Jun-97
Chapter 12 of 28
shosierIt's not a Howler, but might as well be.
Chapter 12
June 1997
* * *
Snape raised his wand and pointed it directly at Dumbledore. "Avada Kedavra!" – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 27
* * *
26 June, 1997
Dear Charlie,
Sit down before you read any further, son. I've got the most terrible news to deliver today, I'm afraid: Dumbledore is dead. Murdered by none other than Severus Snape. The Order is compromised, and we are completely at loose ends. No one knows what to do.
But I'm getting a little ahead of myself. First: the battle. Some of the Order were patrolling the castle a few nights ago as per Dumbledore's orders. Malfoy's son somehow managed to sneak a gang of Death Eaters in using some sort of Vanishing cabinet or other – the details aren't entirely clear. Harry says You-Know-Who had commanded the poor boy to kill Dumbledore or be killed, but when faced with the actual task, he faltered. That was when Snape took over. According to Harry, Dumbledore was already in a weakened state, ill and wandless, when Snape cast the Killing Curse.
Let me assure you Ron and Ginny are fine. But Bill was also there patrolling that night and was attacked by a werewolf. He is gravely wounded but ought to survive without suffering the full effects, we think, as the brute was not transformed at the time. (I honestly marvel at the difference between this Greyback monster and our dear Lupin, I really do.) I will send you word again soon regarding Bill's continued improvement – your mum and Fleur are with him round the clock, and Poppy Pomfrey visits often.
We are operating under the assumption that Grimmauld Place is no longer safe. Do not attempt to go there for any reason. Consequently, I offered up our place as the new headquarters – your mum and I thought it was the least we could do. You should know the Burrow is now under a Fidelius Charm with me as Secret-keeper. There – that should do to bring you under it. I'm sure it goes without saying, but do destroy this letter, Charlie, when you've finished reading.
As much as it saddens me to write it, I must ask you not to discuss any of this with Percy. That fence has yet to be mended, though your mother and I are heartsore about the whole business. Did I tell you he's working in Scrimgeour's office now? I see him in the corridors every once in a while, but he pretends not to notice me. And as we cannot absolutely ascertain his… well, let us say his sympathies, rather than allegiance… we must guard against all possibilities of further infiltration, as remote as they might seem. I can't ever see him joining the other side willingly, but these times are as confusing as they are dangerous.
We're all simply gutted, as you can imagine. Dumbledore's loss has hit us all quite hard, most particularly in the traitorous manner by which it was delivered. Poor Harry's absolutely wrecked, as you can imagine. He's back at his mother's sister's place for safekeeping – at least until we can figure out what to do next. Dumbledore always insisted it was the safest place for him during the summers, and we're trusting in his prior plan for the time being.
Moody's stepped up as of late and taken charge of the Order, as it were. I respect the man immensely, but – well, he's no Dumbledore, is he? Where Dumbledore would've calmed us with careful reassurances, Moody's screaming "Constant vigilance!" all the time and whipping us into a right paranoid frenzy, expecting Death Eater ambushes at every bloody turn. Thank Merlin that hasn't come to pass yet.
I understand secrecy is our most valuable defense right now, but I wish to hell somebody could just explain to me what is going on and what needs to be done about it. We've got no plan at all aside from hiding ourselves and watching over Harry. We've no idea what the other side's doing or planning. Dumbledore's strategy, whatever it was, may well have perished with him. And who knows how much of his plan depended on trusting Snape?
Dumbledore's death leaves all our eggs in one very young, very vulnerable basket, I'm afraid. But who else have we got left to trust? Ron's being rather tight-lipped about it all, but he's assured me that over the past year, Dumbledore has taken pains to give Harry a good deal of special training. He let it slip that Harry's even been set a special task of some sort to complete. That was as much as I've been able to suss out of him, unfortunately.
Forgive your old dad, Charlie. I know I shouldn't let it get to me. Worse still, I don't wish to burden you with my worrisome weakness. There's hope as long as we've got Harry, isn't there? That's what I tell myself when I start feeling down. Dumbledore always set so much store by him, didn't he? That's got to count for something.
I'll write again when I know anything more. Stay safe, Charlie. Looking forward to seeing you at the wedding, son.
Love,
Dad
"You know, I've grown to really hate owls from your family," Sasha mumbled softly.
Charlie clutched the parchment in his slightly shaking hands. What am I to do?
Sasha reached toward the letter. Charlie instinctively crumpled it in his hands, held it to his chest. Sasha's hand darted back, and he wore a confused look.
"Sorry." Charlie's voice was the faintest bit hoarse. "It's not you. I'm being stupid. Give me a minute, yeah?"
Sasha nodded, then backed away, feigning casualness and understanding.
What am I to do now? he thought again. Should I go home? Can I go home, even? Charlie skimmed through the letter again, searching it for a summons to return to England, but the closest thing to it was his father's mention of Bill's wedding in a month's time. He consoled himself for a moment with the thought that if the wedding was still on, his father was telling the truth about Bill's likely recovery.
"Sash, I…" Then he faltered, unable to find the words. Is this the effect of the Fidelius? he wondered.
"Something bad has happened," Sasha said, both his voice and expression full of concern. "Is someone ill?"
Charlie shook his head. "Worse. A very important person is… is dead." The words rang hollow in his mouth. Dumbledore is dead! It was too devastating to be believed. Whatever will we do now? It was nearly impossible not to think all was lost.
Sasha looked perplexed. "A death… in your family?"
"No, thank Merlin," Charlie sighed. "This has to do with the… o-o-other… b-business," he said a little haltingly.
Sasha gave a single nod of understanding, such as it was.
"Something has ch-changed," Charlie said, becoming more and more convinced that the Fidelius was affecting him now. "You know that I trust you. But this… th-this is… my fam-mily's safety."
Sasha's dark eyes sparkled as his mind deciphered the clues quickly. "There is an enchantment on the letter. Helping you to keep the secret. I understand this now."
"I… I w-wish I could t-tell you…"
Sasha shook his head vigorously. "Destroy the letter. Now. What you've told me is enough. Your family's safety comes first – this is right."
Charlie shot him a look of gratitude. After reading the disturbing letter once more, he incinerated it, then Vanished the ashes.
Author's note: I know this chapter is awfully short. Please bear with me – the rest are much longer!
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Latest 25 Reviews for Here Be Dragons
46 Reviews | 7.2/10 Average
I absolutely loved this. I didn't read your other story first and it made me curious for the other. This is really good. You're very talented.Signed,
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :D
Oh!!! you had me so nervous my tummy was actully flipping a little bit for Charlie! Your George really did a good job of "helping" Charlie tell him didn't he?Cheers on a great chapter!!!But really? only 1 left - I may cry
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
George couldn't have helped himself, really. :) Thanks for reading, reviewing, and enjoying!
I've been reading this one since I read G&A. I figure I probably owe you a review, since I'm going to grovel for updates.Enjoying it very much! It makes my day to see an update come by.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
I'm so glad you liked both! This one's about to wrap up - one more chapter to go. Thanks for the review :)
Woooo, go Charlie! Now just 2 parents, 4 siblings, 4 in-laws and many nieces and nephews to go!
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
A daunting list, to be sure! 
Thanks for the review.
you have no idea how disappointed i was this evening when I didn't have an email update - I actually cried outloud! But how thrilled was I when I saw it on the homepage.How lovely that Charlie and Sasha are so relaxed in thier life now that they'll actually say "love you" in the morning outloud. Loved the pictures of Charlie, Sasha and the kids playing - how much fun!!! Will next chapter include Charlie actually telling Annie and George? The others as well? curious curious
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
I think/hope you'll be pleased with the next and final two chapters - you've been waiting for them so patiently! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll live up to your expectations!
Response from feisanna (Reviewer)
I'm sure they'll be lovely, though only 2 more - that makes me sad. haha - though I'm also sure you'll tie up all the loose edges
Charlie, for pete's sake! And Annie, go corrall him!
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Have patience! Only two more chapters to go! And thanks for the reviews...
Sigh.... lovely chapter. I'm so glad the rest of the keepers are so relaxed about Charlie/Sasha, though they would evidently have to have been blind to have missed it. Will we ever figure out how much was in the pot or how long it had been in effect?thanks for the update, the hard work and the dedication as always.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thanks! And it was my pleasure, I assure you.
Very nice! See, Charlie, all that fuss over nothing. Now tell your mother, idiot.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thanks for the review!
Awwww. ~happy dances for charlie and sasha~
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thanks!
Ahhh - lovely, and moving, as always.So it was Sasha who finally gives Charlie the courage to say who he is outloud. Now, will he "tell" the rez or very casually show them I wonder - or will he enlighten his family first?you make Monday evenings happy for new postings... but now I have to wait another 6 days
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thanks for another great review! And I'm doing my best to make the wait worth it - thanks for your patience!
Excellent chapter, I'm trying to remember if Charlie coming out was mentioned in George and Annie... also, if you do a story for Percy, for some reason I think it'd be hilarious to call it "Thick as a Cauldron Bottom"
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Ha! That's hilarious! I love it! Thanks for the review and the laugh :)
Well, now I'm not too sure what to think of the dragon keepers. But Merlin is annoying as hell, which undermines his point a bit.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
The keepers are a rough bunch, certainly. And Merlin kinda sorta has his heart in the right place. But Charlie's feeling the pressure from all sides now.
ooooo... Merlin, not everyout is out and loud. And thus yet another difference btwn people (and cultures? us vs england?)interesting chapter, makes me wonder when will Charlie and Annie have thier fated dance, or when will George/Annie & co come visit the res?lovely as always.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
It's coming! Both of the visit and the dance! And I love that you remember G&A so well - that means a lot to me. Glad you liked it, and thanks for reviewing :)
Response from feisanna (Reviewer)
I've read it twice - and its a great story
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
, you're the greatest!
Oh my, this will give Charlie something to think over. I hope this Merlin character doesn't get himself hurt.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thanks! Merlin was a hoot to write. 
Well well.... I've been wanting to read this fic, since I love dragons - but I'm not a slash fan - but I saw this chapter's rating and some favored characters in it, and thought I'd give it a shot - and you really write these guys well!I love your Dumbledore, Molly and McGonagall - very much and found them extreamly accurate.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thank you for giving it a try! And I really appreciate the review, too. Hope you'll keep reading... :)
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
I'm going to dip my head in on the chapters that are softer rated - I really enjoy your style and the way you write these canon folk. Do you have other fics, some non-slashy ones? I would like to give any you might have, a gander. As I said, you've got some good stuff here!
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thanks, and yes! Oh, I hope you'll give "George & Annie" a try! Charlie's story is technically a spin-off of that one, which centers around George Weasley and is a straight romance. I think if you click on my author name from the TPP home page you'll be transported to my profile page with a list of my stories. If not, let me know and I'll figure out a way to send you a more direct link.As for my ratings, I feel like I tend to rate stuff a little high just to be safe. The earlier chapters of G&A are very "G" rated, and the later love scenes are explicit but not gratuitously graphic (in my opinion).
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Coolness! I'll take a peek! I haven't read any Weasley romances - well aside from Ron - so that should be fresh and fun!
I love your version of Percy in this chapter and the previous one. Its a much deeper, multi-faceted characterization than what is in canon. Poor Charlie, with his family is the one place he should feel accepted, not out of place. Molly is going to push him away for good if she sint careful. Great chapter.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thank you! I wanted to experiment with an atypical Percy, one that maybe wasn't quite such an unmitigated ass. I'm so glad you can appreciate this alternative take - it was a lot of fun to write. :)
Part of the reason I enjoy your stories so much is because of the way you charge I and confront real-life topics. You did a splendid job showing both sides' points of view and their emotions. I'm curious to see what happens.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thank you! As soon as I came up with the idea of dragon keeping being a "manly man's" job, I of course couldn't resist breaking the rule... which led to an interesting consequence, I hope. Thanks for the review!
oh!!! Babies - Reservation babies!!!steamy lemons getting interrupted mid scene, how very frustrating for Charlie and Sasha. Great chapter though, lots of movement and growth in the characters - loved it
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Oh, Feisanna, as a mother of two, I sorely understand Charlie & Sasha's interruptus predicament. They'll get their chance, though... Glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Poor Freya, biology is a bitch. Thank you for not introducing mpreg ;-)
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Hahaha! And you're welcome! Thanks for the review :)
:) will there be babies in the next chapter? i can't remember if Charlie was/is around when the twins are born or not....stupid waiting an entire week for the next update
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Oh, there will be so many, many babies in the future... <cackles wickedly> Thanks for being patient! Hopefully it comforts you to know the story is completely finished (all 28 chapters) so there shouldn't be any delays between now and the end of the tale. (fingers crossed I'm not kidnapped by any evil plot bunnies or the internets blow up)
Response from feisanna (Reviewer)
oh now you're just being cruel Shosier!!! it's done and you arent just blasting it up ASAP? ... heartbroken. I'll wait as patiently as I can, I promise wait...."many, many babie"s? - *gasp* will Charlie and Sasha adopt some of thier own? not just Weasley nieces and nephews? dare I dream?:)
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Ha ha ha,
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
! Love your sense of humor. And yes, I'm drawing out the posting process in a pathetic whoring attempt to garner more reviews. I'm a junkie, I guess. Seriously, though, thank you so much for all your positive reviews and eagerness for new chapters. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support! (wish there was a hug emoticon here)
Ooh, I love this portrayal of Ron. I can't wait for more!
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thanks! I'm so glad you liked it/him. I adore *all* the Weasley siblings, so that's a hint about who else is eventually going to get his chance to vent...
Oh, you made me like Ron. Sigh. Poor George. Excellent chapter, love it.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thanks! I've always liked the hapless-yet-sometimes-with-it Ron, and I don't subscribe to the notion he's a Neanderthalic oaf or nothing but an albatross around Hermione's neck. I think the two of them can potentially make an interestingly matched pair, softening each other's rough edges.
Ginny sounds very wise, but that doesnt make it easy
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
She does understand a thing or three about Harry, not for nothing. She may not be the easiest gal to love, but I for one find the idea of her and Harry in an adult relationship an intriguing one. Thanks for the review!
aww...... lovely chapter. very team building.
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thanks! I wanted to include a little peek into the immediately-post-war Burrow. :)
AHHHH!!!! George & Annie :)loved the chapter - you've put (almost) all my favorite characters together. I truly appreciated your conversation between Charlie and Fred - hearing Charlie's take on things/his POV made me laugh out loud. And the lovely little chat btwn him and Tonks as well. Your characters are very real, much more than a simple characture.Thanks for the hard work as always - your stories always bring a smile to my face
Response from shosier (Author of Here Be Dragons)
Thanks for another great review! I'm so pleased you're enjoying it! Once I learned they were (probably) the same age, I knew Charlie and Tonks would've been good friends... :)