The Night Meeting

As soon as the talk about Dragon conservatory came, Ginny thought Chris would let Oziyat go there alone and she would move on to their next clue like she did before. So when Chris said they are going to the Dragon Conservatory with Oziyat, Ginny was surprised, to say the least. But all of them kept quiet as Oziyat discussed the time they will leave for the Dragon conservatory. Chris didn't say much after that. She just nodded and walked outside. A few moments later Ginny and Colin followed her out.

"You know there is a big chance we would definitely run into Charlie at the conservatory, right?" Ginny asked without waiting.

"Yes, I know," Chris said making a clearing on the snow.

"So what are we going to do?" Ginny crossed her arms. "Change our appearances? Pretend to be someone else? Because I don't think my brother would not recognize —"

"We are going there to meet him, Gin," Chris said softly interrupting Ginny.

"We are?" Ginny looked baffled.

"What are you planning, Chris?" Colin asked.

Chris hesitated. Maybe for the first time in her life, she didn't have a plan. But she didn't show it.

"Charlie already knows, we are alive. So why not meet him and get to know what's going on with the wizarding world and the order? I mean, Fawkes brought us here. Maybe that's a sign."

"Yeah, it will be good to know about others," Colin smiled. "What do you think, Ginny?"

"Hey, we are gonna meet my brother. I am not complaining," Ginny broke into a grin. "I just wanted to make sure Chris had thought this through."

Chris had not. It wasn't just about knowing about the order and the world. It wasn't her strategically made plan for the destruction of Malgino. She knew after meeting Fergus that she needed to go to Hogwarts to unlock the successor's power but there was no way of knowing what will happen after she unlocks the power. So she told herself that it would be wise if she meets Charlie and others first then, give Harry, Ron, and Hermione the sword of Gryffindor to destroy Horcruxes, before going to Hogwarts. But it wasn't the real reason, it was something Chris had never thought she would do. Who Chris actually wanted to meet was Harry. The boy she left when he needed her the most, yet that boy send his Patronus to tell her that they were alright, that he was still there. She wanted to see Harry, though she didn't admit it to herself.

In the complete darkness of night, Chris, Ginny, Luna, Colin, and Oziyat left the cave. Oziyat cradled Sol's unconscious form and led them through the pitch-black jungle. It wasn't safe to light their wands, so they trusted their instincts and Oziyat's good night vision.

⁂

The atmosphere at the conservatory was tense until Charlie confirmed it was indeed real Ginny and Chris. He swooped Ginny in a hug, his eyes were brimming with tears.

"You are alive! I thought . . . I wanted to believe Layla but . . . Ginny, I am so glad you are alive. My little sis is alive!" Charlie almost choked on his words and turned to Chris next.

"Sorry Charlie, I know it wasn't —" Chris gave apologetic smile, and Charlie pulled her into a bear hug.

"Are you guys okay?" Layla asked standing behind Charlie as she noticed Oziyat's burns and slumped Sol. "What happened?"

"The sun," Oziyat grimaced. "And Christina is taking care of Sol. She knows his condition."

"We are fine," Ginny replied to Layla. "But the Prince could use some Dragon blood."

"Yes, of course, Prince Oziyat follow me," Layla hastily walked away with Oziyat as he handed Sol to Chris.

"The Vampire Prince?" Charlie looked from Chris to Ginny to Colin and Luna.

"Yeah, it's a long story," Ginny shrugged.

"You made me think you are dead for nine months. I think I have time, Sis," Charlie glared.

Ginny sighed.

"Oh, you would have done the same to save our family and help your friends. It was the only way and you know it, Charlie," Ginny explained but Charlie stared at her unmoved. "Alright, so where should I begin. . ." 

"Wait, not here," Charlie darted her eyes around the front door of the living quarters suspiciously.

"I thought Oziyat said we are entering through the back door, so no one can know about us," Chris frowned following Charlie's gaze.

"Yeah, no one knows about you guys. . . yet. But we can't tempt fate, we need a safe place to discuss," Charlie whispered. "Follow me."

Charlie led Chris, Ginny, Luna, and Colin towards the Dragons' shelter. All of them remained alert and discreet as they made their way through different Dragon enclosures. All of the Dragons were asleep and calm.

They finally stopped in front of a gigantic black Dragon, its spiny wings were huge compared to its skinny jet body, it had a long snout with wide nostrils, two long horns, and bulging orange eyes.

"Is it a Norwegian Ridgeback?" Chris asked looking up at dangerous beauty.

"Not any Norwegian Ridgeback, the Norwegian Ridgeback Hagrid had won from Quirrell a few years ago," Charlie smiled. "Meet Norberta. She is not very friendly, so watch yourself."

Ginny, Luna, and Colin quickly stepped away from the sleeping Dragon. Chris hesitated but followed Charlie and her friends. At the back of Norberta's enclosure, Charlie pushed down on the ground and revealed a trap door.

"Come on," Charlie said before climbing down.

Ginny grinned and climbed down after her brother. Luna, Colin, and Chris followed. 

By the time they all got down, Charlie was already lighting candles in a small, cozy but clean room. The perfectly made bed was occupying most of the room, the table and a chair in the corner were neatly placed, and some other belongings with clothes were folded onto the shelves.

"What's this place?" Colin asked.

"Kind of secret cabin. Since Dumbledore sent me and Layla here for Order's work, we are using this place to hide stuff, information . . . people, whatever we can't hide in our room and from Death Eaters or Malgino's Minions," Charlie explained sitting on the bed. "Now Ginny, start talking. I want to know everything you guys have been doing."

It was a very long conversation but even after Charlie's several protests, Ginny didn't tell him everything. She skipped the part about why Chris went to Titian and everything about the temple. After Ginny finished her story Charlie rubbed his eyes and sighed.

"You really have grown up," Charlie murmured.

"I already crossed 17, you know that right?" Ginny joked but before Charlie could retort, Layla marched down into the room.

Oziyat was just behind her, he looked a lot better.

"Oziyat, you o—" Chris began but Layla frantically spoke cutting Chris up.

"Charlie, turn on the wireless! Now!"

⟦To be continued⟧