"Hey, Charlie! This one has your name all over it. Wasn't it just last week that the Malfoy kid was making googly eyes at you over the shrimp cocktail?"
"Ah, yes. The slayer of fair maidens and viking warriors alike, eh Weasley? I don't know how you do it, you big ginger oaf! But everyone you meet seems to fall under your spell."
"Hey now fellas." Charlie made his way to his desk and put his coffee down before attempting to defend his honor. "I'm not that bad!"
"Says the old Tom Cat himself."
"You're just jealous. And, the only skill I have that you don't is—" He broke off once his eyes landed on the scoll waiting on his desk.
The seal was broken, but the rich emerald green wax embossed with a regal 'M' could only belong to one family. After unrolling the letter, his hopes fell slightly at the feminine script, but they were buoyed by what was included: an invitation.
A Dragon has been spotted on the grounds of Malfoy Manor. It is most active during the night when the pearlescent beast can be seen terrorizing the wildlife, and more importantly, my potions garden. I have nearly resorted to bringing the peacocks indoors, however the thought of them running afoul in the ballroom is something I will only attempt as a last resort. Send assistance post haste.
Hopefully awaiting your assistance,
Narcissa Malfoy
Had Narcissa finally gone around the bend? Certainly there wasn't a dragon in London. There hadn't been one since the Opaleye escaped from Gringotts a few years earlier. Nonetheless, Charlie decided the fools he worked with were right, this one did have his name all over it. No one else had as much experience with isolating and relocating dragons as he did. He tried to ignore the bets being taken around the room as to what was really on the property. They ranged in absurdity from an escaped Erumptment to a badly transfigured peacock. Someone even suggested that the "dragon" was none other than the master of the house himself: Draco.
Writing up a quick response to Narcissa, Charlie let her know to expect him that evening to look for the dragon when it was most likely going to be seen. He spent the rest of the day finishing up some lingering reports and tying up loose ends on the off-chance there was a dragon in the gardens of Malfoy Manor. A dragon could not remain in London and would need to be to relocated immediately. He was most definitely not hoping to run into the lanky blond who monopolized his time at the last charity event. Although, the random thoughts of that same blond made sense today, what with his family crest sitting front and center on Charlie's desk. Not so for the other times.
When Charlie grabbed his coat and left for the day, he did his best to ignore the howls of laughter that followed him out the door. The Floo at the Ministry had been connected to Malfoy Manor that evening to accommodate his visit. Stepping out of the fireplace in a very ornate room, Charlie took a moment to brush off the shoot from his shoulders and orient himself to his surroundings. When his eyes met the lone occupant in the room, his breath caught in his throat.
"I see you received Mother's letter. Thank you for coming."
'Well, shite,' thought Charlie. For all the posturing he told the guys back at the office, it looked like what he was hoping for was to see Draco again. The evening just got more interesting, and he hadn't even made it to the garden or seen a wild dragon – yet.
.o0o.
The Houses Competition
Hufflepuff / Y3
Drabble: [Theme] : Hopeful
WC 621