Title: House of the Badger

Summary: Charlie is sorted into the house he least expects but finds a friend in a certain metamorphagus.

Rating: K+

WC: 604

Notes:

AU! Sortings

Hufflepuff! Charlie

Ravenclaw! Bill

Charms assignment #1 -Levitation Charm

Charlie Weasley sat in the compartment on the Hogwarts Express with his older brother Bill. He was on his way to his first year. He was incredibly nervous he felt like the world was on his shoulders from his parent's expectations since both his parents were Gryffindors. Bill was surprisingly sorted into Ravenclaw two years ago. His brave older brother was sorted into the stereotypical 'smart house'. He wanted to make his parents proud and be a Gryffindor. The two brothers chatted about their favorite sport Quidditch.

"You nervous about your sorting?" Bill asked as he took a bite of his sandwich that his mother had made him.

"Yes, terrified."

Bill smiled. "I was incredibly nervous too. I was nervous of letting mum and dad down."

Charlie nodded. He remembers that Molly was disappointed that her eldest wasn't sorted into Gryffindor though his father took the news in stride.

"The hat takes your choice into consideration."

"So, you wanted to be a Ravenclaw?"

Bill said. "Actually, yes. If you think about it dad fits better in Ravenclaw and mum is a Hufflepuff."

"You think so?"

"Yes. Dad is quite smart. He fixed that Ford Anglia. Mum is a hard worker and loyal. She raised the seven of us and she's loyal."

Charlie could see his brother's logic about their parents.

"Percy will probably be in Ravenclaw with me, the twins are Slytherins through and through. Ron and Ginny are too early to tell."

Charlie nodded.

They reached Hogsmeade at six pm, the two brothers parted ways. Charlie nervously searched for a boat and found one with a girl with bubblegum pink hair.

"Can I sit here?"

"Sure."

Charlie walked onto the boat and sat down.

"I'm Dora Tonks." She introduced herself popping the piece of 'Droobles Best Chewing Gum' loudly in her mouth.

"Charlie Weasley."

She nodded. "What house do you want to be in?"

"I'm hoping for Gryffindor."

Dora said. "My dad was a Hufflepuff, I want to be a Hufflepuff."

Charlie nodded. She was a bit energetic for his taste but she's nice. They rode the boats towards Hogwarts. Once at the shore, the boat docked and they were led to the huge castle. Charlie was amazed. They were led into the castle by a stern looking witch.

This is one of those times Charlie hated having a last name at the end of the alphabet. He nervously rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet as he waited.

"Tonks, Nymphadora!"

The girl walked up to the hat. She was sorted into Hufflepuff like she wanted.

"Weasley, Charles."

Charlie groaned at the sound of his given name as he walked up to the hat. He sat down on the stool.

"Hmm, you don't have the smarts to be in Ravenclaw with your brother. You don't fit Slytherin. So, it's either Hufflepuff or Gryffindor for you."

"I wouldn't mind Hufflepuff, actually." Charlie admitted.

"It better be Hufflepuff!"

Charlie got up and walked towards the Hufflepuff table. He couldn't help but notice McGonagall's obvious disappointment though. He sat down next to his new housemates. After dinner, Charlie was led to the Hufflepuff common room by the prefect.

"So, we're in the same house." The familiar voice Dora.

"Yes we are."

About a week later, Charlie was at the Hufflepuff table when he got a letter. He nervously opened it.

Dear Charlie,

We're proud that you were sorted into Hufflepuff. I know we put a lot of pressure on you to be a Gryffindor.

Love,

Mum and Dad

The weight of the world was lifted off Charlie's shoulders as he finished the letter.