Here's the next chapter. Thanks for the reviews/follows/favourites!

Thanks to Raybe and Firefly for the help, and to RedButterfly for betaing :)

Harry listened to Charlie talk about the Dragon Reserve. He thought back to his first year at Hogwarts when he had spent time with Hagrid and watched him try to cuddle Norbert.

"Whatever happened to Norbert?" Harry asked, interrupting Charlie's story.

Charlie grinned. "You mean you don't know? I thought Hagrid would have updated you - Norberta has recently laid her eggs. I'll take you to see her when you visit, if you want."

"Do you still have the Hungarian Horntail?" Harry asked, curiously.

"You mean Florence?" Charlie replied. "Yeah of course we do. She's still on the reserve, she's actually due to lay her eggs anytime now. Speaking of Florence, that was impressive work with her. I like how you didn't use spells to get past. We were all pleased by that.."

"Me and Hermione didn't know of any useful spells," Harry said. "It made more sense to just try and get past her, rather than attack her and make her angrier."

Charlie nodded. "That's the best way to do things. There's no need to hurt Dragons, and at the reserve we do our best to keep them safe and protected. We try to avoid using spells unless there's no other choice in the matter, or if we need to heal them or something."

"So, there isn't as much wand work involved?" Harry asked.

"Actually, it takes a lot of magic for the wards to keep the Dragons in their enclosures," Charlie said. "Plus, funding for the place comes mostly from the reserve. We have to place spells on Dragons to keep them sleeping whilst we collect them. Dragon Dung and scales that the dragons have shedded. Broken egg shells are quite valuable too. We heal injured ones, and the blood we collect at the time is useful too. There are other ingredients we take after a dragon passes - like the heart-strings which go to various wand-makers."

"It sounds like you make use of the whole dragon?" Harry commented.

"As tough as it is to lose a dragon on the reserve, we need to be realistic. If one lays eggs, that means additional dragons, which means more space, more staff and more supplies needed. We don't get grants or much funding from any Ministry, so it's all down to us."

Harry shuddered at the thought of dealing with a dead dragon.

"Don't worry, some of us prefer not to handle that side of things," Charlie said. "We wouldn't ask you to if you prefer not to handle that side of it. I choose not to do it either. So - any questions? Any idea when you'll come?"

"I could travel back with you, or do you need time to clear it with your boss?"

Charlie grinned. "I'm second in command there, and I'm allowed to make these decisions myself," he explained. "You can travel back with me, it'll be easier to change the portkey arrangements for two instead of setting up a second one."

...oOo…

"So, I was looking at my Curse-Breaker information earlier," Hermione began. "It sounds interesting. I'm not sure I want to work in an office, I'd like something active. What is it like?"

Bill smiled at her eagerness.

"It's amazing," Bill stated. "I'll admit I joined because I was at a loss on what to do, and a friend told me to try it out and I've never had any regrets. There's a lot of research and study involved… but there's also exploring and fighting and breaking curses."

"It sounds great," Hermione said.

"From what I know about you, Hermione, is that you need excitement. I mean, you're Harry's best friend - you're not looking for an office job because it's all quiet and boring. You need something that'll keep you interested. You like learning, you like researching and working out problems and puzzles, and you're quick on your feet too. If something comes up, I'd have faith that you'd know how to look after yourself - though you wouldn't deal with these things alone, you'd have a small team, or for the smaller jobs, you'd at least be assigned a partner."

"So how long is the training before someone would get started?"

"Not long," Bill stated. "Well, it wouldn't be that long for you, given your experience. You'd fly through the training."

"And what are the people there like? Who do the newbies usually get partnered with?"

Bill grinned. "My brother has had the pleasure of you by his side for… how many years has it been?" he asked. "I think I'd take you on myself."

"You?" She blushed slightly, causing his grin to widen.

"Of course, love. At least I know I'd be working with one of the most talented witches I've ever met… plus I'd be the envy of all the other guys there."

"Would you?"

"They're nice guys, but they come on a little strong. At least with me, you'll actually get to work without someone trying it on with you."

Bill watched her smile drop slightly. Was he imagining it, or did this witch have a thing for him? He hoped he was right, because she was an attractive witch - much more his type than Fleur had ever been.

"In fact, I'll even put in a recommendation for you," Bill said, his voice lowering slightly. "Applications can take months to be looked through, but with my recommendation, you'll be put to the front of the queue."

"Why? Because I'm Ron's friend?"

He shook his head. "No, because you're an amazing witch and I know you have what it takes."

Oh yes, that was a blush. He glanced around the table at his family who were chatting, before settling his gaze back on Hermione.

"I'll send off the recommendation tonight if you're interested?"

"I am," she said, eagerly. "I'll fill out the application tonight."

"Brilliant," he murmured. "Come find me, and I'll send them both off together. I must say - the thought of having such a beautiful work-partner makes me very eager to return."

He smirked to himself as the blush on her cheeks deepened. Hermione clearly fancied him. When they started working together, he'd make sure to take her out to dinner or for a romantic walk.

...oOo…

Dessert was quickly served, tearing the two eldest Weasley's away from their conversations, both satisfied with the results. For Charlie, he had found someone who would work well with the Dragons - if Harry enjoyed the visit that was. For Bill, he had found someone better suited to the position than the people they had already brought on. Curse-breaking with Hermione was going to be enjoyable.

"So, Fleur stopped over a week ago," Ginny said. "She found a few of your things at her parent's house. We stuck them in your room."

"So, we've been meaning to ask," Fred began.

"Why did you break up?"

"Boys, you can't ask Bill that, it's private," Arthur scolded them.

"It's alright dad," Bill said. "Well, it started with the attack. At first, Fleur assumed that I hadn't taken on that many wolfish qualities." He shared a look with Remus. "But over the following months and before the wedding, I talked to Remus about it, and he said that they wouldn't decrease."

"What wouldn't?" Fred asked.

"So just before the wedding, me and Fleur sat down to dinner with Remus and discussed the impact this would have on our relationship and Fleur was adamant that she wanted to marry me - that she was just nervous and still loved me."

He looked around the table, his gaze falling on Hermione briefly, before moving on.

"But then we were living together in the cottage and the war was happening around us and it was clear that Fleur didn't want to be with me. I tried working it out but I realised it was pointless, and then suddenly it hit me that I didn't feel the same for her as I thought I had."

"Veela charms?" Harry asked.

Bill shrugged. "It's possible," he admitted. "We got divorced as soon as the war was over."

"So, which wolfish things couldn't she handle?" George asked.

"The scars" Bill began. "Also the constant need to…" he trailed off, his gaze falling on his mother.

"The constant need to shag," Sirius finished, not caring who was listening. "It's a Werewolf thing; they can go for hours in the days leading to a full-moon. Bill mentioned that it's one of the things that happened to him too."

Bill blushed slightly at this.

"Wait, she left you because you wanted to shag all the time?" Ginny asked, before bursting out in laughter. "I'm sorry, but it just sounds so ridiculous!"

Bill couldn't help but join in the laughing.

"Were you that bad at it?" Sirius asked, wiping the tears from his eyes.

"Bad?" he scoffed. "I'm amazing in bed!" He winked at Hermione. "Fleur just wasn't that interested in sex."

"Does anyone need a drink?" Molly asked, before rushing from the room without waiting for an answer.

"Maybe a change of subject in front of your mother?" Arthur suggested, as he got up to help her. The moment he was out of the room the conversation started up again.

"It's a Werewolf thing. The two days leading up to the full moon, I barely leave the bedroom. Remus is so dominating, it's bloody wonderful." He took in the raised eyebrows from the werewolf beside him. "It's always wonderful, but Remus loses control in those couple of days and there's just something about an out of control Remus that makes me want to…" he trailed off, smirking and reaching for his firewhiskey.

Remus went bright red at the words and averted his gaze.

"Dominating?" Charlie said. "Remus, that's why me and you'd never work, I like to dominate, not be dominated." He winked at Remus and laughed when Sirius growled at him. "Just joking Sirius," he added. "I'm not after Remus, so relax."

"You better not be," Sirius grumbled, watching Charlie suspiciously. "He's mine."

"As if anyone thought any different," Remus said in amusement. "Of course I am."

...oOo…

Harry sat with Hermione as she filled out a thick booklet. It took him a while to realise that it was her application for the Curse-Breaker position.

"So, it seems like this dinner sorted a lot out," he said.

Hermione nodded from her booklet.

"What is that?" Harry asked, reaching to look at it.

"My application," Hermione muttered, as she continued scribbling on the paper, her quill moving faster than Harry had ever seen it. "Bill said he'd send it off with his recommendation letter."

"You do know you could just get in by your name alone?"

Hermione shook her head and frowned. "If I just use my name, I don't deserve it," she said. "I've put a charm on this where my name won't be revealed until they approve or deny my initial application. That way, they'd be judging me on the application, my exam results and Bill's recommendation."

Harry nodded. "So you feel like you deserve it more?"

"That's right," she said, putting the quill down for a moment and running her ink-stained hand though her hair. She reached for her drink, before turning back to the application.

"Was Curse-Breaking one of your choices, or is the fact that Bill is single the reason -"

"I'll have you know that this was one of my top choices, and the fact that I'll be trained by someone I trust gives this a huge boost. It has nothing to do with how I may or may not feel about Bill Weasley." She gave him her best haughty look before looking at the paper.

"So you admit you have feelings for him?" Harry offered.

He ran from the room as Hermione reached for the nearby lamp. He knew she wasn't joking when she had a lamp nearby… after all, Hermione had good aim.

...oOo…

Harry packed a bag for a week. He wasn't sure what to bring, but had a feeling he wouldn't need his best robes. He threw in an extra pair of trainers, a few pairs of jeans and trousers and a bunch of T-shirts and jumpers. Toiletries went on top, and anything else he thought he might need went above that.

He zipped up the bag and put it over his shoulder, before heading downstairs.

Sirius was sitting at the table, looking slightly put out.

"Hey," Harry said, putting the bag on the table. "Something wrong?"

Sirius sighed, before smiling at Harry. "I'm just going to miss you."

"It's only for a week," Harry said.

Sirius shrugged. "You might like this," he admitted. "Then I'll not get to see you often."

"Well, we don't know that yet, I might hate it -"

"Don't worry about it," Sirius said. "I want you to have a job that makes you happy, I want you to be happy, Harry. I'd rather you go and be happy than you feel like you have to stick around here."

Harry hesitated.

"Plus… if Hermione takes that job, me and Remus won't feel so bad if we forget the silencing charms next time."

"I don't think you ever feel bad about that," Harry muttered. "I think it's Remus that always feels bad and you just look proud of yourself."

Sirius smirked and stood up. "Take care of yourself," he said, pulling Harry into a quick hug. "I want to know everything that happens when you get back. Come back after the week - even if you want the job, just come back for a few days so we can give you a proper send off!"

"I will," Harry promised. "I'll see you soon."

Sirius nodded, choosing to sit back down and Harry walked into the living room, to find Remus sitting on the sofa, reading one of his books.

"I thought I'd give you and Sirius a moment," Remus said, closing his book as he spotted Harry. "Good luck with this week and I hope this job is right for you. If you have doubts at all, you don't have to make your decision straight away."

"Thanks," Harry said, hugging Remus quickly. "I'm meeting Charlie in about fifteen minutes at the top of the hill from the Burrow. He said in his owl that he had said his goodbyes and headed to Bill's cottage to help him out, so he's not planning on heading back to the Burrow yet."

Remus nodded. "I look forward to hearing all about it," he said. He smiled at Harry as he stepped into the floo to the Burrow.

...oOo…

The pair arrived by portkey and it took Harry a couple of minutes to recover from the horrible sensation. Charlie waited patiently until Harry was more steady, before they began walking the rest of the way to the Reserve.

"So… you had another argument with Ron?" Charlie asked, breaking the silence.

"Well, he still thinks I'm abandoning him by not becoming an Auror with him," Harry sighed. "I just really don't want to be one, but I don't want to argue with him. He doesn't seem to understand that I don't want to spend any more of my life fighting. Sure, if another dark wizard rises up, I'll be one of the first back into the Order… but that's different."

"It is," Charlie agreed.

"He was angry that I suggested he'd do better without me there too," Harry said. "Ron said himself that he hates being in my shadow. Doing this without me will prevent that. I mean, I know he's just heard back about the training and I hope it goes well, but I just want him to understand why I don't want to do this."

Charlie nodded. "I understand. My brother can't expect you both to live the same life. He'll get over this soon enough." He paused and Harry stopped walking. "Here we are," Charlie said, pointing. Harry squinted.

"Can you feel the barrier?" Charlie asked. "When you feel it, just push through rather than turning away." Charlie grabbed Harry's hand to make sure the prevention charm didn't affect Harry and pulled him through.

"I'm in the wards for the place, so the barrier doesn't work on me. It obviously keeps this place hidden."

Harry's eyes darted quickly around, taking in the small buildings and the tents. He could hear the roar of Dragons in the distance and felt his excitement rise.

"Okay, let's get you checked in," Charlie said. He led the way to the nearest building and opened the door. "We're a bit short-staffed I'm afraid, so I'll do this myself." He held out a sign-in book, and Harry eyed it suspiciously.

Charlie waited, slightly confused.

"The last time we all had to sign something, Marietta Edgecomb ended up with spots across her face," Harry explained.

"Oh, this is a simple book," Charlie said. "There's a spell to keep track of who is inside the wards and who has left, in case of an emergency, we know who is still in the Reserve. The bigger spells would be on the work contract, but obviously we're not going to give that to you now since neither of us are certain about this just yet."

"Sure," Harry said, picking up the quill and writing his name in.

"Right, so for your week stay, you'll be in the visitor's cabin," Charlie said. "But if you were to take a job, you'd have to share one of the cabins. They each have two rooms, so occupied by two people. I have my own cabin, as I'm second in charge, and the boss also has a cabin."

Harry watched the quill next to the book scribble something inside. He glanced in it only to see the cabin name and number entered next to his name.

Charlie put the book back and Harry followed him through the other door.

"This is the visitors area - like if we have the Ministry over, or family visiting or something, this is where they'll be. Your cabin is just off the back of this building, separate from the staff buildings, though you'll have access to our side over the next week."

Harry glanced around the large room, before following Charlie through the back door, and seeing a small cabin.

Charlie leaned against it. "The cabin will open to your touch," he said. "I can get in because of my position here, and anyone else can if the emergency alarm is sounded. You signed the book so the cabin is tied to you during your stay."

Harry nodded, reaching out and touching the door. He walked through it as it opened.

"There are other rooms to this, but since it's just you, it's showing the master bedroom. If group turned up, it would reveal extra bedrooms."

He looked around the room in amazement. When he had heard the word 'cabin' he had pictured a small wooden cabin that looked as much like a cabin on the inside as the outside.

But this looked nothing like one. The room was done in a soft cream colour with light wooden flooring and light brown sofas. A stone fireplace stood against the far wall.

"You can firecall, or floo between cabins. Drop your bags down, I'll show you around."

Harry put his bag on the sofa and Charlie smiled at him. "Like it so far?"

"Yeah, not what I expected," Harry admitted.

"The cabins are pretty much the same," Charlie said. "But with more personal touches and stuff, since they're lived in."

The pair made their way across to the other set of buildings slightly further back.

"You have the hospital, the Rec room and the canteen," Charlie said. "We have a few House-Elves dealing with cleaning and food, and that small cabin at the end is for them."

He opened the first door and Harry glanced inside. He took in the small hospital with four beds, and a few chairs, before moving onto the canteen.

"It's basically buffet style each day," Charlie said. "Meals are around the same times as Hogwarts, but the House-Elves will be notified if someone walks in for something to eat outside these times. Sometimes if we're busy, we can't stop for meals at the specific times after all - like if we have a Dragon about to lay her eggs, or hatching eggs or an injured Dragon."

"That makes sense," Harry replied.

He pushed open the last door. "This is the Rec room. It's actually a few rooms. There's a library to the left, in the room to the right is a pool table in case you play. Awesome muggle game. We also have a games console and lots of movies and stuff in the room facing us. Everything else is in here."

Harry looked around, his gaze moving from the dartboard. He looked at the chess-board and the stereo. "There's music," Charlie continued. "There's a lot of muggle stuff as well as Wizarding… we have a few muggleborns and half-bloods here after all."

"Where is everyone?" Harry asked.

"Some are working… the few that aren't - I believe there's a Gaming tournament happening, so they are probably all in the gaming room," Charlie explained. "There's a chart up in there, whenever two people have the same time off, they can play their turn."

"Do you have prizes?"

"We all stick a couple of galleons in, it's not a massive win, but it's pretty good," Charlie said. "Depends on the game of course."

"Of course," Harry repeated.

"Come on, let's take a look in."

He strode across the room and opened the door. "Alright guys, this is Harry Potter, he's come to look around. Pretty good with Dragons."

"Alright, Harry?" One man asked, barely looking away from the screen.

"Thanks for all that You-Know-Who business," another one said.

One of the girls smiled over at him. "Sorry about them, when it comes to football games, there isn't much that'll distract them. I doubt even getting my boobs out would make them look away from more than a second."

"Mel, are you getting your boobs out? We can pause the game for that!" One of the men declared, pausing the game and turning to her expectantly.

"Now that you've paused it, why don't you greet Harry properly?" she scolded.

The pair got up from the sofa and came to shake Harry's hand. "I'm Tom," the first one said. "This is Kevin."

Harry shook both their hands.

"Anyone else off?" Charlie asked.

"Katie is in the library and I think everyone else is working," Tom said. "Good meeting you, Harry." The pair quickly returned to their game.

The pair left and Charlie gestured to the other cabins. "The second one is mine," he said. "Also - those gates lead to the Dragons. They are charmed so visitors can't get through - not even you… unless you're with someone, that is."

"Have you had many guests wander around?"

"You'll be surprised how many people think it's safe to explore the place," Charlie said. "Someone almost got into one of the enclosures, so we've set additional wards for the entrance."

Harry nodded. "Are we going in there?" he asked eagerly.

Charlie laughed. "Quite eager, aren't you?" He shook his head. "Take some time to relax and look around. I'll have to check in and see if there have been any changes to the Dragons before I work out a schedule of what to show you. Take a couple of hours… have something to eat, head to the Rec room, or head back to yours. I'll come and find you."

"Okay, great," Harry said. Charlie winked at him before shoving his hands in his pockets and strolling towards one last building that Harry hadn't seen.

He assumed it was an office of some sort, considering Charlie was getting an update on the Dragons and dealing with schedules. He watched the other man walking over so carefree and happy.

That's how he wanted to be. He headed towards the canteen for something to eat and decided to firecall Grimmauld Place once he was finished.

...oOo…

After meeting a couple of friendly House-Elves and being made a sandwich, a drink and some crisps, Harry headed back to the guest cabin. He grabbed a cushion, cast a cushioning charm on it, and knelt down.

"Sirius? Remus?"

"Harry? We were just talking about you - whether you've arrived or not."

"Hey Hermione," Harry said. "How is Sirius taking it?"

"He's sulking a bit," Hermione admitted. "How are you liking it so far? What is it like?"

"I've not seen the Dragon side of it yet, Charlie is sorting that part out. I've been shown the rest of the place and it seems pretty great."

"That's wonderful." Hermione's face lit up. "I've heard back already about the job working for Gringotts as a Curse-Breaker."

"You have?" Harry's eyes widened. "I thought Bill said it'd take a few weeks."

"It took just one. I'm going for a meeting tomorrow, and Bill owled me saying he'd be there at the meeting, so I'm feeling quite confident. If they like me, I could be starting really soon."

"Did you tell Sirius and Remus?"

"That's one of the reasons why Sirius is sulking. He's muttering about the house being all empty… then he realises that he'd have Remus all to himself and he's happy again, then he goes back to sulking."

"I prefer to call it brooding," Sirius announced, his face appearing next to Hermione.

"I'll talk to you later," Hermione said, before disappearing, leaving Harry and Sirius alone.

...oOo…

It was three hours before Charlie came to find Harry, who had found his way to the Rec room and was being taught how to play pool by Tom.

"You ready to take a look around?" Charlie asked. "We can go and see the Dragons now."

Harry nodded his head, placed the cue back against the wall and followed Charlie.

"So - are Owls allowed in?"

Charlie shook his head. "Owls land in the nearest Wizarding town and we head there every few days. If anything is marked urgent, they'll send a Patronus to let us know."

"Sounds like a good system," Harry said. "Are Owls scared of the Dragons?"

"It's both that, and the Owls flying overhead can upset the Dragons too. It's better for everyone that the Owls stay away. Tomorrow I'll show you the local Wizarding town, in case you need anything."

...oOo…

Sirius moved away from the fireplace and looked mournfully at Remus. "He sounds happy… too happy."

Remus hummed in response.

"That's it. They are both leaving us, Remus. What are we going to do?"

Remus smirked, walking into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. Sirius followed behind him.

"I mean it, I don't know what we're going to do without them both in the same house. I don't like this, not one bit," he continued.

"You'll hate it even more when Hermione and Bill start dating," Remus commented.

"What?" Sirius shouted. "Hermione," he roared. "Come in here now."

"She left whilst you were talking to Harry," Remus commented. "But Bill's a good guy. You said yourself that she thinks like you do - Bill needs someone accepting."

"Are you sure she wasn't accepting in a platonic - friend only way?"

"I'm sure," Remus replied. "Didn't you hear the way she got excited when she found out Bill was single, or see them talking at dinner?"

"Yeah, but -"

"He winked at her when he said he was good in bed. Whatever conversation they were having made her blush every time I looked over at them."

Sirius looked angrier by the minute.

"Plus, she's had a crush on him since she first met him," Remus said. "Don't get involved, Sirius. I know you're protective of the younger ones, but she's old enough now. You know Bill won't mess about with Hermione. He'd be too scared of the rest of the Weasleys and us and Harry to hurt her."

"At least we don't have to worry about this with Harry," Sirius said, looking relieved. "I mean, what are the chances that Harry is actually gay?" He laughed, amused at the thought. "Charlie is an attractive bloke after all, and Harry likes the sporty ones."

"You know… Harry does like red-heads and Quidditch players, and I've never seen him check out a girl. I think he only went out with Ginny because it was expected of him, he never really felt anything more than friendship towards her."

"Wait, what are you saying?"

"Harry asked me after his breakup with Ginny, why he isn't attracted to any of these girls. I told him to relax and he'll find himself attracted to someone one day."

"Wait, are you saying Harry might be gay? And we're allowing him to move to the Dragon Reserve with Charlie bloody Weasley?" Sirius began pacing. "Are we sure that we should allow this?"

"Harry will be angry if you try to stop this," Remus said. "You need to realise that Harry's an adult and he's trying to work out his future. If he does find he likes men and set his sights on Charlie or any other guy, you're going to be happy for him."

"What if I don't like the guy?"

"Then we trust Charlie to keep an eye out," Remus said.

"I don't think I like Charlie that much either," Sirius complained.

Remus rolled his eyes. "Well, I trust Charlie. He'll look after Harry. Whether it's as friends, or if it's more."

"But Harry knows nothing about relationships and Charlie has been in loads. Are you sure about this, Remus, because -"

"You know, James had the same concerns about us," Remus interrupted. "You dated a new guy every week. He was worried you'd mess me about. Now look at us. How long have we been in love? Charlie and Bill understand how important Hermione and Harry are to all of us, and they'd never hurt them."

5000 words exactly.

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