. This is Hermione's dress if anyone was wondering.
. This is Ginny's dress if anyone was wondering.
JK ROWLING OWNS.
Hermione felt the familiar tugging in her belly button, and a second later they were outside the little French restaurant. Usually after apparating she was dizzy but inside Charlie's protective arms she felt perfectly fine. She leaned into his chest and wrapped her arms around his middle.
Charlie didn't waste anytime and he gripped Hermione in a tighter hug, laying his cheek on the top of her head. He ran his fingers up and down her spine, making delicate pictures. Hermione shivered against him and giggled, "I think they're probably wondering where we are." She didn't pull away from him though.
"Yah they probably are." He didn't pull away either.
She lifted her head to look into his eyes, "I really missed you Charlie."
"I missed you too Mione, it wasn't nearly as fun in Romania when you weren't there." He told her, and it was actually the truth. When she had left after those 3 months of it being them two, best friends hanging out all the time. She had taken the sunshine out of his life. He hadn't realized how lonely he was until she had left.
She scrunched her nose at him and laughed, "Didn't Abby keep you occupied?" she asked him a worried look in her eyes.
Charlie laughed, Abby had been the girl he had been seeing before Hermione had came out and for sometime during her visit. Abby was a leggy blonde dragon keeper, and Charlie had thought she was the one. But than Hermione had come into his life and poof, Abby hadn't mattered at all. "No Hermione, after I had my eyes opened by a fantastically beautiful and smart witch Abby didn't matter anymore."
Hermione breath caught and entwined her hands behind Charlie's neck, pulling him down.
"Come on guys, our table is waiting," Harry called out the front door. When he noticed the way they were pressed together he scowled.
Hermione pulled out of Charlie's arms, she turned her frustration on Harry. "Can I speak to you a moment Harry?"
Charlie noticing how angrily Hermione was looking at Harry he decided this was his moment to leave, "Yah I'll go wait at the table with Ginny." He walked away and after he passed Harry (who was really giving him the look, and Charlie didn't blame him, Harry was trying to be protective) he turned and winked at Hermione. She smirked sexily and his stomach gave a little flip. This witch was really driving him crazy he thought with a smile on his face as he walked in the restaurant.
Harry walked to Hermione and they were both glaring at each other. It was silent for a few moments and Harry decided he was going to break it. "What is going on with you and Charlie?"
Hermione laughed slightly the anger leaving her eyes. She guessed she had to appreciate Harry. He was just trying to protect her.
"Harry," she said calmly, "Do you trust me?"
Harry looked shocked, "Of course I do Mione, it's him I don't trust. You're in a delicate state and I won't let another Weasley take advantage of you." He said angrily.
Hermione grabbed Harry in a hug and laughed, "You're in a relationship with a Weasley Harry."
"Well… Yah, but you're my best friend. And I'm really mad at Ron for what he did to you Hermione. I know you're strong but it killed me to see you crying today." He said quietly hugging her back. "You mean more to me than most people Hermione, you are my family."
Tears were in Hermione's eyes when she pulled back, "Harry and you're my family too. But I actually really like Charlie. I've liked him for a long time. But I've always been with Ron; I thought Ron and I would be forever. But all day I've been realizing that I was settling for him. I'll always love Ron, Harry. He was my first love and is still one of my best friends. But I'm surprisingly not hurt about it."
Harry looked at her, "You sure? You looked pretty hurt about it this morning."
"Well of course I was hurt when he told me, I was shocked. I felt like I didn't deserve to be loved." A tear fell down her cheek. "And maybe I'm still a little worried that I don't deserve to be happy, but I believe in fate. And that everything happens for a reason."
Harry reached up and wiped the tear from her face, "I'm so sorry Hermione, you should never feel like that. This is all my fault." Harry said defeated.
"How is this your fault Harry?" Hermione said angrily, "You don't own everyone's actions. This was Ron's decision. Don't own his actions."
"If I hadn't put them together this never would have happened. You guys would be happy right now. I feel like I'm in the middle and I have to choose. And its been killing me all day." He said sadly looking at his feet.
Hermione laughed again, "Harry I'd never ask you too choose, so don't even worry. You're my best friend and Ron is still my best friend. We've been through too much stuff." Hermione reached down and squeezed his hand. "This isn't your fault Harry. Please stop worrying."
Harry squeezed her hand back and he took a deep breath, "Okay, I'll give Charlie a chance." He laughed, "I do think he's a great guy so that makes it a bit better. And he's Ginny's favorite brother. So I guess I can give him a chance." He wrapped her in a last hug, "If I had to choose it would be you," he whispered into her ear and kissed her temple. "Now lets get inside, I'm as hungry as a Hippogriff."
Hermione laughed with Harry as he pulled her into the restaurant and pulled her toward hopefully her future.
OoO
While Harry and Hermione were having their talk, Ginny was interrogating Charlie. "What was taking you so long brother dearest?" she asked smirking like a pixie.
"Ginny, why don't you ask me what you want to know. Stop playing coy kiddo. I know you better than that." Charlie said laughing as he sat down across from his sister.
"Do you like Hermione?" she asked, loving that her brother knew he wanted to get straight to the point.
"I've liked her for a while Gin, since she came to Romania." He said seriously.
"Is she why you broke up with what's her name?"
"Yes, along with other reasons. But mostly yes."
"Wow," Ginny said. "How do you feel about the whole thing with Ron?"
"Angry." He said, getting a hard glint in his eyes. "I couldn't believe that git would throw her away like that."
Ginny laughed and patted her brother on his hand that was clenched in the table cloth, "Yah we seen his eyes, that was rather sweet of you Charlie."
Charlie laughed, "Yah well I know how hard this must be on Harry. You know being in the middle. And I was just so pissed when he walked in. He hurt her Gin, and I'm not cool with that."
Ginny smiled at her brother, "You guys will be great together. I heartily give my consent."
Charlie laughed, "I don't think its your decision kiddo. Hermione and I have a lot of chemistry but I know she's still hurting about Ron. She's a strong girl but I can see her aching inside. And I don't want to push her thinking I want to take advantage."
"You're too good of a guy for that Charlie, and Hermione knows it."
Charlie looked up at his sister, "Do you really think I have a chance Gin?" he asked his eyes hopeful.
"I think you have more than a chance Charlie."
Charlie smiled, and looked up as Hermione and Harry walked into the restaurant. They both looked happy so Charlie figured their talk went well, and if to confirm Harry looked up at him and gave him a nod. Charlie nodded back and Hermione looked into his eyes. Charlie crossed his fingers under the table that this would be the girl for him.
Awe…. YAY.
Harry & Hermione needed a chance to talk, especially so Harry will quit interrupting. Silly Harry Potter. I hope you guys like the chapter. Getting everything out in the open. Hermione is still hurt by Ron but trusts in fate. And Charlie really likes her. Sigh. Love is in the air.
