Hermione looked over at Liam. His head was bent over a book. She cracked her knuckles and stretched her back.

"Liam, I'm going to make myself some tea, would you like some as well, or would you prefer something else?"

"I'm fine, but thank you for offering."

"Of course."

She got up from the table and crossed to the kitchen. She hadn't had time to explore and see what was already there and what she might need to get herself. She opened a few cabinets and took inventory of what was there. One was for dishes and cups, one contained an assortment of teas, and the last one contained some staples such as bread, sugar, flour, honey, and spices. She opened the refrigerator and saw milk, yogurt, butter, and some other cold staples. She wondered if there were any shops nearby to purchase some groceries. She didn't have a lot of money on her, muggle or magical. She put penning a letter to Kingsley in her mental to-do list. But she still hasn't had the opportunity to even unpack. She felt drained.

After putting the kettle on the stove, she headed back to the table. Liam was still reading when she sat back down. She looked over the list she made on the things she really wanted to focus on for N.E. . She had Transfiguration, focusing on human transformation. She had Charms, focusing on some of the more difficult protection spells. For DADA, she wanted to really focus on non-verbal and some of the more dark hexes. She didn't particularly want to use them, but she wanted to know what she and the side of the Light were up against and maybe develop some counters or shields that would protect against them. She also wanted to learn Occlumency and Legilimancy. For Ancient Runes, she wanted to focus on how runes are used in curses. In Arithmancy, she wanted to focus on how numbers and equations impacted the power spells and curses had. Maybe she could incorporate the different elements of Arithmancy and Ancient Ruins with the other classes to make spells more potent.

She handed her parchment to Liam for him to go over so he could develop the curriculum she would need and want.

"This is amazing," he said after reading through her list and notes. "I can see why your so respected. You really take this seriously, and learning to combine different aspects of different classes is definitely important and something students generally don't catch onto. You're absolutely right that you can layer these elements to make your magic stronger."

She smile at his praise. She was about to say something when someone knocked on the door.

"It's probably Charlie. I'll be back."

"Take your time. I'm going to go through your books and compare them to your list to see if they'll work or if we need to order some new books for you, or check the library for them."

Hermione got up and opened the door to see Charlie standing there with a worried expression on his face.

"What's wrong, Charlie?"

"I was just worried about you. I haven't seen you since we left Castor's office. How are you doing? Get the chance to unpack yet?"

She laughed. "No. Liam and I have been here working on my curriculum."

Charlie stiffened.

"Liam is here?"

"Yeah, I needed to see what books I had and decide on curriculum. It's going pretty well. Do you want some tea? I put some water on and I need to go check it."

"Sure thing," he said, stepping into the room.

Hermione closed the door and led the way into the kitchen. She went straight to the stove.

"Liam, do you want to show Charlie what we've been working on?"

"Sure thing," he said, handing the parchment to Charlie.

He looked it over, carefully taking in Hermione's notes. He smiled as he read.

"You're absolutely brilliant, Hermione. You're going to do well on your exams, no doubt. Have you thought about what you want to do after Hogwarts?"

She came back to the table with two cups of tea and handed Charlie's to him. She sipped some tea before answering.

"Honestly, I've been so busy trying to keep us alive to focus on it. Harry and Ron both have their hearts set on being an auror, and while that's a noble and necessary position, it's not for me. I doubt I'll want to fight Death Eaters after this nonsense ends and we put an end to Voldemort."

Charlie laughed.

"Fair enough. The things you've been through, no one should have to go through that."

"I had to help Harry. I couldn't leave him alone in this. Honestly, I'm so worried about what might happen to him this year. Even when I was petrified in second year, I was still able to help. I feel useless, and almost cowardly, being in hiding."

"You can't help that, Hermione, that maniac tried to kill you."

"Yeah, well Harry's had his life threatened more than I have and he's not in hiding."

Liam finally put the book down.

"What maniac?" he asked.

"A Death Eater named Antonin Dolohov. He tried to kill her back in June. He's made a threat against her recently. Hence, the relocation," said Charlie. Hermione could feel the fury rolling off of him. Some energies are just… too intense.

"That must be terrifying for you, Hermione," he said. "I'm sorry that you're going through that."

"It'll be okay, I'm sure."

A thud by the window distracted all three of them. A tawny owl sat on the sill. Hermione stood and crossed the room, allowing the owl in. She untied the letter from his leg. Instead of flying straight out, he sat. Hermione unrolled the letter and began reading.

Miss Granger. Trust me when I say we are all very unsettled with what's going on with you. It's all I can do to keep the boys at the Burrow. Fortunately, they'll be off to Hogwarts within the week. I don't know how much longer I can handle their constant complaining and worry. The Weasleys are getting rather tired of the boys as well. It sounds like they're making everyone around them miserable with all their complaining. Hopefully they'll keep their wits about them when they reach school, because it's best no one know too much about what's going on. Maybe drop them a letter. They'll listen to you.

She scoffed. When had those boys ever listened to her? They most certainly didn't when it came to taking their schooling more seriously, though, Ron listened a lot less than Harry. At least Harry wanted to learn, and focused well when it was something he was particularly interested in.

I've had word with some Unspeakables in the Department of Mysteries about your current situation. They say that Dolohov was known well for creating his own spells. He worked in spell development for a time, and was quite proficient. This is disheartening, since I'm sure what he's doing is either a spell he created to be able to use on you from afar, or a part of the curse that he hit you with some months ago. Regardless of how he's doing it, we really need to try to find a counter. Unfortunately, the best thing we can do right now is try to protect you. I'll be sending you a necklace in the coming days. Wear it. Every day, every night. Do NOT take it off. Maybe that will help. In the meantime, I'm enclosing a recipe for a protection potion. Severus invented it himself, so make sure you follow the instructions to the letter. If you are unable to brew it, I'm sure the Reserve has a potioneer on it. Seek them out. It's important that you do this as soon as you possibly can. We are all very worried for you, and we want you protected. Your parents are well. I keep in contact with them as much as I can. They are safely hidden and protected. Harvey, the owl that delivered the letter to you, will bring back any response you wish to send. Take care, Hermione. We all love you very much and want you to return to us soon.

Best,

Kings

Hermione's eyes watered up. She was sad that they were all being negatively impacted because of her. She just wanted to go back home. She turned the parchment over. There was no recipe there. She checked the owl again. There wasn't anything attached to his leg. She felt panic well up in her.

"Charlie, we have a problem."

He bolted over to her. Ever the quick to act and the most calming presence she'd ever been around, besides Kingsley, that is. Kingsley was almost always calm though. She'd only ever seen his ferociousness once. Every other time, he'd been the calm voice of reason. After he helped her in the battle, they'd become closer. She assumed that seeing her nearly dead provoked that. And, as he was the one who helped her then, and with the healing after, she'd bonded with him as well.

"Kings said Severus wrote a recipe for a protection potion for me, but it's not here. Do you think it could have been intercepted?"

"I guess. Write him back and let him know. If owls to you are being intercepted… that's not good, Hermione. I wonder if you even being here is safe enough. I mean… no one could know where you are? Right?"

That did it. She was fully crying now. What if all of this had been for nothing? Upending her parents' lives. Charlie's. Causing panic. What if none of this made any difference, especially because it seemed, he could get to her at any time he wished. Was she doomed to be tied to him forever? She felt Charlie's arms pull her into his chest. She sobbed into it. She was tired, overwhelmed, and scared.

"Hey, Liam, maybe you should leave. She needs to rest."

Hermione pulled away from Charlie.

"I'm so sorry, Liam, but Charlie is right."

Liam, who'd already been standing, made his way to the door.

"It's not a problem. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

She nodded at him and he left. It was just her and Charlie now.

"Okay, let's get you into your room. I'll take care of everything out here."

She led him to her bedroom. When they walked in, he laughed. Both luggages were open with stuff spilling out of them. She blushed.

"Don't you dare laugh at me Charlie. I haven't had time to breathe, let alone unpack."

She started to move toward it.

"Oh no you don't. You are going to bed."

"Charlie, I can't keep living out of my luggage. I gotta get this stuff picked up and put away."

He sighed.

"For someone so smart, you can be pretty dumb sometimes."

She turned and glared at him.

"Charlie, how dare you."

He laughed.

"You lay down. I'll take care of all of this, okay?"

She glared at him still, but agreed.

"Fine."

"Do you have a particular method in clothing storage?"

"For the drawer, underclothing on top, then shorts, then jeans, then shirts. Anything on a hanger goes in the closet in this order: tank tops, short sleeves, long sleeves."

"Sounds good."

Charlie started pulling clothing out of her luggage. He sorted them into piles. She watched as he worked. Her brow furrowed. When exactly did Charlie become so protective of her. She thought about their relationship. They met at the Quiddtich World Cup. They spent some time talking about dragons during that particular period of time, but it was only a few moments. He came back home at the end of last year to spend some time with his family after his dad was attacked. So really, she'd only ever seen him twice before. What could possibly be his motivation for helping her? She knew that her desire to help him stemmed from her love for his family, and feeling a closeness with him as her protector of sorts. But she also found him insanely attractive. All the Weasley men were good looking. But there was something special about Charlie. The rugged muscles. The scars. The dedication to his career. The way he loved his family, desperate to help, but knowing he was needed in the dragon rescue world. He was the brains and the brawn. Equally powerful in mind and body. And while he wasn't the only one like that, it seemed that he was the only one who saw her. Who understood. He understood what it was like to be alone, away from your family, different and difficult to understand. He understood what it was like to feel like you owe, not just your family, but the world, something more than you ever bargained for. She got off her train of thought and looked at the man whom she'd been thinking of. He was finished hanging stuff up and had moved on to the dresser. He had started at the bottom and worked his way up.

"I'd like to see you in these," he joked, winking at her. He held a lacy red thong. She immediately regretted not throwing those away.

"I'll have you know, your sister bought those for me."

He wrinkled his nose, looked at them, and tossed them in the drawer like they bit him. She laughed at his distress. That serves him right for making crude comments.

"Um… Charlie. Could I talk to you?" she asked. He finished putting two more piles of clothing in the drawers and sat beside her on the bed.

"What's up?" he asked, crossing his legs and leaning back on his elbows. She propped her head up on her hand.

"So, you remember our conversation from earlier?"

"This morning? Yeah," he said.

"Well… I mean… do you…" She stopped. Charlie's eyes were dancing. He was amused by this line of questioning. Maybe she'd read him wrong. She began to grow more and more unsure.

Come on, Hermione, where's your Gryffindor courage? She thought.

"What I mean to say is, you know about my attraction to you. Um… do you feel similarly about me?"

He smiled softly at her. He took her hand into his and rubbed his thumb along her fingers.

"You know, when you said that you had a 'physical reaction' to me… I could hardly believe it. Sure, I made a joke. It's in the blood, ya know. My uncles, my brothers. We're jokesters. But we use jokes to cover our feelings. I'm no exception to that. Truth be told Hermione, you are incredibly beautiful. Not just your looks, although, that hair and that body is just… it's also how smart you are. Intelligence is sexy. The way you care about the people you love. The way you want to do your best for the greater good. It's all very heroic and brave. You're not afraid to do what is right, but you do have enough self preservation and that is also beautiful."

Her breath hitched. She'd never imagined someone could speak so openly about how beautiful they found her. Her only experience had been afterthought and bumbling uncertainty. And then, the sharp searing pain came across her. She hissed.

"Again?" asked Charlie, reaching for the hem of her shirt.

"Yeah. I can't wait to figure out how to make this stop. What's his end game here?"

Charlie read the words crossing her body. The reddish brown color was marred by a purple puckered scar. You're mine.

"That's what you think, you bastard," Charlie said.

He looked in her tear filled eyes. She closed them, her long full lashes kissed her skin. She looked like a goddess. He caught a tear with his thumb and wiped it away, placing a kiss in its place.

"We'll figure this out, Hermione. We just need time. Meanwhile, you are safe while you are with me. I would destroy anyone who posed a threat to you."

She nodded and snuggled into her pillow. He kissed her silky hair.

"You rest. I'll finish unpacking and take care of the kitchen. Okay?"

"Thank you, Charlie."

"Absolutely anything for you, Hermione."

He stood from the bed and walked back to the luggage. He sat on the floor and started pulling stuff out, and placing them in piles. He separated everything by room they belonged in. Bathroom, Sitting Room, Bedroom. He shifted through her stuff, smiling at some of the things she had. There were toiletries, ceramic foxes, pictures. He liked looking at the pictures best. Hermione and her parents. Hermione with his brother and Harry. He glared at the picture of Hermione, looking very pretty in her pink dress, but in the arms of another man. It didn't sit well with him. Even if it was one of his favorite quiddtich players. Once all the cases had been emptied, he placed them in the closet. He placed a couple pictures and foxes on her dresser. He gathered the bathroom supplies and took them and placed them where they belonged.

When he entered her bedroom again, she was asleep. He smiled at her. He levitated the rest of the piles and walked to the sitting room with everything trailing behind him. He placed the photos and other knick knacks on the coffee table. He put all the magical books on one bookcase and the muggle books on the other. He wasn't sure how she'd like them arranged, so he just placed them as he'd taken them out of the case.

After he was done with that, he made his way to the kitchen, and cleaned up the cups of tea and the kettle. He took a glass from the cabinet and filled it with water and drank. It had been a long day. He looked forward to going to bed himself, but something kept him in her flat. He couldn't leave her. He cleaned the glass he just used and put it away and sat at the table. He looked over her schedule again. He would have to take every opportunity to teach her about dragon taming. Of course, she'd surprised him. He didn't expect her to actually want to work, but she did. And he wasn't one to turn down help, so he'd make sure to teach her absolutely everything she wanted to learn. He would challenge her in mind, body, and spirit. He grinned. What a wondrous opportunity.

He wrote a quick letter to Kingsley letting him know that they got the letter but not the recipe and asked him if there was a better mode of communication available to them that was more secure. The floo network couldn't be relied on too much. As part of the sanctuary security, the floo wasn't set up for travel, and could only be used sparingly for firecalls. Charlie wouldn't have used it earlier, but he was so angry, he wasn't thinking properly.

A knock at the door distracted him. He opened it to see Liam standing there.

"Hey, you're still here," he said, running his fingers through that blonde hair of his.

"Yeah. She's sleeping. Did you need something?" Something about the man bothered him, but he couldn't place his finger on it. Maybe he just didn't like competition. He shook that thought away.

"No, I just wanted to check on her. She is alright, isn't she?" He peered around Charlie's shoulder, as if he would catch of something that was behind Charlie.

"Yeah. She's okay. She'll see you tomorrow at one."

The finality of Charlie's voice couldn't be missed. Liam lifted a hand in farewell and walked away. Charlie watched him leave. Once he was out of sight, Charlie closed the door. He walked back to Hermione's room and made a decision right there and then. He pulled off his shoes and climbed into the bed next to her. He placed his arms around her protectively. She snuggled into his chest and he listened to the sound of her breath and heart beat until it became a symphony that lulled him to sleep, replacing all thoughts of suspicious tutors with the beautiful and brilliant witch in his arms.