Sands of Change

Lady Countryrose

Ch. 21

Hermione found out, through Travis Weasley. That there was no motel for them to stay at. But was allowed to stay at his place. He had a pool house that he used for guests. Even a pool and hot springs for their use.

So with that, after the Rune Knights had shown up and took over the Dark Guild roundup. Hermione led the team back to the mansion. Then further back towards the pool house. Before entering the small house.

It wasn't much, but it would do for the night. There was only a stack of sleeping mats in one corner. A bathroom in another corner. With a massive open space.

Hermione mumbled, "I'm just too tired to do anything." She magicked her clothes that she was wearing into a t-shirt and shorts. Magic a mat into something soft and fluffy. Then she fell into a heap on the floor.

Lucy sighed, "Hermione?" Whatever Lucy was about to say. Hermione just magic clothes for her. Then magic all the sleeping mats for good measure.

Laxus grumbled, "It has been a long night."

Hermione felt and heard everyone moving around. Before feeling, someone had moved their mat next to her. Then an arm snaked around her. Only to smell a scent of iron on the person next to her.

"Gajeel," she asked. Still having her eyes closed.

"I am only here to protect you while you sleep." Gajeel snuggled up to her.

Hermione could not fault him. After the time they had with the Dark Guild. Then allowed herself to sleep deeply. Only to weave into a pleasant dream.

The next morning, she felt Gajeel breathing down her neck. Causing her to try to wiggle out his hold. But found an iron grip for her troubles. Along with something poking at her.

"That better be detached," she shoved him off of her. Before going to the bathroom. Only to hear Gajeel cussing and Laxus' laughter. "Lord, I need coffee." After seeing herself in the mirror.

She splashed water on her face. Magicked herself clean, then changed into a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. Before leaving the bathroom. With a messy braid of hair.

"Why did you wake up like that?"

Hermione glared at him. "I am not in the habit of waking up in an iron grip. Nor used to something poking at me."

Gajeel studied her for a moment. "You mean, you have never?"

Hermione shook her head. "Nope." Then she went outside. Only to be given a tackled hug by young Molly Weasley.

"You're up," she cried.

Hermione smiled, "What is the birthday girl doing out here?"

"Giving her father a heart attack," replied Travis Weasley. As he walked up to them. "Thank you again." Then handed the money over to her. "Heading home?"

Hermione smiled, "Yeah. I am still new to Fairy Tail and I have a lot to learn." She gave a worried look. "Do you know any of your family history?"

Travis shook his head. "No, I have tried to get William to talk to me. After you had left to help my daughter. But his lips had stayed firmly closed, why?"

Hermione sighed, "I guess there are things I should never know." She had given Molly another hug. "You look like William's mother. She was a beautiful woman, too."

Molly smiled, "He says that she was a lioness."

"Oh yes," Hermione agreed. "She loved her family."

Shortly after they had left, her team came out of the pool house. Fully dressed and ready to go. Making their way back into town. Where the group had eaten breakfast. Only to decide to take the train back to Magnolia.

So the guys had bought their tickets again. Got a private booth. Then rode the rails back. It was just an easy day.