Of Dogs and Dragons

"I...I'm sorry," Emilia announced, breaking free from Charlie's kiss. Her face turned a bright shade of red, though it was hidden rather well underneath the midnight sky.

"You are?" Charlie asked, dismayed by her response. "I mean, it was my fault, actually. Not yours."

Emilia was too embarrassed to respond. She once again struggled with her words, not knowing how to react after the sudden kiss. She did quite enjoy it, but since she didn't know Charlie's thoughts, she was fearful. He couldn't actually like her. No, she figured the only reason he only kissed her because he was appreciative that she'd rescued Linnie's egg.

"Well, we should...err... I guess... go back." Charlie stumbled on his words as well. He felt as awkward as she did. He'd never known how to express his thoughts clearly around her.

Charlie lowered the broomstick, getting no response from Emilia and interpreting her need to distance herself from him. She must not have liked him like he suspected, or rather, she'd disliked the kiss. Either way, he had made a mistake, and he needed to focus on the job again. He was still here primarily to help the dragon, and he would have to be sure to get Emilia out of his mind.

Several moments later, Charlie spotted the location where the rest of his family had gathered. They were just outside of the small forest that held Linnie in the town that looked quite similar to Newberry. Charlie and Emilia advanced towards them, keeping quiet as the breeze carried on, causing Emilia's hair to scatter in several different directions.

Soon, they dismounted from the broom, and Emilia seemed content to get off of the rather uncomfortable traveling device. Charlie surveyed his surroundings and immediately noticed everyone was staring at him, waiting for some type of action. Because of his role in the planning, he was the designated leader of the group, though he hadn't meant to be. He didn't know what to do or say.

"Well, aren't you going to introduce us?" George asked, helping Charlie along with his leadership duties.

"What?" Charlie took a moment to capture his thoughts before actually answering. "Oh, this is Emilia Reynolds, everyone. She's the veterinarian at the Animal Hospital that I've been working with."

"The veteran-what?" Ron was perplexed as his brother spoke in terms that he did not recognize. "Did you fight in some battle or something?"

"She's an animal doctor, Ron." Hermione laughed as she shook her head, looking up at Ron. Emilia could easily see the connection between the two as Hermione and Ron held hands, their fingers tightly entwined together. She sure had been wrong about Charlie and Hermione when she'd first seen them together.

"Oh," Ron muttered. "Sorry."

Emilia remained silent, still shy around the large group. She hadn't wanted to face the Weasley family, but now she had been forced to do so. She was terrible in these kinds of situations.

"Well, it seems like that was pretty successful." Charlie finally spoke, taking the pressure off of Emilia. She was grateful. "Thank you. I appreciate the help."

"That was pretty fun," Ron admitted under the light of the street lamppost. "Too bad Harry's Firebolt was ruined again." Ron had a disgruntled look on his face, as seemed annoyed with the realization.

"I know," Harry said. Here was the wondrous boy Charlie told her of, yet his voice was as normal as any man's voice. Emilia couldn't see how the world was saved from that kid. "I think I might just have to go with a regular broom from now on. I don't seem to have much luck with keeping Firebolts in tact."

"That thing has a name?" Emilia suddenly found herself asking. She was not too impressed with the flying device that she had ridden more times than she would have liked. It wasn't exactly comfortable... unless Charlie was there for support.

"Of course it has a name," Ron began to explain. "It's one of the best broomsticks around, though it is kind of getting old. It has unsurpassable balance, pinpoint precision, superbly smooth action..."

"All right Ron," Hermione interrupted. "I don't think Emilia wants to listen to a Firebolt advertisement, but it's nice to know that you really can memorize things if you want to."

"Sorry," Ron responded. "I'm Ron, by the way." Ron finally introduced himself, staring at Emilia. "I'm Charlie's favourite brother."

"No, he's Charlie's youngest, immature brother," Hermione added, still holding onto Ron, keeping him close to her side. "We've already told her all about you."

"Oh," Ron said, disappointed. "Well, it's nice to meet you."

"That was quite a save," Bill spoke quickly, as if he was relieved when Ron finally stopped talking. "You really saved that egg. I know all I was thinking about was Summoning the egg, but I guess maybe using Muggle methods works quicker sometimes. I guess being a Muggle is good in some situations."

Emilia knew it was supposed to be a compliment, but somehow the way he said Muggle made her feel minute and unimportant. "Thanks," Emilia finally said.

"Have you two been working together for long?" Bill then asked, prying further into Charlie's life. Emilia was not ready for that yet.

"I hate to interrupt this all-important-find-out-more-about-Charlie's-life conversation, but we really shouldn't just hang around here," Charlie said. It's late and I need to figure out what to do now. You guys can go home. I do appreciate the help, but this adventure is over. At least for now."

"Are you really going to stay here and watch after her?" Hermione asked, taking her hand out of Ron's grasp. She wasn't ready to leave yet.

"Yeah," Charlie answered. "I don't have much of an idea of what I'm going to do past that, but that's my plan so far."

"We can take turns watching after her," Ron suggested. "There are a lot of us. We can break up the work quite well."

"There is no we in this," Charlie said, annoyed that getting his family involved wasn't as simple as he'd thought it would be. Of course they wanted to keep helping. They were Weasleys. "I've already put you all in enough danger as it is. I'm sorry I got you involved. I really shouldn't have."

"Charlie!" Ron said, a bit disgruntled by his attitude. "You have already gotten us all involved. You can't show us this brilliant dragon and then not let us see her anymore."

"You really need a job, don't you?" Charlie asked, a smirk appearing on his face, though not visible to Ron. "This life after the war thing isn't suiting you too well."

"Not true," Ron announced, his lips pouting as he said so.

"We really should get going," Harry then said, as if on a mission. "Your mum's probably worried, and we should just let Charlie take care of this. It's his job, and he doesn't need us crowding around him."

"I can stay with you for a bit, Charlie," Hermione spoke. "I'll help you get settled here and maybe wait until the baby's birth. I'd like to see that after everything I've done."

"Okay," Charlie agreed, willing to accept only her offer. Hermione had been a great help so far.

"Alright, well we should get going," Bill announced. "Thanks for including us in your plan, Charlie, it was nice to see you and have a little adventure. Now, don't stay out of contact too long."

"Of course," Charlie answered.

"Uhh..." Emilia interrupted, just before everyone left. "I'm sorry to be such an inconvenience, but I really need to get back to Charlie's place. I left Taffy there, and I'm assuming it's not a quick walk back to Newberry."

"Oh yeah," Bill said, remembering Charlie's friend. "I can take you back."

"Thanks," Emilia said. "I guess I'll see you later, Charlie. Bye, Hermione."

Charlie and Emilia locked eyes for a moment as Bill took hold of Emilia with the intent of Side-Apparition. Charlie and Emilia's feelings for one another had changed dramatically from their first encounter, though neither one of them seemed to realize it, and before they had time to delve deeper into those feelings, Bill and Emilia were back in Newberry.

Bill had Apparated them near the forest, far enough away from any Muggle's prying eyes. Even though it was the middle of the night, Bill knew he couldn't take the risk of allowing them to bee seen appearing out of nowhere.

It also meant that Emilia and Bill had more time to talk. That didn't settle well with Emilia, especially because she wasn't sure she liked Bill too much. He did not seem to think too much of Muggles, and it caused a bit of awkwardness for her. "How long have you known about magic?" Bill soon asked Emilia, jumpstarting a quiet conversation in the darkness.

"Just a few of days," Emilia answered tensely, not giving away too many details.

Bill had expected her to say more. When she didn't, he continued with his questions. He could see some type of attraction between his brother and the Muggle veterinarian, and he was curious to find out more about her. Charlie was a good man, and Bill only wanted the best for his closest brother. He wanted Charlie to find someone as special as Fleur was to him, but he was worried that Charlie would not find love. He often secluded himself from women.

"I bet it was quite a shock for you," Bill went on to say.

"Yeah," Emilia briefly answered, a bit unsure of what to say. She hated being in this position. She was not good at letting people get to know her, and even though she knew nothing could happen between her and Charlie, she wanted to make a good impression with his family. Several seconds later, she added on, "I didn't believe him at first. Hermione explained things a bit more, but I still didn't believe them. But when Charlie started talking about Fred and George and the war, I knew he couldn't be making it up."

Just as Emilia felt the words slip through her mouth, she wanted to take them back. Why would she mention Fred when she knew that even Charlie grew tearful at the mention of his name? She briefly caught a look of sadness on Bill's face, but she decided to continue talking. She tried to distract him. "It's such a neat world that Charlie's shown me. I wish I could be a part of it."

"But aren't you already?" Bill asked as they approached the path to the shack.

"Well, Charlie and Hermione have shown me a bit about magic, but I don't expect to see them again. I s'pose Charlie'll be busy watching after the dragon for awhile."

"I don't think he'll leave your life all too quickly," Bill interjected. "I see the way he looks at you, all giddy and somewhat nervous when you're around. I don't see him very much anymore, but I don't think I've ever seen him look at another girl that way before. He might not be able to read his feelings yet, but I can see how he feels about you."

Emilia blushed, embarrassed. Bill seemed to be opening up to her a lot, and she wasn't quite sure what to say.

"I'm probably making you uncomfortable, so I'll stop prying into my brother's life for a moment," Bill said, as they approached the door to the shack. "Alohomora," Bill said, aiming his wand to the door of the shack that Emilia indicated as Charlie's.

The two walked through the small doorway, Emilia further realizing just how useful magic could be. It was such a minute thing to Bill to use that spell, but Emilia thought it was incredible.

As they entered, a medium sized yellow dog approached wagging her tail with such power that Bill had to take a step back. Emilia noticed Bill's hesitancy towards Taffy, and that somehow made her feel more composed. Wizards still had downfalls.

"Erm... sorry, large dogs creep me out sometimes," Bill revealed shyly, still leaning towards the closed door, away from Taffy. Taffy tried to approach, but Emilia held onto her bright pink collar so that she would not scare Bill. "Goblins are fine, dogs aren't. Been thinking about getting a Crup lately though. See if we're ready to take care of the kid and all."

"Taffy's not going to hurt you," Emilia reassured him, ignoring the comment about the kid. She didn't know him well enough to ask him more. "She's friendly. She wouldn't hurt a fly."

"Well, I'd rather not take any chances, as foolish as that sounds."

"Okay," Emilia said. At least Charlie was a bit more open to Taffy. "Well, thanks for bringing me here," Emilia soon said, wondering why Bill was still there despite his fear of Taffy. "I just need to grab Taffy's leash, and then I'll be heading back to my place. You don't have to stick around."

"S'okay," Bill offered. "I can walk you back to your place. I'm not letting any girl of Charlie's run around in the dark by herself."

Emilia was speechless for a moment as she heard the words - girl of Charlie. What did Bill mean by that? Why was he being so forward with her? Did he really think that Charlie liked her? Eventually, Emilia said, "Thanks."

Taffy finally settled down, and Emilia let go of her collar. The leash was in the closet, so Emilia called Taffy over to her as she searched for the leash. Taffy was still interested in the red-headed stranger, but she listened as Emilia called her away from the man.

"I'll tell you what," Bill shouted to Emilia as she grabbed the blue nylon leash from the inside of the closet door handle. "My brother might not keep you connected to the magical world, but I'd love to. How'd you like to have dinner over at my place one night?"

Emilia grew a bit worried, afraid of Bill's intentions. She couldn't figure out where that question had come from and she wondered if he possibly liked her. Was he asking her on a date?

"How do you like roast beef?" Bill asked, while Emilia led Taffy over to join him. She was a bit afraid of him, keeping a bit of a distance, but she was appreciative to be with Taffy.

"Uh... it's fine," Emilia answered in a mumble. She didn't know what else to say, and she was not sure if she wanted to approach him any closer. Why hadn't she asked Hermione to take her back? Why did she leave with a complete stranger who was now trying to hit on her? Emilia figured that since Charlie had spoken so well of his family, she could automatically trust them all. But how could she trust a man who suspected that his brother liked her yet went after her himself?

"Good," Bill enthusiastically said. "My wife makes a nice roast beef, and I'd love to have you over sometime. Maybe you can help me get over my fear of dogs."

Emilia's heart stopped racing. Her palms stopped sweating, and she calmed down. She was terrible at reading people, especially men. What was she thinking anyways? Bill didn't like her. Bill was just being nice.

"I'd like that," Emilia finally answered. She then walked closer to the door and Bill and said, "We can get going now."

Bill immediately turned to the door and slowly opened it. "After you," he said kindly as soon as it was opened completely. Emilia walked outside with an exuberant Taffy prancing along her side.

Bill came out of the shack soon after, shutting the door quietly and joining Emilia. As he caught up to her, he noticed that she seemed to be frozen in place. Her eyes were focused on a particular point up ahead. Bill traced the outline of her gaze slowly, and he soon noticed a blond woman who locked her eyes with Emilia.

"Emilia?" the woman asked, confused by Emilia's presence.

Emilia's gaze soon wore off as she searched through her mind for something reasonable to say. She just didn't know how to react. How was she supposed to explain what she was doing there?

"I thought you were just going home to sleep," Talia said, not sure of what to think. Why was Emilia here at the address Charlie had given her?

"I... well." Emilia couldn't find the words to explain. She briefly glanced down at Taffy, thinking that she could find the answer in her dog. Eventually, she did. "Charlie called me a little while ago. He wanted to see Taffy."

"He wanted to see Taffy?" Talia didn't buy it, and Emilia knew it. "Why did he want to see Taffy?"

Bill realized the growing tension between the two women, and he tried to follow the conversation in the hopes of helping, though he was unsure of what was going on. His eyes moved from one girl to the other, and he watched as they continued to argue.

"I told you he was the one who saved Taffy's life." Emilia tried to think of something reasonable. She wasn't very good at thinking on her feet. "He and Taffy kind of bonded that day, and he wanted to play with her for a little while tonight."

"At two in the morning?" Talia asked, her tone starting to grow cold and angry. "Why would he want to play with her at two in the morning?"

Emilia had not realized the time. Now she began to wonder why Talia was coming to Charlie's place at two in the morning. However, instead of confronting Talia, she tried to defend herself.

"We just got to talking," Emilia answered, "and the time passed so quickly that I didn't even realize how late it was."

Talia continued to fume as she pointed towards Bill. "Who is that?"

"I'm Charlie's brother," Bill answered, finally speaking up. "I was walking Emilia home."

"Bollocks!" Talia shouted, finally completely consumed by anger. She did not believe Emilia's flimsy story one bit. She was suspecting the worst had happened between Charlie and Emilia, and Emilia didn't know what to do about it. Talia continued, "You know I like him. I told you I was going to ask him out, and you didn't even say anything. I thought you were my best mate. I thought that you cared about my feelings, but you lied to me. Here I was, I was worried about you all this time. I thought work had just taken its toll, but all this time you and Charlie have been messing around behind my back. Why couldn't you've told me? I would've been happy for you if I knew the truth."

Emilia tensed up, afraid of the words that had come from Talia's fury-filled frown. She didn't have much of an excuse, not one that she could tell her friend. Charlie didn't want anyone else to know about magic. Emilia originally hadn't thought it would be such a difficult thing to do to hide from Talia, but now it was obviously much harder than she expected. If she could be open and honest with her friend about what she had discovered, she knew it would clear up the problems between them. Emilia had understood Charlie's dilemma when she accepted the truth of magic, but she hadn't understood it completely until that second. It pained her to have to keep this from her friend. "Talia..." Emilia had trouble finding just a word to say to her. "It's not what you think."

"Then what is it?" Talia said in contempt. "Why would you try to hide it from me, your best mate, probably your only one?" Talia took a brief pause, thinking of what else to say. "No, don't try to explain it to me, Dr. Reynolds. This friendship is over."

Talia turned to leave, as Emilia tried to prevent the tears from pouring down her face. When Talia backed away, Emilia could smell the alcohol on her breath. She sighed, slightly relieved. At least there was a reason for Talia not being in her right mind. Still, Emilia couldn't help but worry that Talia's words were her true opinion about her. She felt like she was back in school, still going through those awkward teenage years when she couldn't quite accept that she was never going to be the most popular one, surrounded by millions of friends. As Talia walked away, she realized that Talia was right. Talia was her best and only real friend, at least in Newberry. And that hurt.

When Talia finally was gone, Emilia couldn't hold back the tears any longer. They flooded her face, streaming down in long waves past her cheeks and onto her chin. It took her several moments to realize that Bill was still there, and when she did, she slowly dropped Taffy's leash and brought both of her hands up to cover her face. She did not want to show weakness in front of him... or anyone for that matter. She tried to cover it up.

As the tears continued to flow, without any sign of stopping, she felt a presence come upon her. Bill's right hand touched her shoulder, and she was comforted by the gesture. Without questioning her, Bill took her into his arms, where she was able to cry. Having realized earlier that he wasn't some crazy stalker, she felt comfortable leaning her head against his chest. He was Charlie's brother, and she felt safe resting upon him, knowing that he was also a Weasley. A part of him was just like Charlie.