Chapter 4

During her week in Paris, Hermione lost herself in books. The second day, she managed to find the bookstore she was looking for. By the end of the day, the wizened little man who owned it was half in love with her, sharing her passion for books and information. She spent the rest of her trip poring over the old texts with him, selecting the ones best for the library. He was a kind old soul, and his advice was very helpful. He loved the idea of an International Wizarding Library and declared that he wished France had thought of it first. He begged her to come back and see him someday, and she promised to do her best. Overall, she was very pleased with her trip and sad to see it end.

With her trunk of books, she Flooed straight back to the Ministry. Her assistants, like her, were thrilled with the texts she'd found. She left them to look over them and catalogue them while she checked in with Tiddlywink, who was pleased his plan was taking off so well.

Then it was time to head home. She showered and took a nap. When she woke, Ron and Seamus were in the living room, nursing their bottles. She was hungry.

Walking into the room, Hermione asked, "Anything in particular you'd like for dinner? Seamus, will you be staying?"

"Oh, back, are you?" Ron asked.

"Did your trip go well?" Seamus put in.

"Don't get her started, or you'll hear more about books than you've ever wanted to know. I know I don't want to hear it again," Ron snorted.

Seamus gave her a sad sort of smile. "I'd love to stay for dinner if you don't mind." At least he was a nice drunk, she thought.

"I was very pleased with the outcome of my trip. Chicken ok?"

Ron nodded, and she went to the kitchen.

The next day, a Saturday, Hermione spent the day at her mother-in-law's house with Ginny and Ana. It was one of her favorite places to be, even though it was haunted by memories of Ron before he changed. Entertaining people were dropping in constantly, and she had Molly and Ginny to talk to, and Ana to cuddle. Harry came with Ginny and stayed long enough to hear about her trip, but he left with Fred and George, who had some new joke products they wanted to show him. Remus Lupin and his wife, who still went by Tonks, stopped by for a few minutes. Even Alastor Moody dropped in to see Arthur. All of these people had gone through the war with Hermione, and all of them cared about her. She loved being surrounded by them.

Hermione, Ginny, and Molly spent the day knitting in the living room, while Ana played in the floor. Hermione shared all the details of her trip.

"I invited Ron over for dinner while you were gone, but he didn't come. How is he? Was he happy to have you home?" Molly asked.

"He's…" Hermione wished she had a better answer. "He was drinking again last night. He didn't seem to care that I was home. I don't really know what to do anymore."

Molly sighed and put down her knitting. "Hermione, dear, I think everyone has done everything they can. I just want you to know…if you ever feel like you need to leave him…well, you'll always be welcome here. You won't lose anyone's affection over it. We understand."

"Now, Hermione," Ginny commanded, "tell us where you're going next."

Hermione smiled, glad the touching little moment was over. "Well, we've had word of very old bookstores in several places. There's a town in Bulgaria, on the Black Sea, that's supposed to have two different ones in it. I'm rather anxious to check that out. I've also heard of one in Germany I'd like to find. It's really amazing how many of these little places we've heard of, actually. I suspect if I wandered around some of the old cities, I'd find some I haven't heard anything about."

The rest of the day passed with friendly conversation and a wonderful meal. Then, there was grumpy Ron and singing Seamus in the evening. The days passed as Hermione planned a trip to Germany, her zeal for her work growing more and more.

The trip went much the same way as the one to Paris did. Tiddlywink was very pleased with Hermione's work. She was happy on the trips, happy in the office, and at home, she had her work to occupy her mind.

After a quick trip to Israel, Hermione found herself planning the Bulgarian excursion. The town she'd heard of had two wizarding bookstores. She decided to allow herself three weeks this time, so she could find them and search them thoroughly. She had no idea the impact this trip would have on her.