A beautiful owl was tapping irritatingly on her window as she stretched her arms and legs before her run.
"Yes, I'm coming hold on to your talons." Hermione said with exhasperation in her voice.
She untied the leather strap from the owls leg and unrolled a slightly weathered and lengthy piece of parchement.
Dear Hermione,
I know that this is awfully short notice but I wish to invite you to my home here in Bulgaria. I would be honored if you would come for a visit. I have missed you terribly and I miss the conversations we would have. Though letters let us have a conversation of some sorts I find that it is simply not the same thing as talking to someone face-to-face. Of course since the war is going to unfold soon I wish that you agree since it will probably be a long time before I get the chance to invite you to my home again. I also wish to see your face so that I know what it is that I am fighting for...
If you decide to come I thought I could show you the town and tell you a little of it's history, perhaps we could go skiing, hiking or something of that nature.
It is entirely up to you if you want to come and how long you would like to say and I wish simply that you answer this letter as soon as possible.
Yours, Viktor
Ps: There is a plane ticket in the small envelope that came with the letter since you will have to travel a short distance the muggle way to assure your safety. I hope you agree to come.
Hermione read the letter again, she opened the envelope that dropped onto her bed when she unraveled the parchement and twirled the ticket in her other hand.
She decided that she should make a list of pros and cons that would occure if she stayed at home or went to Bulgaria before she shook her head.
No Hermione, she thought to herself, no more questioning yourself like this...make a snap judgement, a decision in the spur of the moment.
She knew that this was stupid. most people would just say yes or no depending on their current mood but she never could. Hermione had to beat an answer out of her brain and even after long tiring thoughts she would still second guess herself until she realized that her answer or decision was right.
Well Hermione you miss him and he is very handsome, a small voice said in the back of her mind. She pushed the voice away and re-read the letter.
After reading the letter a third time she suddenly heard that pesky voice in her head voice it's opinion again. Why are you taking so long to decide? Just go, if you don't you'll miss the fun and anyway you need a man.
Hermione turned livid as she remembered george telling her the almost same thing. "You need some lovin' Hermione. Just get a boyfriend and have a nice shag." Fred had then decided to add his two cents. "Aw common George, Hermione doesn't like ickle boys. They have cooties and anyway with her work ethic attitude she couldn't get a boyfriend...Well maybe Perc."
They thought she couldn't get a guys interest eh? Hmmm well I think I will go. That should shut them up and if they don't she wont be in the same country to hear them she thought smiling.
She composed a brief letter to Viktor telling him that she would be delighted in accepting his invitation and she would be on that plane in two days.
Chapter two:
Hermione awoke with the rising sun and did aikido in the amazing orange light of the morning.
She had been training in combat for almost a year now. The war was almost upon the world and the trio and several others had been put threw rigorous testing and training to prepare them for the onslaught.
Her body was clean and strong. Her mind and body were learning to work in perfect harmony to make her a deadly and useful weapon.
The morning sun became brighter and Hermione got up to eat a light breakfast before she went to the airport.
Time passed and Hermione was already stepping out of her cab and into the airport.
She passed hundreds of people, finally stepping up to her flight. She was put threw the metal detector as she silently cast a spell so the machine would not pick up her semi automatic or her knives, she also placed a similar charm on her bag.
She was told her seat and realized with wide eyes for the first time that she was placed in first class with the wealthier society.
The trip lasted only a short while and no problems were met.