Disclaimer : Nope, still don't own them..

When the World is Black

Chapter 3 : An Offer from a Gentleman

A voice from behind them said, "Me, I'll marry you Hermione." Silence fell upon the Burrow's kitchen at the newest member's arrival and his surprising and unexpected proclamation.

Hermione twisted in her seated and could do nothing more than stare at Charlie Weasley as he stood and glanced around with the air of someone who had just stated the weather. Charlie...how could she have forgotten about him? Probably 'cos he's hardly ever around seeing as how he lives in Romania, a little voice in her head reminded her.

Mrs. Weasley was the first to break the silence, "Charlie!! What're you doing here?! We weren't expecting you at all..."

Charlie laughed and went over and gave his mum a hug, "It's simple really. About 2 months ago I was offered a job in the Department for Magical Creatures and I accepted. I wanted to come and surprise you guys." He explained grinning at the room.

Mrs Weasley squealed and hurried out of the kitchen to spread the good news to her husband at work.

"But how does you marrying Hermione fit into this?" Ginny asked, voicing the question on everyone's mind.

Hermione looked at Charlie curiously, wondering what his answer would be.

Charlie Weasley was a sharp man. He knew that despite her nonchalant exterior, Hermione Granger was trembling on the inside from the news of the new decree and his claim to marry her, he held back his grinned as he saw her eyes narrow at him as she waited for him to answer his sister's question.

Charlie sat in the seat next to his sister and explained to them, "Well, somehow Dumbledore found out about 2 things before anyone else. One was the decree and the other was that I was moving back here. So-"

Harry interrupted him, "Wait, Dumbledore knew about the decree?! Why didn't he say anything to us?"

Charlie had been expecting this very question, "Dumbledore had his reasons, one of which was that he didn't want you guys to worry unnecessarily. Despite You-Know-Who's spreading influence in the Ministry, Dumbledore still has quite a pull there and he thought he would be able to get the decree repealed. But he couldn't. When he knew his efforts were reaching the failing point and contacted me."

"Why you though? Why not Harry or Ron?" Ginny asked.

Charlie glanced at Hermione who had yet to say a word, he cleared his throat, "Harry, Ginny do you think you could give us a moment?" He asked, gesturing at himself and Hermione.

The two nodded and left but he noticed the worried looks they threw in Hermione's direction before leaving. He knew they were worried about their friend and he hoped he could help cease that worry.

He looked at Hermione, "Dumbledore contacted me about a week ago explaining the predicament you'd be in and he said you would consider running and hiding as your best option. Did you?"

She nodded.

"Right but I know that you know that you can't do that. Who's going to keep Harry grounded throughout the rest of this war? Ron? Ginny? Us Weasleys aren't known for our controlled tempers or calm demeanors. Hermione, Harry needs you here."

Hermione finally found her voice, "You're right…but Charlie you have your own life. How can I expect you to marry me? It's not fair to you."?

Charlie reached across the table and grabbed hold of her hands and looked her in her big, brown eyes, "Hermione, for once you've got to stop thinking about others and think about yourself. Yes, I have my own life but as I recall I proposed to you, so that makes it my decision to bring you into it. "

Hermione gave him a small smile, "So you really want to marry me?"

Charlie grinned back at her and brought her hands up to his lips, "I see I finally got through…Yes I want to marry you."

Hermione flushed as his lips brushed against her hands. He smirked, pleased with the reaction.

"What do we tell people thought? I mean there's gonna be a lot of marriages suddenly…with the new decree and all"

Charlie placed her hands flat on the table and turned them palm up and traced the lines on them. He was enjoying seeing the effect his touch had on her. "Well we could give them half the truth. We met in your fourth year at the World Cup. We clicked and continuously wrote to each other over your Hogwarts years."

He ran a finger gently over a short length of her arm and saw her try to suppress a shiver. He inwardly grinned and continued, "At that time even though I was attracted to you, you were too young and we kept it platonic. However when you turned 17 I told you how I felt and we've been together ever since. Sound good?"

Hermione managed a small nod before she extricated her hands from him. Charlie smirked at her and leaned back in his chair. He saw her give her head a little shake and she seemed to focus again. She looked at him with a frown on her face, "No one's gonna buy it you know…"

He raised an eyebrow at her, "And why not?"

She shrugged, "Because you're you. And I'm me…"

He leaned forward and looked at her intently, "Care to elaborate?"

Hermione fidgeted nervously in her chair, "I mean you're a dragon tamer who has a notorious reputation for seducing beautiful women and all that. Me? I'm just a bookworm, fresh out of Hogwarts."

Charlie frowned, "Well, the people who know me would know that the type of woman I always imagined settling down with was not only beautiful but intelligent and an avid reader," he reached over and tilted Hermione's head upwards so that he could look into her eyes, "From what I know, you fit that perfectly."

He gently stroked her cheek, "You're intelligent, witty, resourceful and a beautiful witch. Marrying you would make me a lucky man. Plus it keeps you out of danger and that is something everyone, myself included, wants. So stop underestimating yourself and say that you'll marry me."

Hermione stared at him for a while, he could practically see her weigh the pros and cons and process all the information she had. Then she surprised him by leaning over the table and brushing her lips against his and whispering, "Yes Charlie, I'll marry you."

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Tadaa! A new chapter!! I'm proud that I wrote this. Ok, so I know Hermione was extremely quite in this chapter but her life has suddenly changed, so she's quietly processing everything. Plus I wanted this to me pre-dominantly Charlie. His personality, his reasoning etc.

Already there's that small spark of attraction between them. I wanted that...

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