The next 3 days went by in a blur. Besides a bit of jesting from Pete towards Charlie after hearing he spent the weekend with Sloan it was a normal workweek. Charlie thought back to that lunch on their first day back to work. He was sitting next to Pete trying to eat his lunch while the rest of the team was still getting food.
"Charlie, mate, I have worked with you for a while now. You never leave the reserve unless it's to go home or to town. She shows up and you are suddenly touring castles."
Charlie didn't answer his friend. But he knew he was right.
"I will drop it man but between you and I. You aren't the only person here who thinks Sloan is worth going after. I'm not saying who but if you want it to be something don't wait around."
Charlie followed Pete's eyes to see Sloan laughing at something Randle Dangerfield was saying to her. He was obviously flirting with her. That is his thing, flirt with the new girl, date the new girl, dump the new girl. With a scowl on his face, Charlie went back to eating his lunch saying nothing.
When he got back to his cabin there were a few owls sitting on his porch. It seemed like his family got his letters.
Charlie,
Thanks for the gift. School has been good this year. I have a new girlfriend. Her name is Lavender Brown. I am also the new keeper for the Hogwarts quidditch team. Snape is teaching Defense and some old bloke Slughorn is now teaching potions. Thanks again for the gift. See you at Yule.
Ron
Charlie,
Your father loves his gifts as do I. I am happy your new partner is getting you off the reserve occasionally. I worry you know. What is your new partner's name? Do they like fudge? I included some extra in the package for them. What day will you be arriving for Holiday break? Have you gotten a haircut yet? You really should. We can't wait to see you. Love you.
Love, Mom and Dad
Charlie,
Thank you for the gift. I have included a book on dinosaurs I had my mother send me. They are about as close as dragons muggles have. Don't worry your secret's safe with me. I'd love to see pictures of the Castle if you have any. I have heard Catherine's art collection inside is breathtaking. Ron told me about your letter to him. Don't worry this year has been quiet. Not sure that is a good sign for what is coming but for now we are safe.
Hermione
Charlie showered and got ready for bed. He was ready for the 2 days off. He got in bed with the book Hermione had sent him. His mind started to wonder who Sloan was going to visit in Turkey, but he stopped himself and started reading about dinosaurs.
Sloan went to bed as soon as she could. She was waking up at 5am the next day. She had to apparate to the Turkish Ministry of Magic. From there she had to register her visit and then use muggle means to get to Izmir. It wouldn't be till lunch that she would finally get to her final location.
The next morning she shrunk her bag and walked to the apparition point at the reserve. An hour later she was in the Turkish Ministry of Magic having her wand registered and explained she would be leaving the country the next day. She traded in some American muggle money for Turkish Lira and left the ministry. It was now 8am. She hailed a taxi to the airport. An hour later she landed in Izmir and took a taxi to Emir's house.
Emir was a Turkish soldier that Sloan had met 3 years ago. She had saved his life that day and after learning that he, like her, was also a muggle-born they became friends. Keeping in contact over the years.
She walked up to his house and knocked.
"Sloan!" She was greeted with a hug by Ece, Emir's wife.
"Ece, it is so good to see you again."
"You too canım, come in Emir just went to the market he should be back soon. We ran out of milk this morning for the baby."
The two women made their way into the kitchen with the young toddler named Miray climbing up onto Sloan's lap as she sat at the table happy to see her Auntie Sloan again.
"Before my husband comes home and you too get wrapped up in war stories and dragons. You tell me Sloan who has put that look on your face." Ece said making tea
"I don't know what you mean?"
"Oh please. I have seen many women in this town come to my home asking for love help. Young girls who are in love with men. They all have this look. The same look you have. So who has finally captured Sloan McGarrett's heart?"
"I am not going to say he has my heart Ece. But he has been on my mind. But It wouldn't ever work out."
"Why not. You are a beautiful, strong, brilliant woman who could and should have anyone she wants."
"He is my boss."
"Would you get fired for it?"
"No, he is my team leader and partner. They might move me to a new team or maybe just a new partner."
"So that is not a reason to not go for it."
"And if it ends badly? I am stuck on a reserve in Romania with him."
"You can always move to a different reserve if needed. BUT I know you Sloan and if it goes bad you are not one to hold a grudge or make someone's life difficult."
"I barely know him. I have literally only known this man for a week. He is attractive, I like talking with him. But I don't know him enough to risk what I have going on right now but saying something."
"Sloan, I love you but you don't give yourself enough credit."
