"Ah! Here he is," Grubov said, clapping his hands together. "You found a fireplace?"

"I did," said a deep voice. "Many apologies for my lateness. I vuz needing to make a call."

Hermione turned, following the sound of the familiar voice up to a broad chest, thick shoulders, and face of dark stubble.

Viktor Krum clapped the shoulder of the Bulgarian Minister and nodded at Lucius Malfoy, barely glancing at Hermione.

"Vut did I miss?"

Chapter End Notes

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Chapter 26

Chapter Notes

You all are the best for being so patient. It's been a rough few weeks for a lot of people, so thanks for staying respectful. This chapter is on the shorter side, but it's what works best for pacing and to get the chapter out today instead of tomorrow.

Incredible amounts of love to raven_maiden and SaintDionysus .

If you need some porn with your angst tonight, please check out Strange You Never Knew by my main squeeze raven_maiden. She posts a new fic once every century, so this is a big deal.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

"Viktor!"

Minister Grubov grabbed him by the shoulder. He was just as tall as she remembered, outfitted in smart, blood-red robes. He kept the beard he'd grown when she'd seen him last. Adrenaline swept through her veins as she took him in, her heart pumping so fast she was lightheaded.

"Have you met Lucius Malfoy?"

"No. I do not think I have had the pleasure to." Viktor extended his hand, and Hermione watched Lucius's shrewd eyes flicker over him before accepting his greeting.

"Mr. Krum." Lucius's other hand slithered around her ribs to grab her opposite arm, keeping her tight to his side. "I was sorry to hear that the international leagues have been suspended. My family and I so enjoyed watching you play."

"So vos I. But I am thinking it vos the right time to turn to politics, no?" He rumbled a warm chuckle. "The views are much nicer here," he said just as Charlotte returned, offering drinks with a flutter of her lashes.

Hermione watched him take a drink from her with an unfamiliar leer. He turned back to Lucius, eyes still skimming over Hermione's head as if she wasn't there.

This was the reason she couldn't miss tonight's party. It had to be.

"And every girl here is free for a private audience?"

"Ah, the Silver Collars," Minister Grubov said, giving a tap to his neck. "The Gold Collars are negotiable. Is that right, Lucius?"

"Most of them," Lucius said, with a small squeeze of her wrist.

Hermione watched Viktor's eyes flicker to her and waited, her breath shallow and mind dizzy. His eyes widened as he pointed at her.