Charlie groaned softly, a little restless in his sleep this night. If only it had been any other night, but he was exhausted after the long day of waiting for little Callista to join them. Admittedly, she was one of the most beautiful newborns he had ever seen and Draco had apparently taken to her immediately. It will be difficult trying to get him around to the Welsh reserve, but perhaps he could arrange for the blond to go and visit her. That is if she liked him. She still had to wake up tonight, as he was glad she was getting her rest as well.

Her was just about to turn on his hip when he felt a small weight and tickling on his chest, and Draco's soft hand on his shoulder. Draco was most likely curling into him again like last night, so he raised his hand with the intent to wound it around the young man and roll them slightly to the side to get more comfortable. Instead of a silver halo of silky hair, the long-fingered hand rose from his shoulder to capture his own and put it back down by his side.

"Charlie...Charlie wake up, but don't move...Charlie..." whispered words sounded in his ear and a soft puff of warm breath tickled his lobe. He grumbled a little but blinked his eyes open slowly, getting used to the slight darkness in the room. The moon was close to fullness and shining brightly into the room, so he could see what had most likely awakened him initially. Sitting on top of his chest and trilling softly was Callista, looking at him almost curiously. Once she noticed he was awake, she lowered her head and nuzzled his jaw in recognition with a cute little purr of content. This was the human that held her first. He was pretty and warm, she liked him.

Charlie chuckled and rubbed the soft scales on top of her head gently. "I guess you are not asleep after all. Were you lonely in the crib, little girl?" he asked in a soothing tone, his throat slightly dry from sleep so the sound rumbled in his chest a bit more. She looked at him curiously and placed her head on his chest to listen to the rumble, before repeating the sound, coughing out the smallest of fire streams up in the air above them.

Charlie chuckled and gently petted her. "There there, you will get the hang of it little one, I promise. Have you met Draco? He is a dragon as well, but a different kind." he cooed gently and looked at the blond beside him.

Draco was sitting back on his heels by his side, watching the little one a little worriedly, as she had yet to acknowledge his presence, but still slightly in awe at how pretty she was. And the sight of a baby dragon cuddling into Charlie was quite memorable in itself.

Callista turned her head to look at the other human in the room. She did not see him after she left her warm cocoon for the cold world. There were many humans, some smelled bad. But she only liked this human, he was warmest and smelled nicest. And he did pet her scales nicely, so he was her human now. The other human was pretty too, and he smelled nice. She sat up higher upon Charlie's chest and smelled the air a bit more. Her human smelled of the other one. The other one must be her human's mate!

She trilled happily and flapped her young wings, trying to get to the blond to meet him as well. She was too young however and struggling. "Oh hold on, here, let me get you.." Draco reached towards her and gently picked her up into the cradle of his arms. "Hello, I am Draco. And you are so beautiful." he said with a bright smile, tickling her belly. She purred happily, nuzzling into his collarbone. "Oh you like that munchkin?" he cooed, petting and tickling her, making her one happy little newborn.

Her human's mate smelled nice as well. And she loved the way he held her, so she will keep her human's mate as well. The little princess yawned widely, showing a row of already sharp teeth and let out a tired little trill.

"Come, little princess. Let's get you into your crib." Charlie took her gently from the blond and moved to the head of the bed, which was right next to the crib for closeness to the newborn. He tried to put her down but she let out a small unhappy whiny noise and dug her claws into his skin once more. Charlie winced slightly. "Alright, shhhhh. No crib, you can stay with the warm humans, just let go precious.." he cooed and gently puller her claws from his skin. She let out another trill and jumped from his arms, waddling over to the middle of the bed and sat waiting.

"Women and their claws..." Charlie muttered to himself as he summoned a tissue to wipe off the blood from his torso, where Callista managed to really break through the skin.

"Here.." Draco said softly and pushed Charlie's hand away, his long fingers covered in a cool paste, swiftly but gently rubbing the ointment into the skin. "Good as new. Now can we go back to sleep?" he asked, trying to cover his mouth quickly when a yawn overcame him.

For the first time Charlie noticed the blond's dishevelled hair and tired circles beneath his eyes, and honestly he himself was ready to drop. "Do lets." he agreed and they lied down both sides of the newborn, who curled up contently between her human and his mate. Much better than the lonely crib...

The next couple of days proved interesting for the two, as they were looking after little Callista. She was becoming livelier with each day, finally rested after the long hours of trying to break the shells of her egg. And so both Charlie and Draco only left the room in order to have their meals with everyone else, before getting back to the little princess. There were times when Callista would sleep and they did as well, or simply read to rest their bodies and minds. But mostly they spoiled her with affection, as every newborn should be, and talked.

Draco was sure he had never revealed so much about himself to someone in such a short time. But Callista was so precious, and Charlie appeared to really listen to his words and cared about what he was saying. They did not speak of the war, the topic still too raw for the blond, and Charlie respected that. But Draco spoke of his childhood, dreams, and confusion over his own future.

Charlie listened carefully, figuring out the drawling sarcasm was a simple defence mechanism, when Draco was not comfortable with a topic or a situation. Or when he did not know what to expect from those around him, and himself. That Charlie understood, and it took them very little time to form a friendly symbiosis, as the redhead now had both Draco AND little Callista seeking his warm chest and belly at night. He was wondering at the power of such a little creature. Children often had a way of bringing people together, and it appeared baby dragons did as well. Little Callista had a way of softening his own roguishness, and cracking Draco's facade so completely it was staggering.

Charlie himself spoke about the reserve in Romania that he had grown to love. It used to be his second home, and in a part of his heart, it always will be. But it was time to come back it appeared. "I will tell you a secret, and then I have a proposition for you." he said the night before he would go to the reserve in Wales.

Draco raised an eyebrow inquiringly, rubbing the last of the hibiscus cream into his hands. "Go on." he said, seating himself across from Charlie on the bed. Callista was resting in the redhead's strong arms, contently puffing clouds of warm steam onto his neck. He smiled at the precious little girl fondly before turning his full attention to the redhead.

Charlie smiled and leaned back further into the pillows. "I have not told anyone, because I did not find out until this morning. But...I have applied for a transfer from Romania to Wales. They need a Senior handler, and it will be much closer to home. So I will get a chance to look after Callista myself as well."

Draco smiled, the simple expression of happiness coming much easier to his face these days, especially around Charlie and the little girl. "That is great news, I am sure your mum will be very happy to hear that. But are you sure? You have spoken of the Romanian reserve so reverently. Are you going to be happy in Wales?" he asked, surprising Charlie with the concern shining in the soft grey eyes.

The redhead smiled reassuringly. "I believe it will be difficult at times, but I have Callista to always cheer me up. Which brings me to the proposition for you."

Draco grinned cheekily. "My my, haven't even taken me out for a dinner and already propositioning me. You move fast, Weasley." his drawling tone was however lacking any real insult, only teasing.

Charlie did not hesitate in responding. "Why would I move slowly, when you are such a good friend with all the Weasleys these days? I bet you will be even delighted at being seen with us in public." he winked, watching Draco's cheeks colour for a moment before he was back to his snarky self.

"Lies! All lies, you hear me!" Draco sighed dramatically before grinning. "Now, tell me about this...'proposition'. And it better involve either Callista or some pistachio ice cream. I have a craving." he shrugged.

Charlie chuckled, enjoying the flying banter between them as he watched Draco finish off his nightly rituals by brushing through his hair with an ornate bone comb. "Well, you say that you don't know what you want to do. How about you come to the reserve with me, and see if you could apprentice with the medic? You love potions, and your touch is gentle, which I am sure all your patients will appreciate. Both human and dragon." he suggested with a grin. "And of course, you could be around Callista and other newborns. I think the hatchery would be a good place for you."

Charlie noticed Draco's momentary frown, as he had teased the blond for the past two days about being a mother hen. He secretly suspected that his sleeping companion was really just a softie, with a love for sugar, spice and everything nice. Only hidden behind the attitude and pureblood upbringing. All he needed was an opportunity to be himself. But pssst, that was a secret at least for now, so instead Charlie only teased the blond lightly. But this time, his intention was true.

"Don't give me that look. I really think you would be good with the newborns. Perhaps working with dragons is something you have always wanted, but only dared to dream about them when you knew something else was expected of you." he said softly, not regretting his words in the slightest, even when he saw a slight shutter go down in the blond's eyes. He had definitely hit a sensitive topic, but if it made the blond find his centre in the long run, it was worth it.

The blond did not reply, only putting the comb down and taking Callista from Charlie's chest into the cradle of his own arms. "Good night." he said, turning on his side, away from the dragon handler.

Charlie sighed. It was not his intention to hurt the blond, but it seemed Draco was hurt nonetheless. "Draco-"

"Good night Charlie." the blond interrupted him, not willing to hear anymore that night.

Charlie turned out the lights and lied on his back, leaving his chest open just in case. "Good night, to you both." he finally said softly and closed his eyes, managing a few hours of uneasy rest.

Charlie stirred when something tickled his ribs and slowly opened his eyes to see Callista climbing her way on top of his chest. Draco was still sleeping, this time curled on his side towards Charlie, but still some distance away. It was the first night of them all that he did not end up curled into Charlie's chest. The light was still scarce and the redhead gently rubbed the little girl's back to soothe her into sleep, watching her dark bottomless eyes close slowly. Checking once more that his sleeping companion was well and sleeping, he joined the two in slumber once more.

The next time he was awakened, the sun was already large and bright above the horizon and Callista was beginning to squirm in his hold. He tickled her side gently and let her lick his chin before putting her down beside him and stretching the length of his body. After hearing a few satisfying pops of the joints, he rolled to the side to play with the affectionate princess a bit more. He paused however when he noticed Draco awake, still on his side, but wide awake, just watching him.

A silent moment passed between them as they just looked at each other, both their gazes steady and unreadable before Callista suddenly sneezed, a little fiery ball making their gaze break. Charlie chuckled and rubbed her belly soothingly, listening to her content trilling once more and contemplating apologising for his words last night. Sometimes, no matter how important it was to hear the truth, people were not ready to hear it or receive it, and Draco should have a chance to take his time.

"I'm sorry..." the soft words left Draco's lips a moment later, as he watched the redhead smile tenderly at the little princess. He had admittedly over-reacted, and it might not be a habit for him to actually apologise, but Charlie was worth it. And their friendship as well, as it was the first real one that he had in his life.

When he noticed Charlie's surprised look and intent to speak, he just smiled and beat him to it. "And I would love to work at the reserve, to be near little Callie and other little ones. So, if your proposition still stands, I would like to go there with you today." he said, some of the tension in his shoulders leaving with the words as they fell from his lips.

Charlie decided to just end the topic there, so they could enjoy their day and the new opportunity for Draco. "Of course it still stands. Come, let's get ready to brave the world again." he smiled encouragingly.

The Welsh reserve was absolutely beautiful. Set deep within the Snowdonia mountains at the North of the country, away from all the major populated areas, and perfect for giving dragons more freedom. Vast planes of the national park, high peaks of the mountains and crisp lakes to dip into when the playful mood strikes them. Charlie closed his eyes a moment and breathed in the nature. It had always soothed his soul somehow.

Callista trilled happily as she looked around herself curiously, sniffing the fresh air, heated specially for the dragons within the reserve. Draco smiled and rubbed her little snout. "You like it here munchkin? Of course you do, it is very much beautiful, just like you are.." he cooed gently and held her safely in his arms, not sure whether it was yet safe to let her roam.

"Well I never! Charlie Bloody Weasley!" came a feminine voice from behind them and Charlie just about turned around, in time to catch the petite form that had decided to tackle him.

After spitting out the mass of curly chestnut hair, he looked down and laughed. "Jade Sommers, we meet again. You look good! Have you worked here long?" he asked, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"The past few months after leaving Bulgaria. It has been a pleasant change. And they have very good conditions for the dragons here! Not for the little ones tho, which is why we need you. You still work with the handlers and medics?" she asked.

Draco held Callista close to his chest, petting her scales gently and observing quietly while the two caught up. This Jade character was acting quite close with Charlie. As far as he knew, the redhead's previous lovers were male, he had after all admitted that to the blond after he had inquired, so that was not it. But there was something about her that just made him kind of...protective over Charlie. There was just something...

"I'm sorry, this is Draco Malfoy, a friend of mine and hopefully another member of the new team." Charlie smiled kindly at Draco, and the blond returned the smile, politely extending is hand towards the woman in front of him. "Hi."

She shook his hand, observing him a moment before nodding. "Hello Draco Malfoy. And this must be the newborn?" she asked, reaching her hand towards Callista slowly, offering her scent.

Callista sniffed her a moment before looking at the woman and sneezing a little fire ball her way, barely missing her abundant curls. "Callie!" Charlie rubbed her head gently. "There princess, Jade is a friend. You will always be our little princess, you are not being replaced.." he cooed gently until Callie started trilling contently again, nuzzling both into her human and her human's mate.

She did not like female friend of her human. Her smell was not nice, and she did not feel right. Callista tried to communicate so by sneezing at her, keeping her away from her human and his mate, but her human seemed to know the female and she did not like it. Not one bit...

Jade shook her head and looked her hair over for any damage, before tying it back swiftly with a hair tie. "Okay, better keep this out of the way around that little menace." she said with a grin, but Callie growled at her slightly, not liking her tone. "Come, I'll show you the way to the director."

Charlie smiled and they begun on their way. Draco was gently petting Callie in his arms, contemplating her reaction to this Jade person. It seemed they were in agreement, there was something about the brunette that did not sit well with either of them. 'Hush my little Callie, I will watch over Charlie. I won't let anything happen to him..' he thought silent, hoping all would be well.