Chapter 25- Work Draco

Charlie flooed to the Three Broomsticks and slumped against the adjacent wall to catch his breath. Immediately taking the floo after international portkeying to the ministry really takes a lot out of a bloke. But Charlie's brothers needed him.

Charlie righted himself, clutching tighter to the briefcase in his right hand and strode to the main dining area, not the least bit surprised at the number of kids crammed into the Inn's restaurant drinking butterbeer and grousing over their classwork. It was a Hogsmeade day, after all.

Being one of the only adults in the inn, Charlie was tall enough to scour the room without obstruction and found the two third-years he was looking for easily. He traversed the establishment quickly, making sure to stick to the edges of the room to steer clear of the crowd of noisy Hogwarts students. Fred and George happened to look his way before he reached them and pointed toward the door, indicating that they would meet Charlie outside. Charlie nodded before slipping out of the inn and settling on a bench as he waited for his brothers.

"Well, look at you with your briefcase—"

"Aye, very professional—"

"But also a bit like a wanker."

Charlie stood up as the twins neared him, shaking his head fondly at their antics. Rather than respond to their insult, he set down the briefcase, grabbed each of them by the collars and pulled them in for a hug. Both protested weakly at the affection, but laughed a second later as they embraced Charlie back. Charlie ruffled their hair as he leaned back, grinning widely.

"When did you get so tall?"

Fred and George laughed as the latter leaned down to grab Charlie's briefcase allowing Charlie the freedom to throw his arms over his brothers' shoulders as they made their way back toward the castle.

"Nearly as tall as Percy, we are," explained Fred.

"We think he's getting a bit of an inferiority complex because of it," added George.

Charlie snorted at George's choice of words and tilted his head in sympathy for his absent little brother. "Poor Percy. He'll be the shortest of us."

"Surely that will be Ginny," George stated.

Charlie angled his head to the right and gave George an unimpressed look. "I'm sure Perc will be thrilled to hear that he'll at least be taller than his sister."

"He wasn't really, now that I think on it."

Charlie glanced to his left and shook his head, because of course they had said this to their older sibling already. Annoying Percy seemed to be the twins' ultimate goal in this world, and they were succeeding spectacularly. Charlie squeezed Fred and George in closer and looked at each pointedly. "Be nice to Percy, or I'll tell Mum… or worse."

"Worse then Mum," George asked smartly.

"Yeah," Charlie replied simply. "I'll tell Dad."

Both twins grimaced at the thought and Fred sighed. "Fine we'll be nicer."

"Good boys," Charlie praised with a nod. He pulled Fred's face until he was looking directly at Charlie before, adding, "And don't think I didn't catch the 'r' at the end 'nice' either, Fred Fabian Weasley. When I say be nice, I mean be nice."

Fred rolled his eyes in response, but surprisingly didn't add a last little joke as Hagrid's hut came into view. Charlie stepped back and held out his hand for the briefcase. George handed it to him easily.

"Alright," Charlie began, glancing at his watch to see how much time he had to secure the dragon inside. The Portkey back to Romania would leave in four hours. "How big is it?"

"Nearly a meter now," George answered. "He grew a bit since last week."

Charlie groaned. "And Hagrid has him living in the hut?"

"Yes," Fred replied. "We promised he wouldn't get in trouble though. He won't get in trouble, right?"

"No," Charlie answered with a sigh. "You did right by contacting me. I'll have to ask him questions for my report, but I'll leave his name off of it. And he needs to understand that this was a very dangerous endeavor. How did he even obtain this dragon?"

"He won him in a bet," Fred explained.

Charlie startled at the answer and glanced up in horror. "The dragon dealer bet the dragon?"

"Well, actually Norbert was just an egg when Hagrid won him. He hatched a few weeks after that," George clarified.

"To be honest," Charlie muttered as he walked up the steps of Hagrid's hut and rapped his knuckles on the wooden door, "the fact that it was only an egg does not make me feel much better."

There was the sound of a crash inside and heavy footsteps as Hagrid stomped around his hut. "Hol' on a sec! I'm jus'… cleanin' up 'er bit!"

"Hagrid, it's Charlie Weasley," he called through the door. "Fred and George sent for me. Please open up."

The footsteps grew louder as Hagrid made his way to the front door which was wrenched open to reveal the giant of a man. Charlie smiled sympathetically up at him when he noticed how gutted the grounds-keeper looked.

"Hell'er Charlie," Hagrid greeted, his voice tinged with sadness. He glanced over the top of Charlie's head and smiled mournfully at the twins behind him. "I didn't even realize today wers the day… Well, come'n in, I sur'pose."

Charlie nodded gratefully as the man stood back to let Charlie through. The first thing he noticed as he entered the hut was how incredibly warm it was. The second was the fledgling Norwegian Ridgeback curled up near the roaring fireplace, eyeing Charlie defensively. He was hard to miss… or, actually, she was hard to miss.

"Norbert's been a good boy ter'day. I think he's finding a home here—"

"Hagrid," Charlie interrupted, not taking his eye off the dragon, but making it clear by the tone of his voice that he would be staring Hagrid down if he felt it was safe to do so. "The dragon can't stay with you."

And that's when the giant wizard started sobbing. Charlie was always a big supporter of Hagrid when he attended school here. He always found the large man to be friendly and easy to get along with, always attending the quidditch matches to cheer the students on, and letting those he found out after curfew off with a warning or an easy detention. But Charlie also knew how attached Hagrid could be to things he shouldn't have.

And when the giant cried, he shook the whole hut.

Charlie let Fred and George tend to the grounds-keeper while he slowly settled down next to the dragon, his hands held up in submission. Norbert (or, Charlie supposed, whatever the female version of the name was… Norberta?) eyed the dragonologist with interest. Charlie raised a brow as he considered Norberta's plight. To be cooped up in this hut this last month must have been torture for the young dragon. It might have even stunted her wings' growth. Charlie was ecstatic to note that she didn't seem hostile, but he knew that she would have eventually become restless. He dreaded to think how much danger his brothers, and probably the entire school, would have been in if the young female had been left in Hagrid's care for another month.

Charlie leaned over, ignoring Hagrid's pleas and assurances that he could take care of the dragon, and carefully presented the briefcase to Norberta. His eyes never left the dragon's as he unclipped the case and lifted the lid. The stench of chicken blood was immediately potent and the Norwegian Ridgeback lifted her head for the first time, her curiosity piqued.

"Go on then," Charlie said, his voice low and firm. "I promise you'll like it better in there."

Norberta uncurled her body, making the ridges down her back even more prominent in the firelight. Charlie sat, his back ram-rod straight, as he waited with baited breath to see what the dragon would do. She was just a fledgling, unable to breathe fire just yet, and Charlie was certain he could bring her down all on his own if she tried anything, but he still eyed the dragon with immense caution. And if Norberta even looked in Fred and George's direction, Charlie wouldn't hesitate to proceed with extreme prejudice.

Finally, the young female sauntered to the open case and slipped inside without a backward glance. Charlie waited one second, two seconds, before he pushed the briefcase closed with an audible snap, letting out the breath he had been holding since Norberta unfurled herself. Charlie locked the case up and got up from the floor. Only then did he face Hagrid and the twins.

"Fred, George," Charlie said with a nod to them both, holding out the briefcase. "This case was designed by Newt Scamander himself. He made it impenetrable, so the dragon is safely locked away inside. Can you please take it and wait for me outside while I speak with Hagrid?"

George nodded, taking the briefcase handle without question and exiting the hut, Fred right behind him. Once they were gone, Charlie turned his attention to Hagrid. And despite how absolutely wrecked the man looked, Charlie didn't deter from giving his lecture.

"Do you understand how dangerous that was? How much danger you put my brothers in?"

Hagrid choked on another sob and Charlie waited patiently, his serious expression never wavering.

"I never meant ta put 'em in danger. He was a good boy and I could'a dunnit. I know I could'a—"

"Dragons are not pets, Hagrid. They cannot be trained or domesticated," Charlie urged. Charlie paused and let a consoling smile bleed through his stern demeanor. "Not even by you, sir."

Hagrid nodded as another sob wracked through his body and Charlie comforted him with a quick series of pats on Hagrid's gigantic arm. Charlie waited for Hagrid to calm down before he continued his interrogation.

"Hagrid, I need to know who gave you the dragon egg."

Hagrid visibly swallowed. "I was a bit drunk and I din't see his face none. Hidden under a hood, he were."

Charlie reigned in his sigh. "Is there anything you can say about him? Anything you remember?"

The giant seemed to think about that for some time before finally uttering a sad, "No, he just seemed glad to be rid 'a the egg is all. Seems like he came into the Hog's Head with the purpose of bettin' 'im. And when I won, he was real worried I wouldn't be able to take care 'a the poor thing. But then I tol' him abou' Fluffy."

Charlie blinked, his next question completely derailed by the name. "Fluffy?"

Hagrid visibly brightened as he explained, "She's this cerberus I bought off an Irish fell'er a year back. Wonderful creature."

Charlie paled as he remembered who Fluffy was and what exactly she was guarding. "And you told this stranger about her?"

"Aye. He wouldn't trust me with the dragon egg otha'wise."

Charlie took a deep breath as he considered how best to approach this next question. "Hagrid… what exactly did you tell him about Fluffy?"

"Well, the hooded fell'er had qualms about me taking care of a dragon so I explained that I managed Fluffy jus' fine. Although, she's pretty easy. You just have ter' play a li'l music and she'll go right ter' sleep." Hagrid smiled dreamily and then practically jumped out of his seat when he realized what he said. "I— uh— I shouldn't 'er said that."

Charlie had to physically restrain himself from face-palming. No Hagrid, he mentally berated. You shouldn't have said that, you imbecile. Especially not to some stranger in a fucking hood who happened to be in possession of a bloody dragon egg!

Instead of saying that, Charlie took a deep breath and replied through gritted teeth, "Right, well thank you for answering my questions Hagrid."

He wasn't supposed to know about Fluffy or what she was guarding, so Charlie clenched his jaw and desperately tried to calm himself. All he could think about was how he had promised his brothers that Hagrid wouldn't get in trouble over this. However, Charlie was having a hard time justifying leaving Hagrid's name off the report now. This clearly wasn't a simple case of a dragon breeder looking to make his coin purse a bit heavier. Whoever this anonymous man was seemed to only want information. Dangerous information.

And now Charlie was seriously considering not writing a report at all. The dragon reserve's auror team didn't have enough clearance for this level of confidential information. For Merlin's sake, Charlie didn't even think he had enough clearance to know that Hogwarts currently housed a cerberus that guarded one of the most powerful artifacts in the wizarding world. He'd have to ask Sirius and Remus for advice on this situation.

Charlie didn't want to leave on that last note and physically told himself to unclench his jaw and smile a bit. "Maybe this summer, if you would like, you could come visit the dragon reserve and see Norberta and all the other dragons. It's pretty dangerous, but we do allow guests on guided tours."

"Norberta?"

Charlie shook his head, trying to calm down and focus on the conversation he was having now rather than the one he would be having with Sirius very soon. "Uh— yes. Did I not explain how the dragon was female?"

"Oh." Hagrid smiled as he let the knowledge stew for a moment. "Well that's mighty nice 'a you to offer, Charlie. You're a good man, always thought so. But I don't think I coul' see Norbert— er, Norberta— again. It wou' be too hard."

Charlie nodded in understanding, even though he couldn't care less if Hagrid actually visited. Right now, all he wanted to do was get out this blazing hot hut and away from Hagrid's dog Fang who had come out of hiding with the singular purpose of showing Charlie his gratitude by slobbering all over his hand.

"Alright then. Well it was good seeing you, Hagrid." Charlie wiped his wet hand on the front of his robes and held it out in farewell. Hagrid engulfed it in his own, shaking it vigorously.

"You too, Charlie. You'll make sure to tell everyone how grateful I was for the help."

Everyone?

"Right, will do. Bye."

Charlie exited the hut and basked in the cool spring air for a moment. He spotted his brothers seated on the hill that lead up to castle, staring up at the clouds with Charlie's briefcase between them. They glanced his way when they heard footsteps approaching.

George was the first to speak. "Will Hagrid be alright?"

"He'll be fine," Charlie answered, crossing his arms. "Although he did say something funny before I left. Something that made me think their were others who helped out a bit with the dragon…"

Fred and George didn't even flinch, clearly unbothered that Charlie was asking about these unknown others that they had failed to mention earlier. Charlie frowned down at the twins. "Well who are they then? Friends of yours? I'm assuming Lee."

"Nah, Lee didn't know," Fred answered nonchalantly.

"Yeah, he's deathly afraid of dragons," George scoffed, as if this piece of information were universally known.

Charlie sighed. "Alright, then who?"

"Oh, you know…" Fred started, his smile turning playful.

"Just your step-kids," George finished, grinning from ear to ear.

Charlie blinked. "My… what?"

"Draco Black—"

"And Harry Potter."

"Your future stepsons," Fred continued, sitting up just enough to poke Charlie in the shin with his wand before falling back down into the grass again beside his brother.

Charlie could feel his cheeks burning, a mixture of embarrassment and pride at his little brother's words. He folded his arms tighter against his chest like that might stop the blush that was creeping down his neck. It was a futile endeavor. Nothing could keep a Weasley's flush hidden. It was a terrible family curse.

"Alright then," Charlie managed between calming breaths. "How was it that you four managed to discover Hagrid's pet dragon?"

"Ah… sorry, Charlie," Fred said, hopping to his feet, clearly not sorry in the least.

George jumped up beside his twin. "Yeah, we apologize, but that's a secret we can't share."

"Not even if you make that 'dad face' at us again," Fred added swiftly before Charlie could demand they share anyway.

Charlie startled at Fred's words, knowing full well they were meant to be a distraction, but letting it distract him anyway. "Wait, I have a 'dad face'?"

"It's quite eerie actually," Fred confirmed.

"You look exactly like Dad when you pull it," George stated further, smirking at what Charlie could only assume was his own horrified expression. "Don't take that as an insult Charlie."

"Yeah, I mean of course you look like Dad, considering you're practically a father yourself now."

Charlie blushed again, and rather than engage in this conversation any further, he leaned down and snatched up his briefcase, swiftly turning his back on the twins and stomping his way back to Hogsmeade.

Fred and George laughed behind him and he listened as they skipped to catch up to him, taking up positions on either side of their older brother.

"Oh come on Charlie, you know we're only joking," said the twin on his left. Charlie didn't bother to look in that direction to find out which twin, instead choosing to stare straight ahead, ignoring his brothers' giggles.

Charlie knew they weren't joking. Not really. And while Charlie had slowly gotten used to the fact that Sirius was it for him, that he had found his family in the brilliant Lord Black and his two boys— and Tonks and Remus and Steven— he wasn't quite ready to tell the Weasley clan yet. Especially considering it had only been about eighteen months since he had explained to his entire family that he didn't necessarily want to settle down quite yet and was perfectly willing to wait for the perfect man to come along. And now, here Charlie was, settling down, knowing and relishing in the fact that he was just on the verge of inheriting a whole new family for himself. The perfect man had come along, a man who welcomed Charlie into his world with open arms. And Charlie had stepped into that fray so easily, as if he belonged there. How was he supposed to explain that to the Weasleys?

But then, it seemed he didn't have to explain that to Fred and George. It seemed they already understood and accepted this new life of Charlie's.

The second eldest Weasley sibling glanced to his left, and then to his right, finding both of his brothers smiling. Brilliant, perfect, twin smiles.

Charlie remembered the day they were born, how they smiled just like this, like nothing could dampen their spirits and take away their happiness. Growing up, Charlie had always been confused by how joyful the two of them were, always joking and laughing, never letting anything bother them for more than a few seconds. Bill and Percy were a bit moody at times, but never Fred and George. Since they were born into this world together, with the perfect person right beside them, they never seemed to comprehend that life could be anything less than brilliant. Charlie was beginning to understand that mindset too, ever since he met Sirius Black. Voldemort, death eaters, good-hearted oafs who think they can domesticate dragons… The world was scary and dangerous and stupid, but it's surprisingly less so when you have the perfect person to share it with.

Charlie smiled softly which only forced Fred and George's smiles to brighten even more, though Charlie didn't think that possible until he witnessed it.

They were just on the outskirts of the small wizarding village when the three Weasley brothers instinctively stopped. Charlie turned around to face the twins and pulled them in for another hug, garnering little protest from Fred and George this time. He decided to add a kiss to each twins' forehead and smiled when this finally elicited fake groans from the two third-years.

"Oh shush, you," Charlie chastised, reaching up to ruffle their hair and push on their foreheads until they became unbalanced and had to take a step back a bit to steady themselves before they fell over.

George reached up to fix his hair and then turned to Fred to adjust his as well.

"You're hair is getting long," Charlie acknowledged.

"Oh gods, you aren't going to go all Dad on us again and insist we cut it, are you," Fred asked.

Charlie balked at the suggestion. "Are you kidding?! I say, grow it out as long as you can get away with! And lock your doors when you go home for Easter holiday, or Mum will clip it all off while you sleep," Charlie warned, his face going pale when he suddenly flashed back to a particularly bad summer before sixth year. Bill had returned from a backpacking trip to Ireland with his mates, a graduation gift to himself, with a pierced ear and hair long enough to wrap in an elastic. Mum had been horrified and decided to take her frustrations out on a child she still had authority over. Charlie found that his hair was still recovering from the onslaught. Charlie rubbed his head just to remind himself that he still had hair.

Fred and George laughed… a little nervously, Charlie noted. They shared a look that Charlie was certain meant that they would heed his warning.

"Alright get back to your friends," Charlie permitted. "And don't do anything too mad for your birthday prank this year. But if you do, tell me all about it when we're all together on Easter, yeah?"

Fred and George smiled again, this time like a promise, and clapped Charlie on his shoulders simultaneously. "See ya Charlie."

"Bye."

He watched the twins until they were safely back inside the Three Broomsticks. While there hadn't been an incident since Tonks found the unicorn in September, one never really knew for certain if Voldemort wasn't still residing in the tiny wizarding village.

And what if this dragon dealer was Voldemort…

Charlie blanched at the terrible thought that just jumped to the forefront of his mind and suddenly found himself searching the crowd for the surly potions master. Snape had accepted the task of keeping an eye on all the children every Hogsmeade visit this year, and Charlie was positive this one was no exception. However, the search was probably a pointless endeavor since Charlie was fairly certain the wizard was polyjuiced to blend in with the other patrons at the Three Broomsticks. Charlie waved anyway, just in case Snape was looking, but when no one acknowledged his movement, he turned on his heel and apparated home.

Charlie was probably freaking out over nothing anyway. He'd just talk to Sirius and let him make the necessary calls… And, again, that is if there are even any calls to make. Surely Hagrid would recognize Voldemort even under a hood.

Right?

Once he landed in the field outside Remus's wards, Charlie took another moment to catch his breath. If he was going to portkey, use the floo, and then apparate in the span of an hour, he really should eat something. Perhaps he'll ask Corey to make him a sandwich.

It seemed like an endlessly long time before he reached the porch of the family house that lead up to the front door. He typically flooed straight into Sirius's study which meant the only time he ever made that outside trek was right after the Tonks's funeral.

It was warmer now. Spring.

Charlie debated knocking for a split-second, but ultimately decided to just walk right in. Corey was already waiting on the other side of the door when he entered.

"Corey is so happy to see you Charlie," the elf greeted, his eyes wide and kind just like they always were.

"You too Corey," Charlie enthused, leaning down to engulf the small creature in a one-armed hug, smiling brightly when Corey reciprocated, his small arms tentatively settling around Charlie's waist. Charlie leaned back and stood upright before asking, "Everyone is still here right? They haven't already gone to get Bill have they?"

"No sir. Sirius is stills packing and Mister Weasleys and Tonks are in the family room waiting for Master Remus. Can Corey take your trunk, sir?"

It took Charlie a moment to realize he'd been asked a question and he looked down at the briefcase at his side. "Uh… actually I think I'll keep it near me." He lifted the case high and settled it against his ear, listening for any movement. "She hasn't made a noise, so that probably means she's sleeping. But you never know how she'll react to elf magic." Corey only stared up at him with even wider eyes than normal and Charlie grinned. "Don't worry, she's just a tiny thing. Can't even breathe fire yet. Now, I'm sorry, but did you say Bill was here?"

"Yes, ins the family room with Miss Tonks."

Charlie snorted before nodding politely to the house elf. "Thanks Corey," he said, taking a step down the hall but halting when his stomach rumbled. "Oh hey," Charlie quickly added, turning back to Corey before he could pop away. "If it's not too much trouble, could you please make me a sandwich?" He smiled brightly.

"Of course," Corey replied. "No problems at all. Club on wheat, toasted, no tomatoes?"

Charlie grinned. "You know me so well. Thank you."

"You is welcome," the elf stated, before popping away in what Charlie could only conclude was excitement. Well, Sirius had said in his last letter to Charlie how restless the little elf had been since the boys went off to school. He was sure his mother will be just the same next year when she no longer even has Ginny to cook for everyday.

Alright, Charlie admonished, no more thinking of Mum right now. There will be plenty of overthinking to look forward to these next few weeks before Easter.

Charlie squared his shoulders and headed back down the hall, his feet leading him to the family room as if following the invisible impressions his footprints left in the carpet when he had visited previously.

He really wished he didn't have to visit.

"Wow, you really are here," Charlie announced as he rounded the corner and found his older brother and Tonks talking to each other on the sofa. "So I guess this means you know."

Bill turned his body in Charlie's direction with a look of surprise on his face, which quickly gave way to the unflappable calm that Charlie always associated with the eldest Weasley child. "About Snape? Yes. About Remus? Again, yes."

"When was this then," Charlie asked, rapidly settling into the easy familiarity he'd always had with Bill, taking a seat in the sofa across from him and Tonks.

"Last weekend," Bill announced.

Charlie snorted. "Well I guess I've been out of the loop lately. And what about this?" Charlie pointed to the two of them, wondering just how much he had missed by being in Romania that his brother and Tonks had started dating without him knowing. "How long has this been going on?"

Tonks frowned. "How long has what been going on?"

Charlie blinked. Or maybe I'm not that out of the loop.

"Oh, well I guess that was an assumption. My mistake. It's just, well, you're sitting so close, and Bill's got that look on his face…"

"What look?" Tonks turned to Bill searching his face for clues as to what Charlie could be talking about. Bill let her… and that's when Charlie knew. Poor bastard, Charlie thought with pity. You just had to go and fancy Nymphadora Tonks, didn't you, Bill?

"Remember that girl he used to follow around all day during our fifth year," Charlie began. "Merlin, what was her name, Violet something?"

"Violet Bonnet? Yeah I remember her," Tonks admitted, shrugging. "We used to make fun of how besotted Bill was with everything she said and did. I wonder what happened to her."

"She moved back to Canada after we graduated," Bill answered simply, not even bothering to be embarrassed. The Weasley family blushing curse never seemed affect Bill. Charlie suddenly hated him for that.

"Huh, that's interesting," Tonks concluded.

There was a long pause and Bill and Charlie actually shared a glance in those brief seconds. Bill shook his head fondly which Charlie could only assume was because he couldn't believe how dense Tonks could be sometimes, especially considering how good of an auror they knew she was before quitting a few months back.

"Um, Tonks? I don't really think you're grasping the reason why I brought Violet up, here," Charlie noted aloud, a twinge of humor in his tone.

Tonks narrowed her eyes in consideration. "Because…" Suddenly, Tonks shot up from the sofa and gaped at the eldest Weasley. "Oh my gods, you fancy me?!"

Bill shrugged, before relaxing back into the sofa even more than he already had been. "Yeah. I have for a few months now."

"What?!" Tonks's hair was swiftly turning bright red and Charlie grimaced but physically couldn't look away. It was like watching a broomstick collision during a Quidditch match. "Why didn't you say anything?!"

Bill looked completely unaffected by Tonks's outbursts, almost happy with the yelling, like he was enjoying how angry Tonks looked at this moment. And maybe, Charlie thought, he was enjoying it. Oh man, Bill has it bad, doesn't he?

"Well, I wasn't sure if it was the right—"

"You weren't sure," Tonks interrupted and Bill shook his head in amusement, sighing audibly. "Weren't sure about what exactly?"

Bill pulled a face as if to say, Well, if you'd have let me finish… Charlie held back a chuckle, because suddenly he was very much on Bill's side in this… argument? Charlie wasn't certain what to call it, because they weren't exactly having a row, were they?

"You weren't sure that I fancied you back, is that it," Tonks continued. "Because, honestly, that's total bullocks. You must have known that I liked you." Charlie watched as Bill's smile widened fractionally, as if he had assumed Tonks liked him all this time, but was glad to hear her confirm it aloud. "So, out with it then! Why did you never ask me out?"

Bill clicked his tongue. "Oh I don't know," he said whimsically. "Why did you never ask me?"

Charlie watched as Tonks's ears turned a violent shade of purple, and he clapped a hand to his forehead, silently concluding that his brother was an idiot.

"Oh no you don't William Weasley! Don't turn this around on me! I'm not the Gryffindor here!"

Charlie's eyes widened, and he audibly gasped. Thankfully no one was paying the least bit of attention to him, but he couldn't believe Tonks had just said that. Charlie's brother was an idiot, but so, apparently, was his best friend.

"Wow Nymy," Bill chastised, still smiling like he thought Tonks might just be the cutest thing he'd ever seen. He slowly rose from the sofa, unashamedly stepping into the witch's personal space. "That was very house-ist of you. Are you suggesting that Hufflepuffs can't be brave?"

Tonks squawked. Actually squawked… like a parrot.

"HOW DARE YOU EVEN INSINUATE THAT I WOULD EVER THINK HUFF—"

Bill leaned in and pressed his lips to Tonks's, either because he wanted to kiss her or because he simply wanted to shut her up. Probably both.

Tonks went from incensed to surprised to melting into Bill's waiting arms in a matter of milliseconds. Charlie couldn't decide if he wanted to grin with glee or grimace with disgust at what he was witnessing. He ultimately decided to just look away as if something to his left had caught his eye and needed to be studied in much greater detail.

When he next glanced back, Bill and Tonks had ended their kiss and the latter blinked as if she had effectively extracted herself from the imperius curse… and perhaps Charlie shouldn't equate her expression with that, considering how recently she had actually pulled herself free of that unforgivable curse's influence.

Tonks clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Fine. Bill Weasley will you go out with me?"

Bill's smile was so wide it bordered on deranged, but Charlie could see the twinkle of mischief in those livid-colored eyes. "Well obviously I'm gonna have to say… No."

"Oh my Gods," Tonks exclaimed, throwing her hands up in long-suffering annoyance. "Could you please be serious for one bloody second?!"

"I mean, if you give me some polyjuice and a lock of his hair…"

Charlie blinked. Tonks gaped at Bill for several seconds, before saying through gritted teeth, "I'm sorry? Did you… just make… a Sirius pun?! In Merlin's name, I'm going to murder you!"

Bill chuckled as Tonks lunged at him and Charlie took that as his cue to withdraw from the bickering couple. He slipped back out into the hallway without even a bye or leave. It's not like his brother or best friend would have acknowledged his parting words anyway.

On his way up the stairs, Corey apparated in front of him, handed Charlie a plate with a beautifully made sandwich placed on top, and popped away again. The redhead shook his head at how Corey never waited for a thank you. And the elf deserved some gratitude. That sandwich was delicious. Charlie practically inhaled it as he continued up the stairs and down the hall, finishing the whole thing before he even reached Sirius's bedroom.

The first thing he noticed when he took a step into the bedroom through the open doorway was the packed trunk ready and waiting on the bed. The second was that his boyfriend was nowhere to be found. Charlie set down the empty plate on the dresser to his immediate left and tapped his knuckles against the door to alert Sirius to his presence. There was a shuffling noise from the en suite toilet and Charlie grinned.

"There you are Moony," came Sirius's voice, echoing off the bathroom tile and reaching Charlie's ears. "Hold on a mo'— I'm just… there! Now my whole bathroom is shining more than a recently minted galleon. I think Corey'll be angry with me, but I finished packing a while ago. I had to find something to do while I waited for your werewolf arse to get here. Besides, let's face it… my cleaning spells needed some practicing… By the way, do you think I rely too much on natural talent, because I'm starting to think I should get back into a regular training schedule—"

Sirius came out the bathroom, spotted Charlie, and stopped in his tracks.

"Hey." Charlie added a little wave with the hand not carrying his briefcase.

Sirius stared at Charlie for a good five seconds, then glanced down at the briefcase at his side, and then back up at the redhead. "Charlie…" Sirius rubbed his forehead with confusion. "You do know that we were just about to visit you, right? Not the other way around."

Charlie gasped in over-exaggerated horror. Letting the act drop immediately, he smiled and beckoned Sirius over to him. They had been standing too far apart from each other for long enough and once Sirius was within touching distance, Charlie reached forward and pulled the older wizard against him, curling his free arm around the man's waist. "Maybe I just couldn't wait another second to see you," he whispered into Sirius's ear. Sirius wrapped his own arms around Charlie and practically sagged into the embrace. "Or…" Charlie's tone turned playful, but he remained where he was. "Or maybe I had work in the area and thought I'd catch a portkey back to Romania with you."

Sirius chuckled into Charlie's neck before suddenly freezing and pulling back to look down at the briefcase. "Wait… work? Are you telling me you brought a dragon into our home?"

Sirius looked… well, serious.

"Umm…" Charlie hadn't thought bringing a dragon into the house would be a problem and was more than a little surprised that it might just be. "Well, uh— it's just a baby one, a fledgling," he supplied hesitantly.

Sirius deflated instantly. "Shit. I was hoping for something more dangerous." He sighed and Charlie raised an eyebrow. "Oh well. No big deal. It's just Moony's always going on about his wards and their supposed strength. Wanted to test them out."

"Merlin, Sirius! It's not like I would let a full-grown dragon loose on your property anyway!"

Sirius waved away his statement like he was swatting a fly. "Come now. You would do it for me—"

"No I wouldn't," Charlie protested. "An adult Ridgeback would incinerate your house in minutes Sirius—"

"Not if Remus's wards are as good as he claims they are—"

"They aren't," Charlie proclaimed.

Sirius raised a questioning eyebrow. "I'm going to tell Moony you said that."

"Go ahead," the young wizard challenged. "You'll never get the opportunity to test his wards so it's a moot point. But the fact that you thought I could contain an adult dragon in this briefcase does not instill confidence that you have any idea how difficult it is to restrain these beasts."

Sirius grinned. "Well your confidence in their strength is increasing my belief that dragon fire will be able to destroy a horcrux, so that's good. Bill will be pleased."

Charlie rolled his eyes, pulled Sirius close again, and landed a simple close-mouthed kiss to his lips, before pushing him away with mock annoyance. "Yes it should be lots of fun bottling dragon fire these next few weeks," Charlie announced sarcastically, letting the subject of dragons loose in the garden drop for now.

"Especially with a sexually frustrated brother at your side," Sirius added with a thoughtful expression.

"Sexually frustrated? Wait— never mind. Can we please not mention Bill and sex in the same sentence again? 'Kay, thanks." Charlie sighed as he flopped down onto the bed beside Sirius's packed trunk, his "work" deposited carefully on the chest of drawers by the door. "Why were you waiting for Remus up here anyway?"

Sirius grinned toothily as he fell into the bed beside Charlie. "Because Bill wants to shag my cousin and vice versa. The tension is unbearable."

Charlie curled onto his side, huffing an exhaustive breath as he faced Sirius, who smirked in a way that meant he knew exactly what he just did. "Okay, ignoring the fact that you completely disregarded my request to exclude all talk of my brother's sex life out of any future conversations, I don't think you have to worry about that tension anymore."

Sirius curled onto his side so they now formed a little circle on the mattress as they faced each other. "Oh yeah? Did you walk in on them mid-shag or something?"

Charlie physically recoiled. "No, thank gods! Merlin's left tit, Sirius, now I'm going to need a month of mind-healing sessions just to get that image out of my head!"

Sirius chuckled, spouting insincere "I'm sorry"'s every third chuckle. "But seriously though," Sirius said, returning to the topic, "did those two finally pull their heads out their arses and snog each other senseless?"

"Yes. And, in part, thanks to me," Charlie stated proudly, his smile returning. "So… you're welcome."

"And the world thanks you for your service, Mr. Weasley."

"All in a days work, Mr. Black."

Remus was nervous, but if anyone watched him these last few days, they wouldn't be able to tell.

He didn't flinch when Charlie sat them all down after they landed in their Romanian hotel room and explained the dragon in his briefcase. He didn't bat an eyelash when he helped Charlie write his report, careful to exclude any mention of Hagrid or his three-headed pet. He willingly let Sirius handle the letter to Rosmerta and Severus regarding the potential threat of Voldemort still looming in the Hogsmeade area. And the next day after Charlie returned from his debriefing with the dragon reserve's personal auror department head, and the five of them discussed exactly how they were going to go about obtaining the dragon fire they would need to test against Voldemort's horcruxes, he kept his anxiety internal, not letting his fear for the two brothers show.

Bottling dragon fire was not only extremely dangerous, but also indisputably illegal, and the two Weasleys would need to be expertly cautious if they didn't want to end up in Azkaban. While Remus was obviously nervous for his friends, he had to hide his anxiety because he needed to be strong for Sirius and Tonks. As the two brothers considered their best course of action regarding the laws they were just about to break, talking amongst themselves into the late night hours, Sirius and Tonks sat quietly, having wound themselves tighter than a spring, and unwilling to speak up for fear they would snap in two.

The only thing Remus could really do to help everyone was stay sane and calm. If he simply kept Sirius and Tonks focused on their own plans for these next few weeks, then their significant others could concentrate on keeping their illegal activities as covert as possible. It was really the best course of action.

Thankfully it didn't take long for Ylenia to set up a time to meet with Lord Black. Now Sirius, Remus, and Tonks could begin their part of the mission.

A few months ago, Charlie casually mentioned in passing to his werewolf coworker Ylenia Ardelean how Lord Sirius Black was interested in procuring more of the crystal orbs he received from Charlie over Christmas. At first Charlie had explained that she seemed reluctant to the idea and didn't come close to setting up a conference between Sirius and the druids that Sirius wanted so desperately. But a few weeks later, Ylenia had sought Charlie out and told him that she would consider a meeting if Sirius ever came for a visit. Being who he is, Sirius Black immediately went about making travel arrangements to Romania and in less than two weeks Remus, Sirius, Tonks, Charlie, and Bill were standing in an empty field just outside the dragon reserve across from a very irate Ylenia Ardelean.

Remus's nerves vanished in an instant. He stood up straighter and took a step closer to the older female werewolf, making it clear that he was the one she should address during this clandestine conversation. This was his job as Lord Black's advisor… or at least the job he accepted as his own ever since he met Sirius Black. If he was honest with himself, Remus would have to admit that he had always sort have been Sirius's spokesperson, even back at Hogwarts. Sometimes Sirius simply needed someone to keep him out of trouble and on topic. His friend tended to land himself in hot water without trying. It was a gift.

"Hello Mrs. Ardelean," Remus greeted, holding out a hand in greeting. "I'm Remus Lupin, Lord Black's advisor—"

"It was very dangerous to come to this place without your pack, Mr. Lupin."

Remus nodded his head and retracted his proffered hand, understanding that this woman, with her arms folded and hostile demeanor, was clearly in defense-mode. It was understandable given how outnumbered she was at the moment, though Remus was probably right to assume a few of her pack members were watching from a distance. He cocked his head and sniffed the air discretely, but he could only smell Ylenia. It had been a while since Remus had been this close to another werewolf and her scent was overwhelming.

Remus grinned tightly, but didn't retreat. If she thought her words were threatening in any way, she must not have realized exactly whose company she was in. She probably didn't even realize that Sirius Black was in attendance. "Oh I remember quite clearly just how dangerous it is to be on my own around these parts," Remus replied dryly. "I spent many months on this continent asking for aid in the war against Voldemort against the wishes of the packs in Britain. And I have no desire to return to that way of life. That's why, this time, I am not alone. My pack stands behind me."

Ylenia narrowed her eyes and sniffed the air with a distinct lack of subtlety. She clearly had never considered hiding her abilities from the world like Remus had done his whole life. She probably never needed to.

"They are not werewolves," she stated simply.

Remus smirked. "No they are not."

Without having to look behind him, Remus knew exactly how each of his pack stood. On his left, Sirius stood casually, his hands in the pockets of his robes, fidgeting slightly as if he would like this meeting to end soon so he could escape the slight chill in the air. Remus knew it was an act, that Sirius loved assuming the role of the annoyed, underestimated, wealthy playboy. But if you looked beyond the performance, you would notice how Sirius's feet were positioned as if ready for battle at any moment and that in his pocket, he held his wand expertly by the tips of his fingers.

On his right, Tonks held no such performance. She was an auror in every sense of the word. Her feet were planted firmly, her eyes narrowed and her wand at her side. The only real difference was how utterly plain she looked. Usually her hair was a wild color set in contrast to her mother's pale green eyes. But now everything about her was a dull shade of brown, so utterly boring to look at, a person's gaze would simply pass right over her without noticing how formidable an opponent she posed.

Behind their partners stood the Weasley brothers. It had been a long discussion the day before about whether the two of them should even attend this meeting. While the full moon had already passed during the week, Remus was extremely wary of werewolves and Charlie and Bill were not animagus. They couldn't simply shift and escape disaster if the need arose. But eventually he relented when they turned twin expressions of determination and loyalty his way.

And that's how they stood now, arms folded and jaws set, like twin bodyguards watching their backs.

It was odd. Charlie and Bill looked so different from each other sometimes, Charlie being all soft and gangly, his eyes bright sapphires that always seemed to be smiling with fondness, while Bill was more rugged and sturdy with eyes that reminded you of a light London rain shower. Their bright red hair color notwithstanding, Remus found the two brothers to share little similarities whether it be their physical features or their personality. But when they turned their righteous Gryffindor gaze on you or talked of the Weasley clan or looked at their loved ones with soft, pleased smiles, Remus could swear the two of them were twins, inseparable since birth, like their little brothers Fred and George.

Remus had always wanted siblings. Greyback's revenge when he was little had derailed any plans for his parents to have more children, so he never thought he would get the big family he had always wanted. And when he was older, he briefly thought the werewolves would provide that family for him, that pack, but he had clearly been mistaken. When he realized he could make his own family, that he already had with the marauders, two of them had to up and leave him, one to the afterlife and the other to Azkaban. It had taken him awhile to let others in after that, but now that he gathered them together and called them pack, he would be damned if he let anyone take them away from him. Anyone.

"And what of the packs in Britain?"

Remus tilted his head considering her question. "Most follow a werewolf named Greyback."

"And you have no plans of joining him?"

There was a heavy pause and he could practically feel Sirius shuffle behind him with anxious energy. Remus stared into Ylenia's chocolate colored eyes. "Never again."

Sirius flinched. The two of them had discussed numerous times over the years his brief stint as a member of the British werewolf packs, before Dumbledore sent him to the continent to recruit allies in their war. It had not been a great experience for Remus and he disliked very much talking about it. It still haunted him and evidently, his stories from that time still haunted his friend as well.

"I have my own pack now," Remus added, mostly to ensure Padfoot of things he already knows but sometimes needed to hear. "And while they may not be werewolves, I certainly would not disregard their strength."

Ylenia snorted faintly. "Is that why you brought four of them along to this meeting for two?"

Remus grinned. "Well we had planned on only three of us, but you've met Charlie…" Remus looked behind him for the first time since Ylenia's arrival and smiled affectionately at the young wizard. "He's just a little bit stubborn," Remus concluded, acknowledging Charlie with a nod of his head before returning his attention to the other werewolf. "Turns out it's a bit of a family trait."

Ylenia tilted her head in consideration, her long wavy dark hair cascading over her shoulder. "Alright. I will procure more orbs for you and your master—"

"Ah," Sirius interrupted, speaking up for the first time. He sucked air in through his teeth creating a soft whistle as Ylenia's attention turned to him. Although he didn't move form his position just behind Remus, he did stand up straighter, looking every bit the Lord he was, his grin particularly lethal in the late afternoon light. "I am no one's master so please refrain from referring to me as such. Remus is my paid employee only because he wouldn't except my offer to sit on his arse all day doing nothing. What can I say, the man likes to work. And he claims he'd be bored out of his skull without something to do, so as his mate, I had to help, you know? Anyway, in regard to your offer, I'm going to have to decline."

Ylenia, whose surprise at Lord Black's presence had slowly been receding, now returned in full force. "Pardon."

"We did not come here for more orbs. Remus here was top of his class in Runes and Arithmancy, and has already perfected the replication of your little glass spheres."

Remus couldn't decide if he wanted to blush at the compliment or chastise Sirius for his brusque tone in the presence of a potential ally. He decided on the former when Sirius's proud gaze briefly landed on Remus before returning to Ylenia.

With teeth gritted, Ylenia asked, "So why are you here if not for the orbs?"

Sirius smiled toothily. "We seek audience with the druids who designed the orbs. Just the three of us," he added, carelessly waving an arm to indicate himself, Remus and Tonks, offering no reason why Charlie and Bill would not be coming with. "We thought you might set that up. We can wait a few days if you need it."

In a strange twist of fate, Ylenia did not lash out in anger at Sirius's proposition, but instead seemed to lose all sense of her earlier smugness and sighed resignedly. She shook her head and let a small smile grace her lips. "They told me you would say that. I don't know why I am still surprised when they predict the future, but I always am… Well they have set a meeting tomorrow. I will take you to them. We will meet here at ten o'clock, yes?"

Sirius looked a bit shellshocked by the abrupt resolution to their conference so Remus took it upon himself to answer Ylenia. "Yes, we will be here. Thank you for speaking with us."

Ylenia snorted. "It is what they wished, so…" She shook her head ruefully before nodding at everyone again. "Until tomorrow." She seemed to utter her farewell as an afterthought before shifting on her feet and disappearing.

The five Order members remained silent for a long time, all trying to put the pieces of their short encounter with Ylenia Ardelean together in their heads before they spoke.

"So… I just want to make sure everyone else is on the same page as me here," Tonks finally voiced. "Am I right to assume that the druids helping this werewolf pack foresaw out arrival and have made arrangements to speak with us?"

"That is exactly what I have concluded," Sirius agreed.

"Well that works out then," stated Charlie.

Slowly they all grinned, some giving in to the giddy bubbles of laughter lodged in their throats.

Remus chuckled in slight disbelief at their fortune. "Hopefully they have something helpful to tell us."

Immediately after arriving via portkey into werewolf territory, Sirius shifted into Padfoot and circled around Remus and Tonks as they made their way through the camp. Ylenia nearly jumped at the sight of him, but quickly schooled her features. She walked beside Tonks, and Padfoot could hear her whispered question to the young metamorphmagus.

"Are you animagus as well?"

Padfoot watched his cousin, who was once again in her nondescript, boring appearance, nod before replying, "I don't spend a lot of time in that form though. I prefer to be a witch."

"But would you not feel more comfortable as animagus while you are amongst us, like your Lord."

Tonks snorted. "Hardly. In fact, I'd probably fair better in a fight against you if the need arrises if I have access to my wand. No offense."

"No, I understand—"

"And if you think Sirius is in this form for comfort, you are dearly mistaken," Tonks interrupted. "He wears that shape like he was born to be a giant black dog. And he wears it now because it heightens his senses and makes it easier to protect us."

Ylenia glanced down at Padfoot who stared up at her from his spot between Tonks and Remus, making it clear to the female werewolf that he was still cognizant in this form, still every bit the Lord Black she met yesterday behind his ebony-colored eyes. Her demeanor shifted slightly with this knowledge, almost as if she had grown a sense of respect for the three visitors. Ylenia nodded her head at Padfoot and returned her gaze to the narrow forest path before them. Padfoot did the same.

It wasn't long before the path widened and little wooden houses nestled into the trees could be spotted. Sometimes they would come across a group of children playing football in the front garden, most not even sparing the strangers a second glance. A dark haired man spotted Ylenia from his porch and waved, eyeing Remus and Padfoot with mild curiosity. Eventually the houses became more frequent until they ended up in a small makeshift town.

"How many of the people who live here are werewolves," Remus asked.

"Nearly half of the adults," answered Ylenia.

"And the children?"

Ylenia physically recoiled at Remus's question. "Of course not! The children you can find here probably have a parent or a close family member who has lycanthropy, and we provide shelter for anyone who needs it. Why would you think the children might be werewolves?"

"I was four."

Padfoot nuzzled his face against Remus's leg, letting out a soft whine. Moony simply shrugged at Ylenia's horrified expression and reached down to pet Padfoot as they headed deeper into the town.

"I… well we don't do that here," Ylenia stated adamantly, her tone tinged with sorrow. "My sister Oana and her husband Mihail have made this place a refuge, so that werewolves can live in peace. It was… difficult, for a while. But the druids have been instrumental in making this into a community where no one has to—"

Her words faltered and Padfoot watched as the Romanian werewolf clenched her fists tightly, seeming to think better of finishing that sentence. Every werewolf had their own lycanthropic story, one full of pain and fear, one they probably didn't want to share. Padfoot whined again and treaded over to Ylenia, offering up his soft fur coat in comfort. Ylenia gave a watery chuckle and unclenched her fists enough to run her fingers along Padfoot's mane. He gave a cheerful yip and darted around his three companions, grinning proudly.

Ylenia was smiling and it had nearly reached her eyes when they rounded a bend in the road and came upon a small farmhouse nearly invisible behind the unbelievable amount of trees and overgrown bushes surrounding it. "This is them," she announced, almost like she was disappointed that their journey had come to an end.

Padfoot shifted back into his human form and clasped Ylenia's hand in his own, leaning down to press a kiss to the back of it. It was an old-fashioned ritual, but there were times when Sirius believed these simple gentlemanly practices felt right. This was one of those times. "We really appreciate all that you have done for us, Mrs. Ardelean," Sirius voiced as he righted himself into a standing position.

"Ylenia," she corrected.

"Ylenia," Sirius repeated. "I hope we meet again in the future. And I'm glad someone's looking out for the werewolves around here, and that it's working. It gives me hope that we can one day provide the same kind of life for the werewolves in Britain."

"I— thank you for your words," Ylenia said. "I hope you find the answers you are looking for with the druids— And—" Sirius waited patiently to see if Ylenia would finish that last though. After a brief pause, she forged on. "And if you seek aid with the werewolf packs in Britain, you can call on us. We will help."

Sirius smiled and Remus cleared his throat behind him. "We might just take you up on that," Moony said, "though, it might be a while. We have more pressing concerns at the moment."

Ylenia bowed her head in understanding. "Alright. They wait for you," she added, indicating the house behind them with a wave of her hand. "Good luck."

Sirius, Remus, and Tonks watched as Ylenia practically ran back in the direction they just came from until she disappeared from sight.

Tonks sighed. "We ready?"

Three heads turned in the direction of the farmhouse in unison. Sirius set his jaw in determination. "Yes."

Taking the lead, Sirius sauntered up to the front door and didn't even get to knock before it fell open with an eerie creek.

"Please come in," came a haunting voice from deep within the house. "We have much to discuss, Sirius Black."

A/N- Here's another long one. I really tried to get this out to you all last week, since we reached 500 followers on ff dot net and 100 subscribers on AO3 and I thought we should celebrate that milestone with another chapter… but I had too much fun writing Charlie's part and that was all I was able to finish before last Monday. I spent the rest of this week writing the other two parts. Hope you enjoyed and thank you again to all of you who have followed, subscribed, favorited, bookmarked, reviewed, left kudos, or commented. I can't believe how well this story is going and how much I've actually written. I had no idea this little dream I had a year ago where Sirius adopted Draco would develop into a full-blown story that has already reached over 150,000 words. It's insane and I couldn't have done it without all of your support. Invisible chocolate chip cookies for everyone!

Fancasts:
Ylenia Ardelean- Natalie Portman