A/N: This story is un-beta'd. I did the best i could, but I apologize for an and all mistakes, thank you for eading. Enjoy!
Charlie followed Hermione into her flat. It was just as he suspected, disgustingly neat. And as others who keep a disgustingly neat place she straightened things as she walked in, mumbling apologies for the "mess". He chuckled and waived his hand.
"You weren't expecting company," he told her.
"Would you like something to drink?" she asked.
"Sure" he replied.
"Have a seat" she motioned to the couch. "Make yourself at home"
Charlie sat down and ran his hands through his unkempt red hair. They hadn't planned on coming here but neither one was ready to call it a night and her place seemed like the most plausible place.
"Here you go" Hermione handed him a glass of whiskey. "It's muggle whiskey. I am sorry, that's all I have"
"That's fine" Charlie replied. "Thanks"
Hermione took a seat across from Charlie smiling at him shyly.
"You know" Charlie started, "I am not sure that we have ever had a proper conversation. You have always been giggling with Ginny or following Ron and Harry around"
"And you always thought of me a little kid, right?" Hermione cut in, smiling ruefully.
Charlie looked at Hermione thoughtfully before he spoke, taking in the young woman in front of him. Hermione really had changed, showing not only in her face but also in her demeanor. "Maybe this will be the start of a beautiful friendship"
Hermione laughed and rolled her eyes at him, "If you're going to use a muggle reference, try not to be so cliché in the future"
"At least I tried to be clever which is more than I can say for my siblings" Charlie told her and Hermione shrugged, silently agreeing with him. "This set up attempt was pretty lame"
"Yeah" Hermione replied turning red, "I mean the idea of you and me dating is just ridiculous"
Before Charlie could stop the words they just fell out of his mouth, "Not so ridiculous" he said softly.
Hermione looked at him and Charlie could see it, hope was reflecting in her eyes. Charlie fought the urge to lean over and kiss her. Don't start something with her, he warned himself, not unless your damn sure you can finish.
"I should really go" Charlie said softly. He could see the disappointment on Hermione's face.
"Please" Hermione urged, "Stay for a little while"
Charlie thought about it for a moment and he was definitely tempted but if they were going to be friends he had better leave before he did something they would both regret. "Let's have dinner tomorrow or something, I could really use a friend right now"
Hermione stood and followed Charlie to the door, "Well you're in luck Mr.Weasley" hermione told him jokingly, "I am a really good friend"
Charlie reached out and gave Hermione hug, the hug wasn't different then one he would give Ginny, except that it caused Charlie to go weak in the knees for a moment. Being that close to Hermione he could smell her perfume, which was subdued and sweet yet totally sensual, kind of like Hermione herself.
Charlie apparated back to his own flat and fell into bed fully clothed. He had enjoyed his evening with Hermione and could feel his heart and mind pulling in indifferent directions. Before he drifted off to sleep he silently promised himself that he would let himself hurt Hermione.