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Charlie Weasley was looking around for Hermione, his trainee, when he heard a lot of noise outside their cabin. “Shite!” He darted out to look for her. “Hermione?”
“Yes, Charlie?” She grunted as she was trying to help them get a feral dragon under control.
He groaned. “Didn’t I tell you it was time to quit?”
“They needed help with the dragon?” Hermione dodged a flame before taking off after them.
“Damn it, Granger.” Charlie pulled out his wand and chased after her. He glanced over his shoulder when he heard flapping. “Oh, bloody hell.” He surged forward and was grateful to see one of the dragon-proof huts up ahead before he wrapped his muscular arm around her waist. “You are coming with me.”
“Charlie!” She screamed as she was thrown into a hut, and he slammed the door, just in time. Her eyes were wide when she realised that she nearly died. “Merlin. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet, trainee Granger.” He snarled, making her jump back. “What were you thinking?” He started to rant. “Do you know that you were almost killed due to your inability to stop working when tired?”
“I can’t help it. I need to know everything.” She huffed.
“It will do you know good dead, Hermione.” He deflated as another dragon flame flew over their place again.
“How are we not dead?” She looked around.
“Did you forget that I told you there are strategic dragon-proof places around the reserve?” He gave her a sharp look. “We are stuck here until they get that Mama dragon under control.”
“Shite,” Hermione swore.
“The loo is that way.” He pointed to the corner with a hole.
“Prat.” She whacked his arm. “Why did you save me?”
“Are you kidding me?” He gave her a shocked look. “I don’t want my brother or even Harry after me because I didn’t protect you, Hermione.”
Hermione cringed when she realised he was right. “I’m sorry.”
“You should be, but Hermione,” Charlie waited for her to look up. “You have plenty of time to learn all of this.” He waved his hand around. “It’s an ongoing process.”
“Oh.” She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’ll try not to be such a workaholic.”
“That’s all I can ask of you.” He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a big hug. “Please listen to me.”
“I will.” She nodded into his chest. “It’s quiet out there.”
“Yes, when are you two going to come out?” The dragon tamer at the door spoke, causing them to jump. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine, Dragon Master Krum.” Charlie stepped back.
Hermione looked up at the older gentleman. “Are you related to Viktor?”
“He’s my nephew.” The man broadly smiled. “You know him?”
“Yes, I was his date for the Yule Ball during the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts.” She smiled shyly.
“Oh, that’s great. You must have been the only one not following him around.” He chuckled at her blush. “I do hope that he treated you properly.”
“Oh yes, sir.” She dipped her head. “So much so, that Ron, his brother,” She thumbed at Charlie, “was jealous and mean to me.”
“Of course he was,” Charlie mumbled. “Anyways, are we allowed to go back to our cabin?”
“Yes, Dragon Tamer Weasley.” He dipped his head. “I believe you gave her a dressing down?”
“Yes, he put me in my place.” She looked down. “I’ll try to listen to him more in the future.”
“Very well.” Krum walked away from the door and left them alone.
“Well, let’s go, Hermione.” Charlie gave her a small smile.
“I actually do need to use that.” She pointed to the corner. “Wait outside?”
“Yes, I’ll give you privacy.” He stepped out and closed the door. He gazed around and saw that some of the trees were razed. “Merlin, one angry mama.”
“What was that?” Hermione asked as she came out.
“Those trees are a bit crispy.” He jerked his head and snickered at her reaction. “Yes, let’s walk back, and we’ll work together to have some dinner.”
“Sounds brilliant to me.” Hermione’s stomach growled.
Charlie laughed as they walked back towards the living area of the reserve.