The first time Charlie kissed Lyra, it was in front of her family. The second time he kissed her, it was in front of his. After that, each kiss they shared was in private, and only left the tender looks to be watched in public. Ron found it odd his older brother was in a relationship with his best friend, and always would. Molly loved it every time she watched Charlie pull a chair out for the younger girl, or touch her hand. Every time Lyra laughed and Charlie involuntarily smiled. She beamed every time she noticed Lyra's eyes following her son round the room, every time the two embraced.
The summer of Bill and Fleur's wedding Charlie and Lyra kissed several times, but all hidden away. Nobody was to know of their relationship. The day of the wedding was the last day Charlie saw Lyra for almost a year. For ten months they both worked tirelessly, neither wanting to rest for fear of their thoughts wandering to the other. Neither knew if their love was alive.
The next time they kissed was the day after Lyra had defeated Voldemort. It was a sunny day, the third of May. Voldemort's body had been removed from the Hall, and the Weasleys had gathered towards the front. Ron and Hermione were in their own little world, so neither really noticed Lyra's absence. Or so Charlie felt, anyway. She was alive, and so every cell in his body was yearning for her. Percy realised he was on edge as well, and kept shooting his older brother curious glances, and asking him what was wrong. Mainly, though, they were quiet. His mum and dad, as well as George and Ginny were all grieving for Fred, who had been crushed by the falling wall and was in a coma. The infirmary was full, and so Fred remained with them, until a half hour before, when he had finally been escorted to St Mungo's. Their family had been asked to remain behind however, as the hospital was full of injured people and had no space for family. They would join Fred later, there was nothing they could do for him now.
So without Fred to gather around the atmosphere was melancholy and there was nothing to distract Charlie from his thoughts. Every minute he'd glance up at the doors, 'where was she?' Was running through his mind. His heart ached, made even worse by the happiness of Ron and Hermione, and of his Bill and his wife.
As the day waned, Charlie eventually stopped looking at the doors. Percy still was aware of Charlie's misery but had long ago given up asking when Charlie had groaned and buried his head in his hands. Then, a cheer began. People began standing up, clapping and shouting. As one, the Weasleys looked over to see Lyra approaching. Charlie's heart stopped. He slid off the bench, and looked at her.
Percy's mouth was agape as Lyra started running towards his brother, while Charlie's smile that had been absent for ten months returned. Lyra was sprinting through the Hall towards him, and he opened his arms not a moment too soon as she threw herself into them and kissed him.
Ten months of waiting had led to this moment. Ten long months of not knowing whether she was alive. Ten long months of a broken heart, healed in an instant. They kissed passionately, before hearing the cheering that eventually broke them apart. Lyra buried her head in his shoulder, and Charlie felt complete once more. He stroked her hair tenderly, embracing her gently. His love had returned, and she was finally free. He had never felt so proud as he did in this moment. As he looked towards the doors, he noticed Sirius, Remus and Dora standing there watching them, all beaming.
Charlie and Lyra's first kiss in ten months happened in the Great Hall in front of everyone who had stayed to fight. It happened in front of his family and in front of hers. It happened in front of members of the Ministry, and teachers of the School. It happened in front of Percy, who had not known of their relationship. It was the most public kiss they would ever share, and it was perfect.
Later on, when he said goodnight to her and she headed up to bed, he sank down into his own bed and wept. Finally he could let go of ten months of stress, of all the worry he had held within since Lyra had left. All the relief he had felt when he had seen her alive, all the joy he had felt when she ran towards him. She was finally free, and in doing so, had freed the world. Eventually, he fell asleep. He could not wait until the next day when he could see her again.
He loved her, and she loved him. Finally, they were at peace.
A/N yes, yes, I know that I copied a few of the paragraphs from the first chapter, I thought it would work better. This is basically the same chapter after all, just from his point of view. Charlie decided earlier that he wanted his point of view of the moment as well, so I had to write it, and then Percy came in a bit as well.. So this is the result. hope you liked it!