Things had changed a lot since she had left everything and everyone behind. She had traveled some, just to see the things she'd read about for years. Rome, Paris, Venice, Nice, Berlin, Egypt, Ireland, Scotland, she'd visited them all. However, in the end, she had settled down in the one place that would always be home to her – London. After living in Richmond-upon-the- Thames borough while growing up, then in Camden borough for five years with Ron, she was used to the bustle of London. Sure, Paris and Rome had their own bustle, but nothing compared to London bustle. So, to London she had returned.

Honestly, she wasn't worried about running into anyone from her past. She stayed away from places near the flat in Camden, and from all of the other "usual haunts." While traveling, she had discovered many new and exciting things that she had immediately fallen in love with. She had attended an opera in Rome, and had become fascinated with everything pertaining to the stage and theatre. She was a constant visitor to Shaftesbury Avenue and it's surrounding area – especially the Palace Theater. She also took long walks by the South Bank and spent countless hours riding horses in Hyde Park. The grooms at Hyde Park all knew her by name, and she even had several "usual" horses. Yes, Hermione's interests had definitely increased after she left.

Even her job had changed. Oh, sure, she could have continued to be a doctor, but Ron and Drake would search the hospitals for her. Her new job had actually come about because of a fluke. She usually finished her days with a visit to Aria's, a club near her house – she preferred visiting something closer to home than the normal clubs up at Pall Mall. Aria's was a little friendlier than the clubs up by Pall Mall, which Hermione liked. There had been a karaoke night, and all the "usuals" were basically pushed up on stage and told that they couldn't get off until they sang at least one song. Hermione had taken the house down with her song, and was requested several more times that night. The owner of the club, Aria, made her an offer that same night. The band was looking for a vocalist – would she like the job? Hermione had accepted, and had been working there ever since.

Not only did Hermione have new interests and a new job, she had a new look too. She had changed her eyes from their normal brown to an icy blue, and her hair was now black. It had also been chopped into short curls that now circled her face. Her clothes style was more retro-ish than when she was living with Ron, and involved more wacky colors such as lime green and lavender. She was tanner now, thanks to her hours on horseback and just wandering London, which she liked. Occasionally, she was surprised at how much her appearance had changed. If she was surprised at her appearance, then no one else would be able to recognize her. Finally, to top off her disguise, she had a new name – René Mighero. The entire package screamed "Someone Other Than Hermione Granger, Now Leave Her Alone."

This was a good thing, as Aria's had become a well-known club shortly after Hermione – or, René rather – joined the band. Aria's began to show up on the "Where to Be" lists in The London Daily and The London Times. The society writers began to claim Hermione as their own darling child. Many witches and wizards began to circulate through the club to hear her sing. Several left talking about how the singer had vaguely reminded them of someone, but they couldn't figure out who, and gave up trying quickly. Thankfully, she hadn't seen either Ron or Draco at the club. She wasn't sure what she would do if she did see them there. However, she was very grateful that it hadn't come up.

However, Hermione was wrong about one thing – someone had recognized her.