Charlie could not work out for the life of him just how this had happened - but it felt like the kind of situation where if he questioned it, all the illusions he had built up would shatter.
It was the power play that kept bringing him back. Dealing with dragons on a daily basis had meant that Charlie had long been used to staring down creatures eager for an opportunity to kill him. He wasn't afraid of taking risks — never had been. Dominating a situation was in the attitude; it was the look in his eyes. And yet, for all the practice he had had, it had never come easily to him. Weasley he may have been but submissive was his natural state.
The first time had been weeks ago. The Order mission had been simple — check on the runes and wards of a safe house, which was only accessible by turned portkey. Under a sky threatening hot rain, the air charged with electricity as though desperate to mimic the anticipation thrumming through his veins; a wizard had been trapped.
The first time involved shots of whiskey amongst failed attempts to teach a young house elf strip poker. Everything had been hilarious then. Everything had been new.
Charlie sank to his knees, waiting patiently. Now they were well practiced and everything happened with an ease and regularity which felt safe. It felt secure. Some people had guessed what with so many nights spent away — his Mum had created a conspiracy involving a string of girlfriends abroad, her second son unable to ever truly settle down.
The truth was something no one would understand.
The clock on the wall directly ahead of him trickled down; the seconds at an agonisingly slow pace. Impatience had made Charlie arrive at the safe house early — Dobby must have had the same thought. At exactly five to eleven the silence was broken by a crack of apparition which sent a tingle down the wizard's spine.
Only his secret lover — only Dobby — knew of this location and could apparate in.
Charlie turned his head and smiled. It was indescribable, incredible, how the sight of such wide green eyes staring at him made him feel like nothing else in the world existed. There was only this moment and future promises involving long fingers, tender caresses of large sensitive ears, and cries to Gods Charlie hadn't known he believed in.
The first time both had been nervous about the dominant versus submissive dynamic; Dobby was understandably nervous of commanding a wizard. Practice meant that now it felt deliciously normal.
On his knees they were the same height. The house elf petted tousles of red hair then lent forward to whisper in his wizard's ear.
"Crawl to the bedroom."
Charlie shifted, moving onto all fours.
"Your wish is my command."