Darkness Over Bulgaria

Slowly they came at first, slowly and subtlety. The supporters of Lord Voldemort had managed to infiltrate the Bulgarian Ministry of Magic. After his return Voldemort had moved to Eastern Europe and began to build up his followers. Exploiting the fears of a people so recently liberated from communism, discontented witches and wizards flocked to him eager to regain power. Soon he controlled a swathe of Europe spreading from Russia to Bulgaria.

Viktor returned from 2nd term at Durmstrang Institute to find his beloved Bulgaria in ruins. The Ministry was controlled by Voldemort and gangs of new Death Eaters roamed the streets killing Muggles and wizards alike, anyone who did not follow the Dark Lord was killed. Half way though his holiday his friend Alexi Poliakoff was taken by the Ministry, his crime, having a Muggle girlfriend, Nadya Konshenko, she lived at the end of Viktor's street. A bright young girl with long raven black hair and piercing blue eyes. She was killed.

The Avada-Kedavra curse was heard many times the night Poliakoff was taken and Nadya killed. They called it 'Curse Night' in reference to the infamous 'Kristhilnacht' during Nazi Germany when Jews were killed and their houses looted by roaming gangs of thugs. This night was no different except that it was Muggles being killed irrespective of their religion, The Muggle Born and Half Bloods that were the targets. The Krum's had friends in the Ministry, friends that had not yet gone over to the Dark Lord, they warned Viktor not to return to Durmstrang they could not ensure his safety on the journey and if people learnt the truth about his relationship with Hermione then he would be killed in an instant.

A week later Viktor packed to return to Durmstrang despite his parents protestations he was adamant. 'I haff to go mother, I can't stay here anymore, I haff to tell them vhat happened' he doubted that Alexi's brother Peter, who had stayed at Durmstrang over the break knew what had happened to his brother. He set out on his broom and headed for Durmstrang.

He soared over the hills and rivers of Bulgaria on his way north, once or twice he thought he saw a black shadow following him in the distance, he put it out of his mind. 'Once I am out of Bulgaria it will be alright,' he said to himself. Night fell and Viktor descended and stopped outside 'Sergeis Wizard Roadhouse' a popular resting point for students on their way north to Durmstrang.

He walked inside into the glowing warmth of a roaring fire and sat down at the bar taking in the room. It was a warm, cosy place, roaring fire, squashy chairs and a nice welcoming atmosphere. Sergei the rotund innkeeper walked up to him 'what can I get you Master Krum?' he asked, the firelight dancing off his warm brown eyes. 'Oh just a butterbeer and a room for the night please Sergei.' Viktor replied. 'Sure, not a problem, I'll put them on your tab shall I?' Sergei said 'Yes that vould be good, thank you.' Viktor answered.

He let his eyes wander over the bar area. He noticed a group of Witches in foreign robes talking in another language Viktor thought he recognised. Sergei returned and placed the mug and a key with 'Room 10' on the key ring in front of Viktor. 'Sergei tell me, vhere are those students from, their language seems familiar to me?' he asked. 'Ah' Sergei replied 'those are the De-Peteit girls, ambassadors kids, they go to school at Beaubaxtons...' 'Of course' Viktor exclaimed 'They are speaking French, like Fleur!' referring to the French student and fellow Tri-Wizard contestant. He drained his butterbeer, bade goodnight to Sergei and went upstairs to his room. He got changed and slipped into bed. As he settled down he tried but couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched he tossed and turned that night, finally getting to sleep early in the morning.

When he left next morning he was sure he was being followed. There were definitely tow shadows a way behind him. He decided to face them. He banked hard left and settled his broomstick onto the ground. His shadows stopped dead. 'Vhat do you vont vith me?' he shouted at them. 'We want you........ Dead' one of them replied. They removed their hoods and revealed themselves.