Disclaimer – I solemnly swear that JKR owns everything Harry Potter. Whether or not I am up to no good with her characters is for you to decide.
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Harry Potter: Dragon Whisperer
Chapter 12 – Saying Goodbye
1:45pm
Monday, 8 August 1995
Romanian Dragon Reserve, Romania
.
Harry had been called to the Headmaster's office more times than he could count in his life.
Most of those times had been during his primary school days when he'd been blamed for and subsequently taken the fall for a vast array of 'crimes', most of them in actuality committed by his cousin Dudley. The most common had been fighting, cheating, stealing, lying and back chatting the teachers. He'd been punished with detentions and lines galore, some of them even for things that no one had done, the result of stories made up by Dudders and his gang.
Once he'd entered high school and he and Dudley had gone their separate ways – Harry to Stonewall and Dudley to Smeltings – Harry'd spent less time being hauled before the Headmaster. Of course, the fact that Piers, Dudley's best friend, had also gone to Stonewall High had ensured that Harry was blamed for more offences than he ever committed.
Then had come Hogwarts. There, at a brand new school where there was no Dudley, no Piers and no one who knew him from his time in Little Whinging, Harry'd thought that he'd finally finally be free from visits to the Headmaster's Office. How wrong he'd been! The only difference there had been that, instead of people his own age being the ones manipulating things to get him into trouble, it'd been the Headmaster himself!
Now, when he wasn't even in school anymore, unless one counted his daily tutorial sessions, his fear of being hauled before the person in charge was apparently still valid.
"Harry. Charlie. Sirius," Alexander greeted each with a nod. "Come in. Take a seat."
Alexander's title might be Head Dragon Handler but, really there was little difference. Just like a Headmaster in charge of his school, Alexander was the Man in charge of the Dragon Reserve.
As had become his habit, Harry looked around the room as he crossed it to sit in front of the big desk.
This was not an office like any that he'd seen before. Not even the goblin's office at Gringotts was like this. It wasn't neat and tidy with everything in its place. It wasn't designed to intimidate – at least, Harry assumed not, because it didn't.
What it did have was clutter. Piles of parchment that threatened to topple at the slightest touch or breeze rose from both sides of Alexander's desk and the side table set against the wall. The bookshelves that lined one wall had countless books – some on their sides where their titles were easy to read, others in small haphazard stacks and a few that looked like they'd simply been tossed wherever they'd fit.
Knickknacks filled what remained of the space on the shelves and the side table, mostly bits of bone or dragon's teeth. A long, dragonhide cloak was tossed over the back of one chair. And, to complete the décor, three big maps of the Reserve – Canyon, surrounding area and the settlement had been stuck to the wall.
Oddly, the three chairs that were set in front of the desk, behind which Alexander was sitting, were empty. Somehow, Harry suspected that Alexander had emptied them of their contents just before they'd walked in.
"Boss," Charlie nodded.
"Hi," Harry replied and instantly cleared his throat from whatever was stopping him from speaking properly.
"Alexander," Sirius said, taking the seat on the left, leaving the centre chair for Harry.
"Thanks for coming," Alexander replied.
Harry watched him smooth out a piece of parchment on his desk and take a quick glance down at it.
"We've got a problem," Alexander stated.
Instantly, Harry started. It seemed that he'd been right; this was exactly like being hauled before the school Headmaster.
"Boss?" Charlie asked, leaning forward and Harry could see the frown on his face.
"I received a letter this morning," Alexander said, tapping the parchment on the desk. "As you know, Harry, you're contracted to work with the Dragon Reserves of the World."
Harry nodded wondering where this was going.
"You've started here – and remember that this is your home base, no matter where you are in the world – because we were the ones to start the quaffle rolling," Alexander said. "It's here that you'll do most of your training and, as you know, it's where Charlie is contracted to as well, him being your Master."
Again, Harry nodded, this time noticing that Sirius' eyes were slightly narrowed at Alexander.
"Originally, it was our intention to give you a really good grounding of dragon lore and what it took to take care of dragons before you would begin your rotation through the rest of the Reserves in maybe six months or so," Alexander continued.
"Harry's further along than any of us guessed that he would be," Charlie offered.
"How far?" Alexander asked, his eyes switching between his Handler and Harry.
"Hard to say," Charlie shrugged. "Maybe a month in some things; years beyond the rest of us in others. No one predicted how Harry being able to talk to the dragons would impact his regular training."
"Can't argue with that," Alexander nodded. "You've been doing as much teaching as learning, from what I've seen, Lad. Which is why this," and here he sharply tapped the parchment in front of him, "has come at both a good and a bad time."
"Another Reserve wants him?" Sirius more stated than asked.
"In a manner of speaking, yes," Alexander replied.
"I'm guessing that there's a problem?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah, there is," Alexander replied grimly.
"There's a problem with some dragons? How can I help?" Harry instantly asked.
Unexpectedly, Alexander threw his head back and laughed.
"And that's why we wanted you so badly," Alexander stated. "You're a Dragon Handler through and through!"
Harry wasn't sure whether to be proud or embarrassed, after all, getting praised for anything was still so rare an occurrence.
"We've been requested by the Australian Dragon Preserve to send Harry along to talk to their dragons," Alexander said, once again tapping the parchment. For an instant, he looked thoughtful before slightly shaking his head. "They haven't said much about what the problem is in here and I think that I'll hold off on telling you even as little as they have. They'll explain it to you when you get there."
"Hold on!" Sirius exclaimed. "The Australasian Dragon Preserve? That's what? On the other side of the world?"
"In Australia, yes," Alexander replied. "Ordinarily, I wouldn't be sending you along this early in your training, Lad, but when it comes to you and dragons, nothing is 'ordinary'. Harry, you can talk to the dragons and they're teaching you just as much as you're learning from the rest of us. Add in the fact that Australia is an English-speaking country, so language won't be a problem, and I'm happy to send you along."
Harry sat back in his chair, completely flabbergasted. Australia? Until a couple of weeks ago, he hadn't even been out of the United Kingdom! Now he was being sent to the other side of the world! At least he'd get to meet some more dragons …
His mind shut down for an instant and when it rebooted, he had a massive grin on his face. He'd be meeting more dragons! Maybe even a different breed from the ones here in Romania. He'd get to talk to them and see how they lived and learn about them …
His mind was spinning so fast, that he almost missed what Alexander was saying.
"Both of you will be going with Harry. Harry's your Apprentice, Charlie and this'll be a learning experience for you as well. Learn everything that you can and bring it back to teach the rest of us. It'll be experiences like this that'll get you your Beast Mastery Certificate in a year, if not less. Sirius, I know that you'll be wanting to go with Harry; Remus, too, I'm guessing. That's all being arranged. I'll have your portkey ready to go in two hours."
"Two hours!" Harry blurted. "That's not enough time!"
Alexander's steely gaze landing on him had Harry swallowing.
"I … I mean, I have to tell Daphne – Daphne! She hasn't been here all that long and now I have to say goodbye?" Once again Harry swallowed, dreading that conversation. "And I'll need to tell Newt as well. And then Ramaranth and the rest of the dragons! Believe me, that alone is going to take way more than two hours!"
Alexander stared at him, seemingly weighing his words before nodding.
"You're probably right there, Lad, especially when it comes to those dragons. I do not want a mob of angry dragons swooping up out of that canyon at us trying to find you. How's eight hours?"
Considering all the conversations that he knew he had to have, Harry wasn't sure if eighteen hours would be enough. Still, he'd take what he could get.
"It should do," he replied.
Now, all he needed to do was decide which conversation to have first!
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2:30pm
Monday, 8 August 1995
Romanian Dragon Reserve, Romania
.
Of the three, there was really only one choice; of that, Harry was certain.
One particular talk might leave him even more excited than he would be when he started the conversation.
Another might have him being growled at or flamed or dropped from a thousand feet up with no wings or broom to catch him.
The last option was Daphne. Harry shuddered at what she might do to him when he told her that he was leaving. Or worse, what she'd do to him if he told her last.
His steps faltered. Maybe telling the dragons first might be the safer option?
With a shake of his head, Harry resumed walking. He still had no idea what House he would have been Sorted into if Dumbledore had gotten his way and this situation was no help whatsoever. Was he simply being brave like the Gryffindors or was it self-preservation that he was exhibiting, a decidedly Slytherin trait? Perhaps he was simply being as smart as a Ravenclaw or being loyal to the girl he … had … strong … feelings … for?
Whatever the reason or motivation, this was still the best thing to do.
As he stepped up to the cabin at the base of the mountain below where the Reserve was, he raised his hand and knocked, a lot more confidently than he felt.
Almost as though someone had been standing directly on the other side of the door, it was instantly yanked open and Harry came face to face with a younger version of his girlfriend.
"Hi, Astoria!" he said.
"Hiya, Harry!" she beamed, almost bouncing on her toes. "Are you here to see Daphne?"
"Please," he said in a strained voice.
"Oh, Daphne! Harry's here to see you!" Astoria yelled in a sing-song voice, a massive grin on her face.
Unfortunately, the person who next appeared in the doorway wasn't Daphne.
"Mister Potter," Cyrus Greengrass greeted.
"Excuse me, Daddy," Daphne said, pushing her way through the crowded doorway. The frown on her face aimed at her father and sister morphed into a wide smile at the sight of Harry standing there. "Come on, Harry, let's go for a walk."
Harry barely managed a nod to Mister Greengrass and a slight smile to Astoria before he felt his hand being grabbed and he was led away at rather a rapid pace.
Before long, they'd rounded the corner to take them out of view of the cabin and Daphne slowed her near run to a gentle amble.
"Sorry about that, Harry," she said, glancing at him. "You've no idea how annoying having a sister can be at times."
"Why? What's Astoria been doing?" he asked.
"It's not so much what she's been doing, it's more what she's been saying," Daphne replied. "And no, before you ask, I'm not going to tell you."
Harry looked at her askance. She'd just really piqued his curiosity but if there was one thing Harry knew about her, it was about how stubborn she could be. Reluctantly, he decided to drop it.
"You surprised me today, Harry," Daphne said, clearly changing the topic. "I thought you were working down in the canyon today and that I wouldn't get to see you until dinner?"
"Yeah, I was supposed to be," Harry replied, running a hand through his hair. "I got called in to see Alexander and it's …"
Harry trailed off, unsure how to continue.
Beside him, Daphne stopped, her hand giving a sharp tug on his that forcing him to spin about even as he went to take that extra step. He came to a stop facing her. Her eyes, so brilliantly blue bored into his and he was sure that she was trying to read his very thoughts out of his expression.
"Harry? What's wrong? Why were you called in to see Alexander?" she asked.
Harry sighed. There was no getting around this, as much as he wanted to.
"I'm being sent away. To another Reserve in another country," he rushed, so fast that even he could barely understand the words coming out of his own mouth.
He watched the frown on her face as she obviously replayed his words. He knew the instant that she understood – her eyes narrowed and her lips grew thin.
"Repeat that!" she snapped. "This time, slower and with more information!"
"I'm being sent to the Australian Dragon Preserve," he said quietly, his eyes dropping to look anywhere but at his girlfriend's eyes. "Apparently there's some problem there and they've requested that I go help."
"They can do that?" she asked.
"Yeah. It's part of my contract that I visit every Reserve; they all signed it," Harry replied, his eyes darting back up to meet hers. He hated seeing the sad look in her eyes but there wasn't much he could do about it. "Alexander said that I wasn't supposed to start moving about between the Reserves for a while yet but this is exceptional circumstances."
"And the fact that it's an English-speaking one doesn't hurt either," Daphne stated.
"Right," Harry agreed. "I'm so sorry, Daph. I know you and your family came here especially to see me and you haven't been here all that long and now, with us just beginning to explore an actual us is, the timing couldn't be worse. If I could change it, I would …"
Daphne's finger came up to rest against his lips, stopping him mid-sentence.
"It's okay, Harry, I get it," she said before frowning. "Well, no, it's not okay, but I understand. It's completely out of your control. When do you leave?"
"Late tonight," Harry replied. "The time difference, you know? And I don't know how long I'll be gone for. Could be days, could be weeks."
"But either way, we'll be back in England before you get back," Daphne sighed before straightening. "Well, I guess we'll just have to make the most of this afternoon then."
Harry smiled as he stepped forward and let his hands land on her hips before sliding around towards her back. He kept his eyes fixed on hers even as he brought his lips to hers in a long, lingering kiss that resulted in both of their eyes drifting closed.
When finally they parted, Harry let his forehead rest on hers.
"Well, Miss Greengrass, any thoughts on what you'd like to do for the rest of the day?"
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4:15pm
Monday, 8 August 1995
Romanian Dragon Reserve, Romania
.
§Why have you brought an outsider here, Speaker§?
While Memzath's question was asked in what could be thought of as a light tone for a dragon, Harry could hear the undertone of warning in the Weyr Leader's voice.
§Memzath, this is Daphne, my girlfriend§, Harry replied, looking down at their linked hands even as he tugged her closer from where she lingered behind him. §I wanted to introduce you to her before I left§.
§Left, Speaker§? Memzath asked, his long neck swinging around and angling downwards so that his great head was all but resting on the ground, his eye as close to Harry's as possible.
§Yes, Weyr Leader§, Harry replied. §I have been told that there are dragons in Australia that are in trouble. I'm being sent there to help them§.
Memzath eyed him for nearly a minute before his head unexpectedly rose, forcing Harry's head to tilt right back.
§Which dragons live in this Weyr that you are going to§? Memzath asked.
§Antipodean Opaleyes§, Harry replied. §I've never met any dragons like them before§.
§No, there are none of their kind here in our Weyr§, Memzath stated. §If these dragons are suffering, then it is only right that you go to them, Speaker, and Speak for them§.
Harry nodded. He honestly didn't know what the problem was and doubted that they were suffering but the sentiment sounded right.
§The thing is, I'm not sure how long I'll be gone§, Harry told the Weyr Leader, §but I will be coming back. This is my home Weyr and even when I visit the other Weyrs, I will always come back§.
§It is right that you go, Speaker. You bear our Mark and will be recognised by all dragons, even the hidden ones and our silent cousins§.
That wasn't the first time that Harry'd heard mention of the 'hidden ones' or the 'silent cousins'. But exactly who or what they were or where they were was still a mystery to him. Every time that he'd questioned Memzath or Ramaranth or one of the other dragons about it, all he'd be told was that he wasn't 'ready' yet. Whatever that meant.
§As you say, Memzath§, Harry replied in lieu of questioning.
§Go, Speaker. See to the dragons of this far Weyr§, Memzath said before his great head dipped once more, only this time for the great eye to settle on Daphne.
Harry felt her pressing up tight behind him, a small whimper escaping her and he reached around and gave her as reassuring a squeeze as possible.
"Harry?" she whispered, fear clear in her voice.
"It's okay," he replied. "Memzath is just looking at you, he'd never hurt you."
§Worry not for your mate, Speaker§, the Weyr Leader stated and continued right over the top of Harry's protest at Daphne's designation. §She is known now and will be watched over while she is here§.
"Harry?" Daphne asked.
"It's okay," he repeated. "Memzath is just saying that you're welcome here."
There was absolutely no way that Harry would ever tell her exactly what Memzath had said. Mate? Really? He guessed it was a cultural thing, girlfriend being a foreign concept to dragons. The two of them had enough cultural differences to work out between them without adding a third culture into the mix. Especially when one of them wasn't even human!
§Thank you, Memzath. Until soon§. Harry said, giving the great dragon a bow before turning and with one arm around Daphne, heading for the exit to the Chamber.
There was still a little time left before dinner and then when he set to leave and he intended on spending every second of that time with his girlfriend.