Games Are Afoot Chapter 28
Games Are Afoot Chapter 28
Romania
DISCLAIMER: JKR owns it all, I just want to play with Charlie in Romania.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I apologize for the long delay. I had a big family weekend and took a small break to enjoy the milestones we were celebrating. This chapter is a little short, but hopefully will get you in the mood for what's coming this weekend. Thanks for your support and your patience! --Grumpy Grizzly
Charlie was pacing like an expectant father. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. He would sit for less than a minute and then he would be back up pacing. Royce watched with amusement as Charlie glanced at the clock yet again.
"Watchin it sure isn't gonna make it move any faster." He commented. Charlie scowled in his general direction and resumed his circuit across the room. He knew he was being ridiculous, but he couldn't stop. He knew it had only been a month since he had seen her, but he couldn't wait. He knew she had healed and was okay, but he couldn't help worrying until he saw her with his own eyes.
Bill had teased him mercilessly through the floo just yesterday. He told Charlie he had never seen him in such a state. Charlie thought he should look in the mirror seeing as how he couldn't go two hours without talking to or touching Fleur. He glanced at the clock again and sighed—loudly.
"How long does it bloody take? The owl said they got to Romania and were just waiting to get through customs. Why did they insist on flying in an airplane when…oh, how long is this going to take?" Charlie complained.
Royce chuckled and stood up. "Mate, calm down. She'll get here when she gets here. At least you are both in the same country. She can't apparate and port keys take time and paperwork. I am sure she's just as anxious to see your ugly mug."
"I am NOT anxious." Charlie said firmly.
"Course yer not. You regularly pace and glare at unsuspecting slow moving timepieces." Royce chuckled. Charlie let out a frustrated sigh and ran his thick fingers through his hair.
Twenty minutes later and Royce was openly laughing at Charlie's antics. Mid giggle there was a soft pop and a piece of parchment fluttered to the ground. Charlie reached for it, but Royce covered it with his foot.
"Move. Your. Foot." Charlie ordered darkly, clearly enunciating each word.
"Not until you set yerself down and let me take a peek. I need to be prepared for more of your not being anxious." Charlie backed away with his hands in the air. Royce kept his eyes on Charlie in case he made a sudden lunge for the paper. He had worked with dragons for too long to underestimate a tamer.
He picked up the parchment and scanned it quickly. "Now, you sure yer calm are ya?"
"What. Does. It. Say?" Charlie asked painfully slowly in an effort to maintain control. He didn't want to give Royce any more fuel for the fire of his teasing.
"It says ya better straighten yer hair mate. She'll be here directly."
Charlie's hands immediately went to his head. He smoothed and patted. "Does it look okay?" He mumbled.
"I don't know why yer botherin'. She's only going to mess it up again when ya kiss her hello!" Royce ducked as Charlie tried to punch him. The flames in the fireplace of the main office of the reserve glowed a brilliant green and immediately two people stepped out. Hermione brushed off her robes and then turned toward her father to make sure he was okay since this was his first experience flooing. Once she was sure he was upright and fine she turned.
Her eyes met Charlie's and it was as if the rest of the world faded into oblivion. She forgot her father was there. She forgot she was in the lobby of an office. She forgot that she had just traveled for hours. Her heart felt like it had finally started beating again as she stared happily at the man in front of her. He was wearing a fitted black tshirt with black muggle jeans that looked broken in and comfortable. He had thick boots on that made him look tall and strong. His thick and muscled arms were tan and she noticed a fresh burn just above his left wrist.
Charlie couldn't remove his gaze. She still looked pale, but she also looked wonderful. She had his favorite smile on her face and her eyes were twinkling. She looked happy to be here and he felt himself relax. He let his eyes roam taking her in. Her blouse was a lightweight navy blue. She was wearing knee length shorts and tan open toed sandals that showcased her shapely calves.
"Ahem, I am Royce Caldwell. I work here with Charlie." Royce said offering his hand to Hermione's father with a wink.
"And I am Robert Granger, Hermione's father." He replied with a grin.
"Could I interest you in a pint while the young ones get, er, reacquainted?"
"That sounds like a fine idea." Robert chuckled merrily, noticing his daughter appeared to be frozen in time. He patted her shoulder as he walked past behind her with Royce but she didn't even turn her head.
They laughed as they sauntered out into the summery evening chatting like old friends.
Charlie finally realized they were alone and moved toward Hermione.
"I've missed you Bookworm." He said in a low resonant voice. She moved into his arms and nestled her head against his chest, sighing contentedly.
"Oh, Charlie…" He hugged her close kissing the top of her head. She pulled back, resting her hands on his broad chest and looked up into his eyes. It was all the encouragement he needed. His lips met hers and he closed his eyes savoring the taste of her on his lips. She moved her lips with his and he pulled her closer to him. Her arms slid up to his shoulders and then to his neck.
Her fingers caressed his neck and wound through his hair. He could feel her heart beating through his chest and realized his was keeping pace with hers. He slid one hand up between her shoulders and parted his mouth ever so slightly.
His hot breath on her lips made her inhale and Charlie teased her lower lip with his tongue. She sighed happily and parted her lips as Charlie's tongue gently pressed into her mouth. She froze for a moment at the new sensation but the feeling the kiss was generating did not hold her back. She leaned into him and met his kiss with enthusiasm.
Charlie finally pulled away panting and leaned his forehead against hers. They were both grinning like happy idiots.
"Now that was a welcome I could get used to." Hermione teased in a quiet sultry voice.
Charlie smiled and kissed her forehead. "Maybe we should go find your dad before Royce completely corrupts him in the first hour."
Hermione laughed her rich deep laugh. "He is so excited. My mother was beside herself with his antics before we left and then he pestered me with questions all the way here. He even made me take him to Diagon Alley so he could buy a pair of dragon hide gloves. He wanted to be prepared."
Charlie barked out a laugh and grabbed her hand. "Well, then, Bookworm. Let's show him some dragons!"