#Ginny being the warmest towards Bill when he and Charlie were also the only ones who weren't in Hogwarts when that all happened is also

[theclockworkmonk]

Out of the Mouths of Babes — Chapter 2

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Prompt: “Uncle Ron said something about Harry knocking Ginny up, but I don’t know what he means,” Teddy said.

************

"They can't be serious…." Harry muttered in disbelief as he stared down at the very official-looking letter.

"Who's serious about what?" asked Ginny, stepping into their living room.

Harry jumped and quickly tried to hide the letter behind his back. "Nothing!" he squeaked.

He should have known better. Ginny got a mischievous glint in her eye and darted around him, trying to get at the letter. They spent a minute chasing around each other, but eventually Ginny faked him out into tripping over the coffee table, and she quickly snatched the letter out of his hand with a triumphant laugh, making Harry once again wonder if she wouldn't be even better at Seeker.

"Ooooo," Ginny sang dramatically as she saw the emblem at the top of the parchment, "an official statement from the Wizengamot! Have they come up with a new award to bestow on you?"

"No, it's even worse," mumbled Harry.

"Oh, well now I'm very interested," Ginny teased, "am I worthy to take a peek at such official correspondence between such important people?"

"Well, it actually concerns you too, Missy," said Harry, crossing his arms, "so go ahead."

"Hold on, let's see if I can get the right tone." Ginny cleared her throat, pointed her nose in the air, and continued in her haughtiest tone,

"To the esteemed Harry James Potter,

After consideration of your actions to serve and protect the Wizarding World of Great Britain, as well as the recent discovery of your lineage to the Ancient and Noble House of Peverell, previously thought to be lost, it is with great honor and pleasure that we offer to restore your line to its former status by bestowing upon you one of the vacant Lordships!?"

Ginny dropped her character and her mouth gaped open in disbelief. "Along with the accompanying seat on the Wizengamot!" she finished quickly.

She looked up at him with wide eyes, and her face split into a wicked grin and Harry knew he would never hear the end of this.

Harry snatched the parchment back.

"Yeah, so in other words," he began before she could start getting her jokes in, "they're embarrassed by how many of their seats are still empty after half their members were thrown in prison or fled the country for being Death Eater collaborators, so they're once again trying to use me as their poster boy so they can look like they've turned over a new leaf. Except they clearly haven't, since they only deemed me 'worthy' after they found out which dead pure-bloods I'm descended from, so they're still the same navel-gazing, inbred aristocrats they've always been!"

By the time he was finished, he was shouting and he panted to catch his breath.

Ginny, however, still found the whole thing hilarious.

"Oh, it breaks my heart to see Lord Potter so displeased," she bowed low to him with a flourish of her hand. "Let me know if there's anything a lowly peasant like me can do to serve you."

"Yeah, yuck it up, Weasley," said Harry dryly, "Like I said, this affects you too."

She looked back up at him with a sardonic look. "How does your having to sit through long parliamentary bullshit have to do with me?"

"Well," said Harry, stepping toward her, "if I'm a Lord, that means that, if I ever get married one day—"

"Hypothetically speaking," said Ginny.

"Yes, then that hypothetical girl — whoever she might be — would become a Lady."

"Hmmm," hummed Ginny thoughtfully. She wrapped her hands around his neck and he snaked his arms around her waist. "So you think this is relevant to me because you're hoping to make me your Lady? That's mighty presumptive of you, Lord Potter."

"Well, I wouldn't say hoping," lied Harry. "It's just a logical possibility to consider, strictly because you're pure-blood, of course. But I'm still keeping my options open. After all, you know how much of a ladies man I am."

"Yes, of course. But you know…" said Ginny thoughtfully, tracing circles over Harry's chest with her finger, "'Lady Ginevra Potter….does have kind of a nice ring to it."

"Oh, but things would be expected of you, m'Lady," said Harry, "and you would definitely have to stop all that Quidditch nonsense. Such a vulgar and violent activity is beneath a woman of your standing."

"Oh, well, I guess that's settled, we have to break up," Ginny sighed, "We're just a part of two different worlds."

"I'll always remember you," said Harry romantically, "but alas, I must kiss you goodbye."

He bent down and gave her a kiss, then they broke apart as they cracked up into laughter.

"Come on, I'm not going to let anyone call me a Lord," said Harry, rolling his eyes, "and obviously I'm not actually going to sit on the bloody Wizengamot. Those seats are transferable, so I can give it to someone who will actually know what they're doing. My first instinct is your dad, but he probably won't want it either, and they'll do anything to get him off again. Andromeda would probably feel at home there, but could do some good. Or maybe McGonagall."

Ginny groaned. "You can be so boring sometimes, you know that? You have a chance to put Luna in a position of power, that would drive them insane! Oh, or how about Aberforth, that would be hilarious!"

Harry laughed. "We're not all agents of chaos like you, Gin. I swear, sometimes I think you're Eris in disguise."

"Oh, you think I'm a goddess?" Ginny flirted, "then I guess you better worship me."

"Hmmm," Harry kissed her again, but then sighed and pulled back. "Sadly, there's no time for that, we're already running late for dinner at the Burrow."

"Alright, should we go together or do you want to keep up the pretense that we're actually living in different flats?" she asked him pointedly.

He gave a weak, embarrassed smile. "I know it's ridiculous, and I might be a coward, I've just managed to escape your mother's disapproving stare so far in my life, I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible."

Ginny rolled her eyes but led him by the hand out the door of their flat, past the wards they had put up. Harry wrapped an arm around her waist, and turned on the spot, feeling the squeeze of Disapparition.

*********************

"Come on!" urged Ron, "I'm hungry!"

"What else is new?" laughed Hermione, as she finished a letter she needed to send and tied it to Pig. After she sent the little owl on his way, she turned around to see her fiance standing by the fireplace, bouncing on his feet like a child on Christmas morning.

"Honestly Ron," said Hermione, shaking her head, "one would think you haven't eaten in a week, and there's no way that your mother even has dinner ready yet."

"Yes, but her pre-dinner scones should be coming out of the oven right now!" said Ron cleverly, "And I might as well have not eaten in a week, don't pretend like I'm the only one who's sick of our sad attempts at cooking."

"Alright, alright!" said Hermione. She joined him by the fireplace, threw some floo powder into the grate, and together they stepped into the green flames.

"THE BURROW!" Ron shouted clearly, and after the spinning sensation and flashes of various fireplaces, they stumbled into the sitting room of Ron's childhood home.

Ron's excited smile faltered when they saw the sitting room completely empty, with no one there to greet them. He recognized the overlapping voices of his family instead coming from the kitchen, and with a rush of horror he feared that his precious scones were already being eaten by an army of Weasleys. He led Hermione by the hand across the room towards the kitchen, and he started to make out individual voices.

"I just don't understand why they haven't told us!" said his mother.

"He probably knows what we're likely to do to him," grumbled Charlie.

"You've been away too long, brother mine," chuckled George, "I guarantee you she's the one keeping it under wraps."

"In any case, we know that pushing the issue will do nothing but make things worse," said Ron's dad gently, "We just have to—"

"Scones ready?" asked Ron loudly as he and Hermione entered the kitchen, and Hermione had to resist the urge to swat him. The conversation he had interrupted seemed interesting, and her suspicions were confirmed (and her curiosity inflamed) when all talk instantly ceased the moment they walked into the room. Six heads snapped towards the arriving couple as Molly, Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Percy, and George widened their eyes in surprise and fear, like they were caught discussing something covert. Hermione also noticed how a few of them (mainly Ron's two oldest brothers) then narrowed their eyes venomously at her and her boyfriend.

While the kitchen of the Burrow was usually one of the warmest, most welcoming rooms in the world to Hermione, she noticed a distinctly cool, tense atmosphere this time. She looked sideways and saw that even Ron had clearly noticed, his eager smile slipping from his face.

There were several seconds of silence as the older family members' eyes all flittered between each other, holding a silent conversation that Ron and Hermione didn't know how to join. Then the loud ding of the kitchen timer made them all jerk suddenly.

"Wow, do I have great timing or what?" said Ron proudly, trying to ease some of the tension in the room, but some of his laughter died in his throat. His stomach didn't let him dwell on it, however, as Molly bent down to take the scones out of the oven, and the sweet, fresh smell filled the kitchen.

After she put the plate of scones on the table, Ron casually flicked a cooling charm over them before grabbing one greedily. The other Weasley men took their own, but they looked more like it was just something to do with their hands. While Ron hummed as he took a big bite, they chewed theirs thoughtfully.

"I should check on the washing," said Molly quietly, without looking at anyone. She grabbed a laundry basket and headed outside towards the clothesline.

"I'll help!" said Hermione cheerfully. She was always happy to help with the chores at the Burrow, but she also wanted to get one of the Weasleys alone to figure out what they had been talking about.

Molly didn't answer and continued outside with Hermione behind her.

"How have you and Arthur been?" asked Hermione pleasantly.

"Well, my days are still dreary, with no children left in the house," Molly sighed. "I knew that children don't stay children forever, but I certainly wasn't expecting my younger ones to hit so many milestones so quickly….and in the wrong order." She finished more quietly

Hermione frowned. Did Molly think she and Ron were getting married too soon? She had never expressed that before, she was overjoyed when they had announced their engagement.

"Er….well, Ron recently got promoted from Junior Auror," said Hermione uncertainly as she began helping Molly take garments off the clothesline and put them in the basket. "He'll be taking more serious cases now." So his career is well on track, if that's what you're worried about.

"I'm touched that you and Ron are willing to indulge that to me!" said Molly sharply

Hermione pursed her lips. Her patience was running out.

She stepped towards her soon-to-be mother-in-law and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Molly…"

For the first time, Molly turned to look at Hermione and the younger woman flinched back at the cold distrust and disapproval she saw in her eyes. Hermione felt a rush of deja vu, and after a short moment she realized where she had seen that look before: it was the same look she had received from Molly her fourth year, when the older witch had believed Rita Skeeter and was under the impression that Hermione was Harry's manipulative girlfriend, breaking his heart by messing around with Viktor.

"Mrs. Weasley...have I done something wrong?" asked Hermione weakly.

Seeing the hurt on Hermione's face, Molly's own harsh expression softened and was replaced with a wave of guilt. Her eyes got watery and her lip trembled, and before Hermione could say anything else she suddenly found herself being hugged tightly.

"No dear, you haven't done anything wrong," said Molly in a choked voice, as Hermione awkwardly patted her back, thoroughly confused. "I'm just being silly. I understand you're not choosing sides, you're just being a good friend."

Molly pulled back, and was smiling weakly at Hermione.

"Er...thank you," said Hermione, more bewildered than ever. "I don't mean to be rude, Molly, but I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh no, of course not," Molly winked dramatically, "There's nothing to tell, I'll drop it. Come on, dinner is just about ready."

Before Hermione could insist more strongly that Molly explain what the hell was going on, Molly picked up the now-full laundry basket and returned to the house, leaving Hermione blinking dumbly behind her.

******************************

As Hermione followed his mother outside, Ron continued to chew into the warm, buttery scone, barely looking at his surrounding family members, the earlier tension all but forgotten to him.

"So….little Ronnie doesn't come around for dinner as much as he used to," Bill pointed out.

"He and Harry have been burning the candle at both ends at the Ministry," said Percy.

"Hmm-hmm," Ron nodded, engrossed in his scone, not looking up to see the stern looks on his brothers' faces. "More than we need to be, honestly. But because of Harry's saving-people-thing, he's always sure that the next case will end in disaster if the dark wizard isn't caught right now, and of course he would be lost without me, so whenever he's working overtime I am too." He shrugged.

"Oh yes, I think we're all well aware how loyal you are to Harry," Charlie said darkly, "Even over other, older loyalties, as a matter of fact."

"Charlie…." began their dad warningly.

Ron looked back up, and grew uncomfortable again when he saw that all of his family members were looking directly at him. Earlier, he had assumed that the awkward tension in the room was because he and Hermione had interrupted an important conversation, but it seemed to go beyond that, like they were pissed directly at him for something he had done.

"What's going—"

He was interrupted by his mother re-entering the house, holding the laundry with one hand and wiping tears from her eyes with the other. Hermione followed in shortly behind her, and Ron looked pointedly at his mother and gave his fiance a quizzical look, but Hermione just returned a confused, helpless shrug.

"The roast should be almost done now," said Molly happily, and waved her want to send a flurry of plates and cutlery flying to settle in front of where each of the Weasley men were sitting.

"And I'm such a terrible mother, I neglected something," chuckled Molly, and bent down to kiss the crown of Ron's head. "We all missed you, dear."

"Mum…" Ron grumbled awkwardly, but he saw his brothers look at each other with slightly guilty expressions, and as they followed their mother's lead, the atmosphere of the room became friendlier.

Charlie drew in a deep breath and sighed. "I need a drink."

"Excellent idea!" pipped George. He waved his wand and summoned a large bottle of firewhiskey from the cabinet along with several glasses, which zoomed right past Molly's face, causing her to jump and shriek.

"For the last time, only the cook can summon in the kitchen!" Molly scolded him, "I won't have this room devolve in complete chaos of flying objects until someone gets a concussion!"

"And I know you don't always act like it, but you are all of age," said Arthur, raising his eyebrows at George pouring several glasses of whiskey, "so I see no reason why you can't bring your own drinking supplies instead of raiding mine."

Molly huffed. "Well maybe it will be best if we stopped keeping that poison in the house—"

She stopped abruptly as they heard a faint pop from outside, coming from down the pathway, and Ron knew that Harry and Ginny must have arrived. Instead of beaming and rushing out into the garden to greet her two favorite children, however, Ron saw his mother gasp and a bit of the color drain from her face. His family members all looked at each other with that same expression he first saw when he came into the room.

Charlie gave a low growl and picked up a glass. "Yup. Definitely need a drink."

#hinny ficfest #hinny fanfiction #hinny fluff #romione #hinny #hinny fanfic #ron x hermione #ron and hermione #harry and ginny #harry potter #harry potter fanfiction #romione fanfic #harry x ginny #fanfic #fanfiction #ao3 link #ao3 fanfic

[official-weasley]

Love, William (Bill Weasley x OC) - Chapter 6

WARNINGS: minor angst (because I can't help myself), some crying, Charlie being a sweet bean, Bill's wrath

Chapter 6 - George's Plan

Theodora woke up with a headache. She needs to stop sneaking into Fred and George’s room and stay there – working on products – until 4 in the morning. It was a good distraction, it made her forget about how painful it was to be friends with Bill.

Only a few more days until the end of summer and they can return to Hogwarts. She couldn’t wait if she was completely honest. Not only because it’s going to be easier for them to test the products but also because being around Bill was getting harder and harder each day.

A few more days and he’ll go back to Egypt and she can forget about him again – as much as she possibly can.

Working with the twins – being so busy – made her summer go by so fast and with everything that has been going on between her and Bill, she was happy it was going to be over. Next time, she will just decline the twins’ invitation to come to the Burrow. They will see each other plenty while running a shop together anyway.

She was surprised that there was no commotion this morning. Nobody was running down the stairs, nobody was making Mrs. Weasley mad. It was peaceful and rather nice.

Theodora put on a pair of shorts and a tank top and made her way downstairs. She couldn’t wait to eat some breakfast.

The second she got to the lower floor she heard Bill talking to Molly. She stopped, stretched her arms out, and took a deep breath. A few more days of hearing his sweet voice – the voice that gave her butterflies.

“Good morning, dear. What would you like for breakfast?” Mrs. Weasley greeted her with the warmest smile.

“Some eggs and bacon if it’s not much trouble.” Theodora yawned and walked toward the cupboard with plates.

She took one out, stood next to Molly, and waited for her eggs. She could feel a pair of eyes on her and when she looked over her shoulder she saw Bill leaning on his elbow, watching her. He quickly got back to his food when she caught him and she turned around to see if her eggs were done.

The gesture usually made her giggle as she often saw Bill observing her like that but at this point, it was just painful. That didn’t mean she could stop her cheeks from turning red. She wanted to sigh but held it in her mouth because she didn’t want Mrs. Weasley to ask any questions – especially not in front of her children.

Molly put the food on her plate and Theodora took some bread out of the basket and made her way toward the table. She giggled when she saw Fred snoozing on his arm, extended on the table.

Because her hands were full, she tried to pull out a chair with her foot but before she could do so, Bill stood up and pulled it out for her. Then he took her plate, placed it down for her, and gestured for her to sit.

She did without saying anything and Bill brought the chair – along with her – closer to the table. She didn’t know what to say. She was speechless. What was he doing?

“You look tired, I thought you could use some help.” He whispered to her and smiled sheepishly.

“Th-thank you.” She replied in a rusty voice, still amazed by his gesture.

She took a sip of the orange juice Mrs. Weasley poured for her and looked at Charlie who rolled his eyes at Bill and looked rather annoyed. Perhaps he and the twins finally gave up on teasing Bill.

It was about time.

Not that Theodora minded it – she found it amusing – and she couldn’t deny that she appreciated the boys trying to bring Bill’s attention to her. The twins knew she fancied Bill and Charlie probably wasn’t far behind but it was more than obvious that Bill wasn’t interested in her in that way no matter how much they teased him and she didn’t blame him. She understood that you can’t force attraction and it was for the best anyway.

She sighed in her glass, hoping nobody would notice, and started eating her food.

Charlie glanced at Fred who gently snored, his head next to his empty plate. He tried hard not to lean toward him and push him off the chair – they had such a peaceful morning, he wouldn’t want to make mum mad.

He then looked at George who was switching looks between Theodora and Bill and looked like he was about to throw a tantrum. Charlie nudged him with his elbow and when George looked at him, he raised his eyebrows in question what got him so agitated. George just shook his head, rolled his eyes, and stood up, taking his and Ginny’s empty plates to the sink.

Without saying a word, he left the kitchen. Charlie turned to Theodora and Bill. The former was more pushing her food around the plate, looking miserable and the latter kept sneaking looks at her.

He wanted to walk to them and just press their heads together but thought of a better idea at the last second. He nudged Fred, who woke up with a jolt and glared at Charlie for disturbing his slumber.

Charlie nodded his head, indicating that he should follow him out of the kitchen, and without asking questions, Fred did.

They found George in his room, aggressively trying to open a box of fireworks, sitting on the floor. Charlie pushed Fred inside the room and closed the door behind them.

“What did I miss? What is going on?” Fred asked, sitting on his bed.

“Did Theo tell you anything about what is happening between her and Bill?” Charlie asked bluntly.

“No,” George said in a huff.

“We tried asking her about it but she either changes the subject or punches us in the shoulder, her face turning red.” Fred pouted.

“Why? What do you know?” The twins said together.

“Nothing,” Charlie said through his teeth, “I have about enough of them sneaking looks at each other being miserable.”

“What should we do about it?” Gasped George.

“Do you have a plan?” Fred followed.

“I was hoping that you might come up with something.” Charlie rubbed his chin, leaned on Fred’s desk.

“Didn’t we try everything already?” Fred sighed, trying hard to think of anything.

“The teasing isn’t working, we have to get them to talk to each other.” Charlie thought out loud.

They were all staring at the half-opened fireworks on which George gave up opening before. They didn’t say a word to each other for 5 minutes, trying to come up with anything at all to help their brother and their friend get together.

They hated seeing them struggle like this and they didn’t care about their stupid excuses why they couldn’t be together. They were a perfect fit and the summer won’t end with their longing for each other if there is anything they can do about it.

“I think I might just have an idea that could work!” George stood up.

Fred and Charlie exchanged looks and stepped closer to George to hear his plan.

—

Theodora was sitting on the sofa reading a book with Ginny reading over her shoulder. She found it amusing since her book was about finances and she knew that Ginny didn’t have any interest in that but wanted to read anyway.

She turned the page. Only a chapter to go! She has been so busy this summer that she couldn’t finish one book. What a disaster. Usually, she read the most during summer but she has to get used to the fact that she’ll be busy studying for N.E.W.T.s and looking for a location for their shop.

“Theo!” She lifted her head automatically, hearing her name.

She looked at her watch. An hour and a half of nobody bothering her – that was definitely a record. She waited for Fred to speak further.

“Come here for a sec, will you?” George spoke now.

She marked her book and giggled as Ginny groaned, knowing she will leave her alone on the sofa.

“I’ll leave you the book, okay.” Theodora winked at Ginny, making her grin.

She shook her head and stood up. Why Ginny wanted to read about finances was beyond her.

She walked to where she presumed the voices of the twins were coming from. It led her to the broom closet just behind the house.

“What are you two up to?” She smirked at them.

“Oh, nothing. Don’t be afraid, you can step inside.” Fred gestured for her to join them in the small room.

Theodora stood there, her eyes narrowed. She knew her two best friends well enough to know that they were up to something but she figured that the sooner she joins them the sooner she can go back to reading her book.

She squeezed inside – it already being crowded with the twins standing there. They rotated so that she was against the wall and the second that happened Fred and George got the biggest smug expression on their faces.

“Charlie, now!”

The twins ran out and before Theodora could open her mouth to ask what was happening, Charlie showed up, holding Bill tight around his wrists. He pushed him inside, closed the door, and locked it.

“Charlie, what in the bloody hell are you doing?!” Bill shouted, banging on the door.

“You two need to talk!” Charlie replied, the twins laughing behind him.

“Unlock this door now, Charles!” Bill kept slamming his fist against it.

Theodora was leaning against the brooms behind her, her eyes wide and her heart beating faster and faster with each second.

“We are not letting you out until you two confess your feelings to each other,” Fred explained.

“Wha-” Bill stopped banging on the door and turned around, mortified.

Theodora wanted to die of embarrassment. She didn’t know what to do. She was sure that her facial expression matched that of Bill’s and this was probably the first time she was angry with the twins.

She understood that they wanted to do something about it but they took it too far this time and she wanted to strangle them. She can’t tell Bill how she feels, were they mental! She swore to herself that she will keep her feelings for herself and if she ought to ever do it she would want to do it in a more romantic way. And there was nothing romantic about being forced to share your feelings in a broom closet.

“I...” Bill tried speaking but the words just disappeared from his head. “I’m so sorry, Theodora. They, they are just messing around and...and I...” He started to stutter.

Theodora wanted to stop him but didn’t know how. She could see that he was just as uncomfortable as she was and she couldn’t think of anything to say to make the situation better.

“You know they are just messing around and they are being idiots.” Bill let out a nervous chuckle.

Theodora kept staring at him, her mouth slightly opened, nodding her head.

“They are just bored and...and they don’t know what to do with themselves so they...they keep messing with us and teasing us...but...but it doesn’t mean anything. You have to know that...” Bill took a deep breath.

For a second there, Theodora thought he was going to faint.

“...you have to know that I am aware of the age difference between us and...and I don’t condone this at all and...”

Theodora nodded again, not sure what to do. She opened her mouth a few times to say something but thought better of it. For a split second she thought that her telling him she has feelings for him wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world but seeing the panic in Bill’s eyes, him going on and on about their age difference made her shut her mouth for good.

“I...I know...that I...that you...you’re...” Bill’s stuttering was getting worse and he seemed seconds away from having a panic attack.

He stopped talking, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

“I know you’re too young for me and this,” he pointed at her and then at himself, “can never happen.”

“Uh-huh.” Was all Theodora could muster.

Why didn’t she bring her wand with her? Hasn’t she been friends with the twins long enough to know that she should never follow them without her wand? She could unlock the door and avoid this painful conversation.

“I...I agree with you.” Theodora breathed, swinging her hand as if she’s on board with what Bill was saying.

She wanted to laugh, letting him know that they should just brush this off but she couldn’t get anything out – not even a silent chuckle.

Bill sighed wistfully, his gaze lingering on her just for one more second before turning around and starting to bang on the door again.

“Charles, let us out. Now!” He roared.

Theodora heard the boys’ disappointing groans outside and someone unlocking the door. The second it opened, she rushed past Bill and squeezed through the door before Fred could fully open it.

While getting out, her eyes glistening with tears, she looked at Charlie whose disappointing face changed into an apologetic one the second he saw how upset she was.

“Theo, we’re sorry.” Fred tried grabbing her hand.

“I...just leave me alone, Fred.” She lifted her hand to his face and ran towards the nearby forest.

“Have you gits completely lost it?!” Bill stepped out of the broom closet, his face red with rage.

He has never reminded the twins more of their mum.

“What is wrong with you?” Bill shouted. “The teasing was fine but this...” Bill took a deep breath. “...you took it too far!”

“And you,” he turned to Charlie, “I told you to stop with this madness and you go and pull this off? How immature are you?”

“Haven’t you learned that your actions have consequences? Life isn’t a game and we are not your puppets!” He kept screaming in their faces.

Bill never lost his temper. He was always so collected and cool about everything. He scolded them on many occasions through the years and made them admit their mistakes and learn from them but this was something else.

They have never seen Bill so mad. They definitely took it too far and they already wished that they would just stay out of Bill and Theodora’s business.

“Bill...” Charlie gathered the courage to speak.

“Don’t you Bill me! I am warning you, if you step out of line again or mention me or Theodora again, I will break all of your noses! Got it?” He spat out and rushed to the door that led inside the house.

He slammed it after him, making the whole house shake.

Charlie, Fred, and George just stood there in complete shock, looking at the door.

“We have to go after her, George,” Fred said in a panic.

It was a bad idea. They didn’t think it through properly at all. They never thought it would upset her so much or that Bill would yell as he did or that it would end so badly.

“Don’t.” Charlie stopped them, extending his arm to prevent them from running after her. “I’ll go.”

“But she’s our best friend.” Fred and George said in unison.

“That’s exactly why it’s a bad idea.” Charlie frowned at them. “Let me do it.”

Before they could start arguing with him, Charlie already started in the direction Theodora ran off to.

—

Charlie was wandering by the edge of the forest for 15 minutes before finding Theodora, sitting on a stump, facing away from him. He slowly approached her, careful not to startle her, getting more nervous with each step.

To say that their plan went south was an understatement. Charlie never meant it to get this far and his intention was far from hurting either of them. He was disappointed in himself for acting like a child and not thinking their plan through. Bill should’ve broken their noses without a warning.

He was now standing a few steps away from Theodora, whose shoulders were rising and falling slightly due to her sobs. Charlie’s shoulders sank when he realized she was crying. He couldn’t believe he hurt his friend like this.

He took another step forward, stepping on a twig. The sound of it breaking made Theodora start brushing her eyes with her hands before turning around.

She exhaled loudly, relieved to see Charlie’s face.

“I know you said you wanted to be left alone but can I join you?” Charlie spoke softly.

Theodora sniffed, nodded, and moved over on the stump to give space for Charlie to sit down.

“I’m here to apologize. I am sorry for what we’ve done.”

The sincereness in his voice made Theodora look him in the eyes. She could see how much it pained him and that he truly was sorry for what they’ve pulled.

“It’s okay,” she hiccuped, “it was...funny.”

She didn’t know how else to describe it. She was madder with the twins than Charlie. It was obvious this wasn’t his idea and she appreciated that he came after her to apologize.

“Yeah, I can see how funny it is to you,” Charlie said with pain in his voice.

“Oh, this?” Theodora forced a chuckle, pointing at her eyes. “That’s just allergies.”

“Sure.”

Charlie put his hand on Theodora’s back and swallowed the nerves.

“I know you fancy Bill, Theo.” He said gently.

“It hurt...” Theodora shook her head.

She wanted to hold in the tears but couldn’t. Charlie pulled her in a half hug and pressed her tight against his chest.

“...him saying that out loud. I mean, of course, I knew that I am too young for him but hearing him say it...”

Charlie pushed her away slightly, took a handkerchief out of his left pocket, and gave it to her. Theodora wiped her cheeks with it.

“It’s not like that. Bill’s just...old-fashioned.” Charlie tried finding the right words.

“Oh, don’t give me that, Charlie. You’ve heard what he said – he doesn’t think of me that way. I’m just a kid, his brothers’ friend.” Theodora blew her nose in the handkerchief.

“I wouldn’t say that.” Charlie tilted his head, hoping Theodora would look at him.

“Right. Don’t give me false hope.” She sniffed.

“Alright,” Charlie lifted his hands in defeat, “I’m just saying it’s not like that at all.”

Theodora finally looked at him, her nose red and her eyes puffy.

“It doesn’t matter. At least it’s over with.” She sighed.

She buried her head into Charlie’s shoulder and started crying again.

“Sometimes I wish I was like you, Charlie. Then I wouldn’t have to get my heart broken.” Theodora said after a few minutes of silence.

Charlie put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her away.

“Trust me, you don’t mean that.” He said gently.

“Isn’t it better to feel no attraction toward anyone and you don’t have to deal with all these thoughts and emotions?”

“Yeah, it’s really fun at family gatherings when relatives start asking you why are you still single, why don’t you ever bring a girl home, what is wrong with you,” Charlie said sarcastically.

“And then you try to explain that you simply don’t experience romantic and sexual attraction, being proud of who you are, saying it out loud and then seeing their faces of disgust, rolling their eyes, patting your shoulder and telling you you’ll grow out of it and that they can’t wait to get your wedding invitation.” He sighed.

“Charlie...I...I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything.” Theodora bit her lip.

“I’m not emotionless. It doesn’t mean I can’t get hurt by friends or family.”

Charlie came out to her in one of his letters last year and she supported him fully. Unfortunately, she couldn’t say the same about some of his family members. Even though his closest family understood, some of the others had a hard time doing so and brushed it off as a phase. For her, nothing changed. He was still Charlie, her former Quidditch captain, her friend and she regretted saying what she did.

“I didn’t mean it that way at all.” A tear ran down her cheek. “You know I support you.”

“Theo, relax, I know what you meant and I know you didn’t mean it in a bad way.” Charlie bestowed her with a warm smile. “I guess being me has its perks.”

Charlie lifted his chin proudly and made Theodora chuckle. She felt relief that Charlie wasn’t offended by what she said even though she still felt guilty about it. She just wanted to express the desire of not getting her heart broken and comparing that to his sexuality was wrong.

“There you go!” Charlie shook her shoulders, happy to make her smile. “You’re going to be okay, Theo.”

“I just can’t stop thinking if things would be different if I was older.” She glanced at him but looked away when she saw a smirk appear on his face.

“You’ll be 18 soon.” He winked at her.

“Oh, stop being such a hopeless romantic, Charles.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “Bill and I will never happen.”

“Okay, whatever you say.” Charlie made a kissy face. “But I’ll stay a hopeless romantic just so that I can tell you ‘I told you so’ when you two finally get together.”

Theodora couldn’t stop a smile spreading across her face as she playfully rolled her eyes at her friend, wishing she could share his optimism.

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