Because he played such an important role on the Bulgarian team, Viktor had to be at the grounds for the cup two weeks early.

He made sure that Nikolina was allowed to come with him, and in his off hours, they hung out studying and just talking or playing chess or walking around the nearly deserted campgrounds.

Before they knew it, it was the night before the match and Viktor was beginning to get nervous.

"You vill do fine, I know it," she told him as they sat side by side on a wooden railing in the stadium.

"Thank you Lina," he said, calling her the nickname that only he could get a way with. "Your support means so much to me."

He put an arm around her shoulders and slid her slightly closer to himself. Despite her initial surprise, she laid her head on his chest and there they sat in silence for two hours.

"Viktor!" Came the voice of Professor Karkaroff from behind the two friends. "You should be sleeping!"

"I apologize professor, I lost track of the time," Viktor replied,  standing suddenly.

"She is distraction to you! I do not want you near her again until after the cup!" Karkaroff stormed off leaving Viktor fumimg.

"I can not believe he vould dare!"

"It's all right Viktor," Nikolina told him, setting a hand on his chest. "I do not mind if I must be alone for a vile."

"You vill not be. You vill be around me still, no matter vot Karkaroff vould think."

"As long as you are sure."

"My Lina will not be alone vile she is here to support me."

He had called her "My Lina" before, but now a warmth spread through her body at the words. It felt nice, and she wished it would last, which it did when he offered his arm for her to loop hers through.

It was common for them to walk arm in arm but tonight felt special to  Nikolina.

"Vere did you say my seat vos, Viktor?"

"I vanted you to haff a nice seat," he said, "So I managed to get you a seat in the Minister's box vith our Minister."

"Thank you Viktor," she replied softly, enjoying the moment.

It seemed odd to see Viktor in anything other than quidditch robes and his Durmstrang uniform, but due to the drastic difference in temperature, he was wearing muggles clothing adapted for the weather. He was wearing a muscle shirt with the symbol of the Bulgarian team on it, and she had never seen him wear anything like it before.

When they reached her tent, she was slightly upset despite the fact that his was five feet away. She was enjoying spending time with Viktor and didn't particularly wish for it to end.

"I vill see you in the morning Nikolina," he said, turning to face her and taking her hands in his. "I vill come get you before I go to varm up for the game."

"I vill be vaiting," she replied, a smile splitting across her face. She had previously been looking at their joined hands, trying to uncover what was different about tonight. Now though, her eyes met his as she prepared to say good night.

Before she could, however, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to her for head for several long seconds,  and she felt her heart speed up greatly.

"Good night, my Lina," he said, embracing her in a tight hug.

"Good night, Viktor," she said, "I know you vill be great tomorrow."