November – Bonfire night

The year was coming to a close. November brought the Weasley's annual Bonfire Night party. Of all the events that they hosted, this was actually one of my favorites. It was laid back and consisted of just family, great food, a warm fire, and plenty Weasley Wizarding Wheezes fireworks.

Charlie managed to get a couple days off and stayed at my place the night before the party. We staggered our arrival to throw off suspicion. We talked more about telling his family, but decided to wait until after Christmas.

The wait for Charlie's news was heavy, but in a way that filled me with hope. At this point, I had no doubt I would spend the rest of my life with this man if he let me. Sometime since our last visit, I had made a couple decisions about our life together.

Obviously Charlie was working on something that would hopefully keep us closer. But I made my own decision that if whatever he was working on failed, I would be leaving my job at St. Mungos to be with him regardless. I had been steadily getting things in order at work and was preparing to put in my notice just after Christmas.

Knowing I had a plan in place in addition to Charlie's was soothing. Not just having the plan, but also knowing we were just a month and a half away from when it could be put into place. The light at the end of the tunnel was bright, and I couldn't help but follow it.

Perhaps that excitement of the new things coming made us a little careless at the Weasley's. The fire was in full swing and the twins were in their element showing off all their latest product for the holiday. Most of the family had their eyes on them while Charlie and I snuck to a quiet corner near the house.

"You look so beautiful in the light of the fire."

I was glad we were away from the heat of the flames because my face was hot enough without it. Charlie was always quick to make me feel beautiful, both inside and out. He complimented my intelligence equally as often as my looks.

He gently tucked a stray hair behind my ear and before I could respond to his comment, there was a throat clearing. Percy stood there looking awkward. Charlie didn't interact with Percy much. Actually, most of the family didn't. Sure, they were all nice to him. They just didn't seem to have a lot to connect with him on. Most of the time he spoke with Arthur about the goings on at the Ministry. He had always been work focused above all else and that continued to put a strain on his relationship with his siblings, though it was better since his apology during the final battle.

"I've suspected as much." He stated matter of fact as he looked between the two of us. "If you're still wanting to keep this from mum and dad, I suggest not looking like you want to consume one another so close to the house. Now if you'll excuse me, mum's requesting more wine."

Without another word, he entered the house and left us momentarily silent in shock. Until we burst into laughter.

I was the first to recover myself. "Didn't see that one coming. At this rate, we've got just Ron and your parents who haven't found us out."

Charlie recovered as well and sobered a bit at my words. "Yes, well, it's best to save those for last. We seem to have the support of all my other siblings and they will help rein things in if necessary."

I bit my lip in worry. "I'm not worried about your dad. I think your mum might be hurt we kept it from her, but that she will be happy enough to look past it. Ron on the other hand..." I trailed off, but Charlie shook his head in understanding.

"He does have a habit of losing his head, doesn't he."

I sighed. "Is he going to be a problem?"

Charlie took my face in his hands. "We can't live our life based on other people's opinions or reactions. This is the life we are building together and my primary concern is our happiness, not the irrational hot headedness of my youngest brother. Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Now that that's settled." He gave me a quick kiss. Such a simple action, but it caused me to warm inside. He was always showering me with small affections like he couldn't bear to not have contact with me another second. "We really should get back to the party."

And so we slipped back in with most of the party not even realizing we had left.

Ha