Charlie was surprised when an owl found him at the reserve as if anyone in Romania wanted him, they would have Flooed and not many other people knew he was here. He absently fed the owl a bit of bacon that he had in his pocket and it lazily flapped off. He opened the letter and grinned when he saw it was from Alicia, inviting him to the next Puddlemere game.

On his next break, he headed over to the owlery and scrawled a reply.

Petal,

I'd love to come and see how you've been getting on. See if that little firstie has improved!

See you on Saturday!

Charlie

Saturday dawned with the perfect weather for flying. As Charlie got ready, he felt a small wondering in his stomach. Would he have truly been able to hack a Quidditch career? He would never have known and sighed softly. No point in worrying now - he loved his dragons.

He arrived at the ground, pleased to see a large crowd and lots of small children with the name of Spinnet on their backs.

Alicia could hear the roar of the crowd as the announcer started to announce the Falcons. A surge of excitement went through her as she and her teammates stood, ready to mount their brooms and play. "Wood, Ranger, Booth, West, Thompson, Spinnet, aaaaand Yarrow." The team lifted off, and exhilaration flooded her. She could see the Puddlemere colors being waved everywhere.

"The Falmouth Falcons, whose motto is "Let us win, but if we cannot win, let us break a few heads." have the Quaffle." Alicia tuned out the announcer and focused on the here and now. All that mattered was her teammates, the hoops and that big red ball. She focused in on it, and, seeing the fake pass, she signaled to Wood, who easily blocked the attempted shot. Tossing the ball to Thompson, the teams were headed the other way... Ali feinted in front of her teammate, turning as if to catch the Quaffle, but ducking when a Bludger came her way. In the meantime, the Quaffle had been successfully passed to West, and put into the Falmouth's hoops. YES! This is turning out to be quite the match. It'll be fun for the crowd too... I hope Charlie made it alright. All such thoughts were driven from her mind as another Bludger started following her. Grinning at the challenge, she weaved until Ranger was able to smack it the other way. Adrenaline was pumping now, and Ali found herself with the Quaffle. This. Is. Awesome. She flew off, thoughts abandoned in favour of action. A few quick passes, and she was face to face with the Falcons' Keeper. Feinting left, she threw right and... YES! She pumped her fist and grinned as she caught sight of Yarrow soaring after a glint of gold with a look of glee upon his face. That was the point, after all... Enjoying every moment of feeling alive. The teams each scored a few more times, though Puddlemere kept their lead. Alicia was on top of her game. She dodged another Bludger and helped West nick the Quaffle from the Falmouth Chasers. Grinning as West did a loop around Thompson to distract the opposing team, she didn't see the Bludger. Thump, the wind was knocked out of her, and she clutched her Inferno. Don't let the Inferno break, don't let it break... She touched down to the ground, and stepping off her broom, she laid it gently on the ground, before she collapsed in pain. Bollocks. Ribs are cracked, or something. Just then, the crowd's roar grew; she looked up to see Yarrow catch the Snitch, and the world faded to black.

As the medical staff rushed onto the pitch to check Alicia over, Charlie's stomach turned over. He quickly tried to make his way down to the front of the stands to hear what was going on. When he saw Alicia carefully being carried off and being taken to the changing rooms, he changed direction and went to try and get in.


When he got to the door, the entrance was being blocked by a burly security guard. Charlie marched up to him and asked "Would I be allowed in to see how Alicia is? She sent me tickets for today's game and I'm worried."

He pulled out the tickets which had Alicia's name on them. The guard looked Charlie up and down and said gruffly, "Stay there and don't move. I'll see what the Medi-witches say."

Alicia came to as a Medi-Witch poked her sharply in the ribs. "OUCH!"

"Yep, those ribs are definitely cracked."

"Couldn't you have scanned for that with your wand, instead of jabbing me with it?" Alicia muttered irritably, even as the pain subsided and the healing charms did their work.

"Probably, but where's the fun in that?" The Medi-Witch grinned, and Alicia stuck out her tongue at the woman, her favourite of the healers that attended games. At that moment a Security guard entered, and strode over to where Alicia was now sitting.

"Miss Spinnet, there's a red-haired man asking to see you... Says you gave 'im tickets."

"Oh dear Merlin... I fell like that in front of Charlie? How embarrassing," She placed a hand on her forehead, and then looked up. "May I go?" Her question was answered with a customary warning to have a healer check her over soon, and a brusque nod from the Medi-Witch. She hopped off the table and grabbed her Inferno. Dear gods, I am so glad it didn't break Heaving a sigh of relief, she headed out to where an anxious Charlie was waiting.

"Charlie!" She ran to him and gave him a huge hug. "Sorry to worry you... We have great Medi-Witches come to the games." She buried her face into his shoulder and inhaled. This is so comfortable. I feel safe... Like I would if my big brother was hugging me... If I had a big brother, that is.

Charlie gave her a tight hug in return and then stroked her hair. He gave her a small smile. "At least your broom didn't break." He held Alicia at arm's length and inspected her. "Are you all right? Nothing too bad? The Bludger hit you pretty damm hard."

At Alicia's nod, he linked arms with her. "Well I've heard about your playboy lifestyle but not after a fall like that. I'm taking you out for a quiet drink."


Alicia grinned, "Playgirl lifestyle, Charlie, and a quiet drink sounds great; I feel loads better, but healed cracked ribs were still cracked ribs, yeah? You're not kidding about the relief of the Inferno being fine, by the way. I scrimped and saved for a couple months before I finally had enough for it. Lets pop over to my flat so I can change and then we'll go, yeah?" She got Charlie's nod and Apparated them both to her sitting room. "Make yourself comfortable. My home is yours." She grinned and headed for the shower. It was a short one, and casting a Quick-Dry charm, she realized her clothes were in her room. Shit. "Charlie, I'm only wearing a towel to run to my room, so if you're in there, you'd best hightail it out to the sitting room. I don't like audiences while I get dressed," She called, and checking to make sure her towel was tight, she scurried into her room. She grabbed her nearest pair of jeans, and a long-sleeved top, and headed out to join Charlie in her sitting room.


Charlie obediently went through to the front room whilst Alicia got changed out of her Quidditch gear. He looked up with faint surprise as she was ready so quickly. "That was quick," he said. "Clearly I have been spending time with the wrong kind of girl," he teased her gently.


He stood up and made a gallant bow. "Where to m'lady? The Leaky? The Three Broomsticks or this nice little place that I know down near the Welsh reserve? Bit of an old man's pub but does good food and half decent ciders."

"I think old men are cute," Alicia's eyes twinkled, "After all, I'm spending the day with you aren't I?" She laughed and said, "Let's go to your place near the reserve... Maybe... You could show me around the reserve? Or if that's not allowed, it's totally okay." She suddenly felt silly for asking, for even if she did have a desire to know what his life was like, she really had no right to ask. She stepped up beside him and linked arms with him. "Apparate away, Mr. Weasley."


Charlie laughed as she called him old. "Cheeky cow." He concentrated hard and Apparated them to outside the Red Dragon. "You're lucky I'm easy going."


He gestured her towards the door and said "Go ahead. Let's get something to eat and then I'll give you the grand tour of the reserve." He pushed open the door and stooped to go through the door. He blinked to adjust to the sudden change in lighting. Charlie nodded to Daffyd, who had done his tattoos and headed towards the bar.

"What do you fancy?"

Alicia grinned as Charlie helped her onto a seat. "I'll have the darkest you have on tap, and I'm also getting chips. I'm starving. Who knew cracked ribs could make a girl so hungry?" She looked at the barkeep, and grinned. "Thanks much." She turned to look at Charlie. "So, do you come here often?" She found herself scrutinizing him while she waited for his answer. He had lost a lot in the war too, but he wasn't... Broken, like Fred. He was strong enough to be a protector. Maybe mine? Not that I need one... But if I wanted one...

Charlie hopped onto the stool next to her and order himself a cider and a large plate of chips with melted cheese and bacon on top. He then looked up as Alicia asked the question. "Often enough, when I'm helping out at the Welsh reserve. This is our local so it makes life easier. But it's not a big village - it's nice." He nodded his tanks to Rhys who was working behind the bar. "But it's almost like a second home because I have been coming here to work every summer since I was 15 and then full time once I left Hogwarts. I then went to Romania when I was 19."

He looked round and then said "You like?"

Alicia smiled, "Yeah, I really do." She sipped her brew and looked around. "It's... Exactly where I'd picture you being comfortable. So why are you staying with Hermione and not at home? Is there something I should know about, Mr. Weasley?" She wiggled her eyebrows at him, and grinned, wondering how he'd react to her teasing. Merlin but she enjoyed his company. For all that they had met under odd circumstances, she felt an easy camaraderie with the red-haired man, that she hoped never to lose. How did I come to care for him so much so quickly? "Perhaps there's a different witch than Hermione who has caught your fancy? Tell-ah me ahhll about eet," she drawled in an excessive accent, grinning and snagging some of his cheese covered chips.


Charlie gave her a slow smile. "There comes a time where you've can't stay at home for too long. It's too..." Charlie paused, searching for the right word. "Confining. Hermione's a mate." A small voice inside him whispered Oh, is she? and he shoved it to one side.

"That and I didn't know how long I was staying. I keep irregular hours - it's just easier this way." He tapped her nose and laughed "And no, there's no-one on the horizon. I don't play with people's feelings. So I am just playing by ear."

His stomach rumbled as he looked at his plate. He took a chip that was covered in melted cheese and took a bite. "And is there anyone I should ask about their intentions for you?"

Alicia grinned. "More like my intentions for him." She laughed at the slightly questioning look Charlie shot her, and a broad smile broke out. "Now you can't tell me I'm silly, or anything like that. I'm fully focused on my Quidditch, and I'm not at all looking for a 'relationship'. They take up too much time and focus for me to do it right, and you can be sure that when I get into a relationship, I'm going to do it right." She pondered for a moment, unsure of how to continue. "Let's just say that I have a... game going on with a boy who was a year below me at Hogwarts. He's making quite a name for himself in the Ministry... And he had the misfortune of brassing me off, and," she shrugged, here, taking a sip of her drink. "Well, let's just say I hate being made to look the fool by any man. It's become a game of cat and mouse. And I am enjoying it, quite thoroughly. I am not some naive schoolgirl, to get all caught up in it, but it's a fun distraction from the stresses of Quidditch. Keeps me sharp." She grinned, "And I do so love being on top of a game."


A glint was in her eyes that normally only showed itself when she was about to play Quidditch. She'd found that she would be rather disappointed if Cormac wasn't playing, for she enjoyed a challenge, and had certainly enjoyed the game last night. She was well on her way to making a real name for herself in the League, and this distraction was all that was keeping her from going crazy, reading and rereading the stats, studying ways to get ahead. There was such a thing as overkill, after all.

Charlie laughed at the expression on her face. "Well if you need some parcels of dragon poo sent anonymously though the post, I'm sure that can be arranged. I'll just stand back and hold your coat whilst you get your claws out."

He gave her a cheeky look and said slyly "You like being on top of a game? Anywhere else you like being on top of?"

Alicia laughed out loud. "Charlie Weasley, I know for a fact that your mother would have a conniption if she heard you say such things." She grinned, and leaned in close. "I love the feeling of being on top of a broom too, however." She leaned back and her eyes sparkled with mirth. "As far as dragon waste being sent, I'll look you up if it gets to that. So far it hasn't, and I'm not likely to get my feelings hurt by it. Were it someone I actually cared about, this whole conversation would be different."

She finished up her chips and drank the last of her beer. "Well, sir, whenever you feel you'd like to show me around your stomping ground, I'd love to see it." She paused, remembering a certain glint in his eye when he'd spoken of Hermione. "Have you brought your beautiful hostess here yet?"

Charlie took a couple of final mouthfuls and drained his glass. He dug around in his pockets and left the money on the side for their food. He shook his head. "It's hard enough getting her away from work but I will, even if it kills me."

He stood up and then helped Alicia off the stool. "This way, pet. What do you want to see first?" he asked as they left the pub.

"The Welsh greens have just hatched some babies which are still in the cute phase and aren't big enough to do any damage." They strolled down the street and then past the end of the village where there was the beginnings of fencing and the occasional roar.

Alicia's heart was pounding with excitement. She had loved the Tri-Wizard Tournament task that had involved dragons, especially as Harry had flown around it. Since then she'd been fascinated with the animals and got a thrill out of the idea of seeing them up close again. "Working with dragons probably gives a similar elation as Quidditch, hmm?" She asked as they drew closer. "Ooh!" An excited breath left her and she grabbed Charlie's hand with a squeeze. "They're brill," she whispered, standing and watching the baby dragons. "You weren't joking when you said they were cute. I could easily stay and watch them all day." She smiled contentedly, and then turned to Charlie. "Do you work with any specific dragons? I'd like to see them, if you do."

Charlie laughed. "Dragons are a lot more dangerous but they're absolutely beautiful. Maggie's my favourite" He walked slowly up to the nearest nest and allowed Maggie, the mother, to realise he was there. She put her nose down to smell him and he stroked the end of it. Charlie murmered softly to her and then turned to Alicia. He called to her softly "Come closer if you want. but do it slowly."

Alicia edged closer to him and then stood close to him. Charlie bent down and picked up one of the babies. "Would you like to hold him?" he asked softly.

Alicia's eyes grew as excited at the prospect as Hagrid's would have. "Can I?" She held out her arms, and Charlie placed the baby into them. "You're beautiful," she crooned to the baby, who placed its nose to hers. She giggled and stroked it. "I heard rumours in third year that Hagrid had gotten a dragon... I wanted to go see it so badly..." Her attention was back on the baby, and she didn't realize Maggie had come to stand behind her, until the large dragon's head was over her shoulder, nuzzling the babe. "Should I do something?" Alicia asked the question softly, and in a calm voice. It was like Quidditch... you had to wear your game-face.

Charlie looked up at Maggie and eased his hand forward to stroke her nose. "Don't move too quickly and make any sudden noises. She'll take your head off if she thinks you'll hurt baby." She pushed her nose into Charlie's hand and gave a large breath that burnt his hand slightly.

He looked back up at Alicia. "You're fine. And Hagrid did have a baby dragon in Ron and Harry's first year. I had to come and rescue it." He laughed softly. "He thought it was a boy and named it Norbert. We later found out it was a girl very quickly once she went into heat for the first time."

"Aww, Charlie Weasley, defender and rescuer of dragons." Alicia set the baby down and slowly walked towards Charlie, taking his burnt hand and muttering a simple healing spell she'd learned. "Thank you, Charlie, for everything." She smiled and put her head on his shoulder. "If you need anyone to tell the girl you fancy how brill you are, I'm your lass." She looked at him square in the eyes. "And don't you try and tell me that you don't fancy anyone, as I was friends with the twins, and your mannerisms are the same when you're avoiding thinking of someone that way." She gave a gentle smile and squeezed his hand. "She's smart, she'll know not to give you up, if you let her know that you care for her."

Charlie blushed and didn't look at Alicia for a moment. "Thanks for the offer but I don't know what you mean." He managed to give her a slightly wobbly smile and knew that he didn't sound terribly convincing.


He put his arm round her shoulders and they started to walk down back to the village. "When am I going to see you play and not fall off your broom? Next week?" he teased softly, changing the subject from his love life. That was something to be mulled over by himself.