A/N: I know, I know, it's been a long time. But now Gina and I are now out of school for the summer so there's more time for writing! Enjoy.
Chapter 21
"This isn't fair Dumbledore."
"Nothing in life is fair my boy."
I stormed out of the kitchen back into the drawing room Hermione and I had vacated moment before.
"Charlie!" I head Hermione call my name as she ran after me. No doubt Harry and Ron sat at the table speaking with a very calm Dumbledore about what they needed to do. "Charlie stop and talk to me please." She said almost out of breath as she closed the door quietly behind her.
"What is there to talk about?! He's making us stay away from each other!" I yelled motioning to the door. "It's not fair."
"I know it's not, and I wish that we could change it but we can't! We have to fight a war Charlie, and we have to make some sacrifices and if saving the entire wizarding world means being away from you for a few months then I'll be able to do it!" She yelled back at me. "It's going to be difficult, and I'm going to miss you, but we have to do this or else terrible things are going to happen and even you know that."
I did know that. Images of her being enslaved to death eaters if we failed had filled my mind. Night after night I had laid awake worrying about what might happen if the order didn't do the absolute best and if harry couldn't kill Voldemort. After she was done talking I looked at her, I could see how determined she was. After all, this is Hermione Granger, there's no way she would ever be someone's slave.
"You're right, I do know that." I walked over and brushed a piece of hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. "If being apart means saving the world, then I guess I can deal with it." She smiled at me and stood on her tip toes to kiss me.
"Well, now that you've cooled off Charlie, can we get back to business?" We stopped and turned towards the door where the wizened man was standing. Hermione laced her fingers with mine and we followed him back to the basement kitchen. "As I said Charlie and Harry you will return to Hogwarts with me, and Hermione and Ron will depart for the Order's headquarters."
"Ah, Harry, I'll tell you where you will be at a later date." His twinkling blue eyes hid no meaning this time, everyone saw what he meant. Dumbledore didn't want Ron and Hermione to run to Harry's side like he knew they would. The Headmaster nodded to the four of us and we all got up and followed each other up the stairs into Ron and Harry's room.
I watched as my youngest brother sat on his bed which gave a groan, as Harry went over to the window and watched the stillness of the night, and as Hermione lightly set herself on the edge Harry's bed trying not to let the tears brimming in her eyes fall. Ron leaned forward and put his head in his hands and sighed. I looked at Hermione who silently pulled out her wand and flicked it packing all of Ron's things in a single bag undoubtedly using a lightening charm, and doing the same with Harry's belongings. The three bags sat in a row against the wall and all I could do was stare at them.
We all sat in the room for a good amount of time, none of us moving, until we heard a knock at the door. It opened and my mum walked in her eyes red from crying. "Are you all packed?" She choked out. The younger three nodded and as the boys stood to grab their things Hermione remained sitting. As the door closed behind a still silent Ron, I walked over and knelt in front of her resting my hands on her knees.
"I'm going to miss you, and I'm going to worry much more than I probably should." I said looking in her chocolate eyes. "But I know well enough that you can handle yourself if anything happens and that you will be safe." I leaned forward and kissed her noticing that her cheeks were wet with the tears she had been holding back. "So if there's one thing, and only one, that you could do for me: can you make sure Ron stays safe, out of trouble, and doesn't blow any cover you two have?" I asked smiling at the short laugh I got in return.
"Of course." She replied before kissing me and standing to get her bag. "I love you Charlie Weasley."
She walked out of the bedroom and down into the kitchen silently and took Harry's hand. His eyes were dark, but Hermione knew full well that they were also speaking to her. Telling her to be safe, and to do everything she could to stay that way. She nodded in response and headed for the fireplace, flooing her way to Grimmuald Place after Ron.
I walked down the cold stone steps watching as the last of the emerald green disappeared.
"Mr. Weasley, I have taken the liberty to pack a bag for you to bring to Hogwarts with you." Dumbledore motioned to the corner where a pack sat. "You will find all the possessions you had in Italy will be there, now if you will follow me to my office." He threw more powder into the fire and called for his office waiting for me to step in and appear there.
"Now," He started as he sat in his chair watching as Harry and I stood by the mantel. "There has been a common room and separate sleeping rooms arranged for you up near Professor McGonagall's office. It's the portrait of the woman with a sleeping baby in her arms and the password is fatum. I would enjoy it very much if you two could possibly help with some classes also. Charlie, I was thinking Care of Magical Creatures and Charms for you, and for Harry Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions."
We nodded knowing that the time tables for the classes would be brought to us as we ate breakfast.
"I think it would do you both some good if you got some sleep now." He smiled at us and we bid him good night and walked to our common room.
"He really knows how to make people feel welcome doesn't he?" Harry asked as we walked up a few steps into the lavish scarlet and gold room.
"Absolutely, which is why he's 'letting' us help with classes." I joked back. "I think I am going to get some sleep though, I'll see you in a few hours." I clapped him on the back as I walked past headed for a room.
"By the way Charlie," Harry called. "As her best friend I have a right to tell you: that if you hurt Mione in any way, I have no problem hurting you back." I smiled at him.
"I wouldn't count on it Harry, I'm not planning on hurting her anytime soon." He smiled back at me. "And if I do anything stupid like that, then I give you full permission to do your worst." He turned and headed for the other bedroom.
As I closed the door, I didn't take time to notice the white walls with a lion painted above the classic four poster bed, or how the double doors to the right opened up to a balcony. I set down my bag and collapsed into a night of tossing and turning instead, wondering where in the hell the crazy bat was sending two of the people I cared most about.