Author's Note
Hello Readers!
This is the introduction to my latest story. The rest of the chapters are going to be about Charlie's spouse and children…so please stay tuned!
Sincerely,
Bellastrange51
PS: For those of you, who are reading Greater Stars, please note that the story is currently on hold. The author I write it with is doing a service project in El Salvador and will not be back until the end of autumn. We would like to apologize for the long wait on that story.
Preface
For the longest time, it was a secret. Perhaps it was denial, embarrassment, or pure disbelief. He had been asked countless times, and it only perpetuated his anger.
The first time he was asked was in 4th year. It was by his best friend Nymphadora Tonks.
The second time was in his 6th year, over Christmas holiday. It was his brother Bill who asked him.
Bill and Tonks asked because it was true. Those who knew him best admitted the truth, even before Charlie did himself.
It was not until the end of 7th year that Charlie came out for the first time.
He and Tonks were studying for the NEWTs in the library, when he suddenly stopped reading.
"Tonks?" he muttered.
"Hmm?" she asked, still reading through her copy of Advanced Potion Making.
Charlie bit his lip. "I need to tell you something…but you cannot tell anyone."
She looked up, an intent gaze in her eyes. It was signal for Charlie to continue.
Charlie tore a small bit of parchment off of his roll, and wrote it down. He folded the parchment and passed it to his friend.
Tonks took the paper, but she did not open it. That was the incredible thing about her…she just knew.
"You know it doesn't matter Charlie," she replied, smiling at her friend. "No one will feel any differently."
Tonks was right, of course, she always was, but Charlie was apprehensive.
She was his "moral support" during that first week of summer when Charlie told his family over dinner.
The table was unusually quiet that evening, and it was assumed that Molly's chicken dumplings were the culprits. When something was that good, the only focus was eating.
Tonks nudged her friend, encouraging him to take advantage of the opportunity. Charlie could feel his entire body lock up, but he knew he had to get it out eventually.
"Mum?" he asked.
Mrs. Weasley looked up and smiled at her second eldest son.
"Charlie?" she asked.
"Well," he began, "this is really for everyone…and I don't really know how to say it…it's just…"
The entire table looked at him, and Charlie began to have a panic attack. He shot up for his chair and darted away.
"I can't," he muttered. "Never mind. I can't."
He ran upstairs. The slamming sound of his door resonated through the Burrow.
"What the bloody hell was that all about?" 11-year old Ron asked.
"Just leave him alone," Tonks replied softly. Her tone was sad. She did not want to follow Charlie upstairs. She knew for a fact that he wished to be alone.
Mrs. Weasley just could not do that. She left the table, and headed up the stairs to Bill and Charlie's room where she gently knocked on the door.
"Charlie? Sweetheart?" she asked gently.
He didn't respond, but Molly could hear him crying from behind the door. She decided to open it.
Charlie was on his bed, holding his legs to his chest with his head on his knees.
"Forget about it," Charlie muttered.
"Something is bothering you, Charlie." Molly replied. "May I sit down?"
Charlie didn't answer, not because of his frustration, but because the whole situation was incredibly awkward. He was the dragon trainer, the strong Weasley, and now he was curled up in a fetal position next to his mother.
"What did you want to tell us Charlie?" Molly placed a hand on her son's shoulder, but he moved away.
Molly sighed. She knew what was happening, but she wanted Charlie to tell her for himself.
"Just tell me, Charlie," she pressed. "No one else is here."
"That's the whole point!" Charlie jeered. His head shot up, and he grabbed the tips of his hair in his hands. "I can't have these secrets anymore mother!"
"I know," she replied, "I know".
"I'm…" Charlie strained. "I'm gay mum."
Molly gave her son a small smile and nodded.
"I am so glad you told me, sweetheart." She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tightly.
"Me too," he replied. "Now please let go…this is awkward."
As she let go of her son, Mrs. Weasley rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"Do you want to come finish dinner?" she asked. "I know Tonks was worried about you."
"In a minute…" he answered. "I need to think."
It was actually less than a minute. Charlie took a deep breath, and headed downstairs. Upon his arrival, everyone looked up except for Molly who continued eating. Tonks gave him a kind smile.
"Wotcher Charlie," she greeted.
He smiled back at his friend and took his seat. There was a long pause of silence, but Charlie worked up the courage.
"I'm sorry that I freaked out a bit," he stated, clearing his throat. "The truth is that there is something very difficult to tell all of you…and I am absolutely terrified."
"Are you gay?" George asked. He said it in such a casual way that Charlie's mouth dropped in shock.
There was a pause. Everyone at the table looked back and forth between George and Charlie.
"I—" he replied. "I—yea…I am."
They were all pretty quiet for a moment, until Bill spoke up.
"I'm cool with that. You know I am."
"Same," Percy added.
Ron shrugged, and Ginny nodded.
It was going to be okay.
Author's Note
Hello Readers!
That was the introduction to my latest story. The rest of it is going to be about Charlie's husband and children…so please stay tuned!
Sincerely,
Bellastrange51
PS: For those of you, who are reading Greater Stars, please note that the story is currently on hold. The author I write it with is doing a service project in El Salvador and will not be back until the end of autumn. My apologies on that.