The Witch and The Hunters

CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

Page count: 6

"So, you never answered me," Hermione murmured, warm against his chest. "Do you want to come with me to England? If we stay a little longer than needed, I can show you Wizarding Britain."

Dean huffed a soft laugh. "You'll show me the secrets of your sparkly wand world?"

"Of course I would."

"Pretty sure that's illegal," he said, brows up.

"Technically. But in the eyes of Heaven and in the laws of magic, we're married and soul-bound. Muggle or not, they can't prohibit you from entering the Wizarding World because my health literally requires we not be separated. And I no longer have to be cautious about what I'm revealing."

He lifted his head, giving her a look. "So you've been holding out on me?"

She shrugged. "Only the things Muggles are never allowed to know. Nothing vital. But now? There's nothing I can't tell you."

"Uh-huh," he muttered. "Figures I'd marry into classified magical government shit."

"McGonagall wants me to guest lecture at Hogwarts. I haven't been back in two years." Hermione added. "If I ask her, she'll likely allow you to come with me. I could show you how the school works. You could meet ghosts that don't try to kill you."

Dean barked a laugh. "Ghosts that don't kill me. Sweetheart, that right there is a damn vacation."

"So... is that a yes?" she asked hopefully.

"Yeah," he said immediately. "It's a yes."

Her smile faltered. She worried her bottom lip.

His chest tightened. "Hey. What's wrong?"

"There's no possible way I can keep you a secret."

He blinked. "A secret from who?"

"Everyone, Dean." She sighed. "Seven brothers. A sister. Seven sisters-in-law. Mr and Mrs Weasley. Draco. Luna. Plus the British magical press, who will absolutely eat you alive."

"So don't keep me a secret," he said with a shrug.

Hermione stared at him like he'd just announced he wanted to sing karaoke in front of Voldemort. "You want to meet them?"

Dean grimaced. "Want? Hell no. But they're your family. And they're gonna find out about me eventually. Harry knows — he can referee. And I always carry weapons."

She rolled her eyes. "You'll definitely need them for Ronald. He gets jealous anytime I have a new boyfriend and becomes... well, more of a dickhead than usual."

Dean snorted.

"The others will be... surprised you're a Muggle and that I've kept you hidden. But once that wears off, they'll interrogate you like a Ministry-sanctioned firing squad."

Dean gave her a lazy smirk. "Sweetheart, I talk down demons before breakfast. I think I'll survive a Weasley welcome party."

"You say that now," she muttered darkly.

"They can't be that bad."

"They are." She didn't even hesitate. "Bill's a curse-breaker — terrifying job, terrifying man. Charlie tames Dragons. Percy works for Kingsley. George owns a magical prank empire — do not take anything he offers you. Ron's an Auror and a professional arsehole. Ginny's a Quidditch star."

"I already know what Harry and Draco do," he said.

"Yes, and Luna... well, Luna's odd."

He blinked. "Odd how?"