Chapter Eight

Charlie

After such a delightful encounter in the Ministry stairwell, Charlie chose to linger a few minutes longer in the dim passageway after Hermione ran off back to their department. Not only did he need a chance to catch his breath, he also needed to order his racing thoughts. It all happened so quickly that part of him wasn't even sure how it started in the first place. Fucking a witch senseless against the stone wall of one's workplace wasn't the most professional of behaviors. If they had been caught, their reputations, not to mention their jobs, would've been in serious jeopardy.

Over and over again he made the same promise to himself that he was going to leave her alone. Why did he keep lying to himself? It was best for everyone involved that he kept his hands and other parts of his body away from Hermione. He could never offer her anything other than sex. Damn good sex maybe, but that was it. She deserved far more than that.

His heart was still shattered and the pieces belonged to someone else. He didn't see that changing any time soon, maybe even ever. For all he knew, he would never be whole again. As depressing as the thought was, it was also a harsh reality.

The young, idealistic man he was when he first arrived in Romania was unrecognizable to the beaten down shell of an old man who left. What the calendar said didn't matter. He felt far older than he had any right to feel. Too much happened in the years he'd been alive to go back to the innocence he once felt.

It was all his fault too. There had been other women in Romania before Anca. One he even considered marrying. She was smart enough to leave before they were foolish enough to go through with the plans they only dared to whisper late at night when they were alone. He might have gone through with it, even though he knew he wasn't really in love with the witch.

Anca had been a much different story. There was no question in his mind how he felt for her. If she had given him the slightest hint she wanted to commit to him, he would've dragged her immediately to the first altar he could find lest she change her mind and realize she could do much better than him. He knew he should've kept his head down, done his work, and ignored the temptation to fall in love with the most beautiful woman he had ever met.

But he didn't. His heart was hers the first time the reserve's newest dragon keeper offered him a smile. They started sneaking around, stealing precious moments together when no one was looking. In hindsight, he knew he should have been suspicious of her insistence that they keep their relationship a secret. He thought it was more exciting that way. What an idiot he had been. How many others fell into her same trap? Likely he would never know.

He thought they were happy, that they worked well together. It wasn't until he was blindsided by the announcement that she was engaged to marry the director of the dragon sanctuary that he realized how wrong he'd been. Never had he felt so embarrassed. Less than a week later he was accepting his Ministry job by owl and making plans to move back home. Months had since gone by and he continued to feel stupid.

No longer wishing to think about her a moment longer, he took a deep breath and shook his head. It was easier when he ignored her. Maybe it wasn't the healthiest way to get over the cruel witch, but he'd given up all hope that that was even possible.

As he made his exit out of the stairwell, he decided it was best that he stick to the lifts for a while. Clearly he couldn't be trusted in there. It was an unwelcome surprise to nearly run right into Hermione talking with Kingsley. He'd hoped he would be able to slink off to his desk without anyone noticing.

Hermione's eyes widened when she saw him. It was evident she was uncomfortable with his sudden appearance. Kingsley seemed happy and in an excellent mood. Charlie wondered what they were talking about before he arrived. Were they planning another date? A quiet evening alone together at home? It wasn't any of his business, but he couldn't help being curious, especially after what just happened. He doubted Kingsley would be so quick to smile at him if he knew what they did. All the more reason he needed to learn to control himself. He'd already fucked up his own chance for happiness. It was wrong to do it to anyone else.

"Charlie! Just the wizard I was here to see."

Confused, he couldn't imagine why the Minister would take the time to seek him out. He was a nobody in the Ministry. Hermione looked worried. Should he be worried too? Technically, they hadn't done anything wrong. They were both single adults and while the stairwell was public, he'd been thorough in casting the necessary charms. He claimed he didn't cast a silencing charm, but he did. As much as he enjoyed Hermione screaming incoherently, there was also something enjoyable about her trying to be quiet and nearly failing. He was certain she left teeth marks in his shoulder and looked forward to checking later.

"I dropped by your desk to see if you would be free to come to my office tomorrow morning. There's something important I wanted to discuss with you."

Charlie had no idea what it could possibly be. As nervous as he might be of the possibilities, he had no reason to say 'no'.

"Kingsley, aren't you meeting with the Wizengamot in the morning?"

He seemed embarrassed by Hermione's reminder.

"I'm glad to know someone pays attention when I open my mouth. I'd forgotten about that. Thank you for reminding me."

It felt like Charlie was intruding on a private moment when he saw how Kingsley smiled at Hermione. He started to walk towards his own desk.

"Another time then."

"Are you busy right now? It won't take long."

Charlie couldn't really lie to the man about not having the time for a private chat. His entire day's work was finished before lunch. It was easy to do. The job wasn't very hard.

"All right. I can spare a few minutes."

"Let's go to my office. We can take the stairs."

Following Kingsley back into the stairwell he'd just been alone in with Hermione made Charlie feel very ill at ease. Did the Minister somehow know what they had been doing? He felt some guilt at what he did. Was Kingsley more than just casually dating Hermione? It felt wrong to be with another wizard's witch. He would have to keep his hands to himself.

The walk to the Minister's office seemed to take far too long for Charlie's liking. Maybe it was just his own guilty conscience. When they finally reached their destination, Kingsley made it a point to introduce his assistant to his guest. As pretty as she was, Charlie wasn't interested. He had enough baggage of his own.

Inside the large office Kingsley led them over to comfortable armchairs in front of a fireplace. It felt much more casual than sitting at his desk. Did that mean what he wanted to talk about was more personal than professional? Charlie still couldn't imagine why Kingsley would seek him out. None of the possibilities seemed good.

"You've been back for several months now. How are you liking your job?"

Should he be honest? He felt like he should tell the truth in the nicest way possible.

"I'm grateful to have my job. I was glad there was a position available when I left Romania."

Really there wasn't much else he could say that wouldn't be a complete lie. How did he like his job? He didn't. It was awful. Many times a day he daydreamed about being back with the dragons he loved and missed.

"I always got the impression that you were happier in the field than stuck behind a desk. Why did you choose to come to the office?"

Charlie sighed. It wasn't the first time he'd been asked the same questions nor did he expect it would be the last. There seemed to be no good reason not to tell the truth.

"I made the mistake of falling in love with one of my coworkers. It did not end well. The best option at the time was to put as much distance between myself and the witch to lick my wounds."

A sympathetic expression crossed Kingley's face. He seemed to understand what that experience was like.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Thanks."

He really didn't want to talk about his failed love life. It felt shameful, something he wanted to keep to himself.

"Perhaps I can offer you a solution and get you back into the field again."

Charlie couldn't help but be intrigued.

"You likely are already aware of this, but we seem to be having a problem with the declining population of the Hebridean Blacks."

"Yes, I've heard they're struggling to find enough territory in the Hebrides to properly mate."

If it was possible to pick a favorite breed of dragon, Charlie had always been a little partial to the dark dragons with their brilliant purple eyes from Scotland. They were aggressive, more so than many other breeds. Most seasoned dragon keepers avoided them when they could, but he didn't. Somehow he'd learned how to connect with the breed. One of his favorites at the Romanian reserve was an elderly male dragon who wouldn't let anyone other than Charlie close by. Maybe it was the red hair. It might have reminded him of the other humans he used to see as a young dragon when he was still home.

"The Ministry has decided to build our own dragon reserve. While it will take in any dragons, special consideration is being taken to ensure we don't lose all of our Hebridean Blacks. We are thinking about somewhere in Cumbria, but no final decisions have been made yet."

Charlie thought having their own sanctuary was a brilliant idea. There were dragons within their own borders that needed to be cared for. Sometimes the transportation of the creatures to reserves in Sweden or Romania were fraught with dangerous complications and ridiculous bureaucratic red tape. A lot of good could be done for the misunderstood dragons. He would always support efforts to improve their lives and increase their dwindling populations.

"Would you be interested in helping us build the reserve and then ultimately be in charge of it when it's up and running?"

Overwhelmed at first by the offer, he wasn't entirely sure he heard Kingsley correctly.

"Me?"

Kingsley chuckled.

"Of course you, Charlie. There's no one else I even considered for the position when the project was approved and finalized."

He needed a moment to think it all over. The job would be a huge one, but also a tremendous honor. It meant a great deal to know that he was the first candidate even considered. While he couldn't deny it was his dream job, he always assumed he would eventually return to Romania to run that one. Until he was over Anca and the thought of being in the same room with her again didn't make him panic, he wouldn't be able to go back. Of course there was always the possibility he would never get to that point. Best to have a backup just in case.

"Since I moved back I've thought it would only be temporary. My plan was to return to Romania some day."

"You don't have to make a decision today. There is still plenty of time and I know how big this is. The job would not be an easy one."

That was an understatement. Few people in the world possessed the temperament and the qualifications to take on the unique position. Charlie knew he could do it. His only concern was whether or not he was ready to give up his dream of Romania. He'd come to love that country and most of the people he'd met. It would be difficult to say goodbye to them all forever. Not to mention he wasn't sure he was ready to live so close to his mum that she was only a short Apparition away.

"Think it over. Let me know what you've decided in a few weeks."

"Thank you, Kingsley. I promise I will give it some serious thought."

"Good. I feel like I owe you one. You told me not to give in so easily and well, I hope I've finally found my chance at happiness."

The overwhelming guilt Charlie felt earlier returned to a choking degree. He was relieved to be able to leave the office a few minutes later when Kingsley's assistant knocked on the door to remind him of his next appointment.


Hermione

Somehow either through sheer determination or pure dumb luck, Hermione was able to avoid both the stairs and Charlie Weasley for over a week. It was not easy. She kept her attention focused on her work as much as it was possible to do so. No matter what she did, however, she couldn't stop how often her eyes would randomly drift over to the door that led to the stairs. Why did it have to be close enough to see from her office?

A few reminders of the incident in the stairwell kept creeping back into her thoughts. Was it any wonder? She was only human after all and it had been very enjoyable even if she also knew it was very wrong. What had come over her that she was so willing to let him pull her skirt up in public? It was madness.

She had never been so bold or so foolish in the past with any of her other lovers. Something about Charlie made her lose control of her better senses. It was for the best that she do what she could to stay far away from his wandering hands and soft lips. Nothing good could come out of continuing their unusual arrangement. Next time they might finally be caught. How could she continue walking through the Ministry of Magic with her head held high if everyone knew what she had done?

When Kingsley asked her to dinner again, she jumped at the chance to move forward from her embarrassing mistakes. Trying another cafe in Muggle London near the Ministry, it had been a pleasant evening, an easy one. She really did like Kingsley and enjoyed talking to him about a wide range of fascinating topics. Not once in his presence did she feel like she was about to do something stupid or shameful with him. She also didn't feel half-insane when he was around.

Saturday night dinner was technically their third date. Wanting to make it a special occasion, Kingsley made a great deal of effort to impress her. At the end of Diagon Alley there was a restaurant she had heard wonderful reviews about, but she had never had a reason to go herself. The prices were far too steep for her modest pocketbook. Either because of his very important job or the Shacklebolt family's large vault at Gringotts, he didn't seem to notice one meal for the both of them would be nearly as much as an entire family spent on food for a month.

Unused to the level of effort he put into planning their date, it had been exciting from the moment he politely knocked on her front door to escort her to the restaurant. It had been a lovely meal from the beginning glass of wine all the way to the lavish dessert that was interrupted by an urgent owl hastily delivered to the annoyed Minister.

"I'm terribly sorry about this."

"Is everything all right?"

Kingsley finished scanning the letter with a deep groan. Being the Minister for Magic certainly had its perks, but it was also a lot of hard work and frustrating impositions into one's private life. Almost as if he had a premonition that their night together wasn't going to end how he hoped, he explained how often his evenings and weekends could quickly be ruined with a single owl or floo call while they enjoyed their first course.

"A minor emergency that I'm afraid needs my immediate attention."

Seeing her worried expression as he stood up from his chair, he chuckled.

"Nothing so dire as you fear, I assure you. Just mostly bothersome paperwork and enough time with my head in the fireplace to make my knees sore."

Whatever the problem was, it was evidently not one she had the necessary security clearance to know about. Her inquisitive nature didn't like not knowing what was happening.

"All part of my life sadly. I promise I will make this up to you."

There wasn't even time for him to kiss her goodbye before he disappeared in a flurry of his robes. Or maybe he didn't want to draw even more attention to them. Lots of curious eyes had been turned in their direction since they first walked in. Likely that too was just another part of his life that would take some getting used to if she remained in it for any length of time.

"The Minister has taken care of the bill tonight."

A server approached their table holding a small gold-colored cardboard box that he set down in front of Hermione. She was glad to know she wasn't going to have to cover the meal. Even if she handed over every knut she had with her, it wouldn't have even covered the wine they drank.

"He also insisted that you take home some of our chef's chocolate marquise."

With no reason to linger inside the restaurant for another moment, Hermione picked up the box containing her decadent dessert, thanked the server, and made her swift exit. Though she had gotten used to spending much of her time alone and going places on her own, a romantic restaurant was hardly somewhere she wanted to stay without a date.

Outside it was still a beautiful night. After several days of rain in a row, she appreciated the clear sky. The walk back to her flat in the mostly deserted Alley was welcome. Not only did she need to burn off some of the many calories she consumed during her incredible dinner, she also wanted to use the opportunity to clear her mind. She took time walking home, glad for the chance. The quieter pace when the world was headed to bed brought her peace. That was hard to find in the busy city.

No one bothered her as she walked. Only a few other souls were even out at that hour and they had their own concerns to worry themselves about. As she approached the closed Magical Menagerie, her cheeks began to burn with a mixture of shame and not shame. Would she ever be able to go into that shop without remembering that night? She doubted it. Maybe it was for the best that she hadn't yet had the heart to replace Crookshanks.

The closer she got to the sweets shop where she had her flat, the more on edge Hermione felt. What was the reason? She couldn't be sure. Countless times in the years since she first moved into the flat she walked up and down Diagon Alley late at night with no fear. The world changed after Voldemort's defeat. Rather, the magical world changed. Even with access to her wand, she wouldn't dream of walking alone in the dark in Muggle London. That was just asking for trouble. But Diagon Alley and other parts of their hidden society were different. Every few days it seemed there was another blurb in the Daily Prophet of a formerly fearsome Death Eater dropping dead in their Azkaban cell. So far no one had shown any desire to pick up where Voldemort left off. If they were fortunate, maybe no one would ever be that foolish.

Just outside the door that opened to the narrow staircase to her flat, Hermione felt the unmistakable sensation of being watched. Her heart rate increased and she couldn't ignore the tiniest bit of fear welling up inside of her. Worried that she was being overly paranoid, she was prepared to ignore it all until she heard the distinctive sound of footsteps just meters away. Clutching her wand tightly in her hand ready to curse any being that might mean her harm, she spun around in one swift motion.

"Nice reflexes, love."

Charlie stood just a short distance away with both of his hands lifted up to show they were empty and a proud grin on his face. Annoyed and not even bothering to hide that fact, Hermione sighed as she dropped her wand to her side. It was good she had learned some self-control as she grew older. In her younger years, she might have cursed first and worried about the consequences second.

"It's late, Charlie. What are you doing here?"

"I was craving something sweet. Why else would one come to a sweets shop?"

There was no question in her mind that he was lying. Not only had Sugarplums been closed for hours at that point, it was evident he had been in the shadows waiting for her to return home.

"How disappointing for you to see the 'Closed' sign."

"Yes, very. Now I don't know what to do to satisfy my craving."

Hermione pushed the gold-colored box into his hands. As delicious as the dessert looked, she knew she didn't have the space inside her stomach to accommodate another bite. With her hands free once more, she turned her attention to unlocking the door. Charlie seemed impressed with her gift when he peeked inside.

"But I don't have a spoon."

Even as she rolled her eyes, Hermione smiled at his petulant and slightly flirtatious tone. What was it about the wizard that made her want to invite him upstairs despite knowing it was a dangerous idea? She supposed she could always blame the wine going to her head and lowering her inhibitions. There had been far too many glasses poured to count after all.

"You're in luck. I have an entire drawer full upstairs."

His pleased grin only made her heart rate increase even more. Was she in danger of it exploding if he kept looking at her like that? Unlocking and opening the door with slightly shaking hands, she tried to ignore how close he was behind her all the way up the stairs to her flat. Once inside her home and able to put a little distance between them, she could start to calm down.

She went straight to the drawer in her kitchen where she kept her spoons. Based on how quickly Charlie began to tuck in to her dessert, maybe there was a hint of truth in his claim to be craving something sweet. Neither of them spoke for a couple of minutes as he enjoyed his treat.

"Are you sure you don't want any of this?"

With a smile, she shook her head. It likely would've gone to waste if he didn't eat it.

"So how was your date with the Minister? He must've taken you somewhere very nice."

"It was."

"Why didn't he escort you home like a proper gentleman? Does he not know there are dangers lurking in dark corners?"

He spoke with a smirk on his lips and a single raised eyebrow. It didn't take much deduction to realize he was implying he was one of the dangers, a fact that only made her chuckle. She had no fear of Charlie Weasley, only fear of how she couldn't always control herself in his presence.

"There was an emergency at the Ministry. He had to leave before our date was over."

"That's a shame, especially since you got so dressed up for the occasion."

It was embarrassing to feel her cheeks flush as Charlie made no secret of the fact he was admiring her body. Why did she still feel so nervous in his presence even after everything they'd done? She should have been past that.

"Why are you here, Charlie?"

He didn't answer at first. Maybe he was trying to come up with a suitable excuse why he might have been waiting outside her home in the dark. It took him a couple more large bites to finish the dessert. When he was done, he dropped the spoon in the sink and the cardboard box in the rubbish bin. Hermione waited patiently for whatever answer he was willing to give her question.

"I was at the pub and wasn't ready to go home. Took the long way back and ended up outside your flat."

Charlie chose not to explain why he stopped outside to wait for her to come back. It wasn't necessary. Both of them knew why he was there, what he wanted. As much as she knew she should probably tell him to leave her alone, she didn't want him to go.

"Charlie, maybe…"

Before she could say another word, the wizard was close enough to grab her by the waist. She didn't have the opportunity to tell him to stop before he pressed his lips against hers. Not that she would have pushed him away.

All she could taste was the chocolate still on his tongue as she kissed him back. In the back of her mind, she knew what they were doing was a bad idea. It always had been from the first night in his parents' attic. Someone was going to get hurt.

Even knowing that, she didn't argue when his hand slid the zipper on the back of her dress down. They'd already gone too far. What was a little further?