Lyra || Charlie Weasley ||

Go on, give her snout a little pat

"Did you read that dragon book I mentioned?" I asked Harry in a hushed voice as we walked from Potions class to the Great Hall for dinner.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, and I talked to Professor Moody too. He suggested I play to my strengths, so I've decided to rely on my flying skills."

I rolled my eyes. "But you're only allowed a wand in the arena, remember?"

"Right, but once I get out there I can use a summoning charm to call my broomstick," Harry reasoned. "I'm fast in the air, so I should be able to dodge the dragon's attacks."

I considered this idea and had to admit it sounded plausible. "Alright, that just might work," I said, patting Harry encouragingly on the back as we entered the bustling Great Hall.

"Well, I hope so," Harry replied. "See you later!" He veered off toward the Gryffindor table while I made my way over to sit with the Slytherins.

I slid onto the bench next to Draco, who immediately asked, "So, want to work on our Potions assignment together in the common room after dinner?"

"Oh, uh, actually I can't tonight," I said evasively, noticing Draco's confused expression. "I'm, er...I have to sneak into the Forbidden Forest." Not a total lie, though I left out the part about meeting Charlie.

Draco's eyes blew wide. "Are you mental?" he exclaimed loudly, drawing irritated looks from our housemates.

"Shhh!" I hushed him quickly. "No, I'm not mental, unlike you," I added with an eye roll. "Now keep it down."

Draco lowered his voice but still looked at me incredulously. "The Forbidden Forest, Lyra? It's dangerous, especially at night! Why would you voluntarily go in there?"

"I just need to check on something, okay?" I said vaguely. "Don't worry about it."

Draco opened his mouth, clearly about to interrogate me further. But just then, the empty serving platters before us filled with food, diverting his attention.

I quickly busied myself piling roast chicken and potatoes onto my plate, relieved for the distraction. Draco shot me a look promising we'd revisit this topic later, but let it drop for now as he dug into his kidney pie.

I'd have to come up with a convincing story to satisfy his curiosity eventually. Later, I make my way to the edge of the Forbidden Forest, concealed under Harry's Invisibility Cloak.

 As I approached the familiar spot near the edge of the forest where Charlie had dropped me off the previous night, I noticed him sitting there on a fallen log, nose buried in a book as he waits. Clearly, he hadn't detected my presence. A mischievous grin played on my lips as an idea formed in my mind.

An impish idea strikes me and I creep closer, moving silently. When I'm just a foot away, I pick up a small pebble and toss it to ping lightly off Charlie's chest.

He startles, sitting up straight and peering around in confusion. I have to clamp a hand over my mouth to hold in a laugh. Too tempting - I pelt him with another pebble, making him flinch.

Now Charlie looks properly alarmed, clutching his wand with wide eyes. Throwing another stone, I watched as Charlie's expression shifted from confusion to alarm. His eyes darted around, and for a moment, he looked genuinely scared. It was amusing to witness his reaction, considering his earlier boast about the lack of threats in the forest. Some tough dragon wrangler!

Taking advantage of the situation, I approached him still invisible, with a swift move, I pluck the book from his hands. Charlie drew his wand "Lumos!" Charlie's wand tip flares as he jumps to his feet, casting about for the unseen assailant.