A/N: This is just a little idea I had - I think that Charlie's character is very underrated so I'm giving this a go. Hope you all enjoy it, please let me know what you think. This is the first of a few chapters I'll be trying to put up over the next week or so. Again, please let me know thoughts, it means a lot to get feedback on your work, even if its just a small comment, tip, idea - it's all so important. Thanks :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, any recognisable plot or character is the property of JK Rowling.

Charlie watched his father carefully; the red headed man looking back at him as he cracked his fingers one by one - something his father did when he was deep in thought, the popping noise sending eerie shivers down Charlie's spine. Arthur put his hands on the arms of his chair and sat more upright than he had been before. Charlie had started to get nervous, his father had never stayed silent for so long in his life; he was starting to miss his incessant chatter about muggle artefacts, even that would be better than this silence. Arthur Weasley adjusted his glasses as he looked at his son,

"Are you sure about this?" He asked finally, breaking the tense silence. Charlie nodded simply and Arthur sighed, though he was smiling slightly as he said, "If you're happy, I'm happy. You have to tell your mother though."

Charlie nodded with a small laugh, as a tiny grey tabby with black markings appeared from underneath the couch, mewing at him quietly a few times. He picked up the kitten, whom he had affectionately named Gatta, in one hand and rested her on his knee, scratching her behind the ears as he looked back to his father.

"It's going to be a big change, son." Arthur said, "Mum and I won't be there to cook for you, to look after you, to bail you out if you need us to -"

"I know. I know." Charlie said quickly, "But I'm never going to be an office guy, Dad. I'm not Bill, or Percy for that matter. I could hardly sit still through hour long classes at school - Imagine me working 9 till 5 every day for the rest of my life, I'd go insane." He explained quietly, stroking the grey tabby as it purred loudly on his lap.

Arthur chuckled, "I suppose you're right… but Dragons? You're mother is going to have a heart attack." he said with a small smile, adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "When do they want you to start?" He asked as he lifted his leg, resting his ankle on his opposite knee while he leant back in the old worn armchair, sinking into it considerably.

Charlie pulled a face as he thought back to the acceptance letter he had received only hours before, "Monday." Arthur frowned at him, "This coming Monday? Bloody hell, that doesn't leave you much time." he said, trying to hide the disappointment that his son would be leaving on the other side of the weekend.

Charlie smiled as the tabby got up and stretched its back, digging its claws gently into his jeans. "I've got tomorrow and Sunday to pack…" He said quietly with a shrug.

Arthur shook his head, "I meant to say goodbye to everyone. We'll make sure Bill's home on Sunday night, have a final dinner with the whole family." He said, forcing a smile as he stood up, walking past his son he rested his hand on his shoulder - "I'm proud of you, Charlie." He said quietly, before leaving the living room and leaving Charlie alone with his thoughts and the kitten.

He tried to think how he could possibly even begin to tell his mother - "Hey Mum. Dinner was great tonight - Just so you know, I'm leaving on Monday to go live in Romania to study and train Dragons." 'Yeah, that'd go down great…' he thought to himself as he rested his face in his hands, his elbows digging into his knees. He wasn't like his older brother; 'Head Boy' Bill who had been out of school for 2 days before he was offered a job at Gringotts, and at the end of the summer was going to Egypt to work in the pyramids breaking curses there. The family was okay with that though, probably because he'd given them more than 2 days notice… He groaned quietly to himself, the kitten pushed against his arm gently, the warm fur making him smile as he looked down at Gatta.

It was true, he wasn't great at school - He spent most of his time on the Quidditch pitch, or in Care of Magical Creatures; the only class that didn't require him to sit at a desk and copy notes. Even when he and his brothers were growing up, before Ginny and Ron were even born, Charlie had a natural affinity with animals. They seemed to trust him, and he trusted them. He found interacting with animals easier than with people sometimes.

As if right on cue, Gatta meowed loudly - wanting more attention from him. He rolled his eyes with a chuckled as he petted the kitten once again, until she nuzzled herself against his leg, purring as she fell asleep. He sat for a moment, thinking that it was probably best if he started with his mother - then work his way through the rest of the family.

He couldn't help but grin at how easily his father had taken the news, thinking back to all the times he had covered for him, supported him when his mother had been sore - One in particular standing out to him:

"But Mum!" Nine year old Charlie argued as he held up the rat, "The poor thing is missing a toe! I can't just let it stay outside -"

"You can, and you will Charles!" The very pregnant Molly Weasley scolded as she stood by the stove, stirring the soup.

"Mum!" Charlie whinged again, before turning to his father, who was sitting at the kitchen table as he bounced baby Ronald on his knee, "Dad, please tell her!"

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt anyone, love." Arthur said, winking at Charlie as Molly sighed, "Fine but if I see one bloody rat dropping anywhere in this house, you'll be finding it on your pillow Mister." She said, half joking - though even at nine years old Charlie knew this wasn't an empty threat.