Who's Hermione's Paramour?
Summary: Hermione goes to a party, who will she hook up with? You decide!
Disclaimer: I do not make money with this, just playing in the sandbox.
Chapter 5 Charlie
Hermione's life sucked and that was being nice about it. She had quit her Ministry job the week before, her latest try at dating had tanked, her parents still wouldn't speak to her and most of her friends were busy with their own lives, she rarely saw them anymore. It wasn't supposed to be like that. She knew everyone would travel their own paths after the Final Battle and everything but she had thought they'd stay in better contact. Her only reprieve was the letters she exchanged with Charlie Weasley.
After the Battle, cleanup, rebuilding and funerals were done, Hermione had moved into the Burrow. Molly had been beside herself when the matriarch had learned that Hermione's parents had chosen to snub their daughter because she had chosen to protect them, so she had invited Hermione to stay at the Burrow so she could heal properly and around those who cared about her. Hermione hadn't the heart to tell the woman no and had taken a room. After all, Molly Weasley had become like a second mum to her while in school, now she would be the only mum she might have.
Hermione had gotten her mastery in Transfiguration and Arithmancy before being offered a job at the Ministry. She had been promised so much but no one had delivered. Two years in and she was still thought of as too young to know anything, despite being the brains behind the 'Golden Trio' and the 'Brightest-Witch-of-the-Age'. Hermione had finally had enough when a promotion that had been promised to her went to a wizard with half her intellect, and that was being nice about it, and she had quit on the spot.
Now, over a week later, the ones that had dismissed her ideas and suggestions were begging for her to come back. She told them she would think about it but knew her answer would be 'No'. She was no one's fool and to ask her to be one was insulting. Hermione knew things would go back to the way they were that had her quitting in short order and had no desire to get her hopes up only to be dashed back down, again.
Instead, Hermione had taken the last week or so to try to clear her head. She needed to figure out what she wanted. She was even considering leaving Britain all together, too many memories to deal with and the community either loved her or hated her, the press wouldn't leave her alone and she still had witches sending her hate mail from going to the Yule Ball with Victor Krum but she had no clue where to go.
Deciding to go to one more Yule Ball at Hogwarts, Hermione apparated away. After entering the Great Hall, she had to do a double take, the decorations were animated...too animated. As she took it all in, she had to laugh. The reindeers were walking along the walls leaving 'snow drifts', the snowmen were sneezing snow on everyone, the garland were tinsel fighting Santas and the enchanted ceiling was a blizzard. It was so absurd as to be quite charming. Hermione had no doubt that Fred and George had had a hand in it all. As she took in everything, Hermione found herself twirling around and laughing. It was wonderful.
When she finally made her way to her friends, her mood had lightened considerably; maybe the future would work out despite everything. Once Hermione greeted her friends and learned of the "wardrobe crisis", she smiled and good-naturedly rolled her eyes. As she scanned the Hall, her eyes spotted a particular red-head and she bounced on her toes, Charlie had come! In her excitement to greet him she didn't say anything to her friends as she left, hearing them chuckle behind her.
HG-CW HG-CW HG-CW
"Charlie, I need you to come help with decorating at the school." Molly informed him.
"Me? Why?" Charlie paused in his task to shoot his mum a disbelieving look. "Don't the professors take care of that?"
"Well, yes, but so many are new, Minerva would like a few others to help out." Molly explained with an expectant look.
"Alright, mum, I'll help." Charlie caved and knew it was the right thing when his mother beamed at him, however, he wasn't going to be the only one. The twins owed him for defending their arses when their mum had had a fit over them reopening their business. Plus, he just might have a few ideas on how those two could brighten the Hall up, hopefully enough to make a certain witch smile.
Charlie couldn't stop the small smile when he thought of Hermione Granger. She was so refreshing. Her intelligence scared many wizards but Charlie found it great, other blokes would too if they gave her a chance. Hermione didn't flaunt her knowledge like many thought, she just stated what was on her mind. Her passion could be overwhelming but Charlie knew he could handle it, he did have six siblings. Hermione's loyalty was priceless. It didn't matter if she was the only one, if you were her friend, she was there and dared any to cross her, the last of Harry's fourth year and all of fifth year crossed his mind. Then Charlie thought of Hermione's fierceness, she lived up to the house she was sorted into. Friend, ally, family, underdog...didn't matter, when she considered someone one of these, there was nothing she wouldn't do to help, protect or support them.
Then Charlie thought of the witch's beauty. Most would consider her plain or mediocre but Charlie thought she was quite beautiful. Hermione never took time to truss herself up like a lot of witches; she had other things to concentrate on, like staying alive. But her sort of beauty was understated. She hadn't ever a need to paint herself up or wear any particular style to be beautiful and alluring. Actually, as he thought about it, it made her more beautiful and alluring to him, what you saw was what you got. It was quite refreshing.
Charlie was still thinking of Hermione when he floo'd to the twins flat and went down to the store. He knew they were busy with Christmas so near but they owed him and he wanted to cash in. Once in the store, Charlie took a moment to adjust to the sights and sounds. It was the only place that rivaled a Weasley dinner. After acclimating, he scanned the crowded store when he spotted Fred or George, he never tried to tell them apart, came flying by on his broom.
"What's up, Char?" a twin asked.
Charlie gazed at his brother for a moment, "I want to even the score."
The twin eyed his older brother skeptically, "You want to cash in the favor we owe you?"
"Yes" Charlie answered.
"Go to the backroom and we'll meet you there in ten." the twin told him.
Charlie made his way to the backroom, greeting those he knew along the way. When he entered, his ears were relieved the twins had put a silencing charm up, the store couldn't be heard. It took them a few minutes longer to get back there than what they thought but soon enough Fred and George greeted their older brother.
"Charlie!" George exclaimed.
"Twin." Charlie chuckled.
"Still not trying to figure out who's who?" Fred asked.
"Nope!" Charlie grinned at them.
"So, I hear you want our help with something?" George asked.
"I do and it'll make us even." Charlie stated.
"Maybe, depends on what"
"you want"
"our help"
"with" the twins responded, making Charlie chuckle.
It drove most people crazy when they would do twin speak but he hoped they never changed. It just showed how connected they really were.
Over the next twenty minutes,. Charlie explained what he wanted them to do and the twins agreed quickly.
"Thanks for helping!" Charlie told them sincerely.
"No"
"problem"
"and"
"we"
"still"
"owe"
"you." they told Charlie.
"Alright, have it your way then. Be there in an hour?" Charlie conceded. He knew better to argue with either of them. When it came to Hermione, the twins made it their mission to make her smile. They knew more than most about what was happening in the witch's life due to Charlie sharing a bit and being observant when she was around. They loved her a sister and would do anything for her.
So an hour later, Fred and George apparated to Hogwarts and was led into the Great Hall. Molly was pleased to see the twins but quickly warned them to keep any pranks away from the Hall, it was a time for festive fun, not pranking. Instead of leaving their mother out of the loop, the twins told Molly what they were planning and why. When Molly heard what they had in mind, she smiled broadly and hugged them both.
"Such good boys!" She told them. "Try not to be too overboard with anything." she warned as she walked away.
"Well"
"that went"
"better than"
"expected." they said to each other just before starting their additions to the other decorations.
An hour later, less than an hour before the Ball would start, Charlie surveyed his brothers' handiwork and smiled. If this didn't make his little witch smile, nothing would. Now he just needed to wait and watch.
It was an hour later when the witch of his dreams walked into the Great Hall and her response was brilliant! Charlie chuckled at her enthusiasm and joy. She loved what the twins had done and there was a genuine smile upon her lips that Charlie hadn't seen in far too long. As he watched her greet those around her as she made her way to Harry and Ron, Charlie thought her beautiful; her happiness radiating throughout the room.
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As Charlie finished a conversation with another guest, he looked up to see Hermione walking his way. Deciding to step away from the rowdy table of his family, he walked to the back of the room and leaned against a wall, his eyes never leaving her.
"Charlie!" Hermione enthused as she hugged him.
"Hermione, as beautiful and radiant as ever." Charlie complimented her and enjoyed the slight shade of pink to her cheeks.
"Oh, you!" she muttered before looking around the room. "Aren't the decorations wonderful?" she asked.
"They are, yes." Charlie answered.
"Did Fred and George help any?" Hermione asked, a bit of suspicion in her voice.
"They did." Charlie told her.
"Well, for once, they did an awesome job!" Hermione gushed, a wide smile on her face.
"Would the Lady wish to dance?" Charlie asked as he bowed to her.
"Please!" Hermione answered as she took his hand and allowed Charlie to lead her to the dance floor.
"Enjoying your night?" Charlie quietly asked, enjoying the shiver that went down her spine.
"I am." Hermione answered, her voice a bit breathless. "But I must admit, I'm about ready to leave."
"Would you allow me to escort you home?" Charlie asked.
"I would appreciate that very much, thank you." Hermione shared as Charlie led her to the door after their last dance.
Unbeknownst to the couple, Molly and several others watched them leave with smiles. Fred and George high-fived at the smile they saw on Hermione's face, knowing they helped put it there.
Once at Hermione's door, Charlie leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Well, that was what he had intended to do but Hermione had turned her head at that time and their lips met. When his witch didn't pull away or freeze up, Charlie took it as the sign he needed and deepened the kiss. After a time, they broke for air and Hermione leaned her head on his chest.
"Wow!" she breathed.
"Wow indeed." Charlie echoed.
"Would you like to come in, Charlie?" Hermione asked.
"Only if you truly wish me to, Hermione." Charlie answered as he tilted her head up so she could see the sincerity his words held.
Hermione studied his eyes for a moment before she gave a small nod and reached for his hand to pull him into her flat.
~FIN~
