Chapter 6

It's been a couple of days since Hermione has talked to Draco, not for lack of trying on his part. His letters lay in a pile by her window, unopened. She just isn't ready to respond to him right now, she has so many conflicting feelings and she knows that when she's figured them all out, he will be the first to know.

In the meantime she's really delved into what her new job will entail, but her head of department only has so many answers to her never ending owls, that she's suggested Hermione just go to Switzerland and find out for herself. "Think of it as a little trial run," she tells Hermione. And well, Hermione wouldn't be Hermione if she didn't fully research this new venture before taking the plunge, so she decides that she will. And that's how she finds herself at Harry & Ginny's handing over a disheveled Crookshanks -

"Thanks again you guys for watching Crooks, I should only be gone a few days." Hermione anxiously tells Ginny, while determinedly avoiding Harry's suspicious eyes from the side.

"Ah, yeah, no problem, but uh, remind me again, why isn't Malfoy watching him, I thought they got along? Also, you didn't say where you were going? Back to Australia?" Ginny asks Hermione suspiciously.

So many questions, and all questions that Hermione is trying to avoid at the time being. She makes the decision to avoid answering in a swift flick of her wrist to dramatically look at her watch. "Ah, looks like I'm running behind, I can't be late for my portkey. Thanks again Ginny and you too Harry!" She yells back as she's already half way down the front walk.

Hermione wasn't being entirely untruthful to them, she did want to be earlier than usual to this portkey, since it would be very difficult to get another one on such short notice.

As she's about to grab hold of the dented frisbee that is laying on the ground she pauses for a fraction of a second and wonders if this is the best idea, running off to Switzerland for a few days without telling Draco…but then again it's just to see what the job would be like, she can still change her mind about accepting…

With a final decision, she moves her hand forward and touches the frisbee, causing the portkey to pull her away from any misgivings.

As she feels the hard earth form beneath her feet once more, she opens her eyes to a magnificent new world. The building she has landed in is truly breathtaking. The entire structure is made of glass with a mountainous landscape etched along the walls with what looks like dried snow…and as she spins around the room she also notices all the corners, tables, and benches covered with lush green vines and bushes with every flower imaginable. They have also magicked the ceiling like the Great Hall - except the weather here is perfect blue skies with pillow-like clouds floating by. Just as Hermione is taking it all in she hears a male voice call her name.

"Hermione Granger?"

Hermione turns her head and sees a man slightly taller than herself with a thick chestnut beard and matching eyes. At the sign of recognition on her face he sticks his hand out in greeting, "Wonderful, Wonderful to have you here Miss Granger. I'm Niklas Brotbeck - welcome to the Switzerland Ministry of Magic!"

/\\\\

The past few days in Switzerland have been a whirlwind for Hermione. As she sits in a café by herself - after assuring Niklas (her constant buddy over at the Ministry) over and over again that she would be just fine on her own for a bit - she ponders on all the things she's learned about the new position. She adds a bit of sugar to her tea and idly stirs as she thinks of the possibilities. Here in Switzerland the Elves seem happy, she's only been able to meet two so far, with such short notice, but she's been able to learn what they do each day to feel like they have a purpose and if they approve of getting wages - they do. The Swiss go about equality in such a way that truly inspires Hermione - they don't force anything on the Elves, quite the opposite actually, they have created laws so that Elves are given more choices, more opportunities. It truly is ingenious.

Just as Hermione is about to delve in deeper to things she's learned about Swiss Elves she hears her name being called, but this time by an almost familiar voice.

"Hermione Granger?"

As Hermione turns around she is greeted by the last person she thought to see on this trip, "Astoria Greengrass?" Hermione chokes out.

Astoria motions toward the table, "are you here with someone?"

"No..nope, just me." Hermione answers even though she's feeling very confused by who she is seeing, but is cognizant enough to remember some modicum of manners, and she asks Astoria if she'd like to sit down with her.

Astoria gives a small smile, something that looks quite genuine, and also not something Hermione is sure she's seen before.

"I'm sorry, but what are you doing here…in Switzerland?" Hermione finally gets out, hoping it doesn't come across as too rude.

"Oh, I work for the Swiss Ministry" she says, as if it's obvious, then realizing it must not be to Hermione she continues, "I work in their Sports and Games department…(as Hermione raises her eyebrows in astonishment she explains) no, no, not really like that, I'm much more on the marketing side of things and dealing with their professional sports players. Quite a taxing job really" She says with a lilting laugh.

"That's very interesting, I had no idea you'd left England" Hermione confesses.

"Yes, well, after everything ending rather dramatically with Draco and then…the uh…pregnancy scare, I knew it was time to get away, find my own place and path." She finishes with a small shrug of her shoulders. "But enough about me, what are you doing here? I very rarely see anyone around here from Hogwarts, it's like no one knows this place exists!"

"Yes, I'm starting to notice that, it's kind of a hidden oasis out here, isn't it?" Hermione hums then adds, "I actually might be moving here for a few years…I've been given the opportunity to train with the Ministry's team on Elf Rights and Relocation…and (now that Hermione's started, she feels she can't stop) and well, I'm quite excited about it actually, the team here in Switzerland that is over the Elves is just something I've never beheld. They're all beyond qualified and educated and they really want what's best for them. I've spent the last few days with them, and I've taken so many notes and already know things I would like to implement back in England." She knows she's rambling, and even worse, she's sure Astoria has no interest in Elf rights or her new position.

But to her astonishment Astoria's eyes light up and she nods her head along to Hermione's gabbing.

"Yes! Yes! Oh, I know all about the ministry's successes with that, that department is very heavily sought after here in Switzerland, we are constantly getting representatives from other ministries showing up requesting appointments."

"Really? How on earth do you know that?" Hermione asks, with a bit too much skepticism in her voice.

Astoria reels back a bit from the jab, but seems to remember her history with Hermione and gives a smug smile before responding. "Oh Granger, I have a talent you see, and that talent is hearing even the quietest of conversations..I haven't even been here a year and I know everything there is to know about every department," she adds with a smirk.

Hermione gives her an appraising look, remembering that Astoria was a Slytherin once upon a time.

Astoria continues, "Besides, the fact that THE Hermione Granger is here meeting with them was sure to be big news anyway."

Ah, so Astoria knew all along that Hermione was going to be here this week, and yet, she sought her out? Interesting…

"Now, I'm sure you don't need to be getting back all too quickly, how about I show you around! Somewhere other than the inside of the Swiss Ministry. I'll really sell the place to you - not that it needs it" she adds with a wink. There's an amazing museum right around the corner that I'm sure has Gryffindor Bookworm written all over it.

Before Hermione can even comprehend what is happening. Astoria is grabbing her out of her seat and sweeping her out of the café.

/\\\\

As they come out of the museum that Astoria was certain Hermione would love (and was annoyingly correct) Hermione has to confess to herself that she is strangely enjoying her afternoon with the unusual companion. They took a very large detour on the way to the museum, Astoria showing her all around the historical city, and really showing her the ins and outs of it all.

"Listen Hermione," Astoria starts, as they walk along a cobbled street, looping her arm through Hermione's like they're childhood best friends, "I really want us to put all that business from our past in, well, the past. I've been so happy here in Switzerland and seeing you again has made me realize that I'm happy for you and Draco, honestly." Before Hermione can answer, Astoria is prattling on again, "Of course, I'd love to take you and Draco out to dinner while you're here, speaking of, where is Draco? I assumed he'd be with you?"

"Oh, well, Draco isn't…" Hermione starts.

"Oh, look! There he is!" Astoria exclaims, with a wave of her arm.

Hermione swivels her head so quickly she hears her neck crack. "What…"

And there, standing in the middle of the cobbled street in Switzerland is the man who continues to make her heart flutter, no matter what he does.

"Draco. Sodding. Malfoy" she grits out.