AN: This chapter contains mention of Rape. You have been warned.

Disclaimer: Don't own, never will.

They continued to meet up and talk for the next few days. Charlie discovered her favourite spot in a clearing near the lake, and they chatted there for hours at a time. Bit by bit the story of how she didn't like Ron that way, and how he seemed almost jealous if she talked to anyone else came out, making Charlie mad, although he didn't show it.

Then one day he caught sight of her running almost desperately out of the house. After a minute Charlie followed, keeping a discreet distance behind. They emerged in the clearing near the lake, where Hermione collapsed against one of the trees crying. He moved closer to the girl, moving noisily so she'd know he was there. She didn't protest when he sat down beside her and slid his arm round her shoulders; in fact she snuggled closer with a whimper.

Charlie was surprised at the last bit. She'd been touchy for ages; if anyone touched her she'd flinch away, and even in their talks she refused contact, so for her to willingly snuggle was something new.

They stayed that way, with Charlie holding the girl close, for over an hour, Hermione's tears never once letting up. When they eventually slowed to the occasional snuffle he pulled away slightly, sitting up more to find a better position against the tree.

"What happened?" The question hung in the air as 'Mione collected her thoughts.

"He tried to kiss me again," she finally came out with.

"It was more than that," reproached Charlie. "He tried to rape you, didn't he?" Inside Charlie was seething, but he suppressed the urge to find his brother and decapitate him, instead holding Hermione closer.

"Yes," whispered Hermione unwillingly.

"When?" The question was gentle, but it still carried force.

"Before I came out here. I was reading when he came into my room. He'd been asking me if I'd go out with him, and I kept saying no, so he asked me again, then said that if I wouldn't co-operate then he'd try a different method. Next thing I knew he was bruising my mouth and ripping at my shirt." She broke off into sobs towards the end, burying her face in Charlie's shoulder.

"Shh, it's alright, I won't let him hurt you again." Slowly the sobs disappeared, until she was calm enough to sit up.

"We need to tell mum about this," said Charlie. "I know you won't want to, but you have to tell someone, or else he'll try again."

The response was a violent shake of the head. "I don't want to cause trouble. Anyway, I doubt he'll try again. I gave him a good knee in the groin to get away."

Charlie chuckled at that. "Good for you. I still think you should tell though."

"No."

"Fine. But you promise to tell if it happens again?"

"Fine."

They made their way back up to the house after a while, after a violent game of tickling to cheer themselves up. Molly looked at them suspiciously, but didn't comment, and the rest of the day was passed reading, in Hermione's case, and playing Quidditch, (Ron and Charlie). It took all of Charlie's self control not to send a bludger full force at Ron's head.

Hermione went up to bed early, around 9, but when Charlie passed her room at 11 he could hear soft whimpers. He made his way to the door and knocked softly, before opening the door. The girl screamed softly. He didn't go in, but stayed at the door. In the dim light he could just make out the curled up form of 'Mione on one corner of the bed.

"Hermione?"

"Charlie?" She sounded nervous.

"Yep. Can I come in?"

"Please." There was a hint of pleading in her voice.

Crossing to the bed Charlie hugged the girl. "Can't sleep?"

"No. I keep thinking I can hear Ron coming up the corridor."

"If he does then I'll hear him first, 'cause my rooms closer to the stairs than yours. Don't worry, he won't come in here."

Hermione nodded and settled back onto the bed. Charlie made his way out and back to his room, hoping she'd get some sleep.

His wish didn't come true though, and when he went to the bathroom for a drink half an hour later he could hear sobbing.

"Still can't sleep?" A shake of her head. "Hang on a sec."

He came back a minute later with his blanket and pillow. "I'll sleep on the floor so Ron will wake me before he gets near you." He spread the blanket out and lay down. "Get some sleep."

Within 15 minutes she was asleep, safe at last.

AN: Please review