Tamed

Chapter 23. Surprise visit

"You look so peaky Charliebear. Aren't they feeding you well?" Molly asked, engulfing Charlie into a tight bear hug. Charlie looked at his father pleadingly, but his father too was helpless.

"Uh mum. I can't breathe" he struggled in her fierce embrace. "And please don't call me that" he whined, pulling apart somehow.

"For Merlin's sake Molly, our son is a dragon keeper now. Don't embarrass him in front of his friends" Arthur said, winking at his son.

"I missed you both" Charlie said, beaming at his parents. "How is Bill? And what about my army of brothers? And Ginny?"

"All are doing great Charlie. Tell us about WICKED. That is more exciting" Arthur said.

"I will show you around?"

"Aren't you going to introduce us to your friends?" Molly asked enthusiastically. Meeting new people always excited her.

"Sure.. but mum? Please don't embarrass me in front of them. Okay?" Charlie asked, scratching the back of his neck.

"What are you talking about?" Molly asked, sounding totally taken aback.

"I promise you son, she won't" Arthur said, grinning at Charlie.

"That's Marshall Flicker, the sweet nerd" Charlie said, pointing at Marshall who was deep in conversation with his father.

"There's Boon and Joseph" he said pointing at the duo, who were standing in a corner sternly looking at Jason who seemed to have been avoiding them after his girlfriend showed up.

"That's Natalie Scott"

"Natalie?! As in a girl? You mean to say they have a girl at WICKED? An actual girl? A female dragon keeper?" Molly couldn't quite digest the news nor could she stop squealing in delight. She looked over admiringly at the girl sitting at the table, sipping a cup of coffee. Her neatly tied bun, highlighted her elegance. Molly couldn't quite take her eyes off of that brave girl sitting a few feet across from her.

"Yes mum, a real girl, now please stop squealing" Charlie requested, his cheeks were now redder than a tomato.

"Oh stop it you!" Molly smacked his shoulder and looked again at the direction where Nat was sitting alone. Without hesitating, Molly strode straight up to her.

"Natalie dear" Natalie jumped in her seat, spilling coffee on her T-shirt.

"Oops Sorry dear. I will clean it up" Molly said, taking her wand out and swishing it sideways.

"Err.. Thanks" Natalie said, totally confused as to who this lady was.

"Oh I didn't introduce myself, did I? I am Molly Weasley. Charlie's mother"

"ohh!! It's so nice to meet you Mrs. Weasley" said Natalie.

"Oh call me Molly, dearie" Molly corrected and Nat nodded "By the way, let me just say how deeply impressed I am. You are such a brave and lovely girl!! I wish my daughter Ginny grows up to be just like you" she said, cupping Nat's face. Natalie was touched by the motherly love that Molly was emanating. At that moment Molly pulled her into a warm hug. It was a heartwarming feeling. People always complained about Molly's tight, breathtaking hugs. But somehow Nat found it comforting, like she was in a safe place. Her eyes welled up with tears. An obscure figure of Charlie Weasley was standing at a distance and she could feel his eyes on her, reflecting a concerned look. She quickly wiped away her tears with the cuff of her T-shirt before anyone could question her if she was alright. She was not going to ruin anyone's day with her sad and depressing stories.