A Safe Harbor

Chapter 2

After resting for some time, Charlie made love to Hermione several more times before the morning light peeked through the window alerting them to its arrival. As the new couple snuggled together in sated bliss, Charlie thought over the day before. He had been shocked to see Hermione appear in the paddock and saddened to see her in such a state. He knew she was doing better with the attacks but when someone like his idiot brother pulled a stunt like he had, then Charlie knew it was no wonder she had reacted the way she had.

His witch had been through so much and one would think her "best friend" would know not to do something so heartless and foolish as to startle her so brazenly. However, the more Charlie thought about it, the more he realized she hadn't told anyone about her panic attacks. He pulled her closer to his chest and tightened his hold, relishing the sigh she gave. She was such a strong witch; it amazed him and blew him away. All she had been through, and he didn't know all of it, would make most crumble. And yet she was able to go about her life with a wonderful outlook.

Charlie wondered how much he had yet to learn about the fiery beauty in his arms. How much had she gone through that he had yet to find out? He thought of what Merksha had told him, he might need to give her a little push so she could continue to heal and put these attacks behind her for good or at least to where she would no longer be incapacitated by them. He hoped he could convince her to stay with him so he could be there for her for each and every one. He knew, from last night's dinner, that she would fit in just fine, that the Sanctuary would be better off with her. She was brilliant and had learned the hard way how to think outside of the box.

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Hermione lay in Charlie's arms with a contented smile. It had been a busy day yesterday; not only had she helped Molly around the Burrow but she had apparated all the way to Romania when Ronald had scared the ever loving shite out of her. She couldn't complain though, not really, since Charlie had reciprocated her interests. Never in her wildest, okay, maybe her wildest, but with every other dream had she thought she had a chance with the handsome dragon handler.

He was so much more than most people gave him credit for. He cared so deeply that it took her breath away. The first time she had had a major panic attack and Charlie was there, he managed to sooth her when no one else could. Then he had treated her no differently when others had after much milder attacks, walking on egg shells around her; it drove her nuts. Not many knew of the attacks, she didn't think she could handle everyone treating her like china. Charlie hadn't done that, instead, he had continued on as if nothing had happened and she had been so relieved.

Then he managed to help her each time after that, with the severe attacks anyway. The sound of his heartbeat had become one of the things she focused on remembering when the smaller and less severe attacks happened and it would calm her the quickest. She'd have to ask him how he knew to do that at some point. The few others who knew would try to get her to control her breathing, which worked, most times, but Charlie's heartbeat worked every time.

The feel of his arms around her would finish what listening to his heart had started. It amazed her how well such simple measures worked. She didn't think anyone else would have the same effect. Well, maybe the twins but they had their own lives and home so she didn't see them as much and she never let on just how bad the attacks could be or they probably would have "chained" her to their sides.

While thinking all this, Hermione felt Charlie's arms tighten just a bit around her and wondered what he was thinking but she was too comfortable to really do much else than lay in her wizard's arms. Another hour later and Hermione could no longer lie around, her bladder was being quite insistent that she empty it. It still took a few moments for her to maneuver out from Charlie's embrace. Once standing, Hermione looked down at her lover and smiled gently. He looked so peaceful with a slight smile gracing his features. After a few moments, she made her way to the bathroom. Once her bladder was happy again, Hermione decided to shower before starting some breakfast for them.

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Hermione was so focused on her task, she didn't hear Charlie walk up behind her until she felt his arms circle her waist and pull her back against his solid chest.

"Morning, love." Charlie murmured.

"Morning. Hungry?" Hermione answered softly.

"Famished." Charlie answered as he tightened his hold before releasing her.

As Hermione floated the food to the table, Charlie pulled a chair out for her. After fixing a plate for themselves, conversation flowed easily. Once eating was done and the table and kitchen cleaned, Hermione floated a tray to the coffee table so they could enjoy some tea.

"Have you thought more about working here?" Charlie asked.

"Not really...I've been a bit...busy." came her reply with a smirk.

Charlie smirked as he gave her a heated look but chose to continue his questions.

"Does it appeal to you?"

Hermione gave him a thoughtful look as she contemplated her answer. "I think, yeah, I think I might like it." she finally answered.

Charlie smiled genuinely at her answer. He had hoped she would consider it but hadn't expected such an answer so soon.

"I really enjoyed talking with Adam and those gathered last night." she added.

"It seemed so. You do know that if Ken gets even a whiff of you seriously thinking about working here, he'll pull out all the stops to make it so." Charlie chuckled.

"You're serious?" Hermione asked, surprised.

"I am. He really would like for you to work here and not because of who you are but because everyone knows your thirst for knowledge and your drive to do the best you can at whatever you decide to do." Charlie replied.

"In that case, I'll have to speak to Ken but...not for a few days yet." Hermione smiled as she snuggled into Charlie's side.

"Sounds good to me." Charlie wrapped his arms around his witch and rested his chin on her head with a small smile.

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Ken Dunkin was sitting in his office doing paperwork when he was interrupted by a knock.

"Enter"

"Is this a bad time?" Hermione asked as she stepped through.

"Not at all. What can I do for you Miss Granger?" Ken asked as he finished up the report he was working on.

"I was hoping you'd have time to talk about that possible job offer." Hermione stated as she sat in the chair Ken pointed to.

"Really? Wonderful!" Ken enthused. He hadn't been sure if the sanctuary would be able to lure someone like Hermione Granger in but it seemed he had underestimated her unhappiness in Britain or the lure of a certain dragon handler.

For the next several hours, Ken did exactly what Charlie had said, pulled out all the stops to make sure he had an offer Hermione couldn't refuse. By the time Hermione left Ken's office, she couldn't hide the huge smile on her face.

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"So, how'd it go?" Charlie asked as he took in Hermione's awesome mood and wide smile.

"You weren't kidding, were you?" Hermione asked with a laugh.

"So he pulled all the stops out and you couldn't say no." Charlie guessed.

"Yes! I can't believe what he offered me!" Hermione gushed.

"Well, you're worth it." Charlie stated after she shared what Ken had offered her.

"I hope so." Hermione said.

"Hey, since you'll be staying here, have you thought of asking the healers if they know a way to help with your scar?" Charlie figured it was as good a time as any.

"No, I haven't, you think they may have a way to heal it?" Hermione stared at her covered arm.

"Possible. They have to take care of our sorry arses after all." Charlie grinned.

"True but dragons don't use dark magic." Hermione pointed out.

"No, they don't but their magic is powerful." Charlie told her.

"Hmm, maybe, guess I'll find out soon." Hermione said.

"Yeah? Did you take the weekend off?" Charlie prompted.

"I did and you have it off as well." Hermione grinned.

"Do I now?" Charlie allowed his expression to turn heated.

"You do, hope you don't mind." Hermione replied breathlessly.

"Not at all. Whatever shall we do to occupy our time?" his voice lowered.

"I'm sure we'll think of something." Hermione chuckled as she pulled him towards their abode.

No one saw the new couple until Monday morning at breakfast where quite a few Cheshire grins and catcalls greeted them. Charlie just smirked at the rowdy group as Hermione buried her head in his shoulder.

"So Ken wasn't just building our hopes up then, you've decided to join us here." Adam asked what everyone wanted to know.

"He wasn't, I have decided to work here helping with research." Hermione beamed.

"Did Ken show you our library?" a healer asked.

"He did! It definitely tipped the scales." Hermione laughed as everyone else chuckled, knowing her reputation as a bookworm and know-it-all.

"What will you be working on first?" a voice down the table asked.

"Well, I was hoping to help the healers better heal the burns you all get." Hermione shared. "Also, I'm hoping I can find a way to heal a wound I have that was cast with dark magic."

"What scar?" the healer next to her wanted to know.

"This one." Hermione answered as she rolled her sleeve up. The gasps and disgruntled sounds coming for those at the table made her feel good and Charlie puffed up his chest a bit. His work family was offended for her and he couldn't be prouder of them.

"Who in the bloody hell gave you that?" another handler demanded.

"Bellatrix Lestrange." Hermione informed.

"Good thing she's dead, we'd have to lynch the bitch otherwise." Was said to her right with several agreeing.

"I appreciate the thought, thank you." Hermione smiled gently. It would seem she was already considered a part of the group even though it was her first day.

"You'll learn we tend to watch out for everyone here." Ken stated as he sat across from Hermione.

"I noticed." Hermione smiled.

The healer next to her still had her arm and was scrutinizing the wound.

"Bellatrix Lestrange, huh? Cursed knife?" when Hermione nodded the healer continued. "You might find what you're looking for in our library although I do have a few salves I'd like to try."

"I'm willing to try just about anything to be rid of it or at least have it fade a bit." Hermione couldn't hide her excitement of possibly healing the awful word.

"Does it still bother you?" the healer, Ashley she was told, wanted to know.

"Sometimes, yeah." Hermione answered.

"When emotions are high?" Ashley questioned.

"Yeah, how'd you know?" Hermione was amazed.

"Because you're a good person and dark magic, especially curses, don't like good people." Ashley answered.

Breakfast finished and everyone went their own directions while Hermione made a beeline to the library. As soon as she started scanning titles, she knew there was a lot of knowledge offered no where else, well, that she knew of anyway. Just before lunch, Ashley found her and pulled her to the medical wing. She tried the salves she had and two did nothing but the third one at least felt comforting. When asked what all went into the salve, Hermione found it ironic that the saliva from a Chinese Fireball was a key ingredient.

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Over the next several months, Hermione tried variations of the salve Ashley had used until she made one that actually made a difference. She had gone back to the basic balm and added the saliva, given freely by Sienna which boosted the effects, and added a crushed scale from Merksha, also given freely. When added at the proper times and stirred extensively, the balm managed to heal her scar after five daily applications. Then the normal healing salve finished the process. Finally, after years of having mudblood carved into her skin, it looked like an old wound, healed and faded.

Ken Dunkin immediately had Hermione give him her notes so he could register the balm for her. The sanctuary would get it free since she discovered it there but everyone else, and there were plenty, paid premium price for it. When it got out that Hermione Granger had created the balm, no one questioned its authenticity or effectiveness.

Hermione also spent time each day visiting with Merksha and Sienna. She had grown to care for the large beasts and enjoyed joining Charlie when he would tend to them. The dragons would have her climb up their sides and rub oil into their scales because she would always hum as she did so. Sienna had learned from Merksha in passing that their 'Champion' added her magic when she hummed without realizing it.

It was why no one ever knew where to find Hermione during working hours. She could be in a paddock, the medical wing, the library or in the potions lab. A few of the workers who knew of the muggle world put a spin on 'Where's Waldo?" to "Where's Hermione?" and there would be a gag prize for whoever found her without using magic. Hermione was a good spirit about it, knowing full well that she flitted about.

It was one afternoon like many others when Hermione found herself in trouble. It wasn't that she was walking that close to the Horntail's enclosure but they were huge. She looked over in time to see one charging in her direction. Remembering what every dragon handler had told her, Hermione looked for a place to shield herself in case fire came her way or the wards failed. It was a rare occurrence but it did happen. She threw up a shield as she frantically looked but was preparing to meet her doom when she got an eyeful of scaled feet.

"Run Champion, I will deal with this one." Merksha spoke to her and Hermione gave a quick nod as she tore off towards the bunker a hundred yards away.

When she was safely in the bunker with the door closed and the alarm activated she watched as Merksha fought the rampaging dragon. As various handlers, including Charlie, came flying in on brooms, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. She knew they would make sure she stayed safe and that Merksha wasn't badly damaged. However, what she saw it wouldn't be Merksha in need of care. She was giving the rogue dragon what for several times over. It made Hermione chuckle at the thought, the young rogue dragon was being schooled by an older dragon.

When the fight was done, Merksha was led to the barn to be looked over while the other dragon was taken somewhere else. The sanctuary had a special area warded to the teeth to put troublesome dragons until they could be dealt with one way or another. When Charlie reset the alarm, Hermione opened the door and flew into his arms, grateful to be alive and unharmed.

"Are you harmed?" Charlie asked her.

"No, Merksha got between us before the dragon could reach me." She answered.

"Good. What happened?" Another handler asked.

"I don't know. It wasn't like I was all that close but I turned in time to see it charging at me." Hermione shared.

"Were you on the designated path?" Ken asked as he arrived.

"Yes." Hermione stated just as Charlie said, "She was, Merksha told me."

Ken nodded his head and asked who needed medical attention other than the dragons and got a resounding no which he was happy to hear.

When Merksha was brought to the barn to tend her wounds, Hermione ran up and hugged her snout while continuously giving thanks.

"Do not fret, Champion, I am fine. The youngling did not stand a chance." Merksha chuckled.

"But you could have been hurt worse or killed." Hermione stated. "How can I repay your kindness?"

"If you wish, you could tend to the wound on my back, your humming helps." Merksha told her.

"Absolutely!" Hermione exclaimed as she grabbed a jar of ointment and promptly climbed up the dragon's back. Rather than hum while she applied the ointment she sang instead. It was a melodious song and Merksha sighed in relief. The wound on her back was a lucky hit by the younger dragon. Hermione took her time and made sure the gash was thoroughly coated before sliding down then she helped Charlie look for other wounds and when found, she would apply the ointment as she continued to sing.

That night, after everything was tended to, Charlie made love to his witch making sure she knew he loved her. He worshiped her body, reassuring himself that she was unharmed and grateful for Merksha's timely appearance. Of course, Hermione reciprocated the attention remembering how a close call to death cleansed the pallet. She couldn't remember the last time being in anyone's arms had felt so good.

~Fin~

AN: Sorry this is so short but monsoon season has decided to come with a vengeance! Yesterday (29th) and today (30th), we got 2" of rain in thirty minutes! Both days the winds did their best to relocate our house and tear up what it could! We had to put several pieces of tin back on a shed and straighten out the tin attached to our roof! And today…today our solar panels were lifted and dropped on their "face" in the mud, just missing a cinder block! I know we haven't had bad monsoons in several years (rains yes but NOTHING like this) but it doesn't need to make up for "lost" time in a matter of days! LOL Vicious winds and torrential downpours are no fun to be in as you feel your house shake! I can only be thankful that more damage isn't done and that our house and other buildings are still standing if in need of a small repairs. Anyway, it's why this is so short, my mind is having problems focusing…imagine that! Not sure I'll add more to this but, with me, you never know. ;)