366 prompt: Reality

Raise a Witch or Wizard Challenge: Option 1 - Write about someone who is happy being single.

A Trip Back Home

Charlie Weasley

Charlie watched Bill roll his eyes as his mother reached for her wand. "Just a little trim, it's too long," she stated.

"Mum, I like it this length," Bill pointed out.

She sighed, her hand moving away from her wand again. "It looks so nice when it's short," she said, before turning to Charlie

He mentally braced himself. "So, Charlie, have you met a nice girl yet?"

Charlie shook his head. He had already learnt that 'I'm too busy with work' or 'I don't find myself attracted to anyone' were not suitable responses in Molly's eyes.

As much as he loved his mother, he hated this part of the visit, where she sat him in the kitchen and quizzed his love life (or lack of). "I haven't yet."

"Are there no girls working at the reserve?" she asked. "I've heard about a nice girl in the Welsh reserve -"

"There aren't any close to my age," Charlie explained, cutting off her matchmaking. "But if I find someone that I'm interested in and can see a future with, you'll be one of the first to know."

"Charlie." She slipped into the seat facing him, looking quite serious. "You've never brought a girl home and I think you're as far from marriage as… as you've ever been. The same with becoming a father. Tell me - are you… it wouldn't change how we feel about you - you're our son and we love you no matter what, but are you gay?"

Bill choked on his sandwich and Charlie leaned over, slapping him firmly on the back. "Mum, I'm not. I just haven't found anyone that really interests me. If I do, I'll make sure to let you know, but for now, can we drop it?"

"Molly dearest," Arthur said, walking into the kitchen. "Time is getting on a little bit, so would you like me to help you with dinner?"

"Dinner?" her eyes widened. "I should have already started."

"I'm happy to help you," Arthur assured her. He placed a kiss on her cheek and gestured for the pair to leave the room.

...oOo…

"You should have just told her you were gay," Bill muttered, once they had joined the rest of the family, due to time constraints as it was approaching dinner time.

"Good idea in theory, but in reality? It's the worst idea ever because it's mum! She'd want me to bring home my boyfriend and she'd talk about us adopting. It wouldn't make her take it easy on me at all. I'd still be in the same boat."

"Fair enough," Bill said. "So… things are still the same?"

Charlie nodded. "I don't think there's anything wrong with liking being single. I don't want a relationship and certainly don't need one. I'm not attracted to anyone, male or female. I'm happy with my job and my life, so what could be wrong?"

"Mum is scared that you'll be lonely."

"With the size of this family?" Charlie scoffed. "Who could be lonely as a Weasley?"

500 Words

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