Two weeks had passed since Charlie's incident with Suckle and Neel. He got the okay from the Healer to go back to work. Getting Neel to like Charlie was much harder than he thought it would be. Neel always tried to blow flames in his face or light him on fire. Granted, he had only spent two days with the dragon.

"Neel, I know you're not rather fond of me, but - well - I don't care. Miriam is fond of you, and so, I am making an effort. I don't care how many more times you try to set me on fire or whack me with your tail. I will get you to like me."

Neel stared him down, then looked away with a haughty look. Charlie glared at him.

"You think you're so much better than me, don't you? I recognize the fact that I shouldn't be so angry at one of the strongest dragons on this planet, but I don't really care. If you warmed up to Miriam, a woman who is definitely more scarier than me, then you will warm up to me."

Neel stared pointedly at him.

"Merlin, I'm not a Legilimens!" he exclaimed.

Charlie plopped down onto the ground and moped. The two sat in silence for a few seconds before Charlie looked up.

"Did you know Miriam and I used to court each other? Merlin, I loved her. We were together for almost four years but called it quits when she wanted to go to Ukraine. Good for her, I suppose. She met you, after all, but now you're stuck in Romania. I can't help but hope this is Dumbledore's doing. He always finds a way to do things. Hopefully, Miriam'll take me back."

Neel was very intrigued by what Charlie was saying. He didn't scoot closer, but he bent down slightly to show his interest. Charlie understood and was very elated by Neel's gesture.

"You want to hear more about Miriam, don't you?"

Neel didn't respond with a nod. He instead swished his tail back and forth as his way of saying yes. Charlie smiled and began telling stories of his time at Hogwarts with Miriam.