Author's Note: Sorry about the delay, my husband just got back from a deployment so I have been a bit distracted.
Chapter 7: Finding the Truth
As he watched Harry finish his breakfast, Charlie found a plan beginning to form in his mind. He would have Harry spend the day in the hotel room while he paid a visit to Hogwarts. He needed to speak to Hagrid and the Headmaster about their request for Charlie to temporarily substitute the Care of Magical Creatures class anyway; he would just let the topic drift to other recent events. Hopefully he would be able to gather enough information to be able to decipher his next step.
"Harry "began Charlie, "I have some errands to run today. Do you think that you would be alright here for the day?"
"That's alright Charlie, I really don't want to be a bother. I need to get back to the Dursley's anyway" replied Harry dimly.
Charlie mentally dug in his heels for what could prove to be a long battle. "You are never a bother, please don't think that. Seeing how late you were out and where you were, I highly doubt that the Dursley's are going to take issue with your absence during the day." Seeing that Harry had started to open his mouth to protest, Charlie hurriedly continued "I can keep this room as long as necessary; I just have some business to take care of at Hogwarts today. While I am gone, I really think you should rest and eat as much as possible."
Instantly on his guard, Harry asked "What business do you have at Hogwarts?"
"Well" Charlie coyly replied "you take Care of Magical Creatures, yeah?" Upon Harry's nod, he continued, "Let's just say that you may be seeing me during that particular class."
With an expression more lively than Charlie had yet to see from Harry, Harry replied "Really? That would be brilliant! Hagrid is great and all, but I reckon you would have a lot of different and exciting experiences to share. Hagrid can be exciting, but it can be more along the lines of 'fear for your life' exciting, if you know what I mean."
Charlie couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, based on Hagrid's definition of harmless, I can only imagine some of the creatures that you have studied in his class." Harry simply nodded in agreement.
"So, as I said, while I am at Hogwart's, I think you should just rest and snack, then I will come back with dinner. How does that sound."
"I guess that is fine" replied Harry hesitantly, "as long as it is not a bother."
"No bother at all. Just promise me that you will be here when I get back."
Harry did not answer right away, and Charlie was not sure if that was a good or a bad thing. In what appeared to be an attempt to occupy his hands, Harry quickly reached for and lit a cigarette. Charlie was practically holding his breath as Harry inhaled and tipped his head back. As he brought his head back to face Charlie, he exhaled and said "Alright, as long as I am not causing you any problems."
Charlie looked at Harry intently, and said in a sure voice "Harry, you could never cause a problem for me. In fact, I look forward to coming back here to spend some more time with you." Charlie had to fight hard to suppress a grin as Harry obviously blushed, his cheeks and even his ears turning a bright shade of red. "Alright then? I am going to head out and I will be back no later than dinner time."
Looking decidedly uncomfortable, Harry replied soflty "That's fine, I'll be here".
Smiling, Charlie said "Good, I'll see you later then." With a crack, Charlie apparated out of the room; leaving a very confused and flustered Harry behind.
Charlie apparated to the edge of Hogwarts' wards and made his way over to see Hagrid. He really did want to see Harry's diversionary tactic otherwise known as Precious. As he approached Hagrid's hut, he couldn't help but cringe as he saw Hagird wrestling something into a box. The 'something' was not very large but it was emitting smoke; a very dense, strong smelling smoke. 'Well, I think this is going to be a quick visit.
Charlie waved his hand and shouted "Morning Hagrid, how are you?" Hagrid closed up the box, wiped his hands on his jacket, and turned to smile at Charlie. "Oi Charlie Weasley, how are ye'" "Quite well, Hagrid, thought I would stop to say hello before I head on up to talk to the Headmaster."
Hagrid smiled and replied, "always good te' see ye' Charlie, how 'bout a cuppa'?" "I'll have to take you up on that next time, Hagrid. I can only imagine what the Headmaster is going to try and feed me." Toward the end of his sentence, a small, cat like creature started butting its head against Charlie's leg. Charlie reached down to pet it and murmured. "Well, aren't you a sweet little hairball?"
"That there is Precious, foun' 'er in Knockturn Alley. Cute as can be, but watch out for those claws." Charlie laughed, "I take it she is a scratcher?"
"Aye, and the venom that leaks out of the claws will have you unconscious in ten seconds. Dead in ten minutes without an antidote." Charlie's eyes widened and his hand stopped moving as he took a closer look at the 'cat'. When the 'cat' seemed to give him the evil eye for daring to pause the petting, Charlie carefully resumed his previous ministrations.
"Well, Hagrid, Precious, I best be off. I look forward to seeing you soon." Charlie slowly drew his hand away and stepped back from Precious. Seemingly annoyed, she sauntered off to assumedly get more affection from Hagrid. "Alrigh' Charlie, see ye' then!"
Charlie made his way up to the castle and toward the Headmaster's office. The Gargoyle seemed to be expecting him and immediately moved to the side. Upon entering the Headmaster's office, he was greeted with the offer of tea and lemon drops. Charlie graciously accepted the tea and passed on the lemon drops. He chatted with the Headmaster about his responsibilities for the upcoming term and about various procedures and expectations for Hogwarts staff members.
An opening finally presented itself for Charlie to slip in a question about Harry. "How is Harry faring, Headmaster? I know he has had a difficult year." The Headmaster waved his hand as if to brush off the concern and said, "Harry is a resilient boy. He is home with his family and I have the utmost confidence that his family will take care of his melancholy."
Charlie frowned internally. "Oh, so you have talked to him then." The Headmaster smiled, "No, no, I would hate to take away time from his realtives, they have done well by him thus far. He does send an owl every three days so that the Order knows that he is well."
Charlie found himself almost unable to respond. "Well, if you are sure that his relatives are taking care of him. I know they have been a bit dodgy in the past."
"I don't know about that, most everything I have heard has been typical teenager and guardian conflicts." Charlie smiled and nodded, "true, true, I can only imagine what Harry manages to get into at home." Dumbledore chuckled, "No doubt."
"Well Headmaster, if there isn't anything else, I should be heading out. I am sure my mother is practically going spare." The Headmaster stood and walked Charlie to the door of his office. "Then my boy, you should not keep her waiting. Take care and we shall meet again a week prior to term."
"Thank you Headmaster, goodbye."
As Charlie rode the staircase down, his thoughts were a jumble. He could not figure out if the Headmaster was in denial or actually senile; and Charlie wasn't sure which one would be better.
'One thing is for certain , though, Harry is not going back to the Dursley's; and won't that just open a can of flobberworms.'