Chapter 3: Wasn't room to swing a Kneazle
A/N: I own nothing except my mistakes.
"So, walk me through it one more time," Hermione said, hunched over a piece of parchment, trying to tune out the screaming children in the background as she moved a little closer towards Charlie, their legs pressed against each other, in the hopes to hear him better.
They hadn't announced that she would be going to Romania with Charlie yet, though they were planning on doing so today, preferably somewhere at night so that they couldn't talk her out of it, or ask too many questions as to why and how.
"What?" Hermione asked when he gave no reply, though saw him smirking, his head propped on his hand as his elbow leaned on the wooden table. He simply shrugged, though a taunting smile haunted her. "You really are what Ron described you as, aren't you," Charlie observed, though not pointedly.
Narrowing her eyes, she cocked an eyebrow at him, as if to challenge him. "What is it he said then?" She asked, almost defensively.
At this Charlie laughed as he propped himself straight up and rubbed a hand across her back, leaving her in surprise at the sudden motion as he leaned back in his chair, propping it to its hind legs. "No need to be so tense. All good things, I promise you."
At this Hermione visibly relaxed, yet was still eager to hear what Ron exactly had said about her. "Well?" She pressed, keeping his gaze, though she was tempted to lower it down, from his lips to the scar in his neck, but knew better than to do so. That scar was enticing, and she almost wondered if perhaps she too, would someday get something like that. And if she did, would she survive it? To her it looked like his scar had been a close call. And yet, she never had Molly or anyone in the family mention it to her. Did his family even know?
"That you've always been keen with your facts, as well as, ah, how would I phrase his words better?" At this Hermione snorted, not so elegantly as well, though that seemed to amuse Charlie even more. "You can just say it. I know how ugly Ron can phrase his words."
Charlie laughed, giving in. "An 'utter control freak who needs to sort out her priorities,'" but then he held up his hands in surrender. "His words though, not mine." He clarified, earning him a laugh from Hermione. "I don't doubt that," she said honestly.
"So did you write everything down that we'll be needing to get there?" Charlie asked her, leaning forth so that all four legs of his chair would touch the ground again. At this he leaned closer into her, his body warm, almost hot to the touch, as if he carried some of that dragon fire within himself. His hands, too, were rough and calloused as he gently pushed hers out of the way so that he could look at the parchment a little better.
Sometimes Hermione wondered if Charlie even knew what he was doing. Or perhaps she was just crazy enough to think that he even did anything with a certain intention. Perhaps it had just been too long since she had felt a man's touch, that even the slightest of things were making her mind go mental.
It was difficult to keep her breathing steady, and even more so her voice, when he was this close to her, his breathing tickling her neck as he read the parchment aloud. "Dragon hide skin-jacket, gloves pants, and boots," at this she caught a scent of the freshly brewed coffee he had not too long ago, it leaving a musky, though still pleasant smell to tingle her nostrils.
"New sets of clothes to accustom to the climate there," he continued, and Hermione thought she was going mental, as he kept an arm propped at the back of her chair, leaning slightly into her back, as he remained close to her head, reading with her over her shoulder.
He could have just taken the parchment himself, and read it from a proper distance, and yet he remained this close to her. Was she going mad? "Oh, you'll love this one," Charlie breathed softly, which must have meant that he was aware of this close proximity. Tapping the parchment, she read along with him. "Books," they chorused, and then grinned simultaneously.
"Oh yes, you'll be needing to read into dragons a bit more, now that you'll face them yourself," Charlie said, then leaned a little bit further back so that Hermione could turn her head to him without them accidentally touching lips. Although, at this moment she wasn't even sure if she would mind that.
Which confused her even further. Charlie was definitely quite a few years older, not to mention a complete mystery to her. She knew the other Weasleys like the back of her hand – although maybe not as much Percy and Bill, though still more than Charlie – and yet, they didn't give her the tingles she was feeling at this very second. Maybe it was because he was such a mystery to her.
There was so much to learn about him, which made it rather thrilling to her. And besides, she had always a bit of an eye for older men. They always seemed a bit more mature, which is why she liked Krum so much back in Fourth Year. He definitely separated himself from the other boys her age.
"Though, from what I've seen you've made a head start already," Charlie continued, breaking her out of her reverie. Feeling her cheeks grow hotter, she almost felt shameful for thinking of Charlie like this, especially because she was certain that Charlie didn't mean anything with these physical moments.
If she had noticed one thing with Charlie being back at the Burrow, is that he was quite the physical type. Whether it was family, or people's spouses, he always planted a hand on someone's shoulder or just briefly touch their arm. So why exactly would it mean anything else with her?
Tracing his gaze, her eyes landed on the book about dragon species that she had picked up yesterday before heading over to work. Last night she had almost finished it, if it hadn't been for the family wanting to play a game.
"So it was you then, that left that book there." Hermione pointed out, fixing her gaze back at Charlie, and was glad to find that he had moved even further back, so that she didn't constantly feel the tingle of his breath against her cheeks.
Smirking, he simply shrugged. "Well, I had to warm you up to the idea of it, didn't I?" He drawled, and Hermione bit her lip as she smirked whilst shaking her head. "Very sneaky of you, indeed," she pointedly said, though did so light-heartedly.
Charlie laughed at her. "Well, it did work, so I'm not too mad about that," he said, and Hermione smiled before she traced her eyes back to the parchment.
"So this is it then, isn't it?" She asked, to double-check. Good thing she did, because after a couple of seconds his eyes finally travelled down to the parchment as well – for they had been glued on Hermione's face before, not that she had seen this – and he quickly scribbled something on the paper as well. "Blimey, nearly forgot about that," he said.
Squinting at the messy handwriting, she finally managed to make out one single word. "Brooms?" Hermione asked, a little taken aback. "Well, of course, yes. We are dealing with dragons, after all. Not to mention it's the biggest sanctuary in the world. Good luck trying to cover those grounds on foot," Charlie said, his voice laced with humour, clearly not feeling the same panic as Hermione did.
Hermione was sure that she visibly paled as she continued to stare at the word 'broom', as if it was a great enemy staring her in the eye. It was definitely something that she had overlooked when applying for this position. "Charlie," Hermione began, her voice strained, barely audible, but he heard her just fine.
He did, however, look very confused as she tilted her head towards him, a look of horror on her face. "I can't fly," she said softly. At first Charlie laughed, thinking she was messing with him. But when her face remained in the same terror, his laughter died out as he looked at her in shock.
"You're not messing with me, are you?" Charlie asked cautiously, and was displeased to see her shake her head. "What d'you mean you can't fly?" He asked incredulously, as if it was the weirdest thing he had ever heard.
"You're a witch, aren't you?" He then asked, as if he was seriously debating whether or not she might truly be or not. Scoffing, Hermione nodded. "Of course I am," Hermione said, trying to refrain from saying 'Muggleborn, that is,', but instead opted for "It's just that I haven't flown in nearly eleven years."
Charlie seemed to need a moment to process this piece of information as he continued to look at her as if she had just said that she had killed his dragon. "Looks like we'll have some work to do, then," Charlie muttered, but cleared his throat as he offered her an unconvincing smile.
"I told you not to get your hopes up," Hermione said sadly, displeased to see him this affected by this simple fact. But Charlie adamantly shook his head as he collected himself.
"Hermione, I've seen workers come in to the sanctuary not knowing a basic healing spell. I'm sure we can work through this," Charlie spoke, newfound hope lacing his voice as he eased his smile.
"And you're sure we can get this all in Romania?" Hermione asked, steering the conversation away from that bummer of a fact. "Oh yes, best place for it, too. There's a village there, right outside the sanctuary where you'll find everything you need. I'll show you around when we get there." Charlie promised her, before bottling her ink bottle as he retracted his arm, as well as pushing himself away from the table.
Charlie moved over to the sink with a swift movement, grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it to the rim with some water. "Fancy a drink?" He asked without turning around.
At this Hermione stood up as well. "Yes, but I'll get it myself," Hermione said, moving towards the cupboard, but Charlie placed his hand on it to refrain her from opening it.
Cocking an eyebrow at him, she waited for him to move out of the way, but he simply refused. "I did not ask you so that you could do it yourself," Charlie said pointedly, and Hermione had to bite back her smile at his gentleman like manners. Clearly that upbringing had gone lost on Ron, for she had never heard him say something like this.
"But I can do it myself, though," Hermione pointed out, trying to see if he would budge. Nonetheless, he remained standing, a glass in his hand and the other on the cupboard. "Yes, I know you can do it yourself, but that's not what I asked."
Feeling a smile creep up to her face, as well as a sudden warmth rush to it, she nodded approvingly. "Well, then yes, I would very much like so."
Charlie shot her a grin, then opened the cupboard to grab another glass and fill it for her, before handing it to her.
Looking around the kitchen, she couldn't help but notice how much she had actually missed this place. There had been several summers and holidays that she had spent at this place, and each and every time it had felt like coming home. It was odd to think that she'd spent such little time here lately, as well as to think how much she had missed this. Now that Ron and her weren't at school anymore, it didn't feel right to come by here so often. After all, she had no relationship to this family besides some close friendships. Not that Molly didn't see her as family, because she did, but with all the new partners rolling in, as well as the new grandchildren, it's fair to say that Molly's attention had been elsewhere lately.
"How to tell them, though?" Hermione wondered aloud, then took a long sip of water, realizing that she would have to seriously work on keeping herself hydrated if she wanted to remain physically capable of dealing with dragons in Romania.
Charlie crossed his arms in front of his chest, his glass resting against his chin as he stared at a spot on the ground.
"Honestly, there's no right way to tell them. They'll probably freak out nonetheless," Charlie said, his voice a little distant as his focus was elsewhere on the ground, deep in thought. He then sobered up as he trailed his eyes to hers, and let out a small chuckle.
"I mean, when I told them they freaked out, but they were quick to recover, because it wasn't really that much of a shock to them. They knew I had taken a liking to dragons back when I was younger, " – "much to their dismay," – "so they were able to accept it. Mum didn't like
the idea of me getting hurt, of course. But when she could see how happy it made me, she managed to accept it."
Hermione smiled, but then slowly shook her head as she finished her glass of water. "Yes, exactly, you've been fascinated with dragons your entire life. Me? I've never even uttered a word about it. Let alone have it as my wildest dreams."
At this Charlie looked at her in amusement, but shrugged as he, too, placed his glass in the sink and cast a cleaning spell over it.
"You're Hermione Granger," Charlie began, but got interrupted by Hermione's snort. "That's obvious," she pointed out, to which he gave her a pointed stare, though with a glimmer to his eyes. "You can do anything if you want. No one who would stop you."
Hermione smiled, but then lowered her gaze to her feet. "You say it as if it means something."
"Because it does," Charlie answered simply. "Now let me get my family."
After Charlie had called out and had collected all Weasleys, as well as their spouses, they had all sat themselves comfortably in the living room, though Charlie remained standing, leaning himself against the fireplace, his body seemingly relaxed, but Hermione could see the tensing in his arms, the alertness in his stance, as if he was ready to pounce and attack anyone with an opinion.
In a way it soothed her, and gave her the necessary courage to look everyone straight in the eye. Many of them were looking at her expectantly. Obviously many were also rather confused, for she did not have a partner to announce her engagement with, neither did she – in their opinion – have blasting news that would change their worlds.
"The Ministry had assigned me a promotion," Hermione started, but was quickly interrupted as loud cheers filled the living area, all clapping and sending her cheers.
Feeling a little confused, she shared a panicked look with Charlie, whose eyes were cast so low, that it almost had a dangerous twinkle to it. "Oi," Charlie boomed over their voices, to which most fell silent.
"I don't think she was finished yet," Charlie intervened, at which he got even more questioning eyes.
"Right," Hermione said, cringing a little, because this made things even more awkward. If they had been excited for her promotion, which was a safe desk job, she doubted that they'd be thrilled to hear about this.
"I uhm-, I had been assigned a promotion, but I turned it down." Hermione spoke, not trusting her voice as much anymore, but they had heard her just fine. "Wait, what?" Harry asked in disbelief, but Ginny quickly hushed him.
"You mean to say you transferred to a different department?" Arthur offered, but Hermione shook her head gently at the man.
"No, uhm, actually I'm leaving the Ministry," Hermione attempted again, though again murmurs broke loose. "Leaving? But I thought you were getting a promotion," Molly said, even more confused than anyone in the room.
Hermione shot a quick glance at Charlie, but he looked highly amused by the situation. Probably because she brought this upon herself. She could have just said 'Hey, I'm moving to Romania', but no. She had to confuse the entire Weasley clan.
All of them were asking questions, except for Bill. Bill remained quiet, observing as he glanced curiously between Hermione and Charlie. It was Bill that managed to let the murmurs die out again. "You're going to Romania, aren't you?"
Grateful for his observation, she nodded her head, not really trusting her voice, for her hands were shaking madly, let alone if she were to try to speak.
At this all hell seemed to break loose, except with Bill, Ginny and the twins. The latter actually seemed to cheer for her "Don't get slain by dragons, 'Mione!" they chorused together.
"Romania?" Harry asked incredulously.
"You're not going to work with dragons, are you, dear?" Molly said, a little taken aback, but also highly alarmed.
"What else would she do in Romania, sweetheart?" Arthur replied to Molly.
"Since when are you into dragons?" Ron asked, utterly perplexed.
Heaving a sigh, she didn't know how to break it to them, or to even make them understand. "I know you must be confused," Hermione said, deciding to pluck up some Gryffindor courage.
"That's one way to put it," Harry said, almost protectively. Smiling at his concern, she was glad to see Ginny whisper something in his ear that seemed to calm him down a little.
"The past year hasn't been so great for me at work, to be honest. I felt rather burnt out, and with no passion to continue doing what I had been doing," Hermione said, speaking with them truthfully for the first time since months.
"Why didn't you say so?" Molly softly whispered.
Offering her a smile, Hermione went on. "I needed a challenge. Sitting at a desk, doing small things is not meant for me." At this Ron piped in "That is true," he confirmed.
"And perhaps you guys have noticed this as well. I was, after all, not exactly the most cheerful one at Christmas," at this several chuckles were heard. "You were an excellent drinker, though" Fred offered.
Hermione laughed, though shook her head. "Charlie told me some things that were happening at the reserve in Romania, and the more I thought about it, the more appealing the idea got for me."
"I know I've never mentioned dragons," Hermione said, beating several people to it. "Nor did I ever show an interest," to which Ron closed his mouth again. "But I do like to help Creatures in need, and I believe that this is a challenge that can awaken my spirits again. I feel like this is what I need to do to keep myself from going absolutely insane."
Most of them were rather flabbergasted, but those people were mainly Harry and Molly, especially because they were concerned for her well-being.
"You sure about this?" Harry asked, before Molly could share her opinion on the matter. Hermione nodded confidently. "It wasn't based on a whim. I've thoroughly thought about this." At this Harry smiled at that. "I bet you did," and nodded in approval.
"I don't like the idea of you so far away and in possible danger," Harry admitted, then took a brief glance at Charlie. "Though I trust that you are in safe hands." At this Charlie gave him a curt nod.
"And I would hate for you to be safe here, but at the same time, absolutely miserable. So if you think that this is the right choice for you, then who are we to disagree?" Hermione had to bite her lip as she felt tears well up in her eyes, so instead she simply walked over to Harry, and thankfully he got the idea as he stood up and took her into her arms.
"I'll always be there if you need me," Harry whispered into her hair. Taking him in for one last squeeze, she nodded appreciatively.
"Well, congratulations Hermione," George piped in. "If you don't mind, however, I'd love for this sentimentality to move into something a little bit more cheerful," he added. Hermione laughed, nodding in gratitude. "Oh, absolutely," she whole-heartedly agreed.
At this people got up from their seats to move about and pick up what they were doing before, but Molly couldn't help but advance on Hermione, a speech at the ready.
Charlie seemed to notice too, because as soon as his mother began to move, Charlie pushed himself away from the fireplace and approached the two of them, a defence in the ready.
"I just wanted to apologize in case you've been feeling a little left out lately," Molly said earnestly, a sadness lingering behind her eyes. "You mean as much to this family as my own blood does, and I do hope you know that."
Hearing her words, Charlie backed down as he smiled at the pair of them, before leaving to find Bill.
Hermione, too, smiled at Molly as she took the woman into a hug. "Thank you," Hermione said truthfully, not knowing how else to express how immensely grateful she was for all that Molly had done for her.
They ended with a bit of squeeze, and Hermione left to tail after Charlie.
"I think I'll be heading over to my flat. Will I see you in the morning?" Hermione asked him, when Bill and Charlie fell silent upon noticing her approach.
Charlie looked a little confused. "This didn't scare you away from the Burrow, did it?" He asked cautiously. Though the man meant well, Hermione couldn't help but laugh as she vividly shook her head.
"No, no, of course not. But I'll have to inform my landlord that I'll be out of the country, as well as pack some things for the journey." Hermione informed him.
Charlie slapped himself against the head. "Right, of course you are. You've been living on your own," at this he shook his head, as if scolding himself. "Sometimes I forget that you're not the fourteen year old girl that I once met, y'know," Charlie admitted, almost sheepishly.
"Well, I sure do hope not," Hermione joked, in hopes to lighten the mood. At this Bill grinned as well, as he silently watched their conversation.
Collecting himself, he smirked at her as he looked her over. "Oh no, definitely not," he said appreciatively, taking her in.
Feeling herself grow hot, she wanted to excuse herself as soon as possible. "So, uhm, tomorrow then?" The last thing she wanted was for Bill to see the effect that Charlie had on her.
"Yes, I'll see you at eight at the Ministry?" Charlie offered, clearly revelling in her awkwardness. "That's a date," Hermione said, then cringed a little. "I mean, yes, that's when I will see you."
At this Charlie laughed heartedly, his chest rising and falling in rapid speed as he watched her scrunch her nose up in embarrassment. "Looking forward to that date, Hermione," Charlie flirted, adding a wink as if to get some heat out of her even further.
"Right, see you soon, Bill," Hermione said quickly, the latter laughing and waving her off.
With this she quickly hugged everyone goodbye, having some last-minute chats and goodbyes before moving outside and away from the Burrow until it was safe to apparate to her own flat, all the while scolding herself and thinking that maybe she should find the first Romanian boy to shag with to get herself together again.