Over the next week they fell into a bit of a routine. Bill returned to his work, the goblins at Gringotts surprisingly understanding when he requested to be put on desk duty for a couple of weeks while he sorted out his life. Charlie went to two more interviews, returning with another offer and was considering his opportunities carefully. Hermione finished off the final draft and sent it for approval before all of Wizengamot, hoping to Merlin, Mordred and Morgana that they would pass it and make the first real step towards integration of the werewolf population into business. Every evening she would come home from work and make them dinner, and for that moment Bill would join them and they would all have a meal, sharing stories from their days and any news, but he mostly kept to himself.
Hermione and Charlie both understood that despite Poppy's reassurance that he was physically perfectly fine and healthy, the fact that a werewolf attacked him during the full moon weighted on the eldest Weasley son. The rest of the Weasley family still had no idea that Bill was getting a divorce and he had asked them to keep it that way for now. Maybe there was still a flame of hope in his heart that they would manage to work things out with Fleur, but his rational mind knew well that it wasn't possible. Despite Fleur's reassurance that she didn't care about his scars, Bill knew that her veela blood most likely made her feel threatened by his werewolf curse. It was lucky that they even managed to conceive, or at least Bill thought so, considering not only their marriage but their intimate life went down the drain as the years passed. Did he really want to work thing out? Was it worth having an unhappy marriage? Would he ever see Victoire again? All these questions swirled in Bill's mind... The wolf within him was mourning the loss of his pack, but surprisingly not the loss of his wife. Did it mean that he would have to find a mate like all werewolves despite not being a shifter?
It was moments like these when he regretted not participating in Hermione's research. Maybe there were people out there who were Greyback's victims and had the answers. When he heard her talking about it last Sunday, he was still too angry from the argument with Fleur to really consider it, but in the clear light of day and in his current situation, his mind kept returning to it for some reason. At least there were no changes, not yet anyway. His senses remained strong but not stronger, he still preferred his meat more on the rare or bloody side, but that wasn't any indication of further changes. There was nothing left to do but wait, and it was bothering him to no end...
Hermione woke up early on Saturday morning and quickly got ready because the sooner she got to the local market, the more fresh food she would have to choose from. The fridge was almost empty with the way the two Weasley men ate, but she could hardly complain. Charlie was excellent company and there was not a day in the last week that he didn't make her laugh at least once. Bill will hopefully soon decide to join them a bit more and figure out what was going on before his thoughts ate him up. Maybe they could stay here this weekend instead of going to the Burrow, and have a small celebration. Just last night she received news of the new Act being passed, an ecstatic Remus calling through the floo around midnight to let her know.
She was humming to herself as she gathered her handbag, purse and wand, heading out into the kitchen to write a list of everything they would need. She was met with the sight of Charlie rubbing sleep from his eyes and making himself a cup of tea, the lightweight cotton sleeping pants barely holding on his hips. "Morning sunshine," she teased, knowing he wasn't a morning person on the weekends.
"What has you so chipper this early in the morning?" he yawned and scratched his shoulder, tickling the large Chinese fireball tattooed over the length of his back.
Hermione chuckled as the dragon squirmed and a soft dark cloud rose from his nostrils. She couldn't help herself and reached out, tickling the dragon's belly in the middle of Charlie's back, making it huff and squirm even more much to her delight. Just like magical photographs, magical tattoos still fascinated her despite her early encounter with them in the form of Voldemort's dark mark. This one was just beautiful.
Charlie's rumbling chuckle made her realise what she was doing and quickly took her hand away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to tickle you but he seemed just as grumpy as you this morning," she blushed a little.
"Perfectly fine. And don't be put off by his puffing. I've been told that he actually likes to play tag," he mused as he leaned back against the kitchen counter and sipped his tea. "You didn't answer me though."
"Hmm? Oh, I need to go food shopping, the fridge is practically empty. Wanna come?" she asked as he looked into the cabinets to check the tea stock. Ooh, biscuits. Definitely getting more biscuits...
"Sure. But only if I can give you a ride on one of those shopping troll thingies like they do in the movies," he grinned wickedly.
Hermione just laughed before shaking her hand. "It's a trolley, not a troll. And I'm not sure the staff at the supermarket would appreciate that."
"What do I care?" Charlie shrugged and winked cheekily. "Right, let me get dressed, I'll be with you in ten," he put his empty mug into the sink and ran towards his bedroom.
Hermione just smiled at his antics and finished off the list, writing another one for Diagon Alley. They were running low on some potions so she had brewing to do. The war made her distrust generically sold potions so she preferred to brew her own potions and salves. It was days like these when she missed Severus Snape. The man may have never given her an Outstanding in his classes, nor did he have any praise for her verbally for obvious reasons of her affiliation with Harry. But every time she opened her essays, she would find a few notes of how to enhance certain potions, instead of the criticism everyone else apart from the Slytherins received. And for that she would be always grateful, it was after all what made her study potions even harder and fall in love with the subject.
She was brought out of her musings when Charlie returned to the living room, back in his ripped jeans, dusty boots, and one of those tight t-shirts that she just knew would turn the heads at the market. "Prepared to be maimed?" she asked with a wicked smile. When Charlie just gave her a blank, confused look, she laughed softly. "It's not often that you see men at the market this early. I hardly bump into them unless they are the stall owners. So prepare yourself for the looks," she warned.
Charlie only grinned. "Good thing I have you to protect me, war heroine and all."
"Ha ha. Mark my words, Charles Weasley, you get glomped by your fans, I run," she sniffed and their banter continued all the way down to the market only a block away.
Charlie, ever the perfect gentleman with his manners, carried the heaving shopper bag filled with fresh fruits and vegetables as they walked in between the different stalls. As Hermione predicted, he got quite a few looks with his physique and easy smile, but surprisingly didn't seem to be paying much attention to them as he kept asking Hermione questions about what food she planned on cooking and how she knew which vegetables to pick out of the pile when they all looked the same (even though they really did not..). She had thought Charlie cooked often in Romania and would have the knowledge of muggle shopping but it turned out he often ate with the others at the cafeteria, or they went out for dinner into the local pub instead so he never really had to go shopping to the muggle village nearby.
"Okay, I think we have everything from here, now we need to go to the supermarket," she said, covertly casting statis charm on the fresh veggies and fruits to keep them from wilting in the heat.
"Where is it?" Charlie asked with interest.
"Just across the street," she pointed out, to the Whole Foods sign.
"Well then, shall we?" Charlie smiled and offered her his elbow, which she graciously accepted and internally smiled at the few evil looks she received. If only they knew...it was nonetheless amusing to her as no one ever really noticed her that much at the market before.
And Charlie really did make good on his promise. One of the aisles was practically deserted so she gripped the trolley handle and stood on the bottom rail as he pushed her through, both of them laughing like they were five again. Unfortunately, they almost managed to knock over an elderly lady who started shouting at them to take their stupid games somewhere else so they hurried into another section and out of her way.
Half an hour later they walked out, laughing at the evil looks the lady sent them when they met her again at the till. "I swear to Merlin I'm never taking you shopping with me again," Hermione chuckled as she sipped on her green juice.
"Why? I thought that was fun," he winked. "Where to next?"
"Let's drop this off at home, and I just have a few things to pick up on Diagon Alley while you get started on brunch."
"No problem," Charlie grinned and she took his elbow once again as they apparated home.
They landed neatly in the living room, their laughter dying down when they noticed Bill sitting on the sofa, staring at an envelope. Hermione nodded to Charlie to go to him while she took the shopping through to the kitchen and began unpacking it, giving them privacy. She could hear softly murmured words and the envelope being ripped open, having a good idea of what was in it. Her suspicions were confirmed by the dead silence that followed, making her look up when she closed the fridge and sent the last few items into the storage cabinet.
Bill was just looking at the thick parchment while Charlie read over his shoulder and nodded at the words there. It couldn't be anything else but..
"It's official, she already signed them," Bill finally said, breaking the silence.
Hermione came over and sat beside him, summoning a quill and some ink, placing them gently on the table. "Do you want to sign as well?" she asked.
Bill skimmed the parchment. "I can't see Victoire, I wish I could change that but she will only argue against it with my curse. I might as well sign it as it is," he sighed and quickly scribbled his name on both copies. They shone brightly for a moment before disappearing, one to the French, the other to the British Ministry for Magic. A part of him felt defeated, especially at the loss of his precious daughter. He could only hope that Victoire would get used to being back in France. But another part of him, the wolf within seemed to be...strangely contented. It was puzzling.
"It's official then, brother. You're single again," Charlie clapped him on the shoulder.
Bill nodded and got up. "I guess I am. Do we have anything stronger than tea?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head. "I don't really keep alcohol at home unless it's the occasional bottle of wine."
"Why don't we go out tonight and celebrate?" Charlie proposed. "It's Saturday, there are bound to be plenty of pubs or clubs we can choose from. And maybe have dinner out as well."
Hermione hesitated. "I'm not sure that is the best idea..." she said as she looked at Bill.
But the curse breaker actually had a small smile playing on his lips. "You know what? I think I can actually use a night off from everything. And as I hear, you have plenty to celebrate as well," he said pointedly to Hermione.
"How did you know?" she asked curiously.
Bill just chuckled. "Enhanced hearing, remember? I heard Remus call last night. Congratulations, I'm sure mum and dad are already reading the Prophet and beaming with pride."
"What are we celebrating?" Charlie asked cluelessly.
"The Werewolf Occupational Act. It comes into effect on Monday," Hermione positively beamed.
"Congratulations!" Charlie grinned and actually picked her up in his hug, making her laugh before he settled her back down again. "I knew you could do it, bookworm," he winked.
She swatted him off and headed for the kitchen. "Not just me, the whole team. Remus is so happy, I think he might let Andromeda look more after Teddy while he sets up his business," she smiled and contemplated their new purchases. "Fajitas anyone?"
"Mmmm sounds good..." Charlie patted his hungry belly.
"Bill?" Hermione turned to look at him.
He hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I can help actually," he offered.
"Sure. Extra spicy, Red?" she grinned at Charlie, knowing he was a huge fan of the spice.
"You know me to well, angel," he winked and headed for his bedroom. "I have a few letters to reply to, so give me a shout when it's ready!" he called over his shoulder.
Hermione just shook head head in amusement before getting everything ready at the cooking station. Bill already started chopping onions, looking a bit pensieve while he worked.
"Better be careful or you'll chop off a finger," she said gently, breaking through his thoughts.
Bill shook his head. "Sorry, I was miles away. There is actually something I wanted to talk to you about," he looked up at her.
"Shoot," she said simply while she washed the chicken and started cutting it into stripes.
"I actually put the shell cottage on the market yesterday. I didn't think I could return there even if we decided to stay together for Victoire. But the market is not great at the moment and I can't afford to buy a new place just yet-"
"Say no more, Bill. When I told you that you can stay here, I meant it for as long as you need. I actually appreciate the company. Since Crookshanks died after the war, it gets a bit lonely living by myself," she admitted. "And Charlie is already here, I know how close you two are. So if you want to stay here, you are more than welcome to," she smiled warmly.
Bill just looked at her for a moment before smiling. "I always wondered why Charlie keeps calling you angel."
Hermione snorted. "Don't be fooled, I learnt the Bat-Bogey hex trick from Ginny so you better watch out. And if either one of you dares use my bathroom, you're out on your ass," she grinned cheekily.
"Yes, ma'am," Bill saluted, some playfulness returning to him. It seemed the presence of his ever laid back brother and this lovely witch were doing his spirits some good. It was all sinking in, the fact that him and Fleur were over for good, that he was once again a bachelor, and that his inner wolf might strengthen due to the last attack. Maybe it was time to loosen up a bit before getting back to the worries for the next three weeks before the full moon.
Charlie came back to the kitchen, hunting for a fresh cup of tea when he realised they had forgotten something. "Uhm Hermione, didn't you want to go to Diagon Alley by the way?"
Hermione groaned. "Balls! I forgot!"
Charlie was the first one to crack up. "I'm sorry, what was that?" he asked, leaning against the kitchen counter as he laughed.
Hermione realised how it sounded and stifled a giggle. "I ran out of newt eyeballs for one of the more complex burn salves," she explained. "It's fine, I can always get them tomorrow. We have enough hangover potion if the two of you go wild tonight," she grinned.
"You mean you won't go wild with us? You wound me. But I see right through you. I mean your bookworm reputation would suffer greatly if you were to have fun for one night," Charlie teased.
Hermione turned around, the wicked knife still in hand and an equally wicked smile on her lips. "What was that, Charles?" she asked sweetly, only ever using his full name when he was in trouble.
"Oh nothing, just singing your praises to Merlin," he eyed the knife, taking cautious steps backwards.
"Out of my kitchen, Weasley. Now," she grinned as Charlie sat on the sofa and sent her an innocent smile.
"Should the other Weasley leave your kitchen as well?" Bill asked, amusement clear in his eyes.
"No, you can stay, you actually help cook instead of just eating the food," she verbally poked at Charlie, sending him the same wicked smile.
"I think you have competition, brother!" Bill called to him with a chuckle.
Charlie pretended to grumble but his eyes stayed on the two of them for a moment longer. "I think I actually do..." he said softly, more to himself than anyone else.
They had shared many things with Bill in the past, and taste in women was one of them, Fleur being the only and rather glaring exception. And by the way he saw his brother relaxing around Hermione, and her instant contentment to share her home with them both, he had a feeling he just might have competition for the witch's heart some time in the near future. Hermione may think he is just playing when he calls her beautiful, but the words are more true that she would ever admit, and their easy companionship over the past week only confirmed what Charlie hoped would develop in person, not just in their letters. An easy chemistry. With Bill single again however, he just might have to worry about who would be the one to gain the love of the witch...