Hotter Than Most
Part 8
The rest of the day went well. I say that as if nothing special happened but you'll just have to read and see. Mrs. Weasley announced after breakfast that we would be visiting Diagon Alley. Charlie had mentioned in one of our late night talks. He said it was where they did their shopping.
So there I was, freshly showered, wearing a light blue cotton cloak belonging to Mrs. Weasley (this was explained in the book as part of the wizarding dress code, which was the reason I didn't give her a strange look when she handed it to me). It was actually quite nice the old and comfortably worn in way. The edge was even embroidered with little dragons. So there I stood wondering why they weren't moving toward the door when Mrs. Weasley took a flowerpot from the mantle and handed it to Charlie. He stepped up to the fireplace and held his hand out for me to take and then I remembered.
"Long ago, nobody quite knows when, wizards decided that traveling through fireplaces would be a good idea. After many mistakes, (oh goody) and possibly the invention of the Muggle rifle, they perfected it. If by perfecting you mean, getting sucked through a fireplace, being tossed around until you want to vomit, and then getting thrown out all soot covered, then there you have it (this book is suppose to put me at ease, right?). Floo travel is convenient yet annoying. You yourself cannot travel alone, but have to be clutched to a witch or wizard. If you enter alone you will, supposedly, be stuck around until you run into a wizard and grab hold. This can take a very long time. One case. . .blah blah blah"
"I don't want to do this," I whined as I looked at Charlie's outstretched hand.
"Come on, it's not that bad," he said with a kind smile.
"Have you read that book your father sent me?" I asked. I wonder if they have a book called "So You've Married a Muggle: and here's how not to get them killed," if I find one he's so going to have to read it cover to cover. . . and take an essay test on it! "If we get broken up, I could get stuck. For a 'really' long time," I said with emphasis.
"Do you trust me?" He asked with soft green eyes. That is so cheating.
Of course I grumbled a bit before I took his hand. He pulled me against him and took a fistful of powder and threw it into the fire. Green flames roared up (the book didn't mention that) and he pulled me inside quickly not giving me the chance to back out. Burying my face in his cloak as the ashes swept up around us I just barely heard him say 'Diagon Alley' and we were off. I didn't scream. . . really. So maybe I squealed a little.
The spinning went on forever and the one time I opened my eyes rooms dashed by us at a dizzying pace. I quickly shut them again and tried to control the nausea. Finally we were spit out and slid across wood floor before finally halted.
"Can we walk back?" I begged still clutching Charlie below me. During the trip I had ended up completely wrapped around him. Both my legs were even twined around one of his. I didn't even get a chuckle for a reply so I lifted my head with concern. I looked down at him and met his eyes. Suddenly I realized I could feel his heart pounding beneath me and mine hurried to match it.
"Are you alright?" I asked softly, while examining his soot-smudged face.
"Yeah," he answered, "You?"
"I'm good." I should have kissed him then but somehow I couldn't move. Then a moment later somebody landed beside us, on his or her feet (show off). Charlie and I quickly untangled ourselves and helped each other up. Mr. Weasley was looking out into what I then realized was a very crowded pub (this is where I turn red). He evidently and thankfully had found something very interesting on the opposite side of the pub. We moved back a bit and waited for everyone else to arrive (oh Ron and the twins fell too). Then headed to a back room. Okay so we all know what happens there but thing is I thought all of this was really cool, but couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to attack me. Let's just recap *clears throat* at work, get attacked by a dragon. On the broom, get attacked by a dragon. Arrive at the house; get attacked by a Boggart dressed as a shark. My record isn't so hot and that probably explains why I'm clutched to Charlie's arm. This is about the point where Charlie looks down and chuckles.
"You going to be alright?" he asked.
"I'm just preparing myself for the next attack," I informed him. I snapped my head to the other side and with a deadly glare said, "Don't even think about it," to George, who incidentally had his mouth open about to shout or bark or something at me. He looked disappointed and was quickly pushed away, and scolded, by Charlie's mom who took my other arm. I was afraid, very afraid by the happiness in her eyes.
"Dear come look at robes with me, would you?" Hmmm robes, that was safe. . .right? I reluctantly let go of Charlie and followed. Suddenly I noticed the shop she was pulling me towards had far far too much white. I managed to turn around, and was about to run, but damn that woman has a healthy grip! I look at Charlie over my shoulder and mouthed, "Help!" but he merely shrugged and suppressed a laugh.
Oh she was subtle all right. She started with robes of all different colors and fits and some how magically, no pun intended, a white robe ended up in my pile, "Just for the fit dear." I half expected a veil to apparate on my head. The only reason stopping her from that, I assume would be the lack of a good excuse.
Finally I escaped! I wasn't quite so attached to Charlie this time but we were holding hands as we separated from the parents. We were having a wonderful time until un-politely interrupted.
"Looks like Charlie Weasley's finally gotten himself girlfriend." We turned to find a tall black hair man leering at us. Uck don't the British know proper dental care.
"Caesar Flint," Charlie spat out.
"And a Mudblood too," he spat out once looking over my appearance. Mudblood, Mudblood oh I remember that was in insult. . .but wait I'm not even a wizard. Still, must assume offended position. Scowl? Check! Charlie was about to defend me but I proved lack of need.
"Why don't you crawl back under the rock you obviously came from Mr. Flint," I said with sickly sweetness. "And leave us to our shopping." Charlie was so stunned that I had to pull him around with me. We were walking away when Mr. Flint finally said something that really insulted me.
"Stupid bloody Americans," he muttered. Ohhh he didn't. I froze and I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
"Excuse me?" I said as I turned to face him, ignoring Charlie's words of caution. "What did you say?" I asked a few inches from his face. Ugh bad teeth and even worse breath.
"I said Stupid. Bloody. Americans," he reiterated. The scowl left my face and I smiled at him.
"That's what I though. I knew it was beyond your capabilities to come up with an intelligent insult." With that I turned on my heel and went back to Charlie's side. I knew it wasn't over though.
"You really should have just walked away," Charlie warned.
"I know," I said casually as I suddenly pulled him to the side. Something flashed by us and hit the wizard in front of us. It really wasn't intentional but as the wizard in dark green robes turned I knew sweet revenge was mine. The wizard had their wand out and I saw horrible looking boils dotting his face. Charlie and I turned to Caesar, who stood rooted in place, ropes binding his hands and feet. He teetered backwards and landed with a thump. I couldn't help giggle.
Charlie later explained that the wizard was with the ministry, an Auror. He had to do a bit more explaining on that one but I won't get into it. Caesar Flint was magically floated away to Charlie's great amusement and a bit of mine as well.
"I can't believe you did that," he said with a grin. "You're amazing." *sigh* I have to admit with the look he gave me I felt amazing. I then realized he wasn't looking away, or speaking for that matter. He was just watching. I almost shivered under that gaze and I felt my breath quicken. He reached out and gently took my face in his hands. He seemed to be looking for any sign of reluctance, but there couldn't have been. He leaned forward and I shut my eyes against the impending attack. It was so sweet and gentle I thought I was going to melt into a puddle. He pulled away a little and set his forehead to mine.
"It's about bloody time," invaded a voice, Georges's, accompanied with a few cheers and cat calls. We looked to see nearly the whole clan of red heads standing in the street beside us.
"Oh, God," I know I muttered as I hid my head on his opposite shoulder. He, of course, being a guy just chuckled at my embarrassment and pulled me around to face them. Oh did I mention there was a picture taken as well. In which we kiss and I look at the camera, turn bright red and attempt to run out of the frame only to be dragged back by Charlie. Yeah it's real funny.
"Dad you missed it," (no he didn't) Charlie said proudly as he held me in place with an arm around my shoulder, impeding my escape. "Julia told off Caesar Flint and got him arrested for cursing an Auror," he beamed, I hid, a bit embarrassed with the attention, but I still heard the twin's comment, "Wicked!"
"Come one," I urged. "Let's go to the um. . ." I blanked of course, because I was the perfect time too.
"Bookstore," he supplied.
"Right," I said resolute. "To the bookstore." I smile up at him reassuringly. Embarrassed or not I didn't want him thinking I thought it was a mistake.
So that night found us in an abandoned grove making out like there was no tomorrow. After bit of rolling, a lot of kissing, grouping, and well a little moaning *wink*, he paused and looked down at me. My heart dropped upon seeing his face, he looked so sad.
"I can't believe we only have a week left," he said.
"You'll have to go back to rolling around with dragon's instead," I half teased. It wasn't really funny but it made him smile.
"Definitely second rate," he assured me as he brushed my hair back behind my ear. "Besides Dragon's don't bite nearly as hard." I looked at him, opened mouthed, not believing what he had just said. He took that opportunity to kiss me again. I pulled away, giving him an evil smirk, with one eyebrow lifted.
"I'll show you biting," I teased. Chuckles and growls echoed through the trees that night as the stars were ignored on our stargazing trip. Odd thing happened the next morning though; Charlie came down to breakfast wearing a high-necked sweater, hmm wasn't it a bit warm for sweaters. He strutted to the table amidst inappropriate comments and whistles, the women were in another room, and sat beside me proudly.
"Good Morning," I said to my breakfast, as I tried to suppress a smile.
"Morning," he said cheerfully. The room suddenly cleared and Charlie leaned over and nibbled on my ear, sending lightning bolts through me. I managed to clear my mind long enough to lift down the edge of his collar. Instantly my hand went to my mouth, did I do that? Shock turned to laughter.
"Sorry," I started. "I didn't mean to umm." He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me in for an amazing kiss.
"It's not like I was complaining," he said with a wink. So we. . . well went at it for a little while. . .okay so quite a while.
"Ugh. Mom they're snogging at the table!" Charlie grabbed a biscuit and whipped it a Ron's head.
"Come on," Charlie beckoned as he took my hand and pulled me from the table. "We get to go to Hogwarts today." Hogwarts, Hogwarts. . .old school, I'm getting better at this.
Part 8
The rest of the day went well. I say that as if nothing special happened but you'll just have to read and see. Mrs. Weasley announced after breakfast that we would be visiting Diagon Alley. Charlie had mentioned in one of our late night talks. He said it was where they did their shopping.
So there I was, freshly showered, wearing a light blue cotton cloak belonging to Mrs. Weasley (this was explained in the book as part of the wizarding dress code, which was the reason I didn't give her a strange look when she handed it to me). It was actually quite nice the old and comfortably worn in way. The edge was even embroidered with little dragons. So there I stood wondering why they weren't moving toward the door when Mrs. Weasley took a flowerpot from the mantle and handed it to Charlie. He stepped up to the fireplace and held his hand out for me to take and then I remembered.
"Long ago, nobody quite knows when, wizards decided that traveling through fireplaces would be a good idea. After many mistakes, (oh goody) and possibly the invention of the Muggle rifle, they perfected it. If by perfecting you mean, getting sucked through a fireplace, being tossed around until you want to vomit, and then getting thrown out all soot covered, then there you have it (this book is suppose to put me at ease, right?). Floo travel is convenient yet annoying. You yourself cannot travel alone, but have to be clutched to a witch or wizard. If you enter alone you will, supposedly, be stuck around until you run into a wizard and grab hold. This can take a very long time. One case. . .blah blah blah"
"I don't want to do this," I whined as I looked at Charlie's outstretched hand.
"Come on, it's not that bad," he said with a kind smile.
"Have you read that book your father sent me?" I asked. I wonder if they have a book called "So You've Married a Muggle: and here's how not to get them killed," if I find one he's so going to have to read it cover to cover. . . and take an essay test on it! "If we get broken up, I could get stuck. For a 'really' long time," I said with emphasis.
"Do you trust me?" He asked with soft green eyes. That is so cheating.
Of course I grumbled a bit before I took his hand. He pulled me against him and took a fistful of powder and threw it into the fire. Green flames roared up (the book didn't mention that) and he pulled me inside quickly not giving me the chance to back out. Burying my face in his cloak as the ashes swept up around us I just barely heard him say 'Diagon Alley' and we were off. I didn't scream. . . really. So maybe I squealed a little.
The spinning went on forever and the one time I opened my eyes rooms dashed by us at a dizzying pace. I quickly shut them again and tried to control the nausea. Finally we were spit out and slid across wood floor before finally halted.
"Can we walk back?" I begged still clutching Charlie below me. During the trip I had ended up completely wrapped around him. Both my legs were even twined around one of his. I didn't even get a chuckle for a reply so I lifted my head with concern. I looked down at him and met his eyes. Suddenly I realized I could feel his heart pounding beneath me and mine hurried to match it.
"Are you alright?" I asked softly, while examining his soot-smudged face.
"Yeah," he answered, "You?"
"I'm good." I should have kissed him then but somehow I couldn't move. Then a moment later somebody landed beside us, on his or her feet (show off). Charlie and I quickly untangled ourselves and helped each other up. Mr. Weasley was looking out into what I then realized was a very crowded pub (this is where I turn red). He evidently and thankfully had found something very interesting on the opposite side of the pub. We moved back a bit and waited for everyone else to arrive (oh Ron and the twins fell too). Then headed to a back room. Okay so we all know what happens there but thing is I thought all of this was really cool, but couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to attack me. Let's just recap *clears throat* at work, get attacked by a dragon. On the broom, get attacked by a dragon. Arrive at the house; get attacked by a Boggart dressed as a shark. My record isn't so hot and that probably explains why I'm clutched to Charlie's arm. This is about the point where Charlie looks down and chuckles.
"You going to be alright?" he asked.
"I'm just preparing myself for the next attack," I informed him. I snapped my head to the other side and with a deadly glare said, "Don't even think about it," to George, who incidentally had his mouth open about to shout or bark or something at me. He looked disappointed and was quickly pushed away, and scolded, by Charlie's mom who took my other arm. I was afraid, very afraid by the happiness in her eyes.
"Dear come look at robes with me, would you?" Hmmm robes, that was safe. . .right? I reluctantly let go of Charlie and followed. Suddenly I noticed the shop she was pulling me towards had far far too much white. I managed to turn around, and was about to run, but damn that woman has a healthy grip! I look at Charlie over my shoulder and mouthed, "Help!" but he merely shrugged and suppressed a laugh.
Oh she was subtle all right. She started with robes of all different colors and fits and some how magically, no pun intended, a white robe ended up in my pile, "Just for the fit dear." I half expected a veil to apparate on my head. The only reason stopping her from that, I assume would be the lack of a good excuse.
Finally I escaped! I wasn't quite so attached to Charlie this time but we were holding hands as we separated from the parents. We were having a wonderful time until un-politely interrupted.
"Looks like Charlie Weasley's finally gotten himself girlfriend." We turned to find a tall black hair man leering at us. Uck don't the British know proper dental care.
"Caesar Flint," Charlie spat out.
"And a Mudblood too," he spat out once looking over my appearance. Mudblood, Mudblood oh I remember that was in insult. . .but wait I'm not even a wizard. Still, must assume offended position. Scowl? Check! Charlie was about to defend me but I proved lack of need.
"Why don't you crawl back under the rock you obviously came from Mr. Flint," I said with sickly sweetness. "And leave us to our shopping." Charlie was so stunned that I had to pull him around with me. We were walking away when Mr. Flint finally said something that really insulted me.
"Stupid bloody Americans," he muttered. Ohhh he didn't. I froze and I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
"Excuse me?" I said as I turned to face him, ignoring Charlie's words of caution. "What did you say?" I asked a few inches from his face. Ugh bad teeth and even worse breath.
"I said Stupid. Bloody. Americans," he reiterated. The scowl left my face and I smiled at him.
"That's what I though. I knew it was beyond your capabilities to come up with an intelligent insult." With that I turned on my heel and went back to Charlie's side. I knew it wasn't over though.
"You really should have just walked away," Charlie warned.
"I know," I said casually as I suddenly pulled him to the side. Something flashed by us and hit the wizard in front of us. It really wasn't intentional but as the wizard in dark green robes turned I knew sweet revenge was mine. The wizard had their wand out and I saw horrible looking boils dotting his face. Charlie and I turned to Caesar, who stood rooted in place, ropes binding his hands and feet. He teetered backwards and landed with a thump. I couldn't help giggle.
Charlie later explained that the wizard was with the ministry, an Auror. He had to do a bit more explaining on that one but I won't get into it. Caesar Flint was magically floated away to Charlie's great amusement and a bit of mine as well.
"I can't believe you did that," he said with a grin. "You're amazing." *sigh* I have to admit with the look he gave me I felt amazing. I then realized he wasn't looking away, or speaking for that matter. He was just watching. I almost shivered under that gaze and I felt my breath quicken. He reached out and gently took my face in his hands. He seemed to be looking for any sign of reluctance, but there couldn't have been. He leaned forward and I shut my eyes against the impending attack. It was so sweet and gentle I thought I was going to melt into a puddle. He pulled away a little and set his forehead to mine.
"It's about bloody time," invaded a voice, Georges's, accompanied with a few cheers and cat calls. We looked to see nearly the whole clan of red heads standing in the street beside us.
"Oh, God," I know I muttered as I hid my head on his opposite shoulder. He, of course, being a guy just chuckled at my embarrassment and pulled me around to face them. Oh did I mention there was a picture taken as well. In which we kiss and I look at the camera, turn bright red and attempt to run out of the frame only to be dragged back by Charlie. Yeah it's real funny.
"Dad you missed it," (no he didn't) Charlie said proudly as he held me in place with an arm around my shoulder, impeding my escape. "Julia told off Caesar Flint and got him arrested for cursing an Auror," he beamed, I hid, a bit embarrassed with the attention, but I still heard the twin's comment, "Wicked!"
"Come one," I urged. "Let's go to the um. . ." I blanked of course, because I was the perfect time too.
"Bookstore," he supplied.
"Right," I said resolute. "To the bookstore." I smile up at him reassuringly. Embarrassed or not I didn't want him thinking I thought it was a mistake.
So that night found us in an abandoned grove making out like there was no tomorrow. After bit of rolling, a lot of kissing, grouping, and well a little moaning *wink*, he paused and looked down at me. My heart dropped upon seeing his face, he looked so sad.
"I can't believe we only have a week left," he said.
"You'll have to go back to rolling around with dragon's instead," I half teased. It wasn't really funny but it made him smile.
"Definitely second rate," he assured me as he brushed my hair back behind my ear. "Besides Dragon's don't bite nearly as hard." I looked at him, opened mouthed, not believing what he had just said. He took that opportunity to kiss me again. I pulled away, giving him an evil smirk, with one eyebrow lifted.
"I'll show you biting," I teased. Chuckles and growls echoed through the trees that night as the stars were ignored on our stargazing trip. Odd thing happened the next morning though; Charlie came down to breakfast wearing a high-necked sweater, hmm wasn't it a bit warm for sweaters. He strutted to the table amidst inappropriate comments and whistles, the women were in another room, and sat beside me proudly.
"Good Morning," I said to my breakfast, as I tried to suppress a smile.
"Morning," he said cheerfully. The room suddenly cleared and Charlie leaned over and nibbled on my ear, sending lightning bolts through me. I managed to clear my mind long enough to lift down the edge of his collar. Instantly my hand went to my mouth, did I do that? Shock turned to laughter.
"Sorry," I started. "I didn't mean to umm." He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me in for an amazing kiss.
"It's not like I was complaining," he said with a wink. So we. . . well went at it for a little while. . .okay so quite a while.
"Ugh. Mom they're snogging at the table!" Charlie grabbed a biscuit and whipped it a Ron's head.
"Come on," Charlie beckoned as he took my hand and pulled me from the table. "We get to go to Hogwarts today." Hogwarts, Hogwarts. . .old school, I'm getting better at this.