Elliroc, this is for you. Enjoy. It's amazing how far throwing flowers can get you.

3 Princess Leasha.

Chapter 22

Charlie's POV

"How many people told you that you weren't cut out for working with dragons?"

"Pretty much everyone, except for you and some of the other teachers. And her," I admitted quietly. "She told me that if I really wanted to do it I should, regardless of what anyone else said. She told me I would be great."

"She believed in you Charlie. Why is it so hard for you to believe in her?"

"Because she was thirteen when she said that. She had no idea of what it's like. I've been there; I've seen how dangerous it is. She'll get herself killed. I've seen people with decades of experience nearly killed. I've seen girls like her that want to work there so they can play with the cute little baby dragons lose limbs. She's not cut out for dragons."

I glanced up, looking for Alexis.

"She's gone. Where did she go?"

"I didn't see her leave," McGonagall said, "She was there just a few minutes ago."

"This is precisely what I mean by everything I just said. Stupid, reckless, immature and childish. This castle was swarming with Death Eaters not even an hour ago and she wanders off on her own," I said as I headed off in search of Alexis.

Alexis's POV

I stood in front of the mirror and sighed, I didn't look like me but Charlie wanted mature so it would have to do. I had changed from my comfy jeans and singlet to a black skirt, button up top, black heels and stockings. I had also pulled my hair back into a ponytail and found some glasses to make me look even more mature and smarter. I made a mental list of everything I usually did that fell into the categories of stupid, reckless, immature or childish and discovered that almost all my usual activities fitted into at least one of the categories. No more quidditch, snow angels, snowball fights, experimenting on products. No more drunken dancing with Katie. No more ice skating. No more truth or dare. No more pranks with Fred and George. There was nothing.

I had been able to hear Charlie calling me for about 20 minutes before he was outside the room. He started pounding on the wall, shouting my name. I sighed again, straightening my clothes before walking out, wand raised at Charlie.

"What was the name of the baby horntail that attacked me?" I asked, advancing towards him.

"Alexis don't be stupid. You know it's me."

"Tell me or I'll hex you."

"Her name is Amber. Now put your wand down."

I put my wand away and started heading towards Gryffindor tower. Charlie grabbed my arm as I went to walk past him, turning me around to face him.

"What is this?" he asked, gesturing at me.

"I am Alexis. These are clothes," I replied, plucking at my shirt.

"That's not what I mean Alexis. Since when have you worn stuff like this?"

"Since I felt like it. Why? Do you have a problem with it?"

"It's not you. You don't wear things like this."

"Apparently I do."

"Why did you leave? We were supposed to stay together remember."

"I needed to change."

"Well you could have said something."

"I don't need constant supervision Charlie."

"I never said you did."

"Don't deny it Charlie. 'She is childish and immature and would need constant supervision,'" I quoted.

He closed his eyes and sighed, "Lexy I didn't mean it like that."

"My name is Alexis. And you did mean it like that; if you didn't mean it you wouldn't have said it."

"Alexis, go and change. This isn't you."

"No, I'm not changing. I'm being mature."

"No, you're being stubborn. And childish and immature. Proving everything I said."

"Well at least I'm not a lying bastard like you. At least I don't use people in an attempt to satisfy myself like you do. At least my head isn't so far up my own ass that I can't think about anyone other than myself. Would you like me to continue?"

He shook his head, "No, but at least I'm not a nasty, spiteful, hurtful bitch like you."

I slapped him across the face as hard as I could. He didn't move but I could see a handprint beginning to form as I turned and headed towards Gryffindor tower.

I didn't cry as I sat in a large armchair by the fire, I knew I had deserved every word he said. I heard someone climb through the portrait hole. I didn't have to turn around to know it was Charlie. He came and stood directly in front of the fire.

"Excuse me, you're blocking my view."

"Good, that was the point."

I rolled my eyes and stared at the wall instead. He reached a hand out to touch my face.

"Don't touch me."

"Don't you think that's a little bit unfair? You slap me across the face but you won't let me touch you."

"It's not about fair Charlie. Life isn't fair. I don't want you to touch me so don't."

"And I didn't want you to slap me." He retorted.

"You deserved it."

"No I didn't."

"Yes you did. You called me a nasty, spiteful, hurtful bitch. You definitely deserved it."

"Only because you said horrible things to me."

"You deserved it all Charlie."

"Why?"

"Because."

"That's not an answer Alexis."

"Yes it is."

"No it isn't. Look at me."

I shook my head and closed my eyes.

"Alexis open your eyes and look at me," he demanded, raising his voice slightly. He was getting angry now, I didn't need to look at him to know that his fists would be clenched and his cheeks would be tinged with red.

"No."

"Just tell me what I did."

"You hurt me Charlie," I said quietly as I started crying.

"I never touched you." He protested.

"Not physically. There are other ways to hurt people Charlie."

"I don't underst…"

"I'll make it simple. Charlie Weasley, I love you. I have loved you for years and you just confuse me."