Pairing: Charlie/Harry
Prompt: damage
Word Count:
687
Rating: T (due to themes)
Warning: EWE
Notes: Also, for the Ring of Fire/King's Cup Challenge at HPFC forum. Prompt: Setting - Romanian Dragon Sanctuary


Harry watched Charlie take care of Norberta. He never thought he'd be interested in working on a dragon sanctuary because even though he liked Care of Magical Creatures well enough, it hadn't been his favorite class. Now though, he was having second thoughts.

Originally, Harry only came with Charlie at the end of the war because he was so damaged from the horrors he witnessed. Harry needed to get away from Britain to heal in relative anonymity. Even though the other dragon handlers were aware of whom Harry was, they never made a big deal out of it. He suspected Charlie might have talked to them before Harry's arrival, something he was extremely thankful for.

He enjoyed helping out, though. He had a special affinity for dragons; they seemed to love him. Charlie could be seen pouting like a petulant boy every now and then, but Harry knew Charlie didn't really mind that Harry was the dragons' favorite.

Harry soon found out that he was also Charlie's favorite. They spent their nights together, gaining a mastery knowledge of each other's bodies. So, maybe Harry had more than one reason to stay at the sanctuary.

Harry idly watched Charlie, eyes glued to the bulging muscles. At the end of the day, Harry kissed Charlie with everything he felt for the older man. He knew he needed other reasons than Charlie to stay in Romania. He needed to be happy with whatever career path he decided to go with. He couldn't find it in himself to not want to become a dragon handler though, especially if Charlie was going to be his trainer.

That night, Harry talked to Charlie about everything that had been going through his mind.

Charlie listened. "Harry, this was only supposed to be a temporary stop for you. Just so you could relax and heal."

Harry mistook Charlie's less than happy words. "Do you not want me here?"

Charlie held Harry's hands. "That's not it at all. Harry, I love having you around. And with the dragons' attachment to you, you could be a natural dragon handler. You might have to bulk up a little bit of course, but you could have a very fulfilling career here."

"Then why are you trying to talk me out of this?"

Charlie pressed gentle kisses to Harry's lips, but he made sure not to deepen them. "I don't want you to one day look back at you life, many years in the future, and have regrets. If this is not something you really want to do, you shouldn't do it."

Harry smiled and moved into Charlie's lap. "I do want this. I admit, you are part of the reason for me to stay. This might be a bit fast, but I find myself falling in love with you and I want to explore our relationship. But I also enjoy working with the dragons. I like the other dragon handlers. For the first time in a very long time, I feel like I belong. I think I could be very happy here, away from the media circus that's in Britain."

"You know my mum will never forgive me for corrupting you. She'll blame me for you wanting to live in Romania full time."

Harry nodded. "I know. Will you be able to withstand Mother Weasley for me?"

Charlie's answer was to pull Harry into a kiss. "You're worth it," he whispered when they broke apart.

Harry's smile lit up his whole face. "So, when does my training start?" His tongue impishly came out to wet his lips.

Charlie chuckled. "Patience. I need to talk to my supervisor so I make sure you get the correct training regime. You will also need to take an exam to prove that your knowledge is there. I'll get the reading material you'll need to study from."

Harry nodded. "I can't wait!" He bounced in Charlie's lap and the redhead let out a guttural moan before claiming Harry's lips once again.

That night, after he was completely sated from a vigorous bout of lovemaking, Harry sighed blissfully. He definitely could get used to this.