Chapter 5

July 4, 1999

Hermione was more nervous to be around him now. She'd only ever spent the night with two men, and that was Harry and Ron when they were on the run.

She quickly packed her bag, including Charlie's dragon books, before bounding down the stairs. Charlie was waiting for her by the fireplace, but before she could join him, Harry, Ron and Ginny crowded around her, all wearing the same all-knowing grins.

"What?" She asked, looking between each of them.

"Nothing, nothing." Harry replied, shrugging his shoulders. Ron chuckled and reached for Hermione, pulling her into a hug.

"Have fun, yeah?" He said, passing her off to Ginny.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Ginny whispered as she squeezed Hermione.

"Oh, come on. That is not why Charlie invited me. He knows I'm looking for a new job. That's all." Hermione reasoned.

"Sure, Hermione. Whatever you need to tell yourself." Ginny laughed before walking away.

Harry wrapped his arms around her before whispering in her ear. "You deserve this, 'Mione. Go for it."

Hermione only nodded as Harry pulled away after kissing her cheek. She met Charlie at the floo, and he took her bag, then motioned for her to step in first. He'd dropped the floo powder and called out the address for his cabin. Harry's wink was the last thing she saw before they were engulfed in green flames.

They came in through Charlie's living room and Hermione's mouth dropped open in awe. The walls were all a warm wood color and the furniture was in various red shades. The whole floor plan was open making the house spacious and inviting. To her right were windows stretching all the way to the ceiling with a view from the top of the mountain. To the left was a kitchen and dining area with a glass door that led outside.

While she was looking around, Charlie chuckled and took her hand pulling her out of the floo. The living room was directly in front of them with stairs behind leading up. Her eyes followed the stairs up and she was able to a small loft area then a hallway that presumably led to the bedrooms.

"Do you like it?" He asked nervously, rubbing at his neck.

"It's amazing, Charlie. Really. I've never seen anything like it."

"You can visit me anytime you like." He told her with a wink.

"I think I'll have to take you up on that." She said with a laugh.

"Come on, I'll show you your room."

She followed him up the stairs and down the hall to the first door on the left. He opened it and motioned for her to go in first. It was a simple room with a queen bed, a dresser, and table. There was a large bay window with a seat in front that was perfect for reading.

"I know it's not much, but I hope it's comfortable. If you'd like, we have spare cabins for visitors. I could- "

"Charlie," She interrupted, placing a hand on his arm and catching his gaze. "This is wonderful. I'd love to stay here with you."

He smiled and held her gaze. After a moment he realized he was staring and turned away.

"Well, I'll go so you can get settled. The bathroom is across the hall, there's food and drinks in the cooler, and if you go out the door in the kitchen, there's a hot tub you're welcome to use. The bonfire starts in a half hour."

"Thank you, Charlie. I'll be ready then." She said, kissing his cheek.

"Anytime, 'Mione." He gave her a wink and closed the door.

Hermione sat on the bed and took a deep breath. It was very unnerving to be alone in the house with someone she couldn't stop thinking about. She thought about Harry's parting words and decided to change tactics. Instead of hoping he'd notice her, she decided she would make him notice her.

Charlie was sipping on his second glass of firewhiskey when Hermione came downstairs. When he saw her standing on the steps, he immediately averted his eyes and downed the remainder of the glass. He poured himself another before Hermione came to stand next to him.

"Ready to go?" She asked, trying to catch his gaze. Hermione was wearing a white halter top that dipped low in front and a short denim skirt that showed off her long tan legs.

"Sure." He replied shortly, bringing the glass to his lips and finishing it off. Charlie glanced at her legs and nearly swore out loud when he saw how short the skirt was. He walked towards the door, stopping when Hermione wasn't behind him.

"Do you think I look okay?" She asked, trying to force him to look at her. He turned and assessed her quickly, looking away before his body betrayed him.

"You look fine. Perfect for a bonfire." He promised, opening the door. She followed him out the door and down the path to the clearing where the fire was already lit. Charlie veered off to the table that had alcohol on it and poured himself a glass.

He was beginning to get frustrated. It was hard enough to ignore his feelings for his little brother's best friend without her looking like that. Taking a drag from his glass, he looked over at her and noted that she had already attracted the attention of two of his workers. He refilled his glass and poured one for her, before heading over.

"Don't you guys have someone else to bother?" He growled as he came up behind them. The shuffled away and he handed Hermione her drink.

"Thank you." She told him as she accepted the glass. An hour and four glasses of firewhiskey later, Hermione was half dragging Charlie back to the cabin. They made it through the door and up the stairs.

"We're almost there, Charlie." She said as they started down the hallway.

"'Mione?" He questioned.

"Yes?" She replied as she guided him into his room.

"I lied. You look bloody amazing. Sexy as hell." He groaned as Hermione guided him down on the bed.

"Thank you, Charlie." She said as she took his shoes off and leaned over him to pull the covers up. He gently grabbed her wrist.

"Stay."

"Charlie-" Hermione started with a sigh.

"Please." He pled, catching her brown eyes with his glazed deep blue ones.

"Okay." She sighed as she climbed into the bed with him after kicking off her white converse. "Just for a bit, okay?" Charlie nodded but wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back against his chest. Within minutes he was snoring, and Hermione tried to pull herself away from him, but he held her tight. When she finally gave up, she fell asleep just as fast as he had.