Posted: 11 June, 2011

Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story that is recognisable from the Harry Potter books, movies, etc. Everything else however (eg. story plot, original characters, etc.) stems from my own imagination and belongs to me. No copyright infringement is intended and I am not profiting financially from this story in any way.

Random Pairing Ficlet #2

"Bad weather we're having, don't you think Nick?" Charlie winced as soon as the words escaped him. Was that the best he could do? Comment on the weather? Then of course, he made it even more pathetic by adding, "Very wet."

"Yes, rain does tend to be that way, non?" Nick said, eyes sparkling with amusement and a sort of knowing that made Charlie flush. Said flush wasn't at all helped by the faint French accent that, since meeting the man and hearing it spoken, Charlie had come to find unbearably attractive. He really owed Bill an apology for scoffing when his big brother went all dopey about his wife Fleur's accent. "As for bad, I don't know that I'd agree. I've always loved thunderstorms. They're sort of exciting, don't you think?"

"'Exciting', huh?" Charlie managed to say, though his voice was choked. Well, who could blame him really, with the innuendo behind that word? Or maybe he was just imagining it. Wishful thinking, perhaps? Feeling even more flustered, and doubting himself now also, he abruptly changed topics. "So, how goes the research?"

"Very well," Nick said, face lighting with an almost demented academic zeal. Charlie somehow found this endearing rather than disturbing, which was only proof, he admitted to himself, that he was hopelessly infatuated. "I've already proved two of my theories correct and am near to confirming the third. Soon, there will be another three known uses of dragon's blood."

"That's it!" Nick raised a seductive- no, it was a questioning eyebrow, Charlie corrected himself, even if the gesture did send a shiver down his spine. Nick raised a questioning eyebrow at his sudden exclamation, so he hurried to explain. "I finally remembered where I'd heard of your study before. Didn't Dumbledore do some work on discovering the uses of dragon's blood? I'm sure I remember reading about it in his obituary in the Prophet."

"Yes, he did. Albus's death was a great loss to the world, the magical academic community being no exception. He was a good friend and I enjoyed working with him. He'll be missed." Nick sounded sad, in a quiet sort of way. Charlie wondered how they'd come to know each other and work together, when Nick was so much younger. He didn't ask though, not liking the idea of making this man more melancholy. "Although," Nick said, perking up and looking at him with teasing amusement, "one would think that as a man who has dedicated his life to these noble beasts," and he nodded toward the window, through which dragons could be seen soaring amongst the storm clouds overhead, "you would have figured this out sooner, non?"

"Well, I, ah- I've never been much for that sort of thing," he admitted sheepishly. "I know what they eat and what they can't; sleep cycles, life cycles and reproduction cycles; how to heal them when they're ill or injured; and a million other things. But anything that doesn't relate directly to care and handling?" He shrugged, a bit sheepishly. "No clue."

"Ah well, we all have our callings. Mine happens to be alchemy."

"Alchemy?"

"Yes. Have you not figured it out by now?" Nick asked, looking amused again. "Merlin knows I've given you enough clues since I arrived at the reservation-"

"What clues?"

"-because I make it a point not to get involved with someone unless they know who I am. Secrets and lies are never a good basis for a romantic relationship."

"Romantic relationship?" Charlie swore his voice hadn't squeaked like that since he was fifteen. "Did you just say-"

"You have to put together the clues first Charlie, before you give me a response." Nick laughed then. "Though I'm guessing, from that fiery blush, that I'll be pleased." At the words Charlie only went redder. "Come on now," Nick urged, stepping closer to him. "You know I'm an alchemist currently interested in the uses dragon's blood. And that I worked with Albus who, coincidentally, was involved in discovering the first twelve uses with an alchemist partner. And finally, an extra clue, 'Nick' is not my full name, but rather a sobriquet."

Charlie's mind worked slowly, almost reluctantly, as though unwilling to believe the conclusion it was coming to. Dumbledore's obituary, where it mentioned his research with dragon's blood, had also mentioned his partner hadn't it? He strained his memory and recalled the person: alchemist, Nicolas Flamel. But it couldn't be! He'd heard about Nicolas Flamel from Ron and his two friends, when they'd once explained about their first year adventures. Flamel was supposed to have lived for centuries!

"But you're not old!" he objected. Nick looked about Charlie's own age actually. And very fit. And then Charlie remembered something else Harry had added to the tale. How Flamel's miraculous Philosopher's Stone had been destroyed, and with it that which kept the man alive. "And you're not dead!" Oh, and hadn't Hermione mentioned a wife? His stomach churned at the thought, and he added another blurted comment. "He's married!"

"Yes, I am old," Nick said patiently, stepping closer still. He rested a hand on Charlie's arm and the redhead shivered. "But I look good for my age, non?" And he winked. "Benefits of the Elixir of Life. Keeps a body young and handsome. As for not being dead, once again, the Elixir helps there."

"But I heard your stone was destroyed. Ron, my brother, he's friends with Harry Potter, and they told me about rescuing it from You-Know-Who years back, and how it was destroyed afterwards."

"A ruse," Nick said dismissively, but with a slight, self-satisfied smirk. "Dumbledore spread a little false information for me, as a favour to this old friend, as well as to keep Voldemort from continuing to seek it. It worked perfectly. And as for the marriage comment, Perenelle Flamel is not my wife, she's my sister." He shook his head. "Why everyone seems to come to the other conclusion I'm not sure."

"Oh," Charlie said, feeling quite relieved.

"So now that you know who I am, and are assured I am unmarried…" Nick stepped closer again. They were now so near that their bodies brushed from thigh to chest. Charlie's heart raced and his breathing was heavy. He suddenly realised Nick's breathing was much the same, and the eyes looking into him were dark with intent. "Now that all that is understood," Nick continued, "perhaps it's about time you did something about this attraction we have and kiss me."

So Charlie did.

Pairing:
- Charlie Weasley / Nicolas Flamel

Reviews make me happy (hint, hint).