Author's Note: First, thank you for reading and reviewing. Second, this will serve as a transition chapter that brings us to the events of Harry's fifth year, which will be covered in the next few chapters.

I know I have taken my time with getting Harry together with Charlie, and I can only say – without giving things away – that it isn't too far off.

Standard disclaimer about not owning anything; I am so thankful for JKR and all that she did for us. She gave us one of the greatest gifts, and so many people have taken to this site and played brilliantly with her creation. We should have a JKR day and it should be a global holiday!

Several weeks had passed since Snape had been made aware of the Basilisk. The weather had started to change and Hogwarts now found itself in the midst of Spring.

With Snape's help, the trio had nearly finished extracting all of the usable and valuable ingredients from the large serpent. They had worked steadily throughout the term, and each person had done what they could when their respective schedules were clear for a few hours.

Sometimes it had been only Harry and Snape that were able to sneak away unnoticed into the chamber, while at other times Ron and Hermione had a break from their Prefect schedules that provided them the time needed to participate.

Interestingly, as Severus spent more and more time surrounded by this group of Gryffindors – who had given him such problems in the past – he found that their company was not as tiring as he once did.

It was Hermione in particular that he found it easier to be around. During class, her incessant need to answer every question correctly was not particularly appealing; however, down in the chamber, Snape found himself, at times, even enjoying their discussions on the magical properties of the Basilisk and what the parts could be used for.

And Ron, well that was another story altogether. The boy had grown by leaps and bounds since the end of last year. He had the brains of any of his older siblings, but he was finally growing into his own person and was particularly savvy when the group discussions veered towards the logistics of the impending war with the Dark Lord.

With their O.W.L.s approaching, the trio had remained at Hogwarts over the Easter holidays to ensure that they were finished with the Basilisk before they got caught up in the frenzy of exam preparation. In fact, the group was finishing up the last bits of Basilisk removal inside of the chamber just as the rest of the school was on its way back to Hogwarts after the Easter Holiday.

"Sir?" Hermione asked as she magically lifted the last bit of carcass of the ground and sent it into the void that all banished objects were directed to.

A risen eyebrow from Snape was the only indication that he gave of his inclination to hear more.

"I was wondering about what you said about the elixir that can be created using a sliver of the eyes and a small amount of venom from a Basilisk. I'm afraid I still don't understand how something so caustic and deadly can be used in such a rare, healing potion. How can something that can be used to kill Horcruxes ever be able to keep someone alive for a short time, even if they are an inch from death?"

A rare upturn of the mouth found its way to Snape's face.

It was discussions such as this that had really started to change his opinion of the once-insufferable know-it-all.

"A subtle distinction, but one that makes it all possible." Snape finished his section and walked towards the fifth-year Gryffindor Prefect.

Outside of the classroom, he found her to be very different and engaging without the potential for house points to be won that no doubt hung over her head.

"The venom of a Basilisk is very unique, but not unlike others in its class. Think about how something can have both positive and negative effects depending on what it is combined with. Go ahead, think about it for a moment," he encouraged her, something that he only ever did with his snakes inside of the dungeon.

Hermione's brow scrunched up in thought.

Harry, meanwhile, had stopped what he was doing to focus on their conversation. He had only recently had a similar discussion with Severus over the subtle distinctions that made Potions truly a fascinating subject.

"Hmm," Hermione sounded after a few moments of thought.

"I would imagine that it's because of how powerful the venom is that allows its nature to be changed to do something completely opposite if something could stabilize it. The venom kills, quickly," she turned to look at Harry, remembering that he had only been saved from an early death by the tears of Fawkes.

The healing properties of the Phoenix had neutralized the venom and allowed Harry to live. She would always be thankful for that.

"But," she returned her attention back to Snape, "it's the process I am wondering about now."

"All right," Severus said.

"Ask yourself how the blood of a Basilisk is able to be used, for a short while, to provide a witch or wizard a magical boost. That particular potion was used extensively during the fourteen hundreds as it was more or less ever witch or wizard for themselves. That is, until breeding Basilisks became a heavily regulated enterprise to the point where very few Basilisks are alive today, and never are allowed to grow to this size."

Hermione thought about the less complicated example.

"Well, it would be very similar to how the blood of a Unicorn was able to keep V-Voldemort alive, wouldn't it?"

"Magical blood has properties inherent to that organism. A Unicorn is seen as so pure and inherently noble that its blood can be used – though at a terrible cost – to heal a person. The blood of a Basilisk only knows power and strength; therefore, the blood could provide a boost to whomever takes it."

"A reasonable observation," Snape remarked.

"Now apply that same line of reasoning back to your earlier question."

Harry saw the determined look on Hermione's face, knowing his friend well enough to know that she wouldn't stop until she had reasoned this through. However, he also could tell the difference between her need for the approval of a teacher and her pursuit of knowledge, and it was the latter that was fueling her in the moment.

"It's about the power of the ingredients," she said after some thought.

"The venom only knows death, as does the eyes, but if something could be used to harness the power and remove the negative effects, then they could be used. What is the full list of ingredients?"

Hermione's interest was thoroughly peeked now.

"A bezoar, namely."

"Of course!" Hermione now realized. While the concepts were difficult, it was quite clear once it all came together.

Harry smiled, knowing exactly how she was feeling.

Hermione and Snape then finished their conversation while Ron came into the room, holding out the assembled robes that had just come in that morning.

Aside from helping them out with the Basilisk, Snape had made it very easy for them to find someone able to arrange for their Basilisk robes, complete with pants and a vest that would help to keep them very well protected.

"Another interesting Potions debate?" Ron asked Harry, coming to stand by him.

"You know it," Harry responded looking at his friend with a smile.

Ron shook his head.

"Anyways, I tried on my set and they fit perfectly. We should probably try them out in our next practice session."

Harry looked to Ron, his thoughts changing from Potions to what Ron was holding out for him.

"Do you think Charlie will like these?" Harry then asked.

"I wanted to find some way to return how great he has been these past couple of months."

Ron noticed the way that Harry's face had changed when he had mentioned his brother. It was the face of someone who thought very much of the other person. While he may not have known everything that was going on between the two of them, and even though there was a considerable age difference, he couldn't be anything other than glad that he had thought to reach out to his brother. Harry had needed it, and when he looked in hindsight, his brother had needed something too.

Ultimately, Ron could only let whatever happen do so at its own pace, and he was just going to stay out of the way, thankful that Harry was starting to be more like the person he had been before Cedric.

"I think anyone would be happy with a pair of Basilisk robes, to be honest."

After that, the group spent only a few more minutes in the chamber before ascending to the surface ahead of the arriving group of students.

Also, it was very fortunate for them that Umbridge had used her break to return to the Ministry so that they didn't have to worry about being seen exciting a bathroom together.

The group then went their different ways. Snape headed towards his room with the remaining Basilisk parts for his personal stores while Ron and Hermione headed to Gryffindor Tower to change into their school attire.

Harry, however, headed to the owlery where he had a letter to write and a package to send.

Charlie held the parcel in his hand that had just come through his window via Harry's owl, Hedwig. It was large and no doubt had caused a strain on the snowy bird, no matter how proud and tough she liked to act.

Still, she wasn't beneath accepting some treats that Cedric had kept for her as his correspondence with Harry had grown to be more frequent, nor did she care about taking a long draught of water to rehydrate.

Charlie's fingers ran over the paper that sealed whatever Harry had thought to send him after placing aside the letter to read after he opened it. He had come to savor those letters and so didn't immediately want the feeling of anticipation with what Harry would say this time to be over with so soon.

With his attention on the package, he began to open it to reveal something that had caused his jaw to drop.

At first he had thought that these were Dragon hide, which in and of itself was a very expensive gift. However, his experience with Dragons told him that this skin was very different. Plus, he could literally feel the difference in this material that made it distinct from what he worked with everyday.

Combining that with what he knew of Harry's past and how him and his friends were working on extracting everything of use from the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, he arrived at the conclusion that he was holding something far more rare than something made of Dragon.

Charlie could hardly believe that he possessed something so incredibly priceless, and he couldn't help but be touched that Harry had thought to do this for him.

In fact, it only drove Charlie further into his developing infatuation with the young Potter.

When they had first started talking, it had been easy for him to remain detached. But so much had happened between them, not only in their letters but also in what Harry had revealed to him in person, that Charlie couldn't pinpoint the exact moment that he had realized that he had fallen very deeply for the young Gryffindor.

More and more, Harry had come to take up most of his waking thoughts; some of which had gotten a little physical in nature if he let his mind run away with the idea.

The age difference hardly mattered to him anymore, for it wasn't unheard of in the wizarding world for such pairs to come together. Besides, Harry was almost an adult in their world and had been dealing with things well above what he otherwise would have been expected to for years.

It was only the fear that Harry didn't or wouldn't someday feel the same way for him that caused him to become unsettled as he clutched the treasure that Harry had sent.

Even though he thought it was likely that they were growing closer based on what they wrote to each other, Charlie couldn't completely stop that nagging thought from overwhelming him and his mind.

As such, he needed a few moments to let those unwelcomed notions pass before opening Harry's letter.

Charlie,

I really don't know how I will ever be able to repay you for all the help that you have given me. If you haven't already opened your package, well I guess this will ruin the surprise.

I hope these Basilisk robes can protect you in some way. Though, I would rather know that you were never going to be put in harm's way. I don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to you…

You're so smart and good and someone that I know I can count on. I know that I always want you in my life, but I also hope that you are getting something out of this as well.

And I wanted you to know how glad I am that our relationship has evolved from the beginning; I hope you don't just feel like you have been helping me. I want to be there for you, if you think I could help with anything.

Like how you helped me at St. Mungos; I know I have thanked you before for taking me, but it has only been in the past couple of weeks since then that I have really felt the difference that seeing Cedric has brought.

A part of me will always remain in the past, but I never thought that this much of me would be able to move on. That has everything to do with you.

Sometimes I wish I could see you more in person so I could give you a hug or just squeeze your hand for support. Is that weird that I think about that? Is it wrong or awkward? (Just following through with our honesty thing).

Because I find myself thinking about the future a lot, and feel both selfish and guilty for wanting you there for it. But I know that decision ultimately rests with you.

Okay, I've started to ramble about my feelings, but it's so easy to just let them out.

Hopefully, I will be able to write more soon. OWLs are here in two months and I feel really good about them. I don't want to brag, but I think I'll get at least an E in everything!

Thanks again, Charlie. For everything!

You have no idea what you mean to me,

Harry

Charlie sat back on his couch, clutching Harry's letter in his hands. He was now even more smitten with Harry, if that was possible. What Harry had said had only reaffirmed how he was feeling inside for the other boy, and how right he had been to fall for someone so sweet and special.

The best part about Harry was that he didn't know, couldn't because of how he was raised, just how special and unique that he really was. So he never flashed those parts in front of others, and it was his incredible capacity to feel that had lured Charlie in.

Never had he known someone that was so generous despite all of the horrific obstacles that they had had to face.

And if he was being honest with himself, he had a pretty good feeling that Harry was having similar thoughts about something developing between them. What had been in the letter was only a small part, as Charlie could never quite forget how hugging Harry had felt.

The fact that Harry had specifically mentioned wanting physical contact between them had heated Charlie's blood and produced a long-forgotten sensation.

Charlie just wished that he knew what to do about it now. He wanted to tell Harry how he felt, but didn't want to risk all of the progress that Harry had made. Was the younger boy even ready to start something?

After a stiff drink in which Charlie thought about everything, he resolved to wait until he was sure that Harry was ready. That was all he could do, because the notion of ruining what was happening between them was more terrifying than anything he could think of. It had been a long time since anyone had even come close to making him feel the same way that Geoff had, and he had never quite experienced someone being able to make him feel new things since then.

It was a while before Charlie was able to move from his sitting position, and he had needed another measure of whiskey before he was to able feel the drowsiness that urged him to sleep.

He would respond to Harry tomorrow.

Harry,

I am speechless. Your gift was… well, I really am at a loss for it. Because of my line of work, I know the value of Dragon hide, but I can't even fathom the worth of Basilisk skin.

It was without a doubt the best gift I have ever received. And I'm not just talking about its value. You mean a lot to me too. Which is why I will be there by your side going into the future; I couldn't imagine a world that didn't have you in it either.

You don't know how happy I am that you have found yourself again in the wake of what happened, that you have dealt with everything so superbly. Even though you really shouldn't have had to deal with any of it.

My greatest wish is for you to be happy and free from all of the stress that, well, comes with being you. I will do anything I can to make that a reality and there is no need for thanking.

For you have really opened my eyes to the world again. More so now that I realize how much I was missing. I thought that I had fully dealt with Geoff, but I hadn't. Not really.

Because you are right, a part of us will always remain in the past with them, but we have to move on. We have to live for them – and I think I had lost site of that somewhat.

So thank you, Harry. You really don't know how amazing you are: how kind, how gentle. If there was ever a person that had ideals worth fighting for, well it is you.

Though, again, I wish it wasn't you. I would take your burden away if I could.

So don't ever worry about feeling selfish for having the people that you want around you, especially if those people want to be there with you.

I'm sure we will have plenty of time to see each other this summer, and I'll make sure to make myself available for as many hugs as possible. I promise!

And don't ever worry about rambling on because I always enjoy hearing what you have to say. I rather like it when you ramble, in fact. Some would find it adorable, even.

I know you will do amazing on your OWLs; I'm certain that you will do better than an E.

~My hand is always within reach,

Charlie

Harry had a warm sensation in his stomach. Charlie's response to his gift and letter had come the following week and it had taken a few hours for the grin to leave his face.

He had been nervous about some of the things that he had said, not wanting to come right out and tell Charlie how he might be developing feelings for him.

It was something that Harry had never expected when they had first traded their stories back and forth. To think that this soon after Cedric he would be contemplating having feelings for someone else had scared him at first.

Betraying Cedric was the last thing that he had wanted, but he couldn't deny how Charlie made him feel and how effortless it was to not only be in the same room with him but to talk with him as well. Opening up had never been easy for him give his past; however, with Charlie he hardly thought about that.

The entire situation, especially how slowly things had been going with Charlie, ultimately made it not as difficult for Harry to process his tumultuous emotions on the subject.

The time, as well as the visit to St. Mungos, had given Harry perspective and he was able to know deep down that Cedric would only want Harry to live his life. For Harry would have only wanted the same for Cedric had their situations been reversed.

Still, Harry wasn't going to rush into anything. Whether anything did or did not happen between them was still to be decided, but Harry thought that the possibility was certainly there. Besides, they would no doubt have more time to interact during the summer when O.W.L.s were over with.

Speaking about his upcoming examinations, Harry shelved his remaining thoughts on the subject and, using his considerable skill with Occlumency, focused on the class that was just about to start.

The rest of the class settled down a few minutes later when Professor Umbridge walked out with a large, rattling chest behind her. The woman's smile was practically predatory and her round eyes were focused on Harry Potter.

"Good morning class." Her eyes remained fixed on Harry.

"Good morning, Professor Umbridge," the class managed to get out without any thought at the actual words coming out of their mouths.

"Today we will be continuing our review for your upcoming O.W.L. in Defense Against the Dark Arts. As such, I found a Boggart lurking in the castle."

Her grin grew very wide and Harry used every part of his mental skill to calm his rapidly beating heart.

All right, I know that is a little shorter than what is typical, but I wanted to at least get something out. With going through Soul Magic again and work, I have very little time. Obviously it is a cliffhanger, but otherwise the chapter would have been very long. Don't worry: the next one will more than make up for making you wait.