6.) CWPOV

Charlie was still laughing when he landed on his arse in his cabin. He just couldn't help himself really. He had found so few people that would look him in the eye and tell him just where he could shove it. That this petite little witch was one of them just made his whole year. It was going to be so much fun having her around the reserve. I might have to send Bill a thank you card. On second thought I better not, don't want to get his interest peaked. The less Weasley poking their head in the better. He might try another big brother lecture on me about my "bad habit of treating people like my dragons". An eye roll followed his inner monologue without his full consent. He had been subject to too many of those lectures already.

"Don't be like that love. Help me up yeah? I've got a bad leg and all. It's not nice to pick on the cripple." Charlie was trying to coax the witch into turning to face him. Her back was the only thing he could see but the tension in her shoulders was palpable.

Without looking at him Hermione turned around and stuck her hand in his general direction. It was a start but not really good enough for him. Perhaps he should hold back on his teasing for a little while. He was only worried she would start closing off again. That her fire would start to burn down to nothing like it was this morning. When he got her riled up it turned to a raging inferno. Like all she had to do was look at him just right and he would burn from the inside out.

Taking her hand Charlie tried to pull himself up without too much effort from her. She had proven to be more than she looks but her size still didn't seem capable to counterbalance his. "Thank you Hermione, I mean it yeah?" He did his best to let his sincere thoughts shine through but it wasn't really something he was good at. He really was more for mischief than anything of great importance. Life was meant to be a big adventure not a melodrama. It's one of the reason he lived where he did, his big family was wonderful for growing up with but sometimes it was better to be away.

When Hermione still refused to look at him Charlie reached out slowly and grabbed her chin with his palm supporting her lower jaw, turning her until he could make eye contact. "How about a spot of tea and some rest on my couch? It's already been a bit of a big first day for you."

The tension started to melt from her body and her eyes were beginning to soften. "Alright then Charlie, tea it is. You just sit down and try to behave yourself and I'll put the kettle on." He actually got a small smile by the time she had stopped talking.

Hobbling over to the couch and taking a seat Charlie started to lose himself to his thoughts. Granger had so many facets to her that he had witnessed today alone. Far more than the comforting bookworm he thought was all she had to her personality. True, that part of her was still there, he just experienced it coming back to life in her gentle smile and the offer to make the tea when it was his cabin they were in. He also got to see her blazing temper when she felt wronged and the cold steel that settles in when she needs to hide. There was even a hint at her quick witty humor for a minute, however she seemed quick to shut it down when she realised just who it was she was talking to. He would have to do his best to get her to loosen up more while she was here. Charlie wanted to see who Hermione Granger was when there was no holding back, when she was truly balls to the wall. He would make it happen even if it was the last thing he did.

All he had to do first was make her feel comfortable enough around him without smothering her at the same time. It wouldn't do to remind her too much of the twins or his mum for that matter. He would have to calm down before she got back with the tea. He had heard more than once his thoughts were clear on his face. Perhaps that's why he was always shite at oclomency. He would just have some tea, take his pain potion Olly sent home with him, and take a kip on the couch. Maybe if she was able to see him relax around her she would start to do the same. There was plenty of time later to get her worked up again.

It was truly a shame he didn't get to introduce her to Frank today. Even knowing as little of her as he did he knew she would love him. Rumor had it riding the Gringotts dragon was all her idea at the time. Any witch willing to hop on one should appreciate the gentle giant. Maybe he would be able to get her over there tomorrow. His leg should be good enough for that at least. It would most likely be a simple day in the nursery. Even if he could walk better he wouldn't be quick enough on his feet for the big lizards around the sanctuary. Maybe the babies would help her relax as well. It would certainly help the day feel like less of a waste. Sure they were cute but they didn't offer the same thrill as an ancient beauty like the fully grown adults. They knew their fire and weren't afraid to show it off when in a strop.

He would need to work Granger over the same way as one of the hatchlings. Get her comfortable enough around him to start unleashing that power and temper he could feel just under her surface.