Where the Wild Things Are

Chapter 23

The young witch was forced into a lounging position on the couch with a blanket Molly had knitted her. They threw her a dinner to celebrate her health, and she wasn't going to deny them that right. It had been two days of the hospital, and she was relieved to be out. She made it; she was alive, why would she deny a celebration? Bill and Fleur had decided to come over, and Hermione watched as Charlie was drinking and talking with Bill on the other side of the room. Fleur came from the kitchen and pecked her husband on the cheek before sitting near Hermione.

"Ello, 'ermione, how do you feel?" She asked, and the younger witch smiled at her.

Hermione pressed a hand to her throat, "Good," she whispered, and Fleur gasped.

"I am zorry, I forgot," she told her, and the lounging witch waved her off.

Ginny came into the room with Albus and James, "see there is Aunt Mione, James. You are alright." She told her son, and James jumped on the couch next to Hermione.

He hugged her and kissed her cheek, "I missed you, Aunt Mione." He murmured and Hermione held the boy close.

"Did you need something to drink?" Ginny asked her and Hermione nodded. "Tea?" Ginny confirmed, and Hermione gave her another agreeing nod.

Fleur got up and spoke gently, "I will getz it," she murmured and offered her seat.

Ginny sat down, and James yanked the blankets on Hermione's lap over him as she held him. "Are you coming home soon, Aunt Mione? I miss you." The boy asked.

Hermione shook her head and pointed at Charlie then made a heart with her hands. "James, Aunt Hermione is going to go live with Uncle Charlie."

"Oh," the little Potter muttered and frowned at the Dragon Keeper.

He got up and walked over to Charlie and put his hands on his hips. "Oh, no, he is mad at Charlie now," Ginny giggled, and Hermione grinned.

Hermione watched as the man bent down to the child and listened to the inaudible murmurs from this far away. The child was apparently upset with the man who was trying to hide a smile. Fleur came back in as James was staring down Charlie. She handed the cup to Hermione and sat on the loveseat.

"Oh, he looks angry," Ginny whispered with a smirk and Hermione nodded.

"Iz he mad that 'ermione iz leaving zoon?" Fleur questioned, and Ginny gave her an agreeing motion.

"He grew quite attached to her when she lived with us. He misses her greatly." The redhead spoke, and Hermione sighed heavily. "It is alright, Hermione. You need to be able to live your life too!"

Charlie stood up and rolled his neck, "Come now, James, let's ask," the wizard finally said and picked the child up.

The Dragon Keeper came over and raised an eyebrow at Hermione before turning his attention to the boy. "Now, what did you ask me?" He inquired, and the boy had a pout on his face.

"Uncle Charlie, I asked if you were going to marry Aunt Mione." The boy grumbled, and Charlie grinned brightly.

Hermione raised her eyebrows and held out a hand, "ring?" She croaked, and Charlie chuckled.

"See, that is the funny thing, I knew you were going to ask me that. So today, when I went into town to run some errands, I decided to get something." Charlie declared and set the child down.

He produced a small box from his pocket and kneeled down next to Hermione. When he opened it, Hermione beamed as he offered a beautiful ring. It was white gold with leaves that had emeralds in it and a decent size diamond in the center. Sliding it on her finger, she kissed him as everyone around them gasped and clapped.