A/N: Here's the next installment. I'm taking most of the comments now to mean I'm being successful in creating flawed characters that need to make some resolutions. I think I'm doing Ron some justice now (an admittedly major flaw in the first few chapters) and some time apart will give them time to figure some things out about themselves. Hermione's got to dig her hole a little deeper first, though.
I knew that I could only apparate to some place I had been before, so I apparated to Paris where my family and I had been on holiday several times. There were also limitations on how far one could apparate and I didn't quite know what those limitations were. Nor could I ask without revealing what I was up to. I didn't want to push the limits. Besides, it gave me an excuse to take some time to think and see the world. So from Paris I caught a train that would take me across the continent and through Turkey and eventually to Malaysia. At different stops along the way, I would seclude myself, apparate back to the spot of my last apparation and then back to the train station. That way, if all went well, I could apparate home by hopscotching across continents if I needed to. I knew it would be dead useful if things didn't go well.
The first part of my journey took me through eastern France and all the way through Germany. I reasoned that most wizards could apparate all over the British Isles, so that meant that I could sleep no more than six hours on the train without apparating to my last point. It was slow going, but it was interesting and I could get the reading done that I needed to get done.
To pass the time, I studied language translating charms, which were especially useful once I got out of Germany and Austria. There weren't as many English speakers in Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia. And even less fewer in Bulgaria and Turkey. I thought of Viktor while passing through Bulgaria, but had no way of finding him. And, to be honest, I wasn't quite sure if he wanted to be found by me. He hadn't seemed very talkative at Bill and Fleur's wedding.
I did take some time in Istanbul, to see some sights and visit the Byzantine library. I made a mental note to come back here and spend a few weeks in the magical library—it would take at least that long to satisfy my curiosity. Turkey was also a wonderful place full of delightfully different foods. Using the Glossa Charm made it easier to ask questions and try new things. I did learn that the kebobs served at the corner place down the street from my parents' old house were vastly different from an actual, Turkish kebab.
I used glamour charms through the rest of the Middle East, disguising myself as a man. I didn't leave my train car unless it was absolutely necessary. I also used many of the security charms I'd learned traveling with Harry and Ron. I kept up with the muggle news, and I didn't want to take any chances in such a volatile area.
Once I arrived in India, I took a day to walk around the markets and landed myself in the center of massive Diwali preparations. When I boarded the train to go to the next city, I read the background of the festival. The day I was there was the third day of the week-long celebration, which I read, was a time to celebrate the hard work of mothers and honor them. I felt my sense of purpose renewed. I took it as a sign that I was on the right track and in the right place. The third day of Diwali is the chief celebration where people buy and wear their best, so I bought a beautiful deep red sari dappled with sequins that sparkled in the warm Indian sun. Again I applied a glamour that darkened my skin and hair to better blend in. I applied a lengthening charm to my hair and braided it down my back. I'd always been fascinated with Indian culture and, after seeing Parvati and Padma's saris I had always wanted one. I was not going to waste this opportunity.
I decided to stay for that evening's celebration which was also to recognize important friendships. I thought of Ron, Ginny, Harry and even Draco as I walked down the crowded street. I wandered past the many houses whose doors and windows remained wide open and all aglow with diya lights welcoming in the spirit of Lakshmi. Fireworks boomed and lighted the sky with greens stripes, red and gold bursts, and purple spiders. People were warm and friendly and offered all sorts of delicious treats both sweet and savory; I had never eaten so well. I had heard about "Delhi Belly" so I charmed my stomach, whispering Sanitas, so I could eat without the fear of getting sick. I didn't want to offend someone by refusing their gift of food.
No one seemed to notice that I was alone. The festive feeling in the air was so inviting, I couldn't help but be happy. I knew I was right doing what I was, even if I missed Ron so much it hurt. I thought about apparating back home, just for a visit and there would be a few good reasons I could use to justify it. First off, I would confirm it was a possibility. I was fairly sure, but I could then be positive. And secondly, I could see Ron and reassure him—and myself—that things could only get better. But in the end, I decided not to. Apparation was physically exhausting when done back to back like that, and I would have to rest by the time I got home. I couldn't risk not wanting to leave. I had to go forward in order to go back. I had to finish what I started.
So after the delightful but exhausting Diwali celebration, I was just anxious to be in Australia. The celebration reminded me how much I missed Ron and Harry, but also how anxious I was to see my parents. I decided on the fastest route through Burma and Thailand, skipping Bangkok, down to Singapore. Then, I boarded a land-hopping ferry to Jakarta where I finally boarded a plane to Perth; the last leg was a close enough trip to fly and then to apparate back. When I arrived in Perth, where I'd sent my parents on their original cruise, I thought, maybe, my journey was done. Oh, how wrong I was. I did send an owl to Ron though, telling him I had finally reached Australia, but hadn't found my parents yet. I also assured him that I loved and missed him and encouraged him to write me back.
It turns out that I wasn't so bad at memory charms after all. I'd changed their names to Wendel and Monica Wilkins. They were still concealed as early retirees moved to a better climate but they both found themselves restless. So, the memory charms had worked well, and their old personalities bubbled to the surface. I found out from a former neighter that Wendel had a keen fascination with dentistry and enrolled in university in Queensland that offered a program. Monica was extremely supportive and it only took me a few days to find this information. I had inherited my desire for strict rule following, so things like leaving a forwarding address were easy clues to pick up. I also questioned neighbors and landlords claiming to be a niece and most were all too willing to help me.
Because Australia was too big to fly across and apparate back, I was going to hire a car and drive there. But even if I drove twelve hours a day, it would take four days. I wasn't a confident driver and I didn't fancy driving in a strange country for four days, so I hopped on a yet another train that took me around to the eastern side of the continent. And that took me three days, but at least I didn't have to drive it. I could read as I traveled.
I found a small furnished apartment not too far from the building for dental arts. It was about a ten minute walk from where my dad went to school along a main street and the view from the eighth floor was beautiful. I checked in and rode the lift to my floor making a mental check list of everything I needed to do. The euphoria of the Diwali celebration had worn off and again I started to feel very, very lonely. I decided the best remedy was a hot shower and a good night's sleep.
It was springtime in Oz, so I opened the windows and sliding door that led to the balcony. I was in the city but the flow of air felt nice and the temperature hovered in the low seventies. It was perfect. I stood on my balcony looking at St. John's Cathedral. It was gorgeous and I considered going for a look when a wave of fatigue washed over me and I headed towards the bathroom. I stopped at the small table and opened my beaded bag. I discovered a long time ago that it was easier to summon objects from the bag than to actually look for them, so I summoned my suitcase and toiletries bag. I decided to unpack a few things because it was better if it looked like I had some possessions if I found the Wilkens and then invited them over. I found a pair of light pajamas and took a long hot shower. I fell into bed, exhausted, and slept through the night, all morning, and into the early afternoon.
I woke to a gentle hooting from the bedside table. I smiled at the little thing. "Pig." He hooted again and stuck his leg out so I could remove his scroll. I did so and then got up and found my beaded bag on the table. "Accio owl treats." I caught the box deftly and spread six of them out on the table for him. Ron must have sent this directly after receiving mine and Pig probably flew nonstop. Sure enough, he ate three of his treats and promptly nestled into himself and fell asleep. I knew exactly how he felt. I left the other three treats there next to a little bowl of water in case he was hungry when he woke up.
I unrolled the scroll and read the unmistakable scrawl that was Ron's handwriting, but noticed that was vastly improved from the chicken scratch I used to correct for his homework. It was like he took great care in forming each letter for me.
Hermione,
I just received your owl and I have to say I have been worried sick. Not because I don't trust your abilities, Merlin knows you can handle anything. I just worry because I miss you. But don't you worry; I've been keeping myself busy. I won the open internship in the Auror's office and that keeps me very busy during the day. I have to study charms, potions, DADA, transfiguration, and dueling. It's like being at bloody school all over again. I know a good deal though, thanks to you and Harry. I just have to practice. I'd say it'd keep me studying all night, but then I go 'round George's place to help with the shop and the magic they use for some of their merchandise is damn tricky. I've learned more helping George than I did in my last three years at Hogwarts. I stay there some nights and George is spending more and more time there as well.
When I'm not at George's, I stay at Harry's. Harry misses Ginny terribly and about once a week he has Kreacher go fetch her from Hogwarts for a little while. I try to be at his place, but not in hearing range. I figure if mum ever finds out I can say they were chaperoned the whole time. Next weekend is the Hogsmeade weekend for Hogwarts' students so Harry and I are going to go up and meet her there. George has trusted me to meet with Zonko about carrying some of our merchandise. He's dead scared that, if we open a shop in Hogsmeade, he'd go out of business. So I'm going up to work out a deal for him to carry our merchandise. I figure that will give Harry and Ginny some time alone. I thought I'd go see Aberforth at the Hogshead, too.
Your house is being tended. Someone stays there overnight about once a week, but visits it every day. Your books are well tended and read as well. Don't worry there. Can you send another suggested reading list? We don't know where to begin with the American authors.
I stopped here and realized that Ron was referring to Draco without naming him. He was letting me know that Draco was still visiting my house even if I wasn't there. Draco must really be helping Harry and the Auror's office if Ron won't mention his name in the letter for fear of interception.
Things here are really going well. I miss you terribly, but things are good. I can see the long game 'Mione. I can see three moves ahead of us. This time apart is like sacrificing the knight, but we'll get the checkmate in the end. Take care of yourself and come home as soon as you can. You are missed by many. And remember we're here if you need us—waiting and want to help.
All my love,
Ron
Ron was doing well. He was busy. He was working with Draco and helping Harry and Ginny. He was helping George and learning at the same time. He was worried about me. He loved me. All these things made me feel so much better. One of my biggest worries was that Ron would shut down or continue to live in someone's shadow. I was afraid the Fred factor was insurmountable. Instead I saw initiative to make things better and gratitude for things taught by those he believed caused the shadows he lived in. I hoped he was seeing the Ron the rest of us saw when we looked at himself.
After my long night's sleep, a hearty meal, and rereading my letter from Ron several times, I was reenergized to accomplish my task. I placed more treats out for Pig, grabbed my beaded bag and headed out the door to the dental arts building. I made it in eight minutes, setting a brisk pace, and found a little place on the hillside on the building's property overlooking two main streets and a city park. It was a great vantage point and I could see quite a bit. I didn't quite know what I was looking for, but I figured I could become acquainted with the area and patterns.
Popping up at my parents' place and confounding them to undo extensive memory charms was not going to work. I had to find out how much they had changed and how much they remained the same. My research told me that daily routines and personal appearance over time would tell me. Both my mum and dad agreed to extreme makeovers before I obliviated their memories. That way, I could tell if their true personalities would rise to the surface. Both mum and dad had set in their minds that, if ever possible, their memories would be restored. The reference books all stated that this was an important distinction to make for full restoration, and the obliviator must also perform the restoration charm. But, there had to be sparks of recognition and they couldn't be forced. If my parents' appearances, over time, naturally shifted back, it would be a positive indicator.
The series of spells on each of them took almost an hour. All the books that I read stated that the reversal charms would augment that time proportionally with the amount of time from the original spell. I had it calculated. If I could get them to agree in the next few weeks, the reversal process would take about two and half hours each. If I could do the reversal on one, and do it well, then they could sit and wait quietly while I performed the next one. I myself, would need a recovery period as well, because this was extensive magic and I was not used to performing it for such a long duration of time.
I thought I could stalk the building to see if I noticed my dad easily, that would be my first sign. I'd have to watch for a few days to just learn when classes let out, and I thought that maybe I could strike up a conversation with someone just to get more information. I sat on my little hillside, planning strategy and questions when a familiar voice brought me from my thoughts. The thick accent told me who it was right away.
"Herm-own-ninny?" Viktor asked. I looked up at the tall, slender, but very muscular, Quidditch star. He still sported the beard he had at Bill and Fleur's wedding and he was just as handsome.
"Viktor!" I almost shouted. I hadn't seen a familiar face in over a month and it was nice. "What are you doing in Australia?" I asked him. He climbed up my little hillock.
"I could ask you de same ting," he smiled, "May I?" motioning his request to have a seat next to me.
"Certainly." I closed my notebook and stuffed it in my bag. He watched it impossibly disappear into the small clutch and smiled.
"Vell, I am here on holiday. Ve've been training very much and I needed a break. How have you been?" he asked and he seemed genuinely interested. His English seemed better than the last time we had a conversation and his accent wasn't as thick, but I didn't know if that was Viktor getting better over time or the effects of my Glossa charm.
"I'm doing well. Trying to figure out what to do with myself now that…" I didn't know how to phrase what I wanted to say and I didn't know what he knew about the events of the last year, "things have settled down." I looked down at the grass and ran my hand over it like my fingers were a rake. Viktor cleared his throat. I guess he didn't know what to say either.
"I took a train all across Europe to get here and I thought of you while I traveled through Bulgaria. I had wished I knew how to get a hold of you. I'm sorry we lost touch," I admitted.
"Yes. Tings got a little…how you say…" he mumbled a word in Bulgarian, "poludyal…" My translating charm was still working. So I helped him.
"Crazy?" I offered. He beamed.
"Yes! Crazy. Hermione! You speak Bulgarian?" he asked. I blushed.
"No. But I do a great Glossa Charm," I confessed with a deeper blush and a smile. Both the talking and the smile felt unfamiliar, but it also felt good.
"You vill have to teach me dat. I travel so much and so little people speak Bulgarian," he said.
"I can do that. How long are you here?" I asked sneaking a peek at him. He certainly was handsome. I did not regret giving him my first kiss. He was sweet and funny, when you weren't hounding him for an autograph. He was also very clever and I was surprised he didn't already know the glossa charm.
"I must to be back in Bulgaria by a…middle…November," he paused as he struggled for the English words. "I have a few veeks. How about you?" he asked sneaking his own peek at me. I could feel his eyes take me in and consider me. I was glad that I had made myself blush already because I could feel another burn up my neck. I wondered if he realized what I was thinking
a moment ago and I felt a twinge of guilt, because I enjoyed the fact that he still seemed to be attracted to me.
"I have no idea. I have to figure some things out," I said and looked across the horizon at the cranes marring the skyline in the midst of some skyscraper construction. I considered the white cranes and they actually looked as if they fit into the cityscape. They didn't mar it at all and they were a reminder to me that there is always some type of construction or repair that needed to be done.
"Well, vould you please to have dinner with me vhile you figure these things out? I have found a delicious place for the barbeque not too far away. It is called de South Bank and it is very…ah…yummy." Again, he looked pleased "Ve can…catch up." He looked proud at his use of an idiom. "I haven't seen you since Fleur's vedding." It didn't escape my attention that he didn't mention Bill or the name Weasley. But dinner sounded nice and I wanted to talk to someone again.
"Sure. That sounds great," I conceded. "I've been traveling alone for a very long time and it would be nice to have some company."
"You traveled here alone?" he asked perplexed and a little hopeful. I really didn't want to get into the deep details about my relationship with Ron. So I didn't. But the hope in his eyes revealed that he might want rekindle what we once had. Was not telling him about Ron encouraging him? I liked that he was attracted to me—and that brought on more guilt.
"I'm meeting some people here, but their arrival date is…uncertain," I hedged. I had always trusted Viktor and even defended him against Ron's paranoid accusations during fourth year. But I had too much at stake to be cavalier with my information. I also saw the hope diminish a little which eased my guilt somewhat. I was so lonely and enjoying the easy conversation of an old friend so much, I didn't want to risk it by mentioning Ron—yet. I'd let that come up when it came up. And I was sure it would sooner or later.
"Ah," he answered. He looked at me and I could tell he wanted a deeper explanation. He wasn't going to get one so I just smiled at him.
"Let me finish up some things I was doing here," I offered, "and we can meet up in a few hours?" I asked. He returned my smile, happy that I hadn't refused him.
"Sounds very nice," he replied. "I am glad I recognized you sitting here," he trailed off leaving something unsaid. His eyes raked over me once again and I furtively checked to make sure my shirt buttons were all fastened. Was he trying to get back at me for leaving him hanging? I told him approximately where I was staying and we agreed on a meeting place.
"I'm glad you recognized me, too," I said as he stood to walk down the embankment again. "See you in a few hours."
Wow. I had more things to figure out, now. The ache of guilt intensified as I thought of Ron. I had promised him that my love wouldn't change over space and time—and it hadn't. But I also knew that having dinner with Viktor was pushing the limit. If Lavender was still alive and he had dinner with her…I'd be upset. No, I'd be angry and hurt and jealous. I groaned and dropped my head onto my knees. What had I done? I wanted Ron to believe in himself, but I might have just done something to make him doubt me. I was starting to doubt me. What was wrong with me?
"Are you okay, Miss?" Another familiar voice snatched me out of my reverie. My head whipped up and standing ten feet away from me, at the bottom of the little hill I had chosen as a lookout point, was my father. He looked just the same as every single memory I had as a child. He looked just the same as he did before the makeovers; before the memory charms. My heart swelled with hope. Another sign? I didn't believe in signs. Did I?
"Yes, sir. Just boy troubles," I smiled. My father always wanted me to confide in him about boy troubles and I never would. I always thought it was silly how girls prattled on and on about them. But I was beginning to understand why they did.
"Well then," he smiled that warm and familiar smile that cleared away my gloom and helped me momentarily forget my guilt. "I'm sure you'll work it out then. You look like a bright girl."
"Yes sir." I couldn't just let that moment pass. He had found me and I hadn't worked out what to say or what to do. So I did something I was not good at, nor was I comfortable with—I acted on impulse.
A/N: So, I'm not sure how often I'll be able to post this summer. I have many trips planned to different continents and a family vacation to Idaho. I've also just started another story that has dragged my attention away from this one. But, I have no control over the urge to work on a story so sitting on a plane my inspire me to work on this one as opposed to another.
Anyway, keep leaving your thoughts. Some of them make me smile because I think: we're getting there, people. Hang tight.
Again, thanks to MarinaNamaste and EStrunk for betaing and catching many things. Anything that slips through happens when I'm changing things later.
And, thanks for reading.
