Disclaimer: The song choice today is "Raspberry Beret" by Prince:
I stole Harry Potter away
I know it was wrong, so I am singing this song
Harry Potter's away
But don't be too sad, the story's not half bad
Harry Potter's away
He belongs to J.K.
Author's Note: Ah hah hah... I'm trying to think of a really REALLY good excuse as to why I haven't updated lately, and I'm drawing a complete blank. I can't think of any good excuses.
Charlie: Well, you were down in Florida to read...
Atellix: I... guess so, but...
Charlie: And you did have to take care of your sister Joey...
Atellix: Well, yeah but...
Charlie: And then there was the hurricane...
Atellix: Okay, that's true, but...
Charlie: You know what? You're right! Why have you been neglecting me for so long?!?! (runs out. SFX of doors slamming)
(Atellix sighs and taps her foot impatiently. The door opens and Charlie comes back in)
Atellix: Did you finish getting that out of your system?
Charlie (smiles): Yes ma'am.
Atellix: Good. Now where was I?
Charlie: You were just trying to think of a good excuse as to why you have been neglecting all your loyal readers as of recently.
Atellix: Um... anyway, here's the next chapter of the story. Enjoy!
Charlie: But not as much as you enjoy me! Right girls?
(SFX of Charlie getting smacked over the head)
Charlie: Ow!
Chapter Six: That's What Friends Are For
Draco gently shook Hermione's limp body. "Hermione?"
"D!" he heard someone shout. He cast a look over his shoulder. Charlie, Ron, and Harry were running towards him, kneeling in the front hallway, Hermione lying in his arms. Charlie dropped down next to Draco, Harry and Ron on the other side closer to Hermione.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
Draco shrugged helplessly. "I don't know! She just collapsed!"
"Again?" Ron asked, looking anxious.
Charlie got up. "Ronald, let's go get the educational guardians."
Ron nodded fiercely, and the two were up, heading down the hall running, the pounding of their shoes echoing the beats of Draco's heart.
Draco looked up at Harry. "Didn't we already do this once, Potter?"
Harry nodded. "Let's just hope we're not going for three."
Draco nodded. "Yeah," his voice quieted down. "I hope."
Harry sensed the panic in Draco's voice, something he was not comfortable nor used to hearing. "So how was your night?"
"You mean before this?"
Harry nodded.
Draco looked down at Hermione, a tone of complete seriousness in his voice. "It was the best night of my life."
Harry nodded, pausing for a moment. "Good." He hesitated. "Just make sure you remember that and not what might be coming after."
Draco frowned at him. "What do you mean?"
Harry didn't respond, his eyes on Hermione.
"What the hell do you mean, Potter?"
Suddenly, a flurry of footsteps approached. Professor Snape leaned over, picking up Hermione, Draco's arms now feeling cold and empty. He glanced up to see Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore also present. Snape spun around and soon headed down the hall with Hermione, McGonagall following close behind. Dumbledore held a hand out for Draco to help him up. Draco took it as a sign of comfort and allowed for the professor to help him up.
"We will be taking her to her room for the time being. Professor McGonagall will examine her, and then we will decide from there whether or not visitors are allowed," he said to Draco before spreading his glance across Harry and then to Charlie and Ron, who had just returned.
Draco nodded as Dumbledore turned away. "Sir?"
Dumbledore turned around.
"Remember when you asked me what Hermione said about the end of the world?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes?"
Draco swallowed. "She said it is too late."
Dumbledore nodded. "We shall see. It may not be." He turned to Charlie. "I think it best if the four of you wait in the Great Hall for the time being. I will send someone with provisions for the four of you."
Charlie nodded, saying nothing. Dumbledore turned to Draco.
"We will do everything we can Mister Malfoy, but you must be patient. Is that clear?"
Draco nodded. "Crystal."
Dumbledore nodded to Draco and for a moment, Draco looked into his eyes. He saw something he'd never seen in Dumbledore's eyes before. And he hoped he never would again.
Fear. Fear of loss.
Charlie sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, we might as well head to the hall. No sense waiting out here."
Charlie and Ron had both taken several steps forward before Charlie realized that Harry and Draco weren't following. Draco was cemented in place, staring at Harry.
"What did you mean Potter?"
"Malfoy, let's just…"
"No! Tell me what the f-- …"
"Hey hey!" Charlie interrupted. "Time out, both of you."
"Tell me what the hell is going on! I'm the only one who doesn't know! I have a right--"
"What right?" Harry interrupted him. "Just cause you're her boyfriend doesn't mean you need to know--"
"Know what Potter?!?" Draco shouted.
"HERMIONE'S DEAD!" Harry shouted.
Draco froze, the sounds of Harry's confession bouncing off the high walls of the open foyer. Draco gazed at the floor. Charlie took a breath, waiting to see D's next move.
Draco lifted his head. "You're lying."
Harry looked up as though he'd heard wrong. "Excuse me?"
Draco shook his head. "You're lying Potter. You're nothing but a cowardly, lying, cheap son of a--"
"Whoa! Time out!" Charlie interrupted. "Just chill pour une seconde, monsieur." He placed a hand on Draco's shoulder. Draco spun away from him, pulling out his wand.
Time seemed to stand still. Draco stood solid, his wand out, poised towards Charlie, who simply stood there, a sympathetic look on his face.
"Malfoy, what the hell--…" Harry said, standing behind Charlie. He moved to pull out his wand. Charlie instantly raised a hand, silencing him, never taking his eyes off Draco.
"Go to the Great Hall," he said to Harry, "We'll meet you two there."
"But--"
"Do it," Charlie said simply. He never moved, and listened carefully as Ron and Harry grumbled, but made their way towards the door. Soon, there was nothing but silence, and the sounds of Charlie and Draco breathing.
Charlie paused, staring at Draco. He gave him a faint smile. Draco growled.
"What the hell are you smiling about Daughton? What the hell have you got to smile about?"
Charlie tilted his head, giving Draco a sideways look. "It's scary, isn't it?"
"What is?"
Charlie smiled, looking down, his foot grazing the floor. "Loving someone that much?"
Draco blinked, and Charlie sensed a moment of hesitation in Draco. He knew that Draco wouldn't do anything to hurt him… at least not too bad… he hoped.
Slowly, Draco lowered his wand. "What do you mean?"
Charlie slowly made his way backwards until his heel caught the bottom step of the massive staircase. He gently sat down. He clasped his hands together, keeping his head down. "Losing all focus? Letting your heart get a hold of your head? It feels scary doesn't it? Like you're not in control anymore. All that matters is you and that other person, and to hell with the consequences or anyone else." He took a breath. "I think Elton John said it best: It's a hot sweat, and a cold shake, like drowning in your sleep."
Draco gave a slight scoff. "Sounds like you're speaking from experience."
"Who says I'm not?" Charlie asked, looking up to meet Draco's eyes.
Draco looked hard at Charlie for a moment, frowning. Though he and Charlie were best friends, he was ashamed to admit just how little he knew about him. He had always been there for Draco, but there hadn't been a time yet for it to be the other way around. When Charlie looked up, there was a seriousness in his eyes that Draco had never seen before. Draco looked down, tapping his reflection with his foot.
"What was her name?" Draco asked quietly, hoping the question didn't sound as personal as it actually was.
Charlie grinned. "Hermione."
Draco's head shot up, and he caught Charlie's mischievous gaze. Charlie laughed. "Knew that would get your attention D."
He smiled as Draco gave a slight chuckle, coming to stand in front of Charlie, now sitting with his elbows resting on his knees, his legs apart. With the absence of a smoke, he looked the epitome of cool.
"Were you ever in love Charlie?"
Charlie shrugged. "Thought I was once."
"What happened?"
Charlie gave a sharp scoff. "She did."
Draco frowned, crossing his arms. "Not following."
Charlie smirked. "Then I'm doing better than I expected."
At Draco's look, Charlie sighed. "Look, it's just one of those things that don't go your way. Guy loves girl, girl doesn't know guy is alive, curtains closed, play over. It's just water under the bridge… that hopefully leads to one goddamn big waterfall." He laughed sarcastically at his own joke. He then sighed. "Just let it lie, D. Let the past be the past. Let the soul free itself from its restraints."
Now Charlie was on a roll. He stood, grinning as his speech became a running gag. "Let the people become one with each other. That they may change for the better till their own mother don't know who they are! That the people of the earth may finally be able to say 'We really are the only life force known to human kind, and thank God we don't have to share our Playstation with no alien scum'… Forget it Draco! It's the way love is!"
Charlie gave a bow to the throngs of invisible people witnessing this historic event. He then resumed his seat, leaning back, his elbows resting a few stairs above. "You get the idea."
He paused for a moment before continuing. "And damn it all to hell, I may even still love her." He looked at Draco. "Not as much as you love Hermione, but… God there was just… something about her… it was almost as though you look at her and say 'That's the one'. It's like when you buy shoes..."
Draco gave him a look. "Shoes?"
Charlie paused. "Britain… right… Elves probably still make yours."
"Excuse me, that's an Irish thing. With Leprechauns"
"And you're telling me that those custom made Italian loafers you're wearing are not made by Italian leprechauns?"
Draco rolled his eyes. "There's no such thing."
Charlie grinned. "Glad you think so precious." Draco frowned at him as he continued. "Anyway, getting off topic."
"What is it you guys would know around here… oh! Wands! Right… It's like when you guys buy a wand. Some contain special hairs and fibres that allow you to cast the most powerful spells and really make them into something. And there's only one really good wand for everyone." He paused and leaned forward, looking Draco in the eye. "Love's like that. You're a person, going around and doing your thing and meeting other people. But it isn't until you find that right person that really brings out your good points. Someone who sees the good parts of you that no one else sees. That girl makes you into something that you never thought you could be. Everything you do is because of her. She's your wand."
There was a moment of silence between the two boys as the thought sank in. Draco sighed and came over to the stairs, sitting down on the steps next to Charlie. He rested his elbows on his knees, his chin resting on his balled-up fists.
"Thanks for that Charlie," Draco said in all seriousness, finally breaking the silence.
Charlie smirked. "Cost you five-fifty. And there's no periods in that number."
"Five hundred and fifty?"
"Yep."
"That's pretty expensive."
"Hey, you get what you pay for. You want cheap help? Go to a shrink who charges you for listening to the sound of your own voice. You want real help? You find a friend. That's what we're for!" Charlie grinned. "But hell, are we expensive!"
Draco shrugged. "Worth it."
Charlie stopped for a minute to look at Draco. He smiled and gave him a gentle punch in the shoulder. "You too."
Draco smiled. "Thanks."
Charlie shrugged. "Cost you another twenty, at least."
Draco rolled his eyes. "No wonder I've only got one friend. I couldn't afford another one."
Charlie smiled. "Not unless you want to sell your place in Fiji."
Draco frowned. "I don't have a place in Fiji."
Charlie smirked. "Not any more you don't. You're lucky you got me cheap. You might have lost your flat in Brussels too."
Draco scoffed, but soon fell silent. "What was her name?" he asked after a moment.
Charlie gave a slight sigh and shrugged. "Annamia."
"Pretty name."
Charlie whistled. "Pretty girl too. Long brown hair… blue eyes… damn smart too. Cool headed… funny…" He winced and shrugged. "But she's gone now. So let's leave it."
Draco shrugged. "Sure."
Charlie nodded. "Thanks."
Draco leaned back until his head was resting on a stair, Charlie following suit. "We're pathetic. We're both in love…"
"Still in denial for me, but okay…"
"… and we're both whipped like ponies…"
Charlie held up his hands in defense. "Esuse me?" he said, slurring his words in a horrible Spanish accent. "I no noh-ting 'bout what you saying sir… I no whip by no one. No sir. I whip by no one 'cept Miss G."
Draco gave a small smile, but sadness crept over his face at the mention of Hermione. Charlie realized what he said and sat up. "Oh… sorry D… listen…"
Draco sat up. "S'okay Charles. I'll deal." He made a frustrated noise. "I just hate the feeling."
Charlie nodded. "The falling feeling, huh? Loss of control?"
Draco sighed. "I hate not being in control."
Charlie smiled. "Then you're your father's son, all right... But I know what you mean."
"I just can't seem to get her out of my head."
Charlie sighed. "Too bad. We just got Kylie Minogue out of there too!"
Draco gave a small chuckle. "She's just… everywhere."
Charlie shrugged. "I'm not surprised. I mean, dude, she's your wand. She's your motivation, your drive… your reason…"
Draco's face suddenly became dark. He stared into the shadows of the foyer.
"But now she's dead."
Charlie looked over at Draco, saddened. He opened his mouth but shut it again. It was best to not say anything for now.
There was a moment of silence, until Draco took a breath. "Thanks Charlie. For… you know…"
Charlie nodded, giving Draco a gentle pat on the back, as if telling him that he need not continue. Charlie knew that his presence was appreciated, whether he was told or not.
Silently, the two boys sat on the stairs, the presence and bond of friendship comforting them a little for the time being.
----------------
"For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for"
Elton John
--------
Author's Note: Hey everyone! I hope you all enjoyed that! I'm sorry again for taking so long, but I'm sure you'll agree that it was worth it! Full of Charlie-goodness! Plus, a serious side of Charlie that we've never seen before. So… yes… I hope that it didn't seem slashy at all, cause I was trying to avoid that at all costs, while focusing more on the friendship. Anyway, to the review song! (AN: Another reason it took me a while is because I've recently started an account on deviantART. So if any of you guys are on there or want to check out my art, go to http: atellix .deviantart .com (without all the spaces. Shakes fist at FanFiction)- – shameless promotion purposes, I know. And I'll add you to my friends list!)
Charlie: Yeah, go check out Al's artwork too! She's actually not half bad. Oh! By the way, not that this was ever brought up, but in case you were wondering… No! I'm not gay! So… Okay. Sorry to slow you down. Onto the review song, by Elton John, one of Atellix's favorite artists!!
My review song is "I Need You to Turn To" by Elton John:
And I do get behind,
And I sometimes fly blind,
But I need you to review, for my piece of mind
And I need you to review, so I'll keep control
You're my guardian angels
Worth your weight in gold
To My Reviewers:
Atellix: Due to my heavy schedule and lack of working on it, Charlie has offered to write the reviewer responses. So… you've been warned.
Charlie: What is THAT supposed to mean?
Atellix: Nuhhhh…. thing?
(Charlie rolls his eyes)
Monikka DaLuver: Hey girl! Sweet name! The Charles man here! Thanks for the much compliments senorita. Now, unfortunately in this chapter, we decided to focus more on me (for once!) so poor Hermione has kinda been thrown into the background. But don't worry. She'll be back soon enough! But yeah, thanks for the comments, and I'm glad I'm one of your favs… I mean my story is your fav… I mean… you know what I mean. Adios!
Lily of the Shadow: Hey Lily! Well, as you can see, Atellix didn't take a WHOLE fifty years to update (though I'm pretty sure that if I hadn't been driving her completely up the wall, she probably would have. Mwah hah ha!!) But yes… unfortunately Hermione's conclusion will have to wait until next chapter. Can't have your Charlie and Hermione too! Toodles!
JoeBob1379: Hey Joe Bob. Hope that's not followed by a 'Billy Bee Joe Ray". (laughs) I kid. But re-reading the story is always a wonderful idea. Then you get to experience the C factor over and over again. You can never get enough of Charlie. He's like Sugar Crisp cereal. (starts singing) Can't get enough of that Sugar Crisp! But anyway… I apologize for delaying Hermione's health issues with my own selfish rambling. Ciao! (P.S. I'll give the road map for the guilt trip to Atellix later! :) )
MysticalSpirits: Hey Mystic! What would I say? I'd say 'Why the hell did you stop writing?' is what I'd say, for the record. Unfortunately, Atellix has found a very skilled way in which she throws me into the back of her mind (and let me tell you, the first couple times I was thrown back there, it hurt!). So when she gets into her little moods, I tend to hide in the posterior lobes, you know what I mean? But, yeah. At least she continued, so you can save some of those continues for the next time she decides to go forever without updating. Mwah hah ha!! Arigato! Review anytime!
SOBs 4 Sirius 223: Sweet name girl! (Assumption made that you are a girl. If not, apologies and champagne are in order). But thanks for the review! Hope you enjoyed the more Charlie aspects of this chapter… not that it will take away from the original story or anything… I promise. Later! Don't forget to review!
firefly50: Hey kid! You are damn right that I got this girl back on track! What in the world would Atellix do without me? Seriously. But thanks for the review! And for the cookies. (eating of cookies can be heard). And I'm so happy to hear you like Maroon 5. Actually, not many people know this, but it was originally entitled Maroon 6, with me as the lead singer. Then unfortunately I had to drop out to do this work with Atellix, and… well the rest is history. But thanks for the review. Come back soon!
couch-potato01: Hey couch! I hope Atellix didn't scare you too much. I also hope this chapter wasn't too much of a disappointment for you then. I know it's not very plot driven, but it's very Charlie driven. Anyway, I'm glad you're enjoying it, and I hope you come back to visit again soon! Be safe!
Lyannie: Hey! Pretty name! Anyway, thanks for reading! And it's about time that someone agrees with me that sometimes, you just gotta drive the author crazy enough that she updates. But I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for the wonderful comments. It's good to know that someone else thinks I'm awesome!
Hekate101: Mwah hah ha!! Although she can do a pretty convincing evil laugh, I doubt that Atellix is really all that evil (though she likes to think she is!) But luckily, she has granted your request and has updated. Finally! Thanks be to Charlie (cause I made her!) Enjoy the chapter! Review again soon!
kel-warrior-goddezz: Aw! Don't cry! (sings) 'No woman, no cry! No woman, no cry!'. It'll be okay. Hermione will be fine… enough. Don't worry. But there's plenty of Charlie to cheer you up in this chapter. Kay? So no cry. Please? Cause if you start crying, then I'm gonna start crying… oh… there I go… (sniffs)
Poztcardz205pean: It's official, huh? Well then I guess it's official that you rock. So there! And you're right. That was a pretty bad cliffhanger. Though Atellix didn't make it much better by putting me in this chapter instead of Hermione, though I can't say I really blame her. So yeah. Hope you liked it! Come visit me soon!
Angel Moon Princess: Hey there! Thanks for the lovin'. It's good to know that people enjoy Atellix's and my sense of humor. Atellix wanted me to tell you that she's flattered that you enjoy her work so much. Oh… wait, here she comes. (Atellix: Hi there. I was so honored by your comment that I wanted to respond to it personally. It means a lot when someone tells me that they enjoy my work as much as I did. Thank you so much for your kind words of inspiration. I hope I continue to not disappoint you with my sense of humor. Thanks again for the comment, and enjoy the story!)
NotreDamegirlie: Hey there! Atellix asked me not to write your response, cause she wanted to write it personally, but I just gotta say that you rock! That e-mail you sent her got her writing again in a flash! I've never seen anyone move that fast… except that band of wild yaks that one time with Draco and the matches and the dyna--… um, never mind. Oh! Here she is. (Atellix: Well well well… you could very well be the girl that single-handedly got me back on track and writing this story again. That e-mail you sent me inspired me to write again and get my focus back onto the things I really love to do. So thank you, and I hope you enjoy the chapter that has been dedicated to you. If I ever get off track again, you and Charlie can tag team me. Promise. :) )
Sunflower18: Hey there! Well, your wish is most definitely my command, so here you are. Another chapter with more of the C factor than ever before… and some Draco too, I suppose. Thanks for the review kid! Come back again soon!
Poorpadfoot: Nice name, though I'm a little short on sympathy today. But yes, we have updated, as you can tell. So I hope you enjoyed it, and come back soon!
KellyLuvsInu: I'm trying SO hard to hide your comment from Atellix. She's a HUGE Inuyasha fan (and has now shifted to Trigun). As much as she would hate to admit it, she's just like you- all her crushes are fictional or non-existant guys (tell her I said that and I'm never talking to you again.) But she loves Inuyasha, and Spike from Buffy (I think she even cried when he 'died' if I'm not mistaken… then started watching 'Angel' just so she could watch Spike). And I'm glad to know that you find me funny. I should seriously consider starting up a fan club for you girls. But anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter! Come back to see me soon!!
MysticAngel ): Your update wish has been granted! The next chapter features me… and me… and a little bit of Draco, I suppose. But mostly… ME! Okay, I'm finished the self-righteous kick for now. Come back soon and review!
Possumgurl: Actually, as surprising as this sounds, Atellix actually does remember you. My memory however, is a little shoddy, but I'm sure if I try hard enough I'll remember! I promise I'll try! (begins to pout) Wait a minute… I do remember! And you're quite right, the wild yaks do indeed rule. They'd rule the world if I was king… which is probably the primary reason as to why I'm not. So, you rock! And so do wild yaks!
Katatonia: Hey hey hey! Finally, someone suggests that I should be getting a girl! Though theoretically in this chapter, you do find out that, there was one special person in my life… (sniffs and wipes away an imaginary tear). But thank you for the offer, though I have no idea what Atellix is planning. When it's something that's going to happen to Draco, she tells me as soon as she knows. When it's something that's going to happen to me? Ho ho! I'm always the last to know. Seriously. I think the yaks know before I do. Meh. But yes. Atellix sends her hugs back, and I suppose I could send a few in that package. Thanks for the review! Drop by again!