A Field of Wings

by AzkabanArchitect

Summary:

When an underground band of illegal dragon breeders starts dropping off botched experiments, Charlie Weasley's boss decides he needs to bring in outside help. Charlie doesn't need the ministry or a quill pusher to help get the job done, and he definitely doesn't need someone who's never gotten their boots dirty. Luna Lovegood is neither. Working as an investigative journalist as the Quibbler, Luna sets off to Romania to help Charlie. And mess with his ideas about dragons, creatures, life, and love. What's the worst that could happen?

Chapter 1

Prologue

They were bred in darkness. Underground. Bred for something evil. They kept the dragons hidden and caged. It was a dungeon of sorts, someplace not easily found.
A pale-faced wizard with a scar down the side of his face marched up and down the rows of illegally bred and caged dragons. None of them should exist.
The first dragon, a duskwyrm as they called it, coiled lazily against itself, smoke drifting from its slanted nostrils. Its translucent hide shimmered faintly with inner heat. It hissed as the man passed, sensing his unease. The man flinched, but didn’t stop.
“Batch 12,” he murmured to the floating scroll beside him. “Viable. Aggressive. Responsive to auditory commands.”
In another cage a half-chimeric hatchling let out a warbling scream, half-eagle, half-manticore fused by dark alchemy and genetic magic no sane wizard would attempt. The pale faced man reached into the dark cell to pet the abomination, only to be met with a nip at his fingers. Quickly retracting his hand and pulling out his wand, the man aimed a curse straight at the hatchlings head. Before he could mutter the spell, another figure stepped out from the shadows.
Her robes were splattered with blood, animal or human, it was hard to tell. Her eyes sharp and calculating. “Put your wand away Mr. Avery. I have a good feeling about that one.”
“Dr. Vlas. You’re back sooner than I expected.” Avery, Jr. shoved his wand back in his pocket and stepped away from the cage. “They’re maturing too fast, Dr. The thestraldrake is already showing signs of magical instability. It howled last night. Again.” Avery informed her, rolling his eyes.
Dr. Vlas grunted, “Then leave it in the woods. Let them find it. Far away. We need them looking in the wrong direction.”
Avery smiled. “How delightfully cruel.”
A low rumble filled the chamber as something enormous stirred in the cage at the end of the row. Dirt and mud fell from the shaking walls and ceiling. Avery covered his head with his hands to try and stop the debris from getting on him. Chains clinked. A single golden eye flared open in the dark of the chambers. Not a creature. A weapon.
“We’ll release them in waves.” Vlas said, almost absently, as she uncorked a vial and poured a silvery fluid into a trough. “Make it look like a rogue breeding operation. Buy time. Distract the sanctuaries. Panic the handlers.”
Dr. Vlas turned, her blood soaked cloak swirling behind her, and strode toward the iron door that hissed open under her breath. Cold wind and ash swept in, but the fires inside the cages burned hotter than ever.

 

Chapter 1

Charlie Weasley had seen a lot of dragons in his time. More than most could ever imagine. He’d seen scorched wings and splintered horns. Hatchlings born with twisted limbs from inbreeding. Even full grown horntails that had starved themselves after being ripped from the wild and chained in foreign cages. But this; this was different.
The forest clearing smelled wrong. Not just of scorched bark and singed moss, but of something rotting.
Charlie stood with a handful of burned dirt, letting it sift through his fingers as he inspected it. Smelled it. He had never seen this kind of damage from a dragon. Trees were ripped in half. Burnt leaves and branches let the setting sun peek through to the clearing that was rippling with claw marks deeper than Charlie's knee. Whatever was here, came angry and left furious.
“What are you?” Charlie murmured to himself, pulling out his field notebook. Jotting down frivolous information he wasn’t even sure would help. Flipping through the book, he noted the increase in damage the mysterious dragons were bringing.
It started small; little burn patches. Claw marks on the trunks of trees. Strange sightings from local farmers. Whatever was brewing was getting big. Out of hand. And he needed to figure it out before it was too late to stop.

A loud crack tore Charlie’s attention away from his thoughts. He whipped his head around to find his supervisor, Marin Stanes. “That’s the third one this month, Charlie.” Marin’s jaw twitched, causing his gray beard to shimmer in the sunlight. He cupped his hands behind his back, straightening his back. Charlie assumed he did this to make himself appear taller.
“Yes sir.” Charlie replied through gritted teeth. He knew why Marin was here. He didn’t need to be here, but insisted, citing Charlie was getting too “old” to be working alone. Charlie knew this wasn’t the case. Some ministry official was up his arse to get answers. Those quill pushers didn’t know the first thing about dragons and Charlie wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction.
“All wild. All within thirty kilometres of the sanctuary.” Marin strode to Charlie’s side. “I know, sir. I’m getting close.” Charlie turned away from his boss and shoved his notebook back in his pack. “Not quick enough. And we’re going to lose funding if we don’t get this thing figured out. And fast.” “Sir, with all due respect, I really don’t think some quill pusher who’s never gotten their boots in the mud is going to speed up the process.” Marin let out a low chuckle. “Oh Charlie, always the pessimist. This one’s not from the ministry. Not yet.” Charlie snapped his head back to Marin. “So, it’s been decided for me, then? I have no choice?” Marin shook his head “If there was any other way -” “I can do it!” Charlie cut him off. “Sorry son.” Marin put his hand on Charlie’s shoulder. Charlie wasn’t sure if the gesture was more for him or Marin himself. Pulling his shoulder out of Marin’s hand, Charlie turned away. “It better not be some auror who thinks wrangling hippogriffs makes them an expert. I’m not babysitting some grown man who needs a field manual.” “Charlie, you have no idea.” Marin smirked at Charlie before disappearing with another loud crack.

Over the course of the next week there were two more reported sightings. One involved a local farmer’s flock. The beast left a good portion of his sheep charred and torn. And a half melted hoof-print Charlie noted in his notebook. The other came from a local muggle Romanian park ranger who swore she saw a winged silhouette with bones showing through its hide. Visible bones, like the creature had never finished growing.
Charlie followed the trail north. Flying low enough on his therstral to follow the path of destruction, and high enough to stay out of obvious sight. The destruction led him to a ravine where the air smelled faintly of sulfur and lavender. Like the forest knew the beast shouldn’t be there. The thestral dove down and Charlie all but jumped off upon seeing the broken branches and mangled dragon.
Deeper than the blue of the ocean, the dragon lay nearly dead in a mess of tangled scales and feathers. Why did he have feathers? Slowly walking to the half there dragon, Charlie pulled out his notebook and started scribbling everything he saw. Everything he smelled. A sketch of the dragon.
Pulling out his wand, Charlie cast a patronus. “Go get Marin. Quick. We have a live one. If he’s fast, we might be able to save it.” His dragon flew off into the sunset.
Charlie shoved his notebook into his pack and kept his wand in hand, inching closer to the dying dragon. Sticking his free hand out, he touched the dragon’s belly, feeling the slow rise and fall with each breath. Smoke puffed from his nostrils as Charlie cast a healing charm. He slowly made his way to the dragon’s head, stopping abruptly when he saw the poor creature's mangled face. He was missing an eye, presumably from the twisted horn that led to his empty eye socket. Half his jaw was gone, probably born like that. The ground was still hot when Charlie knelt beside him, inspecting his broken wings. Too small to carry his own enormous body. Standing, Charlie wiped his hands over his pants, turned, and threw his fist at the closest thing to him. He was aiming for the charred tree, but met Marin’s face instead.
“Merlin, Charlie!” Marin rubbed his jaw and bit back the urge to return the favor. “Sir! I-I didn’t hear you show up. I’m sorry.” Charlie turned to look back at the dying dragon, already being prepared to be taken back to the sanctuary by the dozen handlers that arrived with his boss. “Another hybrid. Too big to fly right. Tail’s all wrong for balance. He was dropped here, sir.” Shaking his head, Charlie went to offer his help. A hand stopped him from taking more than two steps. “You need to head back. Get some rest. The handlers have got this covered. He’ll be on 24 hour watch.” Charlie still looking unsure, Marin continued, “You can sleep in the med bay if that will put you at ease.” “It won’t. But it’ll help. Thank you.” Charlie jumped on his thestral and took off, back to the sanctuary.
Setting up a makeshift room in the med bay, Charlie ran that evening over in his mind. This wasn’t just a sick and injured dragon. Someone was making things. Twisting things. And letting them loose like failed experiments tossed out with the rubbish. He studied where scorch marks were found. The claw marks in the trees. The random sightings. There was no pattern. No where to start. Nowhere to go. It was all random. He hated that Marin was right. He did need someone. Whoever it was, they couldn’t get here soon enough.

 

On the second floor of Office 323, a bright-eyed Luna Lovegood stood over a messy desk looking for her field notebook. A soft knock at her open door pulled her from her concentration. “Looking for this?” Rolf Scammander leaned against the frame, holding an old leather notebook. “Rolf. Where was that?” Luna inquired as she skipped to the door. “You haven’t been in the field since we were together. You left it at my flat.” He held the notebook up, just out of Luna’s reach. “Hence the break-up. You didn’t like it when I was in the field…that’s where I belong. I’m an investigative journalist. Now, be a dear and hand that to me.” She stood with her hands on her hips and tried to be stern. Rolf tossed the notebook in the air and caught it in his other hand. “I don’t like knowing you might not be safe. And I definitely don’t like the thought of you lost in the jungle with Charlie Weasley.” “Is this you being jealous, Rolf Scammander? It’s rather flattering, but you don’t get to be jealous anymore. And I don’t need you, or anyone else, to babysit me in the field.” Rolf let out a sigh and handed the notebook to Luna. “That’s what made me fall for you, love. But it’s also why we could never work out.” He leaned down and gave her a light kiss on the cheek before turning to walk down the hall. “Stay safe. Don’t owl if you get into some sort of Romanian trouble.” Luna let out a little breath and shook her head as she looked over her office before locking up.
“Father, have you seen my pack?” Luna inquired from a half asleep Xenophilius. “Haven’t seen it since you got back from Austria. Great article by the way, dear. The Quibbler hasn’t seen sales like that for quite some time.” Xenophilius got up from his wingback leather chair and headed to the kitchen to start some tea. “Perhaps the nargles should be investigated, Luna. You know how they get this time of year.” “Brilliant idea.” Luna glided out of the kitchen, and out the door in search of nargles, or her pack. Whichever she came upon first.

The sun was almost behind the hills outside of the Lovegood home when Luna finally returned. Pack in hand and pep in her step. Xenophilius was in the front yard picking dirigible plums to make Luna’s favorite desert before her departure to Romania. “Father, you don’t have to go to all that trouble for me.” Luna shouted as she walked up the path. Xenophilius turned to give his daughter a soft smile, “I can’t have you leave without making you your favorite dish.” Luna tiptoed to give her father a kiss on the cheek before heading inside to pack. “You found your pack. Was it the nargles?” Luna stopped in the doorway to turn and answer, “It was. And you’d never believe where they hid it.” Xenophilius quirked an eyebrow in question. “Out in the pasture with the thestrals. I think they’re trying to keep me from leaving.” Luna winked at her father before disappearing into the house.

“The last supper.” Xenophilius tried to joke, but Luna just reached out and placed her hand on his. “I’ll be back soon enough. You’ve got plenty to keep you busy. Rolf stopped by my office today.” Luna took a bite of her roast chicken. “He’s a nice boy, Luna. What did he want?” “I think he doesn’t want me to go to Romania. Though I can’t imagine why. Perhaps he can keep you company while I’m away.” Xenophilius had always liked Rolf. Though the boy had a way of trying to keep his Luna from doing what she did best, he had a soft spot for him. “I suppose I could have him over for tea. Or take him to that quidditch game your friend is playing in. Ginerva? Yes, yes I could find something to fill my time.” Luna patted his hand and pulled hers back. “See, father. It won’t be all bad. Now eat up. That Desserts avec Prunes Dirigeables smells delightful.” Xenophilius gave her a curt nod and began eating his chicken.

After supper, Luna walked up the stairs to her room. It hadn’t changed much from when she was a child, but she liked it that way. She mostly knew where everything was and wasn’t ready to wash away memories of her life. The opened pack sat on her bed as she filled it with supplies she would need in the field, her leather notebook. Ink and a quill. Her charmed compass. A vial of thestral tears. Some starlight tea, a personal blend she came up with herself. Her field first aid kit, filled with magical and muggle supplies - a gift from Hermione. An old copy of The Tales of Beetle the Bard. Luna was frantically going through her supplies, knowing she was missing something, but not quite sure what. Xenophilius knocked on her door and it slowly creaked open. “These might come in handy.” He offered her her Spectrespecs. “There they are.” Luna took them from his hands and folded them up. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without them.” Placing them in her pack, she sat on her bed and her father followed. “I’ll be alright. I shouldn’t be gone too long. When I get back, maybe I’ll take that sabbatical you’ve been trying to get me to take.” “You’ve never worked with anything like this. There’s no guarantee you’ll be safe. But, but I’d like you to wear this and know that I’m always with you.” He reached over his head and pulled his Deathly Hallows necklace off his neck and placed it on hers. Right next to her Butterbeer cork necklace. Luna ran her fingers over the two necklaces. “One to keep the nargles away. And one to keep you close.” Luna hugged her father. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”
Luna portkeyed to Romania the next morning.

Chapter 2

Summary:

Luna makes it to Romania.

It had been almost a week since Charlie saved that dragon, and there had been no new sightings of mysterious creatures haunting the skies or leaving farmers' flocks severely wounded and half dead. Marin took that as a good sign, but Charlie knew better. “Sir, I’d like to go back to where we found him and see if I can find anything to help us.” Charlie poured himself some tea and sat at the little round table in the lounge of the medical building at the sanctuary. The lounge was quiet for this time of the morning. Usually bustling with handlers and healers, there was a silence Charlie appreciated. “Don’t get your hopes up, it’s been nearly a week and the rain has probably washed all signs of him being there away.” Marin joined him at the table. “I’m not going to stop you, if that’s something you want to do. But I must insist you be back by supper time.” He stopped and smirked at Charlie. “Your new partner arrives this evening.” Charlie rolled his eyes and walked to the sink to pour out the remnants of his tea. He grumbled something to himself as he grabbed his pack and walked out the door. Marin stretched his arms behind his head and let out a small small laugh.
In the stables, Charlie found his thestral, Nyx, and tossed her a rabbit carcass. He walked up to her side and petted her head. “Hi girl. Wanna go for a flight?” She tipped her back, as if agreeing to his idea. He put a lead on her and guided her out of the dusky stables. Housed in the stables were three thestrals, two hippogriffs, five granians, and ten abraxans. Charlie had developed a certain soft spot for the thestrals. Ugly beasts that wizards seemed to stray away from. He knew how they felt. Hopping on Nyx’s back, Charlie gave a look back to the sanctuary and took to the sky.
The morning air was cool on Charlie’s face as he flew over the treetops. Looking out over the dewy grass, he found the scorched ground where the dragon was found not even a week ago. Nyx nosedived to the ground, pulling up just before landing with a thud. Charlie patted her neck and jumped to the ground. There was an eerie silence. He didn’t like it. The forest should be full of chirping birds and wild animals running around. They knew something was off, as much as Charlie did. His pack dropped to the ground and he looked around the now open patch of forest. Where should he start? He knelt down and rustled through his pack to find his quill and notebook. It would be much easier to take notes in light and without Marin sticking his nose over his shoulder.
The trees that hadn’t been touched by dragon fire and angry claws stood tall around the newly cleared meadow. Charlie went to the closest tree and traced the deep claw marks with his hands. Bark that would probably never heal properly. He jotted down what he saw and drew the tree in his book before moving to the next one. This one was only burned. He kept going until he came to a tree with something sticking out of the bark. He couldn’t be sure from the ground what it was, so he tossed his notebook to the ground and set about climbing the tree. A thick branch just below whatever was stuck offered him a resting place. He reached out to touch it. A claw. He didn’t remember the dragon missing a claw. Standing on the branch, he steadied himself against the giant trunk and plucked the claw from the bark. It was bigger than his own hand. The dragon he saved, he was still a baby. This wasn’t his claw. He jumped the nearly four meters to the ground and ran to his pack. Stuffing the claw inside with his book, he ran into the forest. There was another dragon somewhere out here, even if it was already dead, he needed to find it.
Charlie ran so deep into the forest, the light no longer shined through the tree tops and he had to pull out his wand and cast a lumos. When he finally slowed down to catch his breath and look around, he saw nothing. Nothing but darkness. He heard nothing but his own panting breath. Charlie ran his fingers through his hair and let out a scream. Not one of sadness. One of anger. Disappointment. In himself. The sanctuary. The world.
From the corner of his eye, he saw movement. Jumping to his feet and holding out his wand, Charlie inched closer to whatever was lurking in the woods with him. Not paying attention to the ground around him, he stepped on a fallen branch. The snap of the wood made the animal turn to Charlie. Nearly laughing with relief, Charlie dropped his arm and the deer ran back into the woods. The deer didn’t make it far. A wolf jumped at the helpless deer and took him down with one bite to his neck. Charlie let out an audible gasp and the wolf turned to face him. The wolf stalked towards him, licking his lips in hopes of his next meal. Before the wolf could pounce, Charlie disapparated.
Joining Nyx at the clearing in the forest, Charlie mounted her and took to the sky. He would be back. He knew there was something there and he needed to find out what was hiding in the dark.
The stables were busier than usual for this time of the day. Charlie didn’t like it. Dismounting Nyx, he led her through the stables to her stall.
Two bare feet were dangling over the stall door next to Nyx’s. “Hi, Charlie. She’s beautiful.” a soft, sing-songy voice came from the bearer of the bare feet. He looked up and saw a bright eyed, bright blonde Luna feeding one of the other thestrals a carcass. “Luna. Been a while. What are you doing here?” Charlie opened Nyx’s door and let her in. “I suppose it has been a while. Bill’s wedding, yes? That was an interesting affair, what with the interruption and all.” Luna tossed another carcass into a stall. “I assume Marin didn’t inform you who your new partner was going to be.” She jumped down and stuck her hand out to Charlie. He didn’t return the gesture. Instead he turned and raced for the medical bay in search of his boss.
Luna tilted her head and watched him run out of the stables. A thestral nudged her shoulder. Luna reached into her pack and pulled out an apple. She offered it to the thestral and he swallowed it whole. “He doesn’t seem too excited to be working with me, does he?” She asked the thestral and scratched behind his ear.

“Sir. With all due respect, she can’t possibly be the most qualified.” Charlie made it to the med bay and found Marin supervising the healing dragon he’d rescued last week. “Charlie. You didn’t want someone from the ministry. You didn’t want an auror. You didn’t want to ‘babysit a grown man’.” Marin smirked at Charlie before continuing, “Luna is none of those things. She has an incredible history of working with strange things. She’s worked with Newt Scamander himself. All things considered, she really is the most qualified within your personal requirements.” Marin let out a low sigh. “I know you don’t think it’s ideal, but I really do think she can help bring this all down. But! You have to be willing to work with her. And accept her help. You can start by showing her to her room.” Charlie glowered at Marin. “Oh, and invite her to dinner tonight. I haven’t had the chance to introduce her to everyone yet.” Marin didn’t wait for a reply before waltzing out the door.
Charlie grumbled to himself the whole way back to the stables. “Oh hello, Charlie.” Luna was laying in Nyx’s stall with her. The thestral had her sleepy head on Luna’s stomach, enjoying the head scratches she was offering. “She’s beautiful. Does she have a name?” Charlie leaned over the stall to get a better look. “Nyx.” He answered shortly. Luna offered him a soft smile. “Like the goddess of the night. Very fitting.” She pushed up on her elbows to get a better look at Charlie. Stunned with her response, Charlie muttered quietly, “Not many people get the reference.” Luna stared at him. Charlie cleared his throat before continuing. “So, uh, Marin’s asked me to show you around. Show you your room. The med bay. Those kinds of things.” Luna gently pushed the now sleeping Nyx onto the hay and stood to face Charlie. “That would be great. Thank you. I just need to grab my bags and I’ll meet you on the lawn.” She nodded to the open door before heading the opposite direction for her bags.
Charlie rolled his eyes and headed for the quad, dragging his feet all the way. He found an empty bench and waited for Luna to appear. What was Marin thinking? He’s gone completely mad, he has. Sitting back on the bench, Charlie rested his arms on the back and looked up at the mid-day sun. He should be back in the forest, looking for that other dragon, not showing some wide-eyed girl around. Why wasn’t she wearing any shoes? That’s odd. Charlie shook his head, he had better things to think about. Like where that other dragon was. And where were they coming from. Nyx doesn’t usually like strangers. It’s probably because she was feeding her. Charlie let out an, apparently loud, groan. “Something on your mind Charlie?” Luna asked from behind a pile of luggage in her arms. “You packed all that? How long are you planning to stay?” Charlie quickly stood up and walked to Luna, silently offering help. “You never know when you might need something you don’t have.” Charlie quirked an eyebrow and went to grab a bag off the top. “That’s alright. I made it all the way here by myself, I’m sure I can manage making it to my room by myself. Now, lead the way.” Charlie shook his head and rolled his eyes. This is going to be a long case.
Charlie pointed out the different buildings and yards along the way to the dorms. “Over there is our training arena. That’s where we work with the more wild dragons.” A large fenced off field with singed grass was out past the stables. “And, uh, over there,” Charlie pointed to a big, white building, “that’s the medical bay. For dragons and handlers. There’s actually a dragon I saved last week in there.” Luna smiled behind her luggage. “That’s nice. Perhaps you could show me this rescue of yours.” Charlie cleared his throat and continued the tour. “Right. That red building over there is the dorms. It’s co-ed. Hope that’s alright, we don’t get many witches.” Luna shifted her luggage. “That will be fine. You’ve seen one naked man, you’ve seen them all.” Charlie choked on his own saliva. “Yeah. I guess.” The rest of the walk to the dormitories was in silence.
“Watch your step Luna. There’s a bit of a ledge here.” Charlie warned Luna, but it was too late. Her luggage crashed to the ground of the main entry to the dorms, spilling her belongings across the floor. “Let me help you there.” Charlie grabbed Luna’s arm and helped pull her to stand. “I’ve always been a bit of a clutz. Tell me where I’ll be sleeping and I’ll get this taken care of. You can finish whatever you need to.” Luna straightened her shirt and fixed her hair. Charlie was already on his hands and knees gathering her spilled items. His hand paused over a pair of her knickers, unsure if he should help with cleaning those up. “Don’t be embarrassed, I’m sure you’ve seen lots of those.” Luna bent down and grabbed them, shooting Charlie a wink. And saving him the hassle of dealing with the situation. Under the pile of spilled clothes Charlie spotted some books. Grabbing the closest one, he smiled when reading the title, “Beedle the Bard. Mum used to read this to us.” He closed the cover and ran his hands across the title before handing it back to Luna. Another leather book lay on the ground just out of reach. Charlie had to crawl to grab it. But he froze when reading the worn title. “The Dragonkeeper’s Code.” he whispered to himself. “I found that in the used section of Flourish and Blotts. A lot of great notes in there about dragons. I thought it would be handy when Marin asked me to come help. I liked the note about scorchtails. ‘Don’t trust scorchtails. They will bite you in the arse.’” Luna laughed and stuck her hand out to take the book back. But Charlie didn’t offer it. He flipped through the pages and smiled to himself, running his fingers over the notes. Luna tilted her head and watched with fascination. “It's yours?” Charlie didn’t answer, just kept skimming the pages. The book had been long out of print. Charlie lost his copy years ago when he went home to visit for the holidays. “Your doodles are very good. And your notes are fantastic. I learned more from those than the actual text.” Luna simply stared as Charlie finally stood up and offered her the book back. “You keep it Charlie. Isn’t it funny how the things we lose have a way of coming back to us?” Charlie smiled. They finished picking up Luna’s belongings and Charlie led the way to her room.
He turned the handle to her room and pushed it open. Luna entered first and dropped her bags on the bed. Charlie followed suit. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Luna spoke first, “Thank you for helping me with my things.” She nodded to the book still in Charlie’s hands and continued, “I’m glad you got your book back.” Charlie looked down and smiled. “Me too. Thank you, Luna.” He turned to leave Luna to unpack when she startled him with her dream-like voice, “After I’m finished in here, I’d love to see the dragon you rescued. And where you rescued him from.” Charlie turned his head to look at her and smiled. “I’d like that. My room’s just four doors down. I’m going to rest up a bit.” Luna nodded and Charlie disappeared down the hallway.

When Luna had finished unpacking and setting up her room and field pack, she wandered down the hall toward Charlie’s room. She was stopped by a big man with dark brown hair and a scar across his neck. She had to crane her neck to look at his face. His clothes were dirty and smelled of fire smoke and sweat. She offered him a smile. “Hello, I’m Luna. You are?” The man ran his hands through his hair and smiled, showing off a missing front tooth and crooked grin. “Name’s Lund. Andrei Lund.” He had a thick Romanian accent that made him hard to understand. “Nice to meet you, Andrei. I’m meeting someone so I actually need to get by you.” Luna squeezed between Andrei and the wall and turned to face him once again. “Thank you.” and she hurried down the hall.
Luna knocked on Charlie’s door and waited with her hands clasped in front of her, rocking on her heels. When he answered the door, it looked as though he had showered and cleaned himself up. “Are we going somewhere special?” Luna asked, looking him up and down. “I thought we were going to see the dragon you rescued. Seems silly to get cleaned up just to go get dirty again. Don’t you think so?” Charlie’s cheeks flushed red as he eyed himself. “No need to be embarrassed Charlie. I think you look very nice.” Charlie smiled and guided her out the door. “I met your friend just now. Andrei. He seems nice. Kind of scary looking though.” His head snapped to meet Luna’s eyes. “He’s not my friend. I wouldn’t be hanging around that git if I were you.” It sounded more like a warning to Luna, the way his voice sounded. Luna’s eyes got wide before responding. “Thanks for the warning. Now. Where’s this rescue of yours?”

Chapter 3

Summary:

Andrei is persistent. Charlie is embarrassed. Marin is proud. And Luna is turning heads.

Charlie guided Luna out of the dorms and to the medical building. They walked in silence, almost the whole way. “How long have you had Nyx?” Luna surprised him with the question. “Since she was just a baby. Ten years now, about.” Charlie gave Luna a look and raised an eyebrow before continuing. “She likes you. She doesn’t like many people.” Luna smiled back at him. “We understand each other.” Charlie’s eyebrow was still raised as she went on. “We’re not so different, Charlie. You. Me. Thestrals. Always looked at like we’re different. Like we don’t belong. We understand each other.” Her answer satisfied Charlie enough. “Maybe we can go on a ride sometime.” he suggested. “That’d be nice.” Luna smiled at Charlie.

As they approached the med building, an angry roar stopped Luna. She looked to the sky, searching for the source. “He’s sad. He misses his mate.” She dropped her gaze to meet Charlie’s, his expression one of confusion. “You can tell that. From his roar? And, what do you mean mate?” Luna smiled. “All creatures can communicate with us, if we listen.” “Yeah, but you said he has a mate. How?” She let out a dreamy sigh and opened the door to the building.

Inside, the bright white walls blinded Charlie after coming in from the bright mid-summer sun. He squeezed his eyes shut to try to adjust to the new lighting. Somewhere between when his eyes shut and opened back up, Luna had disappeared. “Really?” Charlie moaned looking around. A white door with the words ‘Regeneration Bay’ written in dark red slowly clicked shut. Slowly jogging to the door, Charlie widened his eyes and clenched his jaw. So much for not having to babysit anyone. Much to his surprise, when he opened the door, Luna was leaning over the rail, looking down in the makeshift bed for the new dragon. Marin was next to her, conversing easily.

“Charlie! Mr. Stanes just told me your rescue is ready for a test flight.” Luna was bursting with excitement. “Please, Luna, call me Marin. And yes, I think it would be a great opportunity for Charlie to show you around this beautiful place we call home.” Marin winked at Charlie. “Maybe we can start trying to find his mate. It would be a great way to end my first day here. Please, Charlie?” Luna begged like a child. Charlie rubbed his hand down his face and exhaled loudly, hoping she would pick up on his cues, that that was not something he wanted to do right now. Neither Luna nor Marin got the hint.

Luna had convinced Marin to let her into the pin with the dragon. Below the platform laid the one eyed, one horned, dark blue dragon that Charlie had rescued. The other handlers hadn’t made much headway with getting close to the angry dragon, so they were shocked when Luna pranced in and the dragon didn’t try to eat her. Or set her on fire. Charlie watched from above as the scene unfolded. The dragon lifted his head off the hay and pushed to his hind legs, watching Luna curiously. Luna pushed closer with her hand out in front of her. “It’s alright, I just want to help. I know you miss your mate. Maybe we can work together to find her.” She kept her voice low and steady as she closed the distance between them. The dragon dropped his long snout to her hand to smell her. A small giggle escaped Luna. “That tickles.” Keeping the one sided conversation light and ongoing. His head alone was almost the size of Luna’s small body. He used it to nudge her ribs. “You want something.” It was a statement, not a question. He nudged her again. “Ok, ok.” She laughed and placed her hand on his head and started to scratch. The dragon dropped to the ground and rolled to his back, inviting her to rub his belly. She obliged. Walking the long length of his body, scratching her way down.

“Does he have a name, Charlie?” Luna looked up to the platform as she asked her question. Marin and Charlie both stood with their mouths hung open. “Do you mind if I give him a name then?” Luna’s hand never left the dragon’s belly. Turning to inspect the dragon, taking time to pick the perfect name, she whispered, “Echo.” Almost instantly he started purring. Luna pulled her hand back in surprise. “Is everything alright?” Charlie yelled down, noting her reaction. “Yes.” She laughed in response. “He’s just started purring!” Charlie and Marin stared at each other, each with an eyebrow raised. “I’m sorry dear, did you say he’s purring?” Marin asked over the railing. “Yes. I think he likes the name I gave him. Echo.” She went back to scratching his belly, and talking to him.

Charlie and Marin made their way down the stairs to the pin. Marin waited in the landing while Charlie attempted to join Luna with the dragon. Sensing he was close, Echo turned back to his feet and crouched down, baring his fangs at Charlie. A growl came from his throat and Charlie’s hands shot out showing innocence. He stopped in his tracks and eyed Luna, pleading with her to do something. “Let him smell you. Call him by his name.” She urged Charlie forward. With his one eye, Echo followed his every move. Clearing his throat, Charlie took another step forward. “Ahem. Hello. Echo?” Echo narrowed his one eye on him. “That’s it, keep going Charlie.” Luna ushered him on. Charlie gave her a sideways glance and took another step. Echo pulled his head back and opened his mouth. “Protego!” Luna shot her wand at Charlie just as Echo spilled fire out of his mouth. Charlie covered his head with his arms instinctively. When he wasn’t burned, he lifted his head and looked around. “Good call.” Charlie nodded through Luna’s shield.

Marin quirked an eyebrow at Charlie and yelled “Told you.” He smiled and turned to walk up the stairs and out of the regeneration bay. On his way out the door, he brushed shoulders with Andrei. Startled by his presence, Marin looked up to meet his eyes. “Mr. Lund, we don’t usually see you around this building. What brings you here?” Andrei slapped Marin on the shoulder and gave it a squeeze. Marin tensed. “I’ve come to see what this girl you insisted we bring in can do.” Marin cleared his throat. “Well, she’s the first one to get close to that rescue of Charlie’s. And she just saved his eyebrows from being singed right off.” He let out a low chuckle as Andrei released the pressure on his shoulder. “She’s good then, no? Perhaps she should be working with myself instead of the Weasley boy. I have, how do you say, more to offer. In terms of training.” Before Marin could answer, the sound of laughter caused both of the men to look towards the pin. Luna was scratching Echo’s belly while Charlie stood a safe distance away. She was saying something they couldn’t hear, that made Charlie shake his head and smile. “Looks like you’ve got yourself some competition mate.” Marin slapped Andrei on the shoulder and walked out the door. Leaving Andrei to stare alone.

“He’s ok, Echo. He means well.” Luna was talking to Echo while Charlie kept his distance. Leaning closer to the dragon’s face she whispered, “He’s the one who rescued you.” She didn’t know if the dragon understood what that meant entirely, but he quirked his head and looked at Charlie, who instinctively backed away. Luna let out a soft giggle. “I think he’s warming up to you, Charlie. Come closer.” She waved her hand, urging him forward. He didn’t move. “No way. I’d like to keep my eyebrows, thank you.” Charlie crossed his arms over his chest. And stood his ground. Echo wasn’t going to let that deter him. Inching toward Charlie, he got low and opened his mouth. Luna had her wand out and ready. Charlie looked at her from the corner of his eye, bracing himself. Echo put his open mouth and snout against Charlie’s face and puffed out of his nostrils. He flinched, but didn’t back away. Echo tilted his head. Stuck out his tongue and licked Charlie’s face. “Oh.” Luna looked in interest before breaking down in laughter. “Glad you find this humorous Lovegood…control your dragon.” Charlie tried to dodge the dragon’s licks, but was failing miserably. “He’s yours Charlie. It’s good that you’re finally developing a relationship with him.”

Andrei just stared from the landing, watching the scene unfold. With his hands clasped behind his back, he rocked on his heels. Clearing his throat, he spoke loudly over the railing, “Don’t mean to interrupt Charlie’s bath down there, but I do believe that it’s his turn to clean the stables.” Luna looked up to meet Andrei’s stare, she simply smiled and waved before turning back to Echo and Charlie. “I’ll come see you later, Echo. Maybe Charlie will take us on your test flight and you can take us to your mate.” She scratched his chin and looked to Charlie, “You better get those stables cleaned, Andrei doesn’t seem to be the patient kind.” She glided up the stairs and right past Andrei. He turned to watch her walk out the door. Her grace, second to none. He smirked as the door shut behind her and followed her out.

“Luna. Where are you off in such a rush?” Andrei asked to Luna’s back. “I think I’m going to go get some lunch.” Andrei had to do a little jog to catch up to her. “Perhaps I can join you?” Luna stopped and turned her head. She lifted an eyebrow, looking him up and down. Did she trust what Charlie said about this man? Or could she find out for herself. She let a small smile play on her lips. The pause in conversation had Andrei questioning himself. Of course someone who looked like him never had a chance with someone who looked like her, and who was he to compete with Charlie Weasley? “I’ve already promised Charlie a lunch date, perhaps another time.” She turned back to the exit and skipped out humming. Leaving Andrei speechless.

When Charlie arrived at the stables for his chores, he was grumbling to himself about Andrei. “Do you always grumble to yourself when something is bothering you?” Luna was lying in wait inside Nyx’s stall. “I thought you were going to get lunch?” Charlie poked his head over the door to find Luna kneeling in front of Nyx, feeding her another carcass. He noticed as her feet stuck out from behind her, she had changed into boots. Albeit, they were bright purple and looked like they had never seen the mud. Charlie smiled to himself. “And I thought you were taking me on a ride?” she answered but didn’t turn to face him, just kept feeding Nyx and petting her head. “Didn’t you hear? I have stable cleaning duties.” Charlie huffed out, with an undertone of laughter. “We’re wizards, Charlie. I’m sure you can get this place cleaned up in no time.” This time she did look at him. “In the meantime, I’ll be right here. Turning Nyx against you.” She smiled at him and he shook his head, disappearing into the stables.

Charlie didn’t want to admit that Luna was right about how quickly the stables could be cleaned up. So he dragged his feet, lost in his own thoughts. The mid-day sun was beaming down hot before he figured enough time had passed that he could return to Nyx’s stall. Walking past the other filled stalls with hipogriffs and thestrals, Charlie ran his hand along the old wooden walls. He stopped when he looked up and saw Andrei standing outside the stall that housed Nyx. Arms folded on top of the door, Andrei was looking in and conversing with Luna. Charlie turned to walk the other way, but forgot to take his hand off the wall and knocked over an old broom. Andrei jerked his head towards Charlie, and Luna popped up quicker than he expected, to see him fumbling with the fallen broom.

“Weasley. You got the stables cleaned faster than I expected. Shame. I almost had Luna over here convinced to join me for lunch. Alas, another time.” Andrei drawled on about a lunch date while Charlie and Luna stared at each other. Her eyes wide and full of wonder, his narrow and questioning. “If you have to convince me, you must not be that great of a lunch date. Excuse me.” Luna opened the stall door and pushed her way past Andrei. “Are you alright, Charlie?” Luna asked as she bent down to pick up the fallen broom. “Yeah. My pride’s a little hurt. But, I’ll get over it.” He grabbed the broom from Luna and leaned it back against the wall. Watching Andrei from the corner of his eye, Charlie said to Luna, “Uh, I think his pride’s a little hurt too…I don’t know that he’s ever been turned down before.” Charlie pointed to Andrei with his thumb and chuckled to himself. “He seems kind of confused. I think the Wrackspurts got to him.” Luna whispered as she looked at Charlie with a face of concern. He couldn’t keep his face from saying what he wanted to, but couldn’t say out loud. “I can tell you all about them on our ride.” Luna patted Charlie on the arm and started walking to Nyx and the rest of the Thestrals. She turned her head to look at Charlie again, “And about Andrei, the way I see it, he’ll either get over it. Or die mad.” He couldn’t argue with her logic and laughed out loud. “Yeah, I guess.” He ran to catch up with her.

Chapter 4

Summary:

Luna and Charlie hit the field.
Andrei realizes something.
The wolf is back.

“I can permit three days. After that, the sanctuary is no longer responsible for whatever happens in the field.” Marin sat behind his desk, quill in hand - filling out reports or some other higher up duty - and didn’t let his eyes leave his parchment.

“We can work with that, sir. Thank you.” Charlie kept his head down, not wanting to ruin his chance of being in the field uninterrupted.

Charlie turned and grabbed Luna’s arm, pulling her out of Marin’s office with him.

“What’s the rush, Charlie?” Luna asked, her words coming out short winded from having to run to keep up with him.

“We got the go ahead and I’m not risking it. Marin never gives this much time in the field. I didn’t want to give him time to change his mind.” Charlie pushed the door to the outside open and dragged Luna through with him.

The sudden sunshine blinded Charlie, halting him in his tracks. Luna kept moving and walked into his back. Charlie turned to check on Luna. Their heads met with a thud.

“Ow.” Luna rubbed her forehead and pulled her arm from Charlie’s grip.

“Sorry.” Charlie winced and dipped his head to meet her eyes.

“That’s alright. You can make it up to me. I don’t know how yet.” She smiled and headed toward the cafeteria. “Now about that lunch you promised.”

 

The cafeteria was filled with big, burly, hungry, dragon handler wizards. Luna watched the room as she pushed her food around her plate. Charlie sat next to her shoveling his food to his mouth. Most of it making it in. She looked to him in hopes of having a conversation, but instead she had to stifle a laugh.

Reaching for the napkin in her lap, she offered it to Charlie. “You and Ron eat very much the same.”

“Well seven kids, six boys. We had to race to get the last bit of chicken. Old habits, I guess.” He took the offered napkin and wiped his mouth. “So, do you think you can be ready to leave in an hour? I’d like to get out while we still have daylight.”

“Yeah, I’m ready now. If you are.” Luna slid her chair out and stood. “I’ll go get my bags and meet you in the stables?”

Charlie nodded and went back to the food on his plate. As Luna left the table, Andrei quickly replaced her. His plate full of meat and vegetables. Charlie craned his neck to meet Andrei’s face. Charlie gestured for him to take the now empty seat next to him. Andrei nodded and plopped his plate and self down.

“So, you’ve been given three days in the field. What’d you have to do to get that?” Andrei queried, placing his napkin in his lap.

Charlie scoffed, “And what makes you think I had to do anything special for that? Can’t a wizard just be good at his job?”

Glaring, Andrei narrowed his eyes and responded “No one’s that good. Marin likes to keep his handlers at arms reach. To give you so much time…” He trailed off.

Charlie could see him thinking to himself, the wheels in his mind turning. He used this as an opportunity to escape the conversation. Charlie let his plate on the table and all but ran out of the cafeteria to the dorms.

Charlie opened the door to his room and looked around. He ran his hands through his hair and exhaled sharply through his nose. He couldn’t blow this opportunity. These dragons deserved saving and the breeders needed to be punished for what they were doing. He wasn’t going to waste these three days. Reaching under his bed, he pulled out his field bag and opened it on his bedside table. Rummaging through his wardrobe he pulled out jumpers and pants, robes, and socks and tossed them in his bag. He grabbed his bed roll and the blanket Molly knitted for him before he left England. Holding it to his nose, he inhaled the scents of home and family. He gingerly laid the blanket in his bag. Next in his bag he threw his field journal, an enchanted quill, and the book Luna had returned to him. He did a quick mental inventory of what he had, patted his robes to make sure he had his wand and headed to the stables.

Luna was already in Nyx’s stall with her rucksack over one shoulder, wand holding her long blonde hair up, and her purple boots on. Charlie smiled at the sight of her pulling out yet another carcass and feeding it to Nyx.

“You’re going to spoil her, you know.” Charlie leaned over the stall door and watched Luna feed the thestral.

Luna smiled over her shoulder, “I think you’re nervous she might like me more than you. Don’t worry. She loves you.” Luna leaned next to Nyx’s head and planted a kiss on top. She scratched her head and looked to Charlie, “So, which of these beautiful creatures will I be riding?”

Charlie smirked. “You can ride Nyx. I’ll take Echo.”

Luna’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re going to ride him? I thought this was a test flight.”

In the air, Luna sat tall on Nyx, her arms open wide letting the breeze blow over her body. The hair not tied up with her wand blew over her face, her robes catching in the wind. Charlie watched her with a soft smile, sitting atop Echo. He was a rather good dragon and an excellent flyer. Considering he only had one eye and what Charlie assumed, not much air time. He would have to thank Luna for helping bond them.

“We’re going to that grove of trees. Just over there.” Charlie yelled to Luna and pointed to the blackened field where he had found Echo.

Luna eyed the opening and leaned to whisper something in Nyx’s ear. As she was sitting up, Nyx dived towards the ground. She let out a loud yelp and clung to Nyx’s neck as they free fell to the ground. Charlie laughed and did the same with Echo. His scream filled the empty air.

“This is where we can set up camp. At least for tonight. This is where I found Echo. And the other claw.” Charlie dropped his bag to the ground and set up a ward to keep Echo contained.

Luna was already digging through her field bag, pulling out empty vials, a field journal, and a smaller bag filled with her idea of field necessities. “We should get right to work. Three days isn’t nearly enough to do all the things this investigation involves.”

Charlie shook his head and knelt down beside her, pulling his field equipment out as well. They eyed each other pulling their stuff out, observing what the other had brought.

Pulling out his newly returned copy of The Dragonkeeper’s Code, Luna commented, “You really are an excellent artist. Perhaps you can give me some tips. I’m quite bad at drawing.”

“Yeah and you can give me some tips on dragon taming.” Charlie laughed.

“Oh no, that’s your field of expertise. But I am serious about the drawing lesson, I’ve been looking for a new hobby.”

“Yeah. Alright, I’m sure we can squeeze a lesson in.” Charlie contemplated as he pulled his canteen out. He pointed his wand to the opening, “Aquamenti.”

Luna stood and dusted herself off, “So, which direction?” She twisted her wand back into her hair and crossed her arms over her chest, her backpack hanging low on her back.

“Uh, north.”

“You don’t sound too certain. Should I lead the way?” Luna smiled at Charlie and set off north into the trees.

Charlie fumbled with his field bag to get it on his back. He was still looping an arm through the strap when he caught up with Luna. She had stopped just inside the trees, where it had started to get darker from lack of sunlight. Her neck was strained from looking up to the high treetops. She was mesmerized by the blackness that would soon consume them both. With her head still up, she reached into her hair and pulled out her wand. A whispered “Lumos” lit up the small area where they both stood. Charlie reached into his robes and pulled out his wand, another whispered “Lumos” and the light doubled.

“There’s something here.” Luna dropped her bag and knelt beside it. She dug through her full pack and pulled out her field journal and her charmed quill. With her journal and wand in one hand and her quill in the other, she replaced the dropped bag to her back.

“Yeah. Wolves.” Charlie's voice was low, like saying wolves too loud draw them out of hiding.

“Possibly. But there’s something else. Something powerful. Big.”

“You think Echo’s mate?” He questioned.

“That would be a great outcome. But we can’t be sure.” Luna had started walking away from Charlie and deeper in the forest.

They walked in near silence for what seemed like ages. Luna jotting things down in her field journal. Charlie observing stoically.

Finally Luna stopped walking. She dropped her bag. Again. Dropped her field journal and quill. And peacefully walked to a nearby tree. She placed her small hand on the rough bark and waited. Charlie walked to her side and stared.

“This is where that something is.” Luna looked at Charlie. “Here, put your hand here and listen.” She grabbed his empty hand and placed it next to hers on the tree.

“I don’t hear anything. Maybe I should be feeling something?” With his wand hand, he reached up and rubbed the back of his neck.

His wand pointed in a new direction, Luna followed its ray. “That way!” She yelled and ran into another maze of trees.

Charlie let out a disgruntled huff and followed her. She didn’t make it far. Stopped just a few meters from where they were before, Luna stood. And stared at the ground. Charlie stared too. On the ground in front of them was a ring formed with sticks and grass. Someone or something made it. Charlie squatted and picked up a handful of dirt. Burnt.

“Luna. You did it! I think you found his mate.” Charlie was too excited observing the burned ground and makeshift nest to notice Luna had found something else.

“Charlie. You’re going to want to see this. But, promise not to overreact.”
“I doubt there’s anything I could overreact about after finding this! This is huge. Marin’s got to give us more time. I mean after only one day -” Charlie stopped in his tracks.

“Are those…?”

“Yes.” Luna just stared.

“We can’t just take them. The mother needs to care for them…how many are there?”

“Three.” Luna knelt on the ground, picking up one of the dragon eggs left in a nest in the middle of a forest.

Charlie knelt beside her and watched as she examined the egg in her hands. It was about the size of a large melon. The shell was covered in blue and golden specks. Charlie took out his field journal and quill and quietly started taking notes. Drawing a map. Sketching the eggs. Lune studied the egg. Turning it over in her hands. Listening to the quiet from inside the shell. They worked well in the silence between them.

When Luna felt she had made enough observations with the egg, she offered it to Charlie. He took it and began inspecting it. Luna stood and walked back to the abandoned nest.

“How do you suppose they got from there,” she pointed at the nest, “to there.” And pointed to the spot they were now.

“Do you think it was the mum?” Charlie asked from his spot on the ground.

“I’m not sure. But it seems…strange. Don’t you think? That she would move them from the nest?” Luna looked to Charlie for an answer. “I mean, you’re the dragon expert. Would she move them?”

“If there was a threat, yes, I imagine she would move them.” Charlie stood to join Luna. Egg still in hand.

“Does it strike you as odd that she’s not here? If there’s danger?”

“I suppose she could be hunting. Or foraging for supplies for a new nest.” Charlie looked around the area they were standing, half expecting to find something.

Luna reached for the egg in Charlie’s hand, but quickly pulled her hands away. “Did you hear that?” Her voice was low and the words were fast. “I think there’s something watching us.”

Turning away from Charlie, she slowly observed her surroundings. “I don’t mean to frighten you, Charlie. But I think we might need to leave. Now.”

 

His head turned slowly to match her line of sight. The broken light from the tips of their wands cast awkward shadows throughout the forest, catching the glint of an eye.

“Wolves. That was the danger.” Charlie muttered under his breath. “How could I be so naive? Luna, you need to disapparate back to Nyx and Echo. Then you need to inform Marin of what we’ve found.”

“What are you going to do? Avada the wolf?”

“I’m going to save the eggs.” He looked to the two eggs still abandoned on the ground. “And try not to have to kill that.” He nodded his head towards the wolf.

“Stun it.”

Before Charlie could respond, the ground shook. Footsteps. Whatever was coming their way was big. The trees shook as the steps got closer. Luna moved closer to Charlie, shielding the egg with her body. A roar broke the strained silence. Before either of them could do anything to protect themselves, the dark forest lit up with dragon fire, burning trees and grass.

“Echo!” Luna cried out for the rescue.

The lone wolf turned, ready to attack. It pounced towards Echo. He opened his mouth and clamped down as the wolf offered himself up unintentionally. The wolf’s body hung out either side of Echo’s mouth. The dragon shook his head, rendering the wolf unable to fight against it. When the wolf went limp, Echo snapped down on his body, crushing him and spilling his blood over the once again dark forest.

“Merlin. Glad you and Echo are friends.” Charlie let out a nervous laugh.

“I think he likes you too.” Luna stepped away from him and back to the other eggs. “I think we better take these. We can keep them safe until we find the mum.”

Luna pulled her robes off and wrapped them around the eggs. Holding her hand out to Charlie, he placed the third egg there. She worked efficiently to ensure the safe transportation of the eggs. Charlie stood back and glanced between Luna and Echo, who was still enjoying his early dinner.

“Do you think these eggs are a product of Echo and his mate?” Luna questioned on their walk back to Nyx and their supplies.

“It wouldn’t surprise me. Finding dragon eggs out here is unheard of. We monitor the skies and the dragons at the sanctuary heavily. It does make me wonder if the breeders knew the dragon was pregnant before they abandoned her out here.”
“What do you think they’re breeding them for? Dragons are already very powerful and deadly. What are they hoping to create?” Luna fidgeted with the eggs in her arms.

“Let me carry them.” He held his arms out for her to exchange the eggs. “I don’t know. But these dragons deserve justice. The things they are doing to them. The incest, the DNA manipulation. It’s not natural.” Charlie heaved the eggs up his chest and walked faster as the sun started showing through the clearing.

 

The crackling fire was the only sound between Charlie and Luna as they both worked in their field journals. Nyx had made her bed near Charlie’s side and Echo his by Luna’s. The three eggs lay still wrapped in her robes, near the flames, keeping them warm.

Luna was the first to break the silence. “What are you working on?” She stood with her journal in hand and walked around the fire, closer to Charlie, and took a seat.

Charlie hurried and closed his journal. “Nothing.”

“Well I’ve been working on my article. Maybe when it goes to print, someone might know something. The Quibbler is getting rather popular these days.” Luna offered her journal to Charlie, inviting him to read what she had jotted down.

Flipping through the pages, Charlie made little verbal feedback pieces. Giving her proper names of areas, correcting some of her misinformation about dragons and the sanctuary.

“What in Merlin’s name is this?” Charlie lifted an eyebrow and turned her journal sideways, pretending to examine closely what was on her page.

“Let me see and I can tell you.” Luna reached for her book.

Charlie lifted it above her head, making her reach further. “Wow Lovegood, when you said you were bad at drawing, I didn’t think you were this bad.” He laughed as he stood with her journal still above his head.

Luna stood and jumped to try and grab her journal back. “That’s not very nice Charlie. I tried very hard on that.” Her voice cracked with a smile on her face.

“I mean, this is really awful. I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to be looking at.” His voice was teasing as he backed away from the small blonde in front of him.

“I told you. And I also asked, very nicely by the way, if you would help me.” She stalked toward him while he was backing away. “I thought my eggs looked rather nice.” Her hands were still reaching for the journal.

“That’s what you were trying to draw? How hard is an oval?” His attempt at hiding his smile didn’t last long, and his smile quickly spread across his face as he looked down at Luna, hands on her hips and a stern look on her face.

“Fine.” Luna turned and walked to where he had been sitting and nonchalantly picked up his field book and casually flipped through the pages.

“Whoa! What are you looking for?” Charlie tried to hand Luna her own journal back, but she kept them full with his.

Luna smiled as she kept turning the pages. “See. It isn’t nice, is…” She stopped on a page with a drawing and sat down with the open book in her lap. “Is this me? And Nyx?” She glanced up to see Charlie’s face flushed red with embarrassment.

“Um, yes.” He didn’t make eye contact. “Can I have my book back?” He took another step towards her, hand outstretched.

“Oh no, Charlie Weasley. You can’t just taunt me like that and expect me to see this and just hand it over.” Luna ran her fingers over the page, taking in the detail of the drawing. “This is amazing Charlie.” She looked up solemnly, hoping to ease his embarrassment.

It didn’t work.

“I think I’m going to call it a night.” Charlie ran his hand through his hair. He simply turned and walked to his rucksack, pulling out his bedroll. He unrolled it on the hard ground, turned his wand on himself and transfigured some pajamas.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just. It’s very good. And I’ve never had a drawing of me done. I like it. And you captured Nyx perfectly.” The words were spilling out of her faster than she could think.

“It’s alright. I’m glad you like it. Since I have some notes on it, it would be nice if you could let me hold onto it until we figure this thing out.” Charlie was shuffling himself into his roll.

“Yeah, alright.” Luna smiled and pulled out her own bedroll. “Goodnight, Charlie.”

“Goodnight, Luna.”

Notes:

I know that canonically Luna is decent at art...don't come at me.

Chapter 5

Summary:

Charlie and Luna finally make some headway.

The local villagers are intrigued by them.

Luna woke before Charlie. She wasn’t going to bring up the drawing, but she was going to make it up to him with a warm breakfast and her own brew of herbal tea. A couple of transfigured stones served as a skillet and a kettle. The sound of sizzling potatoes woke Charlie from his slumber.

“Morning Charlie. I made breakfast. It’s not much, but it’ll get us through to lunch. Oh! I made tea. My own blend.” She transfigured a leaf to a plate and set it on a stump for Charlie.

“It smells good.” Charlie yawned and stretched his arms above his head. “Did you pack potatoes in your rucksack?”

“Don’t be silly. Nyx and I went for a ride to the sanctuary and grabbed some.” She turned to the thestral and scratched behind her ear. “Didn’t we, girl?” Reaching into her satchel, she pulled out another carcass and tossed it to Nyx.

“I’m not even going to ask about the dead animals you keep pulling out of there.” Charlie picked up his plate and sat to start eating. “Mmm. Ya’know, for how terrible you are at drawing,” mouth full and words barely audible he continued, “you make up for it with some delightful potatoes.”

“I wasn’t going to bring up the drawings again, but since you did. I thought the eggs were rather…abstract.” Luna crossed her arms over her chest and lifted her chin.

“Is that what you're going with? Abstract?” Charlie questioned. “I don’t know if that’s the most -”

Flying potatoes ended his sentence.

“Did you just throw a potato at me?” He picked the discarded potato up to examine it. Then popped it in his mouth.

Noticing her look of disgust, he simply replied, “Five brothers, remember? We can’t let perfectly good potatoes go t-” Another potato.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish Lovego-” Another potato.

She couldn’t hide her smile any longer, and burst into a fit of laughter.

“I’m sorry.” Luna said between bouts of giggles. “I really shouldn’t waste fo-” A potato came from the other side this time.

“Did you just retaliate?” Her face was one of surprise.

“I warned you, don’t start something you can’t finish.” Charlie stood with a handful of potatoes.

Her eyes widened as she stood and grabbed her own handful of potatoes. Charlie started toward her with a look of determination. She let out a yelp and started running, throwing potatoes over her shoulder. When she got to a still sleeping Echo, she ducked behind his large wing.

“Now that’s not fair. You know he likes you more than me.” Luna could hear his voice getting closer.

When his footsteps stopped, she stood to look for him. He was already behind her. Before she could face him, his hand came down on top of her head and made mashed potatoes in her hair.

She let out a loud gasp. Mouth wide in surprise and hands reaching for her head she simply responded, “It’s a good thing there’s a spell to get this out of my hair. Otherwise it would be a real pain.”

Charlie was trying to hide his smile. He failed miserably. “Sorry Luna. Haven’t had a food fight since Hogwarts. That was fun.”

“I’ve never had a food fight before. I thought it would be messier.” Pulling her wand out of her backpack, she turned it to her head and said, “Scourgify.” The potatoes disappeared from her hair.

“So, what’s the plan today? Are we going to keep possession of the eggs or take them back to the sanctuary?” Luna was rolling up her bedroll and repacking her field bag.

“I think I want to hold onto them. If we find their mum, it’ll be easier to return them to her.” Charlie wiped his hands on his pants and started packing up his bag as well.

Luna nodded in agreement and returned to packing. She flung her bag on her back and walked to the eggs. Wand in hand, she cast the Protego charm over them. An extension charm was next on her satchel. She put the eggs in the satchel and turned to look for Charlie.

“You work fast.” He commented, throwing his bag over his shoulder.

“You sound surprised. Let’s get moving.” She smiled at Charlie and climbed on Nyx. He followed suit and climbed on Echo.

“So, where to?” Luna questioned.

“There’s a village just south of here where there have been recent sightings of dragons. Mostly muggle farmers. They’ve all been obliviated, but not before we got some information. I was thinking we could check the surrounding areas and see if there’s anything we missed.”

“Great. Lead the way.”

Echo and Nyx took off to the sky with their riders.

 

The flight to the village was quick. It was a quaint community that reminded Luna of home. The homes and farmland were spread throughout the valley, with a small central square smack dab in the middle. A grove of trees was set to the west and a mountain to the east put the small rolling hills to shame. It was straight out of a storybook and had Luna smiling unwittingly.

“We’re going to land by those trees.” Charlie yelled over the wind and pointed to the small grove. “Try to get low before we get too close, I don’t particularly like having to obliviate muggles.”

The wind blew Luna’s hair through the air as she guided Nyx to the ground. The closer they got to the grove, the more she admired the village. She saw the muggle church that sat on a hill with a tall bell tower and the citizens walking about, in no real hurry. Charlie guided Echo in front of Luna and Nyx to lead them to the back of the grove.

Upon landing, Charlie hurriedly pulled out his wand and set up protective wards, to keep Nyx and Echo in, and keep the muggles out.

“Fancy some brunch? Since you decided to wear breakfast rather than eat it?” Charlie joked as he unloaded his backpack onto the ground.

“Brunch would be lovely. Maybe we’ll run into one of the farmers and I can ask some questions.”

“I don’t know what information you’re hoping to get, they won’t remember anything.”

“You brought us here. Surely you think there must be something.” Luna was digging through her rucksack, pulling out a fresh set of clothes. “Turn around.” She raised her eyebrows when Charlie just stood there.

“Oh. Right. Sorry.” He turned. Looking at the ground, he shuffled his feet and continued, “There’s got to be a reason there have been so many sightings over this village. That’s what I’m hoping to discover.”

“You have a point, but I still think talking to some of the locals would be useful.” Luna pulled her jeans over her hips and buttoned them. “Ok, you can turn around. Now. About that brunch.” She slipped her satchel, still filled with the eggs and her field journal, over her head and onto her shoulder, and started towards the grove of trees.

The grove let more light in than the forest had, showing the beauty of the land around them. The bright green grass was illuminated by the sun's bright rays. A path had been formed by people walking through, and a quiet creek made its way through the middle. A field of wildflowers sat on either side of the path, catching Luna’s attention. She stepped off the path and into the bed of flowers. Kneeling down she scooped a handful of the wildflowers up. Charlie stood on the path and watched. Flowers in her lap, she started working furiously, tying flowers together and picking more as needed. When she finally stood, a floral crown rested neatly on her head.

Charlie tried to hide his smile and embarrassment. They didn’t have time for this. And why did she insist on doing this now, someone could be around any tree. But she looked straight out of a fairytale, with her long blonde hair falling over her shoulders, the flowers in her hair, the whimsy clothing she wore paired with her purple boots. He would file the image away for a future drawing.

“It’s important we connect with nature.” Luna said, lightly touching the crown on her head.

Charlie heard a branch snap on the ground. “Shh.”

“It’s important if we want to have a chance of navigating around here.”

“Luna. Shhh”

“Especially since neither of us really know this area.”

Charlie stepped closer to Luna. “I think there’s someone here. It sounds like they don’t want to be found.”

Luna wasn’t listening. “Flowers can really connect us to nature and the earth. It’s -”

Charlie’s rough hand came up to Luna’s mouth, covering it. He guided her backwards until they bumped into a tree. His toned body covering hers from whoever might be around. He kept his hand on her mouth longer than he should have, but the softness of her skin against his rough skin was something he didn’t want to lose. He stared into her bright blue eyes, willing her to stop talking. The muffled noises under his hand didn’t stop.

She tapped his broad shoulder and pointed behind his back. He let his hand drop from her mouth.

“It’s just some farmers.” Her voice was quiet and a smile was playing at the corners of her mouth.

“Oh.” He turned his head, but didn’t move his body away from hers.

“Interrupting something, are we?” The older gentleman asked. He wore weathered jeans and a flannel jumper. His grey hair was covered by a worn, red cap. And the hair on his chin matched that on his head. A small smile pulled at his lined face and he held a rifle in his hand.

“Not at all. We just…got lost.” Charlie looked to Luna, willing her to go along with whatever he was saying.

“Yes. We’re visiting from England.” Luna poked her head around Charlie’s shoulder and smiled at the two older farmers. “Do you happen to know of a good place to find some brunch. We’re famished.”

“Yes ma’am. Wife owns a cafe on the edge of town. She cooks excellent porridge.” He nodded toward the village and turned, walking them to the village. He called over his shoulder, “Name’s Roman.” He pointed to the man with him. “And this here’s Daniel. The local storyteller.” Roman snorted and kept marching towards town.

Luna and Charlie looked at each other. In a whispered voice, Charlie looked down at Luna and said, “Storyteller? We have to get him to tell some stories. Maybe he knows something.”

She kept her eye contact and smiled, “Of course he knows something.”

Luna took in the grove of trees and all that it encompassed. The fields of wildflowers. A slow stream leading somewhere she wanted to explore. Woodland creatures that scurried up trees and down burrows. A patch of ground that was worn from hunters and campers. And a burnt tree and burnt grass. She stopped and tapped Charlie’s arm.

“I think a friend may have been here.” Her voice was low and she pointed to the tree.

Charlie nodded. “We’ll come back after we hear some stories.”

 

The cafe that Roman’s wife owned was a quaint restaurant that barely held more than twenty occupants at a time. The dishes were mismatched and the cutlery was real silver. Luna’s tea was served in a purple teacup with mountains and wildflowers painted along the bottom. She was busy admiring the artwork while Charlie made small talk with Roman and Daniel.

Roman’s wife interrupted her train of thought.

“Isn’t it lovely dear?”
Luna looked up from the cup, startled. “Oh yes. It’s absolutely beautiful.” She smiled and set the cup down. “I’m Luna.” She stood and offered her hand to the older woman.

Her hair was graying and tied up in a bun on the top of her head. She wore a handmade apron over her handmade dress. Laugh and smile lines wrinkled her face and her green eyes stood out against her olive skin. She was shorter than Luna, but plump. She reminded Luna of Mrs. Weasley.

The woman took her hand and shook it. “Elena.” She smiled. “What brings you all the way to Romania?” Elena pulled out an empty seat and gestured for Luna to do the same.

Luna took her seat and took a sip of her tea. “Well Charlie there works with…exotic animals. And I’m a journalist. We’ve heard that you get some pretty exotic animals over here. And we wanted to see if we could possibly catch a glimpse of one and I could write about it.”

Elena laughed and rested her hand on Luna’s arm. “Well, I’m sure you’ll hear about all sorts of exotic animals from Daniel here. Quite the storyteller he is.” She glanced at the group of men and leaned closer to Luna. “Though how much of it is true, is anyone’s guess.” Patting Luna’s arm she stood and walked back behind the counter.

Charlie set his coffee down, looking at Luna. “Did you get much out of her?”

Luna shook her head. “Just that she doesn’t believe most of Daniel’s stories.” She contemplated before continuing, “I’d like to get to know her. To interview her about what goes on here and why this might be where they’re dropping those dragons.”

“Yeah, alright. These two have offered to take me hunting. I’ll talk to them.”

“Hunting? Charlie, you couldn’t even Avada a wolf, how are you going to shoot an animal?”

“Who said I have to shoot an animal. They just wanted to show me around and they were already in the middle of a hunt, so I figured what better way to get to know the area and hear these tall tales than to go with them?”

Luna thought for a moment. “I suppose that makes sense.” She looked for a clock. “Meet back here around four?”

“Yeah.” Charlie looked at the two older men sitting across from them.

They were staring at the interaction with raised brows and smirks. “Well kiss her goodbye and let’s get going.” Roman laughed.

“Oh. No, we’re not together. We’re just working. Together. But not together, together. Just as colleagues. Working together. But not…”

“Together?” Luna finished for him. She let out a quiet giggle. “You boys have fun.” She took a sip of her tea and watched them walk out of the cafe over the rim of her cup.

Elena returned from the kitchen with a bowl of porridge. Placing it in front of Luna, she took her seat next to her again.

“This smells delicious. Thank you.” Luna scooped up a spoonful and blew on it before taking a bite. “Mmmm. It tastes delicious too.” She continued to scoop up spoonfuls, blow on it, and eat.

“You must be starved.” Elena chuckled and patted Luna on the back. “I’ll go get another bowl for you.” She stood and looked at Luna. “On the house.” She winked and went to get another helping.

Luna sat and finished her first bowl of porridge and sipped her tea. Looking out the window she was mesmerized by the sights of the quiet village. Children were playing in the empty streets. A little bookstore sat across from the cafe with colorful books lining the walls. A bed and breakfast next to that. And a shop that looked to be selling crystals and mystical items. She made a note to visit that one and the bookshop.

“Here you go dear.” Elena set the bowl in front of Luna and picked up the empty one. “Let me get you some more tea.” She noticed Luna gazing out the window. “Finish up here and I’ll give you the official tour.”

“Thank you. That would be lovely.” Luna went right back to the next bowl of porridge.

By the time Elena returned with the tea, Luna had finished her second bowl. She gladly accepted another cup of tea and swallowed it down. Not wanting to waste any more time, she stood and started gathering the dishes at the table to aid in the clean up.

“Leave it, love. I pay people to do that.” She took the bowl and cup from Luna and set them back on the table. “There’s a book I wanted to see if they had in stock. Bookstore first?”

Luna nodded and followed Elena out and across the street.

The bookshop was small and crowded and smelled of fresh books. Browsing through the aisles, Luna ran her hand over the spines of the books. While she was busy looking at the books, she didn’t notice a man in front of her had stopped, and walked right into his back.

“Oh. Pardon me. I wasn’t watching where I was going.” Luna looked up to the man’s mean face. Trying not to stare at the scar along the side of his face.

The man grunted and walked away without a word.

“Well he wasn’t very polite.” Elena had snuck up on Luna. “Too bad too. He was handsome.”

Luna peered around Elena’s body and watched with narrowed eyes as the man walked away.
“So what kind of book are you looking for, then?” Elena moved her body in front of Luna, gaining her attention back.

“Exotic animals. Informational. Maybe a history of this town.” Luna replied, making eye contact with Elena and smiling.

“Right this way.” Elena gestured for Luna to follow her down another row of books.

Luna and Elena searched for all the books they could find on the history of the town and information about exotic animals. There were three.

“Perhaps the owner knows where we can find some more.” Luna had the books in her arms and was eyeing the checkout counter.

“It never hurt anyone to ask.” Elena said, already on her way to the clerk. “Excuse us. Might you have any more books on exotic animals?”

The clerk was an older man. Balding, with half-rim glasses that hung on the tip of his nose. His face was sunk in, probably from losing too much weight too fast.

“Well that depends on what kind of exotic animals you’re looking for.” The man had to tilt his head to the ceiling to look at them through his glasses.

“Are there different books for each kind?” Luna inquired.

“I guess I should have asked, real or mythical?”

Luna thought about whether she should answer honestly. She glanced at Elena. Thankfully she was busy chatting with another local.

She leaned in to the clerk and said, barely above a whisper, “Dragons.”

The man raised an eyebrow and looked at her with curiosity. “Funny. You’re the second out of towner in a day to ask about dragon books. Ha!”

Standing up straight Luna looked around the shop, trying to figure out who the other might be. “I guess they got your only copy then?”

“Oh no. No, I don't carry any books on that subject. I had to send him next door. With the crystals and magical stuff.” He peered over the counter and out the window to point out the shop.

“Thank you. I’ll take these.” Dropping the books on the counter, Luna dug through her satchel to pull out muggle money. “Do you take pounds?”
“If it’s real, I’ll take any currency.” He held out his hand and Luna dropped the money onto his palm.

“Thank you.” Grabbing the bag of books, Luna rushed outside to the shop next door.

“Luna! Wait up dear. Sorry, I’ve got to go.” Elena said goodbye to her friend and followed Luna out.

As Luna pulled the door open to the shop, someone pushed it open from inside.

“Oh. Sorry I didn’t see you - “ Looking up, it was the same man that she had bumped into at the bookstore.

He glared down at her and pushed past. Disappearing into the crowd on the street.

“He really is something else, isn’t he?” Elena startled Luna and guided her into the store.

“Yeah. There’s…something about him. I don’t know what it is.” Luna looked at the crowd, observing. Checking if there was something she might miss.

“I know the owner here. She’s interesting. Like you.” Elena smiled and walked past Luna to the counter. “Hi Andreea. How’s business?” She didn’t wait for a response. “We’re looking for a book on exotic animals. Got any?”

“Afternoon Elena. Always nice to see you.” Andreea leaned on the counter, resting her head on her hands.

“That’s grandmother to you, missy.” Elena waltzed behind the counter and wrapped Andreea in a hug.

“Hi grandmother.” Andreea returned the hug and planted a kiss on Elena’s cheek. “What kind of exotic animals?”

Luna wasn’t sure if she should say it out loud. The two ladies could sense her unease. Elena looked at her suspiciously. Andreea looked at her hopefully.

“Uhh. Well…dragons?”

“Dragons?” Elena repeated.

“Dragons?” Andreea beamed.

“Dragons.” Luna stated.

“How curious. That gentleman that just left was in here looking for books about dragons. Unfortunately, we don’t have any in stock.” Andreea pulled out a catalog and started flipping through it. She stopped on a page with a picture of a large book. Turning the catalog to Luna, she pointed to the book with a long finger.

“Theoretical Frameworks in Magical Taxonomy. It says it contains studies of dragon breeding.” Pushing the catalog to Luna, Andreea stood and crossed her arms.

“Did you show this to the other gentleman?” Luna asked without looking up.

“No. As soon as I told him we didn’t have any in stock, he stormed out.”

“Good.” Luna smiled to herself. “Can I order this?”

“If it existed. No one has seen a copy of it in centuries.”

“Why is it in the catalog then?” Elena asked.

“Maybe they’re hoping someone knows where it’s at.” Andreea mused.

“Do you know the author? I’m writing an article, maybe my readers know where we can find it.” Luna looked up from the catalog.

“Let me check.” Andreea turned on the old computer on the counter and started typing. Squinting at the screen Andreea mumbled. “Published around 1700, in Britain. Uhhh…ah! Tiberius…Arcturus…Malfoy.”