"You're more of a wanderer than I'll ever be," she noted, not at all judgmental about it. Some people were just more comfortable with a nomadic lifestyle, either because they felt trapped otherwise or because that was simply what they'd become accustomed to. Hermione was nothing if not stable, and not having a sense of stability to see her through difficult times could be a little bit maddening.

In the end, though, it was easier to have someone like Iskandar around, who knew that whatever time they spent together would be fleeting but who didn't dwell on it too much. It made knowing that she'd inevitably have to say goodbye to him that much easier, if no less bittersweet.

Looking up at him with a small smile, she remarked, "I'm glad you think of it that way. I'd say we need more people like you around, but that runs the risk of making you seem less unique, and I wouldn't want that."