Written For:

- Convince Me Competition: Round 5

- Gringotts Prompt Bank/Daredevil: (dialogue) I'm not seeking penance for what I've done, Father. I'm asking forgiveness…for what I'm about to do. , (dialogue) You could do so much better, love.

- Gringotts Prompt Bank/Titles: Justify My Love

- HPFC Royalty: (dialogue) "This is where I like to come to think." (500-1,000 words minimum).

W.C: 590

"It's Charlie, Father," Charlie Weasley said softly, after he'd slipped into the confessional booth. He often frequented Ottery's church, as he generally found it scarce of wizarding company.

"You're here again, Charlie," replied the faceless priest amusedly. "You come to church quite a lot for someone who claims not to practice the faith."

"This is where I like to come to think," Charlie wrung his hands together in front of him, feeling thankful that he couldn't see the face of his conversationalist. "It's quiet."

"Is there something you would like to tell me today, Charlie?"

"Yes."

"Whenever you're ready."

Charlie took a breath. "I'm not seeking penance for what I've done, Father."

"No?"

"I'm asking forgiveness…" Charlie murmured. "For what I'm about to do."

oOo

"You could do so much better, love," muttered Monsieur Delacour as he followed Fleur into the kitchen of the Weasley household. "Merde, I think 'e is a wonderful man, but darling…"

"Imagine what your children would look like!" added Apolline, Fleur's mother. Fleur glanced back into the living room hurriedly, hoping that her new in-laws hadn't heard."

"Mama!" she hissed, glaring at her mother. "'Ow dare you speak ill of my 'usband."

"Darling, when do you plan to consummate the marriage?" went on Monsieur Delacour. "Because you 'av been married for a year now, and I still see no sign of a grandchild."

"Merci," muttered Apolline cruelly. "Ma Cherie, why did you not choose the other brother? The handsome one?"

"Ah yes, Charles," Monsieur Delacour thrust out his chest proudly. "A strong name for a strong gentleman."

Fleur felt her face glowing, and she turned away from her parents, feeling her eyes welling up with tears. If only they knew of the trouble that she was already suffering.

oOo

It was well after midnight when Charlie slipped through the open window of Fleur's private bedroom at Shell Cottage. She hissed when she felt him sliding into bed besides her, and recoiled away from him like a snake.

"You 'av to leave!" she whispered, glaring at Charlie through the dark.

"I can't stop thinking about you," Charlie murmured, and Fleur felt herself melting. His voice was like hot lava, thawing out her determined icy exterior. "Fleur, just tell Bill."

"Bill loves me."

"I love you."

"You didn't love me quick enough!" Fleur snapped, putting a hand over her mouth to quieten her voice. "You did not come 'ome from Romania. You would of 'ad your chance, but you chose to stay with your…" her voice dropped to a sneer. "Dragons."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know what I wanted."

"Well, I did. I wanted a man to love me, to take care of me."

"I can take care of you!" Charlie growled, grabbing Fleur by the waist. She whimpered in response and clawed at his chest, trying to push him away.

"You were too late."

"This is not fair to my brother," Charlie murmured, fighting against her determination to escape. His breath was hot against her ear and neck, and she shivered responsively. "You can't lead him on when you don't love him."

"I do love him!"

"Then why don't you share a bedroom with him, huh?" Charlie pressed a kiss to the gooseflesh on her neck. "A little early in your marriage to be in separate beds, don't you think?"

"That's none of your business," Fleur panted. Her arms had relaxed now, and she was craning her neck against his mouth. Once again, she was putty in his hands.

And it would always be that way.