Chapter 1.

Hermione Granger climbed down four flights of creaky stairs to enter the warm Kitchen of the Burrow. She couldn't sleep, not surprising really as in the last two months she had really settled into her new home in Grimmauld Place, living with Harry, Ron and unofficially, Ginny, who was more often than not with Harry much to Ron's chagrin. Now the Burrow really was her second home but she just could not reacclimatise to the hustle and bustle of this home having grown so used to the cold quietness of Grimmauld Place.

The whole gang had returned to the Burrow for the long weekend, here to enjoy the summer weather and for the celebrations to be held later this weekend. The Weasleys were throwing a giant bash this Saturday night to celebrate the home coming of Fred, newly released from hospital having slowly but surely recovered from the near fatal injuries of the final battle, and the Weasley clan fully reuniting, celebrating the return of Percy to the fold. Though they didn't know it yet, they would also be celebrating Harry and Ginny's engagement. The two had been engaged a week but had held off telling everyone else until they were all together, although Ginny had let it slip to Hermione in advance in her excitement, needing to share the good news.

The summer weather combined with the Burrow being at full capacity meant the heat was somewhat over-bearing and for Hermione, not conducive to sleep at all. She gave up trying and decided to sneak down stairs for a drink, or maybe to chance her luck sleeping on the couch. At least she would be on her own down here. She really wasn't a fan of sharing her room with the girls anymore.

She pottered around the kitchen rooting out some juice when a sudden cough made her jump out of her skin. She whipped around in fright only to find a sheepish Charlie, in a similar state to herself. She relaxed with the realisation that there was no danger only to feel disappointed that she would come into this situation looking like what she could only assume as a fright. "Oh well, it's not like Charlie would think twice about the way I look" she thought to herself in resignation.

"Jesus Charlie, you frightened me! What are you doing up?"

"Hey, sorry Hermione, I didn't mean to scare you, didn't expect anyone to be in here at this time."

"Can't sleep either? Want some juice?" offered Hermione, grateful to have something to do with her hands to distract from the awkwardness she was feeling. Charlie gladly accepted a glass from her, his hand brushing hers as he took it. He tried not to react awkwardly but couldn't help overthinking the exchange. Hermione seemed un-phased to him. He must be overthinking the situation, he scolded himself internally.

He made himself comfortable at the table and was very happy to see Hermione do the same opposite him. He wanted to get to know the girl in front of him better, something he was trying to convince himself was totally normal, considering that she was such a big part of his brothers' lives, considered part of the family really. He hadn't been around her much compared to the rest of his brothers, even Bill and Percy knew her very well. He decided to take advantage of this opportunity to quiz her and get to know her better.

"How have you been getting on these last few months Hermione, since things quietened down after the war? I know you spent a month in Australia with your parents, how have you been finding it since you came home?"

The two ended up talking for ages, about the aftermath, people's plans for the future, and the day to day goings as their lives took on a state of normality again. He was intrigued by this girl, who was not merely the best friend of Ron but also admired by the rest of his siblings, loved even. The older boys sung her praises and the younger siblings adored her. Even the twins showed a real affection for the poor girl, their constant teasing of her showing Charlie their true feelings. He kind of felt left out by his distance with her.

He found her bright and interesting, which he had expected, but he also found she had a great sense of humour and a very cheeky side and that he could really get along with her. This he had not expected considering the differences between them, including age, experience and background. Two hours had passed in no time at all.

Hermione looked up at the clock and was shocked to see it was nearly 3am. They had talked for two hours. She started to feel a little embarrassed, hoping she hadn't bored him knowing her tendency to babble.

"Gosh Charlie, I didn't mean to go on for so long, you're probably exhausted!"

Charlie noted the change in atmosphere and though he wouldn't admit it, he was disappointed that she had noticed the time and was making her exit now. "Not at all Hermione, I wasn't sleepy before, I'm finding it hard to settle at night, not used to being back here I guess". He noticed she hadn't made a move to go back upstairs. "I was actually going to try getting a bit of kip on the couch, there's something kind of peaceful about down here knowing everyone is away upstairs". "Merlin I hope I don't sound like an unsociable loner" he thought as he said this.

Hermione started laughing quietly at this, making Charlie regard her nervously. "I actually had the same plan Charlie, I was going to camp out down here, I'm finding sharing a room with the girls too stuffy."

Charlie was relieved to see her laugh. He put on his devilishly handsome player grin and deepened his voice, "I don't mind sharing the couch with you, sweetheart." "I can't believe I just said that to Hermione Granger, seven years younger and baby Ron's best friend! She'll think I am a creep!"

Hermione giggled. She knew he was obviously joking, a guy like him wouldn't seriously be interested in her! She ignored the feeling of disappointment at this thought. "That's ok Charlie, it would kind of defeat the purpose of trying to get some space from everyone if I took up all the couch. And I'm a kicker when it comes to sharing beds" she added, not meaning to flirt but doing it anyway. It was true though, she tossed and turned so much it was impossible to share a bed with her. Charlie regarded her with amusement, surprised and happy (too happy) at her reaction to his mild flirting. They both stood up from the table, Hermione heading for the stairs, Charlie for the sitting room. The girl intrigued him, there was no doubt his thought would revolve around her for the rest of the night. "fuck it" he thought to himself, and he decided to push his luck and keep flirting, he was enjoying it too much to stop now anyway, he turned around to her just as she started to climb the stairs and said in that ultra-low sultry voice, "nice jammies by the way" and turned immediately into the sitting room leaving Hermione standing stock-still, shy and self-conscious, nervous and, she hated to admit it, exhilarated by his comment and tone. Damn that man was sexy. She looked down at her tank top and shorts and cursed the fact that she had no bra on…