The invitation had come at the perfect time. Hermione was already planning to attend Viktor's sister's wedding in ten days, anyway. This chance to attend the WCCF meeting in Paris was just too tempting. Fleur had assured her that her views on the rights and duties of modern witches would find adequate listeners. The forum on Witch's Magic—'Underrated or Undervalued' also was of great interest. The witch chairing the forum, Rachel Foley Grant, was a favourite author of Hermione's. The chance to meet her was an opportunity too good to pass up.

The owl went off to Fleur with the requisite number of Galleons and Hermione's arrival time.

Hermione began packing for her stay in France, and the trip to Bulgaria. The dress she chose for Anya's wedding was a soft aquamarine colour silk with a handkerchief hem and sleeves. The dress was almost backless, but swirled beautifully if she was going to dance. And she would definitely be dancing, Viktor loved to dance.

For the conference, she chose several light summer frocks and a few pairs of jeans and gauze shirts. Not only would the conference be in Paris, but Fleur hinted they would visit some of the museums and the Palaces. A hat was added to the growing pile of things to pack. Comfortable shoes, dancing shoes and a pair of no-nonsense pumps completed her wardrobe for the trip.

As she finished the packing, she picked up the most recent letter from Viktor to re-read it.

H.

The wedding is to be on the 27th of July. Nothing horribly formal as it will take place in the garden of my parents' home. My family wishes me to extend a most fervent invitation to attend the wedding as my date. The team has me playing in exhibition games for most of the week before, so I have no clue as to where I will be when. I am looking forward to seeing the most beautiful witch I know again.

Yours, as always,

Viktor

That was what she liked about Viktor, absolutely no pressure concerning sex, commitment, or other men. With Ron, it was a totally different story.

Ron questioned her about every man she talked to for even a second. He was always urging her to go to bed with him and was forever bad-mouthing Viktor. She was just about fed up with the insecurities and badgering.

She sent a short note off to Ginny that she was going to the conference and the wedding afterward. A reply came immediately.

We can Floo together. Draco is taking care of Thuban, so I can go. He really is a wonderful father, Hermione. I know you still don't trust him, but I love him, so bear with him. He is trying very hard to change the Malfoy image. See you first thing in the morning. Oh, Harry has not been able to dissuade Luna from attending, even as far along as she is. I dread thinking we may have to deliver a baby mid conference.

Ginny

Hermione laughed at the thought of having both Fleur and Ginny at the same dinner table. They had finally overcome their original animosity to each other and were now united one the same task; finding her a husband. Luna was determined to attend the conference and nothing Harry or anyone else said changed her mind.

It is a very good thing that Fleur and I have mediwitch training, Hermione thought.

On that thought, she went to have dinner with her parents, who, as usual, wanted to know if there was a special man in her life.

"Mum, Dad, there really isn't anyone right now. I am dating and concentrating on my job with the Ministry. There is a conference in Paris, starting tomorrow, about Witch's Magic. I am going to attend and then go to Bulgaria for Viktor's sister's wedding. He invited me as his date and I said yes. I know you liked him. He is probably the most special of all the men I know, because he lets me be me, without any pressure or condescension."

On returning to her flat, she reflected on what she told her parents. Viktor really was the most special man in her life. He was funny, kind, thoughtful, and extremely intelligent. It didn't hurt that he was also very handsome. They had been friends for better than ten years.

Maybe she would test her reactions to Viktor again this weekend. If that spark was still there...

Pondering the spark that had always been there between her and Viktor, she settled down to read a book.

When the knock on the door came, it surprised her to find it was well past nine in the evening.

Ron Weasley stood at her door, reeking of ale and smirking. He held up a bag of take-away from his favourite Indian restaurant. She knew it was the curry she hated, she could smell it.

Hello, Ronald. You can't come in. I'm getting ready to go to bed. I have to Floo to a conference in Paris tomorrow with your sister and sister-in-law. Good night." She tried closing the door, but Ron dropped the bag and pushed his way in.

"You aren't going anywhere, 'Mione. It's time you made me a happy man. I mean to make you see who is the man for you." He was incredibly drunk and belligerent. He reached for her blouse and she pushed him away. Her wand was in her hand before she knew it, the word, " Stupefy" issuing from her lips. He dropped like a stone. Calmly, Hermione walked to the Floo and called the Burrow.

"Charlie, can you and George come get Ron? He is passed out on my floor. He tried to attack me and I have had it with him. Get him out of here now!" She was furious.

Charlie and George came through the Floo connection and hauled Ron out after apologising profusely for their brother.

She cleaned up the mess of the Indian take-away and went to bed, vowing never to speak to Ron again.