Perfect Mistake
Disclaimer I own nothing, not the characters (Joanne Rowling) nor the plot (MysticalFaery05), though I have managed to stray quite far from the original plot. The original character is my own creation, yay for the Evil!Ex-wife!Sue. The title is borrowed from Sheryl Crowe and is not in reference to her song.
Part 3
The next morning Hermione woke up with a loud groan, forcing her eyes open as she brought her hand to her pounding head.
"Gah…" she moaned pitifully, closing her eyes shut momentarily. Glancing over at the annoying clock flashing the word 'overslept,' she let out another moan and pushed the offending clock off the nightstand with a crash. She rolled over and nearly drifted back to sleep when suddenly the bed moved. Slowly she opened her eyes. It took her a minute to register what, or rather who she was looking at. When she did, she gasped and sat up clutching the bed sheet to her chest, losing her balance in the process. She then proceeded to ungracefully fall backwards off the bed, crying out in embarrassment as her arse hit the floor. Charlie Weasley was in her bed!
The loud thud from her fall wakened Charlie. He in turn shot up out of the bed and groggily surveyed the room, wand in hand, searching for signs of an intruder. Hermione scrambled up off the floor taking the rest of the bed sheet with her only to leave Charlie in all his glory.
Confused and wide eyed, Hermione asked, "Charlie? What are you doing in my bed?" Instinctively or protectively she pulled the sheet tighter around her nude body. Charlie just stared at her, an almost wondering look about his face. After a few moments, Charlie let out a long sigh and fell back on to the bed. Hermione had to turn her head. He was still nude and she didn't want to stare, much.
"Hermione, this is my room. You're at the Leaky Cauldron," he stated. He looked… stricken…for lack of a better word.
Hermione sank to the floor as the realisation of what they had done hit her. She'd had sex with her best friend's brother. No, it was worse...she'd had drunken sex with her best friend's brother, with Charlie.
She looked up as he sighed again. He moved off of the bed to search for his trousers, finding them quickly, he pulled them on and walked over to where Hermione sat in a crumpled heap. Taking her by the hand, he said, "I'm so sorry Hermione. I-I don't know what to say. I'm sorry."
Before she realised, Hermione raised her hand to cup his cheek and said, "Don't be. It's okay. I was. Yeah, I'm sorry too." She gazed into his eyes, trying to show him with a look, what she couldn't say in words. Charlie leaned in for a moment, Hermione closed her eyes in anticipation, but he pulled back. She hoped she hid her disappointment well as she gave him a nervous smile.
"We should probably talk about this. But not right now. Maybe later? How about you hop in the shower first?" Charlie suggested.
Hermione nodded and tried not to blush. Charlie helped her to his feet as the sheet slipped a little. She gathered up her clothes and she made way to the ensuite bathroom. She had a small smile on her face, as she looked back at Charlie. He sure looked good in those trousers.
Talking a nice long shower, humming happily as she washed up. She supposed she should have had a serious hangover, but at the moment she was feeling pretty damned good. Maybe a little sore, it had been a very long time since her last intimate encounter, but she was content. Dressing quickly, she made a futile attempt to tame her hair and soon gave up and walked out of the bathroom to see Charlie.
He was gone. Hermione was crestfallen. She concluded that she must have misunderstood him earlier. Drawing in a deep breath, she grabbed her wand and tucked it in her sleeve. With her head held high, she walked out of the room, through the pub and out the door without a backward glance. In her haste, she missed seeing the folded piece of parchment clearly addressed to her, resting on the dresser near the door.
Taking in another deep breath in the open air, she let out a sad sigh and Apparated directly to the backyard of the Burrow. She silently hoped that she hadn't been missed, as she sure didn't want to have to explain where she had woken up this morning. She attempted to blend in with the crowd of hung over witches. She spotted Lavender, Parvati and Padma gratefully accepting the hangover potions being handed out by Verity, George's wife. She hadn't been at the hen party and it was quite clear why. Verity looked like she was about deliver triplets at any minute.
"Hermione!" she heard someone shout who was quickly drowned out by several moans and groans. Ginny reached her side and pulled her away from the crowd. "Where have you been?" she asked in a harsh whisper.
"I. I. Uhm. I." Hermione stammered. She didn't know how to answer the question.
Ginny's eyes grew wide and she whispered, "Merlin. You've had a shag! Did Viktor meet you at the pub or something?"
"Ah, what? Viktor? No. Viktor and I are just friends," Hermione whispered back.
"You be sure to tell him that," Ginny responded, "Well, if not Viktor then who? Anyone I know?"
"Ginny. I can't. I-I'm not sure. I can't alright." answered Hermione lamely. She and Charlie hadn't talked; she didn't know what was going on between them, if anything.
Ginny huffed and started in again. Thankfully and unwittingly, Luna saved the day. "Hermione, where did you run off to last night? You missed all the fun," Luna advised, her smile bright, "I am the happiest witch in the world."
Ginny shot Hermione a 'we are not finished' look as Hermione gave Luna a hug, grateful for the temporary, reprieve from Ginny's questions. "Luna, I think you may just be," Hermione laughed.
Four whole days had past and nothing. He hadn't Floo called or Owled. Hermione didn't know whether to be hurt or just really angry. She was making a concerted effort not to think of Charlie, but somehow, he managed to find his way into her thoughts. She cringed at the though that she'd had a one night stand with Charlie, her best friend's brother. Her former boyfriend's brother! This had to be the ultimate humiliation. Especially when he said they would talk later and then took off without even a goodbye.
Viktor was on to her, or he sensed something was bothering her as he kept trying to get her talk. She knew he was just concerned but she didn't want to talk about Charlie to anyone. If she did, then it would be real and she wasn't ready to face that just yet, as a result she just kept putting Viktor off.
She glanced around the comfortable home that was the Burrow. She wasn't even sure why she was here, but Luna had Owled that it was imperative that everyone be there. The endless discussion regarding dresses, shoes and hairstyles, was grating on her last nerve. These things had been decided ages ago.
Her mind wandered back to that morning, her body still tingling with the memory of the things they had done. However, the tingles would then be quelled by a wave of embarrassment and she was left feeling ten times the fool.
As Luna went over the itinerary for Saturday for what seemed like the hundredth time, Hermione cracked. She didn't even say goodbye. She simply walked out into the backyard and Apparated home and headed straight for Viktor's room. She needed to feel. What exactly, she wasn't sure at the minute.
"Viktor? You decent?" Hermione called out after she knocked on his door.
"Yeah, come in Herm-i-on-e." he responded. With a look of concern over her demeanour, he added, "Vhat is wrong?"
"Viktor," Hermione asked with a heavy sigh, "Do you find me attractive?"
He looked shocked, but answered calmly, "You know I do."
"Then kiss me," she demanded. Hermione didn't wait for a response as she launched herself at her dear friend. Her lips met his and he opened up in response. When he tried to pull away she held on to him tighter. She could tell he was struggling with his conscience and relaxed when he finally gave in to her advance. He pulled her tightly against him deepening the kiss and his reaction to their kisses was evident. It was familiar, years ago they had shared kisses, but something was off. It didn't feel quite right but Hermione forced those thoughts away. Viktor was here. He wanted her and he wouldn't reject her. Then the voice of reason kept warring with her desire to feel, 'You are not in love with him. You are not being fair, he has real feelings for you. You can't give him your heart when you've --'
"Shut up," Hermione whispered against Viktor's lips.
"I did not say anyfing," he said with a look of confusion.
Hermione closed her eyes and groaned at her stupidity.
"'ho is he? Tell me."
"What? I don't understand."
"Thu one. Thu one you run away from. Run to me from."
"I. Uh. Oh no! Viktor, I'm so sorry."
First a wave of shame hit and then tears formed in her eyes and she fled from the room terrified that she had destroyed their friendship. What was she thinking? How could she have been so selfish? Once she reached her room she fell on to her bed and let loose the sobs she had been holding back.
After a short while Viktor entered her bedroom. The draw back to living in the same house as the man she'd just tried to seduce, she mused. Turning to face him, she wiped at her eyes with the backs of her hands and looked around for her glasses, having no memory of taking them off.
He sat on the edge of her bed. He was searching her face as if expecting to find answers. He took in a deep breath and spoke first, "Herm-i-on-e, I loff you. I vill be vith you. Vhat I vill not be is consolation choice."
Hermione looked into deep dark eyes. He was being sincere. She knew he loved her and she had been selfish earlier. She wanted to feel desired. She knew that Viktor would be safe. A few months ago, she was certain that she had developed romantic feelings for her flatmate. But seeing Charlie, being with Charlie, even for only one night, she knew. She realised that her budding feelings for Viktor had more to do wanting to belong than actual romance. He deserved so much better than her. Looking away from him she mumbled, "I'm sorry. I just wanted. I'm so sorry." She looked back into his eyes and more confidently said, "I love you. But not in the way you deserve. I was feeling sorry for myself and I knew you would. Gah, I'm so ashamed of myself. You are too good for me."
Viktor watched and listened to Hermione intently. When she was finished, he let out a resolved sigh, pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. "I vill alvays be your friend. Alvays, you never fear for that. Okay?" said Viktor as he lovingly stroked her hair.
'He really is too good for me,' Hermione thought. Comfortable and safe in Viktor's arms she drifted off to sleep.
Hermione asked Viktor to be her date for Ron and Luna's wedding. She was grateful for her good friend. At his insistence, she did open up about Charlie, omitting some details, of course as she knew that he must have been uncomfortable listening to her talk about being with another man. But like a true friend, he listened and didn't pass judgement. She wished that she could fall in love with him. But that old saying was true. You can't help whom you fall in love with. Not that she was in love with Charlie. No, she was just seriously attracted to him, and that point was moot. He wasn't interested in her.
She had a plan for Viktor. She hoped it worked out in his favour.
-
It was Saturday. The big day had finally arrived. Hermione showed up at the Burrow early, as requested. A small twinge of nervousness fluttered in her stomach knowing she'd most likely see Charlie today. She silently prayed that she didn't make an arse of herself.
Luna was the picture of calm. She was radiant, confident and Hermione couldn't remember seeing a more beautiful bride. Ginny was working diligently on Luna's hair while the various sister-in-laws flitted in and out offering congratulations and bits of unsolicited advice. Luna appeared to take it all in stride.
"Ginny? Hermione? Why does everyone assume Ronald and I have sex?" Luna blurted out, "You know we haven't. I'm starting to feel worried. Should I, be worried, that is? It will just come naturally, won't it?"
Ginny looked up at Hermione, Hermione looked back, each of them sharing a stunned expression. "Ummm," stammered Ginny, "Didn't your m- no, I guess not. Well did your Dad? No, I guess he wouldn't either. Hermione?"
"Uhm. Well, yes I guess..." Hermione floundered and turned to Ginny, "I think maybe your Mum?"
"Good idea," agreed Ginny and then shouted, "Muuuuuuuuuum! We need you! Now!"
Mrs. Weasley came rushing in to Ginny's cramped bedroom, "Ginny! You scared the life out of me! What is it? What's wrong? Luna dear, are you all right?"
"Mum, it seems Luna needs the talk," Ginny stated plainly. Hermione silently prayed that Mrs. Weasley understood.
Mrs. Weasley looked from Ginny to Hermione, who just nodded her head. Mrs. Weasley then gave Luna a warm smile and said, "Right then--"
"I've finished with your hair, love," said Ginny, giving Luna a light squeeze on her shoulders, "We'll just step out while you and Mum chat. Okay?"
Watching her friends, hold hands and enter the bonding circle, it impressed Hermione that Ron had agreed to wait for Luna. She knew for certain that Ron had been with, at the very least, Lavender and herself. He did have that way about him. He could charm any witch. He managed to remain friendly with not only her but Lavender as well. Hermione suspected that Ron wasn't even aware of his natural charm, which of course, made him more endearing.
She laughed inwardly at the notion that she had once hoped to marry Ron. They had their go at a relationship and it took them nearly a year to accept that it would never be the happily ever after romance. Now, watching Ron and Luna, it was so obvious that they were meant for each other.
Ron recited his bond to Luna with confidence and Luna glowed in response. Hermione was so filled with pride for her best friend that tears leaked unnoticed from her eyes. Unexpectedly, a clean white handkerchief was placed in her hand. She looked up momentarily and saw that the handkerchief belonged to Charlie. Taking the handkerchief, she shivered slightly as their hands brushed. She gave him a watery smile and whispered a thank you, before turning her attention back to the ceremony.
The bonding was lovely. Hermione could feel the love emanating from the happy couple. It was inspiring. Her eyes instinctively sought out Charlie. She had anticipated him to be near, but he was not in her immediate line of vision. She smiled as Viktor made his way to her side, momentarily distracting her from seeking out Charlie.
During the ceremony Viktor had received a stealth Owl that required him to attend to some urgent business. He advised that he planned to return as soon as he could and then hastily made his apologies, kissed Hermione on the cheek before Apparating away. She was sympathetic, but was still disappointed that he had to leave.
She wasn't alone for long. Charlie sidled up beside her and asked, "Hermione, might I have a word?"
Hermione didn't look at him. She stared straight ahead with a false nonchalance, and responded, "I didn't think you were interested."
Charlie wrinkled his forehead and replied, "Not interested? Hermione. I left a note asking you to meet me for lunch on Wednesday. You didn't show or respond. I didn't think you were interested. Anyway, I need to. I really would like to talk to you. Please. Let me explain."
"Note? I didn't, oh my," she blushed, her façade of cool pretence melting away, "I didn't see the note. I thought, well, I thought you changed your mind. That you thought you'd made a mistake."
Taking her by the hand, he led her over to his favourite tree, "Let's talk over here it's more private." He cast a silencing charm over them, closed his eyes and began, "I regret?" Hermione's breath hitched as she braced for rejection, but then Charlie opened his eyes. He appeared to be gathering his thoughts. "I-well, I regret being drunk, taking advantage," he explained remorsefully, "But…I can't stop thinking about you, about what happened." He was rambling, but soldiered on, "I'm not. Uhm. I can't. Fuck! Hermione, I'm married."
Hermione felt faint. She started too sway as she reached out to brace herself on the tree trunk. Charlie's strong arms took hold of her instead and she steadied. "I can't either. No! You didn't take advantage. You're married?" Hermione managed to stutter out.
"Well, uhm, not exactly married. Well, yes still married. Dumitra, that's her name, and I are separated and in the process of getting a divorce." he said as he ran his hand through his short hair and continued, "Its over. We never should have married in the first place. We were too young. The war. I thought it was love. I thought she loved me, but she didn't. She left me."
"Are you still in love with her?" Hermione asked her voice sounding very small. She wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer.
"No. I'm. No." he answered firmly, "It was a mistake to get married. We barely knew each other, really. We weren't compatible. I mean, we didn't even have similar goals." He paused, as if hesitating to go on. Hermione gently placed her hand on his arm and gave him an encouraging nod. He continued, "Last year, I was ready, ready for a family, but Mita – she refused. She still wanted to go out every night. Spend every Knut we earned. Having a good time was her number one priority. By Christmas I'd had enough. I asked her to make a choice and she chose to leave me. In all honestly, the only thing we really had in common was a love of dragons."
"Oh," Hermione said dumbly as she attempted to process everything he said.
Charlie reached out and took her hands again. He looked her square in the eye and said, "I like you Hermione. I would like to get to know you better. From the first moment I saw you, I just knew you were different. Special. I loved talking with you. You are smart and funny and, gods, so beautiful. I felt like an arse afterward for not asking you for your Floo number or something. I have so much baggage right now, I figured you wouldn't be interested." Charlie closed his eyes, shaking his head a little. Then he opened his eyes, and continued, "What do you say we take things slow and try being friends, maybe? Then when I am free. Well, maybe we could just see how things go?"
'He thinks I'm beautiful? Hermione smiled at his request, "I'm so sorry you going through all this, Charlie. I like you too, by the way, and I would love to be your friend. Do you want to be Owlpals? I'm very good about keeping with Owl correspondence."
Charlie laughed as he pulled her into a tight hug and said, "You obviously haven't heard. I'm relocating to London. I officially move in about two weeks. I have a nice boring desk job lined up at the Ministry, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Dragon Research and Restraint Bureau, to be exact."
"Mita is Romanian, and she didn't want to leave the Reserve. So, I made the decision to leave."
Hermione quietly listened to Charlie, enjoying the feel of his arms around her, and only pulled away when she spotted Viktor looking for her. She waved him over while Charlie cancelled the silencing charm.
"Charlie, this is Viktor. My flatmate," Hermione introduced, "Viktor, this Charlie, one of Ron's older brothers."
"Wow, Viktor Krum. It is a pleasure mate," said Charlie as he firmly shook the famous Seeker's hand, "Played Seeker myself at Hogwarts." His cheeks reddened a little.
"Same for me Charlie. Her-mi-o-ne has talked much ov you." Viktor said, "You are a Seeker too? Perhaps ve can play sometime vith Harry and Ron also."
Hermione smiled at their exchange maybe they would become friends. Some giggling witches interrupted her thoughts. Hermione rolled her eyes at their silliness. "Sorry Viktor--" Hermione started to say when she heard Lavender's voice.
"Oh you daft sorry excuse for witches, move on! Don't just ogle him like a bunch of silly bints," chastised Lavender her face fresh and full of mischief.
"Lavender!" Hermione called out, "Get over here! There is someone I'd like you to meet." Hermione grinned as Lavender joined them. "Viktor Krum, I'd like you to meet Lavender Brown. You might remember her, she was my dorm mate at Hogwarts," said Hermione. She grinned, leaned in and whispered, "She's one of Ron's ex's too, but don't hold that against her."
Lavender placed her hand in Viktor's and said, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Viktor." She turned to Hermione and asked, "Do you mind if I steal him away?"
"Not at all," answered Hermione trying to stifle a laugh.
Lavender turned back to Viktor flashing him a dazzling smile. "Viktor, would you care to dance?" she asked.
Viktor gave Hermione a knowing smirk and said to Lavender, "I'd loff to. After you Miss Laveender." Off they went towards the dance floor, hand in hand.
"Hermione, that was about as subtle as a train wreck," Charlie chuckled.
"I know," she agreed with a smile, "But you never know, they might hit it off and that wouldn't be so bad now, would it?" Taking hold of Charlie's hand, she added, "Speaking of dancing…"
"Yes, of course," Charlie asked still grinning, "Miss Hermione, would you give me the honour of a dance, or two?"
"I think I can accommodate you Mr. Weasley," Hermione answered with a warm smile as she took Charlie's hand and he led her over to the dance floor as well.