TENSION gripped Barty as he acclimated to the dimness of the room. Glancing at Charlotte, he saw her weakened state as she struggled against a mound of pillows. Despite her determination, she made little headway, wincing with each attempt to adjust herself.
With guilt and fury rising within him — directed at himself for not being at her side and Greyback — Barty snapped at Charlotte for her reckless actions.
"What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?!" he demanded, concern and frustration lacing his tone. As he reached her side and perched on the bed, his anger softened into worry. Gently supporting her, his hands brushed against her clammy skin.
"I want to sit up," Charlotte murmured weakly, her voice barely audible after the earlier screaming.
Barty's brow furrowed with concern as he gently chided her, his voice laced with worry.
"You need to let me help you," he insisted, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Your wounds need time to heal. Pushing yourself like this won't help."
Charlotte hesitated before speaking, her lips parting in a tentative attempt to apologize, yet pain momentarily halted her words. The weight of her injuries and the emotional strain weighed heavily on her.
"Don't call me Charlie, Barty, you have no right to, not anymore," she retorted, frustration and anguish evident in her tone. "Especially after leaving me alone last night, without a word. And you weren't there earlier when I needed you! It was Greyback who attacked me, Barty."
Barty's expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Charlotte," he murmured, his voice tinged with regret. "I know I messed up. But I'm here now, and I won't leave you again. Let me make it right. I promise you, Greyback will pay for what he did to you. But right now, your focus needs to be on getting better."
Charlotte collapsed back against the pillows, her voice barely above a whisper, trembling with emotion. "Why did you do it, Barty?"
The sudden pain in her voice and in his chest to hear it caught him off guard. "What?" Barty's voice trailed off slowly as realization dawned upon him. To his surprise, Charlotte wasn't upset.
"Does it need saying, Barty, truly?" Charlotte demanded weakly, her eyes unwavering.
Witnessing this, Barty's breath caught in his throat. "Charlotte, I... we... were confused," he blurted out, his words stumbling.
Charlotte raised her gaze, staring at him as if awakened from a prolonged slumber, her eyes filled with a mix of fury, confusion, and hurt.
"This is the part where you apologize to me. Don't insult me this way. So, I'm confused, but you are not? I'm not a child, Barty, with no understanding of her feelings, so don't pretend like I am! I'm a burden to you, Barty, aren't I?" she whispered hoarsely.
Acting on impulse, Barty grasped Charlotte's shoulders. "No, Charlotte, you are not a burden," he began hesitantly, his voice a blend of softness and desperation.
Charlotte's gaze remained fixed on Barty's, her expression a mixture of defiance and vulnerability. "If we're to be together, if you want me to be with you, then you have to learn to trust me. We must face whatever obstacles come our way, side by side," she said firmly.
Barty's grip softened slightly, admiration flickering in his eyes.
"You don't understand the danger," he replied, his voice tinged with concern.
"I'm aware of the risks, Barty, you forget who my father is," she interrupted, her tone firm.
Barty's gaze softened, his initial resistance giving way to a sense of admiration for Charlotte's courage. Despite his reservations, he couldn't deny the depth of his feelings for her, nor could he ignore the undeniable truth in her words.
"Why did you leave?" she murmured, her words laden with vulnerability. "After…after you kissed me and then left, I thought…why did you just leave?"
Barty's heart sank at hearing the pain in Charlotte's voice. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, his own emotions raw.
"I'm sorry, Charlotte," he said softly, his voice filled with remorse. "I didn't mean to…to hurt you. I left because…because I needed time to think." He reached out to gently take her hand, his touch tender. "But I never meant to leave you feeling abandoned. I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere."
Charlotte's voice quivered as she struggled to process Barty's explanation.
"How…how can I trust you?" she whispered, her eyes still shut tightly against the pain and confusion. "After everything…how can I know that you won't just…disappear again?"
Barty felt the weight of her words pierce through him like a dagger to the heart, understanding the depth of her doubt and fear. He took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes.
"I understand why you feel that way," he replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. "And I know I don't deserve your trust right now. But I promise you, Charlotte, I'm not going anywhere. I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust, to prove to you that I'm here for you, always."
Charlotte's eyes softened as she looked at him, a glimmer of hope flickering. "I want to believe you, Barty," she said softly. "I want to believe that we can overcome all of this together."
Barty nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "We will," he said firmly. "I won't let you down again, Charlotte. I'll be here for you, no matter what."
With those words, a sense of relief washed over Charlotte, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, there was hope for them yet. Charlotte hesitated, uncertainty etched across her features.
"Greyback, Barty. What will you do to him?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, fear flickering in her eyes.
Charlotte's question hung in the air, tense with anticipation, as she awaited Barty's response. When he spoke, his voice was laced with a seething anger that sent shivers down her spine.
"That dog" he spat, "will pay for what he's done to you." His shaking hands clenched into fists at his sides, his eyes blazing with fiery intensity. "I'll gut the bastard from throat to cock, like the animal he is. I'll flay him alive until there's nothing left of the dog's skin but bones."
Shock and horror washed over Charlotte at Barty's violent words.
"No!" she cried out, her voice trembling with outrage. "I don't care what he's done to me, we're not killing him! You can't... you can't kill him." She stared at Barty, her eyes blazing with anger. "That would make you no better than Greyback himself."
Barty stared at her incredulously, his anger momentarily overridden by disbelief at her words. He opened his mouth to respond, but found himself at a loss for words, unsure of how to reconcile his desire for vengeance with Charlotte's unwavering moral compass.
Barty's disbelief morphed into frustration as he locked eyes with Charlotte. "Have you lost your mind?" he demanded, his tone edged with exasperation. "Do you even hear yourself?"
Charlotte's expression hardened, mirroring his frustration. "I'm not defending him or his actions," she retorted sharply. "But resorting to violence only repeats the cycle."
Barty's frustration deepened, fueled by urgency. "You don't grasp the gravity of the situation, Charlotte," he countered, his desperation evident. "Allowing Greyback to roam free invites more danger upon us."
Charlotte maintained her resolve, her voice steady. "I understand the risks, but we can't abandon our principles," she insisted.
Barty's fists clenched, his resolve unwavering. "We need to protect ourselves by any means necessary," he argued, his tone resolute.
Charlotte's gaze softened, empathy shining through. "I know you're worried, but there has to be another way," she urged gently.
Barty's jaw clenched as he weighed her words, torn between his desire for vengeance and his love for Charlotte. Finally, he let out a resigned sigh.
"I'll think of something," he conceded reluctantly, his tone heavy with defeat. "But if Greyback lays a finger on you again, I won't hesitate to slit the bastard's throat, mark my words. We're going to make sure he never hurts anyone again. We'll find him," he replied, his voice determined. "With your father's help, we'll track him down and he will be mine to work on."
Before he could discuss his intentions further, the door creaked open and Elias appeared in the doorway, the older wizard's expression wrought with concern.
Barty's irritation flared briefly at their moment alone interrupted, but he quickly masked it with a curt nod of acknowledgment, recognizing Elias's worry for his daughter's well-being. As Elias rushed to Charlotte's side, Barty stepped aside, allowing him to offer comfort and support.
Despite his frustration at the interruption, Barty knew that Elias's presence would be invaluable in their quest to locate Greyback. Elias rushed to Charlotte's side, his eyes brimming with tears as he enveloped her in a tight embrace.
"Oh, Charlie, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I thought I had lost you."
Charlotte leaned into her father's embrace, her own eyes welling with tears. "I'm here," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen, it's my fault."
Elias held her at arm's length, his hands tenderly cradling her cheeks as he looked into her eyes.
"Shh, Charlie, no," he murmured, wiping away her tears. "It wasn't your fault. None of this is ever your fault, do you understand me?" His voice took on a stern tone, waiting until she weakly nodded before continuing. "We'll get through this together, Charlie, I promise."
Charlotte tried to argue, her voice filled with self-blame. "But I shouldn't have gone off into the woods alone," she insisted, her words tinged with guilt.
Barty fiercely interrupted her, his voice cutting through her self-reproach.
"Charlotte, stop," he interjected, his tone commanding. "You couldn't have known you'd run into Greyback. This is not your fault and I don't want to hear you say that it is again."
Charlotte fell silent, her gaze dropping as she absorbed Barty's words. Despite her reluctance to accept it, his reassurance offered a small measure of comfort during her turmoil.
Barty's gaze softened as he saw Charlotte's turmoil, his tone gentler as he continued. "Let me deal with Greyback, he's my problem to deal with, not yours," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "But right now, the most important thing is your recovery."
Charlotte nodded slowly, her expression still heavy with guilt but also with a glimmer of acceptance. She knew she couldn't change what had happened, but she could focus on healing and moving forward.
Elias placed a comforting hand on Charlotte's shoulder, offering her a reassuring smile.
"We'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, sweetheart," he said, his voice steady with determination. "You're not alone in this. Severus has been invaluable to us and helping you, Charlie, sweetheart. We owe the man a debt of gratitude," Elias spoke after a moment, breaking the silence, his voice softer, filled with gratitude and concern as he cast a sidelong glance at Barty, who nodded.
Charlotte nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of their words. "I'll make sure to thank him," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.
Elias tenderly placed his hand on her shoulder, his gaze conveying a mixture of sorrow and determination.
"Charlotte, that said, I must warn you," he murmured gently. "The scratches on your back, my dear... they will leave scars. No potion, not even Dittany, can erase their imprint. Yet, these scars, speak of our resilience as Rosiers, serving as a poignant reminder of the trials we've endured and triumphed over. They are badges of honor, Charlie, a testament to your victories."
Charlotte swallowed hard, the reality of her injuries sinking in. She knew the physical scars would fade with time, but the emotional scars would linger far longer. Still, she drew strength from her father's words, knowing that she was not alone in her journey toward healing.
Charlotte's tears flowed freely as Elias's words sank in, mingling with the pain and the weight of his reassurance. She felt the ache of each scratch anew, realizing they were not just marks of physical trauma but also symbols of the battles she had faced, battles she had overcome.
With each tear that fell, she slowly accepted the scars, understanding that they were indeed a part of her story, a testament to her strength. Feeling the weight of Charlotte's burden as if it were his own to bear, Barty reached out and gently pulled her into a comforting embrace. His arms wrapped around her, offering solace and support in the face of adversity. Charlotte leaned into him, finding comfort in his presence as she allowed herself a moment of vulnerability.
Elias observed the embrace between Barty and Charlotte, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"I can see how much Barty cares for you, Charlotte," he said gently, his voice filled with warmth and understanding.
Charlotte lifted her head from Barty's shoulder, meeting Elias's gaze with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. She knew that Barty's feelings for her ran deep, but she couldn't shake the lingering doubts that had taken root in her heart.
Barty tightened his embrace around her, his expression tender as he looked into her eyes.
"I'm here for you," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. "No matter what."
Charlotte's doubts began to fade in the face of Barty's unwavering devotion. In that moment, she allowed herself to believe that perhaps, together, they could find a way to navigate the challenges that lay ahead. Charlotte looked at Barty with a mixture of ruefulness and concern, her eyebrows raised in a silent question.
"You're not going to try to leave again, are you?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Barty met her gaze with unwavering determination. "No," he replied firmly, his voice leaving no room for doubt. "I'm not going anywhere, except to deal with Greyback. And then I'll be back."
Charlotte's expression softened with relief, but a glimmer of worry remained in her eyes.
"Promise me, Barty," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Promise me you won't kill him."
Barty's gaze softened as he reached out to gently caress her cheek. "I promise," he said solemnly, his voice filled with sincerity. "I won't kill him."
As Barty's promise hung in the air, Charlotte nodded slowly, her heart feeling lighter with the weight of his assurance. Yet, as she leaned in to kiss him, her movements were hesitant, her lips barely brushing against his with a featherlight touch.
Barty could sense her uncertainty, the delicate nature of her kiss speaking volumes of the turmoil within her. He responded with a tenderness that matched her own, his lips meeting hers in a gentle caress, offering her reassurance and comfort.
At that moment, amidst the turmoil and uncertainty, their kiss spoke of an unspoken understanding, a silent vow to face whatever challenges lay ahead together. And as they pulled away, their eyes met, filled with a shared sense of determination and hope.
As Elias sensed his daughter's desire for a moment alone with Barty, he turned away, preparing to leave the room.
However, just as he reached the door, a sudden 'pop' filled the air, signaling Winky's arrival. The house-elf's small frame trembled with excitement as she entered the bedroom.
"Winky heard voices, and Winky is so happy to see Miss Charlotte is awake!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with relief. She hurried over to Charlotte's bedside, scrambling up onto the bed to get a better look at her mistress.
Charlotte's tired face brightened with a faint smile at the sight of the devoted house-elf.
"Winky," she greeted warmly, her voice still weak but filled with genuine gratitude. "Thank you for everything. You got me here. Without your help, I would have died."
Winky's large eyes widened with emotion as she listened to Charlotte's words of gratitude. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes as she reached out to gently pat Charlotte's hand.
"Oh, Miss Charlotte," she squeaked, her voice trembling with emotion. "Winky is just happy to see you awake and well. Winky was so worried, but now Winky feels much better."
Charlotte gave Winky's hand a reassuring squeeze, her heart warmed by the house-elf's unwavering loyalty.
"I'm so grateful for everything you've done, Winky," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "I wouldn't be here without you."
Barty watched the exchange between Charlotte and Winky with a sense of admiration. Despite the challenges they faced, the bond between Charlotte and her house-elf remained unbreakable, a testament to the strength of their friendship.
Elias, standing by the door, smiled warmly at the heartwarming scene.
"I'll leave you two to catch up," he said gently, his voice filled with affection. "But I'll be just outside if you need anything."
As Elias made his way out of the room, Winky settled herself on the edge of the bed, eager to hear all about Charlotte's recovery. As Elias called out to Winky, the house-elf turned her attention towards Charlotte's father, her ears perked up.
"Yes, Master Rosier, sir?" she responded, her voice eager to assist.
"Perhaps it's best to let Charlotte rest now," Elias suggested gently, his tone reflecting his concern for his daughter's well-being. "But if she's willing, could you prepare something light for her to eat? Maybe a soup, something that won't upset her stomach."
Winky nodded enthusiastically, her large ears bobbing with excitement. "Of course, Master Elias!" she exclaimed. "Winky will make the best soup for Miss Charlotte!"
With a determined nod, Winky hopped off the bed and hurried towards the door, her tiny feet barely making a sound as she went. Charlotte watched her go with a grateful smile, touched by Winky's unwavering devotion. As the door closed behind Winky, Charlotte settled back against the pillows, a sense of warmth and comfort enveloping her.
With her father and Winky now gone from the room, Charlotte found herself alone with Barty once more. A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the soft sound of Charlotte's breathing. Barty shifted in his spot on the edge of the bed, his gaze lingering on Charlotte with a mixture of concern and affection.
"How are you feeling?" he asked softly, his voice filled with genuine concern for her.
Charlotte sighed, her eyes meeting Barty's as she considered her response.
"Physically, I'm... I'm sore," she admitted, her voice tinged with weariness. "But emotionally... I don't know. Everything's just... a lot."
Barty reached out to gently take her hand, offering her a reassuring squeeze.
"I understand," he murmured, his voice filled with empathy. "But you're not alone, Charlotte. We'll get through this together."
Charlotte nodded, grateful for Barty's presence and support. Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, she felt a sense of comfort knowing that he was by her side. As their eyes met, an unspoken understanding passed between them, and without a word, Barty leaned in closer. His lips met Charlotte's in a gentle kiss, a silent reassurance of his presence and his unwavering support. When they pulled away, Barty's gaze was filled with sincerity.
"I'm sorry for leaving you," he murmured, his voice tinged with regret. "I should have stayed, should have been there for you."
Charlotte's heart swelled with emotion at his apology. She reached out to cup his cheek, her touch tender.
"It's okay," she whispered. "I know you had your reasons. You're here now, and that's what matters. Just promise me you won't leave again the next time."
Barty nodded solemnly, his eyes locking with hers. "I promise," he vowed, his voice steady with determination. And in that moment, as they held each other close, they knew that together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead. "I never want to see you hurt like that again," Barty said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."
Charlotte smiled softly, her heart swelling with gratitude. "And I'll do the same for you," she replied, her voice steady with determination. "We're in this together, Barty."
Barty took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he needed to say next. "Charlotte, there's something else," he began, his voice hesitant yet determined. "After I left you... I went to Lucius Malfoy for advice."
Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of concern and apprehension flickering in her gaze. "Lucius Malfoy?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Barty nodded, his expression serious. "Yes," he confirmed. "And it made me realize something. I think... I think I'm...I think I'm falling for you."
The admission hung in the air between them, laden with a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. Barty continued, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him.
"I don't want to involve you in the Dark Lord's affairs," he confessed. "I'll do whatever it takes to ensure you're left out of Lord Voldemort's plans."
Charlotte's heart clenched at Barty's words, her worry for him mingling with the realization of the depth of his feelings.
"Barty," she said softly, reaching out to gently touch his hand. "I'm worried for you. I don't want to see you get hurt."
Barty squeezed Charlotte's hand gently, his eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and determination.
"I know," he murmured, his voice tinged with sadness. "But I can't let you worry about me. I'll handle whatever comes my way. What matters most to me is keeping you safe."
Charlotte nodded, her heart heavy with concern for Barty's well-being. "I understand," she replied softly, her voice filled with compassion. "But please promise me you'll be careful. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you."
Barty met her gaze with a solemn nod, his resolve unwavering. Their conversation was interrupted by a gentle knock on the door, and Winky entered the room with a tray of steaming soup. As she set it down on the bedside table, Charlotte and Barty exchanged a knowing glance, silently reaffirming their commitment to each other in the face of whatever challenges lay ahead.
As Charlotte picked up the spoon, her hand trembled slightly, and she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within her. Despite the flavorful aroma wafting from the soup, she found it difficult to muster much of an appetite.
Barty noticed her distress, his concern deepening as he observed her.
"Is it your wounds?" he asked gently, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Charlotte hesitated, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her.
"No, it's not that," she admitted reluctantly, her cheeks flushing with color. "It's just... I feel... I don't know, unsettled."
Barty's brow furrowed with worry as he reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "I understand," he murmured reassuringly. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Charlotte hesitated for a moment before gathering her courage. "Actually," she began, her voice hesitant, "could you... could you return to the house and bring me Sprig?"
Barty's expression softened with understanding as he nodded. "Of course, Charlotte," he replied, rising from his seat. "I'll go get the cheeky little bastard right away. I hope he doesn't try to scratch my eyes out, consider this my good deed for the week," he murmured, a hint of a teasing lilt to his tone. Before leaving, Barty leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Charlotte's cheek, leaving her blushing and breathless. "I'll be back soon," he whispered, his warm breath lingering for a moment before he turned away.
As Barty left the room, Charlotte couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that with Sprig by her side, she would find the comfort and solace she desperately needed in this trying time. As she took another spoonful of soup, she felt a glimmer of hope flicker within her, knowing that she wasn't alone in facing the challenges that lay ahead.
As Charlotte finished her soup, exhaustion washed over her like a heavy blanket, and she felt herself slipping into sleep. Charlotte stared at the spot where Barty had sat perched on the edge of the bed with a mix of gratitude and fondness, her cheeks still flushed from his unexpected gesture.
She let out a contented sigh and leaned back against the soft pillows, feeling a flutter of anticipation for Sprig's return. The warmth of Barty's kiss lingered on her cheek, filling her with a sense of comfort and reassurance. As odd a thought as it was, she thought there was a chance that the Death Eater could become her light in the shadows, her beacon in the dark tunnels that were undoubtedly ahead of them still. With a small smile playing on her lips, she closed her eyes, savoring the quiet moment of solitude before Sprig's inevitable arrival.
Unaware of the forces that still lurked, eager to tear her and Barty apart, she surrendered to the comforting embrace of the darkness as it reached for her, and slipped into sleep.
