THE DRAGON OF HOUSE BLACK

Chapter 23: How to Tame Your Human

Charlie at least had the common sense to not steal a Hungarian Horntail, or Peruvian Vipertooth.

Instead I'm attempting to befriend an indescribably beautiful Swedish Short-Snout. And Merlin save me, she is absolutely stunning. Her scales aren't as opalescent as Draco's but they shimmer and reflect light beautifully off her pale scales utterly otherworldly paired with her piercing ice blue eyes. Eyes that are narrowed on me heavy with suspicion.

Completely fair considering I'm attempting to earn her trust enough to ride her. To find another dragon no less. Imagine I'd be a bit salty about that if I was her too.

A small smile curls at the thought of my dragon's jealously at riding another dragon. Well that is is to say if I'm ever successful in the endeavor. Which is not looking especially promising.

"Alright Hermione, remember don't show fear but show her respect," Charlie reminds me for the millionth time.

Because that's so simple to accomplish.

Biting my tongue I swallow back my snippy response. Everyone is already walking on egg shells with me just from the situation at hand, on top of my inclination of snap at everyone trying to help me.. its fair to say things are beyond tense. I need to find Draco before I lose every friend and ally I've ever had due to my heinous behavior.

Centering myself, I once again take in the lovely yet deathly creature before me. She looks at me warily. Completely unimpressed. And highly annoyed with me based on her tucked in wings and huffs of annoyance while shifting her massive front taloned feet. Lovely.

Taking two small steps forward, I keep my head slightly bowed and eyes on her. Basically my interpretation of Charlie's instructions. A small, feminine growl is my reward for my efforts. Halting immediately, I blow out a frustrated breath. This is taking too goddamn long. So long in fact I'm considering testing my theory of my possibly being fireproof, well okay- fire resistant really.

"Don't let this discourage you. You can't rush these things," Charlie says softly behind me.

"Are you quite sure that she won't allow me to ride with you?"

Charlie's look is a bit somber when he shakes his head no. Its not as if I was expecting a different answer. He had made it crystal clear that she would try to kill us both if someone that hadn't earned her trust even touched her.

"Ge vit drake," I say, attempting my request in Swedish. Yield white dragon. That seems to surprise her, spurring me on. "Perhaps you just need a fitting name.. How about Alanna? It means filled with beauty."

Her lip appears to pull back with distaste. Obviously not that one.

"Maybe...Valborg? It's at least in your mother tongue. Means mighty mountain. Described you rather well I think."

Her head tilts to the side as if considering my suggestion. Then to my utter astonishment, she gives the tiniest of nods before lowering her long serpentine neck.

"Since we're on such good terms now," I say shuffling a few steps forward. "I'll call you Val for short, you remarkably stunning deadly creature. A mighty mountain indeed," I coo, taking enough steps to align me with her massive head. Within chomping distance is what Draco always said. A pang of sadness slices through my heart just recalling our time together.

Val's eyes are locked onto me as I erase the last bit of distance between us. Tentatively, so achingly slow, I reach out and palm her snout.

When she doesn't open her mouth set me aflame and swallow me whole like a bit of roasted chicken, I take that as a very very good sign. Honestly, I'm nearly sure we're the best of friends.