THE STORY SHALL CONTINUE LET'S GO!
TQ out!
A Talk
"You are never gonna let me live that down, are you?"
"Oh, no. Never. In fact, I might make a video."
"Oh, fuck you, lady."
"No, seriously, though. You should have seen your face. It was hilarious!"
"You're just jealous that I survived my first flight."
"Not jealous. Proud, kleiner."
"Whatever, man."
I was lying on the floor of the dragon enclosure. The sun was high in the sky, the birds were singing, and there were absolutely no clouds in sight.
She sat down next to me. "Seriously. It isn't many people that decide to stay after the first ride. It takes balls. Definitely a Gryffindor."
"Well, thank you."
"I mean, you have to have guts to want to fly on a dragon, of all things. It takes a special kind of crazy."
"I guess."
"Well, I'm impressed. It took me three months to work up the courage. And that's a long time, mind you. For a dragon handler, at least."
"Oh."
"So, yeah, you've definitely got guts."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Thank your grandfather."
I sobered up at the mention of him. "What? Why?"
"Well, you're not stupid. It takes a special kind of stupid to think that this is a good idea."
"Well, I mean, I am a Gryffindor. Stupid is kinda part of the package."
"And a smart-arse too, it seems."
"I learned from the best."
"Ha! Yeah, you're definitely a Gryffindor. You have balls of steel. It's gonna serve you well in the future."
"I hope so."
"Anyway, I think it's time for us to have a little talk."
"About what?"
"About who I am and why I'm here."
"Why, exactly, are you here, then?"
"I'm here because I was asked to be."
"By whom?"
"Charlie Weasley. He as contacted by Professor Tern in your fourth year." She began.
"Yeah, I remember. So why was he contacted?"
"Professor Tern told him that you're a natural at CoMC."
"But I thought it wasn't offered anymore."
"It isn't, but Charlie made an exception for you."
"How did he find out?"
"Tern sent him an owl. Anyways. Being a natural at Care of Magical Creatures is one thing. But then wanting to handle Dragons is something else entirely. You know how you were fast tracked for the OWL for CoMC in your fourth year?"
"Yeah, so?"
"Charlie's course is similar, except for the fact that it will not only give you the qualification for the NEWTs, but also for the professional qualifications. The course will also ensure that you will graduate with all your OWLs and NEWTs done."
"I... what?"
"It's not a secret, boy. I'm surprised Tern didn't tell you."
"Well, she did, but it kinda... didn't sink in."
"Hogwarts has a Dragon Handling program thanks to Charlie Weasley. We need more like him. It's why he initiated this program with Headmistress McGonagall to begin with. Dragon Handling is a dangerous occupation not to be taken lightly. We will teach you everything your seventh year course would and then some."
"But... how will I get my NEWTs done?"
"We have an agreement with Hogwarts. Your NEWT exams will be taken by proxy."
"Well that's convenient."
"Oh, ja! And you don't even need to take your practical exams. If you can handle yourself around a dragon, that's practical enough." She pointed out.
"So, what about the other students? They won't think it's weird that I'm gone, right?"
"Nein. We will say that you are doing your seventh year with the program and that you have been excused. Besides you're not the only student." She pointed out. "I have three other apprentices. Flávio Castilho from Castelobruxo, Alexei Pozharin of Koldovstoretz and Daniella Nimuel C. Luna of Maharlika Institute of Arcane arts." The last one was a new institute from the Philippines. Clearly, there was a growing magical populations and Mahoutokoro wasn't the only Asian Magical School.
"And why did they join?"
"Flávio is a dragon lover. He joined because he wants to get up close and personal with the big creatures. He has no desire to ride one, but he loves them all the same. His family's worked with Peruvian Vipertooth Dragons for centuries. His grandfather is one of the few dragon breeders that still work with the Vipertooth dragons. He's one of the reasons that they're not endangered anymore."
"Wow."
"Yes, indeed. Alexei and Daniella were both selected by Charlie. Both are very exceptionally smart. I've already met with them and they are eager to train and learn with you. Alexei is very keen on working with the Hungarian Horntail and the Ukrainian Ironbelly and wants to specialize in dragon health, specifically the effects of Dragon venom on human and magical physiology. His mother is a doctor in St. Seraphim's Magical Hospital in St. Petersburg and his father is a researcher for the Russian Ministry."
"And the other girl?"
"Daniella? She's a witch with a keen eye. Very talented. I've only spoken with her via letters, but she seems very interested in dragon riding. Charlie tells me she's a natural."
"That's... a lot of information."
"Yes, but now you have to decide. Are you going to stay?"
"Of course. This is my dream."
"Good. Because we need to get you into shape. Dragon Handlers are in the field a lot, and we need to make sure you're in top form. So, are you ready?"
"For what?"
"Training, kleiner." There was that feral grin again. Oh boy. This was going to suck.