Dinner at the Burrow has always been a spectacular event. The table was heaving with mouth-watering dishes and many sides that all of them could choose from and pick at. Not one seat was left empty and the mood was almost always merry. And even more so now that the war was over. It would take a while to shake off the gloom that has been present for the past months, and deal with the many deaths on their side, but for now, they were all glad to be around, and meeting as a family once again for a meal. Molly pulled her second eldest into another rib-cracking hug before ushering him next to Bill.
"Un-un!" Victoire squealed happily upon seeing him and reached her chubby little arms towards her godfather. The 8 month old babe was just starting to babble a little bit more coherently and that was how she recognised the dragon handler.
Charlie smiled gently and picked her up from the tall baby chair into his warm chest. "The one lady that shall forever be known to have ensnared me! With respect to you and Ginny of course, mumma dearest." he teased the plump woman who but laughed and waved his words off with a wooden spoon, bustling back towards the last of the pans still in need of stirring.
As if the baby girl understood him, she grabbed the front of his shirt tightly and gurgled happily. Charlie nuzzled her soft cheek. "Mwah mwah mwah little princess." he chuckled and pressed kisses to her forehead before finally sitting down. As he cradled her in his strong arms, she took a hold of his hand and begun to contently, and almost-toothlessly nibble on his finger. Her giant was paying attention to her, and papa was sitting nearby. Victoire was a content little girl, if only she had her mummy's pretty long hair to tug at...
Despite the sombre times of the war, Charlie had always found time for his niece. And to be now safe and with his family was beginning to feel like...well, home. Ginny appeared to be discussing something Quidditch-related with Ronald, while occasionally sending flirting glances at Harry. The boy-who-lived-to-probably-soon-marry-his-sister, now looking much more relaxed and less tired, was grinning happily at her antics. Love-stuck fools, Charlie chuckled to himself. Ronald was of course oblivious to the devious glint in the twins' eyes, the meddling duo most likely contemplating the ratio of mashed potatoes and mushy peas that would make his face look that much more ridiculous. He gave them 5 minutes to get the plan moving, judging by the twitch in George's hand.
Bill only gave him a quick smile when he noticed Charlie looking his way, before turning back to his discussion with dad about the new law from the Magical Creatures department concerning veelas. What caught Charlie's attention however was Hermione, sitting a few spaces down and across, who was gesticulating wildly, apparently making a point. Draco was nodding occasionally as he listened intently with a slight frown marring his forehead, stepping in with a counterargument once he saw the brunette pausing to draw in a breath. He could not hear what they were discussing over the merry talk at the table, but it seemed that they enjoyed the debate greatly. Didn't Hermione...slap, or punch him, or something at some point? At least that was what Ronald had told them during one of the summer breaks. How did they become friends? Or was it a war necessity?
"It's a shame you can only stay the weekend, Charlie dear." the ever kind voice of his mother brought him out of his thoughts. She handed him a bottle with some warmed up milk, and he licked the rubber before offering it to the happily resting babe in his arms, who reached for it hungrily.
"I will be actually staying for a week. As a senior handler, they have asked me to negotiate with the reserve in Wales." he smiled, but felt the little hair at the back of his neck stand, as if he was being watched. He looked up and his eyes met the icy gaze of the blond across the table. He was most likely not too happy about having to share the bedroom for a whole week, he thought.
"BLOODY HELL!" Ronald's sudden exclamation made them all turn to see what happened, laughter breaking out quickly around the table at the sight of the redhead, a large blob of mushy peas in the centre of his forehead and a full spoon of mash in his hair.
Bill leaned closer to Charlie with a slight grimace. "You know that would have been hilarious a few months ago. Now, it just reminds me of something Victoire could produce. If Ron was to feed and change her, it should surely end up in other places as well." he snickered.
Charlie scrunched his nose slightly at such words, momentarily put off his food, but an appetite such as his was not easily satisfied, so he turned to his plate and begun to pile it up with roast and boiled potatoes, his favourite. Butter and gravy... Molly handed him another plate with a fond smile, so he could pile up the broccoli. "Thanks mum." he smiled.
She always loved to see her children enjoying her food, and fill their bellies almost till they burst, but he made her the happiest. With the amount of work, and his fast Weasley metabolism, he usually ended up with two full plates during a meal, which made Molly just about beam with happiness and pride. He immediately dug in, still holding the feeding Victoire close, so he could only eat with one hand. He managed only with the fork for a while, enjoying the buttery potatoes and steamed broccoli, but waited until the little princess finished her bottle before he would get round to the rest of his meal.
She hiccuped as he took the empty bottle from her, and gently guided her into a sitting position to see if she needed to burp. He chuckled when she indeed did, making Bill and his dad jump at the content sound. Bill rolled his eyes at him but took his daughter into his own arms as he was finished with his own dinner and nodded to Charlie in gratitude. The dragon handler winked at the little girl who smiled at him sleepily and polished off his plate rather swiftly. With manners unlike Ronald, but swiftly. He hasn't eaten for 5 hours after all. Finally he sat back in his chair with a content hum, patting his firm belly.
"Mum, I can honestly say there is no one that cooks like you." he grinned, watching his dear mother beam with pride.
"Why thank you Charlie dear. Do they feed you enough in that place? All those dragons and hard work!" she tutted, always worrying about her children.
Charlie grinned cheekily. "Oh you know, we go hunting for wild boar, us barbarians." he winked teasingly.
"Oh you cheeky boy! Almost as bad as the twins." she waggled her finger at him, ignoring the mock offended pouts from the two pranksters. Charlie but chuckled, enjoying the light banter. Bill and him were the oldest and naturally the closest, since they were only a couple of years apart. And they were the only ones who would fondly tease their dear parents so. Being there to help bring up most of their younger siblings, you could not avoid finding great value in family, and share in the joy of their home with their parents.
"How about we make the drinks, like old times?" Bill asked his brother with a smile. They used to make Turkish coffee that Bill traded with some friends at Hogwarts, with a dash of firewhiskey for their parents some evenings, after all the ones who were still little were already in bed. Molly and Arthur have given their children all, and Bill and Charlie had long ago made a deal to look after them in turn, always.
Charlie nodded and sat up. "Well, since everyone here is finally of age, I guess we can make a treat for all." he grinned.
Hermione noticed Draco looked a little bit apprehensive at Charlie's grin. "Don't worry, it's really tasty." she said, admitting she had drank it before.
The blond raised an eyebrow. "My my Granger, admitting to indulging in alcoholic beverages before allowed age limit? Positively deviant of you, breaking the rules." he tutted teasingly.
Hermione mock glared. "You hold your tongue, Draco Malfoy. I know of all the Slytherin parties. You would be surprised what girls talk about in the lavatories."
Draco grinned. "Calm down, I am merely teasing. Does it have milk in it?" he asked.
Hermione nodded. "Are you lactose intolerant as well?"
"The perks of being a pure blood." he replied, each word dripping with sarcasm. While his face remained impassive, Hermione knew to read him well enough by now to see that speaking of his childhood or heritage was a matter of pride but still hurt his feeling somehow, especially after his parents' death.
She summoned her soya milk and put it on the table in front of Charlie. "Two soya ones please." she smiled. Charlie's gaze flickered towards the blond by her side for a moment before he nodded and headed for the kettle.
They all cleared out, Molly with little Victoire contentedly cuddled into the warmth of her squishy chest, leaving Bill and Charlie in the kitchen. They swiftly tended to the washing up with a few hefty charms and prepared the many mugs and glasses for their family.
"How are things with Fleur? Is she still refusing to face Molly?" Charlie asked, their conversation kept private with another charm sent at the door.
Bill nodded sadly. "She managed to say the wrong thing yet again. I don't think I have seen mum so unhappy. I mean, it's only a garden but you know how much time now mum puts in it. Fleur refused to get the carrots the last time she was around, apparently because her dress would be ruined by the gnomes who like to tug on it. I think mum even cried after we left, at least Ginny thought she heard her." he sighed.
Charlie just shook his head. "Those two need to start getting along. You know it's mum's birthday soon. Make Fleur get her the new magical degnomer, and perhaps if she said she would help with the garden, mum would be happy again." he suggested.
Bill waved his hand. "Thanks, we will need to think about somehting. I fear the two of them will never get along. Everything was so great when Victoire was born, but now that she's older again, and doesn't have to stay the night with her mother, it's getting a bit difficult again as I like to bring her over here often." he said distractedly, measuring out spoons of coffee according to everyone's tastes. "But enough about me. What about you and Ivan?" he asked.
While Charlie's face remained closed off, Bill knew his brother well and saw the slight wince in his shoulders. Charlie had always been a warm, open person, never shy about speak honestly with his brother. But after the many disappointments in love, Bill begun to fear for his brother's heart.
"He has found someone else to fill his...time. Apparently even the best I can offer is not good enough." he said almost nonchalantly. Truthfully, he thought they had an understanding with the young Russian cook. They have been lovers for over half a year, but what could you expect when you're but a dragon handler.. "But it's fine, I am sure he is content wherever he is. And I have plenty of affectionate beasts to occupy my time." he grinned, trying to shrug off the sour taste left in his mouth after the break up. At least he loved his job...
Bill shook his head. "You are being far too kind. I say good riddance. You went off to fight for your family, for your country really, and he in the mean time goes off and finds himself someone else to fuck, to put it crudely but honestly." he said in a simple, no nonsense tone. "He was not worthy of being your partner. Are you sure you don't want to try with the ladies again? I remember you did not mind either way back in Hogwarts." he winked teasingly.
Charlie but chuckled at his brother's words as he carefully separated the two glasses containing soya milk from the others. "Those times are long gone. I have not since met a woman that I would find attractive. Most likely because I work with angry dragon mothers. People say pregnant woman can be hell to live with. Try a dragon lady sitting on her eggs." he shuddered. "Really, my tastes have specified much since school times." he sighed softly.
Bill nodded in understanding, as they continued to prepare the drinks. He prepared some brown sugar with whiskey in a small pot, heating it up to be added to the coffee. The preparation was their little secret, which was why it was such a treat when they decided to make it after dinner. Charlie hesitated a moment before deciding to simply ask his brother. "Hey brother, what is the deal with Draco Malfoy?" he asked.
Bill looked at him in surprise, one of the claw marks that run through his eyebrow made him look down right incredulous. "What do you mean?" he inquired, his hand never ceasing in the stirring motion.
Charlie shrugged. "You know..how come he is so chummy with the trio and the whole family? I mean, I don't have anything against it, since I don't know him. He seems a little quiet, but decent. I just did not expect him around, considering the history between our families." he explained.
Bill nodded in understanding. "You have to share a room with him, I hear. I guess you want to know who you're sleeping with." he grinned cheekily, ducking the tea towel aimed at his head. "But to answer your question, apparently he came round to apologise to the trio, and asked to switch sides. He never wanted to be a Death Eater but before his mother accepted Voldemort's philosophy as her own, it was her life at risk. So he had taken the dark mark. As you can imagine, Ronniekins was not delighted in the least but Harry offered Draco his hand in friendship, and so he begun to spy. As he was in the inner circle with his father, his information was valuable. Apparently they became good friends. As you can imagine, our favourite bookworms adores finally having someone to argue with about something that does not involve homework or Quidditch." he grinned.
Charlie rolled his eyes at his antics but chuckled, finally understanding how it all came to be. "And why is he staying? I know mum likes to mother hen everyone, but he is a Malfoy after all."
Bill shrugged. "He has apologised and the family feud is resolved. He has nowhere to go until the Manor is cleaned form all the dark magic and artefacts. His parents were given the kiss. He really has no one but himself, the last Malfoy heir." he said, his voice a little softer in compassion with the young blond.
They came from a large family, never any privacy or silence in the house. Charlie could not imagine being the only one from his family left and suddenly understood the cheerful way his mother seemed to be around the blond, when she handed him food or caught his eye. She most likely considered him a part of the family, along with Harry and Hermione, who were both orphans as well now, as Hermione's parents died in a car accident in Australia a few months back.
"I guess it will be bearable to share the room then." he said nonchalantly, but Bill saw right through him and hid his grin. There appeared to be something about Draco that his brother seemed to find either interesting or irresistible. And as he knew Charlie, things might get interesting in the house, and soon.
"So, how do we do this then?" Draco asked from the window seat, ready to go to bed as it was nearing one in the morning. They all had a pleasant evening and the blond had to admit that while he was not used to having so little personal space, it was...nice.
Having grown up as an only child in a large Manor, where your parents rarely showed affection, was admittedly lonely at first, but then he got used it it. For pure-bloods who are more often than not only children, it was second nature to not question their upbringing, and only form acquaintances, never friendships. Now, he had no one to tell him how to behave, what was expected of him as the Malfoy heir, or how to lead his life. For the first time ever, he was an adult, completely free to do whatever he wanted. He was cleared of all charges, the ugly thing was gone from his forearm and life seemed full of options. Truth be told, he was not sure what to do with himself all of a sudden. But that had yet to come. For now, all he had to do was just be himself for a while.
Charlie turned around in his seat where he was working on a few pieces of paperwork for the reserve and stretched tiredly. He noticed the blond's long elegant fingers were idly playing with the thin leather bookmark, most likely not sure how to approach their situation. He stood up and gathered a pair of sleeping pants. "I'll go change in the bathroom, you can change here and then we'll see about how far we can enlarge the bed. Sounds like a plan?" he asked.
Draco nodded and watched the redhead leave. He noticed that Charlie did not take a shirt to change into, so basically he was about to sleep in the same room, in the same bed, with a half naked man he had known for a few hours. Certainly a change from his past experience of simply enjoying a good fuck with Blaise before they each went to their own bed and rested separately. And he would have a whole week of getting used to the redhead's presence in the bed, at least according to his words...
He was brought out of his thoughts when Charlie returned, clad only in a pair of simple grey sleeping pants, and was he a sight... Skin so licked by the sun only a few freckles were visible here and there...many little burns and scars littering his golden skin, with one large burn upon his side. But what caught his attention the most were the three tattoos colouring the redhead's skin. A black Ouroburus around his forearm, a Green Welsh climbing up the rest of his arm in a three quarter sleeve, with much shadowed detail, and a Chinese Fireball curled over his heart, the magically tattooed dragon contently puffing small clouds of smoke up to his collarbone. A sight indeed.
Charlie noticed the blond staring but did not comment, focusing his magic at the bed, enlarging it as far as it would go. "Which side do you usually sleep on?" he asked.
Draco swiftly lowered his gaze to the bed, conscious that he was not exactly covert in his glances and looked at the double bed. "Well, I am not used to sleeping with anyone in my bed." he admitted hesitantly.
Charlie did not comment, only nodding in acceptance. "No problem. How about I take the left, and you the right, and we'll see how we fit." he suggested, and they climbed in.
The large, wide built of the dragon handler was a bit of a tight squeeze to keep on the left, but he attempted at least to give Draco some space. His eyes were closing rapidly after days of hard work and soon he was snoring lightly into the night. Draco tried to fall asleep, curled up in a small ball upon his side as always when falling asleep, but he could not settle down. The blanket went down to the bottom of the bed as his sleeping companion was giving out a lot of heat. He did not have as much space as he would like, but maybe they could get through this. That was his last thought before he finally fell asleep a few moments later...