Last time:

My mysterious person was scared, he was in danger. I had to save him. The bad thing was, I couldn't go back to sleep. No matter how hard I tried, sleep didn't want to come. I was lying on my bed for hours, staring at the ceiling. The first sparks of light touched the sky. I left my bed and started my day with a smile, pretending my life wasn't crashing.

It was the same day, but in the afternoon. I called my parents, asking them to meet me at the lake outside the city. It was a beautiful, peaceful place. I remember how my parents took me here every weekend. The lake was very symmetrical, perfect circle. Around it was a big garden, full of flowers. I loved that garden, it was full of roses. Rose has been my favourite flower since the first time a saw it. Anyway, when I started to go to Hogwarts, I stopped visiting this place. I have been here for the first time since Voldemort died. I looked at the water. I expected to see what I usually see. Young girl with messy, brown hair, eyes like milk-chocolate. That's why my image shocked me. It was still me, but I looked older. Like all these days I have been facing, made me grow up again a bit. I looked more serious, more tired. As I was staring at my reflection at the water, something covered my eyes.

"Guess, you can three times."

I laughed and immediately felt better. Dad has been doing this to me since my childhood. I turned around. My parents were standing there, smiling at me. Mom, beautiful as always, hair ending at her waist. Dad, his hair slowly turning gray and with laugh wrinkles around his eyes. I gave them a big hug.

"Mom, Dad, I'm so glad you came."

"Well, you sounded so sad in the phone, we had to make sure you are alright."

We sat on the nearest bench.

"So darling, are you alright?" my mom asked concerned.

I took a deep breath. "No, as a matter of fact I'm not."

And I explained them everything, monotonously without crying.

"And now, Harry found me a job in France. Please understand that I need to be at some place where people don't know me. Where are no broken hearts everywhere I look. It is a very nice job, the one I was always fond of. I wouldn't blame you to be mad at me, because I want to run away, but I just thought you might want to know."

My parents remained silent. After a while, Dad spoke. His voice was a bit shaking. "I never thought a day like this would come. That I would be more proud of you than I already am."

I looked at my parents. My mother's eyes were sparkling because she had tears in them. And Dad was not far behind her.

"Proud of me? I just told you I want to leave this land because I didn't want to marry Ron."

They both smiled. "Darling, that's not what we're proud of. We're proud, because you grew up. And this time finally. After all these struggled you have been facing, you realize exactly what you want and you go after it. And that's the amazing girl we raised."

Dad was nodding. They both hugged me and I literally melted in their arms.

"I'll go to our Ministry today and tell them I accept the job."

"Of course you will. Can you imagine it, Will? Our little Hermione as an ambassador?"

"I'm sure she'll be great." Dad replied with huge smile.

We prepared to leave. I took a last look at the lake. A long time will pass until I will see it again. At the end of a road, I hugged my parents one last time. Mom kissed me on my forehead and Dad took my hand.

"Remember darling, no matter what happens, we are always standing behind you."

I smiled, gave them a quick nod and then watched as they walked away. I checked if no Muggle was looking and I disapparated.

Ministry of Magic was awaiting me.

xxx

I remember the first time I visited Ministry. It was in my fifth year at Hogwarts. Of course, because of all the running from the Death Eaters, I didn't appreciate it. Now, I had all the time I needed. And I was stunned. Magic here was overwhelming. Hundreds of wizards rushing through a square in a shape of circle. Even after all this time, I can't find words to describe it. After travelling through many elevators I finally ended at the floor with International Magical Cooperation Department.

"Ah, you must be Miss Granger," a little secretary smiled at me over the table.

"Yes, I am. I'm here to see Mr. Collins."

"Yes, Mr. Collins is already awaiting you. First door on the left."

I smiled at her enthusiastic voice and continued. I got to a long hall. I was stunned again. Rooms were separated with walls made of glass and they were obviously charmed. I was sure about the glass, but I couldn't see inside any of those rooms. Beautiful and charming. I knocked on the first door on my left.

"Come in," said the voice from behind the door.

I nervously swallowed and entered the room. Mr. Collins was sitting in his chair behind the desk. He was tall man in the middle age. His hair, once surely deeply black, was almost all grey. I was fascinated by his eyes. They were blue like the deepest ocean, framed with a black circle. My eyes like a milk-chocolate always bored me, so Mr. Collins's eyes immediately dragged my attention.

"Good day, sir."

"Please, it's Mr. Collins. You are Ms. Granger, aren't you?"

"Yes, s...ehm, Mr. Collins."

"Oh please, take a seat. I have heard great things about you, Ms. Granger."

My cheeks turned red. Mr. Collins had nice, deep voice which immediately calmed me. I sat down and Mr. Collins started an interview. He firstly asked me about my studying, previous work, basic stuff. He was very impressed by my marks at Hogwarts. Then he asked normal questions about my life, like we were good friends. I didn't forget for a second that I was on the interview for an ambassador. I answered every question calmly, always thinking about what I'm about to say. Mr. Collins was very surprised, when I told him I'm a Muggleborn but he didn't seem to make any big deal out of it. Obviously, skills were for him more important than my family tree. He asked me about my private life, but since I answered only a bit and very uncomfortably, he dropped it. We were done in about an hour or less. We both stood up.

"Well, Ms. Granger, thank you for coming. My owl will inform you about your results in a short time," he smiled at me and I left, finally feeling like I have done something right.

I knew I did well, more than well. With a great feeling of satisfaction, I left International Magical Cooperation Department and came back to the main square. I found myself a fireplace. I used the Floo-Powder and in a second I was at home. I went to the kitchen, to make myself a tea, when a strange noise dragged my attention. I turned around. A beautiful, black owl flew into my apartment. It dropped a little envelope on my dining table. The envelope flew into the air. A seal transformed into the mouth.

"Dear Ms. Granger, " it was strange to hear Mr. Collins's voice from a seal mouth but I was too interested in the message than to complain. ,,I am pleased to inform you that I accept your request to become an ambassador. If you're still interested in this work, come to my office next Monday at 8 o'clock and I will explain you everything. Sincerely, Mr. Collins."

The mouth sealed again and envelope landed on my table. I grinned. So this is a ´short time' in Mr. Collins's dictionary. It was a lightning speed. I ran into my study for a parchment and ink. My heart was beating in excitement when I wrote my answer with trembling hand.

"Dear Mr. Collins. I accept. I'll see you on Monday."

Keep in mind that this is a Dramione story and sooner or later, there will be some Dramione action. I already have something written and it´s going to be romantic and dramatic. Stay with me, please. And don´t forget to review :) They keep me going :)
Betty xxx