Disclaimer: I make no money with this.

Chosen By: Nathanial

Prompt 1: Fake Dating

Prompt 2: "Am I insane?"

Pairing: Charlie Weasley, Harry Potter

WC: 500-1000

Written: June 21, 2024

Story #01

It was two years after the Final Battle and still Harry was being hounded by the press and Rita Skeeter at every turn. Why he had thought he could have a normal life after taking down Tom Riddle, he had no clue. He should have known it wouldn't happen. The only consolation he got was that he wasn't the only one hounded. Neville, the Weasleys, Remus and Tonks, Hermione and even Severus Snape were all hunted on a daily basis. Harry had taken to disillusioning himself so he could leave Grimmauld Place.

It amazed him how the wizarding world thought what fashion he was wearing, who he was seeing or where he went was of importance. Fortunately, the new Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt had helped secure the necessary floos so no one could override the wards and sneak into his or the others homes. That would be a nightmare.

After the first year, Harry had asked Charlie Weasley if he could visit with him for a bit; he wanted a break. When Charlie agreed, Harry spent several months in Romania enjoying being away from the scowls, leers, adoration and expectations. Charlie helped Harry learn how the reserve operated and Harry enjoyed being around the dragons. He even saw the Hungarian Horntail he had had to steal the golden egg from and could have sworn the dragon recognized him.

But like all good things, Harry's time in Romania had to come to an end.

"You leaving tomorrow then?" Charlie asked.

"Yeah." Harry sighed.

"Hey, maybe they've moved on, found someone else to harass." Charlie tried to cheer his friend up.

"Doubtful." Harry huffed a laugh. "I seem to be their favorite."

"That's what you get for saving the world." Charlie smirked.

"Doesn't mean I have to like it." Harry countered. "I swear if one more person asks who I'm dating, I'll deck'em!"

"You could tell them you're dating someone who travels a lot." Charlie suggested.

"Until they tried to hunt them down." Harry stated.

Charlie studied his young friend for a moment before a devious smirk appeared.

"What are you thinking?" Harry eyed the dragon handler.

"You could use me." Charlie stated and chuckled when Harry just stared at him.

"Am I insane?" Harry asked.

"Why would you think that?" Charlie wondered.

"Because I'm seriously considering it." Harry answered.

"You should." Charlie urged.

"But wouldn't that cause problems for you?" Harry eyed his coconspirator.

"Nah, I don't date much anyway, job's too dangerous for most to deal with for long." Charlie assured.

"And if anyone bothers you too much, you could always feed them to the dragons, getting too close and all." Harry's smile was not friendly.

"Exactly." Charlie agreed. "What say you, Harry? Want a paramour in another country?"

Harry gave the offer serious consideration, "What about your family? Will we tell them it's a ruse? That we're fake dating?"

"We could do that, tell those that matter." Charlie had no problems with letting his family know he was helping Harry out and was pretty sure they would get a kick out of the press and fans being wrong on the "facts" they knew, especially where Harry was concerned.

"I'll owe you one, if you're sure." Harry wanted known.

"I'm sure. I've got some time off due, let me let my boss know and I'll go back with you for a week and we can mess with those hounding you." Charlie winked at Harry who grinned wickedly.

"Sounds good." Harry said as Charlie went to take care of business.

~Fin~ (WC 590)