Charlie's Insecurities
Word Count: 534
Written For:
- September Monthly Event for alyssialui, prompt used: (event) someone who hates children gets barfed on.
- September Event: (emotion) Excited
- Potions Class Challenge: Dragon Tonic - write about Charlie Weasley
"Come on, Charlie!" Bill shouted. "The Hogwart's Express will be leaving in five minutes!"
"William!" hissed Molly as she led her second-oldest son through the throng of citizens at King's Cross Station. She was clutching the reins of two small, boisterous looking boys in one hand, pushing a pushchair containing a screaming younger boy, and watching as Charlie juggled a crying two-year-old. "There is plenty of time. Now keep your voice down!"
The Muggles around them were shooting the Weasley's the occasional look, mainly due to Molly's distress at dealing with the crowd of red-haired children, but after Bill's exclamation of 'the Hogwart's Express!' they were definitely beginning to stare.
Charlie juggled baby Ginny nervously, hanging back as they drew closer to Platform Nine and Three Quarters. He watched as Bill positioned his trolley, took a deep breath, and sped towards the wall. He vanished as he collided with the bricks, and Charlie bit his lip.
He had witnessed Bill flying into the wall twice before, and he was used to seeing magic happening during his everyday life. But he still couldn't comprehend how the Muggles that had been gawking at them were completely oblivious to what was happening.
"Now you, Charlie," Molly said, smiling down at him. Her brown eyes were twinkling as she spoke. "Are you alright, son? Aren't you excited?"
Charlie looked hesitant, and he shifted Ginny to the other arm. "Yes...I think so..."
"You're just nervous." Molly tightened her grip on Fred and George, and bent down sot at she was eye level with Charlie. "You have nothing to worry about! Bill's going to be there, he'll look out for you. You'll make loads of friends."
"But what if I don't?"
"Look at you," Molly continued, a smile spreading across her face. "You're funny, you're friendly, and you get on with everyone. Why wouldn't anyone want to be friends with you?"
Charlie shrugged. In his arms, Ginny began to fuss and whimper, and he pulled a face down at his baby sister. He was often the one who got lumbered with looking after Ginny, as she had a habit of stopping her constant crying whenever Charlie held her.
It wasn't that he didn't love his sister, he just didn't really like the fact that the sibling who considered him to be her 'favourite' was a two year old.
"Mum, can you hold Ginny now?"
Molly stood up straight. "As soon as we get onto the platform, I'll put her in the buggy with Ron."
"But Mum, she's turning green!" Charlie whined, but it was too late. The twins had gotten their reins tangled as they were running around each other, and Molly had turned around to sort them out. Before Charlie could react, Ginny had opened her mouth and hurled her guts up all over Charlie.
"Great," Charlie muttered, as Ginny laughed and grinned at him. "Now I'm covered in puke—what a way to start my first day at school."