It seemed almost silly seeing as it was a Tournament known for it’s risks. He would have been fine risking his own life…now the second task was over guilt engulfed him. What if he didn’t reach Hermione in time..? A thousand what ifs running through his mind for it was his fault she had been placed in harms way.
If anything had happened to her, he would not be able to live with himself.
Durmstrang was known for it’s pride in perseverance. So yes, it was almost silly that Viktor sat on the steps alone consumed by guilt instead of pride that he performed one of the hardest forms of Transfiguration adequately enough to come second (even if Potter was awarded second place).
The hand on his back broke his thoughts. Shit. The last thing he wanted was their Highmaster seeing him a mess like this. Strength. He had to be strong, Durmstang was all about enduring.
“Vhy does it hurt so much..?” he questioned wiping tears in his sleeve for the first time being in love and the girl was placed in danger just for his challenge.
“It hurts because it is real.” The answer is curt and to the point, nothing less than what is expected from the Highmaster that only rewards strength and intimidation. Igor was troubled by the show of emotion from the usually strong boy, perhaps he’d placed his hopes on the wrong one, if this was cracking the veneer of strength Viktor had.
His hand rubs at the boy’s back, encased as always in black leather, keeping a degree of separation between them, “It hurts because it is real. But she is fine, and you should rightfully have had second place.”
“You must put it from your mind.” He’s back to cool and professional, “It changes nothing to hover on the what ifs.”
