Where the Wild Things Are

Chapter 2

Hermione gasped at the giant roar that she heard outside her cabin. She had fallen asleep reading Charlie's notes and even dreamt about dragons. She shot to her window and saw the Weasley waving his hands at a humongous green dragon.

"Rolig!" He shouted and the dragon breathed fire into the air, "Rolig! You, ornery bugger!" Charlie shot flames from his wand in the air and the dragon shook its head. "That's it, go on get, she won't be flirtin' with you." He snapped and the dragon turned and slithered off behind the rocks.

He glanced back at her cabin and Hermione scooted from the window. "Never a dull moment."

The young witch had decided to get dressed and was pulling out a set of clothing to wear as she heard her door. Turning she saw Charlie glaring at her and she blushed as he strode over and point a finger at her. "Listen to me, Hermione, I don't want to hear about me abusing my dragons from you," he growled and the witch seemed taken back.

"But- Charlie-" he stopped her and shook his head.

"There is more to this place than petting scales and avoiding burns." He continued and she nodded, her cheeks completely red.

"Char-"

"I worked really hard for years to form bonds with these dragons." He spat and nodded and held up a finger timidly.

"Charlie, I would never judge you about that." She declared and he relaxed some, "I respect your hard work immensely, that's why I am here."

He looked taken back and exhaled, "you just looked upset." He commented and she shook her head.

"No, I was not. I was scared because he woke me with a start." She admitted and he cleared his throat.

"I am sorry," he murmured and she nodded.

"Do you mind me getting in more than my knickers before we continue this conversation?" She asked and tried to cover herself a bit.

He glanced down at her and smiled, "oh, that might help." He teased and tugged on a lock of her hair. "See you outside, bok jente," he winked and left her cabin.

She was breathing heavy at the heated exchange. He was feral and fiery; much like his dragons. Hermione was not used to someone so... well, he was intense and unpredictable. Shaking off the whole scene, she got dressed simply in a t-shirt and jeans, slipping on her boots. This would be the first time she walks outside without an escort.

The witch snagged a bit of courage and opened her door to see a small dragon sitting out there with a mouse in its mouth. "Oh, aren't you a pretty color," Hermione murmured and the brown dragon tilted its head.

It swallowed the mouse and wagged its tail back and forth. Hermione had no clue the Weasley was watching her interact with the small dragon, but he was interested. She did not want to get bit, but she was curious about the creature.

"Are you going to bite me if I pet you?" She asked the creature who cocked its head at her. "so, I will take that as a solid yes, give me a moment." The witch murmured and transfigured a pair of gloves.

When she held out the gloved hand it snapped at her and she chided the creature, "that is naughty," she grumbled and it spat fire in the air before flying off. "a bit anticlimactic," she sighed and slipped off the gloves.

"It takes them a while to get used to people they don't know. I am surprised she did not light your clothes on fire." Charlie's voice entered the area and she glanced around.

He was wearing gloves himself and his t-shirt framed his torso very tightly. Hermione gaped slightly at the man and shook herself. "Well, I did try. That is all that counts."