Based on characters created by J. K. Rowling

A/N: Must. Write. Charlie. Weasley. I've missed him. In my little world Charlie has moved to America, works part time at the only Dragon Preserve in North America and plays professional Quidditch for the Flying American Red Dragons, a USAQL team. He married his "true love" on Christmas day and she (Gretchen) and he live with his 4 year old daughter, Ingrid Johannsen (from previous relationship with Jessica, a muggle) –Rita. Oh, & by the way, this is for Kara.

Chapter 1

Charlie Weasley was a happy man; totally content with his life. Married life suited him and he had everything in this world he could possibly want: he got to work with his beloved dragons at the North American Dragon & Magical Creature Preserve and he was the highest paid seeker in the USA Quidditch League. Wizards had lost a lot of gold betting on how long his wife Gretchen would put up with him and kick him out; but she seemed as content and happy as Charlie in their Austin home taking care of Ingrid.

Gretchen became a manager of the Texas branch of Weasley Wizarding Wheezes not only because she married a Weasley, but mainly for her keen business sense and uncanny ability to predict trends. She was coming into her own and Charlie was extremely proud of her.

Ingrid was breaking out of her shell every day thanks to the kind and wonderful Minnie, Charlie's house elf. Magic was still new to her, but Minnie kept her entertained and happy. She loved her daddy dearly, but was shy around Gretchen. She missed her mother and Gretchen had no plans about taking away her memories. She'll come around, she assured Charlie. In the mean time, Gretchen was a loving parent who showed no signs of impatience or jealousy.

Charlie spent as much time as he could with his family in Austin, but his schedule at the dragon preserve was grueling. He rarely took a day off and was gone for weeks at a time. Once Quidditch season started, he would be able to spend more time in Austin and would be able to see his family more.

So, it was quite unexpected when, on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, Charlie apparated to his home. Gretchen was surprised and pleased to see him and Ingrid clung to him while regaling him with stories of the magical things Minnie had showed her.

"I have great news," he told them at dinner that evening.

Gretchen looked at him expectantly.

"Jonas said I could go on an expedition North; a possible new species of dragon has been spotted."

"That is good news, Charlie," Gretchen said, kissing her husband. "Where are you going?"

"I'm not sure exactly where it is, but somewhere where's it's cold and in the mountains," he shrugged. "Maybe Alaska or in Canada, I'm not sure. It's either a totally new species or one you don't find in North America; maybe a migrating species."

Ingrid looked at her father and frowned. "You're going away? You just got here. How long will you be gone?"

"Six months or so, not sure," he said, patting her head affectionately.

"And what, pray tell, do you know?" Gretchen asked, testily. There was an edge to her voice that Charlie had never heard from her before.

"What's that about?" he asked her.

"Well, you breeze in here and announce 'oh goody! the preserve director is letting me go on an expedition for six months'."

"But Gretchen, it's a new species of dragon. Do you have any idea what that means?"

"That you'll be gone for six more months and someone somewhere will read how Charlie Weasley discovered a new species of dragon that someone important somewhere will insist they name the Great Weasley Dragon or some such nonsense. That's the closest to getting another heir I'll ever see," she sighed shaking her head slowly.

Charlie was very quiet. He stared at Gretchen with a blank look on his face. Minnie decided that it was the perfect time to take Ingrid to her room, so they made a discreet exit leaving a still speechless Charlie and belligerent Gretchen in the dining room facing each other.

After they left, the color began rising in Charlie's face until he turned almost a beet red. He hadn't been this angry in a long time and he sure as hell had never been that angry at his wife. He'd never been one to shy away from a fight or argument. After all, in the Weasley household where he grew up, if you didn't yell, you didn't get heard. And Charlie was known for his temper, but since he met Gretchen, he curbed his anger because she radiated a calmness and inner peace about her. This was one of the reasons he loved her so much. She tamed his inner beast.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" He yelled at her, striking a clenched fist on the dining room table, causing it to shake.

"You know what it is, ," she said calmly. "You still act like you did before we were married; you think it's all about what you want, but I've got a hint for you, there are a couple of other people in the world besides you, Charlie Weasley and one of them is your wife who loves you, but I have needs as well." She pointed her finger into her chest.

"You've got everything you've ever wanted, Gretchen," he said ignoring the most important part of her conversation.

"I want a son, Charlie. Your son."

"No," he said shaking his head. "I told you before we married that I don't want children."

"But why not?"

"You know I don't like kids," he looked at her expression. "Ingrid doesn't count. She's different."

"Please," she said rising from the table. She walked over to where he was standing and put her arms around him, pushing her body into his. She kissed his ear and his neck, holding him tighter until he began to respond to her. "Please," she pleaded, kissing him slowly and deeply. He moaned as her hands caressed his rock hard body.

"Don't," he moaned again, but he knew the argument was already lost or at least, put on hold.