Chapter 3: Dragons

Three words: I like dragons. Four words: I also like flying.

All my friends know of this, of course. Rose's uncle, Charlie Weasley, works with dragons in Romania. So does David Greengrass, Scorpius's uncle. He and Charlie are co-workers.

My love of dragons and flying has to come from my father's side. My mother hates flying and is terrified of dragons, saying they're untamed, horrible beasts. She's never gotten to know one.

I replaced James as the Seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. He doesn't mind. He's the Captain (not for long though, then it'll probably go to Albus, an excellent Chaser). James is now Keeper, and he prefers that position, saying he's a better Keeper than Seeker anyways. He himself admitted I was the best Seeker he ever saw, way better than him. That's a lie though. At least it should be. He's the child of two excellent Seekers. I just have keen, alert eyes and am quick on a broomstick.

Anyways, onto Scorpius. He was at the bottom staircase exactly at ten. I was there a little earlier than he.

"Are you willing to ditch your Prefect responsibilities?" He asked.

I shrugged. "There are other Prefects around." What in the world was I saying? Perhaps my father was an adventurous rule-breaker or the handsome Scorpius Malfoy changed me from an angel to a rebel. Did I just call Scorpius handsome? Erm…forget I said it…

He smiled. "Forbidden Forest?"

"The missing monster wants to return?" I asked jokingly. Am I considering breaking two rules in one night?

"Oh, yes," he smirked, "and that monster is bringing a friend along. She's double the trouble he is."

I smiled. "You know it's true." It so isn't! He smirked again. "You smirk too much." I told him. It's true! Every time he looks at me, he's smirking!

"There's a surprise in the Forbidden Forest for you," he said, and he wasn't smirking anymore (hallelujah!). He grabbed my hand, which sent a warm feeling through me, and pulled met of the castle, discreetly across the fields to the Forbidden Forest.

"People from Romania brought baby dragons for Hagrid's next Care of Magical Creatures class. An old friend of mine, AKA my uncle, said I can come look at them."

I smiled widely. He knew me so well! We went to the forest and Scorpius's uncle, David Greengrass, mentioned before, greeted us.

"Charlie! It's my nephew!" David yelled at a red-haired man, who was grooming a dragon. He looked up from his work.

"Hey." he called, "I'll be just a minute." Then he returned to his work.

"Charlie? Haven't you ever kissed a girl? Every time I see you, you're taking care of dragons. Get a life."

Charlie smiled, caught up in memory. "I've had a girlfriend before. We've kissed."

"Where is she now?"

Charlie shrugged.

"Uh-huh. She's imaginary."

Charlie rolled his eyes. "No she's not."

David smirked (family thing?). "Yeah, right." He said sarcastically.

Charlie finally finished his work and looked at us. "I thought you only had a nephew," he said, noticing me.

"They're not related. She's probably his girlfriend."

I blushed madly and glanced up to Scorpius, his face displaying a sort of horrified look. I dropped my gaze down.

"We're not dating!" Scorpius said quickly. I wish we were though, Scorpius.

"Yeah, sure."

"We're not!"

"She's outta your league anyways," David said, and I blushed again. I smiled slightly now, though.

"Norwegian?" I asked suddenly.

"Huh?" Charlie asked.

"The dragon," I said, memorized by it. I took a few steps toward it until I was right in front of it.

Charlie smiled. "Oh yeah. She is. How'd you know?"

"I like dragons." I said.

"Have you ever ridden one?"

"No."

"Do you want to?"

I nodded.

He pointed to the Norwegian dragon. "That's Thaliana. Thalia. She's gentle. Good for first time flyers. Just swing your leg over the side and say 'up'."

I did. Thalia was…graceful. She was gentle- as Charlie said she would be. The wind felt great in my hair.

"Just circles around the forest!" Charlie called. I should've asked him how to control the dragon's flight, but I didn't.

I needn't either. Thalia had understood Charlie. She flew in circles, barely above the Forbidden Forest.

"Down," I murmured to her after half an hour. She gracefully landed right where we had taken off from. "Good Thalia," I said, patting her head as I got off. She roared happily, quietly.

"She likes you." Charlie told me.

"She usually don't open up that quickly," David said. My nose twitched, but I ignored the fact he said 'don't ' when he should've said 'doesn't'. "Besides Charlie."

Charlie smiled. "Maybe this girl's just a natural."

"Abigale."

"Huh?"

"My name is Abigale."

"That's pretty. After Hogwarts, what do you plan on doing?"

I shrugged. "Probably some Care of Magical Creatures job."

Charlie nodded. "Not going to be an Auror?"

I shook my head. "My mum's too overprotective."

"And your father?"

A sad smile crossed my face. "I'm sure he wouldn't care."

"Abigale, I think it's time we return to the castle. Before the others notice we're gone," Scorpius said.

"I guess you're right." I followed him to the castle.

Please review! And…what do people do to drop hint to their crushes? ;). I would like to know please, if any you are experienced.