Golden Dreams

GD: Chapter 3

I froze, though my heart raced. He really was there, I realised, as Ali pushed me through the door. Fred, George, and Ron were attacking him with a hug while Percy stood to the side with a huge smile. Then Charlie shrugged off them and came toward Ali and I. He gave Ali a fistbump and a shoulder hug.

"Hi, Mae," he greeted cheerfully, giving me a bear hug. I returned the hug, briefly patting his back.

"How's Romania?" I managed, hoping my cheeks hadn't gone too red. Suddenly, I was glad Ali had suggested I wear the dress.

"Amazing," he answered broadly. "I've been working with dragons!"

"That's awesome," I replied, sharing his contagious smile.

"How's Quidditch?" Charlie asked Ali and I.

My sister groaned. "We haven't done as great since you left. I mean, obviously we're in the lead because I'm on the team, but we've lost a couple times." Her bragging was all in good humour, though it was true.

"That's still really good," he said encouragingly. I noticed he had gotten slightly taller still, and his hair was much longer from his usual style of having it buzzed short. It looked a lot nicer on him, I realised, blushing.

"Are you still planning to go big in Quidditch?" He asked my sister. Fred, George, and Ron had sat down at the table for a really late dinner. Percy had gotten comfy on the huge couch as he continued his book. Ginny had disappeared and Molly and Arthur were out of sight in the kitchen.

She nodded enthusiastically. "I've gotten some offers but I'm still waiting to make a final decision. Plus, the season isn't yet over."

"What about you, Mae?" Charlie asked, looking back at me.

"Oh," I stammered, surprised. "I want to be a healer for magical creatures."

"Really?" He looked intrigued. "The healer at the rescue centre I work at is actually looking to start a mentorship. I think he plans to retire soon." Charlie added, "I could put in a word for you, if you're interested in coming to work under his wing."

Wow. I've been looking for an opportunity like that, though I haven't been sure where to look. And to work at the same place as Charlie? My face flamed; would it be weird if I accepted his offer too quickly? "I- well," I wasn't sure what to say, to be honest. "That would be amazing!"

Ali gave me a wide grin as if she was following my train of thought. "That's great, Mae, you'll get to work with dragons, too!"

Charlie shook his head. "At the rescue centre, there's more creatures than just dragons but it does consist of a lot of them. I was just interested in only working with dragons, so that's what I do."

I nodded, intrigued; I hadn't realised there were more creatures than dragons there. If it works out, this'll be an incredible experience.

"If you guys are hungry, I've warmed up some dinner," Molly announced. Ali quickly flocked to the table, joining the other boys in eating. Percy also joined, though he didn't wolf his food down like Ron. Charlie went up to bed, having already eaten.

I sat next to Ali and had a bread roll, as I wasn't very hungry.

"You should eat some more, dear," Molly said to me. Suddenly I felt self-conscious. Did I look like I needed to eat more? Was it bad that I wasn't as hungry as everyone else?

Instead of replying, I just grabbed a chocolate biscuit and frowned slightly. After finishing my snack, my stomach was left feeling a little sour. I hadn't really wanted a biscuit but Molly seemed pleased.

Anyway, I waited for Ali to finish eating and then followed her to the couch where we would be sleeping. Everyone else went up to their rooms eventually, and we were left alone in the dark. The clock's ticking had always bugged Ali to no end but I hardly noticed it.