Chapter 4
Harry Potter stood at the edge of the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary, the wind tugging at his hair and the scent of pine and smoke filling his lungs. It had been months since the end of the war, and he still felt like he was struggling to breathe. The hustle and bustle of the wizarding world, the endless questions, and the constant scrutiny had driven him to seek solace somewhere far away.
"Harry!" a familiar voice called, breaking his reverie.
Harry turned to see Charlie Weasley approaching, his face split in a broad grin. His rugged appearance, tanned skin, and the perpetual smell of dragon fire were oddly comforting.
"Charlie," Harry greeted, managing a small smile. "Thanks for letting me come."
"Are you kidding?" Charlie clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I've been looking forward to it. It's not every day we get a hero of the wizarding world visiting us."
Harry's smile faltered, and Charlie noticed immediately. "Sorry," he said quickly. "I know you don't like that word."
Harry shrugged. "It's alright. I'm trying to get used to it."
"Well, we don't have to talk about it here," Charlie said, steering Harry towards a path leading deeper into the sanctuary. "Let's get you settled in first, then I'll give you the grand tour."
As they walked, Harry couldn't help but marvel at the vast expanse of the sanctuary. Dragons of various breeds roamed in their enclosures, their scales glinting in the sunlight. The air was alive with the sounds of roars and the flapping of massive wings.
"How do you manage all of this?" Harry asked, awe in his voice.
"It's not easy," Charlie admitted. "But it's worth it. Dragons are amazing creatures. Dangerous, sure, but also incredibly fascinating."
Harry nodded, feeling a flicker of excitement. It had been so long since he had felt genuinely interested in something. The daily grind of post-war life had sapped his energy, but here, in the presence of dragons and the raw, untamed beauty of the sanctuary, he felt a spark reignite.
They reached a small cabin, nestled among the trees. "This will be your home for the next few weeks," Charlie said, opening the door. "It's basic, but it has everything you need."
"It's perfect," Harry said, stepping inside. The cabin was cozy, with a small kitchen, a bed, and a fireplace. It was simple, but it felt right.
Charlie helped him get settled, then they headed back out to the sanctuary. For the next few hours, Charlie showed Harry around, introducing him to the various dragons and explaining their behaviors and quirks. Harry listened intently, absorbing everything.
As the sun began to set, they found themselves sitting on a hill overlooking the sanctuary. A few dragons were still visible, their scales catching the last rays of sunlight.
"How are you feeling?" Charlie asked, his tone gentle.
Harry took a deep breath. "Better," he admitted. "I needed this. I needed to get away."
Charlie nodded. "I understand. After the war, I didn't know what to do with myself either. But working with dragons gave me a purpose. Maybe it can do the same for you."
Harry looked at him, a sense of gratitude swelling in his chest. "Thank you, Charlie. For everything."
Charlie smiled. "Anytime, Harry. Now, how about we see if we can get you up close with one of the dragons tomorrow?"
Harry's eyes lit up. "I'd like that."
As the stars began to twinkle above, Harry felt a sense of peace settle over him. In the company of an old friend and the majestic dragons, he started to believe that maybe, just maybe, he could find a new path forward.