Dragon info is from "Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them" by Newt Scamander omg I did research!
Hotter Than Most
Part 4
(So You've Married a Wizard: and they were too chicken to tell you)
A week later I was making a late night snack when there was a taping on my kitchen window. I got up curiously to check it out. To my surprise there was an owl sitting on the ledge waiting patiently to be let in. "Wow he wasn't kidding," I murmured under my breath. The owl pecked again, a little less patiently, as it was rather warm out and he looked a bit wilted. I opened the window and it flew in, settling itself on the table. It was a beautiful brown color with white spots, and from the look it gave me I could tell this owl had little problem in dealing with dragons. It was still looking at me? Oh letter! I realized it was holding up a foot with a piece of parchment attached to it.
"Right, Sorry," I said as rushed to the table and untied it. I was about to get the owl a bowl of water when I found it was perfectly content with drinking out of my glass of ice tea. So I just sat down and offered the bird a piece of my bread. I knew it wasn't exactly part of its natural diet but the little bird took it without complaint. I was about to open my letter when there was a louder knock on the window and a second owl waited with a package. I opened the window and the bird showed itself in, although not so gracefully as it managed to misstep and knock over the glass of ice tea on the other owl. The first owl let out a screech of shock and flew to the safety of my shoulder, twittering away at the larger owl and dripping on me. Things were always a bit odd at our house but when my mom walked by the kitchen she could help but ask, "Julia are those owls?"
"Yes mom," I answered simply. She was still a little out of it from Charlie's memory charm, or it could have been the heat, she just nodded and walked off, muttering to herself. I laughed under my breath and released the second owl from its burden. I thanked it, consciously of course I knew it probably didn't understand but it felt as though I should. Have I mentioned my life has been strange lately? In order not to insult the first bird I opened its roll of paper, odd. . . or was it parchment? Anyways I unrolled it and found my nickname written in messy scrawl at the top.
Dear Jules (strange only my mom calls me that)
You've probably just met Tiamat*, my owl, be careful she bites. (I looked to the bird on my shoulder and cooed, "You wouldn't bite me would you," I would have bit me at that but she just cuddled into my face, aww) She'll wait for you're letter if you want to send one back (oww he sounds so insecure and cute!). Though you probably don't remember it, you asked me to write and tell you about the preserve. We returned to find that a Ukrainian Iron belly had forced out Cuddles (cuddles!!) If I remember you're last reaction correctly, yes cuddles. A giantess works at the preserve with us and names all of the dragons. She has a . . . fondness for endearing names. So we removed the Ironbelly and reintroduced Cuddles. He went back to his rigorous schedule of sleeping 20 hours a day and eating sheep.** His little adventure seems to have left him none the worse for wear. Sorry I have to go, one of the visiting researchers keeps trying to take close up photographs. Nearly got himself gored yesterday and he's trying to sneak back into the preserve again. Americans! . . Sorry but they're always the most trouble.
Sincerely, Charlie Weasley.
Hmm Weasley, that's interesting. Well. . kind of omen like, but he didn't seem the least bit weaseley from what I remember. I reached across the table to the package and released it from the twine and brown paper wrapping. I probably should have read the letter that fell out but it was the title of the book that first caught my attention, "So You've Married a Wizard: and they were too chicken to tell you." I choked. Hmm really I didn't remember that. . . but then I didn't remember 3 days, come to think or it. Probably would be wise to read the letter I think.
Miss Julia,
I'm delighted to be writing you. Charlie hasn't told me much but I'm pleased he's met such a nice muggle (muggle?) and he spoke very highly of you (did he now?). I can't believe you saved a little girl from a dragon, with magic that would be no small feat! Charlie asked me to send you this book, I work for the Department of Misuse of Muggle artifacts. You'll have to ignore the title (phew! And was it a hint?! Parents have been known to lack subtlety.) It should answer most questions you have. If not I've added you're fireplace to the American registry, though it's not strictly suppose to be done so please don't mention it to anyone (fireplace registry? I don't think I'll have a problem keeping that a secret.) Hope you enjoy the book.
Sincerely,
Arthur Weasley
Well that was a whole lot of confusing. So I picked up the book and read the introduction.
"If you've returned home from your honeymoon to find this book on you kitchen table and your spouse is no where in sight. Guess what? You've married a wizard and they were took chicken to tell you and some how you managed to blank out his families clothes at the wedding. Don't fret I found myself in the same boat. Screaming, crying, and gaping in disbelief may help, but watch out for flies. Throwing things is very satisfying especially as your new spouse can repair them with a flick of their wand. But do not despair despite their quarks, oh and there are plenty, wizards are perfectly normal spouses, well sometimes weird creatures snarl and dart across the room when you open cupboards but you grow use to that (can someone say pent up issues). So here is a muggle's guide to the wizarding world as written by a muggle.
Amanda Ghuffles-Smith
Flipping to the index I found the chapter names quite interesting.
Muggles and Mudbloods: common terms and when to be insulted
When your children start puking slugs (eww)
Your fireplace: what it should and shouldn't do (will remember to read this tonight)
Household magical creature and how to handle them without a wand.
Quidditch: how to smile and nod.
The magical items you can use (cool!)
What to tell parents
The list continued but my mom reappeared and her shriek scarred the large barn owl. Finally I had the room calmed and vacuumed (owls lose feathers when upset among other things). So when I had my mom safely stowed in the living room with a glass of Irish coffee I sat down to write letter.
Dear Mr Weasley,
Thank you for the book. The chapter on what to tell parent will be helpful. The daze of the memory charm has worn off my mom so she hasn't really missed the owls sitting in her kitchen. She's currently in the living room with a drink.
Suddenly a scream pierced the air and I leapt up, Tiamat nipped at my ear probably for almost throwing her off. I ran into the living room to find my mom staring wide eyed at the fireplace. Hey wait that almost looks like Charlie? That is Charlie. In my fireplace? Huh that's odd.
"Julia I'm sorry." The fire that looked like Charlie was speaking. "Is she alright," he asked as he looked back at mom. I followed his gaze and found mom sitting there with a distant look in her eyes, and her cup was also empty.
"Mom what are you looking at?" I said thinking that hallucination was probably the only way she would be accept what was happening.
"That nice young doctor. He. ." I had to try really had not to laugh at that point.
"Come on Mom it's been a rough day. I'll help you up to bed."
"No no dear," she said getting up on her own. "I think I'll just go to bed. Night" She went to kiss my cheek but missed my face by a few inches.
"Night mom." I held up a finger to my mouth at Charlie and watched as mom walked up the stairs and closed the bedroom door behind her. I even heard the lock click. I turned to Charlie and he too was smiling.
"Honestly her daughter gets attack, owls pick her kitchen as a roust, and now she sees a head in the fireplace. If I hadn't seen it myself I would have her committed." Charlie's grin dropped a little and he winced.
"Sorry I wasn't really thinking. Did you get my letter." He suspiciously seemed quick to move on.
"Yeah just a little while ago. You're dad's package too. Interesting book, especially the title." Hmmm was that subtle enough. Ha ha he's blushing!
"Uh yeah sorry that was the only thing I could think off," he mumbled. He's so cute when he mumbles, especially with that accent.
"It's alright. So did you save the American in time." I decided he'd been tortured enough.
"What? Oh right. Yeah in time for me at least but he probably won't be trying that again." There was a bit of a smirk on his face and I gave him a questioning look. "Don't worry no permanent damage." I only shook my head and sighed.
"So is cuddles happy?" I asked hoping he wasn't.
"Yeah," he said almost lovingly. "His giving his mate a bit of a cold shoulder though. Seems she wasn't too put out by the little upset. She's starting to dig a nest so we may have to relocate her."
"Why?" I asked. Then he started that thing where people start talking about there specialty and forget everyone is starring at them thinking 'huh'.
"Longhorns are an endangered species because of their horns,"
"Oh like rhinos," he gave me a confused look. Obviously just a dragon boy. "Never mind."
"Oh well if the babies are part Ironbelly then we can't risk diluting the population. So . . uh (can we say uncomfortable silence)is the little girl okay?"
"Yeah," I said with a smile. "But for some reason see keeps asking people if they have tattoos and running away from people who say yes. Strange huh," I baited.
"Umm yeah that is very strange," he said trying to hide a smile.
"I don't know maybe she was attacked by some dragon tattooed guys." .
"That's a theory," Charlie supplied, he was so cute when he smiled. "So will you come visit me!" I was shocked to say the least. I didn't really know him, but then again he did have three days of uninterrupted time that I didn't remember, damn that smile why can't I remember.
"At the preserve?" I asked, mentally calculating the money it would cost for that flight.
"Oh no," he looked kind of mad at himself. "I'm going home for a few weeks for the Quidditch World Cup (Quiddich so that's how it's pronounced. Smile and nod right?) We'd stay with my parents. I may not be able to get an extra ticket but the game will probably only last a day."
"Only a day?" I said not understanding.
"Well the teams are really good but Ireland is much better," he answered, miss interrupting my meaning. There was an odd glint in his eye and I realized that he had to be talking about a sport of some kind.
"I understand but I don't think I could afford the airfare," I apologized but he only looked confused.
"Is there a toll in American? Oh wait you mean for those big silver things," he said finally catching on. "Don't worry I'll just pick you up on the way." I don't think he was going to let me say no.
"Pick me up?" I asked almost not wanting to know the answer to that.
"On my broom," he answered without missing a beat.
"What can't you just magically pop places?" I joked.
"Not over that distance you could get splinched." He winced and hadn't even known I was only kidding. That was kind of the moment when my brain went 'eh?' and I had to shake it back on track.
"If my calculations are correct, and I'm an American so they might not be, wouldn't that mean going the long way around the world as in nearly all the way?"
"Well yeah but I wouldn't mind (he's so cute when he smiles like that)." I thought for a moment. . .no really I did. Come on I'm not that easy!
"I guess since I'm on break and I can't think of any argument against going." I of course said this slowly and drawn out, I'm evil I know
"Is that a yes?" he said hopefully.
"Yes," I answered and glowed in the aftermath of his grin.
"Wicked!" he exclaimed and I had to laugh at his English slang. "I'll send you an owl with the dates and what not. Probably would have to be at night, wouldn't want any flying broomstick sightings." I had a feeling this was one of the things that was covered up. "Might have to use a different owl though," Charlie said, looking at Tiamat. "You seem to have grown on her. She usually doesn't like people," Charlie look sufficiently pleased with this and we said our goodnights. It seemed kind of strange, I thought at the time, my mind doesn't remember much about him, but my heart keeps telling me I do. Probably that stupid memory charm. My life is just getting odd.
*Tiamat was supplied by my roommate so cookies to her. Is supposedly a legendary Dragon God or Lord.
** "Fantastical Beasts and Where to find them" doesn't mention what Romanian Longhorn's eat. However, most of the other dragons eat sheep.
Hotter Than Most
Part 4
(So You've Married a Wizard: and they were too chicken to tell you)
A week later I was making a late night snack when there was a taping on my kitchen window. I got up curiously to check it out. To my surprise there was an owl sitting on the ledge waiting patiently to be let in. "Wow he wasn't kidding," I murmured under my breath. The owl pecked again, a little less patiently, as it was rather warm out and he looked a bit wilted. I opened the window and it flew in, settling itself on the table. It was a beautiful brown color with white spots, and from the look it gave me I could tell this owl had little problem in dealing with dragons. It was still looking at me? Oh letter! I realized it was holding up a foot with a piece of parchment attached to it.
"Right, Sorry," I said as rushed to the table and untied it. I was about to get the owl a bowl of water when I found it was perfectly content with drinking out of my glass of ice tea. So I just sat down and offered the bird a piece of my bread. I knew it wasn't exactly part of its natural diet but the little bird took it without complaint. I was about to open my letter when there was a louder knock on the window and a second owl waited with a package. I opened the window and the bird showed itself in, although not so gracefully as it managed to misstep and knock over the glass of ice tea on the other owl. The first owl let out a screech of shock and flew to the safety of my shoulder, twittering away at the larger owl and dripping on me. Things were always a bit odd at our house but when my mom walked by the kitchen she could help but ask, "Julia are those owls?"
"Yes mom," I answered simply. She was still a little out of it from Charlie's memory charm, or it could have been the heat, she just nodded and walked off, muttering to herself. I laughed under my breath and released the second owl from its burden. I thanked it, consciously of course I knew it probably didn't understand but it felt as though I should. Have I mentioned my life has been strange lately? In order not to insult the first bird I opened its roll of paper, odd. . . or was it parchment? Anyways I unrolled it and found my nickname written in messy scrawl at the top.
Dear Jules (strange only my mom calls me that)
You've probably just met Tiamat*, my owl, be careful she bites. (I looked to the bird on my shoulder and cooed, "You wouldn't bite me would you," I would have bit me at that but she just cuddled into my face, aww) She'll wait for you're letter if you want to send one back (oww he sounds so insecure and cute!). Though you probably don't remember it, you asked me to write and tell you about the preserve. We returned to find that a Ukrainian Iron belly had forced out Cuddles (cuddles!!) If I remember you're last reaction correctly, yes cuddles. A giantess works at the preserve with us and names all of the dragons. She has a . . . fondness for endearing names. So we removed the Ironbelly and reintroduced Cuddles. He went back to his rigorous schedule of sleeping 20 hours a day and eating sheep.** His little adventure seems to have left him none the worse for wear. Sorry I have to go, one of the visiting researchers keeps trying to take close up photographs. Nearly got himself gored yesterday and he's trying to sneak back into the preserve again. Americans! . . Sorry but they're always the most trouble.
Sincerely, Charlie Weasley.
Hmm Weasley, that's interesting. Well. . kind of omen like, but he didn't seem the least bit weaseley from what I remember. I reached across the table to the package and released it from the twine and brown paper wrapping. I probably should have read the letter that fell out but it was the title of the book that first caught my attention, "So You've Married a Wizard: and they were too chicken to tell you." I choked. Hmm really I didn't remember that. . . but then I didn't remember 3 days, come to think or it. Probably would be wise to read the letter I think.
Miss Julia,
I'm delighted to be writing you. Charlie hasn't told me much but I'm pleased he's met such a nice muggle (muggle?) and he spoke very highly of you (did he now?). I can't believe you saved a little girl from a dragon, with magic that would be no small feat! Charlie asked me to send you this book, I work for the Department of Misuse of Muggle artifacts. You'll have to ignore the title (phew! And was it a hint?! Parents have been known to lack subtlety.) It should answer most questions you have. If not I've added you're fireplace to the American registry, though it's not strictly suppose to be done so please don't mention it to anyone (fireplace registry? I don't think I'll have a problem keeping that a secret.) Hope you enjoy the book.
Sincerely,
Arthur Weasley
Well that was a whole lot of confusing. So I picked up the book and read the introduction.
"If you've returned home from your honeymoon to find this book on you kitchen table and your spouse is no where in sight. Guess what? You've married a wizard and they were took chicken to tell you and some how you managed to blank out his families clothes at the wedding. Don't fret I found myself in the same boat. Screaming, crying, and gaping in disbelief may help, but watch out for flies. Throwing things is very satisfying especially as your new spouse can repair them with a flick of their wand. But do not despair despite their quarks, oh and there are plenty, wizards are perfectly normal spouses, well sometimes weird creatures snarl and dart across the room when you open cupboards but you grow use to that (can someone say pent up issues). So here is a muggle's guide to the wizarding world as written by a muggle.
Amanda Ghuffles-Smith
Flipping to the index I found the chapter names quite interesting.
Muggles and Mudbloods: common terms and when to be insulted
When your children start puking slugs (eww)
Your fireplace: what it should and shouldn't do (will remember to read this tonight)
Household magical creature and how to handle them without a wand.
Quidditch: how to smile and nod.
The magical items you can use (cool!)
What to tell parents
The list continued but my mom reappeared and her shriek scarred the large barn owl. Finally I had the room calmed and vacuumed (owls lose feathers when upset among other things). So when I had my mom safely stowed in the living room with a glass of Irish coffee I sat down to write letter.
Dear Mr Weasley,
Thank you for the book. The chapter on what to tell parent will be helpful. The daze of the memory charm has worn off my mom so she hasn't really missed the owls sitting in her kitchen. She's currently in the living room with a drink.
Suddenly a scream pierced the air and I leapt up, Tiamat nipped at my ear probably for almost throwing her off. I ran into the living room to find my mom staring wide eyed at the fireplace. Hey wait that almost looks like Charlie? That is Charlie. In my fireplace? Huh that's odd.
"Julia I'm sorry." The fire that looked like Charlie was speaking. "Is she alright," he asked as he looked back at mom. I followed his gaze and found mom sitting there with a distant look in her eyes, and her cup was also empty.
"Mom what are you looking at?" I said thinking that hallucination was probably the only way she would be accept what was happening.
"That nice young doctor. He. ." I had to try really had not to laugh at that point.
"Come on Mom it's been a rough day. I'll help you up to bed."
"No no dear," she said getting up on her own. "I think I'll just go to bed. Night" She went to kiss my cheek but missed my face by a few inches.
"Night mom." I held up a finger to my mouth at Charlie and watched as mom walked up the stairs and closed the bedroom door behind her. I even heard the lock click. I turned to Charlie and he too was smiling.
"Honestly her daughter gets attack, owls pick her kitchen as a roust, and now she sees a head in the fireplace. If I hadn't seen it myself I would have her committed." Charlie's grin dropped a little and he winced.
"Sorry I wasn't really thinking. Did you get my letter." He suspiciously seemed quick to move on.
"Yeah just a little while ago. You're dad's package too. Interesting book, especially the title." Hmmm was that subtle enough. Ha ha he's blushing!
"Uh yeah sorry that was the only thing I could think off," he mumbled. He's so cute when he mumbles, especially with that accent.
"It's alright. So did you save the American in time." I decided he'd been tortured enough.
"What? Oh right. Yeah in time for me at least but he probably won't be trying that again." There was a bit of a smirk on his face and I gave him a questioning look. "Don't worry no permanent damage." I only shook my head and sighed.
"So is cuddles happy?" I asked hoping he wasn't.
"Yeah," he said almost lovingly. "His giving his mate a bit of a cold shoulder though. Seems she wasn't too put out by the little upset. She's starting to dig a nest so we may have to relocate her."
"Why?" I asked. Then he started that thing where people start talking about there specialty and forget everyone is starring at them thinking 'huh'.
"Longhorns are an endangered species because of their horns,"
"Oh like rhinos," he gave me a confused look. Obviously just a dragon boy. "Never mind."
"Oh well if the babies are part Ironbelly then we can't risk diluting the population. So . . uh (can we say uncomfortable silence)is the little girl okay?"
"Yeah," I said with a smile. "But for some reason see keeps asking people if they have tattoos and running away from people who say yes. Strange huh," I baited.
"Umm yeah that is very strange," he said trying to hide a smile.
"I don't know maybe she was attacked by some dragon tattooed guys." .
"That's a theory," Charlie supplied, he was so cute when he smiled. "So will you come visit me!" I was shocked to say the least. I didn't really know him, but then again he did have three days of uninterrupted time that I didn't remember, damn that smile why can't I remember.
"At the preserve?" I asked, mentally calculating the money it would cost for that flight.
"Oh no," he looked kind of mad at himself. "I'm going home for a few weeks for the Quidditch World Cup (Quiddich so that's how it's pronounced. Smile and nod right?) We'd stay with my parents. I may not be able to get an extra ticket but the game will probably only last a day."
"Only a day?" I said not understanding.
"Well the teams are really good but Ireland is much better," he answered, miss interrupting my meaning. There was an odd glint in his eye and I realized that he had to be talking about a sport of some kind.
"I understand but I don't think I could afford the airfare," I apologized but he only looked confused.
"Is there a toll in American? Oh wait you mean for those big silver things," he said finally catching on. "Don't worry I'll just pick you up on the way." I don't think he was going to let me say no.
"Pick me up?" I asked almost not wanting to know the answer to that.
"On my broom," he answered without missing a beat.
"What can't you just magically pop places?" I joked.
"Not over that distance you could get splinched." He winced and hadn't even known I was only kidding. That was kind of the moment when my brain went 'eh?' and I had to shake it back on track.
"If my calculations are correct, and I'm an American so they might not be, wouldn't that mean going the long way around the world as in nearly all the way?"
"Well yeah but I wouldn't mind (he's so cute when he smiles like that)." I thought for a moment. . .no really I did. Come on I'm not that easy!
"I guess since I'm on break and I can't think of any argument against going." I of course said this slowly and drawn out, I'm evil I know
"Is that a yes?" he said hopefully.
"Yes," I answered and glowed in the aftermath of his grin.
"Wicked!" he exclaimed and I had to laugh at his English slang. "I'll send you an owl with the dates and what not. Probably would have to be at night, wouldn't want any flying broomstick sightings." I had a feeling this was one of the things that was covered up. "Might have to use a different owl though," Charlie said, looking at Tiamat. "You seem to have grown on her. She usually doesn't like people," Charlie look sufficiently pleased with this and we said our goodnights. It seemed kind of strange, I thought at the time, my mind doesn't remember much about him, but my heart keeps telling me I do. Probably that stupid memory charm. My life is just getting odd.
*Tiamat was supplied by my roommate so cookies to her. Is supposedly a legendary Dragon God or Lord.
** "Fantastical Beasts and Where to find them" doesn't mention what Romanian Longhorn's eat. However, most of the other dragons eat sheep.