AN: I heard that some of you had trouble opening the last chapter. Please let me know if you continue to have problems opening any of the chapters so I can report it.
Chapter 17
Charlie waited patiently for Hermione's answer. Her face was uncharacteristically devoid of emotions and thoughts. Normally it would have been unnerving, but his control was still shot from being so heavily pushed, so he could feel every bit of her as her essence mixed with his. It was smaller, but still undoubtedly there.
In a way, he was glad she was thinking so carefully. He'd meant it when he said he wanted all or none. There was no way he would be able to handle being bound with her physically know he would never have her mind or soul as well. As far as he was concerned, she could have him, mind, body and soul for new and forever.
Hermione stared up into Charlie's intense green eyes, lost in thought. There was no doubt what he was asking. Just as there was no doubt she wanted every bit of Charlie she could have, and then some. But… never before had she considered letting someone in to that extreme. Sure her family and Harry, Ron and Ginny had reached the point of knowing her better than herself. Even the twins had, to a certain extent. But that had all been gradual and unconscious. Consciously choosing to allow someone in, to know all of you so intimately, wasn't easy. Especially for someone like Hermione, who preferred learning about others and knowing and understanding them in depth, and keeping her own distance.
She tried to imagine not having Charlie in her life. What would happen if she backed out and told him she couldn't do it. But she couldn't. She couldn't imagine not having him right there next to her. Finally, she understood.
Hermione's eyes met Charlie's, suddenly bright and with a new found clarity. In them he saw that she finally realized how strongly connected they were. They had been since the beginning. Suddenly their week of hell made since. They'd cracked that door that Friday evening, and trying to force it shut had done nothing but cause them agony. But not anymore.
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