Authors Note: I've been out of the FF writing world for quite awhile (to me) now, but maybe the muse is flowing again. I've mainly only written one-shots, and this is my first chapter fic that isn't 1) co-written with another writer or 2) abandoned. I sure hope for frequent updates, but I am a busy mom with a job too. I would love feedback that is helpful to my story and as a writer. If you are a dragon enthusiast I'd love to pick your brain. xoxo - RooOJoy

Story is rated M - Grammarly is my beta so any mistakes are my own - I do not own Hp or its characters, but I sure do appreciate JKR letting us play in her world.

Shout out to the lovely Rosellaburgundy for helping me work through this story!

Dragon in the Clouds

CHAPTER ONE

The Leaky Cauldron was already filling up and it wasn't quite seven o'clock. She knew that many of the family patrons would be leaving soon, but only to be replaced by people that were looking for an evening of drinks, music, and fun. Initially, she had hoped that the crowded pub would serve as a place for the trio to enjoy an evening just the three of them, but now the place felt a bit suffocating as her anxiety began to rise.

"What do you mean you're going to Romania, Hermione? And to fight dragons!"

She cringed watching his ears flame red and the level of his voice rose. While she knew perfectly well how to deal with him after all these years, it still was a bit of chore and one that she didn't really feel like doing anymore. He was a married man now with his own wife, and she knew for a fact that Lavender could easily put him in his place.

Taking a breath, she set her glass on the table before meeting his eyes. "Ron, it's only for a few months, and I am not going to fight dragons. I am going to research the many properties of dragon materials. There is so much more that we can learn not only about dragons themselves but how we can utilize the magical resources they can provide, while also keeping them from harm. It's really quite fascinating."

He rolled his eyes, which only increased her irritation towards him. He really was an idiot sometimes. "But it's dragons, Hermione. I really don't think you're the type to be able to deal with a dragon."

"Not the type? What does that even mean?" her voice raised an octave as her temper began to rise. Her heart began to beat just a bit faster and she worked hard at keeping her breathing even. The last thing she wanted was an unnecessary row in the middle of a crowded pub.

"I think what Ron is trying to say and doing a very poor job of," Harry interrupted, giving the man a sidelong look that suggested for him to hastily shut his mouth, "is that he is just surprised at this sudden change of plans. I thought you were liking your job at the Ministry?"

Hermione took a large gulp of her wine, letting the warmth of it slide down to her belly. If she was honest with the pair, she'd tell them that she did enjoy her job. She loved everything about it, but there was a bubbling unease deep within her soul that she couldn't quite push away - like an itch that couldn't be scratched. She didn't even know if she could put into words herself, let alone for them to understand. Instead of trying to explain, she paused swirling the contents around the glass before answering Harry in a forced calm voice. "I do like my job at the Ministry, but this opportunity is just something I need to do. I'm bored."

Harry chuckled a bit, and she shot him a look that made him stop immediately. "Okay, okay," he placated, hands up in mock surrender. "I just didn't ever think I would hear you say you're bored and go looking for adventure. I kind of thought that was what I always did."

Smiling, her voice softened a bit, "You do go looking for trouble, and I always go after you. It has been a long seven years since the end of the war. I think a break from home is just what I need right now."

"Well, I think you're bloody crazy, but if this is what you want, then at least Charlie will be there to keep an eye on you," Ron voiced before taking a huge gulp of his ale and spluttering slightly.

Hermione shook her head fondly at the man across from her. While he was a blubbering idiot, he was always supportive of her, and she appreciated that. She supposed this conversation turned out a bit better than she expected. At least she and Ron didn't have a fight that would hit the Daily Prophet's front page in the morning.

"So, tell us more. What will you be doing? Are you staying at the Reserve? How long will you be gone?" Harry threw question after question at her. He always knew how to get her excited with what she was passionate about, even if he didn't always feel the same way.

"Well, I'm not really sure exactly what I'll be doing yet," she answered. Worrying her lower lip she thought of the folded article in her bag. "I was reading an article written by an American wizard that had found three new uses for dragon's blood. It got me thinking about what uses we haven't sought out yet. I started some more research and did some digging, and it seems as though there could be a lot more about dragons that we don't know yet due to lack of people doing adequate research. For instance, each dragon's egg is a different colour depending on the breed, naturally." She ignored Ron as he said 'naturally' under his breath and continued, "So, what if the shells of each of these eggs results in different uses for potions? The research just needs to be done."

She paused before continuing, noting that while Ron was listening he was looking around the bar occasionally sipping his drink. Harry, however, looked at her, an expression of interest on his face. He waved his hand to her to continue.

Grateful for her best friend right now, she smiled and continued, "I proposed my research to Kingsley, and he approved the in-field studies along with getting in touch with the director of the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary. Everything is all set for me to spend three months there. I'll observe the dragons with the handlers, and then I'll be able to come back and, hopefully, with my findings be able to offer the magical population more uses for a dragon. I leave . . ." she hesitated, knowing this was going to be the biggest bombshell, "tomorrow afternoon."

Harry's brows rose, disappearing beyond his dark fringe. "Tomorrow? So soon."

Nodding her assent, she hoped he wasn't upset with her for keeping this from him for so long. She had been putting this together for months but didn't want to tell anyone for fear it would all fall apart before she could solidify the details.

"Well, I'm going to miss you, you know." He looked a bit put out, but his eyes met hers with the love he had always shown her: loyalty and friendship. "You'll have breakfast with Ginny and me before you go, right?"

"Of course, Harry! I have to give Jamie all the hugs to hold me over for three months."

"Will you bring me back a dragonhide jacket?" Ron asked excitedly?

She arrived by portkey in the Romanian Ministry. The small plush dragon toy glowed slightly before a firm hand snatched it from her hands.

"Your passport, ma'am?"

Looking over to the voice at hand, her head still spinning a bit from the long disorienting ride by international portkey, she noticed a short, balding man. He met her eye, an irritated scowl forming across his brow.

"Your passport, ma'am!" he repeated again this time waving his hand at her in an impatient way.

Coming to her senses she quickly retrieved her wand from her sleeve and summoned her passport from the beaded bag tied securely to her belt. Handing it over to the man, she looked around the room they were in. She was standing in a red circle around four meters in diameter. The room was fairly large and there were many other circles around the wide expanse of the bare floor all different shades and shapes. Along the walls there were witches and wizards sitting at desks scattered paper littering their tabletops, some working diligently while others walked around talking. A long counter ran the length of the far wall, a line forming in front of a woman - she would talk to the person and then motion them towards a revolving door next to her.

"You might want to step out of the circle. I have a group of five coming in," the man paused, glancing at the pocket watch that dangled from his coat, "about ten seconds."

Hermione hastily moved from the inner circle to stand fairly close to the older man. He handed her back her passport. "Your documents are in order, Miss Granger. If you would proceed to the inspection line over there," he pointed to the line she already had noted, "then you will be on your way."

As she began her way towards the far end of the hall, she narrowly avoided the blinding blue light as five people appeared in the red circle she had vacated. She heard the man ask gruffly for their passports before taking up her spot at the end of the line.

She wasn't quite sure what she thought so far of Romania, but she had high hopes; she was excited about something new - an adventure! Her belly rolled with enthusiasm. She felt alive in a way she hadn't felt for a very long time. This kind of jitters made her feel alive.

When she approached the counter, the line dwindling quickly, the witch asked her, "Where is your destination here in Romania?"

"The Dragon Sanctuary."

The witch nodded before turning towards the door and waving her wand. Hermione was ushered through the revolving door expecting it to push around halfway and for her to exit into another room or maybe outside somewhere, but she was quite surprised to find the door spinning around in a blur and stopping suddenly as the floor moved her bodily from the small area and out into bright sunshine. Her eyes blinked rapidly, attempting to focus as the light made her eyes water.

"Ah, Hermione, you're here!"

Recognizing that voice, she turned but there was no way she could put a face to it right now being half-blinded from the bright light that was filtered with shades of green. She felt some relief that the voice had an English lilt, but as her eyes quickly focused she found herself looking up at a tall red-haired man. She knew those long, fiery locks and scarred yet strong form as, Charlie Weasley. He stood well over a foot taller than her, his blue eyes sparkling and wide smile a welcoming sight.

"Charlie! Oh, it's lovely to see a friendly face," Hermione replied, genuinely happy to see the second eldest Weasley.

It had been quite a few years since she had last seen Charlie. He didn't come home often, busy with his work in Romania as a dragon-keeper. She noted that after the war, he kept close to home for an extended time but then headed back to what was his normality when things had become more settled. Just like everyone else around her, people fell into their routine and went on with their lives. She never gave much thought to Charlie being here when she applied for the job. She did remember that he worked at the reserve but figured it would be just another person to work alongside with.

"I've come to escort you to the reserve. When I heard that you were the newbie, I couldn't help but volunteer for the job of meeting you at the entrance. So, tell me what does everyone think of you coming to do the oh so 'dangerous' job of dragonology?"

Feeling a bit guilty in the moment, knowing that she didn't really give anyone the chance of offering their opinion of her acquiring this job - she didn't want anyone attempting to talk her out of it. Instead of answering immediately, she looked around at her surroundings. It was as though they were being engulfed by shades of green. Gorgeous trees, tall and small filled the rolling hills and mountains. Vines, bushes, and flowering shrubs littered the forest floor. They were in a small clearing in the dense foliage, but she felt like she could see for miles, the blue sky meeting with tops of the treetops, while white clouds floated above effortlessly. It was amazing and she smiled, letting the guilt wash away.

"Well, Ron wants me to bring him back a dragonhide jacket."

She watched his eyes crinkle as he abruptly burst out into laughter. It was a great booming sound, and she could hear the genuine joy of it. "He's been after one of those for years," he said once his laughter died down.

"Why am I not surprised to hear that," she replied, rolling her eyes in fondness talking of Ron. While she knew she would miss her friends, she was really excited about something new. She looked around enthusiastically. "Let's get started, I'm really so eager to see the place."

Hermione watched Charlie's face change to one of enthusiasm. You could see all over his features the love he had for his job.

"Okay, let's do this. Now I have to forewarn you that there are many wards put in place, magical and otherwise. The only way into the sanctuary is with someone that is already authorized. The place is unplottable and we hope very much impenetrable," he explained moving from the small clearing and towards the edge of the woods.

The vegetation was thick, but all the sights and smells were new to Hermione that she took it all in appreciatively. Following Charlie, she listened as he prattled away about dragons and his first days within the sanctuary. She had to admit her belly was full of what felt like a hundred fairies as he recounted the stories. She couldn't imagine having to withdraw a dragon heartstring while also making sure she didn't die by fire - she still had frequent anxiety if she thought too much about her one time ride on a dragon.

Twenty minutes after walking down the sloping path, they approached a small house. She could feel the protections and enchantments ripple through the air. An elderly man stepped from the front door and onto the porch. He inclined his head before he spoke with a thick accent, "Charlie, you bringing in the new one?"

The man eyed her curiously, and she smiled nervously up at him.

"Andrei, my lad, how are you?" Charlie bounded up the steps and clapped the man roughly on the back.

"Oi, not as young as I once was," he answered laughing as he rubbed the offending shoulder. Charlie had the good grace to smile apologetically.

"This is Hermione," Charlie gestured to her as she stood on the path in front of the house. "She is our new researcher. Hermione, this Andrei, and he is the gatekeeper of sorts for the reserve. No one can get in or out unless you pass through this point."

"So, what do you say, young lady? Are you ready to venture off into the world that many cannot endure?"

Hermione attempted to swallow, but her mouth had gone dry at Andrei's questions. She nodded, numb to the nerves and just letting her instincts guide her feet forward and up the steps.

Andrei smiled kindly at her as he placed his wand on the knob of the door. "Enjoy, my dear. I'm sure I'll be seeing more of you." He gestured for her to take the handle, and she noticed that Charlie was already grasping it lightly. "The first time is always a bit surprising. It's best to travel through with someone."

Hermione did as she was told, and placed her hand gently over Charlie's. The flutters in her stomach rolled as she nervously looked up at the tall red-haired man. He smiled kindly down at her, then whispered, "Here we go."

The pull of the unknown magic was intense. She felt heat grow from her belly and spread out throughout her entire body, getting warmer and warmer to the point that it was too hot and burning her skin. Shutting her eyes tight, she squeezed her fingers more firmly around the hand underneath hers. She didn't feel like she was moving, but she could see a blur of colours moving across her shut eyes. Just before the burning became too much and she wanted to scream out she felt as though she had been plunged into a cool bath. She didn't realize what had happened, or even how long it had taken. Never having experienced that kind of travel, Hermione decided that maybe portkey travel wasn't so bad now.

Hermione hunched over, her hands resting on her knees as she gulped large breaths of air. Slowly opening her eyes, she noticed that she was standing on what seemed to be the same exact porch she had just been on, but Andrei was missing, and there was something else different about this place. Slowly, she raised herself up again and looked at Charlie who was waiting patiently for her to regain herself.

"Sorry, I should've warned you about that. I've gotten so used to it, that I hardly notice it anymore."

Hermione let out an exasperated sigh. "How you could get used to being roasted alive is beyond me."

He lifted his shoulders, reaching up to run a hand through his hair. "Guess it comes with the job. Let me know when you're ready, and we'll set off."

Hermione took a moment to gather herself, looking out past the porch and into the landscape. It looked so much like where she had been just moments before, but there were definitely some differences. The wide expanse, as far as she could see, was filled with rolling hills, flat flower-filled valley's, and monstrous mountains. Some were bright green, alight with sunshine, while others were dark and foreboding filled with rocky crags. It was like standing on a peak, the highest point, and looking out to all of the different places in the world clustered together in their own small little world. Hermione noted multiple, large lakes scattered around along with what seemed like a desert.

It was breathtaking and at this moment, she couldn't help but let her excitement shine through and she reached out grabbing Charlie's arm. "Charlie," she gasped, "this place is . . . amazing!"

He laughed slightly patting her fingers with his hand. "It really is, isn't it?"

"So how does it work?" she breathed staring out over the land that all in itself was its own little world.

"I honestly don't know all the details. Evan is very proud of these different enclosures for the dragons. He's worked closely with our team of Charms and Transfiguration experts. He will be the one you want to ask about that."

"Wow!" Hermione felt like she was eleven years old again and visiting Diagon Alley for the first time. There were times where magic just felt like a whole new thing for her. The possibilities were endless, and here she was walking into something entirely different. The part of her that people claimed as the 'Brightest Witch of Her Age' was glowing - she couldn't wait to get in there and learn everything from how this place was created to the people that made it possible, to the whole reason she was here in the first place - finding new uses for a dragons magical properties. "Well, let's go, Charlie, I can't wait!"

"Okay, let's do this. I'll apparate us to the main house. This is where you will sleep, eat, do any work that isn't in the field."

Charlie patted her hand still attached to her arm, and she blushed as she realized she was still holding his arm.

"Ready?"

She nodded, securing her grip. "Very much so!"