An Unexpected Turn of Events
Chapter Twenty-eight
When Charlie arrived at Diagon Alley it was still quite early and few shoppers were about yet. Shop keepers were just opening up, setting out their wares and getting ready for the day. Charlie actually preferred to shop at his time of the day, avoiding the maddening crowds of pushing, shoving and jostling people.
Charlie made his way down the street, greeting and being greeted by shop keepers. The mood still hadn't changed greatly, most wanting to put the recent attack behind them. Charlie did notice several teams of Aurors patrolling up and down the street at least giving the appearance that the Ministry was taking the threat seriously.
Charlie at last came to the little jewellery store that Fleur had described to him that morning and he was happy to see a small Open sign was in the window. He took a moment to look at the fine jewellery on display in the window and was impressed by the beautiful pieces that he saw there.
Charlie finally entered the shop and saw an older woman uncovering displays. She heard the bell jingle and she turned with a smile, "Welcome, my husband will be right with you. Feel free to look around."
"Thank you," replied Charlie, at once feeling at home in the cozy little shop. He wandered around the shop looking at a multitude of pieces, from inexpensive to the price upon request. All looked of the finest quality, the difference coming in the materials used and not in the quality of the workmanship.
Charlie finally made his way to the counter and stopped in front of the engagement rings. There was a stunning array of styles, stones and designs.
Posted by the rings was a list of the Birth stones for each month and Charlie looked at it closely.
By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.
The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.
By her who in March was born
No gem save bloodstone shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.
She who from April dates her years,
diamonds shall wear,
lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow.
Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.
By her who in June was born
No gem save pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.
The gleaming ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.
Wear a peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.
A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind.
October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.
Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.
If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do.
—Gregorian Birthstone Poems
Charlie smiled and thanked the Fates, Sarah's birthday came in May, and he thought the Emerald was the perfect stone for her and had already decided that it was what he had been going to get her.
While Charlie was looking at the rings he heard a pleasant man's voice say "May I help you find something?"
Charlie looked up and beheld the friendly face of the store's owner. "You must be Max," he said jovially.
Max smiled at him, "How do you do Mr. Weasley," Max countered. "For unless I'm mistaken you have a lovely younger sister named Ginny."
Charlie laughed, "Yes I do." Extending his hand he said "It's wonderful to meet you. You come highly recommended, so much so that my sister-in-law was the one who gave me your name and told me where your shop was located based solely on her hearing Ginny, Harry and my Mum rave about you."
"It's always nice to be appreciated and recommended to others. Now what may I help you with?" asked Max.
"I'm looking for an engagement ring," Charlie said.
"Do you have any particular type of ring in mind?" the Jeweller asked.
"Definitely an Emerald," said Charlie. "Besides it being her Birthstone it will go nicely with her red hair," he added with a chuckle.
"Do you see anything here that catches your eye?" Max said indicating the tray in the showcase.
Charlie had picked out a particular ring he liked, "I kind of like this one," he said pointing out a ring that had a nice oval cut Emerald flanked on either side by three small diamonds set in a triangle. "But I think I'd like one with a larger Emerald."
Max smiled and reached down and opened a drawer and pulled out another tray of rings, this one all Emeralds. He quickly pulled several and placed them on the velvet pad for Charlie to look at. "Will any of these do?" he asked.
Charlie looked at the three rings sitting there. All had slightly different size stones with the diamonds scaled to match. He picked up the largest stone first and looked at the ring carefully. While doing so he noticed that Max seemed to be watching him closely.
He set that ring down and did the same with the two others, all the while watching Max out of the corner of his eye. Finally Charlie went back to the ring that had the middle sized stone. To him the stone seemed to blaze with an inner fire, the colour of the Emerald just spoke to him and even seemed to give more fire to the accompanying Diamonds. The ring itself was made of a beautiful pale yellow gold that also seemed to glow with it's own inner light.
"This one," Charlie said extending it to Max.
Max smiled, "A fine choice, definitely the finest one that you looked at and probably the finest Emerald engagement ring that I have at the moment."
"Well that may be, I just lie the looks of it, the stones have an inner fire that I don't see in the others. I think it will look great on Sarah's hand," said Charlie wistfully.
"So the lucky lady is named Sarah. A very pretty name, a Biblical name meaning "Princess"," said Max.
Charlie got a small grin on his face, "Princess, huh? It does seem to fit her personality a bit, but she's also a hard working family oriented young woman who's captured my heart."
Max smiled at Charlie's musing, "She sounds like a very special young lady and I hope to have the pleasure of meeting her one day."
"I'm sure I'll be able to get her in here one day soon," laughed Charlie. "We'll be back to pick out wedding bands and I'm sure she'll be needing earrings to go with this ring."
"I await the day with joyful anticipation of that meeting," said Max with a genuine smile on his face. "Will there be anything else today?" he asked.
"No that will do it," replied Charlie.
Max took the ring and said "I'll be right back as he stepped behind the curtain. Once there he cast the protection spells he had done on the necklace he had done for Harry. He gave the ring one last polish with an enchanted cloth, then he took it back out and showed it to Charlie.
"Just wanted to give it one last polish and make sure the spells and enchantments were in place," he told Charlie.
Charlie gave him a confused look. "Spells and enchantments?" he asked.
"Yes," explained Max, "All my jewellery comes with spells to protect against loss and theft and as a family member of a current customer I have included some basic protective spells as well, all included for no charge."
"Thanks,"said Charlie. "What do I owe you?"
"The total comes to 150 Galleons," said Max as he placed the ring in a box.
Charlie counted out the coins on the counter and Max handed him the small box.
"I hope you return soon Mr. Weasley," Max said with a smile.
"I will Max and the name is Charlie, not Mr. Weasley, he's my dad," Charlie said with a laugh.
Max laughed with him, "OK Charlie, I'll see you soon then."
Charlie and Max shook hands and Charlie left the shop smiling and whistling, ready to pick up Sarah, his heart as light as a feather and happy as he had ever felt. Taking a look up at the clear blue sky he Apparated to Tinworth to meet Sarah.
XX
Arthur sat in his office going over a report of an outbreak of charmed muggle objects popping up all over London. It seemed random at first but Arthur's gut told him there was more to it than that.
He was interrupted by Nymphadora Tonks coming into his office and taking a seat. "Hi Arthur," she said cordially.
"Hi Tonks," (Arthur knew better than to call her Nymphadora)." What brings you all the way back here into my cave?" said Arthur with a chuckle.
"I was wondering if you had heard about the attack in Hogsmeade this afternoon?" she asked in a hushed voice.
"Nothing specific really, just that it had taken place and several residents had thwarted the attack," replied Arthur.
"Well it was only one resident who was helped by two teenagers who were not from Hogsmeade and one of the Aurors was sure they recognized the young lady as your daughter," Tonks told him.
"Ginny? In Hogsmeade?" Arthur said shocked.
"The Auror did say they saw her from a distance but was positive it was her from seeing her around here on occasion. She was with a young man but he didn't recognize him, the distance was too great and their backs were turned. They were headed back into the Three Broomsticks,"
Arthur shook his head, he couldn't think for the life of him why Ginny and obviously Harry were in Hogsmeade.
Tonks patted his arm, "Don't worry Arthur, I'm not going to say anything about who would have been with her and she isn't in any trouble due to the exemption in the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery for use of magic in life threatening situations. From what the witnesses said if it wasn't for Her, Harry and Rosmerta the attack would have caused much greater destruction than it did. As it was the attack had hardly started when those three counter attacked and brought the attack to a halt. They should be rewarded for their actions. That's if anyone knew who they were," she added with a wink.
"Well thanks for the information Tonks. I had no idea that Ginny had plans to go to Hogsmeade today, but I rarely see her before I leave for the Ministry in the morning, especially since she and Harry have been together. I guess it's safe to tell you if you'll swear it goes no further," Arthur said in a hushed voice.
Tonks leaned in, a conspiratorial grin on her face, "You know me Arthur, I won't tell a soul."
Arthur chuckled, for all Tonks' faults being loose lipped wasn't one of them. "Harry and Ginny are engaged."
Tonks' face lit up, "Really? When? When's the wedding going to be? Oh Merlin this is wonderful news!"
Arthur smiled at Tonks' enthusiastic reaction, "Yes really, It was just a couple of weeks ago and as far as I know they haven't set a date yet."
Tonks sat back in her chair with a grin on her face, "Engaged," she said in a wistful voice. She sighed and said more to herself than to Arthur, "She's so lucky, wish I'd meet someone and get engaged."
Suddenly coming back from wherever her mind had taken her, she popped up. "That's wonderful news Arthur. Tell them congratulations from me and I wish them all the best. Plus when they set the date I expect to get an invitation to the wedding!"
Arthur laughed and said "I'll pass along the congratulations and tell them to put you on the guest list."
"See ya Arthur," said Tonks as she got up to leave.
"Bye Tonks and thanks for the information," Arthur said in farewell.
XX
Harry and Ginny returned to the Burrow, entering the kitchen they were set upon by Molly who was frantic, her fabulous clock had shown Ginny to be in Mortal Danger for several minutes.
"I'm fine Mum, really," Ginny said defensively. "We decided to go to the Three Broomsticks for lunch and Hogsmeade was attacked by Death Eaters but they were driven off by Rosmerta and a couple of others."
Harry almost choked when he heard Ginny's explanation of the battle in Hogsmeade. "Two others," Harry thought to himself, "She's conveniently leaving out that we were the two others."
"As long as you two are all right," Molly fussed. She had to hug the two of them and offered to make some tea.
Ginny sighed and knew they'd be better off in the long run sitting with and calming Molly down.
Harry excused himself to go use the loo, which he did and then he hid the pouch of Basilisk fangs in their room.
Harry returned to the kitchen quickly, figuring he couldn't in good conscious leave Ginny alone with Molly in her current state. Molly was still fussing and Ginny was bearing it stoically when Harry returned.
Ginny gave Harry a thin smile as he sat down and took his hand under the table. She gently ran her finger over Harry's wedding band and he noticed her relax immediately with a small smile lighting her face.
Harry returned her smile and gently squeezed her hand feeling her love pour from her into him through their joined hands. While Molly turned to get a plate of biscuits Harry whispered "I love you," to Ginny. Ginny smiled and whispered back, "I love you too."
They settled in to sit and spend some time with Molly and calm her down with some family time. Molly prattled on about Aunt Muriel and began to ask about wedding plans, if Ginny had any idea what type of wedding she wanted, what colours, on and on.
Harry thought he'd lose it when Molly mentioned a wedding and he was once again taken by how Ginny could sit there with a straight face and calmly talk about weddings with her mother when they had already secretly married a couple of days ago.
He knew that she was going to be a very independent woman and wife but it just made him admire her all the more. His own fierce powerful Ginger-Bear, one not to be taken lightly.
XX
Charlie had picked up Sarah only a couple minutes later than planned and they had gotten to the Cottage to find everyone at work. Ron was still grumbling about taking orders from Fleur but everyone was ignoring him, as usual.
Charlie could hardly contain his happiness and Fleur kept smiling at him knowing what he planned to do. When they had a moment alone while Sarah was working upstairs Fleur asked "Did you get it?"
Charlie smiled, pulled the box out of his pocket and showed the ring to her.
"Oh Charlie, It's beautiful!" she gushed. "When do you plan on asking her?"
Charlie smiled as he tucked the ring away. "I thought after lunch at the Pub while we're all there I'd ask Sarah's parents to come over to the table and ask her then."
Fleur raised her eyebrows at that. "Do you plan on speaking to her father before hand?"
"Yes, I figure I'll speak to him right after we get there and let him know I'm going to ask Sarah to marry me. Might as well get it out of the way as soon as I can," Charlie said.
"That's our Charlie, a man of action," teased Fleur. "What will you do about Romania and working with the Dragons?"
Charlie lost his smile, "To tell you the truth Fleur, I'm not sure. There has been some talk about forming an enclave in Wales or Northern Scotland. But if not who knows I can always try my had at something else if need be. Sarah and I will figure something out."
"I'm sure you will," agreed Fleur. "I think you two would do just about anything for one another."
Charlie smiled again, "Yes we would. I know she's worth it Fleur, she's worth just about anything."
The morning passed quickly even though at times Charlie thought it was the longest morning ever. He couldn't wait for lunch time so that he could ask Sarah to marry him.
Finally it was time to leave and Charlie calmed down knowing that he soon would have his answer.
They all Apparated to the little alley by the Pub, they found Hermione and Bill inside at Charlie's usual table. Charlie knew that Hermione was going to be there because the Twins had told him so earlier but seeing Bill was a bit of a shock. As he had joined them rhe previous day.
As Sarah went into the back to prepare for the lunch crowd and the rest went to the table Charlie headed for the end of the bar to speak to Bob.
Bob greeted him with his usual smile and said "What can I do for you Charlie?"
Charlie took a deep breath "Well Bob, I want to talk to you real quick before Sarah comes back out."
Bob lost a little of his smile and looked thoughtful. He poured a couple of pints and handed one to Charlie. "Charlie," he said, "What if I make this a little easier on you."
Charlie looked surprised, "How's that?"
Bob chuckled, "You're here to ask for Sarah's hand aren't you?"
Charlie gulped, "Yes sir, I am."
"Drink your pint Charlie," said Bob affably. "Charlie, Sarah's a grown woman and she has a mind of her own. I know you're a fine young man and my wife has had nothing but good things to say about you. As for Sarah, all she talks about is you when you're not here. She's taken with you and I can tell your taken with her. I see the love in each of your eyes when your together."
Charlie took a big gulp of his pint.
"For what it's worth I give you both my blessing and wish you a very long happy life together."
Charlie smiled, "Will you and Wendy join us at the table once the lunch crowd is gone?"
Now it was Bob's turn to be surprised. "You're going to ask her here?"
"Why not," said Charlie. "We met here, a lot of my family is here and her family should be here too. She normally joins us once the crowd thins out so I figured it would be the perfect time."
Bob shook his head, "What ever you say Charlie, I thought you'd want some place quieter and more romantic, but if you want us there we'd be honoured."
Just as they finished up Sarah came out from the back tying her apron and smiling at Charlie, she came up and got a kiss before heading off to wait on the first customers that had just come in.
Charlie went and sat down at the table, he, Bill and Fleur were the only ones there that knew of the plan of Charlie proposing. Sarah came and gave everyone but Hermione their drinks as she hadn't been there before. She quickly got it when she ordered and returned for their food orders.
Hermione took a sip of the pint of ale that George had and grimaced upon tasting it. "How can you drink something so bitter?" she asked.
The rest just laughed at her. "It's an acquired taste," George said.
"And how does one acquire said taste?" she asked humorously.
"Drink some and then some more," Fred told her.
While the others were occupied Ron leaned over and spoke softly to Bill. "I'd like to come over some time and talk to you Bill," he said.
Bill looked at Ron and knew he'd been struggling with a lot of things, his temper being one of them. Bill had a pretty bad temper when he was younger, though he had mastered it before he had gone to Hogwarts. "Sure thing Ron, why don't you come over tomorrow morning before heading to the cottage and while the others are working we can talk for a bit."
"Thanks Bill," Ron said. "It means a lot to me."
"No problem little bro," Bill teased.
Lunch progressed smoothly and before you knew it the lunch crowd was gone, the only patrons left were the two old pensioners at the end of the bar, who Charlie swore never left.
Sarah came over and joined everyone at the table. She sat down and was laughing and joking with the Twins. Charlie had risen on the pretext of going to get another round of drinks, when he returned Bob and Wendy had silently snuck up behind him so they could be witness to Charlie's proposal.
Charlie set the tray down and surreptitiously pulled out the ring box, opening it he dropped to one knee beside Sarah. "Sarah, I can not imagine my life without you in it. You have filled a whole in my life that I didn't know existed till I found you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Sarah will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
Sarah just stared at Charlie for a moment. While she did so everyone at the table held their breath. Sarah's eyes darted to her parents standing behind Charlie, then to the ring Charlie was holding before her and then she broke into a huge grin. "Of course I'll Marry You," she cried out.
Charlie took the ring out of the box and slipped it on her finger, it flashed once as it resized itself to fit her perfectly. Charlie then took her into a big embrace and they kissed each other deeply. The Twins hooting at their public display of affection causing Hermione and Fleur to swat them.
Every one at the table had to look at the ring, Bob produced a bottle of Champagne and everyone toasted the happy couple. Even the two old pensioners drank to their happiness.
Wendy rushed forward with tears in her eyes and hugged Sarah first before hugging Charlie. Bob shook Charlie's hand and clapped him on the back congratulating them and adding his wishes for a happy life together.
Sarah couldn't have been happier, it beamed out of her like a blinding light. Her face was alight with joy and her smile was as big as it could be. Fleur came over and hugged her saying "Didn't I tell you about his asking?"
Sarah laughed, "Yes you did Fleur, and now we will be sisters, Oh Fleur I'm so Happy."
Bill congratulated the two of them and then had to excuse himself, he was already a little late getting back to Gringott's and the Goblin's weren't know for their generosity.
Charlie figured since they were almost done he told everyone to take the afternoon off as he was staying at the Pub to be with Sarah and her family. They were all welcome to stay as long as they wished to enjoy the celebration with them.
Fleur declined and was going to head back to Shell Cottage when Charlie asked her to please drop by the Burrow and invite Molly, Harry and Ginny to join them.
Charlie hastily explained to the Pendelton's that the work they were doing was for Harry and Ginny and to please not mention it. Luckily they were far enough from Hermione who was being entertained by the Twins that she didn't hear him.
Bob and Wendy each swore that they wouldn't reveal what the group had been up to.
Within a short time Molly, Harry and Ginny appeared and joined in the festivities. Bob turn on the wireless and played some dance music and soon people were up dancing.
Harry immediately took Ginny out on the floor and the danced magnificently. Harry having learned from Ginny when they went to the Yule Ball together Harry's Fourth year, when Harry had been entered in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. That was when they first started going out together.
Harry whispered in her ear, "Our first dance as husband and wife."
Ginny smiled at him, her eyes glistening, "I will always remember it my husband," she whispered back.
Fred, then George took turns dancing with Hermione, which drove Ron crazy. He finally excused himself and Apparated home, he went up to his room and felt physically sick trying to put his anger and frustration into some kind of perspective.
Bob danced with all the females there eventually, starting with his wife, then with Molly before he danced with Hermione and Ginny. He finished with his daughter after he could pry her away from Charlie.
They all had a great time till it was time to prepare for dinner. Wendy excused herself to hurry back to the kitchen as Friday night was one of their busiest. Molly too excused herself, needing to get home to start dinner for her family.
Charlie chose to remain at the Pub to be with Sarah who continued to smile and dance around the room, making sure everything was ready for the dinner rush.
XX
AN: See my story "The Yule Ball" if you haven't read it already for the background on Harry and Ginny.
I hope the information that Tonks gave to Arthur explains why Ginny didn't get an owl from the Ministry for under-age magic usage.
And even though it's only been five days since their first date, (six if you count the walk to the pier) Charlie and Sarah are officially engaged.
As always Please Review.
