Author's note:

thank you all for following and favouriting my story. would really appreciate reviews and suggestions on what Charlie and Skye get up to. enjoy the read

Chapter 2

Charlie's Invitation

The day started off with the sun making it's way under the crack of Charlie's red shaded blinds of his bedroom. Charlie was not an early waker especially when he'd had a long shift the evening before. There had been a new clutch of baby opaleyes hatch and Charlie had been busy preparing a new enclosure, also managing to help his coworkers separate two hatchlings apart. It had been emotionally and physically draining but the work had been done and the baby opaleyes were enjoying their new, heated enclosure. It had been the first clutch from the new breeding program Charlie had begun and he was pretty ecstatic about his job. Now, as the sun hit Charlie's face he grumbled and sat up, remembering how painful it had been when the mother opaleye had accidentally singed off his newly grown eyebrows.

Charlie swung his legs over the side of his bed and made his way to the quaint little bathroom that was connected to his bedroom. Picking up his burn lotion he clambered into the shower and let the warm soapy water awaken his aching bones. Charlie noticed how quiet it was as he turned off the water and lathered his burns up with cream. It was way too quiet, though Charlie had always loved the quietness of his home he missed having company, especially his family. After applying new bandages and brushing back his hair Charlie used his wand to make himself some breakfast, some eggs on toast. Although he owned a dragon sanctuary Charlie also liked to have his own ready produce so that he didn't need to bother and rely on the Muggles for food.

Charlie's day was pretty uneventful, he had been reading over new poacher reports, had inquired about the new dragonoligist in town and had fed the baby opaleyes every hour until his shift was over. After the last episode of feeding Charlie decided to give his hand reared Romanian longhorn a visit. As usual Diamond flew down and landed in front of Charlie heavily thumping her tail on the floor.

"It's been a long, long couple of days Di." Charlie sighed rubbing Diamond's gleaming golden horn. Diamond snorted in response, letting little wisps of smoke out of her snout.

Charlie coughed and leant against her scaly side, wishing all too well that she could talk to him.

An hour or so later Charlie arrived briskly home to find an owl awaiting at his doorstep. Realising that it was James's owl Charlie picked him up and carried him inside. He then untied the sealed note and placed the owl into a spare cage that Charlie kept on a shelf.

"James should not be sending you all the way from England to Romania, you could have died and it would've been all blamed on me. Luckily you're a smart bird and know how to rest when it's needed." Charlie snorted offering the bird some food and drink. The owl savagely ate the food and drank it's fresh water quickly. Charlie sat down and began reading the letter:

Dear Charlie baby, (Nora insisted on me writing that)

It has been too long since we have seen each other. Nora and I are deeply struggling with all the kids and Lily and the twins are still here. Dear Lily is pregnant with a child and we are all preparing for her big decisions. (Though Nora and I hope she decides to keep it).

Charlie, since we've found more secret hiding places there have been plenty more discoveries of homeless children. I know it's a big ask of us but we were wondering if you would like to come and visit as we have a little girl I cannot and I will not give up to any stranger. I know you're a bit old, no offence, but we all think that a baby would be good for you and your life. Mum and Dad miss you (Meaning Molly and Arthur) and they wanted to invite you to stay at the Burrow. We would all love your company.

Please respond.

Lots of dragon kisses

Nora and James Potter

Charlie sighed and leaned back in his chair, reading and reading the letter, memorising it to every inch and realised that James had got a lot right, he should have gone home and visited his family, especially when his nephew nearly had died, there had been so much he'd missed. Maybe going would be a good break and while he was at it he'd take a look at the baby.

Charlie sighed again, running a nervous hand through his messy red hair.