The next few weeks for odd for Charlie, in the past whenever Harry had been around he'd been surrounded by his younger siblings. They're little group had been inseparable but with Ron and Hermione's burgeoning romance and Ginny's heartbreak this was no longer the case. Charlie often found himself searching for the other man. He'd find him alone in various spots around the Burrow. It was easy for Charlie to do this because he'd often been the one to linger in such places when he was younger.

Harry was always friendly to him and they would chat for a few minutes until Charlie convinced him to come inside for whatever meal he was meant to be eating. They would sit next to each other at said meals often laughing and joking together until Harry would fall again into his stoic silence. Charlie wanted desperately to know what was bothering him. He supposed it could just be Fred, the pain of his younger brother's death had permeated the Burrow like a thick fog. People still joked and laughed but then the realization that Fred wasn't there would hit them.

Charlie found it pretty depressing himself and knew it was harder for Harry since he'd also lost Remus and Tonks to whom he'd always been close. Harry continued to visit with his godson Teddy and occasionally would even bring him to the Burrow. Teddy was a charming baby whose hair seemed to shift from color to color ceaselessly. Harry had told him this would slow once the baby learned more self control.


Harry meanwhile was going just a little bit insane. He knew his friends didn't mean to be so wrapped up in each other and he didn't begrudge them but it was bloody hard to watch when the object of his affection was so unattainable. He realized what it must have been like for Ginny all these years, always seeing and never having. Not to mention Charlie was always around.

It seemed every time Harry slipped away to breath some fresh dragon trainer free air Charlie would pop up. Smiling that kiss me smile and wearing leather pants. Charlie and his bloody leather pants! Harry imagined it was probably to do with being a dragon trainer but the way they clung to his ass and thighs was positively criminal. Harry had found since he no longer had the world on his shoulders he had a huge capacity for over imagination.

Seeing Charlie in those pants filled his brain with thousands of possibilities. It was all he could do not to tackle Charlie and shag him senseless. It didn't help that Charlie was being so friendly, so compassionate. The whole 'I want to help my little brother's friend by being charming funny and compassionate' thing was becoming difficult to resist. He knew Charlie didn't want him and he kept reminding himself of that but it got harder to ignore.

He finally went to Hermione to beg for advice, pulling her aside one day after dinner. With a look at Ron to tell him he didn't want to know they began to speak in hushed tones.

"I'm going mad Hermione."

"Well just talk to him, maybe he likes you too"

"Don't be ridiculous he could have anyone. You wouldn't believe the things running through my head."

"Tell me," Hermione said a bit breathlessly. Harry had no secrets from Hermione after their weeks alone together there was nothing he couldn't say to her. He also knew she happened love to hear all Harry's salacious fantasies they'd spent hours going back and forth together after the whole gay revelation.


Charlie watched discretely as Harry leaned over to whisper to Hermione. It was odd that Ron wasn't with them but he was embroiled in a game of chess with Percy and didn't seem to notice the way his girlfriend was whispering with his best friend. Charlie stood and tried to act casual as he moved closer. Straining to hear he barely caught Hermione's softly spoken "tell me" when he saw Harry lean even closer and begin to whisper into her ear.

Charlie watched discretely as Harry whispered rapidly into the girl's ear. He was unable to hear the words but could clearly see their effect on Hermione. Her eyes widened and slowly her face flushed redder and redder. When Harry finally stopped talking and pulled away he was looking at his friend sheepishly.

"Oh Harry! Wow I mean just wow" Hermione said breathlessly and then glancing quickly at Charlie began to giggle. Charlie wondered if they were talking about him but no that was impossible. Harry's next words cut through him like a knife.

"You see why I've got to go I can't take it much longer."

Charlie felt sick. They were talking about him. Harry must have noticed the way Charlie felt and was leaving to spare them both the embarrassment. Charlie felt sick with guilt. He'd tried so hard to be discrete and keep his feelings to himself but clearly he hadn't succeeded.

In the days that followed Charlie tried several times to catch Harry. He wanted to apologize and beg him not to go on his account. It seemed impossible though. Every time he cornered the younger man he'd have a reason to walk away and quickly. As it was he'd gone from spending most of his time with Harry to spending none of it. They still talked at dinner but it was stilted Harry always seemed tense and anxious. Charlie felt terrible, he hated himself for making Harry feel uncomfortable in a place he aught to always be safe.

Finally word came down that Harry had found a flat in London. Mrs. Weasley was less than thrilled but conceded that a young man needed his space. Harry was issued a standing dinner and holiday invitation and was sent on his way. The next three days were bleak for Charlie. Even not talking seeing Harry everyday had been wonderful, he'd gotten used to the other man's shy smiles and slightly sarcastic sense of humor.

Three days after leaving Harry dropped in again for dinner. He barely talked with Charlie instead seating himself between Ron and Hermione. They kept him engaged for the entire evening but just as he was leaving he turned and caught Charlie watching him. Harry smiled and said.

"I'm having a house warming party this weekend. I hope you'll be there," Before Charlie could answer Hermione grabbed his attention again.

"You promised you'd let me look at it," Harry's cheeks colored faintly.

"Well okay but no one but you sees it right?" Harry sounded embarrassed and was trying to talk softly. Charlie watched curiously as he drew a notebook out of his pocket and enlarged it.

"Nobody Hermione keep it with you at all times until you give it back to me." Harry sounded pretty intense but Hermione just rolled her eyes and smiled.

"I promise Harry, it won't leave my hands." She took it from him and for a moment Harry looked like he wanted to grab it back but instead he kissed her on the cheek and apparated away.

Charlie spent the next few days debating with himself about the party and spying on Hermione. He had to give it too her she was true to her word. Hermione always seemed to have the notebook with her even when she wasn't reading it, it was within reach and eye line. She also gave no hint as to what it might contain though she spent a lot of time reading with a strange smile on her face. Oddly whenever she saw Charlie looked at her afterwards she would blush.

The curiosity was killing him. It was part of the reason he ultimately decided to avoid the party. Another reason was Harry, while he definitely wanted to see the other man he definitely did not want to see him drinking and possibly flirting with other men. It seemed logical that now that Harry was living on his own and an adult he'd be dating. Charlie didn't think he could take it if he saw Harry kiss someone else or even just flirt with them.

After everyone else had left for the party and his parents went to bed Charlie went up to the room Ginny was sharing with Hermione. He searched diligently but apparently the mysterious notebook had also gone to the party. His mission a failure Charlie went back to his room and got to moping. God he missed Harry.


Authors Note: So I got sick and therefore behind on my chapter posting. To make it up to you I offer a deal. If I get lets say 5 reviews on this chapter by tomorrow night not only will I post the next chapter but as a bonus I will Post the details of what Harry whispered to Hermione. It's not really part of the story line and is mostly just smutty fantasy If you want to see it review me and It shall be yours