Where the Wild Things Are

Chapter 16

Hermione's errands consisted of getting ingredients for potions to make training less painful, antiburn ointment and a few books on wound care. Ginny shopped a bit too and they spoke very little about Charlie. Ginny questioned her about training and Hermione went into the last two months of what she has been doing. The bushy-haired witch was actually impressed at how much she really had done.

They bought James ice cream for the boy to eat later and talked about how she was feeling lately. Hermione was in the best shape of her life. She was learning new things every day and enjoying being outdoors. Everything she didn't realize she needed in her life. It was afternoon before they headed back to Ginny's house.

Ginny had convinced Hermione to put on a dress to go to the Burrow in, to Hermione's surprise. Maybe it was a celebration for her? Another baby announcement for the family? She put on a pretty maroon dress she left in the spare room and they left for the Burrow.

They got through the fireplace and George snapped up Hermione in his arms, "there is our little Dragon Keeper in training! Mione, how are you?"

She smiled and shrugged, "still living yet, so I suppose pretty good," she snickered and held her out in front of him.

"Bloody hell, Hermione! When did you get so... Gorgeous?" He asked her and she giggled.

"Two months of training and I am being complimented on my form? I cannot wait to hear what you say in a year." She teased and he blushed.

"Hermione, dear, come in here and get yourself a drink." Molly declared smiling from the kitchen.

The witch walked up to the matriarch and smiled, "Hello, mum. How are you?" She asked and Molly hugged her, walking her into the kitchen.

"Very well, thank you. You look to be enjoying your new job?" She inquired and Hermione nodded.

"It has been wonderful. Training in the morning and learning how to handle the dragons in the afternoon." Molly handed her a butterbeer and Hermione nodded, "thank you, I am parched."

"Did Charles tell you about the good news?" Molly declared and Hermione sighed heavily and sipped her bottle.

"No, he hasn't written to me in two weeks. I had to see it in the paper," Hermione murmured and Molly frowned at her over the cake she was frosting.

"Not at all? That is bad manners. I should chide him on treating you better," She grumbled and Hermione waved her off.

"It is quite alright, he is busy..." The younger witch trailed off.

Molly was updating her on all the things that had gone on while she was gone. Arthur was working on a new project in the garage. Harry and Ginny are looking into a holiday out of the country soon. George and Angelina are trying for another child. Teddy misses Hermione greatly. Ron and Vicky are getting married next month. It was all very domestic.

Not that it was a bad thing, Hermione did not mind, but that wasn't her life at the moment. It was foreign to think about such different things after spending two months in the wilds. Hermione updated Molly on her training, making the older witch glare and flustered. "They shoot fire at you?" She snapped and Hermione nodded.

"It is to get used to the urgency and the feeling of heat. After the first couple of days, it is not as bad as you think." She told Molly who glared.

"That is awful!" The mother gasped and Hermione waved her off.

"Everyone has to go through this training. It is fairly safe, I promise you." She reassured her and Molly huffed.

"I never understood the appeal of working in such a dangerous career."