A/N For the lovely people who have reviewed...This is for you! Thank you so
much, it means a lot and it updates the chapters more quickly *grin*. Sit
back and hopefully enjoy (and review again :o) ) Rb xx
Charlie grinned as he eyed the purple haired beauty infront of him. It had to be Tonks from what his mother and brothers had described to him. Tonks still stood still, her mouth open slightly as she continued to gaze at him. Feeling a little awkward, Charlie stepped forwards and gripped Tonks hand firmly in his own, shaking it twice before letting go and resuming his relaxed, standing position, his hands placed on his hips.
"Yeah... well this silence is nice and everything but as much as I want to acquaint myself with your breathing patterns I've got to get Buckbeak who I presume was the cause for all the racquet." Tonks nodded, the first smile appearing on her face since the couple had met and Charlie took it as a sign to escape upstairs where at least he would be able to establish whether anybody could hear his voice.
Jogging up the stairs swiftly he paused as he arrived face to face at the top of the stairs with the giant grey hippogriff. Bowing courteously Charlie eagerly patted the animal, fascinated by the silky feathers and razor sharp talons. It was a rare thing for a hiffogriff to be seen in Romania and the last time Charlie had seen an animal this magnificent was the last time he had seen his friend, Sirius.
It came as a shock to him that it was the very last time he would see the brave man he had come to, no longer to fear, but respect.
Shaking his head in a vain effort to forget the events of the past 3 months, Charlie led the beast down the unstable staircase and into the hall in which Tonks still stood. Charlie was relieved to see that a spark of alive was now flickering in her eyes and as he reached the last step she spoke.
"I'm sorry for the clumsiness back there! And the lack of speech, of course. It's just, I didn't know who you were and I thought, well you can never be too careful, I mean there are so many death eaters and darker side people out there, I thought well--"she blushed suddenly realising that she had said all of this in one long sentence. "--I thought you maybe one of them," she finished lamely, twirling a strand of hair in her fingers awkwardly.
The couple stood in silence for a few seconds before Charlie let out a low genuine laugh which served to make Buckbeak paw the ground nervously and caused Tonks to smile apologetically.
"Sorry. It's nice to meet you Charlie." Charlie beamed and scratched the nape of his neck before speaking.
"Dumbledore sent me to pick up Buckbeak... he thought you may need my help in getting away from here with everything."
"Oh, Remus took all the stuff before he left. I just have to wait for Harry then I can leave." Charlie smiled again.
"No, you don't. Harry's at our house already. Dumbledore thought it best if he didn't come here." Charlie looked around at the crumbling walls and peeling wallpaper with disgust. "I can understand why." Charlie watched as Tonks nodded slowly, her face set in a sad expression. Coughing to cover the moment, Charlie led the hiffogriff into the hall and casting a disillusionment spell on himself and the animal. As the cold, icy sensation ran down his back he shivered and grabbed his cloak on the banister before opening the door.
"Wait." Tonks ran up behind Charlie and gripped the air hoping to catch his cloak with a small fist. "Are we... are we really going?"
Charlie didn't know much about the past life of Tonks. Only that a part of her family -and a bad part at that- had lived in the God-forsaken place. Still, it was part of Sirius. Charlie nodded to the girl then rolled his eyes realising that she couldn't see him for the disillusionment spell upon himself.
"Yes," he murmured before stepping out into the watery fog filtered sunlight. He turned around and saw a brief glint of sorrow flit across Tonks face before she smiled sadly once more and cast a disillusionment spell upon herself. Walking out through the door Charlie marvelled at her coolness towards leaving but his attention was drawn by the object floating next to her. However, when Charlie looked again he was sure he was mistaken as whatever it was had disappeared into thin air.
"Good bye Kreacher!" called Tonks before the door slammed and Charlie heard footsteps on the hard tarmac stride up to his side. "Ready?" Charlie looked down at the stop where he guessed Tonks was standing and nodded, feeling for the hiffogriff and mounting it easily.
"Are you coming on Buckbeak?" Charlie listened for the sound of moving from Tonks and seconds later he felt a body clamber on the back of the animal behind him. Unsure where to grip the beast, he gripped onto the rope around Buckbeak's neck and entwined his hand in it, praying that he would be able to hold on until they reached the burrow.
Gently, Charlie squeezed the sides of the hiffogriff and in seconds the animal was off the ground and flying high up into the sky. It was hard to hear over the deafening flapping of the creatures wings but after a couple of minutes into the ride, Charlie could have sworn that he heard a female scream come from behind him.
"Are you ok?!" he shouted over the currents of air sweeping past them. He suddenly felt a pair of lip's near his ear and a small voice cry,
"I don't like heights." Charlie laughed loudly and put one of his hands behind his back.
"Hold onto my hand!" he called. After a moment's hesitation, Tonks reached for his hand and Charlie smiled feeling the smooth skin against his own burnt and blistered hands. He jumped slightly as he felt another arm move around his waist.
"Do you mind?"
"Not at all!" laughed Charlie. He grinned suddenly as he saw an oddly shaped charm on the bracelet surrounding Tonks feminine wrist ending in thin fingers and chewed nails. Recognising the emblem he turned his head slightly and yelled,
"You like the Weird Sisters?!" Charlie heard Tonks laugh and bend forward slightly.
"Of course!"
"What's your favourite song?"
"Oh, "Moonlight Beloved" definitely!"
Charlie nodded, grinning. "Same here, although "Blue Streak" is up there."
"Oh, that's a fabulous song!" The couple fell into a comfortable silence as they crossed the moonlight bathed streets of London. Charlie could see faint outlines of shops, tavern's and houses as they flew quickly by, moving up and down slightly with the beating of Buckbeak's wings.
"Can you believe--" she yelled after a couple of minutes, "that after 6 years of playing quidditch at Hogwarts and 4 more in the Ministry of Magic's own team I'm still scared of flying high?" Charlie laughed again, this time a trace of impressiveness shining through.
"You play quidditch?"
"Yeah!" Tonks laughed. "Don't worry. I know I'll never be as good as you!" Charlie grinned, surveying the terraced houses that lined the streets below them.
"I don't know what you mean!"
"5 years!"
"Pardon," said Charlie struggling to steer Buckbeak in the right direction.
"I had to endure your quidditch talents for 5 years. I was in the Hufflepuff teams, two years below you. You're all we ever heard about."
Charlie blushed, one because Tonks was singing his praises and two, because he couldn't actually remember Tonks. "5 years you say?"
"Yeah."
"Funny--"
"What is?"
"I swear I would've remembered you." Charlie was surprised when Tonks gave a loud burst of laughter.
"Believe me. I don't think my own mother would have remembered me 9 years ago."
"Why?" Charlie could sense Tonks grinning behind him and beamed at his own ignorance. "Why?" he repeated, laughing.
"It doesn't matter."
As they couple flew over the tops of the woodland surrounding Ottery St Catchpole, Charlie silently thanked God for allowing him to come home at least one last time. It had been hard since he had last returned to Romania. The ongoing pressure of the war against vold-- well, you-know-who had taken its toll on the 28 year old. The stress of Dragons breathing fire at you was nothing compared to the attacks by death eaters over the last couple of months.
The last Weasley member he had seen Bill, which was a month ago when he had learnt of Sirius' death. He had decided to visit now as his father had received news of a most intriguing sort. Charlie had yet to find out what the news was though. Desperate to see his family again, Charlie squeezed the sides of the hippogriff and the animal sped up until at last they all touched down outside the Burrow.
Charlie watched Tonks with amusement as she clumsily got off Buckbeak. Her heavy boots hit the ground with a loud thud and losing her balance she fell onto the ground awkwardly. Charlie couldn't help feeling sorry for the young woman as she glowed scarlet and stood up with as much dignity as she could muster.
"You all right?"
Tonks sniffed and her mouth curved but the smile didn't reach her eyes. "Fine, thank you."
"CHARLIE!" Charlie and Tonks turned around to see Molly, Ron and Ginny Weasley running towards him followed by Remus Lupin, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. Charlie watched Tonks who grinned at Lupin, Harry and Ginny before walking slowly towards Charlie. Molly Weasley got there first however and before he knew what was happening, Charlie was embraced in a huge hug.
"Oh! We've missed you so much!" Charlie grinned stupidly and let himself be led into the house by Molly. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Tonks kiss Remus swiftly before helping him steer the hiffogriff into the back garden. Wanting to follow the mysterious girl for linger, Charlie was annoyed when the view of her was taken by the wall of the kitchen. Putting, Tonks out of his mind, Charlie sat down at the kitchen table where Bill was beaming at him from.
"Hello, baby brother. Safe trip?"
"Not bad. Not bad at all."
"It's so lovely to have you home Charlie dear," called Molly from the corner of the kitchen where she was laying out cakes and making tea.
"Yeah, and you don't have as nearly the amount of Dragon burns that you had last time you came home," called Ginny walking in through the door behind Harry.
"Thanks Gin. What a lovely sibling you are!"
"Yeah. Well at least now we have someone who won't cheat in Quidditch." Ron threw a smug look across to Ginny who received it by sticking her tongue out. Charlie rolled his eyes and laughed when he saw Bill grinning at him. The younger adults left the kitchen leaving only Bill, Charlie and his Molly. He was grateful when his mother brought him a scone and a hot cup of tea which he drank greedily and finished as Tonks entered the kitchen.
"Molly! Can I help with that?" Molly was just carrying her own cup of tea across to the table when Tonks ran up to her and took the mug eagerly. Walking towards the table she looked delighted when she reached her destination without tipping any. Indeed, Molly looked so proud that she gave a rare proud smile and gave the girl a one armed hug.
"See I didn't spill any! You're not as clumsy as you thought."
"I didn't think you were clumsy dear--" cooed Molly as Tonks left the kitchen, grabbing a biscuit from the jar on the sideboard. Charlie flinched as a huge crash suddenly came from the hall leading off the kitchen and into the living room. "--just careless."
Molly rushed out of the kitchen and Charlie grinned as he heard Tonks being scolded for yet another disaster. Bill laughed heartily before drinking his tea and chewing on a biscuit slowly.
"You've met Tonks then?"
"Mmm hmm."
"And what do you think?"
"She's uh... interesting."
Bill grinned again and put his cup down. "I thought you'd like her. She a very lovely person once you get used to the crashes. She's almost as bad as Fred and George when it comes to making loud crashes," he added, nodding.
Charlie sighed and peeled off his coat. He tried to ignore the interest he had in Tonks and quickly prompted another subject.
"How are things going then? What is the big news about dad?" Bill smiled mischievously.
"Ah, couldn't you like to know. I think we better wait for mum to tell you." With that Molly walked into the kitchen, red faced and fuming.
"Honestly, that girl. I love her dearly like a daughter but she is clumsiness personified."
"How long have you known her?"
"Since last summer. Ever since Sirius met up with Remus in London. That was when he offered Grimmauld place of course. Anyway, Tonks heard from Arthur that Dumbledore was looking for people who would be willing to oppose he- who-must-not-be-named and witness about the truth. She's very useful," Bill added as an afterthought.
"Useful?"
"She's a--" Molly was cut off by a loud ringing from the oven. "Oh! The chicken!" Charlie stifled a laugh as his mother bustled off to the oven and opened the door gingerly. Sighing at the mouth-watering smell of his mothers cooking, Charlie turned back to Bill.
"So about dad, what's the news?"
Molly abruptly walked to the table and stood at proudly. "Charlie, your father has been made the minister of magic."
A/N Duh duh duuuuuuuuh! Sorry, had to add that...*cough* okay, fly my pretties, review, review!
Charlie grinned as he eyed the purple haired beauty infront of him. It had to be Tonks from what his mother and brothers had described to him. Tonks still stood still, her mouth open slightly as she continued to gaze at him. Feeling a little awkward, Charlie stepped forwards and gripped Tonks hand firmly in his own, shaking it twice before letting go and resuming his relaxed, standing position, his hands placed on his hips.
"Yeah... well this silence is nice and everything but as much as I want to acquaint myself with your breathing patterns I've got to get Buckbeak who I presume was the cause for all the racquet." Tonks nodded, the first smile appearing on her face since the couple had met and Charlie took it as a sign to escape upstairs where at least he would be able to establish whether anybody could hear his voice.
Jogging up the stairs swiftly he paused as he arrived face to face at the top of the stairs with the giant grey hippogriff. Bowing courteously Charlie eagerly patted the animal, fascinated by the silky feathers and razor sharp talons. It was a rare thing for a hiffogriff to be seen in Romania and the last time Charlie had seen an animal this magnificent was the last time he had seen his friend, Sirius.
It came as a shock to him that it was the very last time he would see the brave man he had come to, no longer to fear, but respect.
Shaking his head in a vain effort to forget the events of the past 3 months, Charlie led the beast down the unstable staircase and into the hall in which Tonks still stood. Charlie was relieved to see that a spark of alive was now flickering in her eyes and as he reached the last step she spoke.
"I'm sorry for the clumsiness back there! And the lack of speech, of course. It's just, I didn't know who you were and I thought, well you can never be too careful, I mean there are so many death eaters and darker side people out there, I thought well--"she blushed suddenly realising that she had said all of this in one long sentence. "--I thought you maybe one of them," she finished lamely, twirling a strand of hair in her fingers awkwardly.
The couple stood in silence for a few seconds before Charlie let out a low genuine laugh which served to make Buckbeak paw the ground nervously and caused Tonks to smile apologetically.
"Sorry. It's nice to meet you Charlie." Charlie beamed and scratched the nape of his neck before speaking.
"Dumbledore sent me to pick up Buckbeak... he thought you may need my help in getting away from here with everything."
"Oh, Remus took all the stuff before he left. I just have to wait for Harry then I can leave." Charlie smiled again.
"No, you don't. Harry's at our house already. Dumbledore thought it best if he didn't come here." Charlie looked around at the crumbling walls and peeling wallpaper with disgust. "I can understand why." Charlie watched as Tonks nodded slowly, her face set in a sad expression. Coughing to cover the moment, Charlie led the hiffogriff into the hall and casting a disillusionment spell on himself and the animal. As the cold, icy sensation ran down his back he shivered and grabbed his cloak on the banister before opening the door.
"Wait." Tonks ran up behind Charlie and gripped the air hoping to catch his cloak with a small fist. "Are we... are we really going?"
Charlie didn't know much about the past life of Tonks. Only that a part of her family -and a bad part at that- had lived in the God-forsaken place. Still, it was part of Sirius. Charlie nodded to the girl then rolled his eyes realising that she couldn't see him for the disillusionment spell upon himself.
"Yes," he murmured before stepping out into the watery fog filtered sunlight. He turned around and saw a brief glint of sorrow flit across Tonks face before she smiled sadly once more and cast a disillusionment spell upon herself. Walking out through the door Charlie marvelled at her coolness towards leaving but his attention was drawn by the object floating next to her. However, when Charlie looked again he was sure he was mistaken as whatever it was had disappeared into thin air.
"Good bye Kreacher!" called Tonks before the door slammed and Charlie heard footsteps on the hard tarmac stride up to his side. "Ready?" Charlie looked down at the stop where he guessed Tonks was standing and nodded, feeling for the hiffogriff and mounting it easily.
"Are you coming on Buckbeak?" Charlie listened for the sound of moving from Tonks and seconds later he felt a body clamber on the back of the animal behind him. Unsure where to grip the beast, he gripped onto the rope around Buckbeak's neck and entwined his hand in it, praying that he would be able to hold on until they reached the burrow.
Gently, Charlie squeezed the sides of the hiffogriff and in seconds the animal was off the ground and flying high up into the sky. It was hard to hear over the deafening flapping of the creatures wings but after a couple of minutes into the ride, Charlie could have sworn that he heard a female scream come from behind him.
"Are you ok?!" he shouted over the currents of air sweeping past them. He suddenly felt a pair of lip's near his ear and a small voice cry,
"I don't like heights." Charlie laughed loudly and put one of his hands behind his back.
"Hold onto my hand!" he called. After a moment's hesitation, Tonks reached for his hand and Charlie smiled feeling the smooth skin against his own burnt and blistered hands. He jumped slightly as he felt another arm move around his waist.
"Do you mind?"
"Not at all!" laughed Charlie. He grinned suddenly as he saw an oddly shaped charm on the bracelet surrounding Tonks feminine wrist ending in thin fingers and chewed nails. Recognising the emblem he turned his head slightly and yelled,
"You like the Weird Sisters?!" Charlie heard Tonks laugh and bend forward slightly.
"Of course!"
"What's your favourite song?"
"Oh, "Moonlight Beloved" definitely!"
Charlie nodded, grinning. "Same here, although "Blue Streak" is up there."
"Oh, that's a fabulous song!" The couple fell into a comfortable silence as they crossed the moonlight bathed streets of London. Charlie could see faint outlines of shops, tavern's and houses as they flew quickly by, moving up and down slightly with the beating of Buckbeak's wings.
"Can you believe--" she yelled after a couple of minutes, "that after 6 years of playing quidditch at Hogwarts and 4 more in the Ministry of Magic's own team I'm still scared of flying high?" Charlie laughed again, this time a trace of impressiveness shining through.
"You play quidditch?"
"Yeah!" Tonks laughed. "Don't worry. I know I'll never be as good as you!" Charlie grinned, surveying the terraced houses that lined the streets below them.
"I don't know what you mean!"
"5 years!"
"Pardon," said Charlie struggling to steer Buckbeak in the right direction.
"I had to endure your quidditch talents for 5 years. I was in the Hufflepuff teams, two years below you. You're all we ever heard about."
Charlie blushed, one because Tonks was singing his praises and two, because he couldn't actually remember Tonks. "5 years you say?"
"Yeah."
"Funny--"
"What is?"
"I swear I would've remembered you." Charlie was surprised when Tonks gave a loud burst of laughter.
"Believe me. I don't think my own mother would have remembered me 9 years ago."
"Why?" Charlie could sense Tonks grinning behind him and beamed at his own ignorance. "Why?" he repeated, laughing.
"It doesn't matter."
As they couple flew over the tops of the woodland surrounding Ottery St Catchpole, Charlie silently thanked God for allowing him to come home at least one last time. It had been hard since he had last returned to Romania. The ongoing pressure of the war against vold-- well, you-know-who had taken its toll on the 28 year old. The stress of Dragons breathing fire at you was nothing compared to the attacks by death eaters over the last couple of months.
The last Weasley member he had seen Bill, which was a month ago when he had learnt of Sirius' death. He had decided to visit now as his father had received news of a most intriguing sort. Charlie had yet to find out what the news was though. Desperate to see his family again, Charlie squeezed the sides of the hippogriff and the animal sped up until at last they all touched down outside the Burrow.
Charlie watched Tonks with amusement as she clumsily got off Buckbeak. Her heavy boots hit the ground with a loud thud and losing her balance she fell onto the ground awkwardly. Charlie couldn't help feeling sorry for the young woman as she glowed scarlet and stood up with as much dignity as she could muster.
"You all right?"
Tonks sniffed and her mouth curved but the smile didn't reach her eyes. "Fine, thank you."
"CHARLIE!" Charlie and Tonks turned around to see Molly, Ron and Ginny Weasley running towards him followed by Remus Lupin, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. Charlie watched Tonks who grinned at Lupin, Harry and Ginny before walking slowly towards Charlie. Molly Weasley got there first however and before he knew what was happening, Charlie was embraced in a huge hug.
"Oh! We've missed you so much!" Charlie grinned stupidly and let himself be led into the house by Molly. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Tonks kiss Remus swiftly before helping him steer the hiffogriff into the back garden. Wanting to follow the mysterious girl for linger, Charlie was annoyed when the view of her was taken by the wall of the kitchen. Putting, Tonks out of his mind, Charlie sat down at the kitchen table where Bill was beaming at him from.
"Hello, baby brother. Safe trip?"
"Not bad. Not bad at all."
"It's so lovely to have you home Charlie dear," called Molly from the corner of the kitchen where she was laying out cakes and making tea.
"Yeah, and you don't have as nearly the amount of Dragon burns that you had last time you came home," called Ginny walking in through the door behind Harry.
"Thanks Gin. What a lovely sibling you are!"
"Yeah. Well at least now we have someone who won't cheat in Quidditch." Ron threw a smug look across to Ginny who received it by sticking her tongue out. Charlie rolled his eyes and laughed when he saw Bill grinning at him. The younger adults left the kitchen leaving only Bill, Charlie and his Molly. He was grateful when his mother brought him a scone and a hot cup of tea which he drank greedily and finished as Tonks entered the kitchen.
"Molly! Can I help with that?" Molly was just carrying her own cup of tea across to the table when Tonks ran up to her and took the mug eagerly. Walking towards the table she looked delighted when she reached her destination without tipping any. Indeed, Molly looked so proud that she gave a rare proud smile and gave the girl a one armed hug.
"See I didn't spill any! You're not as clumsy as you thought."
"I didn't think you were clumsy dear--" cooed Molly as Tonks left the kitchen, grabbing a biscuit from the jar on the sideboard. Charlie flinched as a huge crash suddenly came from the hall leading off the kitchen and into the living room. "--just careless."
Molly rushed out of the kitchen and Charlie grinned as he heard Tonks being scolded for yet another disaster. Bill laughed heartily before drinking his tea and chewing on a biscuit slowly.
"You've met Tonks then?"
"Mmm hmm."
"And what do you think?"
"She's uh... interesting."
Bill grinned again and put his cup down. "I thought you'd like her. She a very lovely person once you get used to the crashes. She's almost as bad as Fred and George when it comes to making loud crashes," he added, nodding.
Charlie sighed and peeled off his coat. He tried to ignore the interest he had in Tonks and quickly prompted another subject.
"How are things going then? What is the big news about dad?" Bill smiled mischievously.
"Ah, couldn't you like to know. I think we better wait for mum to tell you." With that Molly walked into the kitchen, red faced and fuming.
"Honestly, that girl. I love her dearly like a daughter but she is clumsiness personified."
"How long have you known her?"
"Since last summer. Ever since Sirius met up with Remus in London. That was when he offered Grimmauld place of course. Anyway, Tonks heard from Arthur that Dumbledore was looking for people who would be willing to oppose he- who-must-not-be-named and witness about the truth. She's very useful," Bill added as an afterthought.
"Useful?"
"She's a--" Molly was cut off by a loud ringing from the oven. "Oh! The chicken!" Charlie stifled a laugh as his mother bustled off to the oven and opened the door gingerly. Sighing at the mouth-watering smell of his mothers cooking, Charlie turned back to Bill.
"So about dad, what's the news?"
Molly abruptly walked to the table and stood at proudly. "Charlie, your father has been made the minister of magic."
A/N Duh duh duuuuuuuuh! Sorry, had to add that...*cough* okay, fly my pretties, review, review!