Author: Junius
Summary: Charlie leaves Romania to spend the holidays with his family and is reunited with his high school crush… eventual CW/NT.
Notes: An ENORMOUS apology for the ridiculous delay in updating. Uni has just started up again and is already demanding a rather large chunk of my time. Though I promise I will try my hardest to update regularly, there may be large gaos and I hope readers can forgive me. That reminds me, thank you to those who reviewed, I love having my work commented on. As always, if anyone has a suggestion or criticism, please don't hesitate to leave it in a review as I appreciate it greatly.
More Notes: I have come to a conclusion. This fanfic is going to be a series of gratuitous "moments" loosely connected by a plotline. I don't want to disappoint anyone who was hoping for a story with more plot, but. In addition to Uni starting up again, I'm writing a few other fics (not posted yet) that I feel are being rather demanding, so, unfortunately, this is the one that shall suffer. Questionably. I shall firmly maintain my resolution though: Never leave a fanfic without an ending just because no one reads it!
Disclaimer: I haven't suddenly become fabulously rich or admired so, no, they still don't belong to me.
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Charlie couldn't help but smile as Kingsley Shacklebolt resumed his seat after updating the Order on the "hunt" for Sirius Black. He had reported, quite solemnly, that his group were currently searching the mountain ranges of Australia but had had no luck as of yet. Sirius's joking suggestions about where to look had only added to the humour of the situation.
Just then Dumbledore stood up and the few murmurs of conversation that had started when Kingsley sat down were hushed. Smiling benevolently, Dumbledore gazed around at the people seated around him.
"My friends," he said quietly. "You have all done the Order proud. Each of you has performed your responsibilities to the utmost degree and shown complete loyalty to the fight against Voldemort."
A collective shudder made its way around the table and Charlie felt a shiver go down his spine at the mention of the Dark Lord's name. Dumbledore, however, bowed his head slightly, as if in reluctant acceptance, then continued.
"I know that you all willingly offer your services to the Order," he said solemnly. "And for that I give you my most humble thanks. The Dark Lord shall not return to power without facing resistance."
Dumbledore bowed his head once more, then smiled. "Members of the Order of the Phoenix," he smiled. "Until next we meet, good luck and keep safe."
At these words, McGonagall and Snape both stood and moved to Dumbledore's side. Everyone else began to stand and chatter amongst themselves, some preparing to leave. Charlie sat up and looked around at Bill and Tonks.
"That's that, then?" he asked. The two nodded.
"We don't really have regular meetings," Tonks told him. "Just when there are updates or news everyone needs to be made aware of."
Bill nodded and stretched vigorously. "Well, I reckon I'll head off to bed," he said, yawning. "I swear, I'm more tired from this boring desk job then when I was working in Egypt!"
Charlie and Tonks grinned and said their goodnights. Charlie watched as Bill said goodnight to his parents and then made his way out of the room, then turned back to Tonks.
"You look disappointed," she observed. Charlie tried a grin then shrugged.
"I guess I was hoping there would be something for me to do, while I'm here," he admitted. "I don't want to sit around and feel useless while everyone else is off performing there duties."
Tonks lay a hand on his arm and Charlie felt the skin there tingle. "No one would think you're useless," she assured him. "In fact–"
She stopped as Dumbledore approached them, letting her hand fall from its place on Charlie's arm. Dumbledore nodded at the two of them in greeting.
"Mr Weasley," he said in his soft voice. "I was wondering if I might have a word?"
Charlie nodded wordlessly as Tonks excused herself, wondering what Dumbledore could possibly want to speak to him about. Though it had been four years since he had left Hogwarts, Charlie still felt the same sense of awe when in the presence of his old headmaster.
"Have a seat, Mr Weasley," Dumbledore invited, indicating the bench on the opposite side of the long dining table. Charlie did so, returning the old man's smile.
"Please, call me Charlie," he asked Dumbledore, who nodded, eyes twinkling.
"Tell me, Charlie," he said conversationally. "Have you made much progress in Romania?"
Charlie cleared his throat nervously. "A little," he replied, wondering if this was all Dumbledore wanted to talk about. "I've laid the foundations, if you know what I mean, spreading a few rumours and dropping a few hints, but it's a very precarious situation. As you've said yourself, most people find it difficult to believe the Dark Lord could return."
Dumbledore nodded with grave understanding. "Indeed," he acquiesced. "I find it difficult to believe myself at times. Not," he added, seeing Charlie's confused expression. "That I don't acknowledge he has returned. It is simply a difficult concept to accept at times."
Charlie nodded sombrely. He was well aware of what he and his whole family were risking in joining the Order of the Phoenix. Charlie snapped back to attention as Dumbledore spoke again.
"Molly tells me you will be staying with us for two weeks, Charlie?" he asked. Charlie nodded and Dumbledore smiled. "I wondered if perhaps you would be willing to take on an assignment for me during your stay?"
Charlie felt his pulse quicken. This was exactly what he had been hoping for; a chance to help fight alongside the rest of the Order. Though he knew his efforts with foreign wizards were necessary and appreciated, he still felt like he was sitting apart from the real struggle.
"I'd be glad to," he said readily. Dumbledore's smile widened.
"I hoped you would be," he said. He turned and gazed around the room, his eyes stopping on someone behind Charlie. Turning, he saw it was Tonks, who looked away quickly. Charlie hid a grin; obviously she had been observing their conversation from the other side of the room.
Dumbledore gestured for her to join them and, after saying good night to Kingsley; Tonks made her way across the room, wondering what Dumbledore wanted her for.
"Tonks," Dumbledore said once she had sat down beside Charlie. "You have just finished an assignment, have you not?"
"Yes," she replied. "I have the report for you upstairs if you'd like me to go and–"
Dumbledore cut her off with a wave of his hand. "That won't be necessary," he said. "You may owl it to me. I only needed to know whether you have any impending commitments or duties."
Tonks shook her head and Dumbledore smiled.
"Very good," he said. "I would like you and Charlie to do something for me for the duration of the holidays."
"Of course," Tonks said, wondering what Dumbledore had in mind. She soon had her answer.
"I hoped you and Charlie might act as chaperones for Harry and his friends whilst they are here," Dumbledore continued.
"Chaperones," Charlie repeated flatly. That was not what he had been expecting.
"Exactly," Dumbledore nodded. "Whilst I can keep an eye on them at Hogwarts, here they are beyond my protection. And, as was mentioned in the meeting, we already have a few members tailing known supporters of Voldemort and they have reported some strange activities. It would greatly relieve me to know that you two were keeping an eye on things here."
"Of course," Tonks said immediately.
"We'd be glad to," Charlie added, trying to look enthusiastic. Dumbledore smiled his thanks.
"I apologise if you were expecting something grander," he said to Charlie, who squirmed uncomfortably. "But this is important. You must remember, I cannot entrust any extensive assignments to you, given that you will be returning to Romania eventually."
"I understand," Charlie said, feeling guilty about his initial reaction. Dumbledore was right; this was an important assignment, even if it did sound a little dull. "I'm happy to help out in whatever way I can."
Dumbledore beamed. "I'm very pleased to hear that. I have much to do and it would alleviate some of the pressure knowing that Harry and his friends are under your capable guard."
He stood and picked up his travelling cloak. It was only then Charlie realised that everyone else had left the room, save McGonagall, who was standing patiently by the doorway. Dumbledore thanked the two once more then bid them good night, leaving with McGonagall. Charlie exhaled deeply and Tonks turned to him.
"You're disappointed." It was more of a question than a statement. Charlie paused then nodded.
"I know it's terrible," he said quickly. "After all, Dumbledore's right, this is important and I can't really expect to be given any lengthy duties, but… I don't know, I guess I was hoping for something with a bit more action. I mean, essentially, this is just–"
"Baby-sitting," Tonks supplied. Charlie nodded and she grinned. "On the bright side, you'll be spending time with your family."
"That's a bright side?" Charlie asked. Tonks burst into laughter and Charlie couldn't help but laugh with her. She had such a wonderful smile…
"Cheer up, Charlie," she said heartily, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "You'll have me there to suffer with you."
"You're doing a rotten job of cheering me up," he replied, laughing and ducking as Tonks went to hit him. "I'm kidding!"
"You better be," she sniffed, though her eyes sparkled. Charlie grinned at her and she couldn't help but do the same. However, it soon faded as they looked into one another's eyes. Tonks had the sudden impulse to touch Charlie; his hand, his face, it didn't matter. The fact that they sat only inches apart didn't help. She drew a shaky breath, wondering why she felt this way.
Charlie, however, knew exactly how he felt. As he looked at Tonks, he had to remind himself of the vow he had made earlier in order not to simply kiss her. Suddenly their assignment looked a whole lot better…
He blinked as Tonks cleared her throat awkwardly. "I guess I better head to bed," she murmured softly. Charlie quickly looked down at his hands.
"Oh, yeah, of course," he said hurriedly. "I'm – I'm sorry to keep you up with my whinging."
"You didn't," she assured him. "Chaperone duty does seem a little dull compared with dragons and Dementors."
Charlie looked up at her curiously. "Dementors?"
"My last assignment," she explained. "Kingsley and I were to approach the Dementors as ambassadors from Dumbledore, but the Death Eaters had gotten there first."
She shuddered. "A bit of a battle ensued," she said delicately.
Charlie looked stricken. "I'm sorry!" he cried out. "Here I am whinging about not getting a good assignment when you're used to risking your life! You were probably only stuck with this one because of me. I'm really sorry–"
"Charlie!" Tonks interrupted, standing up. "Don't worry about it! This will be a nice break after the Dementors."
Charlie was quiet as she made her way out of the kitchen. Then just as she reached the door, he spoke. "I'm still sorry." Tonks paused by the doorway and looked back at him.
"I'm not," she smiled. "In fact, I'm looking forward to this assignment. Good night."
She left the room and made her way to her bedroom, leaving Charlie to sit in the kitchen, contemplating her words.
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I tried to make this chapter a little longer than usual, as I'm not sure when the next update will be. Please have faith, though: there WILL be updates! Perhaps a few reviews would inspire me… ha ha… okay, it wasn't funny, I know.