The Witch and The Hunters

CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX

Page count: 15

"Ricky, what did I say about bringing mice to the car?" Hermione hissed, glaring down at the small owl perched proudly near her feet. "Dean will have a full-blown conniption if he sees that."

Ricky hooted innocently.

Hermione shot a look over her shoulder, making sure Dean and Sam were still inside the shop, arguing over snacks, then swiftly nudged the dead mouse under the Impala with the toe of her boot. She reached for the parcel tied to Ricky's leg and freed it.

"You heading home?" she murmured.

Ricky hooted again.

"Good. And don't take mice into the apartment—Mimsy will hunt you for sport."

The owl pecked her finger affectionately before taking off into the sky.

Hermione sighed, enlarged the parcel, and cracked it open.

Her shoulders slumped instantly.

"Pretty sure I just saw your tiny demon owl," Dean's voice drawled.

She turned to see the brothers approaching, arms loaded with snacks and drinks.

"You did," she said. "He was dropping something off. I've sent him home."

Dean nodded. "Good. Last thing I need is feathers and entrails in the backseat."

She held up the contents of the parcel.

"Oh joy."

Sam leaned in. "That looks... bureaucratic."

"It is," she groaned. "Annual Ministry performance reviews. Department analysis, staff appraisals, one-on-one evaluations—the whole miserable circus."

Dean winced. "Yikes."

"It means we'll have to go back to England for a few days," she continued. "Long office hours. Meetings. Less time together."

Sam shrugged. "Ginny mentioned she's heading back to her Quidditch team soon. We can take the kids while you're stuck working. Gives Molly a break."

Dean nodded immediately. "I don't mind watching the kids."

Hermione snorted. "You just want an excuse to see Lily Petal."

"She's cute," Dean defended.

"And has you wrapped around her little finger," Hermione shot back.

"She does not."

Hermione and Sam exchanged a look.

"She absolutely does," Sam said. "Like a succubus with a man's soul."

Hermione sniggered.

Dean scowled. "You're both dead."

"He's not wrong," Hermione added lightly. "That child owns you."

Sam shook his head. "When you two finally have kids, Lily's going to experience jealousy for the first time."

He walked ahead toward the car.

Hermione didn't laugh this time.

Dean noticed immediately.

He stepped closer, sliding an arm around her shoulders and pressing a kiss to her forehead—quiet, grounding.

"It'll happen," he murmured. "Sooner or later. We'll keep trying."

She leaned into him, exhaling slowly.