
Journey to the Unknown
Harry and Charlie walked into the canteen of the reserve, they were greeted by Nita, Katrin, and Bogdan, who were busy setting up for the day ahead. Nita flashed them a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Morning, you two! How was your holiday break?" she asked, her tone filled with genuine interest. Charlie grinned mischievously, his arm draped casually around Harry's shoulders.
"Oh, you know, we had a lot of fun," he replied with a playful wink. Harry's cheeks flushed crimson at Charlie's remark, and he shot him a reproachful look, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. Ignoring Harry's embarrassment, Charlie continued, his voice dripping with innuendo. "Yeah, we had a blast...especially in bed," he added, unable to resist teasing his boyfriend. Nita and Katrin burst into laughter at Charlie's remark, their giggles echoing through the canteen. Bogdan chuckled, shaking his head in amusement as he joined in the laughter.
"Charlie, mate, you never fail to entertain," Bogdan remarked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Harry cleared his throat awkwardly, shooting Charlie a mock glare.
"Thanks for that, Charlie," he muttered under his breath, though there was a fondness in his voice that betrayed his true feelings. As the laughter subsided, Bogdan turned to Harry, a friendly smile on his face.
"Everything went smoothly while you two were away," he assured them, his tone earnest. "No major incidents to report." Harry breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Bogdan's reassurance.
"That's good to hear," he replied, a sense of relief washing over him. "Thanks, Bogdan."
With the holiday break behind them, Harry and Charlie settled back into their routine at the reserve, grateful for the sense of normalcy that greeted them upon their return. Charlie stepped out into the crisp morning air, the sunlight filtering through the towering trees of the reserve. With a sense of purpose, he made his way toward the northern area where the dragons were housed, his mind focused on the task at hand. As he approached Norberta's enclosure, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him. Norberta, the Norwegian Ridgeback dragon that Hagrid had hatched many years ago, was a familiar sight, her majestic form towering over the surrounding landscape. Despite her intimidating appearance, Norberta had always been gentle with Charlie, a fact for which he was eternally grateful.
"Hey there, Norberta," Charlie greeted her warmly, his voice soft and soothing as he approached her enclosure. Norberta rumbled in response, her golden eyes fixed on him with a mix of curiosity and affection. Charlie spent some time with Norberta, checking on her well-being and ensuring that she had everything she needed. Satisfied that she was in good health, he made his way to the other dragon enclosures, his keen eyes scanning the area for any signs of trouble. Meanwhile, Harry made his way to Alexandru's office, a sense of determination driving him forward. He found Alexandru poring over paperwork, his expression focused and serious as he worked.
"Good morning, Chief," Harry greeted him respectfully, a polite smile on his face as he entered the office. Alexandru looked up from his work, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes at the unexpected visit.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter," Alexandru replied, his tone formal but friendly. "What can I do for you today?"
"I was hoping to speak with you about something," Harry began, his voice steady as he met Alexandru's gaze. "I've been thinking about Aurelian Dragomir and the broken wand piece we found. Hermione suggested that we try to gather more information about him, particularly about the crystal from which his wand was made." Alexandru's eyebrows rose in interest at Harry's words, his expression thoughtful as he considered the request.
"That's an intriguing idea, Mr. Potter," he remarked, nodding in approval. "The Carpathian Mountains are indeed home to many rare and mystical treasures. But if you're looking for more information, you might want to try the Romanian Ministry of Magic. They keep records of all magical citizens, past and present." Harry's eyes lit up at the suggestion, a sense of hope stirring within him.
"That's a great idea. Thank you for the tip," he replied gratefully. Alexandru smiled reassuringly. Harry stopped at the door and looked back confused. "How am I going to find the Ministry?" Alexandru turns his gaze back to Harry, a thoughtful expression crossing his features.
"Finding the Romanian Ministry of Magic can be a bit tricky for an outsider," he explains, tapping his fingers on the desk in contemplation. "But I can provide you with the necessary directions and paperwork to make your visit go smoothly. I have a friend or two who can help you." Harry nods gratefully, a sense of determination settling over him as he prepares to embark on this new quest for information. With a final word of thanks, Harry bids Alexandru farewell and makes his way to the infirmary to check on the young dragons. As he enters the room, he's greeted by the sight of the little creatures nestled together in their nests, their soft snores filling the air. Harry can't help but smile at the sight, his heart swelling with affection for the tiny creatures under his care. Taking a moment to ensure that they're all healthy and content, Harry makes a mental note to spend more time with them in the days to come.
Charlie's embrace envelops Harry in warmth and comfort, dispelling the fatigue that had begun to settle in his bones. As Charlie pulls him close, Harry leans into the embrace, reveling in the familiarity of his lover's touch. Their lips meet in a passionate kiss, the cares of the day melting away in the intensity of their shared affection. As they break apart, Harry fills Charlie in on the conversation he had with Alexandru, detailing his plans to visit the Romanian Ministry of Magic in search of information about Aurelian Dragomir. Charlie listens intently, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he focuses on Harry's words.
"That sounds like quite the adventure," Charlie remarks, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his lips. "I remember my first visit to the Ministry—it was quite the experience." He chuckles softly, recalling the sense of wonder and excitement he had felt on that day. Harry nods in agreement, a sense of anticipation building within him as he contemplates the journey ahead. Despite the challenges that lay in store, he can't help but feel a thrill at the prospect of delving into the mysteries of Aurelian Dragomir and his legendary wand.
"We'll have to make sure you're properly prepared," Charlie says, his voice laced with determination. "I'll help you get everything you need for your trip." Harry smiles gratefully, touched by Charlie's unwavering support.
"Thank you, Charlie," he says, his voice soft with affection. Harry sat in the canteen at lunch time, his thoughts are consumed by the upcoming visit to the Romanian Ministry of Magic. Just as he's about to take another bite of his meal, Alexandru appears at his side, a solemn expression on his face.