constant vigilance!" Moody raised his voice at his famous words.

"Well then, whom did he say?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"I don't know if I should discuss this with all of you lot around." He looked at Dumbledore. "Maybe we should talk in private first. We wouldn't want to alarm anybody unnecessarily."

"Now, wait a minute! You can't tell us something like that and then not finish! We have the right to know what's going on!" Harry shouted. Everyone turned and stared at the black-haired boy, who suddenly turned red and looked away from all of them, embarrassed. He sat down quickly.

"Harry, there's no need to shout. We all want to know." Mrs. Weasley patted his shoulders gently. There was a murmur of assent.

Finally, a voice of reason made itself heard above the noise.

"I think that Albus and Alastor should talk in private in the family room. They can relate what is appropriate for us to know when they are done," said Sirius.

"I second that!" Mrs. Weasley said.

Not all were happy with that idea, but they knew there was no point in arguing. They all sat back down at the kitchen table and resumed their talk. Now they were beginning to question Hermione and Viktor about their conversation with Dumbledore. The two of stood apart from the group, steadfastly refusing to reveal anything.

Mad-Eye and Dumbledore made their way to the family room and sat down in the chairs by the fire. For a moment it seemed like they had really come to relax and get away from the rowdy group in the kitchen. Both in their own thoughts, they sat for a while in silence.

Finally, Dumbledore spoke.

"What did you find out from your auror friend, Alastor?"

"Well, he said that his reliable source got the information from a certain Death Eater spy that the next one they will try to take is..."

"Harry?" Dumbledore interjected. Voldemort had been enraged when Harry had escaped his clutches yet again in the previous school year. He was obsessed with finishing what he had failed at accomplishing thirteen years ago.

"No. Viktor, actually. They'll stop at nothing to keep the prophecy from continuing to develop. A lot of people know about it already, Albus, and I don't like it at all. It should have been kept private. How did the information leak out? There must've been someone who overheard something and delivered the news to the other side. Have you questioned those loudmouths in the kitchen?" Alastor questioned.

"No. I think the time has come to have a talk with them," Dumbledore responded. He returned to the kitchen with renewed determination.

The rowdiness died down as soon as the two wizards stepped into the room. They all looked at them curiously, obviously not anticipating such an early return. Dumbledore addressed them in a firm voice.

"Now all of you are involved." Nervous shuffling met his announcement. Harry and the Weasley children cast confused glances around the table, and Hermione was looking at Dumbledore with a look of dawning horror.

"I also know that most of you know about the prophecy," he continued. All eyes were now uncomfortably focused on Hermione and Viktor. Viktor stood closer to her, trying to reassure her with his presence.

"What prophecy?" Ron interrupted loudly. Hermione felt a little guilty that she hadn't told her best friends about something so important. Well, she hadn't told Ron or Harry because she didn't think that they would have understood. She had told Ginny, because she was the only one that Hermione trusted.

"Mr. Weasley, you can ask about the specifics later. I would like to continue with this matter now," Dumbledore said sternly, and Ron's cheeks flushed. Harry was looking at Hermione questioningly, and with obvious hurt. Whatever it was, why hadn't she shared it with him, at least? Hermione tried to avoid either one of her friends' eyes.

Dumbledore continued. "I need to know who found out about the prophecy, and who else might have been around to hear it. It is important for us to know, so do not spare any details."

Viktor spoke first.

"I told Hermione outside of the common room after the third task."

"Was there anyone else there?" Mad-Eye asked.

"Harry was in the common room by himself." Hermione replied. "And I only told Ginny."

Ginny was ready to defend herself.

"I know that you are loyal to your friend, Ms. Weasley. I'm confident that you did not share the information with anyone," Dumbledore said.

"Viktor, did your friend Alexei know about it?" Mrs. Weasley asked suspiciously. She was certain that it couldn't have been any of the Hogwarts students.

"No, I didn't tell anyone else," Viktor answered matter-of-factly.

They had reached an impasse. They all sat in silence, looking at everyone else warily.

"Well, I need to head back to the ministry and take care of few things. Alastor, would you care to join me?" Dumbledore asked.

Mad-Eye nodded in agreement.

"You all stay put, and listen to Molly and Arthur. No one is to go out or send any owls anywhere, understood?" Dumbledore spoke firmly as he looked at the young faces before him. They all nodded in understanding.

After Dumbledore and Moody left, Ron and Harry nearly jumped Hermione in their desperation to find out about the prophecy. But they didn't know how to ask, especially in front of Viktor. After dinner, they all retired to different rooms. The twins disappeared to go work on their latest invention. Hermione asked Harry and Ron to stay behind in the kitchen. Viktor shifted uncomfortably on the bench beside her, but didn't dare move anywhere. The boys sat across from them and stared at Hermione.

"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you earlier, but I honestly didn't think that you would understand. It's not easy to explain," she said. "I could barely tell you about Viktor and I seeing each other. And this? How exactly was I supposed to explain something that I still don't truly understand?"

Viktor felt that he should leave them alone. He excused himself quietly, muttering under his breath, "I vill be in the other room, Hermione." And without waiting for her to reply, he left the kitchen. Hermione thanked him silently. She wanted to talk to them alone, but had not wanted to be rude by telling Viktor to leave. Their discussion continued.

"You told Ginny," Ron replied accusingly, now glaring at the doorway that Viktor had retreated through.

"Well, Ginny is more reasonable about a lot of things. And you haven't exactly been friendly towards Viktor. I haven't been able to tell you much of anything these days, have I?" Hermione snapped back.

"Ok mate, calm down," Harry stepped in. He knew how his two best friends could get if they were allowed to get into a fight. "Let Hermione tell us what's going on, so that next time Dumbledore talks about it, we won't have to sit and stare like a couple of idiots. I want to know. Go on, Hermione."

"Thanks, Harry. The prophecy...how can I explain this in an uncomplicated way? Well, Viktor's great grandmother, who we've been staying with until tonight, is a seer. She read his future before he came to Hogwarts, and she told him a prophecy that involved him and myself..." Hermione paused to collect her thoughts, then continued. "She foretold that Viktor would meet me at Hogwarts and that our union, once the prophecy was fully developed, would give us certain powers. Apparently, a prophecy like this is very rare, and has very powerful old magick behind it. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named wants to stop the prophecy from happening, but I really don't understand the reason why. At least, not yet," Hermione finished with a sigh. She looked between them, hoping that one of them would say something.

"Bloody hell, why can't we have a quiet school year? Or summer vacation, for that matter? And who would have thought that out of all the witches in our school, it's you that Krum would choose?" Ron said. Hermione wanted to take that as an insult. She really didn't know how to respond.

"Hermione, I think that what Ron is trying to say is that it really sounds bizarre, even for us. You must've been pretty surprised to learn about it."

"Yes, I was. This isn't easy, but I'm a part of it now, and I've accepted that fact," she said, looking away. "How about we go back to the living room, maybe play some cards? You two can be a little more social with Viktor. He really is a wonderful person, you know. Please give him a chance...for me," she pleaded, directing her entreaty mostly at Ron. He grumbled something under his breath as they made their way into the next room.

Harry and Ron found a deck of cards, and they invited Viktor to join them for a muggle game called 'poker' that Harry had taught Ron how to play. Surprisingly, Viktor already seemed to know the rules. What he didn't tell them was that his grandfather had taught him how to play, and that he was quite adept at it. He decided that that was a fact that did not need to be revealed just yet. After helping Mrs. Weasley clean up the kitchen, Ginny came in and sat with Hermione by the fireplace. They chatted easily and watched the boys play.

After all of the excitement that the evening had brought, it seemed like the rest of the night would be comparatively peaceful. Unbeknownst to them, this was only the beginning.

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