Welcome to my first story. I have been reading stories on this site for years and decided to give writing one of my own a shot. Constructive criticism would be appreciated. Obviously anything you recognize I do not own. If I owned Draco, Hermione, or any other Harry Potter related characters, the story wouldn't be even half as good as it is. So on with the show!

Chapter 1: Going Home

Hermione looked out the window of the plane at the glittering ocean below. She was so glad to be going home. Two years ago she was working in the Department of International Magical Cooperation as the assistant to the department head. It was a great job for a girl not long out of Hogwarts. Being a member of the so called "Golden Trio" helped a lot. She had been sitting at her desk when she got a memo that would change her life…

(flashback)

"you wanted to see me sir?" Hermione asked, taking a seat in the chair across from the minister, Kingsley Shackelbolt.

"Yes Hermione, I did" Kingsley said with a smile. Hermione had always been one of his favorite employees. "I need your help with something important"

"Of course, Minister. You know I am always available to help."

"Good! Well, I got an owl from the minister in America today. As you know, they are working hard getting their own ministry set up and they are looking for someone to help get their department of International Magical Cooperation set up. I said I would have someone here go over and help their new department head train and oversee the department. It will take about 2 years to do." Kingsley explained.

"That's a great plan sir. Of course you're going to want someone with experience, perhaps you should ask Sophie Clearwater. She has been looking for a promotion and is such a hard worker." Hermione said, looking deep in thought. "I can let you know who else I think would be a good candidate over the next couple of days…"

"actually, that won't be necessary. I already have someone in mind."

"Oh, well what did you need from me then sir?" She asked, confused.

"I want you to do it Hermione" Kingsley said with a smile

(end flashback)

And go she did. America was such a wonderful place. She lived in a gorgeous brownstone in the magical part of New York City. It was 2 years of very hard work! She met so many amazing people and got more experience than she could have imagined. But she missed her friends terribly. Ginny loved coming to the city to visit her, and Ron and Harry came to visit whenever they could, but it just wasn't very often. They are both aurors. Ginny and Harry had gotten married as soon as they all finished their final year at Hogwarts. He said he had put his life on hold for long enough, now it was time to start living it. Hermione was so happy for them. And she got something special out of their relationship as well, 3 ½ year old Jamie, her god son. He is a wonderful child, and she was moved to tears when Ginny asked her to take on the responsibility. Not everything can go perfectly of course. While Ron was supportive of her decision to go, the distance became too much. If she was being completely honest, it wasn't just the distance. Over time they had just started to grow apart. So after she had been in America for about a year, Ron came to visit. They talked everything out and realized that it would be best to just be friends. Now Ron was seeing a fellow auror and Harry said, he'd probably be popping the question any time. Hermione was happy for them. Sometimes she got lonely, but she loved her job, and couldn't imagine having enough time for a relationship as well.

Hermione was jolted from her thoughts by the pilot telling the passengers they would be landing in 10 minutes. With a smile on her face she readied herself for landing, already thinking about the amazing people who would be waiting for her at the gate!