Chereads / Otherworldly Interference / Chapter 59 - Dragons and Threats

Chapter 59 - Dragons and Threats

The next morning, the sun's first rays filtered through the villa's large windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the living room. Harry had fallen asleep in the armchair, a book on magical substances resting on his lap, the pages open to a section on water resin. His glasses had slipped down his nose, and his head was tilted at an awkward angle.

Ginny, who had woken up earlier than usual, tiptoed downstairs, her bare feet making no sound on the wooden floor. She paused at the bottom of the stairs, her eyes widening with a mixture of amusement and affection as she spotted Harry sprawled in the armchair, deep in sleep.

She approached quietly, careful not to wake him. For a moment, she simply watched him, a soft smile playing on her lips. Harry's usually serious face was relaxed in sleep, and she couldn't help but think he looked younger, almost childlike. The book on his lap caught her attention, and she gently lifted it, careful not to disturb him. She saw the complex diagrams and the lengthy descriptions and shook her head, impressed by his dedication.

Unable to resist, she took the blanket draped over the back of the couch and carefully covered him with it. Harry stirred slightly, mumbling something unintelligible, but didn't wake up. Ginny's smile widened as she tucked the blanket around him.

"Sleep well, Harry," she whispered, a hint of a giggle in her voice.

As she turned to head back upstairs, Petunia emerged from her room, her hair slightly tousled from sleep. She noticed Ginny and then saw Harry, a look of understanding crossing her face and she smirked to herself.

"Good morning, Ginny," Petunia greeted softly.

"Good morning," Ginny replied in a whisper, glancing back at Harry. "I didn't want to wake him. He looked so peaceful."

Petunia nodded, a warm smile on her face. "He does. Thank you for taking care of him, Ginny. He works so hard; it's good to see him rest."

Ginny nodded, "I just thought he could use the extra sleep."

Petunia gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder. "You're a good friend, Ginny. Now, why don't you head back to your room and get a little more rest yourself? I'm going to take a walk through the garden."

Ginny agreed, casting one last fond glance at Harry before heading back upstairs. The villa was peaceful in the early morning light, a perfect start to what promised to be another day of adventure and discovery.

As Petunia stepped outside into the fresh morning air, Harry shifted in his sleep, the warmth of the blanket and the comfort of the armchair ensuring that he would wake up feeling refreshed.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the villa gradually came to life. One by one, everyone made their way downstairs for breakfast. The sight that greeted them was too funny to ignore—Harry, still fast asleep in the armchair, mouth slightly open, and sprawled in an awkward position with the blanket Ginny had placed over him.

Fred and George were the first to notice. "Look at Harry," Fred whispered, nudging George.

George snickered. "He's out cold. Must've been up late again."

The others gathered, chuckling softly at the sight. Petunia, smiling warmly, approached Harry. She gently shook his shoulder, trying to wake him. "Harry, sweetheart, it's time to wake up."

Harry mumbled, still half-asleep, "Five more minutes, Mum... there are no classes today."

The room erupted in laughter at his sleepy protest. Petunia chuckled and shook him a bit harder. "Harry, dear, wake up."

Harry finally stirred, blinking blearily at the group gathered around him. His hair was sticking up at odd angles, and he looked completely disheveled. For a moment, he seemed confused by the laughter and the many eyes watching him.

Then it all came back to him—the villa, the vacation, the relaxed mornings. He sat up quickly, the blanket slipping off his shoulders, and grinned sheepishly. "Good morning, everyone."

Sirius smirked, leaning against the doorway. "Good morning, Harry. Have a nice nap?"

Harry's face flushed slightly. "Yeah, I guess I did. I'll be back after a quick shower."

He dashed off to his room, his embarrassment only making everyone laugh harder. 

Harry checked the clock in his room as he entered. It showed 10:36 am. He had slept for quite some time. He grabbed a change of clothes and headed into the bathroom for a quick shower. After showering and changing, he came down to see that everyone had already started with breakfast.

Harry approached the table and drew up a seat next to Percy. "Morning, Percy. Where'd all this food come from?"

Percy looked up from his plate and replied, "Charlie told Dad about a good place for breakfast. Dad and Sirius went early and brought it back for us."

Harry nodded, eyeing the spread on the table. There were traditional Romanian breakfast foods like scrambled eggs with cheese and ham, mici (grilled sausages), and mămăligă (a creamy polenta served with sour cream and cheese). Alongside these were more familiar items like toast, bacon, and a variety of pastries.

Harry started piling his plate with food. "This looks amazing," he said, taking a bite of a sausage.

As they ate, the conversation turned to the day's plans. 

"Should we visit the dragon reserve first or do the Muggle activities?" Mrs. Weasley asked, looking around the table.

"I vote for the dragon reserve," Ron said eagerly. "I've been dying to see them up close."

"Me too," Ginny chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Fred and George nodded in agreement. "Dragons first," George said. "We'll have plenty of time for the other stuff later."

Mr. Weasley looked at Petunia and Vernon. "What do you think? Up for a bit of dragon watching?"

Vernon chuckled. "It sounds like quite an adventure. I'm in."

Petunia smiled. "It would be nice to see the dragons. Abigail has been talking about them non-stop."

Sirius leaned back in his chair. "Looks like the majority wants dragons. Harry, what about you?"

Harry grinned. "Dragons it is. I've never seen one up close, either."

With the decision made, everyone finished their breakfast, the excitement palpable.

With the decision made, everyone finished their breakfast, the excitement palpable. After the meal, they put away the dishes in the sink, and Petunia waved her wand, setting the dishes to clean themselves. 

"Never gets old, seeing that," Fred remarked, watching the dishes scrub themselves.

Everyone chuckled and headed to their rooms to change into more appropriate attire for visiting the dragon reserves. Comfortable shoes, hats, and lightweight clothing were the order of the day, given the expected heat and terrain.

Soon after, the cars arranged for their transport arrived. They clamored into the vehicles, a sense of anticipation buzzing in the air. The driver turned around and asked, "Where to?"

Sirius, seated in the front, replied, "The dragon reserves, please."

The driver nodded and started the engine. As the cars pulled away from the villa, Harry gazed out of the window. The streets of the small Romanian town bustled with morning activity. Market stalls lined the roads, with vendors selling fresh produce, colorful flowers, and various trinkets. Children played on the sidewalks, their laughter ringing through the air, while locals greeted each other warmly.

"Look at that," Ginny said, pointing to a quaint little bakery with a line out the door. "I bet they have amazing pastries."

Ron leaned over to see. "Maybe we can stop there on the way back," he suggested.

The scenery gradually shifted from the town's hustle and bustle to the serene countryside. Rolling hills, dense forests, and the occasional picturesque farmhouse painted a tranquil picture outside the car windows. The road wound through valleys and up gentle slopes, offering glimpses of the majestic Carpathian Mountains in the distance.

"Romania is beautiful," Abigail remarked, her eyes wide with appreciation. "I can't wait to see the dragons in their natural habitat."

As they approached the dragon reserves, the landscape became more rugged. The cars slowed as they navigated the dirt road leading to the entrance of the reserve. Finally, they arrived at a large wooden gate with a sign that read "Dragon Reserve: Authorized Personnel Only."

The driver stopped and turned to Sirius. "Here we are."

They all stepped out, stretching their legs and looking around in awe. The air was thick with anticipation as they approached the entrance.

As the cars came to a stop at the entrance of the dragon reserve, everyone stepped out, stretching their legs and taking in the rugged beauty of the surroundings. A guard stationed at the large wooden gate eyed them curiously and approached.

"Good morning. Can I help you?" the guard asked, his tone polite but firm.

Mr. Weasley stepped forward. "Good morning. We're here to meet Charlie Weasley. Could you please call him for us?"

The guard nodded and gestured towards a small door off to the side. "Of course. If you could all wait in the visitor lounge, I'll get him for you."

The group followed the guard through the door into a cozy visitor lounge. It was a simple room with a few wooden benches and large windows that offered a view of the surrounding reserve. The walls were adorned with posters and photographs of various dragon species, adding to the sense of excitement.

"Please have a seat," the guard said. "I'll go fetch Charlie."

Everyone settled onto the benches, their excitement palpable. Ron and Percy examined the posters, pointing out different dragons, while Harry and Ginny found seats near the window, peering out in hopes of catching a glimpse of any dragons in the distance.

"This place is amazing," Ginny whispered to Harry, her eyes wide with wonder.

Harry nodded, equally captivated. "I can't wait to see the dragons up close."

After a few minutes, the door swung open, and Charlie Weasley entered, his face lighting up with a grin when he saw the group.

"Hey, everyone! Ready to see some dragons?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Absolutely," Harry replied, his anticipation mirrored by the others.

Charlie quickly signed the necessary forms at the guard's desk and then led the way out of the lounge. With him guiding them, they headed deeper into the reserve, eager to embark on their dragon-filled adventure.

Charlie led the group through the dragon reserve, his enthusiasm infectious as he began the tour. "Welcome to the Romanian Dragon Reserve, everyone. We've got a lot to see today, so let's get started!"

They followed him down a well-trodden path, bordered by tall, sturdy fences designed to keep both dragons and visitors safe. The air was filled with the sounds of the reserve—distant roars, the rustle of trees, and the occasional flap of enormous wings.

Charlie pointed to a nearby enclosure. "Over here, we've got our Norwegian Ridgebacks. These guys are known for their aggressive nature and are quite a handful." As if on cue, a large, black dragon with spiky ridges on its back appeared, snorting a plume of smoke. Its scales glistened like polished obsidian, and its glowing orange eyes scanned the visitors warily.

"Wow," Abigail exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "They're huge!"

"Indeed they are," Charlie agreed, smiling at her excitement. "Each dragon here is carefully monitored and cared for. We make sure they have everything they need."

As they moved on, Charlie shared fascinating facts about each dragon species they encountered. The group marveled at the Hungarian Horntail, a fearsome creature with jet-black scales and a tail lined with long, sharp spikes. Its yellow eyes watched them closely, and when it spread its massive wings, the sunlight reflected off its scales in dazzling patterns. Harry smirked as he remembered that he would have to deal with this dragon in the future, well if the future remains the same.

Next, they admired the Chinese Fireball, whose brilliant red scales glistened like rubies in the sunlight. Its face was adorned with a fringe of golden spikes, and it had a particularly elegant demeanor as it moved gracefully within its enclosure.

"Dragons have always fascinated me," Mr. Weasley said, watching a Common Welsh Green basking lazily. This dragon had smooth, emerald-green scales and a pearly sheen that made it look almost serene compared to the more aggressive breeds.

"They are," Charlie said. "And each one has its own personality and quirks. It's what makes working here so interesting."

The tour continued with Charlie explaining the daily routines of the dragon handlers, the various safety measures in place, and the challenges they faced in conserving these magical creatures. He also talked about the breeding programs and the importance of maintaining the dragon population.

As they approached a particularly large enclosure, Charlie paused. "And here we have one of our stars, a Romanian Longhorn named Brutus. He's quite the character."

Brutus, a dragon with long, glittering golden horns that curled elegantly back over his head, looked up as they approached, giving a low, rumbling growl. His scales were a deep bronze, shimmering with hints of gold, and his piercing green eyes watched them intently. "He's beautiful," Ginny whispered, captivated by the majestic creature.

Harry, standing beside her, nodded. "Yeah, he really is."

Petunia and Vernon exchanged a glance, both clearly impressed by the dragons and proud of Charlie's dedication to his work. "You've done a remarkable job here, Charlie," Petunia said. "It's wonderful to see how much you care for these dragons."

Charlie smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, Mrs. Dursley. It means a lot to hear that."

After a few hours of exploring and learning about the various dragons, the group took a break in a shaded area where picnic tables were set up. They shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed some refreshments provided by the dragon reserve staff.

"This has been incredible," Ron said, sipping on a cold pumpkin juice. "I never imagined I'd get to see so many dragons up close."

"And we're not done yet," Charlie said with a grin. "There's still more to see. We've got a hatchery where you can see some baby dragons, and then we can visit the training area where we work on acclimating the dragons to human interaction."

After their refreshing break, Charlie led the group toward the hatchery. As they walked, the conversation flowed easily, filled with excitement and curiosity about what lay ahead. The path wound through a shaded grove of trees, the air cool and fresh.

"Here we are," Charlie said as they approached a large, domed building with sturdy iron doors. "Welcome to the hatchery. This is where we care for dragon eggs and hatchlings."

He opened the doors, and they stepped into a warm, dimly lit space filled with the soft hum of magical incubators. Each incubator held a dragon egg, some as large as boulders, others smaller and more delicately patterned.

"These eggs are kept at precise temperatures to ensure they hatch safely," Charlie explained. "It's a delicate process, but seeing a dragon hatch is one of the most amazing things you'll ever witness."

As they moved through the hatchery, they saw several handlers tending to the eggs, carefully monitoring their conditions. Charlie stopped at an incubator that held a large, speckled egg with a faint glow emanating from within.

"This one here is a Ukrainian Ironbelly egg," he said. "They're the largest breed of dragon, and their eggs are incredibly tough."

The group watched in awe as the egg wobbled slightly, a tiny crack appearing on its surface. "It looks like this one might be ready to hatch soon," Charlie noted with a smile.

Next, Charlie led them to an enclosure within the hatchery where several baby dragons were being cared for. These hatchlings, about the size of large dogs, were already showing the characteristics of their breeds. Some had bright, shiny scales, while others had tiny, developing horns and wings.

As the group entered, a surprising thing happened—every dragon hatchling turned towards them. They watched in awe as almost all the hatchlings started moving towards the group. Not knowing what was happening, Charlie quickly told everyone to stay calm and avoid making any sudden moves. He brought out his wand, ready to intervene if necessary.

To everyone's astonishment, all the hatchlings flocked around Harry, looking at him with intense curiosity. They didn't pay much attention to anyone else, their eyes and movements entirely focused on him. Harry stood still, feeling a mix of surprise and excitement as the baby dragons surrounded him, their little snouts nudging him gently and their eyes gleaming with interest.

As the hatchlings gathered around Harry, the group exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what to make of the extraordinary scene unfolding before them.

"What's going on?" Ginny whispered, her eyes wide with amazement.

"I have no idea," Ron replied, his voice tinged with awe. "But it's like they're drawn to him."

Sirius, his wand at the ready, watched the hatchlings closely, a mix of curiosity and caution in his expression. "I've never seen anything like this," he murmured.

Meanwhile, Petunia and Vernon exchanged surprised looks, marveling at the sight of their adopted son surrounded by baby dragons.

Abigail, her face lit up with excitement, reached out to touch one of the hatchlings. "They're so cute!"

Charlie, observing the scene with a mixture of fascination and intrigue, approached Harry cautiously. "This is incredible," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "I've never seen the hatchlings react like this before."

Harry, still somewhat stunned by the attention he was receiving from the dragons, managed a bewildered smile. "I guess they like me," he said, his tone tinged with disbelief. "But why?"

Before anyone could offer an answer, the hatchlings began to disperse, returning to their usual activities as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. The group exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what had just transpired but eager to continue their exploration of the dragon reserves.

"These little ones are just a few weeks old," Charlie said, still curious about what just happened but eager to proceed ahead. "We handle them carefully and start socializing them early to make sure they grow up healthy and well-adjusted."

Abigail leaned over the fence, her eyes wide with wonder. "Can I touch one?" she asked.

Charlie smiled. "Sure, just be gentle." He carefully lifted the Welsh Green hatchling and held it out to Abigail, who gently petted its smooth scales.

"It's so soft," she said, beaming with delight.

After spending some time with the hatchlings, Charlie took them to the training area. This was an open space with various obstacles and equipment designed to help the dragons get used to human interaction and learn essential skills.

"We use this area to train the dragons for various tasks," Charlie explained. "From basic commands to more complex interactions, it's important they learn to coexist with humans."

They watched as handlers worked with a few young dragons, guiding them through exercises that involved flying, retrieving objects, and responding to commands. The dragons displayed impressive intelligence and agility, their interactions with the handlers showcasing the strong bond between them.

Harry, fascinated by the training process, asked, "How long does it take to train a dragon?"

"It varies," Charlie replied. "Some dragons are quick learners and can pick up commands within a few months. Others take longer, depending on their temperament and breed."

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the reserve, Charlie led the group to a scenic overlook where they could see the entire area spread out before them. The sight of the vast enclosures, the dragons soaring in the distance, and the dedicated handlers at work was truly breathtaking.

"This has been an incredible day," Mr. Weasley said, wrapping an arm around Mrs. Weasley. "Thank you, Charlie, for showing us around."

"Yeah, thanks, Charlie," Ron added. "This has been the best part of the vacation so far."

Charlie grinned. "I'm glad you all enjoyed it but it's not over."

The group continued their tour, marveling at the older dragons in the larger enclosures and learning about the different species and their unique traits. They were nearing the end of the tour when Charlie led them to a secluded area of the reserve, where a massive iron gate stood closed.

"This area is restricted," Charlie explained, his tone suddenly serious. "We keep the more dangerous dragons here. They require special handling. Usually the ones we find in the wild."

Just as he was about to turn and lead the group away, a loud, ear-splitting roar echoed through the air, causing everyone to freeze in their tracks. The ground shook as a powerful gust of wind whipped through the area.

"What's happening?" Mr. Weasley asked, his face pale with concern.

Charlie frowned, his eyes scanning the area for the source of the disturbance. "That shouldn't be happening. All the dangerous dragons are securely contained."

Suddenly, the gate burst open with a deafening clang, and a massive, enraged Hungarian Horntail dragon emerged, its scales glistening in the sunlight, and its eyes blazing with fury. The dragon had somehow escaped its enclosure and was now advancing toward the group, smoke billowing from its nostrils.

"Everyone, get back!" Charlie shouted, drawing his wand. "Stay together and move slowly!"

The group retreated, their eyes wide with fear as the dragon drew closer, its massive wings unfurling menacingly. As they backed away, Petunia stumbled, and Abigail rushed to help her, both of them now directly in the dragon's path.

"Mum! Abby!" Harry screamed, his heart pounding in his chest.

The dragon let out another roar, its fiery breath just missing them as they tried to scramble away. Harry's mind flashed back to all the times he had lost people he loved—the memories of his parents, best friend, and others he'd failed to save. The despair and helplessness he'd felt in those moments now surged within him as pure rage.

A dark, dense energy erupted from Harry, radiating outward and making the air around him heavy with a suffocating pressure. His usual emerald green eyes turned into a dark, stormy grey, devoid of any emotion. His expression was cold and unfeeling, unlike anything anyone had ever seen from him before.

The magical energy pouring out of Harry was so intense that everyone around him began to struggle to breathe. The bloodlust he emitted was palpable, pressing down on them with an almost physical force. They fell to their knees, gasping for air and trying to call out to him.

"Harry, stop!" Ginny cried, her voice trembling with fear.

"Harry, please!" Mr. Weasley shouted, but his words seemed to fall on deaf ears.

Petunia, her face pale with shock, looked up and saw Harry's expression. It was terrifying—a mask of cold determination and fury. She could hardly recognize the boy she had raised as her own son. It was the face of someone who would kill without hesitation, a chilling, emotionless mask.

As Harry walked towards the dragon, his voice, low and menacing, sent chills down everyone's spines. "Kneel."

The dragon was immediately pressed into the ground by an invisible force, struggling in vain to get up. The immense power Harry wielded seemed to crush the very life out of the creature. He stood before the dragon, his dark eyes boring into it with unyielding intensity.

"How dare you try to take the people I love from me," he said, his voice echoing with an almost ancient chill. He raised his hand, holding his wand, ready to kill the dragon. Elythral seemed to be glowing a darker shade than usual.

"Harry, no!" Petunia screamed, her voice breaking through to Harry.

Harry hesitated, his gaze snapping back to her. For a moment, his expression faltered, the cold mask breaking just slightly. Petunia's voice, calm and sweet, reached out to him, as she desperately tried to pull him back.

"Harry, sweetheart, it's okay," she said softly, her eyes filled with love and fear. "We're safe now. You don't have to do this."

Harry's grey eyes flickered, the dark storm within them beginning to subside. He took a shaky breath, the oppressive energy around him slowly dissipating. He lowered his hand, and the dragon, sensing the change, ceased its struggle. Elythral disappeared from his hand as he lowered his arm.

Petunia carefully approached him, her voice gentle. "Harry, look at me. It's over. We're safe." 

Harry blinked, the grey in his eyes gradually fading back to their familiar emerald green. He looked around, seeing his family and friends kneeling, their expressions a mix of relief and lingering fear.

Harry looked at Petunia and Abigail, a tear falling down his cheek. "I thought I would lose you too..."

Petunia hugged him tightly, her voice soothing. "It's all okay, Harry. I'm not going anywhere."

Abigail, who had been silently crying, clung to Harry as well. He looked down at her, seeing the fear in her eyes, and immediately hugged her, whispering apologies. "I'm so sorry, Abigail."

The others—Sirius, Vernon and the rest of the Weasleys—stood around them, dumbstruck by what they had witnessed. Sirius, usually the first to crack a joke, was silent, his expression serious and thoughtful.

Charlie wasted no time in getting the dragon back into its enclosure. Surprisingly, the task was easy as the dragon was visibly terrified, trembling as it retreated. Charlie, still processing what he had seen, watched Harry closely. An eleven-year-old boy had made a dragon fear for its life—a feat unheard of.

As Vernon and Petunia gently directed Harry towards the exit, Abigail holding his hand tightly, Charlie knew he needed to speak to his parents about this extraordinary display of power. His gaze followed the Dursleys as they walked away, Harry's shoulders slumped, his face a mixture of exhaustion and lingering fear. 

The Weasleys and Sirius followed, still shaken but grateful for their safety. Those who knew about Ollivander's ominous words—Sirius, Mrs. Weasley, Vernon, Petunia, Ron, and Ginny—now fully understood their gravity. Ollivander had warned that if Harry ever embraced the dark path, no one could stop him from destroying the world. They had just witnessed a terrifying glimpse of that potential. The memory of Harry's rage and the overwhelming power he had displayed was a live testimony to Ollivander's warning, deeply shaking them. For the first time, they saw Harry for who he could be, and it scared them. 

Everyone exited the reserves and Petunia guided Harry to the visitor lounge where they sat around him. Charlie and the others followed, still shocked about everything. Sirius, wanting to break the tension in the room, cracked a joke, which got a few chuckles.

Harry then turned to Charlie. "Can you take me back to the dragon?" he asked.

A chorus of protests erupted. Petunia spoke up, "Harry, you don't need to do anything. Abigail and I are safe."

Charlie also seemed hesitant. "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Harry."

Harry smiled gently at Petunia. "It's okay. I don't want to harm the dragon. I want to apologize."

Everyone was taken aback. After a moment of consideration, Charlie nodded. "It might help the dragon feel better."

Charlie led Harry out, and everyone followed. Soon, they stood in front of the enclosure. The dragon backed away, clearly afraid of Harry. Taking a deep breath, Harry approached the enclosure slowly, letting out his magical energy in a calming manner.

The other caretakers moved toward Harry, thinking it was a bad idea, but Charlie raised his hands, signaling them to stop. Harry's magical energy enveloped the dragon, conveying his intentions. The dragon, now watching Harry curiously, seemed to calm down.

Harry stepped into the enclosure, eyes locked with the dragon's. His hand raised, he moved closer. The dragon slowly moved its snout toward him. Harry touched and stroked the dragon, whispering, "I'm sorry for scaring you."

The dragon let out a low growl, almost as if it understood and accepted his apology.

The dragon's growl was low and resonant, almost a purr. Harry continued to stroke its snout gently, feeling the rough scales under his fingers. The tension in the air dissipated as everyone watched the interaction in awe.

Charlie stepped forward, cautiously. "That's amazing, Harry. I've never seen anything like it."

Harry turned to him and nodded, then looked back at the dragon. "Thank you for understanding," he said softly.

Sirius, standing a bit behind, couldn't hide his admiration. "You've got a way with magical creatures, Harry. It's incredible."

Mrs. Weasley, wiping a tear from her eye, added, "You've shown great courage and kindness today, dear."

As they all stood there, the dragon began to relax more visibly, its body language shifting from tense to calm. It even nuzzled Harry's hand gently before stepping back, signaling the end of their interaction.

Charlie, sensing it was time to leave the dragon in peace, spoke up. "We should let the dragon rest now. It's been through a lot."

Harry nodded and stepped back from the enclosure. He turned to the group and said, "I'll meet you guys at the villa." With that he disapparated back to the villa. 

Charlie's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he watched Harry disappear before their eyes, despite the anti-apparition wards in place.

"Wait, but how..." Charlie started, trailing off as he looked around at the group.

Ron chimed in. "Anti-apparition wards don't seem to affect Harry at all. He's done it before, even at Hogwarts."

Sirius chuckled. "He's always been a bit of a rule-breaker, hasn't he?"

Charlie, still trying to process what had just happened, nodded slowly. "Rule breaker indeed."