Charlie had received the response from Lavender back while he was still out with Smith at the local wizard pub the keepers from the reserve went to on their nights off. Smith had raised an eyebrow when Charlie just stuffed the parchment adorned with feminine handwriting into the pocket of his robes - and Charlie glared back with a look that challenged Smith to say anything about it.

Later that evening, sitting down at the table in his own cabin, Charlie pulled out Lavender's reply back to him and stared at it for a long moment before actually opening it. He was honest to gods, actually scared of what she had written back. If Oliver or Penelope saw him now, they'd surely take the piss out of him until they were bent over and barely breathing from laughter.

He didn't have to worry about Lavender saying no, he soon discovered and a bright grin made the corner of Charlie's eyes crinkle when he read her letter. He frowned, however, at the thought that he missed the opportunity to spend time with her this evening instead of listening to Smith bitch and moan about how little attention he was getting from Rachel - one of the few female dragon keepers on the reserve. Charlie wasn't the only one who had told Smith that he was barking up the wrong tree, so to speak, but of course Smith wouldn't listen. Not that Rachel couldn't handle herself if he got out of line anyhow.

Lavender,

Wonderful to hear that you're doing well - and that you enjoyed the flowers.

I have this Thursday evening off from my keeper duties, if that would suit? We can meet at the Leaky and then go from there.

Cheers,
Charlie

It took Charlie until well after midnight for him to relax so he could get some sleep, he was that wound up at the thought of meeting Lavender at the end of the week.

At 3:14 a.m. he jolted right of sleep with a thought.

Dear gods...this is a date, isn't it?!