[ Twelve years ago, Luna was probably just starting Hogwarts, or thereabout. It's a thought that should make Charlie want to lean back, that should make him feel a sort of paternalistic sibling-like concern for her wellbeing and that's it, but it doesn't. In a profession like dragonology, how old you are has very little bearing on how well you can do your job. Sure, with experience comes wisdom and all that, but a large part of dealing with dragons is mindset, and the ability to feel empathy for a living creature whose mind is so different from your own. He works alongside wizards who're nearing sixty as well as those who are barely old enough to drink, and they're all considered his friends.
The fact that Luna is the same age as his baby brother doesn't mean anything to him, not at this stage of their lives.
This could mean anything, really, but he's choosing to believe she means the camaraderie of being removed from your home and thrown in with a bunch of like-minded people, all with a common goal. It's an invigorating feeling, as well Charlie knows. ]
New species are discovered every day, [ he agrees encouragingly, though he personally has doubts about Snorkacks and some of the other things he's seen mentioned in the Quibbler. ] Even Muggles are discovering new tropical frogs all the time. If they're out there, you'll find them eventually.
[ He tops up her glass again, and rubs his fingertips together to smooth out the condensation lingering there from the bottle. ]
I dunno, really. I've just always loved them. I'm lucky, that way. I've known since I was a kid what I've wanted to do and I'm able to do it. Not everyone has that. Lucky that my mum and dad were so supportive, too. Sure, there were quite a lot of tears when I first left home, and dire warnings about my inevitable demise — [ the infamous Weasley clock that kept tabs on what every single member of the family was doing came into being shortly after Charlie left for his dragonology training at nineteen ] — but they've been great about it, all told.
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The fact that Luna is the same age as his baby brother doesn't mean anything to him, not at this stage of their lives.
This could mean anything, really, but he's choosing to believe she means the camaraderie of being removed from your home and thrown in with a bunch of like-minded people, all with a common goal. It's an invigorating feeling, as well Charlie knows. ]
New species are discovered every day, [ he agrees encouragingly, though he personally has doubts about Snorkacks and some of the other things he's seen mentioned in the Quibbler. ] Even Muggles are discovering new tropical frogs all the time. If they're out there, you'll find them eventually.
[ He tops up her glass again, and rubs his fingertips together to smooth out the condensation lingering there from the bottle. ]
I dunno, really. I've just always loved them. I'm lucky, that way. I've known since I was a kid what I've wanted to do and I'm able to do it. Not everyone has that. Lucky that my mum and dad were so supportive, too. Sure, there were quite a lot of tears when I first left home, and dire warnings about my inevitable demise — [ the infamous Weasley clock that kept tabs on what every single member of the family was doing came into being shortly after Charlie left for his dragonology training at nineteen ] — but they've been great about it, all told.