Compatible Magic
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Chapter 3: Questions
Dinner was held outside at a massive table filled with adults and children. Candles were lit all around with warming charms for Sunday's roast. Charlie was sat between Bill's family and Percy's. Conversations were everywhere, as many talked about their current work status and the children's development. The second eldest Weasley, couldn't help but smile in this peaceful atmosphere.
Until his focus turns to Estelle, who is having a conversation with Hermione and Harry. Ron tries to join in, yet seems to not understand the topic. This brings out the moment when Fleur introduces Estelle to the Golden Trio, specifically Harry Potter. She merely greets them with a smile. Charlie wonders if she is unaware of The Boy Who Lived because she is from America and not from the United Kingdom or the Continent. She is not gushing over Harry.
Charlie tried to recall North America's Wizarding Community. There were three: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Based on Estelle's appearance and dialect, he declared she was from the United States, under the MACUSA government, and attended either the Salem Institute or Ilvermorny.
He listens closely to their conversation.
"Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to spend time in England due to the war," Estelle said.
"That's right. When the Ministry had fallen, MACUSA activated all US citizens' portkeys to bring them back," Hermione confirmed.
"It was not a pleasant experience," Estelle agreed. "Barely two days after the wedding. Many of us wanted to help, but our President refused and isolated our magical nation."
The Golden Trio nodded. Charlie frowns, knowing the United States had a larger magical population and they could have used the help. Then again, MACUSA is known to protect its citizens first before helping others.
"Anyway, do you have any recommendations on sites to see?" she asked.
"Diagon Alley," Ron answered as if it was obvious.
Estelle chuckled, "I've already been there."
"She's not talking about the wizarding community," Hermione corrected. "She's talking about muggle locations."
Ron wrinkles his nose, "Why?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Ignore him."
"Hey," Ron protested.
Harry chuckled and shook his head. "There is the British Museum, the Tower, and Buckingham Palace."
Hermione smiled as she added other famous muggle locations. Charlie found it strange that this witch wanted to see the muggle side of London. After the war, Hermione and Harry had his siblings and himself the muggle world. Outside of just walking through the streets, the majority of the Magical Community stays in their own world. Yet, Estelle is curious about muggle London.
He wondered by any chance if Estelle was muggle-born?
"Although you would have to leave Ivy," Hermione reminded. "Magical creatures are not allowed to be seen."
"I'm aware," Estelle confirmed.
A squeak could be heard of protest.
Estelle chuckled as she petted Ivy.
"So, what do you do again?" Arthur asked, joining the conversation.
"I'm a magical zoologist," Estelle answered. "I work in the research and protection of magical beasts."
"Ah, fascinating," Arthur praised.
Estelle nodded, "I was working in an organization founded by Newt Scamander in the relocation of magical creatures."
Charlie's eyes widened. He had heard of those programs that attempt to rescue magical beasts that have been hunted by poachers. It was a dangerous task. He met people like her who hunt down and stop these illegal traffickers, saving as many creatures as possible.
"That is dangerous," Ginny commented.
"But worth it," Estelle answered. "Last month, my team rescued a dozen Wampus cats."
"Why?" Ginny asked.
"Usually, wandmakers gather shed fur to create a core," Estelle answered. "However, the black market wants them for their tears."
"Wampus tears have degenerative properties, and drinking these tears could cause the drinker to rapidly lose their memory." Hermione clarified. "Used for many memory loss potions."
"Exactly," Estelle confirmed. "They were terrified when we found them, unable to use their hypnosis and legilimency properly. Gave us a terrible headache and nasty scratches, but we brought them to the sanctuary so they could be acclimated back to their wildlife."
"Do you simply return them back where the poachers found them?" Harry asked.
Estelle shook her head, "We took them to a warded reserve away from no-majs, and poachers can't find them."
"No-Maj?" Charlie asked.
Estelle blushed, realizing her mistake, "Oh, um… it's what we call muggles back in America. Non-Magical people."
"What do you call people who are muggle-born?" A very curious Rose asked.
Estelle blinked, "Um…is that an appropriate conversation here?"
Charlie watched. Then again, it is a topic many avoid, as knowing one's blood status is irrelevant. He believes a witch is a witch and a wizard is a wizard.
"It's fine," Hermione assured, though curious.
Estelle nodded, "Well, back home, we don't say No-Maj Born, as it doesn't sound right on the tongue."
Rose nodded in agreement.
"So, we just call them gifted," Estelle said. " In fact, a recent article reported that researchers believe those born in normal society are actually descended from those in the magical community."
"How so?" Charlie asked, seeing the fascination as everyone else.
"Well, the theory is that when squibs are born, their magic is suppressed, so they join normal society. After a few generations, the magic that is passed down by genetics becomes dominant or activates," she answered.
Charlie noticed a smile on Hermione's face.
"I must look into it," Hermione said.
"I have a copy of the article if you are interested." Estelle offered.
Hermione nodded with a smile, "I would like that."
Dinner continued as the Weasleys continued to question Estelle. Then again, they rarely let others who are not family join them, with the exception of Luna and Neville. Charlie seemed intrigued as he continued to listen to the conversation.
Until he felt a nudge on his shoulder. He looked over his shoulder to see Bill giving him a questionable look. Charlie will admit that Estelle is a unique witch. Although he wonders why she left her previous work to do paperwork for the Welsh Reserve. Was it a favor just like him? Even though Estelle intrigued him, he should have reminded himself that he had only here for a year. If Estelle is like any witch, she is probably looking for commitment. And yet, Bill had mentioned that Estelle had Compatible Magic. But she seemed so natural being this close to other Wizards.
After an hour, dinner came to an end, and Molly presented her famous treacle tart. James commented that Treacle Tart is his father's favorite, which Harry chuckled. Charlie watched Estelle take a bite, and her eyes widened.
"Something wrong, dear?" Molly asked.
"I never had Treacle tart before," Estelle answered. "It's very delicious."
Molly couldn't help but smile.
Charlie couldn't help but smile when seeing Molly's cooking surprises a person. Then again, he assumed the American Sweets were nothing compared to theirs.
Once dessert was over, everyone helped clean up. The ladies went to help Molly with the dishes while the men put the furniture away. Estelle offered to help, but Molly insisted she relax since she was a guest. Thus, she went to play with the children with Ivy.
Charlie with Bill got the spare chairs into the shed.
"So, what do you think?" Bill asked.
"She's a nice bird, I'll say," Charlie answered.
"No interest?" Bill continued.
Charlie shrugged, "I just met her."
Bill nodded, considering it.
"How long is she staying?" Charlie asked, still curious.
Bill paused, thinking about it, "Well, she's staying until the Cabins are set. She mentioned that she might be here for a year or so."
Charlie nodded, around the time he was here. He considered Estelle was here in the same situation as him, helping the Welsh Reserve.
"Anyway, if you need a break from mum, you're always welcome to visit Shell Cottage," Bill offered.
Charlie nodded as they made their way back to the Burrow. Everyone said their goodbyes as the children hugged him and their grandparents. Estelle stood by the fireplace, being patient. Completely out of place in this cottage home.
Not long after, Fleur made her way over, whispering something into Estelle's ear that made the magical zoologist laugh. With the children in hand, they flooed back to Shell Cottage. Bill patted Charlie on the back before heading out as well. Charlie sighed as he said goodnight to his parents and went upstairs to his room.
Once ready for bed, he lay in deep thought. He knew Bill meant well, but Charlie wasn't sure about a relationship. Even though it was convenient that Estelle had the same condition as him, it didn't mean they were compatible. Bloody Hell, he was only back for a year until the Welsh Reserve was in order and secured. Afterwards, he would be back in Romania.
That is the excuse he will go by.
Sure, he can be Estelle's friend and keep an eye on her.
She is a magical zoologist, not a dragon tamer, and seeing those scars, it was clear taming was not her thing.
But the passion for magical creatures is there.
Wampus.
A bloody Wampus.
A chuckle escaped his lips as he went to sleep.
Sorry for the long hiatus and short chapter. I had an idea for this story, but then I felt conflicted. Let me know what you think of this story.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.