It's Only Natural

C1: The Assignment

Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.

A/N: So I'm back with something new, fluffy and appropriately smutty. This has been in the works for a while, but I sort of lost sight of the original concept halfway through, which led me to rewrite large parts of what I had already written. The end result is this, 24 chapters in weekly installments for your reading pleasure.

It had been five years since the end of the War and the defeat of Voldemort, and in those five years her life had changed almost irrevocably. After failing to give her parents their memories back, Hermione had resigned herself to the fact that they were lost to her and had thrown herself fully into her rather unique position in the Ministry, which kept her far from the Auror Corps and more importantly the toxicity that was Ron Weasley.

Ever since she had made it known that she would never have any form of romantic interest in him, he had become downright nasty to her, which was not aided by the fact that she had been basically given free reign to do whatever research she wanted under Minister Kingsley's personal supervision.

Harry on the other hand had been and still was happy for her that she had found something where she could make a difference and use her intellect for something productive, and was glad that they had a standing lunch date every Wednesday where they would catch up and share things that they had accomplished or were working on, and Teddy of course, since Harry's life seemed to revolve around work and his God-son, much to the amusement of Tonks and Hermione, who through everything had become even greater friends and usually spent a lot of weekends together.

Because of this Teddy had come to see Hermione as his aunt and was always very excited to see her, and she on her turn did not mind regaling the rambunctious toddler with a dozen stories so that Tonks could have a few moments of peace.

Teddy was also the reason her usual group of friends had grown considerably, since Tonks had a healthy social network around her and had pushed her to come out of her shell a bit more.

This had the added effect of bringing back her most deeply buried secret ever since fifth year, namely her crush on one Luna Lovegood, who despite her belief in creatures that no on actually could see, had a mind very much like her own and that was what had first attracted her to the blonde back in her fifth year during their stint in Dumbledore's Army.

Out of everyone in their friend group it was Luna she had the most contact with at work, since the blonde was in a similar position as she was, albeit mostly working on zoology projects.

This was what had led her to Kingsley's office early one Monday morning, even though it was highly unusual that he invited her this early in the morning, especially on a Monday.

"Ah Ms. Granger. Good morning. I trust you had a good weekend?" He asked in his heavy baritone.

She smiled kindly at him. "Yes Minister, thank you for asking, although I will admit I am a bit puzzled by why you would need to see me this early."

His grinned broadly at her. "I'll explain shortly, Ms. Granger. I can however promised that it will be an excellent opportunity to both experience something new and have a little bit of free time, because I honestly believe that you deserve that. You've worked far too much over the last few months." He said kindly.

Hermione smiled at that. "I know Minister, but to be honest I haven't got that much of a social life outside my friends and I am honestly okay with that."

He merely smiled as Luna walked into the office, giving her friend a one armed hug as she too took a seat. "Good morning Minister, Hermione. You asked to see me this morning?"

Kingsley smiled at them both. "Indeed I have Ms. Lovegood. I have got a rather unique opportunity for you both, which given your unique position in the Ministry you two are the only ones qualified to do. I've had contact with my counterpart in Brazil, and there has been mention of a new species of magical creature, which at this moment I do not know a lot more about than that it is a form of bird, and I wanted to ask you both as my top researcher and zoologist to go and see if you can find and catalog everything there is to know about this new species. Of course anything you might need will be reimbursed through the Ministry should you choose to accept this assignment."

Both of their eyes widened at that, Luna's out of excitement and Hermione's in amazement, and as they locked eyes, they both saw exactly the same. "I think I can safely speak for both of us that we would love to go, Minister. Is there a time-line you have available for this?" Luna asked with her usual dreamy smile.

Kingsley grinned at the blonde. "You both may take as long as you need. There are no things that require immediate attention, so now would be the best time to do this. I already procured a long range Portkey for you to use at your earliest convenience."

Hermione nodded at that. "I think with a few days of preparation time we'll be good to go, or would you need more time Luna?"

"I think I have most things ready, the only thing I don't think I have is a proper tent, but other than that I'm mostly set, a few notebooks and such would be enough." The blonde said with a soft smile to the brunette.

Kingsley nodded at that. "The last reports have put it somewhere in the Amazon Rainforest, so I must urge you both to pack appropriately. You'll be removed from most forms of both Muggle and magical supplies."

Again the brunette nodded. "We'll pack appropriately, Minister. Could we ask for a few days to get everything in order and to talk through some things?" Hermione asked softly.

"Of course. Take all the time you need. I'd rather have you both be over prepared then under prepared. A lot of information can be gained from this new species after all. You may of course take the time you need off to prepare, fully paid of course, since the preparations are for a Ministry sanctioned assignment." Kingsley said kindly.

The two girls nodded as Kingsley dismissed them, after which they made their way to Hermione's office, since it was closest and they needed to plan a few things before they could go and buy things.

…

After getting themselves a cup of tea, Hermione and Luna took a seat in the brunette's office. "Out of everything that today could've brought, this was not even on the list of possibilities." Luna said with a soft smile.

Hermione smiled at that, secretly beyond excited that she had the opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time with the blonde in close quarters. "I know exactly how you feel. I never expected that I would be qualified to go on such an expedition. I'm not the most knowledgeable on Magical Creatures."

Unbeknownst to her, Luna was feeling the exact same way, since she too had deep feelings for the brunette that she had long kept hidden, and hoped that over the course of this assignment she'd find the courage to confess her feelings for the brunette, or at the very least build an even closer friendship with her. "You're knowledgeable on everything Hermione. It's little wonder that Kingsley asked you to accompany me, plus the fact that he knows we're good friends and thus have a smaller chance of falling out on the trip."

Hermione nodded at that, thinking back to her time on the run with Harry and Ronald. "If it'll be anything like it was six years ago, this can only be infinitely better. At least I don't have to worry about you trying to sneak a peak while I get changed or other such shenanigans."

Luna giggled at that. "I would never do that Hermione. I'm also quite partial to having privacy while changing clothes."

Hermione smiled at her. "That alone will make this trip loads better, so let's get planning. I think I can find a tent that'll house us and everything we need easily enough while also providing plenty of comfort, so I'd say all we really need to sort out is essentials."

Luna nodded at her as she got out a notepad and a quill. "Essentials in such an area would be mosquito nets and a plentiful supply of Dittany and other Healing potions, and of course an us-sized supply of parchment and quills, since I have a feeling we need to take a lot of notes."

"That and of course a plentiful supply of clothes and a pair of solid hiking boots, since I have no inclination of riding a broom through the jungle, as well as a form of entertainment, since I know that we'll have a lot of free time between our stake-outs and moving around, and now that I think about it, some kind of binoculars should also be a necessity." Hermione said thoughtfully.

Luna smiled and put those things to parchment. "Honestly, I think we already have everything, because I can honestly not think of anything other essentials that we should need to bring."

Hermione nodded at her. "Then I'll go and shop around for a tent and the relevant supplies. I'm sure that I'll be able to find one to both our satisfaction. Oh, I do have to ask, how are we going to handle food?"

Luna smiled at her. "I'll take care of that. Mummy has taught me a lot of easy and tasty dishes that we can make with few and easy to find supplies. I will make sure that we won't go hungry."

"Then I'll bring something that has saved me more than once over the past few years, and probably one of the best Muggle inventions ever, and that only requires hot water." Hermione as she noted instant noodles on her parchment.

Luna nodded at that. "Then may I suggest we divide and conquer, Hermione? The sooner we get everything together, the sooner we can start our assignment."

The brunette nodded and smiled at her. "Of course. Shall we say your office in three days? That should be plenty of time to get everything together and say goodbye to everyone."

Luna nodded at her. "That sounds like a great idea. Your nephew will probably be quite upset that he won't see you for so long."

"I know, and that will be the most difficult thing. Once I've done my necessary shopping I'll spend some extra time with him and Dora to make up for it." Hermione said with a soft smile.

Luna smiled at her. "I'm sure they will understand Hermione, Dora especially would want you to take the opportunity."

The brunette nodded and smiled. "I'm sure she will, but that doesn't make it easier to leave my nephew behind."

Luna merely smiled at her. "Then we'd best get going, because I am sure my mother will have some things to add that might be useful for our trip."

"Give her my love. I'll see you in a couple of days." Hermione said kindly.

Luna nodded and gave her a hug before taking her leave, leaving the brunette alone to her thoughts and give her an opportunity to calm her heart again.

Hermione on her turn had similar issues, because every time she was in close proximity to the blonde, her mind seemed to go blank of any coherent thoughts that were not related to the blonde.

For so long she had bottled up her feelings and now that she finally had the opportunity to really spend some alone time with the blonde, she knew that she had to seize this opportunity with both hands because she really wasn't going to get a better opportunity to tell the blonde how she felt and hopefully not ruin the friendship at the same time, because next to her unrequited crush, Luna was one of her closest female friends, since she and Ginny had grown apart somewhat because of their careers, which wasn't to say that they weren't friends still, it was just not the close friendship they had at school.

Filing that away as a worry for future Hermione, she checked her notes one last time before making her way out of her office and making her way over to the Floo so she could go to Diagon and do some necessary shopping.

…

It took her the rest of the day to get everything on her list, including a supply of ramen noodles that would last them both a couple of months if it came to it, and that was why the following day she made her way to Tonks early so that she had more time to spend with the Metamorphmagus and her nephew.

After the War, Tonks had retreated herself mostly from the Wizarding World in order to give her son a life away from the constant danger, and thus had gotten them an apartment in Muggle London, coincidentally in the same building where Hermione and Harry had theirs, and as she knocked on the door just after breakfast, she could already hear someone rush to the door.

"Auntie 'Mione!" Teddy yelled excitedly as he almost jumped into her arms for a hug.

She caught him with practiced ease and pressed a kiss to his cheek as she stepped into the house. "Hey there my little Bear. How have you been. Keeping out of trouble I hope?" She asked with a smile.

There was a laugh from the living room as Dora came up to meet her. "Hey Hermione. He's my son, of course he isn't staying out of trouble. He's Mama's little troublemaker."

Teddy giggled as Hermione set him down to give Dora a hug. "Hey Tonks. Are you holding up okay?"

The pink haired witch nodded and smiled. "You're surprisingly not the first one to ask that today, but yes, I'm doing okay. Let's talk over tea, because I know you well enough that you didn't just come by after breakfast just to catch up."

"Your observational skills have not diminished in the slightest since leaving the Auror Corps I see. You're right, and I promise to tell you and Teddy everything that's going on." Hermione said kindly.

Nymphadora smiled at the brunette as they made their way into the living room, where to Hermione's surprise Harry was already here. "Well this is a surprise." He said with his usual grin.

"I could say the same. Shouldn't you be at work today?" Hermione asked as she gave him a hug.

He shook his head. "Madame Bones gave me the day off since I just finished two night watches of a potential threat, and of course I wanted to spend that day with my Godson. But what about you? I figured you'd be knee deep in some sort of research."

Hermione smiled at him as she lifted Teddy into her lap. "That was the plan, but Kingsley made me an offer I couldn't refuse, which also leads me to why I wanted to come and see Tonks and Teddy today."

Dora smiled at her as she put a cup of tea in front of the brunette. "You're always welcome Hermione, you know that."

Hermione nodded and smiled. "I know, but for the foreseeable future I won't be able to come by. Kingsley has given Luna and me an assignment to find and document a new species of Magical Bird, which may take many months, and is on the other side of the world, somewhere in the Amazoni Rainforest."

Teddy was the first to react by clamping onto his aunt. "You can't go aunt 'Mione. I'd miss you too much." He said with a pout.

She smiled and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I know sweetie, and I will miss you too, more than anything, and I promise to be back as soon as I possibly can."

He pouted and cuddled in closer to the brunette. "It's not fair. They can't take my auntie away."

Nymphadora smiled at her son. "They're not taking her away sweetie. It's your auntie's job to research things. There is no one better at it, and I'm sure that is why the Minister asked your aunt to go."

He nodded in understanding, although he did not move from Hermione's lap for even a second.

"While I understand why Kingsley would pick you and Luna for this, I must say the timing is a bit odd. When did you hear this?" Harry asked a bit confused.

Hermione smiled at him. "He called us in for a meeting yesterday morning, and he had gotten the request for his best two researchers from the Brazilian Ministry only hours before, so when we heard everything he knew about it, we went into prepartion mode.

Harry smiled at her, knowing full well both women's crush on each other. "Well, Kingsley is right about one thing, you two are his best researchers, and with you two on it I am sure that you'll find out everything about this bird, and knowing you something more too."

Hermione blushed a little at that. "Let's leave that in the middle, shall we. It'll be hard enough as it is, and I don't want to think about potentials."

Harry grinned at her. "You say that now, but may I remind you about what happened the last time you two were in a room together for any length of time?"

She slapped him on the shoulder. "No you don't need to remind me, but in my defense, I had a bit to drink that night." She said as her blush darkened, much to the amusement of Dora.

"I remember that party all too well. I don't think I've ever seen you so flustered before." Dora said with a grin.

That only darkened Hermione's blush. "It is one of the reasons I usually don't drink. I've got a low tolerance and I would usually like to remember what I did the next day."

Dora merely smiled at her. "How about we go deeper into that after I've put your nephew down for his nap."

Hermione smiled and nodded as she gave Teddy a big hug and a kiss on his cheek. "I promise to bring something extra special for you on my trip okay?"

He nodded and gave her just as big a hug back before Dora pulled him off her lap and carried him to his room, making sure to put a few Silencing Charms on the door just in case their conversation turned to more serious topics of the past.

…

Later that afternoon, Harry and Hermione made their way back to her apartment, because he had noticed some things about his adopted sister while they were talking that he needed answers for before he was okay with letting her go into the jungle.

As they entered and Hermione went to pour them another cup of tea, he took a moment to look around, and couldn't help but smile at the amount of books that were on every available surface, as well as the parchment that was littered about the living room. "It never fails to surprise me how chaotic you actually are, 'Mione." He said with a grin as she came back with a pot of tea and two cups floating behind her.

She smiled as she took a seat next to him. "I don't know why you're surprised. Researchers in general like a bit of organized chaos, and you know better than most that my interests are quite broad, so with that comes a lot of paperwork, but I also doubt you've come here to once again criticize my interior decoration skills."

"You would be right in that. The reason I came with you is because I am a bit worried about this assignment Kingsley has put you and Luna on. Are you sure that you'll be okay going away for so long?" Harry asked softly.

Hermione smiled at her brother in all but blood. "I've been asking myself the same thing ever since he asked. My nightmares haven't been quite as frequent in the past few years, and I'm able to handle it much better when they do happen. I'll also bring a supply of Dreamless Sleep potions should I need them, but all in all, I think I'm ready for this. It can only help me get better, and hopefully get me to confess my feelings to her and hope that she feels the same way."

Harry smiled at her. "If you say that you're ready for this I believe you of course, although it will take some getting used to not seeing you every day, or having our weekly get together for so long, not to mention what I'm going to tell the others."

"Besides Ron, you may tell them where I am and what Luna and I are doing, and that I'm sorry that I couldn't be able to say goodbye in person." Hermione said softly.

Harry nodded at that. "I know, and I will, but you know Ron is going to ask questions when he realizes you're not there, and you know that his badgering is going to become annoying really soon. What do you want me to tell him?"

Hermione sighed softly at that, knowing full well how annoying the redhead could be. "Tell him that I've been working with the Unspeakables and that those are early hours and long days. Do not under any circumstance tell him where I really am or who I am with. Promise me Harry."

He wrapped his arms around her and smiled. "I promise Hermione. Ron won't hear a word of this from me, or any of our friends. While I sometimes wish we all could go back to how things were back at school, I am not stupid enough to try and force that until he takes his head out of his ass."

"I'm sorry to have put you in the middle of this Harry, I really am, but I needed to cut him from my life if I ever wanted to move past everything that happened in the war, and unlike him I refuse to 'solve' those problems with alcohol and meaningless sex."

Harry nodded and smiled at her. "I know, and that is the reason I've been pulling away from him too. You opened my eyes to exactly how toxic his behavior is and I know that at some point it is going to bite him, because it is starting to affect his job too. He still believes he is entitled to anything just because of the fact that he is a war hero and a member of the Golden Trio."

"He's always been entitled. The way he latched onto you for your fame after the war was more than just a little bit telling. I know deep down he is a good guy, but he really needs to get his act together." Hermione said softly.

"I've been trying, but you know how that song and dance goes. He's just too hardheaded for him to take anyone's advice when he thinks that he is right." Harry said with a soft smile.

Hermione nodded at that. "Oh I know, it is one of the many reasons I finally broke off our friendship, because he tried to keep pushing a relationship on me despite me telling him that I could never be interested in him like that. Perhaps that is why I was so quick to accept Kingsley's offer. Me being away from him will help me heal even more, because as long as I am here, there is a chance of him cornering me and me having to hex him."

"That wouldn't be good for anyone, so I'll just say to be careful, and don't be afraid to try something with Luna, she might actually surprise you, I mean, more than she usually does anyway." He said with a smile.

Hermione smiled at him. "To be honest, given how similar our positions at the Ministry are, we already see each other a lot, so I'm not as surprised by her as I used to be, but I'll see what happens when we actually get to the jungle. You know that I tend to overthink everything before I do something, but I'd like to think that I've come a long way the past five years."

"That you have 'Mione, and I am sure that by the time you two come back, you will both have found what you've been looking for, and if I may add, something you both deserve too." Harry said kindly.

Hermione just smiled and hugged him, wanting to hold on to this feeling for as long as she could.

…

Two days later Hermione and Luna had gathered in the brunette's office, both of them only carrying a single bag, which held everything that they would need for a minimum of three months. "Good morning Hermione. I hope Teddy took the news of our trip well?"

"It was when I promised him a proper gift when we return, and even then he still clung to me for most of the morning." Hermione said with a soft smile.

Luna smiled at that. "You are by far his favorite Aunt, Hermione. It is little wonder that he clings to you when he knows he is not going to see you for a while."

Hermione smiled and nodded at that. "I know, and it was so hard to say goodbye when Dora put him down for his nap. She did make me promise to get back in one piece, otherwise she'll apparate to us and smack some sense into me."

Luna giggled at that. "I'd see her do that too, but I think between the two of us we'll be able to handle everything the Rainforest may throw at us."

Hermione nodded at her. "I'm sure we will, shall we do a final rundown of everything we brought? Just so that we're sure we got everything?"

The blonde nodded and smiled. "Yes, I was just about to suggest the same thing. I know that knowing both of us we'll have all bases covered, but it never hurts to check everything again. So let's start with the most obvious, did you find a tent?"

Hermione smiled at that. "It was the first thing I got, and I made sure it is brand new and top of the line. We'll have all the room we'll ever need, and probably then some. I've inspected it thoroughly in the store and it has everything we require, and probably more important proper beds, because if we're going to spend months in there, I'd rather not be uncomfortable in bed."

Luna nodded at her. "That is very sound thinking indeed, and something I completely agree with. I've ensured a years worth of parchment and two dozen special quills that don't require ink to write, and are also quite durable, as well as plenty of notebooks should we need to make notes on the fly."

"That is good to hear, and something we'll both make good use of, I'm sure. As for food, I've gotten us six months worth of noodles, which is probably the best Muggle invention ever. It has gotten me through many a night of research." Hermione said with a soft smile.

Luna smiled at her. "I had a feeling you'd get ramen noodles for us. I myself am also a big fan of them, and together with my mother's recipes and ingredients, I am very sure we're not going to go hungry, or thirsty, because I've got us tea and coffee to last us many months."

"Then I think we're set to leave. Did you see Kingsley already for the long distance Portkey?" Hermione asked kindly.

The blonde shook her head at that. "Not yet, but I am sure that he'll come and see if we're in as soon as he is able. He was kind of adamant on us leaving as soon as we were able to."

Hermione nodded at that. "I know, and to be honest I'm kind of excited to go already."

Luna smiled at that. "Then I'd say we better go and find out where he is. I'm sure his secretary will know where he is and at what time he'll be available."

The brunette nodded and followed the blonde through the halls of the Ministry as they made their way to Kingsley's office, where by a stroke of luck he had just come in. "Ah, good morning ladies. I presume by your presence that you are ready to leave for the Amazon?"

"Indeed we are Minister. We have everything we need for an extended stay and are ready to leave." Luna said with a kind smile.

Kingsley nodded and smiled at them. "Your Portkey is ready to go whenever you need. I am sure that between you two bright young ladies the return enchantment will not be a problem, because we honestly couldn't find a way to make the Portkey in such a way that it would keep its enchantment for an entire year."

"We'll manage, Minister. I presume this will bring us to the Brazilian Ministry?" Hermione asked kindly.

"Indeed it will, and your contact will meet you at the arrival point. She also has all of the information they have been able to gather so far. Her name is Olivia, and unfortunately that is all I know about her besides the fact that she is a British expat that was hired there to aid British Wizards in the country. I will send her a direct message to expect you as soon as you have left." Kingsley said in his heavy baritone.

The two women nodded and smiled at him. "It is good to know that we at least have an English speaking contact. That should make things a lot easier."

"It was the first thing I requested, and thankfully the Brazilian Ministry was able to accommodate. She will be able to tell you everything you need to know about your assignment."

They nodded at him as he led them to the Ministry Portkey Departure and Arrival point before handing them their Portkey, which was an old oil lantern. "It'll activate in five minutes, but unfortunately I have a meeting to get to, so I would just like to say good luck, and I look forward to seeing the reports once you all come back."

Hermione and Luna smiled at him as they waited patiently for the Portkey to activate, and once it did they were whisked away to Brazil, for only Merlin knew how long.