Harry Potter 1. The Funeral

Hi everyone! This is my second fanfiction, and by the looks of it it's going to be long one! Don't let that put you off! After taking almost a three year break from writing anything Fanfiction while being at university I've got back on the horse and discovered the wonderful pairing of Charlie and Harry.

The story takes place after the war and follows Harry as he deals with the guilt that he still carries from the war, the unresolved relationship that he's left with Ginny, the new discoveries that he begins to make about himself and the underlining danger that he seems to carry with him as he tries to start a new relaxed life in the Muggle world. Hopefully full of love, tears and probably slash in later chapters so you have been warned!

Warning: Like I mentioned there will be eventual male/male relationships. Slight Molly, Ginny and Ron bashing, not heaps just enough to keep it interesting. One very grief stricken George Weasley. I'll say sorry already for that one! :(

Disclaimer: I'm not JK Rowling, if I were then a lot of people would still be alive. It took all my strength to keep Sirius dead as my favorite pairing has to be Remus/Sirius! Anyway, I've borrowed these characters to do my bidding and play out this nice little tale. Enjoy!

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Chapter One. The Funeral. June 1998

It had been just under a month since Voldemort had fallen, Harry had spent most of his time attending funerals, various press Conferences, interviews and had spoken to hundreds of different people. They all wanted to know what his plans for the future were, everything from whether or not he was going to marry Ginny Weasley to if he wanted to become the new minister of magic!? The questions were ridiculous, a few had even asked if he was going to carry on Dumbledores Army. Which was ridiculous in itself.

Today was the last funeral of the war, and it was going to be the toughest. It was Fred Weasleys, out of all the deaths throughout the war it was this one that he almost felt the most responsible for. Fred and George were part of the order, but they also had their business, they could have avoided the war. Couldn't they? He was stood in his room in Grimmauld place staring at his own reflection. He hadn't properly looked at his face in months. He looked so old, yet still resembled his eleven year old self. From the unkept hair to the hideous glasses he still hadn't got round to changing. Someone cleared their throat from the doorway and he turned and saw Remus standing in the doorway. It had still been a shock to find Remus alive at the end of the war, sobbing uncontrollably in to his dead wifes chest crying about how the wolf had saved him. No one understood how Remus survived, but for Harry it was a bittersweet moment of the war. He hadn't lost his last father figure, he could still have what could resemble a family environment, but at the same time he realized how lost, and how upset the older man was to still be alive.

"Are you okay?" Remus asked looking concerned as he stepped into the room.

"I will be." Harry muttered fixing his tie in the mirror and then turned to Remus. "After today."

"You know you weren't responsible for these deaths Harry. Especially this one, Fred was part of the Order and knew the consequences. As was Ton..." Remus' voice quietened as he mentioned Tonks and Harry found himself taking two large steps to pull Remus into his arms.

"I'm sorry Moony, I'm sorry about all of this!" Harry pleaded into Remus' shoulder. Remus held him tight then stepped back, his hands still on Harry's shoulder.

"Like I said Harry, this wasn't down to you, none of this is your fault." Remus reminded as he knelt slightly to look in Harry's eyes. Harry nodded and looked up into Remus' eyes. Remus squeezed his shoulders and smiled comfortingly. "We'll get through today together. Okay?"

"Okay." Harry mumbled smiling slightly, Remus patted Harry's arms and left the room leaving Harry alone. He looked at his reflection and sighed, he didn't recognise himself anymore. He couldn't remember when or if he'd ever done anything different with his appearance. He still resembled the eleven year old boy he used to be. He needed a change.

Remus and Harry apparated to the Burrow quickly, they'd decided to leave Teddy with Andromeda earlier. They were surrounded by clusters of redheads in black and the press, as this funeral had been marked as the final funeral from the war the press had swarmed the area.

* * *

"Have they spotted me yet?" Harry murmured to Remus. Remus chuckled and rubbed his arm comfortingly.

"You knew they'd be here." Remus pointed out and Harry scowled at the crowd of unwanted reporters.

"This is a funeral not a show." Harry grumbled. His face lightened as he caught sight of his best friends and sped up to meet them. He looked back at Remus who smiled calmly.

"Go and see your friends. I'm going to talk to Kingsley." Remus smiled moving across the garden to see the new Minister of Magic. As Remus moved away, Ron and Hermione joined Harry, you could already tell Ron had been crying. His red eyes matched the rest of his family that seemed to be drifting through the crowds of people with matched expressions.

"I'm not even going to ask if you're okay." Harry explained to Ron suddenly and Ron smiled slightly.

"Thanks, its all we've had all morning." Ron murmured, he looked around a spotted Bill who was stuck between two witches who looked as if they were trying to comfort him.

"Is everyone here?" Harry asked and Hermione nodded as she tightened her grip on Ron's hand in comfort.

"Charlie arrived last night, he got George out of his room this morning. Percys been here for months, winding everyone up. But he's getting better." Ron said with a shrug, Harry nodded.

"Hows George doing?" Harry asked softly, he'd scanned the garden but had yet to spot George. Ron shook his head slightly trying to find words to say.

"Vacant." Hermione said softly and Ron nodded. "Like Ron said, Charlie had to get him up today. No one else can talk to him."

"Why Charlie?" Harry asked curiously, Ron shrugged again and Hermione shook her head.

"I think he's the most similar to Fred, Charlie doesn't really treat him any different." Hermione explained. Ron was about to open his mouth when Ginny threw herself into Harry.

"Hey Gin." Harry said softly as he wrapped his arms round her awkwardly, she looked up at him with sad eyes and he smiled softly. Before he could speak he noticed everyone moving round the back of the house for the ceremony. He was going to try and seek out Remus but Ginny was clinging to him tightly.

"Can you sit with me?" She asked softly with wide eyes. Harry inwardly groaned and smiled a very forced smile and nodded.

"Of course." He replied softly. The truth was, that although he felt like family himself sitting amongst a family of crying red heads made him feel uncomfortable and uneasy. He didn't like people crying at the best of time, but a family he loved crying for someone he also loved who had died because of him. It was just too complicated.

* * *

He was sat between Ron and Ginny, Hermione sat next to Ron with Bill sat next to Ginny, Harry loosely had hold of Ginny's hand as she sat leaning against him already crying softly. He turned in his seat to try and seek out Remus who was sat between Kingsley and McGonagall, Remus looked up and smiled softly before looking straight ahead. Harry continued to look around and saw Charlie emerge from the house with George on his tail. He saw George follow Charlie blindly and the look on the twins face as he first saw the coffin of his brother. In an instant he had turned almost attempting to bolt back into the house, Charlie caught his brothers arms and seemed to whisper softly into Georges ear making his shoulders sag and turn back towards the crowds. One they were all seated the music suddenly stopped and the service began, and so did the tears.

Harry was winding through people as he'd managed to loose Ginny in the crowds. Every so often he'd be grabbed by someone and the same old questions would be asked.

_"What happened with You know who?"_

_"Why do you still have your scar?"_

_"What happens to your scar now?"_

_"What are you going to do?"_

_"Is there a proposal imminent?"_

_"Are you going to be an Auror?"_

_"When do you start Auror training"_

_"Are you going to be a professor at Hogwarts?"_

_"Are you the new Defence against the Dark Arts professor?"_

_"Are you going to be a Quiddich player?"_

_"Are you joining the Cannons?"_

_"Are you joining Puddlemere?"_

No, no,no **NO!**

As he'd finished a conversation with a certain witch who was convinced that Ginny and Harry were engaged and he was starting at Puddlemere next season as the new seeker. He let out a long sigh and noticed a clearing up ahead behind a hedge, silently pleading it would be empty he not only found it empty but found a table he could sit at. As he sat down he let out a well warranted groan and rubbed his face with his hands.

* * *

"Mind if I join you?" A voice asked. Harry looked up into the sun and saw the face of Charlie Weasley, He smiled slightly before stretching his arms above his head and blinking up into the sun.

"If you promise to not talk about the war or what I'm going to do with my life" Harry mumbled, Charlie was about to speak. " And especially don't talk about your sister"

Charlie sat down next to him, they sat in silence for a few moments. Harry sneaked a glance at Charlie who was gazing up into the sky, his hands tucked into the pockets of his trousers. Harry looked straight ahead of him, taking in his own surroundings.

"So. The weathers nice." Charlie stated. Harry looked back at Charlie who had turned his head slightly with a smirk on his face. Harry tried to mask a smile before snorting and looking ahead. Charlie nudged him slightly and Harry let out a chuckle.

"So you've been hounded all day then?" Charlie asked sitting back on the table they were leaning on. Harry nodded glumly and shook his head.

"Everyone wants to ask something or know what I'm doing. I thought on a day like today they'd leave me alone. It's not about me." He grumbled.

"Yeah, I guess it has been an intense day." Charlie agreed, still smiling softly. Harry frowned realizing exactly what he'd just said, and who he'd said it to and on a day like today. He finally took in Charlies tear stained face and black robes.

"Charlie I'm so sorry! I shouldn't be complaining! You've buried your brother today!" Harry babbled. Charlie chuckled slightly and shook his head.

"Harry it's fine, It's actually nice in a way to have a normal conversation. People I don't even know spot the red hair and assume I need comforting." Charlie explained with an exasperated tone. He gave a sigh and looked ahead.

"But still, I shouldn't sit here moaning, I can be so self absorbed! I'm such an asshole sometimes." Harry exclaimed.

"You're not an asshole." Charlie mumbled as he took a packet of tobacco out of his trouser pocket and began rolling a cigarette. As he licked the paper he felt Harry looking at him and smiled as he finished making the cigarette. "What?"

"You smoke?" Harry asked with an interested tone. Charlie glanced around where they were and put the cigarrete to his lips.

"Yep" he said as he lit the cigarette. "Don't tell the others okay? The last thing I need is mum on my back"

"Yeah I can understand that." Harry agreed with a smile. "Can I try some?"

"Really?" Charlie asked with surprised eyes and Harry nodded, Charlie shrugged and past Harry the cigarette, who took it with frantic hands. "Inhale, hold, then exhale. Go easy."

Harry did what he was told and inhaled, and held, but before he could exhale he was thrown into a coughing fit. Charlie snickered slightly and Harry shoved him slightly.

"I cant belive I gave the boy who lived a cigarette." Charlie chuckled, shaking his head. Harry composed himself quickly and sat back on the table. "You okay?"

"I think I could get used to that." Harry said with a smile. Charlie finished his cigarette silently and was about to talk again when they were interrupted.

"There you two are! Everyone thought you'd both snuck off and left." Ron grumbled as he paced towards the men.

"Just catching up." Charlie said, looking at his brother silently. "How is everyone?"

"Sad." Ron said with a shrug. "George hasn't come out his room. Bills been sat by the door for an hour trying to comfort him. I don't think he knows what to say to him."

"No one does." Charlie mumbled. Stretching his arms he moved off the table quickly. "Ill head in and see them, see if I can help."

"I'll come too." Harry muttered standing up.

"You better go, Ginny's looking for you." Ron said with a faint smile. As they turned and headed back to the wake.

* * *

Harry inwardly groaned. The truth of the matter was that he'd been avoiding Ginny since everything had slightly settled down. Ginny thought that since the war was over, and Voldemort had been defeated they could go back to being a couple, or become engaged. Since the war so many engagements had been announced and Remus had informed him of the baby boom which would likely follow like it had in the previous war. He was already expecting Hermione and Ron to get engaged in the next few months. But he really didn't want to settle down, he wasn't even sure if he wanted to be in the wizarding world anymore. Everyone was anxious to see what he was going to do with his life, but in reality he wanted to relax. He wanted to travel, the more he thought about it the more he realized. He didn't want to be the boy who lived anymore. Or even Harry Potter, He just wanted to be Harry.

As he entered the house he noticed how empty the house was, almost everyone had left besides him and Remus, who was sat at the kitchen table talking seriously to Bill. He looked up briefly and smiled and Harry smiled back instantly. He lent against the kitchen counter sipping his drink robotically when he saw Charlie emerge from downstairs with a very exhausted looking George. He'd only seen him once today and that was during the actual funeral, after that he must have gone straight back to his room, he couldn't blame him. As soon as he entered the room he was met with pitying looks and forced smiles. It reminded him of how everyone had treated him after Sirius had died. He followed behind Charlie who quickly put a fire whiskey in his hand with a smile.

"You're surrounded by your family and people who love you, the pity party will just drag on if you don't act like a human now." Charlie muttered in a hushed tone. George pulled a shy smile and downed half his drink to prove a point and stared at his brother who patted him on the back and looked up at Harry with a smile. He was just about to open his mouth when Ginny pushed past him.

"Harry!" She said with what sounded like a mock sob and threw herself into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her instantly and looked back up at Charlie who chuckled before turning back to George who had now finished his drink. Harry looked down at Ginny who looked back up at him with wide eyes.

"Where have you been?" she asked bluntly.

"Just outside, I've been talking to people." Harry mumbled with a shrug, she huffed slightly before looking back at him.

"But I needed to talk to you." Ginny moaned quietly. Harry gulped and looked down at his...what was she? Girlfriend? That didn't sound right.

"I need to talk to you too." Harry said softly. She looked up excitedly and tried to hide a smile.

"Okay!" She said happily. "Why don't you come over next week?"

"Id love to." Harry replied automatically, she grinned before practically skipping away. He lent back against the counter with a sigh and took a gulp of his own whiskey.

"Hot date?" Charlie asked quietly, and Harry looked up to see Charlie standing next to him.

"Fuck off." He grumbled, making Charlie chuckle softly.

"Everything okay Harry?" Remus asked standing up. Harry shook his head slightly.

"Can we go?" Harry asked suddenly, Remus looked up confused and nodded.

* * *

"Okay, whats going on." Remus asked as they apparated back to the kitchen, Kreacher was already fussing about making tea.

"I'm going to break up with Ginny" Harry announced dropping into a seat, Remus opened his mouth quickly before sitting down next to him.

"I see, and she doest realize its going in that direction." Remus asked and Harry shook his head.

"I think she thinks I'm going to propose or something." Harry grumbled. He looked at Remus. "I'm thinking of moving away."

"Because of Ginny?" Remus asked with wide eyes.

"Yes, no, well, party because of her. I just don't want to be in the wizarding world at the moment. Its getting to much, all the staring and everything" He muttered bitterly. Remus glanced at his godson and frowned slightly.

"The staring will die down, its still fresh. Everyone wants to meet the man who killed Voldemort, and the people that cant see you want to know what you're doing." Remus explained softly, Harry scowled at the table.

"But I don't know what I'm doing, I'm only Seventeen!" Harry exclaimed, he looked up at Remus who was smiling softly.

"I know that Harry, and I understand completely why you would want to leave." Remus assured.

"You do?" Harry asked cautiously and Remus smiled.

"Of course, I even did it myself. When Sirius was arrested, your parents were gone and Peter was presumed dead I didn't know what to do with myself. Whenever I did go out I was swamped by reporters asking about Sirius and your dad. I hated it, that's how I ended up in Yorkshire." Remus explained with a frown as he remembered the lonely time. Harry leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table.

"So if I went to London." Harry began and Remus' mouth quirked into a smile, I guess London wasn't exactly moving away for Remus. Harry continued. "Muggle London."

"You want to live as a muggle?" Remus asked sitting back in his chair quickly, he let a surprised laugh and smiled, Harry chuckled and rubbed his head with an embarrassed smile.

"Maybe, not a complete muggle, I'd still have a wand. I think I just need to be around people who have no idea who I am. Let them know the real me, instead of the 'Harry Potter' everyone here seems to know and make there own assumptions about." Harry said with a grumble, Remus' brow furrowed as he contemplated the situation and glanced at Harry.

"But Harry, your name is known to muggle borns, and squibs. There's bound to be someone who would recognise you, or your name." Remus contemplated with a concerned frown.

"What if I changed my name? Or my appearance? I was going to do that anyway. I've looked like this since forever." Harry frowned flicking his glasses to prove a point with a smile. Remus looked concerned for a moment before looking at the table vacantly.

"You think I'm loosing my dad." Harry murmured, He'd been worried about telling Remus this. It had been clear with Sirius that he was the last connection to his dad. Remus had to feel that way as well to a certain point, even if it was never as obvious as Sirius.

"In a way yes, but that's completely understandable, you're not your dad. You should be able to express yourself completely." Remus smiled softly and Harry nodded happily. He looked at Harry. "So what would you change your name to?"

"I was thinking Harry Evans." Harry said softly. Remus looked up with wide eyes, Harry looked up and smiled at Remus' reaction he looked as if he mentally shook himself before replying to Harry.

"Evans?" Remus reiterated.

"Yeah, after mum." Harry explained, he saw Remus' continued shocked expression and frowned slightly with worry. He picked at the table self consciously. "Do you think she would have minded?"

Remus coughed slightly and rubbed his eyes quickly in attempt to not let Harry see the pure emotion that he felt of being asked how Lily would have reacted. "Well.." He began, coughing again to hide the croak in his voice. "She would have loved it Harry. In actual fact you almost became Harry Evans, Lily was very close to making James take her name."

"Really?" Harry said with laughter in his voice. Remus too laughed at the memory and began fully explaining the story of how James Potter almost became James Evans.

The talk of Harry's own future became left for another night.

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So...What do you think?

Is Harry crazy? How will Ginny cope with the breakup? Will Remus stay supportive? Let me know what you think and keep your eye out for Chapter Two: The Big Change.

Thanks, D.O.M :)


	2. The Breakup

Hello everyone! Thankyou already for the follows and the Favs, At the moment I'm writing chapter Fourteen which If I told you about now I'd have to kill you! But that gives you an idea of how long it'll be :) I'm not 100% happy with these upcoming chapters. But chapter five is when it all gets a bit exciting. For now it's a bit of filler as Harry gets ready to live as a muggle. But as you can tell from the chapter title this is the breakup, so brace yourself, it could all get a bit angry. Enjoy! Let me know what you think, what you like, what you don't. Any constructive criticism is always appreciated.

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Chapter Two The Big Change. June 1998

After sitting up most nights with Remus reminiscing about Remus' past he'd almost forgotten about the importance of today until Remus had wished him luck as he was half way out the door. He stopped so suddenly the door shutting had almost made him fall over. Oh god, what was he going to do? How could he even word this without being horrible, rude, mean? What if she hit him? What if Ron hit him? What if she cried? What if he cried. No, he wasn't going to cry, he wanted this. He really wanted this, but he really didn't want to get hit. He let out a long breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding during the apparation as he faced the usually welcome door of the burrow.

"Here goes nothing." He murmured to himself before pushing open the door and shyly stepping inside.

"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed as he walked through the door, he was immediately pulled into a frantic hug which he returned automatically until he remembered why he'd come here.

"Gin, I need to speak to you." He said trying to sound serious, and ignore the excited look from Molly Weasley who probably assumed he was taking her away to propose.

"Sure." She said with a smile as she took his hand and pulled him to the door. "Lets go outside."

They walked for a moment until Harry stopped, unable to keep up any pretense.

"Ginny, this isn't working." He said calmly, or as calmly as he could be at that moment. He watched as her smiling face fell and looked more confused.

"What? I don't understand..." She stammered, already close to tears. "I thought..."

"I know. I'm really sorry for letting you feel like that" Harry mumbled. "But I'm moving away for a bit."

"Where?! When?" She practically screeched making Harry flinch slightly. "You've only just come back!"

"I know, I'm sorry..." Harry began.

"You're sorry!" Ginny exclaimed. "Your going away? Where? How long?"

"I'm not sure yet, out of the wizarding world, maybe London. I don't know how long I'll be gone."

"But what about us?" Ginny pleaded, stepping forward, to which Harry took a step back.

"Ginny, I'm going away indefinitely. There's no way there could be an us. I'm really sorry. I never meant to hurt you..."

"What? How could you not. You show up here...and I think, Oh for some bloody reason you might propose or at least talk about our relationship and you shred any chance of us even being together. Why not?"

"Why what?" Harry asked, looking confused.

"Why cant we be together?" She insisted. Harry rubbed his temples in frustration and looked at Ginny frantically.

"Because, Ginny, we're going in circles. I'm leaving for a while and you're going back to Hogwarts. Theres no way we can be together, and even if there were a way. I just don't feel that way about you anymore..."

And that's where she hit him. Hard.

"Harry James Potter, don't you dare say anything like that! What about before, what changed?" she pleaded, tears falling down her already wet face. This wasn't how he wanted this to go at all.

"I changed, or want to change. I just cant see us together anymore. I still want us to be friends." he explained trying to sound hopeful.

"Oh well that's okay then!" She snapped sarcastically, wiping away her now angry tears. She stormed ahead of him and he began to follow. She whipped round quickly making him stop and look at her. She really was beautiful, but he really only saw her beauty on the same level as Hermione's. There really was nothing else.

"Harry if you don't have anything else to say I think you should go." She snapped angrily

"But Ginny..." He started.

"FUCK OFF!" She screamed, storming away across the field. He let out a breath he felt he'd been holding since the beginning before stuffing his hands in his pockets and pacing back to the house. 

* * *

As he entered the house the deafening bang of party poppers filled his ears and he was surrounded by string. He looked up with a stunned expression before looking  
back at other stunned faces.

"Did she say no?" Molly asked, quickly clearing away the string with her wand. Harry rubbed his face with his hands and avoided the question by sitting at the table. Everyone seemed to join him. Ron was on his left.

"Mate, what happened?" Ron asked, sounding concerned.

"I told her I was leaving?" Harry mumbled,

"Leaving?" Hermione exclaimed. Looking at him with wide eyes. "But you're not leaving."

"Yes I am." Harry mumbled into his hands his head was resting in. Gasps and shocks erupted in the room.

"Harry, what do you mean you're leaving." Arthur questioned.

"I'm leaving the wizarding world. Just for a bit, I need to get away." Harry explained bluntly.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Ron mumbled, looking visibly hurt, Hermione squeezed Rons hand and went to clasp Harry's.

"He's telling us now." She muttered, and Harry nodded looking downcast.

"Can we visit?" Ron asked, looking miserable and Harry looked up in surprise.

"What? Of course you can! Depending on where I am, but yeah. I just want to be out of the public eye for a while." Harry explained and Hermione smiled slightly.

"But what about your future?!" Mrs Weasley exclaimed and Harry almost winced at the bluntness of such an overused question. He steadied himself before looking into the angry eyes of Molly Weasley.

"I guess its on hold for a moment." He replied honestly, she let out a small shriek and went out to the garden to see to her daughter. Arthur turned and looked at Harry seriously.

"Well Harry, I can't say I'm not sad that you wont be in Auror training with Ron, but I understand your reasons for leaving." He said with a clear and rationale understanding. Arthur held out his hand with a smile and said. "Well, good luck Harry Potter." Harry jumped up in and instant a shook his hand happily with a grin. "Thankyou Mr Weasley, I'll be back here all the time, and eventually I may join Ron in Auror training." He said with a smile as he looked at his best friend who grinned back happily.

"There is one thing though." Harry said suddenly and all eyes looked at him worriedly.

"I wont be going by 'Harry Potter' anymore." Harry announced and this time there were no shouts and gasps. Just deafening confused silence.

"What?" Ron burst out suddenly, breaking the tension and the silence. "But why?"

"Even if I'm in the muggle world people are going to know who I am as soon as I introduce myself, hopefully once I change myself a bit I'll look a little less myself and will have a different name anyway." He said, trying to explain it as rationally as he could. Everyone around him seemed to show some understanding which was good.

"So who are you now?" Ron asked suddenly, humour showing in his voice. He turned to his best friend and grinned.

"Harry Evans." He declared happily. Hermione let out a little noise and looked up at Harry with emotion filled eyes. Before he could even smile at her she stood up and threw her arms around him tightly.

"That's beautiful Harry."

"It's a name Hermione." Ron stated with a snort, in a teasing way. Hermione pulled apart from Harry and swatted Ron forcefully.

"It's a beautiful gesture Ronald, any one could see it." She snapped looking back at Harry. "It's very appropriate, you going into the muggle world with a muggle second name."

It wasn't until then that Harry knew that was the case, of course. He simply smiled and nodded. "Yeah exactly, it was...as you said appropriate." He said hiding his sideways grin as he was pulled into another hug by Hermione. He looked over her shoulder at a certain red head rolling his eyes and masking a chuckle. 

* * *

"Are you sure about this Harry?" Remus asked as he stood in Harry's room helping him pack. Harry looked up from pulling all his clothes into bin liners.

"Sure about what?" Harry asked looking up at his godfather.

"Leaving? Throwing away all your clothes. Leaving the wizard world?" Remus asked with a concerned frown.

"I'm sure about all of those things." Harry smiled. He picked up a rather hideous looking t shirt and looked at Remus. "Especially throwing away my clothes."

Remus chuckled. "Okay, that one I can understand, it will probably be nice to have clothes that actually fit you. But are you sure about leaving?"

"More than anything, I'll visit you and Teddy all the time, I just want to start new somewhere. Where no one knows what I've done or who I am." Harry explained and Remus crouched down next to Harry with a smile.

"As long as you don't forget who you are" Remus murmured looking serious for a moment before smiling. "Thank god Sirius or your father aren't here to hear me say that."

"It was slightly cheesy." Harry agreed earning a shove which caused him to fall slightly into the collection of bin bags. He looked around and frowned.

"I think I should start my new life by burning these."

* * *

So Harry's burning his clothes, Ginny's pissed off and Ron and Hermione are as supportive as ever, for now. What could I mean by that? Favourite, follow and review to find out soon! Thanks!

D.O.M


	3. The Birthday

Hello again! Two updates in two days, aren't you guys lucky! As I said in the last chapter this chapter and the next are more filler then anything exciting. So brace yourself for upcoming drama, there is a small hint towards Charlie and Harry but nothing to exciting. It's Harry's birthday so that could go either way, lets see shall we. Enjoy!

* * *

Chapter Three: The Birthday. July 31st 1998

"Happy Birthday!" Everyone cheered as Molly appeared with an enormous cake crowded with candles. Harry grinned up happily and lent forward to blow out the many candles causing another cheer to go up. Harry looked around his friends happily. The decision to come to the burrow on the day of his birthday had been a good one. However, although he was happy himself he couldn't ignore the glare that Ginny would occasionally throw his way, or the way Molly was prying constantly in what he was doing and just when he'd get over this silly muggle fad he was just about to go through.

"Thanks for all of this Mrs Weasley." Harry said happily as she gave him a massive slice of cake. She beamed at him in her usual mothering way before replying.

"Thought I'd feed you up before you leave. Who knows when we'll see you next." She replied sweetly, too sweetly. His smile faltered slightly and Remus immediately noticed and jumped to his god sons need.

"He knows how to cook Molly, he'll be fine." Remus assured with a kind smile, Ron nodded manically as he was on his second slice already.

"Emus is ight...oozed to ook or the ursleys." He spluttered through cake crumbs, some falling on Hermione's lap. She looked at her lap and then back at her boyfriend annoyingly.

"Lovely." She started, brushing the crumbs of her lap. She looked back at him as he had began licking his fingers and raised her eyebrow. "Why am I with you again?"

Ron seemed to think about it for a moment before shrugging and licking his fingers. "Blinded by love?" He suggested round his finger and most people chuckled as Hermione rolled her eyes and began eating her own cake with a fork.

"You all set for London Harry?" Bill asked out of interest as he rubbed the scar across his face out of habit. Most people didn't see Mrs Weasley stand up slightly and leave the room, muttering under her breath. Remus did, and followed her with his eyes as he left the room, Ginny quick on her tail as she stomped out the room. Harry, completely oblivious to the Weasley woman nodded excitedly.

"I think so. I think I'm going to look in Soho, Seamus and Hermione said its a busy part of London."

"Soho?" Charlie asked suddenly, making himself known the to conversation.

"Have you been?" Harry asked, missing the flush of embarrassment that flared across the older mans face and the quick exchange of looks between Remus and Charlie. Charlie let out laugh and grinned.

"Yeah, a few times. Really good night life." Charlie announced.

"Womanizer." Ron snorted earning a flick of cake, hitting him across the nose from Charlie. Who chuckled as Ron rubbed his face manically. He was about to retaliate when Mrs Weasley appeared again.

"Really Ronald? How old are you?"

"But Charlie-" Ron tried to argue.

"I don't care, Charlies old enough to make his own stupid decisions." Mrs Weasley snapped as she picked up empty plates.

"But...What?" Ron exclaimed with a confused frown. He immediately became quiet as Mrs Weasley stared down at her youngest son.

As she turned away she pulled a face at Charlie who laughed and continued licking the icing of the spoon he was using. Harry couldn't take his eyes away as the tongue appeared and lapped at the spoon like a lolly pop. Why was he watching this? He shook himself from his thoughts as Arthur Weasley began a tirade of questions of just what muggle appliances he was planning to have and what they could be used for. When he did finally sneak a glance back at Charlie he was talking animatedly to Bill. 

* * *

As the lunch ended the burrow became more lively as more people arrived in the evening. Bill and Fleur and Percy disappeared, George had skulked back off to his room muttering that he wasn't in a party mood. Ginny remained sulking at the end of the table, her eyes occasionally flicking up to Harry with angry or sad eyes depending on when he was looking at her. Remus noticed the exchange between the two and frowned as Harry was now avoiding looking at her all together which was making her scowl and mutter under her breath making Charlie shove her slightly before standing up to say his goodbyes as he returned to Romania, giving Harry a tight hug and placing what he could only assume was a pouch of tobacco in his back packet. With a smirk he apparated.

Seamus and Dean arrived first, Seamus complaining that Harry hadn't decided to go out a celebrate in style.

"It's not really my thing you know that Seamus." Harry sighed with a smile.

"That doesn't matter Harry, you turn 18 you get drunk and you forget you even had a birthday." Seamus explained with a smirk. Dean rolled his eyes and sat beside Ron, helping himself to a piece of cake.

" I'm just saying." Seamus announced in a matter of fact way.

"Stop saying." Dean said firmly and Seamus immediately became quiet and sat down, helping himself to Deans cake.

"It's good cake." Dean muttered with a smile, hoping it would quieten his friend.

"Okay one more thing! When you go all Muggle, we are going out." Seamus insisted.

"Okay Seamus." Harry said with a chuckle, Seamus was about to speak again when Luna and Neville appeared, holding hands. Which everyone addressed quickly but didn't mention. I think everyone could tell they were perfect for each other. 

"Happy birthday Harry!" Luna beamed excitedly as she thrust a present into his arms. The new publication of the Quibbler and his very own pair of radish earrings. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow and she continued to beam.

"I heard you're moving to London so I can only think you'll be piercing your ear as you rebel from your assumed life plan." She explained softly.

"And radish earrings are the way to rebel?" Ron asked trying to hide a smirk as Harry gazed down at the earrings with a confused smile. He looked up at her and smiled in appreciation before saying.

"They're great Luna, thanks. I'll have to think about piercing my ear."

"Wouldn't want to get the wrong idea." Seamus laughed moving his hand in a camp expression. Harry's brow furrowed in confusion.

"What?"

"Well depending on what ear you get done depends if you're gay or not." Seamus advised with a grin.

"Oh that's just childish playground silliness." Hermione argued with a shake of her head.

"Well either way, wouldn't want to give people the wrong idea would ya Harry." Seamus added with a nudge to Harry who looked at Seamus with confused eyes.

"Oh what..yeah..yeah I guess not." He muttered looking to Neville who was holding out a plant proudly, ignoring the past conversation.

"Another creation Neville?" Harry asked happily and Neville grinned.

"Yep, thought I'd get some Herbology in before I start Auror training with Ron." He explained happily and Harry almost missed his mouth as he was midway drinking. He swallowed what he had managed to get in his mouth and looked at Neville.

"You're starting Auror training?" Harry asked suddenly and Neville smiled widely again.

"Yeah, most of the DA were offered places, didn't think it was just the golden trio did you?" He teased as he sat beside Harry. Harry smiled and shook his head.

"Of course not, you deserve it mate. Good for you." He smiled, patting Neville on the back calmly. 

As everyone settled into listening and telling stories of memories and the past. Remus and Arthur were talking quietly, about what? Nobody seemed to mind but It was probably over the two Weasley woman who were sat at the far end of the table having their own quiet conversation, this one involved multiple glances in Harry's direction. Not that he had noticed he was to busy feeding cake to Teddy as he laughed along with the story Ron was telling Seamus, Dead and Neville about a moment in the tent that hadn't been boring, depressing or them arguing. 

* * *

Through laughter they were all silenced as the Minister of Magic appeared in the field. Everyone turned and looked, almost breathing in a long breath. Harry looked around realizing no one was addressing the minister and stood up to walk over to him. He hadn't realized Remus had followed him until he spoke up behind him.

"What can we do for you Kingsley." Remus asked, nerves hanging in his voice. Kingsley looked at Harry and tried to smile.

"And here I thought I could just get away with wishing you a happy birthday." He admitted with a calm smile which Harry could only smile back to. He looked at the Minister with a frown.

"Kingsley, what's happening?" He asked suddenly.

"We found something." Kingsley started and Harry snorted as Remus let out an annoyed groan.

"Could you make that sound any more ominous?" Remus asked with sarcasm and Kingsley chuckled softly.

"I'm sorry, okay. We found a propaganda poster in Knockturn Alley." He replied in a hushed voice.

"And I'm guessing it's not in your favour?" Remus asked quietly and the Minister shook his head.

"Or mine?" Harry asked softly and Kingsley again shook his head with a frown.

"I'm afraid not, it seems that there may be followers of Voldemort that were never fully fledged death eaters. Now they have no one to follow, they're angry. They want justice, at the moment were not sure what their next step is, it could be nothing or it could be... "

"Something to do with me. Great."

"Happy Birthday." Kingsley announced with sarcasm and Harry tried to smile. "Now Remus tells me that you're leaving the wizard world momentarily. Now originally I was against this idea, but now? Now I think it's the best thing to do." Kingsley admitted with a calm expression.

"Me too." Harry agreed. "But what about my house? Will it be safe? For Remus and Teddy I mean?"

"That wards are still in place from it being order head quarters, it'll probably be as safe as it can be." Kingsley reasoned as he looked at Remus who nodded and seemed to visibly relax.

"Good, well okay. Just like old times eh?" Harry said sarcastically with a bravado grin. "Wouldn't have been the same birthday without hearing someone want to kill me."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. It may not anything, it could be a group of dark wizards that never had enough courage to sign up to be a death eater let alone do any of this stuff themselves, you could have nothing to worry about." Remus tried to reason, and for a moment Harry smiled, it could be nothing. He looked back at his friends who were looking over looking concerned.

"What do I tell the others?" Harry asked and Remus looked back at the group, his hand rubbing his stubbled face as he decided.

"Nothing, for now. There isn't anything to say. If you say anything they'll just try and keep you here. I'll alert Arthur into what's been found but no one else." Remus decided and Kingsley nodded and looked at Harry.

"Keep your wand with you at all times, I bought you this actually." The Minister began pulling a long box out of his robes and handing it to Harry who took it slowly and looked back up at the Minister with wide eyes.

"A present?" Harry asked, thumbing the ribbon that was tied around the leather box.

"Yes, I know you used to keep your wand in your back pocket, I thought you could use this." Kingsley smiled as Harry opened the box slowly revealing a wand holder that could be strapped across his chest so it fit on his side comfortably. Harry looked up at the older wizard and grinned.

"Thank you. Kingsley, it's great." Harry commented with a smile.

"Well, I'll let you get back to your friends, keep me updated with anything that may happen, but for now lets keep it quiet." He said finally before exchanging a shake of hands and apparating.

"So..." Remus asked with a smile. Harry looked up and returned the soft smile.

"So?" Harry answered looking at his godfather.

"I think you've not had enough to drink yet to constitute this as your eighteenth, your dad and Sirius would be very disappointed." He urged with a soft grin. Harry looked back up at Remus and smiled softly.

"I think you're right Remus. Drink?" Harry asked with a grin.

* * *

So Harry could be in trouble, Charlie and Remus seem to have history in Soho and Mrs Weasley and Ginny just aren't happy. What could possibly happen next! The next chapter is when Harry finally gets the big move and makeover he wanted. Want a little hint? Okay...

_"Harry I'm he-OH MY GOD!" She burst out as she gazed at Harry with her hand over her mouth. She pulled her hand away and looked at Harry. "Wow!"_

_"Do you like it?" He asked giving a mock spin with his arms outstretched. He turned back to her and grinned. _

_"You look so different!" she exclaimed_

Oh I am mean! Tune in soon to see exactly how different Harry may look. As always review, fav and follow! Thanks! D.O.M :D


	4. The Move

Hey everyone! I hope you're all enjoying this so far, thank you to everyone that has favourited and reviewed and thanks to '**Perline'** and '**IrishEyesAreSmiling'** for the reviews so far! Glad you're enjoying it and like the concept so far. This is the last 'filler' chapter that I can see, and the introduction of the first of my original characters. I really hope you like Thea as much as I do. Enjoy!

* * *

Chapter Four The Move. August 1998

After changing a large bulk of his money to muggle money he spent a few weeks trailing round estate agents with Hermione. Ron had begged them both to come as well but they both knew how strange it would be for the redhead, and they knew he would make them stand out from the strange questions he would have definitely asked. They searched for a few days until Harry settled into a flat above a cafe in Soho in London. Within days he'd payed for the flat in full, signed a lease and with the help from Remus, Ron and Hermione he'd begun moving into his home. When they seemed to have moved all the boxes into the flat Harry settled In by making everyone some tea, and Ron made himself comfortable by nosing around the flat, presumably on the hunt for biscuits.

"Is this mad?" Hermione asked suddenly, Remus turned and looked at Hermione with a warm smile.

"Are you worried about him?" He asked softly.

"Of course I am!" She exclaimed in a hushed tone. Remus chuckled and shook his head as he watched Harry flit about his new kitchen making tea.

"This is what he needs Hermione, he never wanted the fame or the attention. He wants to live." Remus explained softly. Hermione furrowed her brow and sighed.

"I get that, but he's away from everyone. I thought family mattered to him?" She asked honestly.

"And it does, and he'll see us all the time. But he can't be normal when everyone is looking at him and wondering what he's doing next." Remus replied softly. "He knows what he's doing Hermione."

"Of course I do." Harry interrupted as he carried through tea making Hermione jump slightly. Her eyes widened before she smiled with an embarrassed smile.

"I'm sorry Harry, I just worry you're making a mistake." She insisted honestly. Harry nodded softly as Ron appeared again from the hallway and sat next to his girlfriend.

"You don't have to worry, and if I find out I've made a mistake then I'll come back won't I?" He said laughing softly 

* * *

Harry woke up earlier than he'd planned in his new flat, boxes were still strewn around the half empty rooms and empty takeaway boxes from the night before loitered on his kitchen counter. But today that wasn't important, today he got to remake himself completely.

He spent practically an hour going in and out of shops, finally buying clothes that fitted him in a way that actually showed of the muscles that he's developed from the many years of Quiddich. He hadn't even been aware of his body until he'd caught looks from shop assistants. They'd helped him buy shirts, trousers, fitted jumpers, t-shirts, and a fitted coat that was vast different to the one he'd been wearing since they'd been living in the woods. It was black, with a high collar and numerous symmetrical buttons falling down the inside he'd liked it so much In fact that as soon as he'd bought the new coat, the old one was dumped in the nearest bin.

His next stop was the barbers. As soon as he'd stepped into the shop about four people had descended on him and had begun pulling at his overgrown hair. Once he was sat in the chair he loosely began explaining what he wanted, one man became cutting his hair quickly. Styling it as he went. He tried to ignore all the hair falling around him and focused more on how different he might look. Different was good, different was what he wanted. When it seemed that the cutting and styling had stopped he looked up at his reflection and grinned widely. Wow.

It still looked longer at the top of his head but was shorter at the sides.

"I've got Cedric hair." He mumbled to himself.

"What was that hun?" The hairdresser asked. Harry shook his head with a smile. "Nothing." he said smiling as he pulled at parts of his hair with a smile. He got up quickly and paid the man before leaving the shop happily. As he walked back to the flat he pulled out his new phone and dialed Hermione. 

* * *

"Harry?" She said down the phone. "Whats the matter."

"Nothing's the matter, could you come to flat. I have a proposition for you." he said with a smile.

"Okay." She replied cautiously and Harry laughed.

"Its nothing like that. I'm on my way there now so I'll see you in a few minutes?" Harry said hanging up the phone.

Once inside his flat he moved all the bags of clothes through to his bedroom, he stared at the endless bags and pulled out a new pair of jeans and grey jumper. Pulling on both his suddenly heard a crack in the kitchen and moved through to see Hermione.

"Harry I'm he-OH MY GOD!" She burst out as she gazed at Harry with her hand over her mouth. She pulled her hand away and looked at Harry. "Wow!"

"Do you like it?" He asked giving a mock spin with his arms outstretched. He turned back to her and grinned.

"You look so different!" she exclaimed, she moved forward and tugged at his hair,.

"Ow- thanks." He smiled rubbing his head, she turned back to him and looked confused.

"But what do you want me for?" She asked. Harry took of his glasses and could sense that she'd realized what he wanted. A blurry shape ran towards Harry excitedly. "Really! You really want me to do this?"

Harry nodded. "More than anything, and I trust you to do it more than anyone else." Harry explained.

Hermione smiled and tugged him into a dining chair and sat opposite to him, pulling out her wand. 

"There's three spells that I have to do for each eyes." She began. "Close your eyes." slowly she placed the tip of her wand directly in the centre of of the right eye and murmured the spell. The entire eyelid glowed slightly before fading back to normal. She did the same with the left eye and sat back to look slowly. "Open your eyes slowly." She ordered, Harry opened his eyes and looked at Hermione who was less blurry than before but still not in focus. "I've just got to fix your short and long sight and then it should be okay. "Cover your left eye" she ordered, she murmured another two spells slowly. "Swap hands." and again she muttered the same two spells. She sat back and looked at Harry's eyes which were open widely.

"Hermione I cant see." Harry murmured slowly. Hermione didn't say anything, he reached out to touch his face and Hermione batted his hands away. "It takes time, its a bit like condensation on a mirror, it takes time for it to lift"

Harry sat patiently until colours began appearing, and then the colours formed into shapes and suddenly he was sat looking at Hermione. He blinked once, twice and then gave a massive smile.

"You're beautiful Hermione." He exclaimed jumping up and pulling her into his arms, she let out a shout at the outburst and laughed pulling away.

"So it's worked? You can see?" She asked gazing at his eyes.

"It's amazing! Everything is so clear!" He exclaimed looking around excitedly, Hermione laughed looking at Harry's eyes dart about.

"Your eyes look even more green than before." She commented, he looked round and looked at her with a nervous expression.

"Is that a bad thing?" He asked. She looked at him suddenly and laughed shaking her head.

"No its not a bad thing, you'd be the only one who would think it was." She laughed. Harry flushed red and smiled up at her.

"We should celebrate, let me take you for a drink." Harry said jumping up happily. Hermione stood to join him, almost transfixed at how much his friend had changed over the few weeks he'd been here. The man in question stood looking at her with a confused expression.

"What?" He asked suddenly and she smiled with a shake of her head.

"Nothing, doesn't matter. Lets go for this drink." She agreed happily following Harry out of the door. 

* * *

They ended up in a rustic looking pub just down the road from his flat, the pub itself was rustic looking, it almost reminded Harry of the Leaky Cauldron, only with less magic and the unmistaken smell of bizarre potion ingredients. Although the place was quite empty, a man was flitting about the place quickly muttering under his breath looking flustered. He spotted Harry and Hermione at the door and rushed over to them quickly.

"You're not after a job are you? These two are useless." The older man joked causing the two girls sat at the bar to shout out in protest. He turned and stared at the two girls "Well you're over there not doing anything so I think I'm in the right here!"

"I am actually." Harry said suddenly.

"You are?" Hermione asked suddenly, Harry looked at her with a shrug and smiled back at the man.

"I am." Harry said again, the man narrowed his eyes and lent forward slightly.

"What?" the man asked with a furrowed brow

"A job?" Harry asked.

"Oh right, great! That would be great, when can you start?" The man asked

"Whenever." Harry shrugged with a smile, the man grinned and looked Harry up and down.

"I like you already, you ever worked in a pub? Poured a drink? Are you eighteen?"

"No, no and yes, just. Birthday last month."

"Well its not hard, come in on Sunday and I'll show you the ropes." He explained with a smile holding out his hand. "I'm Marcus by the way."

"Harry." He said shaking his hand firmly, Hermione let out a cough and both men looked at the forgotten witch. Harry smiled. "And this is my friend Hermione."

"I'm not looking for a job." She said with a hint of smile as she shook his hand. Marcus let out a whistle and grinned.

"Of course not, you're far to pretty to work in a place like this." He flirted and Hermione blushed yet tried to keep her face as straight as possible. Harry tried to hide a grin.

"I can hear you!" the girl shouted and we all turned to look at woman leaning over the bar.

Marcus let out a groan and looked back to Hermione and Harry with an embarrassed grin. Marcus moved across to the counter and kissed the womans cheek quickly.

"This is my fiance Thea. Like I said before she doesn't work here, or at least all she does is brighten up the place." He explained with a smile and Thea leaned forward a bit closer to look at Harry and Hermione.

"I do work thanks, drink?" She stated sarcastically, Marcus disappeared behind the bar and appeared next to her pulling a very tattooed arm around her and kissing her cheek fondly making her show a reluctant smile.

"I know you do babe." He agreed happily. He looked back at Harry and Hermione who were sat at the bar watching the exchange with smiles.

"What can I get you two?" He asked happily.

"I'll have a beer please. What do you want Herm?" He asked looking at Hermione with a smile.

"Archers and Lemonade would be lovely thankyou." She replied softly. Marcus nodded before fetching the drinks.

"So how long have you been together then?" Thea asked bluntly.

"We're not together."

"He's not my boyfriend" They both exclaimed at the same time before looking at each other and flushing with embarrassment. They both smiled before looking back at Thea.

"Hermione's one of my best friends." Harry explained with a smile.

"And I'm actually dating our other best friend." Hermione added with a smile. Marcus came over with their drinks and nudged his fiance.

"You are nosy." He joked with a grin. He looked back at Harry who passed him some money before holding his hand up.

"Have it on me, call it a thankyou for helping me out from Sunday." Marcus decided with a grin as he bustled away happily.

Hermione and Harry sat down at a small table and Hermione wasted no time trying to understand Harry's new outlook on everything. 

Hermione looked at Harry cautiously before saying "So new flat."

"Yes." Harry said.

"New clothes." Hermione stated.

"Yes." Harry said.

"New job?" Hermione questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes? Hermione what is it? You seem to be the only person that's acting like I've lost it!" Harry exclaimed with a frown.

"You're just acting so different!" Hermione exclaimed and Harry immediately go defensive and crossed his arms across his chest.

"Because of my look? Because I've left? Because I've already explained that to enough people and I thought you all understood."

"We do! I do! But the job? That doesn't make sense."

"You know how most muggles go on gap years."

"Harry are you saying this is your gap year? Because with all the money that you have, you could have chosen a better place."

"Yes, and then I would have been hundred or thousands of miles away from my family and friends." Harry grumbled sarcastically and Hermione suddenly looked at him with wide eyes and a flush of embarrassment. Harry's face softened as he looked at how embarrassed his friend was.

"Harry I-"

"It's fine Herm, It's nice in a way that you're worried about me. But stop, I know what I'm doing it might seem strange but I just want to be..."

"Normal?" Hermione suggested.

"Yeah, Normal." He stated with a snort. He looked around the pub slowly taking in the muggle pub.

The worn wooden floors, the tired red painted walls that were covered in paintings being sold from hopeful artists. The pub was littered with odd pieces of furniture, no table or chair matched. Apart from an old man that was sat at the end of the bar they were the only customers. Thea and the other girl were chatting quietly behind the bar, occasionally glancing over to himself and Hermione. He smiled before taking another gulp of his beer.

"Yeah, this is normal."

* * *

So, Harry's got a job! What do you guys think of Thea and Marcus? Hermione is worried, Remus is supportive and Harry finally looks a little different. Just what could happen next? Leave me a comment if you want to have a guess or just to tell me what you think. Thanks!

D.O.M :D


	5. The Night Out

Hey everyone! I know I only updated a few days ago but I'm actually going away for the rest of the month for a job so I won't be able to update. So, as a little treat here's the chapters I've been looking forward to you seeing! It follows Harry through his first night out in a muggle club where he runs into an unlikely friend, who will that be? Well, you probably already know! I hope you liked Thea and Marcus as they're in it a lot this chapter! But I promise I'll bring back Hermione and Ron in due time, as well as the others soon enough. Anyway! I hope you enjoy this early update and I'll see you all in a month! :) D.O.M

* * *

Chapter Five: The Night Out. September 1998

Harry had been working in the pub for nearly two months, and although he'd settled in quickly he was still highly aware that not everyone had accepted his 'gap year' as he was calling it. Especially Molly and Ginny, but then again Ginny still wasn't talking to him, but her glares and sneers were enough evidence to show she didn't approve. So far there hadn't been anything to support what Kingsley had found in Knockturn Alley, so for now Harry was putting it down to cowards trying and failing to scare him.

Overall he was enjoying his muggle life. He worked most evenings and saw Remus and Teddy or other friends on his days off. He'd become friends with Thea and Marcus quickly, although it was clear that Thea was still curious about him and was dying to sit down and ask hundreds of questions. Her main challenge at the moment had been trying to get Harry to go out with them after work. Most nights they closed between twelve and one and Thea and Marcus usually went on to a club or bar at the weekends.

"Harry, You have to come out with us!" Thea begged with an exasperated tone. Harry looked up from wiping down the side of the bar with a smile, before continuing to wipe.

" I told you Thea, I'm not the partying type" Harry smiled.

"Bullshit" she exclaimed. "You didn't even go out for your birthday!"

"Thea!" Marcus warned in an icy yet comforting tone. She shut her mouth quickly and looked to her boyfriend with raised eyebrows. He smiled and shook his head.

"He said no. Besides, we'd just be spending the night pulling woman off him." Marcus said. Harry looked up suddenly, almost with a fearful expression and Marcus laughed. "Jesus Harry, would that really be terrible?!" He teased and Harry wrinkled his nose in contempt.

He shrugged and threw a rag on the bar, with his hands on his hips he blew some of his fringe out his eyes. "I hadn't thought about it."

"Maybe that's because you don't want..." Thea began before Marcus closed his hand around her mouth.

"What Thea means to say is you need more confidence in yourself mate, you're a catch, or would be. If you stopped working for a second and spent some time in the world." Marcus explained, and Thea nodded frantically as she tired to pull Marcus' hand away from her mouth. Harry contemplated for a moment before smiling.

"Fine, fuck it." Harry decided and Thea practically screamed and pulled him into a hug. As she pulled away she ruffled his hair. "We're going to have so much fun!" She squealed, as both men looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

* * *

They walked down the Main Street of Soho before going into a venue where the music was practically moving the floor, the heavy bass line filled Harry's ear as he wound through people to keep close to Thea and Marcus.

It didn't take long for Harry to realize the club was filled with just a few to many men, and that most these men were dancing together extremely closely. His assumptions were confirmed as a shirtless guy sparkling head to toe pushed ahead of him to reach a man, who was also covered in sparkles. When they were face to face they both eagerly grabbed each other for a passionate kiss. Harry had never seen such a dominating kiss. Is this how all men kissed? As no woman was involved, did both males fight for dominance? This in a a way excited Harry, of all the girls he's kissed it had had to always be on his terms. The girls had always expected him to take the lead, which is something he never liked. He was thrown from his mind as Thea pulled him through the crowd excitedly, Marcus quickly rescued Harry and steered him towards the bar.

"Beer Harry?" Marcus asked casually, as he looked at Harry's stunned face. "First time?"

"What?" Harry shouted over the music. Marcus laughed and leaned closer.

"Is it your first time in a gay club" Marcus asked. Harry laughed and leaned to Marcus.

"First time in any club!" Harry announced with a shout, he looked back at Marcus and gave a flustered smile. "Is it that obvious?" Harry laughed, and Marcus shook his head.

"No, you're a natural." He teased and Harry looked confused. Marcus laughed and leaned to Harry. "Sorry about this, Thea was convinced you were gay. I think she's set on you being her gay best friend."

"She thinks I'm gay?" Harry asked, and Marcus nodded and passing him a beer bottle and a shot glass.

"She thinks I'm gay." Harry repeated. Well, contemplated, while studying his shot glass with a confused frown.

"Are you?" Marcus asked, Harry looked up suddenly with oblivious eyes, obviously not listening.

"Am I what?" Harry asked looking up at the older man who was trying to not laugh at just how naive yet grown up this younger man was.

"Gay!?" Marcus laughed. Harry considered it for a moment before shrugging.

"I've never really thought about it." He muttered tossing back his shot and

cringing as it burned down his throat. He let out a cough and looked at Marcus.

"Fuck, what was that?" Harry asked looking at the empty glass in horror.

"Tequila." Marcus stated before being descended by his girlfriend.

"There you two are!" She exclaimed grabbing a beer and shot from Marcus. She took the shot quickly and chased it with a gulp of her beer before grinning.

"Shall we dance?"

"I don't really dance." Harry muttered awkwardly, and Thea turned to his quickly and exclaimed.

"Do you do anything Harry Evans?" She exclaimed as she pulled him into the centre of the dance floor quickly, suddenly engulfed with manic dancers. He looked around with a smile before holding up his tobacco.

"I smoke." Harry laughed. "Stay here, I'll be right back."

* * *

He finally made it outside to a smoking area, after going through countless corridors and up and downstairs. Once he made it outside he found an empty table and sat down and begun rolling a cigarette. Just as he was a about the light it a voice came out of no where.

"Mind if I join you?"

Harry looked up suddenly and grinned as he found the owner of the voice. "Charlie?" He exclaimed as he stood up to stand level with The red head. He noticed the older man looking at him and realized how different he may look a lot had happened in a few months.

"Whoa, Harry. You look so different!" Charlie chuckled with a toothy smile, what was it about Charlies smile that instantly made him feel so calm in such stressful surroundings? He couldn't help grinning back at the older red head.

"What are you doing here?" Charlie asked still gazing at Harry in disbelief.

"I'm out with some work friends." Harry started and Charlie looked taken back.

"You're working? In Muggle London?" Charlie asked bluntly. Harry chuckled and took a drag of his cigarette, Charlie watched him closely and as he let out his breath he offered the cigarette to Charlie who took it happily.

"Yeah, I work in a pub. Something wrong with that?" Harry asked as Charlies expression turned from shock, to really shocked. Charlie let a laugh and grinned.

"No, nothing wrong with that. Only when Ron said you were working in London I thought something more different like policeman or athlete?" Charlie started with a laugh. Harry narrowed his eyes and practically snatched his cigarette back.

"Policeman or athlete? Charlie it hasn't even been a year how the hell would that work? And they sound very similar to being an Auror or a Quiddich player." Harry huffed in annoyance, but a smile played on his lips. He turned back to Charlie. "So anyway, what are you doing here?"

"I always come here when I'm in London." Charlie shrugged taking a gulp of his beer. Harry nearly choked on his. Did he just hear that right?

"To do what?" Harry asked, but he was already sure about the answer. Just as

Charlie was about to answer two mean wearing matching black vests and tight blue jeans walked past. Their hands rooted in the back pockets of either mans trousers. Harry looked back at Charlie who had also followed the men and Charlie chuckled.

"What do you think" he muttered with a smirk. Okay, so when Charlie smiled he relaxed but when he smirked he felt almost uneasy, but in a totally good way. Or maybe that was the tequila and the beer.

"I see." Harry said with a smile. He finished his cigarette and beer before casting a long look at Charlie.

As usual his red hair was falling casually around his face. It was shade lighter than any of the other Weasley and slightly curlier. His eyes were a darker blue and whereas the others seemed to hide their figures under Mrs Weasley's over sized jumpers. Charlies muscles that he'd developed from the years of work with dragons pushed effortlessly against the black t-shit he was wearing and the stonewashed jeans. At the top of his arm only just covered by the t-shit you could see a hint of a tattoo that Harry presumed was a dragon. Harry didn't realize how long he'd been looking at Charlie but the burn of his cigarette slowly bought him out his mind.

"Ah shit!" He exclaimed immediately dropping his cigarette and sucking on his thumb. Charlie let out a small laugh and Harry glared before adding to the laughter. He looked around the area before looking back at Charlie. "I should get back to my friends. They're going to wonder where I am." Harry said and Charlie nodded.

"They probably will. I'll see you soon Harry."

"See you soon." Harry answered back, as he walked back into the club.

Charlie watched Harry walk back into the club, he could help but check out how Harry's ass fitted into the black pair of jeans he was wearing. Or how the muscles in his shoulders tensed as and pulled the fabric of his grey shirt as he walked. He slowly shook himself out of concentration before letting out a deep sigh and rubbing his hands over his face.

"Well, shit."

* * *

Once Harry was back inside the club he immediately headed to the bar and bought five tequila shots. There and then he took each shot, the bartender watching with surprise. As Harry picked up his last shot the bartender looked at him.

"Hey, go easy mate." He laughed and Harry raised his shot in a toast before

saying. "No promises." And downing the final shot. As he put the glass back on the counter someone grabbed him from behind immediately making him think it was Charlie but turned around to find Marcus looking at him with raised eyebrows.

"Whoa what happened? You've been gone ages." Marcus asked as he took in the various empty shot glasses.

"Nothing, just ran into an old friend." Harry smiled and let Marcus pull him through the dance floor.

"Good or bad?" Marcus shouted as they neared Thea who was dancing wildly.

"Oh good, so good." Harry shouted back with a slur and Marcus laughed. He'd been dying to make Harry unwind since he'd met him, the guy was far to uptight for an 18 year old. As he was about to ask another question Thea pulled Harry by the arms and made him dance with her. He smiled happily at Thea who grabbed his hands, making them swing around the dance floor making Harry laugh giddily.

They seemed to dance for hours. Thea watched as Harry moved his hips to the music and nudged Marcus and said with a smile. "And he said he didn't dance."

"I don't think he ever has." Marcus laughed. He looked back to the dance floor and watched a very pretty, yet slutty looking girl approach Harry. He nudged Thea. "You're turn."

"I'm on it." She laughed as she pushed herself into Harry and wound herself around his body trying to make him look unavailable. It worked, and the woman left with a scowl. She laughed and moved back to dance with Harry normally who laughed and shouted.

"I'm having so much fun! We should do this every Friday!" He exclaimed falling into giggles. Making Thea and Marcus laugh. They each grabbed an arm and slowly moved off the dance floor.

"I think it's time to go home." Marcus laughed. But Harry pulled quickly.

"Noo! I want to stay." Harry exclaimed. "Can I stay!?"

"You don't know where you are." Thea tried to explain. "You'll get lost"

"I won't, I promise I won't." Harry begged and Marcus and Thea exchanged looks.

"You promise to get a taxi home?" Marcus asked and Harry nodded excitedly. Marcus laughed and ruffled Harry's hair. "How could I say no!"

"You sure you'll be okay." Thea asked urgently and Harry nodded and smile.

"No taking drinks of strange men." Marcus insisted and Harry gave a mock salute with a crooked grin, Thea pushed in front of Marcus and poked Harry's chest.

"No going home with any strange men either." She ordered with a grin, her eyes following a tall blonde man dressed all in white, she looked back at Harry with a grin. "Unless he looks like that, In that case, take two home."

"Thea!" Marcus shouted with a laugh, pulling her away softly, he looked back at Harry and slapped him on the shoulder happily. "No men."

"I promise. Thanks for tonight guys it's been amazing!" Harry grinned before they lost him back into the dance floor. Marcus watched him at first then Thea grabbed his arm.

"He'll be fine Marcus, he's a big boy." She laughed, she pulled him away she

pulled her arm around his waist. "Speaking of big boys. Let's get you home."

* * *

Oh no Harry's all alone in a muggle gay club, Charlies around somewhere what's the bet that they find each other in the next chapter? Well you don't have to wait I've put it up along with this one so enjoy! Fav, Follow and Review! Cheers!

D.O.M :D


	6. The End of Night Kiss

So, As promised here's the second part to 'The Night Out' I hope you like these chapters as much as I liked writing them! Here it is, the second part. Just how will Harry get home? Will he go home alone? And just when will he work out that he may be a little gay. All coming up now, Enjoy!

D.O.M

* * *

Chapter Six: The End of Night Kiss. September 1998

Charlie wasn't having the best night, around this time he would have already pulled and would be on his way home. But not tonight, tonight Harry had to be there. He'd last seen Harry a week before Harry left for London, they'd spoken briefly the same as they always had, but Charlie couldn't get out of his head how different and mature the boy...well, man was. He hadn't been able to take his eyes off Harry then, and now he shows up in a gay club, without glasses, without the unkept hair, and especially without the baggy clothes. This was just torture. As he was about to call it a night he went to bar for one final shot when he collided with the very man that had made his night hell.

"Harry?" Charlie asked as held the mans shoulders, as it seemed he was struggling with balance. Harry looked at him for a moment before grinning widely, making Charlie stomach twist stupidly.

"CHARLIE!" He shouted happily. "Oure sill ere?" Harry slurred and Charlie laughed out loud, If the wizarding world could see this now. The Boy who Lived was shitfaced. This was just too perfect.

"Yeah, I was just about to leave." Charlie chuckled still holding into Harry who was swaying in his arms slightly. He watched Harrys glazed over eyes study the ceiling intently before letting out a snort. "Let's get you home too."

"I like home." Harry slurred as Charlie wrapped one arm around Harry's waist to support him. Charlie snorted as they left the club.

"I like home too. Where's your home?"

"Just up the road." Harry smiled as he pointed left and began walking right.

Charlie laughed and rubbed his face as he watched Harry try to establish which way he lived. Harry finally looked at Charlie and began hysterically giggling.

"I've forgotten where I live." He snickered. Almost falling on the floor until Charlie caught him. Harry looked at the roads again and suddenly stood up straight.

"It's this way."

"You sure?" Charlie asked with a grin. Harry opened his mouth as he looked down each road with a confused face. He suddenly realized where he was and practically took off in a sprint down the road.

"It's this way! Come on!" Harry yelled excitedly, as he jogged down the road.

Charlie watched the young man running down the road as the heavens opened in a downpour. Charlie grinned up into the rain stupidly before blowing his hair out his face and shaking his head.

"What am I doing?" He questioned to himself, before running after Harry.

* * *

After finally catching up to Harry he found Harry trying to fish his keys out of his pocket. Charlie laughed at the sight before taking a look around to see the place empty, and pulling out his wand to unlock the door. Harry looked at him with wide eyes and smiled sheepishly.

"Thanks, do you want to come in?" Harry asked leaning on his door, probably the only way he could keep himself up. Charlie looked up into the rain and exhaled dramatically, he looked back at Harry and grinned. "Go on then."

"Drink?" Harry asked. Walking behind the counter to his kitchen and reaching into the cupboard and pulling down a bottle. "I have some fire whiskey."

"Sounds good." Charlie replied with a smile, as he sat on Harry's sofa. Harry quickly joined Charlie and passed him his drink.

"So, no luck tonight then?" Harry grinned taking a gulp of his drink. Charlie chuckled and shook his head.

"I guess my head wasn't really in it tonight." Charlie admitted with a smile. _'No thanks to you' _He added to himself as he lent back on the sofa and turned his head to face Harry.

"Do your family know?" Harry asked suddenly, Charlie furrowed his brow and shook his head.

"No..." He started. "Could you..." He began but Harry raised his hands to stop him.

" I won't say anything." Harry assured with a smile, while leaning on his hand. "I need to figure stuff out as well I guess."

"What stuff?" Charlie asked, taking a large gulp of his glass, he already knew where this was probably going.

"Why I broke up with your sister, why I was so comfortable tonight. Why everyone automatically assumes I'm gay."

"Are you?" Charlie asked bluntly, trying to hide a smile. Harry seemed to consider the prospect with a very confused face, almost like he was working out a maths puzzle until he threw his arms up dramatically, almost dropping his drink.

"No fucking idea, who knows. It's not as if I had much practice being straight." Harry explained with a shrug.

"Okaaay." Charlie dragged out while running his hand through his hair. "Well I guess that kind of helps me. The idea of you and my sister isn't that great in

my head."

"Hey! What's wrong with me." Harry exclaimed with a slur.

"Nothing, it's just that anyone with my sister is just wrong." Charlie said, emphasizing it with a dramatic shudder, making Harry laugh.

"Yeah well it felt wrong if that helps." Harry explained.

"You may have just answered your first question." Charlie chuckled, while draining his glass and pulling out his tobacco and rolling a cigarette.

"I guess." Harry grumbled, he looked at Charlie for a movement before asking. "How'd you know you were gay?"

"I dunno, I just knew. Never fancied girls, at first I thought I just didn't fancy anyone. But then I fell for my friend at the end of Hogwarts, realized after that that I was probably gay." Charlie recalled as he licked his paper.

"And you've never just told anyone?" Harry asked and Charlie shook his head as he lit his cigarette.

"Some people know. Some guess, like Bill, Tonks, Remus and Hermione. and some ask. I'm pretty sure my parents have considered it, but they've never asked so I've assumed they don't want to acknowledge it. If people ask, I tell them. If they don't...well, then I don't say anything. Some of the reserve know, mainly because they're gay themselves, but that's about it." Charlie explained with a shrug as he passed his cigarette to Harry.

"That's sad." Harry mumbled quickly finishing his glass and jumping up to grab the bottle.

"Not really." Charlie admitted. "It's not as if I have anyone to show off to them. I think until that happens they can carry on believing I'm too obsessed with animals."

* * *

"Harry." Charlie muttered, he wasn't really calling his name. It just seemed

like he wanted to say it. But it made Harry open his eyes and look back into the dark blue ones that we're watching Harry intently. Harry grinned a drunken smile before replying.

"Charlie."

"I may have an experiment for you to help with your problem." Charlie murmured watching Harry closely.

"Oh yeah?" Harry smiled tipping his head back over the sofa and smiling.

"Yeah, but you have to shut your eyes." Charlie slurred slightly as his breathing was already becoming erratic. Harry shut his eyes almost straight away, and drunken smile still playing on his lips. Charlie edged closer slightly trying to make as little noise as possible. As he slowly knelt on the sofa and lent over Harry he took in the mans full features.

How had he missed this beautiful man in his life. Sure he'd only met the guy a few times prior to the war and those times the age gap between the two had seemed larger due to Harry's younger stature at the time. But how had he missed the potential. His square jaw now proudly wore a few scars hidden by styled stubble, his once styled hair was now fanning around his head slightly and his long fringe only just missed his eyes, hiding the very famous scar.

He lent forward slowly and suddenly brushed his lips over Harry's. Harry suddenly made a noise in the back of his throat, but his eyes didn't open. Charlie added more pressure to the kiss as he moved one hand to cup Harry's jaw lightly. As his stroked his fingers over the stubble he struggled to notice Harry's own hand reach up to tangle in the back of Charlies hair, pulling him closer. This was all the conformation he needed and he slowly ran his tongue over Harry's lips trying to gain access to the rest of his mouth, to which Harry eagerly opened his mouth and joined his own tongue with Charlies. He'd known this wasn't going to be any ordinary kiss, but nothing prepared him for this experience. He moved his tongue once more before sucking on Harry's bottom lip, pulling away slowly.

As he did he noticed Harry's eyes open slowly and gaze at Charlie with an overwhelmed expression. He didn't know what Harry was going to do. Run away? Hit him? Laugh? All these worries were running through his head before Harry slowly paled, jumped off the sofa and ran to the toilet, slamming the door suddenly.

Well that wasn't good.

* * *

"Harry?" Charlie asked as he knocked on the bathroom door, the door suddenly opened and Harry swayed in the doorway.

"I think I should go to bed." Harry slurred. He looked so embarrassed by the situation. Charlie knew this wasn't a time for questions. He simply nodded and gave a smile.

"Sure, I'll get you to bed and then I'll go."

"No, no, no. Stay." Harry exclaimed and Charlie raised his eyebrows making Harry backtrack. "I mean...I have a sofa."

"Right! Yeah! Sofa, yeah. Good." Charlie rambled, blushing like a teenager. "I'll see you in the morning."

Harry gave an embarrassed smile before heading to his room and shutting the door quietly. Charlie let out the breath and collapsed onto the sofa. Throwing an arm over his head he stared up at the ceiling wondering how he'd got himself into this situation. Part of him wanted to run, part of him wanted to throw open Harry's door and kiss him senseless, or at least try to work out what had happened and why. Dragons were so much easier, if they liked you they didn't set you on fire. Problem solved.

He let out a groan before pulling his shirt over his head and practically flinging it across the room in frustration. Frustration being the key word here, for a moment he contemplated stroking himself through his jeans before mentally hitting himself.

"I'm not wanking on his sofa." He hissed at himself. He let out another breath of air and frowned. "And now I'm talking to myself. Again."

* * *

Harry was in a similar situation.

He'd sobered pretty quickly after returning home but in his confused state he too was trying to work out what the hell had just happened. Charlie had kissed him. And he'd run away to throw up! What the hell must Charlie think. What did he want him to think. Did he like Charlie in that way? Could he? Over the past few months after the war, since his brain had settled down he'd realized he didn't know himself as well as he thought. He'd spent so much of his life fighting to stay alive or keep others alive he hadn't stopped to think who he was as a person.

What about Ginny? Cho? But then again, what about Malfoy? He'd practically stalked him in the past and obsessed over him. Had there been more to that then he'd thought. Hermione sure seemed know more about him then anyone else.

His thoughts quickly turned to Charlie, sure the guy was handsome, clever, interesting and funny. They got on really well, although they'd only met a few times they always seemed to bond really quickly. Did that mean something? It wasn't as if they had a similar relationship to him and Ron, but they seemed to connect in a way that they were just comfortable around each other. Until now. Both men fell asleep confused, turned on and frustrated.

* * *

When Charlie woke up he completely forgot where he was and immediately went into attack mode, jumping up onto the sofa his wand curled tightly around his fingers he surveyed his surroundings and took in the cozy flat. Suddenly he remembered where he was and just how hungover he was. With a groan he slumped back down onto the sofa and pulled a hangover potion out of his pocket. Downing it he laid back onto the sofa, gazing up at the ceiling with a confused frown. He suddenly turned his head and stared at the shut door that contained Harry Potter.

He'd kissed Harry last night, why had he done that? The poor guy didn't even know if he was gay or not and there Charlie was propositioning the guy! Not to mention that Harry had been extremely drunk, he'd barely been able to find his way home let alone make conscious decisions about his sexuality. He was a terrible person, he'd taken advantage of a man much younger than he was, and worse still his younger brothers best friend. He groaned again.

"I'm going to hell." He groaned. He laid there for what felt like hours before he heard a door open, freezing slightly he listened intently to footsteps crossing floor, a door opening, a door closing and then silence. He must be in the bathroom. What if Harry forgot that he was here? That wouldn't be the best introduction. He was suddenly shaken out of his thoughts by the door opening and what sounded like cautious footsteps making their way over to the sofa.

"Charlie?" Harry asked cautiously, that must be my cue Charlie thought as he sat up and looked at a very raggedy Harry Potter. His hair was sticking up and pointing in nearly every direction he rubbed his eyes tiredly and stretched his arms up showing a patch of skin between his pajama bottoms and t shirt. A small hint of hair trailing between his belly button and into the unknown beneath his bottoms. 'YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW IF HE'S GAY!' he cursed at himself, quickly putting on his best Fred and George smirk he looked back at Harry.

"Morning."

"Is it?" Harry groaned wandering round the sofa and throwing himself down on the sofa Charlie was laying on narrowly missing Charlies feet. Harry let out a dramatic groan and Charlie laughed. He pulled his hands away and glared at Charlie.

"I feel like I've been run over by a hippogriff" Harry moaned. Charlie reached between them and pulled out another hangover potion and passed it to Harry who took it instantly and gazed at the bottle. He looked at Charlie thoughtfully.

"Is this what I think it is?" Harry asked hopefully and Charlie nodded with a smile as Harry uncorked the potion and downed it, he smiled slightly and leaned back onto the sofa, his head flopping over the back slightly. Resembling last night Charlie suddenly felt that there was a very large elephant in the room that they were both ignoring.

"Uh. Thanks Charlie I needed that." Harry murmured gazing at the ceiling. He saw Harry smile as he tilt his head to look at Charlie softly.

"About last night..." Harry began. Here it comes, the talk.

"Don't worry about it." Charlie interrupted, Harry furrowed his brow in confusion and stared at Charlie. " You were drunk, you didn't know what you were doing."

"You were drunk as well." Harry pointed out firmly, Charlie looked at Harry who had resumed staring at the ceiling. He let out a sigh as he spoke into nothing.

"Not as drunk as you. I shouldn't have done it, I'm sorry." Charlie continued, as he watched the younger man stare up at the ceiling.

"Why?" Harry asked

"Why what?" Charlie reiterated

"Why shouldn't you have done it?" Harry asked, what appeared to still be the ceiling. Charlie contemplated moving to mirror how Harry was sitting but decided against it.

"You were drunk." Charlie admitted.

"You were drunk too." Harry argued a frown appearing on his lips. Oh no, I need to say something to turn that around.

"I should know better. I took advantage." Charlie rambled. Brilliant tell him you're a rapist next. Charlie mentally hit himself. Harry let out a snort before replying back to ceiling.

"No you didn't, I didn't stop it."

"Because you were dr-" Charlie began.

"It wasn't because I was drunk." Harry said firmly, he turned his head to the side and looked at Charlie. His eyes looked at Charlies lips briefly before looking back into his eyes. He sat up and shifted on the sofa to the look at Charlie. "I think we should try that experiment again." Charlie looked at Harry with knowing eyes and smiled.

"Are you sure?"

"Well I was so drunk last night it cant exactly count, can it?" Harry stated sarcastically with a toothy grin. Charlie leaned forward slightly and grabbed the back of Harry's neck quickly making the younger man gulp nervously.

"Alright smart ass." Charlie teased pulling Harry into a soft kiss, the hand holding Harry's neck slipping round the stroke the side of Harry's face. As he was about to pull away when Harry's hand reached out to tangle in Charlies hair, following the same sign as he had last night he stroked his tongue along Harry's bottom lip waiting for access which was granted almost instantly. Their tongues moved together almost rhythmically as he felt Harry's hands pulling Charlie closer to him until he was practically sitting in his lap. Charlie pulled away softly and looked at Harry warily, Harry looked back at Charlie with wide dazed eyes.

* * *

"Well at least this time I didn't throw up." Harry stated earning a whack round the head with one of his pillows.

"You horrible git!" Charlie shouted hitting Harry a final time. Harry let out a deep shriek of laughter and threw up his arms in mock surrender.

"Okay, I'm sorry. That was more a victory for me then you." Harry explained coyfully, he looked at his watch briefly before frowning.

"Working today?" Charlie asked suddenly. Harry nodded with a frown.

"In a couple of hours, you needed back in Romania?" Harry asked and Charlie nodded glumly.

"Couple of hours." He stated causing the air to become thick with tension as they sat in silence. Just when Charlie thought the couldn't take the tension anymore he turned to Harry.

"What can we do -" he was cut off by Harry's lips suddenly on his again. Once Charlie had settled into the kiss after the shock of the younger man jumping on him he'd practically ended up with Harry straddling his lap. Pulling his fingers through Harry's short messy hair he settled one hand on the back of Harry's neck, his thumb stroking up and down Harry's neck. Harry pulled away softly and looked at Charlie cautiously who was watching Harry with his own familiar glance. Harry was suddenly very aware he was sitting in Charlie Weasleys lap and jumped to move a little too quickly, his knee ending in a very bad position for Charlie who let out a grunt as Harry jumped away as if he had been burnt and threw his arms in front of his face.

"Oh god, oh god." Harry mumbled over and over to himself. He opened his fingers to glance at Charlie who had braced himself on the edge of the sofa, his cheeks flushed red. He glanced at Harry briefly and let out a choked chuckle. Harry instantly relaxed and looked at Charlie properly. He couldn't help but chuckle himself.

"I'm so sorry." He apologized, with a frown.

"Thats one way to get rid of a boner." Charlie grumbled, rearranging his trousers and flashing Harry his usual grin who was staring at the older man open mouthed. "What?"

"You...Uh...That made you..." Harry fumbled nervously and Charlie laughed looking at Harry. Harry looked at him and gave a nervous smile.

"Not that Harry, you." Charlie admitted and Harrys eyes went wide as he stared at Charlie who shrugged off Harrys surprised expression and looked back at the youger man before glancing at his lap and standing up. "Looks like I wasn't the only one."

Harry glanced at his lap and coughed as he tried to cross his legs to mask it, in the end he gave up and stood up to join Charlie who was watching him quietly with his dark blue kind eyes. Harry sighed and looked at the eldest Weasley.

"I must be gay." He admitted and Charlie looked at the serious expression and smirked.

"Or you're just good at abusing them." Charlie teased earning in a nudge from Harry. Charlie laughed and settled both arms on the younger mans shoulder.

"Don't focus on the labels right now, they don't matter." He explained with a smile. He looked at his watch and swore under his breath.

"I've got to go." Charlie said softly. Harry looked up one final time into Charlies eyes and smiled softly with a nod.

"Okay." Harry replied softly, he wanted to kiss Charlie again but the older man simply pulled him into a tight hug and whispered in his ear.

"See you around Harry Evans."

And with that he was gone, Harry stared around his flat quietly before throwing his arms across his face and laying on the sofa. As he tried to process the entirety of last night and this morning there was only image that just kept repeating itself. Harry and Charlie kissing deeply on the sofa, he let out a loud groan and pulled his arms away from his face.

Charlie Weasley, Harry thought with a smile as he stared at the ceiling.

"What have you done to me?"

* * *

So, That was all a little bit exciting wasn't it? I really hope you liked it, whoever is reading this. Please leave me a review I'd love to hear what you think as it's my first multiple chapter story. As I said In chapter five, I'm away for a month now. But you have so much to look forward to. There's a date, an attack and a very supportive Remus coming up. As well as a Christmas chapter that I might keep for December I'm not sure yet! I've probably said to much already! But If you don't follow or fav do it! See you in a month!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

D.O.M


	7. The Date

Hey everyone! I'm back! Here's the next update! Hope you're all enjoying it so far. D.O.M

* * *

Chapter Seven: The Date. Late September 1998

Harry was lost in his own thoughts as he sat behind the bar of the pub on a quiet Thursday, he was trying to ignore the very obvious signs that Thea and Angela were gossiping about him at the opposite end of the bar.

"You owe me a fiver." Angela teases with a nudge to Thea. Thea let out a huff in an aggravated tone before holding out the fiver in annoyance which Angela snatches happily.

"I still think he's gay." Thea grumbled leaning on her elbows in annoyance.

"Yeah, well that wasn't the bet. You bet he'd hook up with someone when you were out." Angela argued with a joke. Just as Thea was going to snap back a reply she was taken of guard by a young handsome red headed man walking though the door. She watched Harry's head snap up quickly and the flush on his cheeks. Either Harry knew this stranger or he was checking him out, and with good reason too, the older man was gorgeous! In a manly, rugged way. She watched him step closer to Harry, a grin forming of his pale skin as he approached the bar. She nudged Angela with a smile and raised her eyebrows, as they watched the scene play out intently.

"Hi." Harry announced surprised, he glanced over the older man taking in his fitted jeans and loose knitted jumper that seemed to be a very old Mrs Weasley creation, it fell loosely around Charlies neck. His hair was hanging loosely around his face which seemed to show the slight beard he was growing

"Hey." Charlie replied in a calm tone. He looked at Harry briefly and smiled before sitting down on a stool in front of him. "How have you been?"

"Since Friday?" Harry questioned staring at Charlie. Both men ignoring Thea's attempt at a quiet yelp as she tried to pull the money back from Angela who slapped her hands away.

"Well, Saturday." Charlie corrected with a shy grin. Harry let out a defeated sigh and smiled.

"Fine, since Saturday." Harry corrected. He was suddenly distracted by Thea mime cheering and raising her arms. She noticed Harry watching her and put her arms down quickly.

"I found a fiver on the bar." She yelled manically and the men both looked at her with confused faces. She gave an embarrassed smile before jumping off the stool and pulling Angela with her. "We're gonna stock take."

"We are?" They heard Angela ask before they disappeared next door.

* * *

"Well." Charlie began. "They seem..."

"Oh shut up." Harry snapped with a smile as he poured a drink for Charlie. "Whiskey?"

"Is it as good as fire whiskey?" Charlie asked.

"I like to think so." Harry replied with a shrug. "So what brings you to London? I don't think I've ever seen you twice in the same month."

"I'd like to change that." Charlie mumbled as he looked nervously at the bar top as he ran his fingers round to the top of the glass. Harry looked up slightly with surprised eyes, and Charlie looked up slowly to look at Harry with calm yet slightly cautious eyes, his face softened as he smiled.

"If that's okay?"

"What do you want from me Charlie." Harry asked suddenly, he motioned between the two of them. "What is this?"

"I have no idea." Charlie admitted suddenly and laughed slightly. "I was hoping we could figure that out together."

"Did you practice that line on the way here?" Harry asked with a grin as he lent on the bar leaning closer towards Charlie.

"Well, yeah." Charlie began as he pulled his fingers through his hair looking embarrassed. "It was either that or bring up Saturday morning."

Harry suddenly looked embarrassed. "Well I'm glad you went with the line."

"Me too. But you need to stop avoiding the question."

"There hasn't been one." Harry pointed out.

"Okay, fine. I'll lay it out straight." Charlie explained and grinned. "Or not so straight."

"Charlie." Harry warned, a smile playing on his lips.

"Have dinner with me." Charlie announced.

"That wasn't a question." Harry pointed out.

"I know, I didn't think it needed to be one." Charlie admitted with a shrug.

"Clever." Harry said with a grin.

"I thought so. So dinner?" Charlie pushed with a coy smile.

"Where?" Harry asked and Charlies eyes lit up happily.

"You can pick a place here if you like. I don't mind." Charlie said happily.

"Okay, there's a Thai place down the road that I like. The golden dragon." Harry muttered as he cleared away glasses on the bar. Charlie grinned and jumped up.

"That sounds great, meet you at 7."

"You better not stand me up." Harry teased with a warning smile. Charlie mocked being hurt.

* * *

"Like I'd do that to you." Charlie teased. Harry came around the side of the bar and went to shake his hand. Charlie looked at it with surprised eyes and laughed he locked eyes with Harry and raised his eyebrows. "After all we've been through?"

And with that he pulled Harry into a tight hug, as he pulled away they looked at each other briefly before Charlie leaned forward to kiss him a chaste kiss which caught Harry by surprise and he almost lost his balance. Almost. He pulled away with a smirk.

"See you tonight?" Charlie asked and Harry nodded briefly. Charlie then looked over Harry's shoulder and waved at the group watching, Harry spun around the see Thea, Marcus and Angela watching with a amused grins. As he turned back Charlie was at the door and waved again before leaving.

And then they dawned on him.

"Harry what was that!?" Thea exclaimed with wide eyes. Harry smiled sheepishly and shrugged.

"I've got a date tonight" Harry shrugged.

"With that man?" Angela questioned and Harry snorted.

"No, with frank." Harry teased and they all turned to look at the local boozer that always seemed to be perched on the end of the bar.

"So you're gay?" Thea exclaimed, causing Marcus to hit her lightly on the arm and Angela nudge her.

"I don't know." Harry shrugged. "All I know is I've got a date with Charlie."

"And you like him?" Thea asked.

"Wouldn't be going if I didn't." Harry smiled, Thea looked as if she wanted to ask a million more questions when Marcus interrupted her.

"It's dead here mate, you can take off."

"You sure?" Harry asked as he went to grab his jacket. Marcus scanned the mostly empty pub and smiled.

"Yeah I'm sure, it's dead here and I have the girls. Go and prepare for your big date" Marcus teased and Harry gave him the finger before stepping out the pub.

* * *

Once he was home he noted the time. Five o clock, he had two hours before he had to meet Charlie. His stomach jumped at the thought of going on a date, he'd never been on one before. Especially since he'd not even contemplated his first one being with his best friends brother. Oh god! His best friends brother! How had this even happened, what would he tell Ron, or Ginny or any Weasley for that matter.

What would he tell Remus!

* * *

Remus was sat in the newly furnished Grimmauld place and smiled into his coffee as he was reading. Teddy was playing happily in the middle of the carpet with colour changing building blocks. As the blocks changed colour so did his hair, although at the moment his hair was beginning to stay canary yellow most of the time. Except when he was upset and would resort to bubblegum pink which at first had made his heart quench as the familiarity of the colour and Tonks. It made him happy that teddy almost kept part of his mother in his memory.

There was suddenly a bang outside and teddy a hair immediately began to change, he looked up at Remus who had put his book down to smile at teddy.

"It's okay Ted, it was just outside." Remus reassured, but his werewolf self was prickling inside him. Something was wrong.

* * *

Harry pushed open the shower door and stepped into his towel before pacing back to his bedroom. Before showering he'd pulled out his black trousers and a emerald green fitted jumper. He'd heard fan girls at Hogwarts once raving how his eyes stand out when he wore green. He'd received numerous texts from Thea who was asking what he was wearing, were they going to kiss, was Charlie his boyfriend? They were endless, it had got to the point where he was just ignoring his phone.

* * *

"Dammit Harry." Remus hissed as he pushed his phone into his pocket. The banging was getting louder outside, and as Teddy became more distressed Remus realized that maybe the banging was people trying to get inside. Before he could think Remus scooped Teddy up the stairs and bolted upstairs. They couldn't apparate, teddy was too young and it being close to the full moon meant that Remus' mind was clouded and struggled to concentrate. A letter would take to long and were it not for his son he would in an instant stand and fight. But his son was becoming anxious and let out a struggled yelp as finally the front door was pushed through. Teddy let out a strangled sob, Remus looked around the room frantically and laid his eyes on the large oak wardrobe. Before climbing in he cast a patronus, whoever received it would not be here before they got in, but at least they'd be aware of the situation. Quickly he climbed in, still clutching Teddy and quickly cast a notice me not and silencing charm. As he tried to soothe Teddy his werewolf hearing strained to hear the commotion downstairs.

"Well, where is he then."

"Looks like they want to play hide and seek."

"Shhh."

"What?"

"I think someone's upstairs."

Remus went cold, he clutched Teddy tight to his chest as he rocked him gently in his arms and tried to ignore the sound of footsteps stumbling up the stairs. He winced each time a door to a room was flung or kicked open, each time joined with annoyed shouts as they were met with empty rooms, Teddy wheeped with wide scared eyes as crashes of furniture being thrown against walls or the laugher as spells were exclaimed excitedly as things exploded all around him. Remus looked down at his terrified son and tried to whisper nonsense with a smile to distract him.

Teddy let out a fearful whimper, his wide eyes filling with tears as he stared at his dad. Remus rested his head on top of Teddy as he rocked him quietly.

"Good question buddy. Where are you Harry?"

* * *

Quarter to seven, Harry sat in his living room sipping a beer when his phone began to ring. Picking it up he saw Hermiones name and smiled before hitting answer.

"Hey Mione." He said with a smile, but as he was met with silence his smile fell. "Hermione?"

All Hermione said was "It's Remus."

Immediately he jumped up from the sofa on alert. "Hermione what's happened?"

"You better see for yourself. I'm at Grimmauld place." She answered trying to sound calm.

"I'll be right there." Harry stated hanging up instantly.

* * *

Charlie stands outside the restaurant happily, his hands tucked into his trousers as he waited calmly. He looks at his watch for a fourth time. 7.20 He let out a sigh that became a groan as he stared up and down the street one final time. "Come on Harry don't do this to me."

* * *

Well that got a bit jumpy in places I hope it reads okay! So, Charlies been stood up, Harry's worried and Remus and Teddy are in a wardrobe. What could happen next? As always reviews and favs are great, thanks!

D.O.M


	8. The Guilt

Warning: This is where the real slash begins, Harry's feeling guilty and who better to distract Harry from his guilt then a lovely Charlie Weasley. So if you don't like slash, skip it. The next chapter should be slash free, if this is what you've been waiting for then here it is! Enjoy!

* * *

Chapter Eight: The Guilt. Same old with some difference. Late September 1998

"Hermione?" He shouted as he ran up the road towards Grimmauld place. She was stood outside the house, her arms wrapped around herself. She turned and looked at Harry with a sigh, anticipating the flock of questions. He stopped in front of her and looked at the door.

"Why you out here?" He asked suddenly as he pulled her into a long hug.

"All the Aurors have left, they were scaring Teddy, stomping about the place asking hundred of questions. Remus and the Minister agreed with them to come back tomorrow when It's not so late. He's pretty shaken up, it being so close to the moon and all." Hermione explained softly pulling away from his embrace and looking at him kindly.

"They're inside, I'll leave you to it." She said, before he could reply to her she apparated. Now alone he took the steps three at a time and threw open the door.

* * *

"REMUS! Remus!" Harry shouts frantically as he entered the house. He suddenly stood still as he took in his destroyed house. Every piece of furniture had been destroyed. Feathers from pillows and sofas littered the floor like snow, paintings and photos had been slashed or burnt. Burn marks littered the ceiling and floor as he turned on the spot to take in the room he suddenly noticed Remus appear in the doorway and instantly collided with the man in a tight hug.

"Rem are you okay? Is Teddy okay? What happened? I'm sorry I wasn't here!" Harry babbled and Remus stopped him with his hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Harry, we're fine, we hid upstairs. They never saw us, I'm just a bit spooked. Teddy's sleeping, I think everything knackered the poor guy out." Remus explained with a forced smile.

"But Remus what happened?" Harry asked frantically, as he sat on the sofa the least damaged. Remus lent on a dismantled table and shrugged.

"I'm not sure, we could hear this banging, when the banging started on the house I took Teddy to the top room and he we hid in the wardrobe. They didn't find us." Remus explained slowly, he looked at Harry worriedly and gulped.

"What did they want?" Harry asked, Remus shook his head.

"Harry, please." Remus sighed

"What did they want?" Harry repeated firmly.

"It's not your fault. Harry you have to..." Remus attempted.

"Remus, please." Harry pleaded with big eyes. He stared at Remus. "What did they want?"

Remus sighed again and looked at Harry. "You Harry. They were after you."

* * *

Remus had gone to bed quickly, with it being so close to the moon and the drama of this evening it had exhausted him. Harry sat in the damaged room lost in his own thoughts, angry tears streaming down his faced. He thought this was over, but yet again his family had been put in danger because of him. He wasn't even part of the wizard community anymore but yet here he was, public enemy number one with so many dark witches and wizards. He rubbed his hands angrily over his tear stained face and let out a muffled sob when the door burst open and Charlie rushed into the room. Harry looked up suddenly with wide eyes and narrowed his eyes as he tried to focus through tears.

"Charlie?" He said, surprised. When it dawned on him and he jumped up. "Oh god Charlie! I'm so sorry! I didn't think...didn't realize...oh god...I can't bel-"

"Harry, Harry. Don't worry." Charlie admitted as he stepped towards the younger man and held Harry's arms. "You had other things to think about." He glanced around the damaged room before looking back at Harry. "What happened?"

Harry exhaled and dropped on the sofa that he'd attempted to magically repair. He shrugged, his head in his hands and didn't react to Charlie sitting very close to him. He pulled his fingers through his hair and shook his head.

"A group of wizards broke in looking for something, and when they couldn't find it- they trashed the place." Harry explained and Charlie looked around the room sadly.

"Is Teddy?" Charlie asked suddenly and Harry nodded.

"They're both shaken but they're okay. They hid in the upstairs cupboard."

"But what were they looking for." Charlie asked with confused eyes.

"Me." Harry shrugged and chuckled darkly. "They were looking for me." He shook his head angrily and tried to ignore the fresh angry tears falling down his face.

"Harry." Charlie tried to comfort but Harry shook his head and studied his hands in his lap.

"I can't do this anymore." Harry mumbled. "Especially when I can't keep anyone safe."

Charlie shook his head as he tried to reassure the younger man "You know that isn't true."

"But it is, I coast by, unimportant. But everyone around me seems to see this hero, and I can't even look after my godson."

"This wasn't your fault."

"If they weren't around me this wouldn't have happened. Everyone I touch gets hurt." Harry stated angrily. "I tried leaving, I tried separating myself, and people I love keep getting hurt."

Charlie moved to kneel in front or Harry and grabbed Harry's hands.

"You can't blame yourself for anyone getting hurt. Things happen, you can't blame yourself for every bad thing that has happened to your friends and family who love you."

"Why?" Harry whispered as he locked eyes with Charlie. "How could you even think of loving someone that constantly puts everyone in danger?" He pulled his hands away from Charlie who instantly pulled them back and laced their fingers together.

"It is not your job to protect us. We stayed with you because we believed in the fight, everyone, and I mean everyone knew the danger they faced from being part of this, and it wasn't because of you. It was because of the cause, Tonks knew that, Sirius knew that, Dumbledore knew that and..." Charlie trailed off as the last name became caught in his throat. One stray tear fell down his face and Harry wiped it away with his thumb as he stroked Charlies face, Charlies dark blue eyes locked with Harry's as he gave a soft smile.

"I don't want you, or anyone else to get hurt." Harry mumbled pulling his hand away from Charlies face. "Maybe this isn't a good idea."

"Bollocks to that." Charlie snorted and Harry shook his head.

"It's not safe." Harry insisted.

"I work with fucking dragons, that's not fucking safe! This is where I want to be. Bollocks to the bastards who ruined our date, bollocks to the danger and bollocks to the-" Charlie ranted.

He was caught of guard suddenly and Harry lips descended onto his lips suddenly, in an instant he'd lurched into the kiss and was practically straddling Harry on the destroyed sofa. Harry pulled away breathlessly and stared into Charlies grinning face.

"Bollocks to the danger?" Harry questioned with laughter in his voice as Charlie lent his head on Harry's shoulder and chuckled. He looked up at Harry's face and shrugged. "Yeah, bollocks to the danger. I don't care, I still fancy the fuck out of you, I still want to take you on a date." He moved his arms to either side of Harry's head and leaned closer. "And I definitely, want to kiss you again."

"Upstairs?" Harry announced and Charlie looked stunned for a moment making Harry blush and ramble. "Just, because of Remus, and Teddy." Charlie nodded and jumped off Harry quickly as they headed upstairs in silence.

* * *

Charlie was sat on Harry's now magically repaired bed as he watched Harry pace nervously.

"You look amazing by the way." Charlie began, making Harry still and smile at Charlie. Charlie laughed grabbed Harry's hand, pulling Harry closer to him. Harry stood between Charlies legs and looked down at the red head staring up at him intently. "Relax."

Harry nodded nervously as he lent down to capture Charlies lips between his lips, Charlie responded and slipped his hands under the back of Harry's jumper. Harry froze briefly as he felt bare hands on his back and Charlie moved his hands quickly.

"Are you sure you want to do this? It's late, I could go-" Charlie began but Harry kissed him slowly, his tongue slipped past Charlies lips and he slowly moved onto the bed, sitting across Charlies lap. He pulled away slightly, their foreheads resting together.

"Don't leave." He said slowly, he reached up and stroked Charlies face. "Just go slow."

"Okay." Charlie whispered. He titled his head up to kiss Harry again and he responded almost instantly, wrapping his arms around Charlies neck and pulling him closer. Charlie slowly lent back onto the bed, pulling Harry with him. Harry braced his arms either side of Charlies head and knelt over the older man.

"I can't believe I'm doing this." Harry admitted, it wasn't said with any venom, almost disbelief. He smiled as he looked embarrassed. "I definitely didn't think it would be with my best friends older brother."

Charlie laughed out loud as he lent up onto his elbows and studied Harry's face in an almost adoring state. He snorted before grinning again at Harry.

"When you say it like that it sounds so cliche." Charlie teased, Charlie swallowed as he ran his hands over Harry's covered chest. "Are you having doubts again?"

"I don't think I can think about anything when I'm with you." Harry admitted truthfully with a chuckle.

* * *

Charlie smirked and took that as a sign to move his hand under Harry's jumper, feeling the tense stomach muscles that he had hid for years. He heard Harry intake a sharp breath and locked eyes with Charlie who was looking amused. He watched him swallow as he lent forward again to kiss Charlie. Doing so he slowly mimicked Charlie and teased his fingers around the bottom of Charlies jumper. As his fingers danced over the skin on Charlies hip he jumped slightly, causing Harry to grin into the kiss and add more pressure to both his hand and the kiss. When he finally felt brave enough he pressed his groin timidly to Charlies causing the older man to let out a small deep groan. Harry pulled away to look at Charlie and whispered.

"Is this okay?"

"That was going to be my line." Charlie whispered back with a smile. Harry gave a warm smile before looking nervous again. Charlie took Harry's hands in his own and flipped them in an instant. Once Charlie was braced either side of Harry he reached out the stroke his face in almost a calming motion, very slowly he dragged his fingers through Harry's hair and as the fingers met the nape of Harry's neck he pulled Harry's head softly to meet his own in a soft kiss.

Harry instantly relaxed into the experienced kiss and quickly moved his own hands to tangle in Charlies red curly hair. As the kiss became more rushed and frantic, their tongues almost working together, as were their hands who gently pulled jumpers over heads and flinging to the floor. As bare chest met bare chest Charlie sat up slowly to admire the beautiful man beneath him. He smiled gently as he ran a hand soothingly over Harry's toned chest.

"Harry." Charlie murmured, and Harry opened his eyes which had shut through the hypnotic patterns that were being drawn on his chest.

"Charlie." Harry answered. His voice deeper as more throaty. The tone immediately went to his groin and he really hoped Harry wouldn't deny him what he had in mind.

"Can I do something for you?"

Harry looked nervous for a second before showing a soft smile and looking up into Charlies face. "What did you have in mind?"

"That's not how it works." Charlie teased with a warm smile, his hand moved up to draw invisible patterns up Harry's neck and he let out an impulsive groan which Charlie grinned at. "Well that's interesting."

"Shut up." Harry flushed as he shut his eyes, but his smile still stayed. Charlie brushed away the flush on his cheeks as he lent forward to kiss Harry's throat softly. As he did he felt Harry swallow and the rumble of a groan beginning in the back of his throat.

"How about I carry on and if you want to stop. Just say." Charlie offered, kissing Harry's throat softly.

"Just like that?" Harry asked, trying to move his head to look at Charlie who had moved to kiss his bare shoulders.

"Just like that. I'll still be here in the morning." Charlie admitted and Harry smiled. 'Morning.' Thank god Thea wasn't hearing about this. First date and already they were sleeping together.

"Okay." Harry murmured with a smile. He opened his eyes to see Charlie watching him intently. He leaned forward to kiss him, Charlie deepened it quickly adding the soft to touches of his fingertips running over his neck and stomach. Soon Charlies lips were moving overs his jaw and down his neck were they yet again found that spot that this time caused Harry to grab and Charlies back with a groan. As Charlies lips moved lower and lower Harry was staring to piece together just what Charlie could have in mind. And he didn't mind that one bit.

* * *

Charlie expertly licked and nipped at Harry's nipples making him arch and groan in a certain way. As he kissed around Harry's chest and stomach his hands moved to remove Harry's trousers. As he hooked his fingers over the material and yanked them down Harry's muscular legs he also took no time loosing his own trousers and kicking them off his legs as he knelt in front of Harry outstretched in his bed. He grinned at Harry who in turn gave a flushed grin back. Charlie lent over Harry to pull him into another kiss. Harry grabbed at Charlies curls not in desperation. Just to feel the other man, he found it amazing that the man could make him so relaxed. As Charlie kissed him slowly he slipped one of his hands between there bodies and stroked Harry slowly through his underwear, causing Harry to gasp into the kiss and pull Charlies hair more firmly to deepen the kiss. Harry's legs shifted to either side of Charlie to give him more access. Charlie kissed his way down Harry's body a little quicker this time, he quickly reached the lining of his underwear. He palmed Harry through his boxes, while watching the man come to pieces in front of him. He continued to let out ragged breath in time with Charlies movements and stopped to look at Harry, who looked back breathlessly.

"May I?" Charlie asked.

"Please." Harry announced, his voice deeper than Charlie had ever heard it. In a quick motion Charlie pulled the final piece of clothing away, before Harry had a chance to get self conscious or nervous Charlie had taken him into his mouth. The warmth of Charlies mouth and the movement of his tongue was enough to have Harry panting, the hands that were once gripping Charlie hair were not reaching up and curling around the pillow, holding it tightly in his fingers. Charlie hollowed his cheeks and flattened his tongue pulling Harry's orgasm closer and closer to edge. The mere moans and pants that Harry was making along with the movements of his own hips rubbing across the bed were enough the bring him to his own orgasm. Just as he came close he groaned around Harry's length sending vibrations through Harry's cock causing the younger man to come with a splutter and a groan, both hands fisted tightly in the older mans hair.

Harry watched Charlie snap his head up to look at Harry in an almost predatory glance as he moved slowly up his body to lie next to him. Harry lent forward, still panting and coming down from his orgasm and kissed Charlie softly. Charlie returned the kiss happily and seemed to almost rut against Harry shamelessly as he was still painfully close to his own release. Harry became aware of the moments quickly and rather than stop all motions or freeze up he instead lent further into the kiss and pushed a hand down to Charlies underwear and gripped the older man slowly allowing him to groan into the kiss. Harry had only done this once on someone else and they had a completely different set of anatomy, and that one time he had been terrified. But now he was euphoric, he wanted to make Charlie feel just as he had just felt. So without any delay he pushed his hand inside Charlies underwear and gripped him the way he would grip himself and moved his hand steadily. Charlie pulled away from the kiss to let out a silent groan as he locked eyes with Harry.

"I'm close." He groaned huskily, if Harry hadn't just came he probably would have right then. As it stood he could feel his cock twitch to the eagerness of Charlies voice. Harry smiled softly. "Then come." He offered leaning forward for a kiss as Charlie groaned into the kiss, gripping tightly onto Harry's face as the kiss became more erratic and passionate and Harry kissed him deeply to aid his orgasm. After his high he pulled away who was looking at Charlie breathlessly.

"So." Charlie began, once they were back to normal breathing, he turned to his side who looked to Charlie with a sleepy smile. "Do you always kiss on the first date."

Harry snorted and burrowed further into the bed. "You ass." he grumbled making Charlie chuckle and wrapped his arms around the younger man, kissing his head softly. "Night Harry."

"Gnight Char." He murmured softly before sleep overtook them both.

* * *

Whoa, well that got a little steamy. Harry's feeling guilty, but I'm sure Charlie can help with that! Remus is shaken up and just why were those men looking for Harry? All will become clear soon hopefully. Just what will Remus think about Charlie and Harrys little sleepover? There's a little spoiler for the next chapter.

As always fav, follow and review. Especially review, I'd love to hear what everyone thinks. Thanks for my reviews so far! D.O.M


	9. The Fatherly Chat

Hey everyone, sorry its a such a late update! I made a promise to myself that I'd only update when I'd written the next two chapters. But because of Christmas and working full time I don't have that much time to write! This chapters all about Harry telling Remus, just how will he take it? And will Remus have any declarations of his own? This chapters tame compared to the last, hope you all enjoyed the slash, brace yourself for the next chapter its going to be slash and Thea. Thankyou for the reviews and favs. Hope you're all enjoying it so far.

* * *

Chapter Nine: Telling Remus. Late September 1998

Harry stretched in his bed as he rolled over to find Charlie sleeping quietly, he glanced over at him happily and rubbed the sleep from his face. How had this happened? This night had been so surreal. First he'd prepared for his date, then he'd rushed over to Remus after hearing about a break in, crying yet again over how he couldn't protect anyone, hearing Charlie say 'bollocks to the danger' and then having the most mind blowing orgasm of his entire life with a gorgeous man. Yet he still hadn't thought of himself as gay. Maybe he just fancies red heads, or Weasleys, but then again he didn't fancy Ron. He mentally squirmed at that thought before slipping out the bed. He looked at Charlie who let out a sleepy groan and burrowed further into the duvet. Harry laughed quietly and paced down the stairs.

It was still early, the sun had only just started pouring into the room since the curtains in nearly every room had been destroyed. Harry paced into the kitchen to find Kreacher repairing the dining table and cups that had been destroyed.

"Morning Kreacher." Harry mumbled with a stretch as he pulled a two cups out and began making tea. Kreacher looked at him with a warning glare before apparating quickly. Well, at least someone agreed that this was his fault. As he stirred the tea he felt someone move into the kitchen and instantly tensed before hearing;

* * *

"One of those for me?" A sleepy voice mumbled. He turned to see Charlie standing in the doorway stretching his arms above his head, making his jumper rise up to show a glimmer of white skin contrasted to a very tempting red trail of hair. Harry grinned as he passed Charlie the cup who took it slowly, allowing his fingers to brush Harry's. Harry gulped and locked eyes with Charlie who slowly put down his tea before pulling Harry into his arms and kissing him softly. Harry quickly wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled Charlie closer to him, crushing himself between the counter and the stronger man. He pulled away softly and looked at Charlie with a flushed smile.

"And I was thinking I should ask you if you regretted last night." Charlie chuckled moving his hands over Harry's back slowly. Harry shook his head and smiled.

"No way. Last night was far to..."

"Amazing, romantic, sexually pleasing." Charlie teased and Harry swatted his chest.

"Intense." Harry laughed and moved away from the man to sit at the table to roll a cigarette. He looked up and laughed. "Sexually pleasing?"

"Yes, very. But Intense?" Charlie considered. He shrugged "Okay, I can go with intense." Charlie agreed as he plopped into the chair opposite Harry and smiled over his tea cup. He watched Harry roll one cigarette then a second and pass one over to him.

"Thanks." Charlie smiled, lighting it quickly and taking a long drag. He looked around the room. "Is Remus awake?"

Harry let out a breath of smoke as he shook his head. "Not yet. I'm going to tell him today."

Charlie looked up suddenly, then smiled. "Tell him what exactly?" He pressed in a teasing way, his grin forming around the cigarette. Harry looked away shyly, red moving up his cheeks.

"Everything I guess. How I could be gay, how I'm practically seeing you." Harry muttered facing away from Charlie. Charlie grinned triumphantly, smiling at conformation. Harry jumped slightly as he felt Charlie grip his hand.

"Practically seeing me eh." Charlie smiled and Harry looked Charlie with a shy smile.

"I think we kind of proved that last night."

"You could say that." Charlie laughed. He lent across the table to brush his fingers over Harry's neck, slightly brushing the purple bruise that was had formed. Harry's hand came up to meet Charlies and he gripped it tightly, he suddenly looked worried. They sat I'm silence for a moment, Charlies fingers lightly stroking over Harry's hand.

"How do you think Remus will take it?" Harry asked suddenly out of no where. Charlie looked at him calmly and smiled.

* * *

"How will I take what?" Remus asked from the doorway. Charlie and Harry looked around with matched shocked expressions and jumped apart causing Remus to chuckle softly. He walked into the kitchen calmly, a tired looking Teddy sitting on his hip. Once he had placed Teddy in his highchair he went about making himself tea and Teddy a bottle of milk.

"Good morning Harry." Remus said, turning around and smiling at his godson. He then looked at Charlie with a matched smile. "Morning Charlie. You're here early."

"Yeah, I-" Charlie began but Harry cut him off.

"He was here last night Remus." Harry announced suddenly.

"I know Harry." Remus said softly with a knowing smile as he passed a bottle to a very eager Teddy who was reaching for it with a whine, he ignored the confused glance the younger men gave each other as he fussed over his son.

"You know?" Charlie and Harry both said at the same time. Remus nodded and went to sit at the table next to Teddy. He looked up at Harry's worried face and smiled.

"Silencing charms work perfectly fine with humans." Remus explained as he sipped his tea. Charlie paled, already knowing where this was going. "But with werewolves our hearing becomes fine tuned shall we say. We can hear past silencing charms." Remus explained trying to hide a smile. Charlie rubbed his face in embarrassment and looked at Harry as it dawned on him. He looked like he was going to pass out.

"So you...oh god!" Harry groaned burying his head in his hands. Remus chuckled and moved to sit next to Harry.

"Harry you don't have to be embarrassed." Remus smiled and Harry groaned in protest, making Remus laugh. Charlie chuckled as he ran his fingers through his own hair in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry Remus." Charlie announced, making Harry and Remus both look at him. "You shouldn't have heard."

"It's quite all right." Remus chuckled, sipping his tea.

"Do you mind?" Harry mumbled. Charlie and Remus looked back at him in surprise. Remus smiled.

"I'd be a hypocrite if I did." Remus admitted with a smile. Harry looked stunned and was looking between the men who, one who was calm and one who looked at Harry with reassuring smile. "I don't understand." Harry said suddenly and Remus chuckled. "What about-"

"- I loved Nymthadora, I really did." Remus explained looking between Teddy and Charlie who also smiled sadly at the mention of his best friend. "But although I've loved women, I've only ever loved one man"

"Who was that?" Harry asked curiously. Remus smiled.

"Sirius." He admitted, and Harry's jaw dropped. "I loved Sirius, I still do in the way."

"Obviously." Charlie said with a smile. Harry looked between the two then back at Charlie. "You knew?"

Charlie nodded and looked at Remus with a smile. "Sirius figured me out straight away, practically cornered me on the stairs being nosy because he was bored. There wasn't much point denying it and it was nice someone knowing. Although that night out..." Charlie trailed off with a snort and Remus laughed loudly.

"Night out?" Harry asked confused, feeling slightly left out as the two men laughed to silent memories. He was shaken from his feelings as Charlie gripped his hand and pointed his other at Remus.

"Sirius convinced Remus and him to come out with me in London." Charlie started and Harrys jaw dropped again before laughing.

"Oh god! That I would have paid to see." Harry chuckled and Remus flushed with embarrassment as he knew what was coming.

"Sirius managed to get Remus so drunk that he ended up topless on one of those podium things." Charlie laughed and Remus rubbed his face in embarrassment before pointing a finger at Charlie.

"Ah yes but I went home with Sirius, and you went home with..."

"Oh no, I'm not saying that!"

"Who?" Harry asked looking between Charlie and Remus. Charlie looked at Harry's anticipated groan and sighed.

"Marcus Flint." He grumbled and Harry tried to hide his horror and failed as Charlie looked at him suddenly. "Yeah I know, but actually..."

"Actually." Harry began covering Charlies mouth with a grin. "I'd rather not know."

"Fair enough, I don't want to know about Ginny, you won't hear about my past." Charlie admitted with a smile.

"I don't think we have enough time." Remus teased as he began feeding Teddy with a smirk, ignoring the glare Charlie threw him. Charlie looked back at Harry with soft smile who instantly returned it with a softer smile. Both men oblivious to Remus watching them both with a calm smile as he began conjuring bowls for breakfast.

* * *

Harry was lost in thought in the living room when Remus entered and sat down beside him quietly.

"Are you okay?" Remus asked. Harry turned towards him and smiled.

"Yeah, information overload I guess. It's been a surreal few days." Harry admitted.

"I'm sorry we never told you. Sirius wanted to find the perfect moment to tell you. We didn't know how you'd react." Remus admitted.

"I'm sorry you never told me." Harry mumbled. "At least you know how I'd react now." Harry said with a smile and Remus chuckled.

"Yeah I guess we do." Remus chuckled. He was silent for a movement. "Do you want to talk about how it happened?"

"I don't know how it did. I ran into Charlie last week in a muggle club." Harry began. "I didn't even realize he was gay. You knew?"

"Yeah, Charlie guessed about Sirius and I pretty quickly. We figured he knew the signs for some reason." Remus explained and Harry rubbed his face nervously. "Like Charlie said, once we had an idea Sirius wouldn't let it go."

"I don't even know if I'm gay." Harry grumbled looking ahead with a frustrated expression, Remus hid a smile as he recognised that look. He'd had it the best part of his life trying to figure his own sexuality out.

"Neither do I." Remus announced and Harry looked confused.

"But Sirius?" Harry asked in confusion.

"But that doesn't make me gay. I loved Tonks. You've liked Ginny. But that also doesn't mean your not attracted to Charlie. But he is a lot older than you." Remus worried and Harry smiled sheepishly. "I'm not worried about it, but there are people that would be. After all you met him when you were only fourteen."

"He didn't fancy me when I was fourteen!" Harry insisted with wide eyes and Remus put his hands up in defense.

"Maybe not, but others might not see it like that. I'm just saying be cautious." Remus explained softly.

"Do you think the other Weasleys..." Harry trailed off, he couldn't bare the thought of his second family not accepting his relationship. Surely with him being with Charlie and not just a random guy would soften the blow.

"I'm sure they'll be okay, we told Charlie a while back that the longer he left not coming out the harder it would get. Slightly hypocritical I know, but Sirius and I lived in much harder times. When we first got together there were no other gay couples that we knew off." Remus explained simply. The response didn't settle Harry's stomach and Remus noticed and moved closer to Harry to put a supportive arm tightly around his shoulder.

"You don't have to tell anyone anything right now, your relationship is barely off the ground, even if it is very clear that you both like each other a lot."

Harry looked up shyly with a blush and smiled weakly. "Is it that obvious?"

"With you? No. With Charlie? Yes, you can tell he's crazy about you." Remus offered with a nudge and a smile making Harry grin happily, a blush spreading over his cheeks.

* * *

He was about to speak again when the man in question paced into the room running his fingers through his now damp curls. He took in just how closely the men were sat and stood still suddenly.

"Am I interrupting?" He asked motioning between how close they were sat. Harry looked at Remus with a smile and moved away quickly to look at Charlie. Remus looked between the younger men and smiled before standing up.

"Just a fatherly chat." Remus replied softly. Harrys head snapped up at the word 'fatherly' and looked at Remus with a smile as Remus turned to Charlie who gave a shy smile.

"Am I going to get the 'If you hurt my son speech?" Charlie teased. Remus laughed and shook his head.

"No, I think the fact that you're aware of my little fury problem is enough of a idea." Remus admitted patting Charlies shoulder briefly before leaving the room. Charlie looked at the empty door before turning back to Harry.

"Did I just get threatened by a werewolf?" Charlie asked with a small grin. Harry laughed and stood up to stand in front of Charlie who immediately put his hands on Harry's hips.

"They're very protective of their pack." Harry explained with a smile, Charlies hands tightened on his hips as he smiled down at the younger man.

"Is that so?" Charlie asked softly, he moved his hand up to stroke the back of Harrys neck who swallowed before looking at the older man. Charlie smiled at the reaction. "Guess you're stuck with me then." and before he could get an answer he'd pulled Harry into a deep kiss. Harrys hands straight away seeked out the damp curls at the back of Charlies head, Charlies own arms pulling Harry tight against him. Slowly they both pulled away, chests heaving, lips swollen and pupils dilated. Charlie stroked Harrys face and smiled softly.

"How have I gone this long without seeing you properly, let alone kissing you?" Charlie mumbled staring at Harry intently who blushed with a shy smile.

"Guess you'll have to make up for it?" Harry suggested with a smirk and Charlie laughed softly.

"I guess I will." Charlie agreed with a smile, stepping away from Harry and looking at his watch with a groan. He looked back at Harry with a faked pout making Harry chuckle. Well it was more like a giggle, but Harry refused to admit that he giggled.

"Go to work, I'll see you soon." Harry laughed pushing Charlie lightly, Charlie grinned and gave Harry another quick kiss.

"I'll see you soon." Charlie muttered softly with a grin as he paced backwards, he was about to apparate when he stopped and looked at Harry.

"But we will get that date."

* * *

So, Charlie and Harry have finally told someone, Remus is being supportive (Did you really see it going anyway?) and he's finally told Harry about Sirius. (Again, it was probably obvious!) Coming up next Charlie and Harry attempt at a second date, Charlie meets Thea and another attack may be on the horizon. Excited?

As always fav, follow and review. I love reading each one and seeing each email alert about another follower and fav. I hope you're enjoying reading this as much as I like writing it so far. Thanks! D.O.M :)


	10. The Pub Dinner

I'm so sorry for such a late update! This chapter has been driving me insane, that with Christmas, and work promotions it's been tough. But I promise (again) I will start updating more frequently! I have the next lot of chapters almost finished so I should be able to add them pretty soon. I'm starting to worry that I'm not staying true to the characters, It's more Harry than Charlie. Also, I promise that Ron and Hermione will be back, at the moment the focus is more around Charlie and Harry but it will start to involve families soon! if that's not a teasing spoiler I don't know what is!

As always thanks for the reviews and favs, I hope you're all still enjoying it! D.O.M :)

* * *

Chapter Ten. The Pub Dinner. Late October 1998

It had been a month since their almost date, Harry had taken a few days of work after explaining about Remus' break in, or to Marcus and Thea, his dads break in. Since the break Grimmauld place had been flooded with Aurors and ministry personal. The press had stayed away for now, he could already see the headlines about a second extremist group that wanted to attack Harry Potter. There had been no luck tracking down the group and fortunately there had been no sign of other attacks, in the past week his thoughts that had been focused on the attack had become clouded by Charlie himself.

"So we finally got to the restaurant." Charlie smiled over the table and Harry smiled softly and looked around happily before grinning back at Charlie.

"Yeah I guess we did." Harry acknowledged with a smile.

"You look great." Charlie said with smile that soon became a grin as he looked the younger man up and down.

"Well you know, I thought I'd make an effort." Harry admitted looking down with a smile as he loaded his chopstick and raised it to his lips.

"Well then I propose a toast." Charlie announced raising his takeout box from the table and Harry snorted as Charlie chuckled. "Okay, so we didn't quite make it to the restaurant."

"And who's fault is that?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow as he sat back in his chair, his bare back resting against the hard wood.

"Well you just looked so tempting." Charlie teased with a point of the chopstick. Harry lent forward with a grin.

"Tempting?" Harry asked and Charlie nodded through noodles with a smirk. He swallowed and looked up, rubbing his mouth with his hand.

"Oh yeah, very." Charlie said with a grin. "If I had my way you'd be dressed like this all the time."

"I'm in my boxers?" Harry asked with a shy smile as he looked at Charlie who licked his lips.

"Well I think I'd loose the boxers too." Charlie flirted and Harry flushed making Charlie grin a wide toothy grin and wink. "I'm never going to tire of making Harry Potter blush."

"Evans." Harry corrected with a smile and Charlie rolled his eyes.

"Evans, Potter. What matters is I get to make the saviour of the wizarding world blush like a school girl." Charlie boasted with a grin and Harry narrowed his eyes as he wiped his mouth with a napkin as Charlie braced his elbows on the table to lean forward to murmur. "And further more, I can make him scream like a school whore."

Harry let out what almost seemed like an embarrassed squawk and threw his napkin at Charlies face who was laughing to hard to stop it hitting him squarely in the face. Just as Charlie pulled the napkin away he looked up at Harry who was now standing, for a split second he thought he'd angered the younger man until he took in Harry's grinning face and stood to join him.

* * *

"So dinners done then?" Charlie asked

Harry looked around the table and grinned. "Looks like it."

"Dessert?" Charlie asked with sideways grin as he moved closer to Harry, his hands resting lightly on his hips. Harry snorted and looked up at Charlie.

"You're obsessed!" Harry laughed and Charlie tightened his grip.

"Hell yeah I am, have you thought of us together?" Charlie asked leaning forward and brushing his lips over Harrys forehead and near his ear. "We're hot."

"I knew you only wanted me for my body." Harry teased with a smirk as he wriggled against Charlies grip.

"Why else would I be here so much?" Charlie teased, finally releasing his grip on Harry who stepped away and chuckled, he looked back over his shoulder as he paced into the joining living room. Charlie followed him happily, his own boxers snug on his hips as he paced behind Harry watching the muscles in Harrys back flex as he walked. They sat closely on the sofa, Harrys hands seeking out Charlies straight away.

"You know..." Harry started, a flush appearing on his cheeks immediately. This could mean two things to Charlie, something sexual, or something that Harry considered sickeningly romantic.

Both had made Charlie laugh over the last few weeks of them dropping in to see each other, Charlie at times forgot just how new and innocent the younger man was to this kind of relationship. Through the years of war Charlie had gotten used to seeing a fighter, a champion. But seeing this innocent young man offer himself to him still had him fighting his usual tendency of becoming terrified at how serious this was all getting and running away. Although, when he had these thoughts he was alone and as soon as he saw the young man blush at an innuendo, jump on him and wrestle or seek out his hand during the night all fear slipped away. Pathetic right? Two months and the dragon tamer was already going soft.

* * *

"What is it?" Charlie murmured softly, his hand reaching out to stroke Harry's reddened cheek. Harry looked up and locked eyes with Charlie, a small smile forcing its way through the lips he was chewing on.

"It's been a month since our almost date." Harry announced softly, you could feel him holding back his excitement. Charlie broke out in a grin almost instantly.

"Well then, happy anniversary." Charlie teased and Harry let out a snort and shoved him with a grin.

"Git."

"What's your point anyway?" Charlie asked with a smile.

"I don't know, my last relationship kind of got killed off with the off chance I could die." Harry tried to explain with a shy smile as he lent against the back of his sofa, Charlies arm snaking round him automatically.

"I hate it when that happens." Charlie stated sarcastically, trying to sound serious and Harry shoved him again making him laugh and hold out his hands as an apology. "Sorry, sorry. Go on."

Harry let out a slight huff before looking to Charlie to say. "I don't know, what are we doing?"

"Doing? Cuddling I think." Charlie replied with a smirk. Harry narrowed his eyes.

"Be serious." Harry warned, trying to sound serious but you could tell the frown on his face was threatening to become a smile.

"Okay." Charlie said sitting up properly and holding Harrys hands. "You're thinking too much. Don't think about what were doing, when were doing it, why were doing it. We just are. We're two guys, post war that have realized that we actually really like each other naked. No worries...except maybe those men trying to kill you..."

"Wow...you're really bad at this." Harry snickered, causing Charlie to laugh with him and grip Harry's hand tightly.

"Yeah, you're right, I am. But that's because its all new to me as well. Sure I've done the whole one night and casual thing, but nothing this..." Charlie trailed off with a vacant smile.

"Serious?" Harry suggested with a smile.

"I was going to say, important." Charlie corrected with a warm smile. He glanced quickly at their joined hands and then back at Harry. "This is very important to me...terrifying, but important."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." Charlie finalized with a smile, dragging his thumb over the top of Harrys hand. Harrys own hand was drawing patterns up and down Charlies arm as they sat in silence just enjoying being close to each other and not needing to speak. Harry was the first to break the silence.

* * *

"My work friends want to meet you." He announced softly, his eyes fixed on his fingers that were still moving slowly across Charlies arm and onto his bare chest. When Charlie didn't respond he looked up to find the older man watching him, his usual calm smile fixed on his face. Harry frowned slightly, about to pull his hand away when Charlie spoke softly.

"What were you thinking?" Charlie asked and Harrys eyes immediately lit up, from his expression this wasn't how he thought the conversation would go.

"Dinner?" Harry asked softly. Charlie sucked in a breath as Harrys fingers brushed nonchalantly across his left nipple.

"Hmm, and if I resist?" Charlie teased, hissing as the pressure on his nipple increased. He watched as Harry lent forward slowly adding kisses to the strokes on his chest.

"I can be very persuasive." Harry murmured slowly as he kissed across his chest and up his neck, purposely sucking on Charlies pulse point. Grinning as he felt Charlie groan rumble past his lips.

"So, dinner?" Charlie asked, moving his head to the side so that Harry had more access to adding kisses and nips to his neck.

"Yeah (Kiss) you (kiss) me (kiss) Thea (kiss) and Marcus." Harry said through kisses, he added a final kiss the Charlies chin and looked at him with a smile, who instantly grinned his usual toothy grin.

"Thea's the loud one right?" Charlie asked suddenly and Harry snorted with a laugh.

"Yes, but apart from that she's harmless." Harry said softly, Charlie narrowed his eyes and Harry shrugged with a grin. "Mostly harmless"

* * *

"We get to meet him?" Thea shrieked excitedly over the bar causing Harry to flinch and the customers close enough to hear turn their heads. She bowed her head with a sheepish smile. "Sorry, but really?"

"Yes, really. Things are going well I thought it was time." Harry said with a smile.

"And have dinner?" Thea asked.

"Yes." Harry replied, picking up the empty glasses and beginning to clean them.

"Can I cook?" Thea asked excitedly, edging closer on her stool as she lent over the bar.

"Sure." Harry laughed.

"Can we drink?" Marcus asked with a smile and Thea looked at him with raised eyebrows. "What? You took all other questions, but can we?"

"God I hope so." Harry laughed. "I think we'll need one if she's like this." Harry laughed as they watched Thea flit about with an arm full of books.

"Word of warning mate." Marcus began with a smile. "Don't eat for the day, I know she's little, but she'll cook like she's feeding an army."

* * *

"Nervous?" Harry asked Charlie as they were stood outside the pub, Harry looked up at Charlie who only smiled back.

"Nope, hungry though." Charlie laughed, rubbing his stomach in emphasis. Harry let out a snort and grasped his hand.

"You're always hungry, what is it with Weasleys and their stomachs?" Harry teased patting Charlies stomach jokily, Charlie grabbed his hand and threaded their fingers together.

"Well if we're not hungry for food, we're always hungry for-"

"Are you two going to stand out here all night?" Marcus said suddenly, his head appearing round the thick pub door with a grin. Once he was satisfied with the flush that had appeared on Harrys cheeks he pushed open the door with a grin and held his hand out to Charlie.

"You must be Charlie, I'm Marcus."

"Heard a lot about you." Charlie grinned shaking hands happily.

"All good I hope?" Thea announced sticking her head around the door to join her fiance. Charlie looked down at the young blonde a smiled. "And you're Thea?"

"Got it in one, come in!" Thea shrieked pulling Charlie by the arm excitedly who merely grinned politely and allowed Thea to lead him through the pub and into their personal section of the pub. Thea was already babbling questions and Charlie was doing his best to answer them as he sat at the table that was laid out for dinner. Harry and Marcus joined Charlie at the table and they watched Thea flitting about while talking constantly.

"Aren't you going to help?" Harry teased Marcus, Marcus swallowed his beer and then shook his head.

"I've tried." Marcus laughed standing up. "I can get beer though. So beer?"

"Please." Harry and Charlie said at the same time, Harry lent closer to Charlie, pushing one long curl behind Charlies ear who turned and smiled softly, clasping their hands together.

"Alright love birds." Marcus teased carrying over two beers and placing them down. Harry watched as Marcus moved to help Thea and was about to reach out and touch a pot when she shrieked and swatted at him away with utensils. Backing off with raised arms Marcus turned towards Harry and Charlie who were doing their best not to laugh.

"See what I mean?" Marcus laughed. "When she's not talking so much she's actually a great cook." Marcus teased as he walked past his fiance carrying wine glasses. Thea let out a shriek in protest but continued to focus on chopping vegetables.

* * *

"So Charlie, what do you do?" Marcus asked, topping up the wine that Thea had insisted on having on the table.

"Erm." Charlie considered as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "I work at a reserve in Romania."

"Romania?" Thea exclaimed with wide eyes. She looked to Harry who was picking at his bread as he watched the exchange. "I didn't realize you were doing long distance."

"Well Charles's back more often then you'd think." Harry said with a smile in Charlies direction which he returned instantly.

"Like an animal reserve?" Marcus asked, trying to calm him fiancé who was already bubbling over with questions.

"Yeah, pretty much." Charlie grinned and Marcus looked impressed.

"That's really cool, what animals do you have there?"

"Mostly reptiles." Harry finished for Charlie who tried to hide a grin as Harry tried to explain a dragon reserve to muggles. Charlie raised his hands, "Big reptiles."

"Like those massive dragon lizards?" Marcus asked innocently and Charlie chuckled and nodded.

"Yeah, pretty much. Do you like them?"

"Like them? I love them, had a kimono dragon as a kid. Loved it." Marcus exclaimed excitedly, Harry noted Thea squirming in her seat and looked back towards Marcus and Charlie. "And now?"

"Someone has problems with reptiles." Marcus explained nudging Thea who squirmed and let out a shiver. "They're just so slimy." She shivered with an exaggerated squirm, Charlie sat up in his chair ready and quick to defend his first love. "That's actually a misconception, most reptiles are dry. It's just the shine on their scales that make them look slimy." Harry smiled proudly as Charlie talked freely about his passion, a few times before he'd tried to engage Charlie in talk of dragons, especially after the Triwizard but others had pretended to be bored or told him the shut up which always silenced the animal lover.

"Even snakes?" Thea asked, looking genuinely interested and Charlie nodded happily with a smile."Especially snakes."

"Okay, well enough of snakes, apart from meeting in the club, Harry tells me you're an old friend?" Marcus asked innocently. Harry took a gulp of his glass and flushed at the mention of his name, looking to Charlie who took his hand softly with a relaxed smile. He took a sip of his own drink before shaking his head slightly.

"Kind of, Harry was friends with my younger brother. Ron."

"Wait, Ron your best friend Ron?" Thea asked, perking up at the sign this may be complicated and therefore dramatic. Charlie nodded. "That's right, have you met him?"

"No, we've met Her...Her-"

"Hermione." Harry finished with a coy smile. Marcus laughed embarrassingly and nodded.

"That's it Hermione! Yeah, she's been in a few times, she's with your younger brother." Thea pried and Harry and Charlie both nodded. Thea looked more excited and smirked. "Wait, so you're Harry's best friends older brother?"

"Yeah." Charlie nodded automatically, his hand tightening on Harrys as there became a very obvious elephant in the room.

"Does he know?" There is was. Harry shook his head shyly and Charlie took another sip, or more a gulp of his wine.

"Not yet, I was with their sister until a few months ago, it's still a sore-"

"What! His sister?" Thea exclaimed she looked at Charlie and pointed. "Your sister?"

"Yeah." Charlie said with a shrug and a grin as Thea became more excited as Marcus looked more confused. Thea lent closer, her head in her hands as she asked. "How many of them are you?"

"Seven." Harry said instantly with a smile, Charlie took away his hand and laid them flat on the table, his face paling as he shook his head numbly.

"Six."

"Oh shit. Oh Charlie I'm so sorry." Harry mumbled, rubbing his face in embarrassment as he looked at Charlie with wide apologetic eyes and Charlie shook his head with a forced smile and rubbed Harry's hand softly

"It's okay. "

"So five brothers and sisters?" Marcus started trying to get off what looked like what could be a sensitive subject. Even Thea looked apologetic as Charlie looked back at Marcus with a nod, his mask firmly back in place.

"Well. One sister. Five brothers."

"Wow!" Thea stated with a whistle. "And I thought having one brother was bad enough! But five, I'd go mad."

"And she's the youngest" Charlie added and Marcus let out a mock groan which turned to a chuckle.

"Baby of the family too? Mate you're both screwed."

"Gee thanks!" Harry exclaiming making everyone laugh.

* * *

By the end of the night they'd gone though three bottles of wine and one box of beer, and although Harry had refrained from getting too drunk due to last time, Charlie had drank the same as Thea who had stumbled to bed muttering about washing up and lizards. As a cue to leave they'd walked though the pub out to the street where a man in black was hovering around the front of the pub. Marcus who had walked the men to the door eyed the stranger for a moment before stepping out as 'landlord'.

"Can I help you mate?" He asked, obviously attempting not to slur, the stranger looked up suddenly showing his ragged beard and sunken eyes causing Marcus to relax suddenly.

"Frank, whate'er you doing here? Go home you old fool." Frank narrowed his eyes at Marcus and turned to look then at Charlie and finally Harry who he stared at for slightly longer, he seemed as though he was going to take a step forward when he shifted to the side falling into Charlie.

"At least I'm not the only one!" Charlie shouted hysterically, as he braced his weight on Harry as Marcus supported Frank.

"Sorry, sorry." Frank muttered repeatedly and Marcus turned to both of them. Well to Harry, Charlie was grinning toothily at Frank and humming what seemed to be the weird sisters. "Get home Harry, I got this."

"Will do. Come on you." Harry laughed leading Charlie down the road who was now singing the weird sisters dreadfully. Harry looked back and smiled.

"Night Marcus, and thanks again. Goodnight Frank."

Through their drunken distractions and no one seemed to notice Frank smile as he heard the wizard band sung. Nor a man dressed in black that seemed to be waiting for Frank at the top of the road. Nor Franks final mutterings as Marcus disappeared inside.

"Good night, Harry Potter."

* * *

Dum Dum DUM! Well that was a hard chapter to write, I hope it wasn't hard to read! As an apology for my lack of updates my next one will be a two part chapter called 'The Second First Date.' Without giving to much away a lot happens in two chapters so be prepared!

As always, fav, follow and review. I love reading them and hearing what you all think! Thanks D.O.M :D


	11. The Second First Date

Hey everyone, as promised here are the next two chapters, they're pretty much the same chapter, just split between the two. Both these chapters take me to two things i'm not keen writing. Fight scenes and Arguments, both parts were difficult to write so I hope they read okay. From here on these action parts may become more frequent, but I'll still make sure there are some cute moments with just those two. Anyway I hope you enjoy! D.O.M :D

* * *

Chapter Eleven. The Second First Date. Early November 1998

"It wasn't really ruined more like...Hi" Harry began before he was distracted.

Marcus looked up at Harry with confused eyes. "Hi?" he looked at Harry who was actually looking behind him, he turned on his stool and grinned "Oh"

"Hi Charlie." Thea beamed with a massive smile that Marcus would worry about if it wasn't for the way Charlie practically ignored Thea, his eyes fixed firmly on Harry.

"Hi Thea." Charlie said with a soft smile as he paced over to Harry and kissed him softly on the lips making Thea squeal which they both ignored, except the grin that Harry formed through the kiss. Charlie pulled away softly, his thumb stroking over Harrys bearded jaw. He smiled again softly, "How are you?"

"I'm good." Harry answered with a smile as he looked at Charlie who looked as though he'd just come from work. He was still wearing his very fitted dragon hide trousers and thin cotton shirt, and although Harry saw it as a uniform, and had seen in numerous times before Thea was looking at him as though he was dressed all in perspex.

"Where have you come from?" Thea asked looking at Charlie with confused eyes and he looked down at himself and laughed, Harry was hiding a grin as Thea and now Marcus stared at him.

"Work." Charlie admitted with a shrug, and they seemed to buy it, although Marcus still looked unsure. Charlie turned towards Harry who was trying not to think about just how tight those trousers were. "I do need to change though, do you have your key?"

Taking it from his pocket, he chucked it to Charlie who caught it with ease and a smile. Giving a mime wave to Thea and Marcus he lent over the bar again to kiss Harry softly.

"I'll see you in 10?"

Harry nodded happily and grinned. "I won't be long, there's beer in the fridge, help yourself."

With a nod and a smile "I just might do that. Bye guys." He said again with a wave before leaving the pub.

* * *

"What are you two up to tonight?" Marcus asked, pouring a pint and passing it to Frank muttered a thanks with shaky hands. They all watched it with sympathetic eyes, they didn't want to label him a 'drunk' but considering he was here from sun up to sun down, there wasn't much of an option.

"We're finally going to Golden Dragon." Harry said happily, cleaning the remaining glasses that were scattered on the abandoned tables.

"Finally?" Thea asked watching both Harry collecting glasses and Marcus pouring drinks.

"That was going to be a our first date." Harry explained simply, Thea oohed which both men tried to ignore and Marcus grinned and stood still, his hands braced on the bar in his usual 'landlord' position that Thea called it.

"A bit late isn't it?" Marcus teased, Harry narrowed his eyes and Marcus laughed. "You know what I mean."

"Well, we tried going a few weeks ago...but we kind of got distracted." Harry explained, a flush appearing on his cheeks which Marcus reveled in, for someone so mature he was still so innocent.

Marcus leaned forward with a smirk. "Oh really."

Harry put the remaining glasses on the bar before pulling on his coat. "Okay, I'm going. Places to be."

"People to do." Marcus teased, causing Thea to cuff him around the head as she walked into the bar,

"I'm...shut up!" Harry snapped trying to hide a grin from Marcus who smiled triumphantly.

* * *

It was weird for Harry to knock at his own flat, he smiled to himself as he heard the footsteps of Charlie padding down the stairs. Any thought that would have been going through his head suddenly vanished as Charlie pulled open the door wearing still fitted black trousers, but thankfully not as tight, a fitted white shirt and his red curls pushed away from his face. His eyes if anything were illuminating blue as he grinned his cocky smile.

"Hey handsome."

"Hello yourself." Harry grinned, he looked at Charlie again. "You look..."

"Whoa there. We don't want to get distracted again do we."

"We? If I remember that was definitely you." Harry insisted firmly, stepping around Charlie and heading up the stairs while shrugging of his coat and work shirt. Heading straight into his bedroom he stepped back suddenly his head poking round the door.

"I'll just be a minute." before disappearing into his room

"I'll be counting the minutes." Charlie teased loudly in a sing song voice.

"Fuck you." Harry replied in the same sing song voice, making Charlie laugh before whispering to himself with a grin. "If only."

He looked around Harrys very tidy living room before his eyes settled on a very official looking folder on his table, stepping closer he moved away the newspaper covering it to reveal the label stamped across the front.

_"Post war Propaganda Attacks" _

Just under the label there was a letter from Kinglsley Shaklebolt, Charlie visibly swallowed, there were only a few reasons the Minister himself would write to Harry, and all those reasons made him uneasy as he picked up the letter.

* * *

_Harry, _

_Here is a copy of our files from these attacks so far, although they are few in number, and the one centred around Remus Lupin and yourself is the most severe I'm finding it hard to rule this out as a mindless attacks centred around you. I believe there may be a larger plan at hand, if you look the minor attacks a symbol is appearing numerous times. Usually sprayed somewhere in muggle paint which itself is confusing. It's unclear yet it it holds any magical purpose, or if the symbol means anything. But the symbol itself it worrying. _

_I'm fully prepared to allow you full involvement in this case if you wish, and would be willing to make a case for you as an adviser for the other Aurors on the case, if you wished for further involvement_

_Kingsley Shacklebolt._

* * *

Further involvement? Did Harry want to be involved in the case? With Harry living in muggle London he assumed that he still wanted to separate himself from the past, but this case was the very opposite, it was almost carrying on from the war. Could this be because of the attack on Remus? Would he want involvement if he wasn't so involved? Numbly Charlie pulled one of the photos from the file and immediately his blood ran cold.

"Horrible isn't it?" out of shock Charlie dropped the photo and whirled around to find Harry leaning against the door, his eyes fixed firmly on Charlies resembling the man that had fought in a war and won. Charlie swallowed and looked back at the folder before back at Harry.

"I didn't mean to pry."

"It's okay, I shouldn't have left it out. I just wanted some inside information on the attack on Remus, I had no idea there might have been connecting attacks." Harry admitted truthfully, seeming to shake of the negative vibe he shrugged on his coat and smiled at Charlie. "Shall we go? Or has this ruined our night?"

"It'll take more than that to ruin my night." Charlie declared with a smile, abandoning the photo and stepping towards Harry, kissing the younger man softly which Harry leaned into instantly, his fingers searching out the edge of Charlies beard. With a hint of a smile he pulled away.

"Let's get to this date."

* * *

When they got to the restaurant they were met with a waitress who took an instant liking to Charlie, much to Harrys annoyance. After she had led them to their table she reappeared with her top button of her shirt unbuttoned so her breasts were pressed tightly to her shirt, she exaggerated the sway of her hips that almost made Harry snort at how ridiculous it was. He looked at Charlie with amused eyes who sneaked a glance back with a grin. After she'd taken their orders she sauntered away from their table, Harry following her with a glare, he was thrown from his glaring as he heard a rumble of laughter opposite him.

"Oh this must be so funny for you!" Harry teased looking at Charlie with a pout, which made Charlies grin widen. Harry narrowed his eyes. "What?"

"You're jealous."

"I am n- okay, fine yes, but she's ogling you." Harry burst out and Charlie laughed as Harry looked towards the woman. "She's still staring at you!"

"She doesn't realize we're together, it's not exactly obvious." Charlie attempted and reached over to grip Harrys hand. "Better?"

Harry sneaked a look back at the bar where the waitress had turned away with her own pout, he smiled and looked back at Charlie with a grin. "Thankyou."

* * *

"So..." Charlie began as they walked closely, their arms brushing every so often as they wandered slowly up the high street away from the restaurant. Charlie walked a little quicker than Harry and he turned and walked backwards his face fixed into his usual grin. "As first dates come, how did that measure up?"

"Well you paid." Harry teased with a laugh which Charlie returned with a deep chuckle.

"That I did, does that mean I get a goodnight kiss?" He purred with a sideways smirk, Harry flushed but swallowed to return a similar smirk with slightly more nerves.

"You might." Harry murmured with tinted cheeks and a smile, Charlie began to walk the same way and they walked in silence for a moment until Charlie reached out to take Harry's hand slowly and laced their fingers together. Harry looked up at Charlie questioningly who merely looked down with a warm smile.

"This okay?"

"Aren't you worried someone will see?"

"Like who, a load of muggles on a Friday night in London." Charlie said with a smile and Harry looked around with a smile, it was nice being out in the open, he was getting to the point where it made sense for their friends and family to know. Sure Remus knew but it was hard not telling anyone else. He was constantly turning down plans with Ron because he was seeing Charlie, and lied constantly through his letters to Hermione when she asked what he was up to.

* * *

Out of nowhere a loud crash thundered around them causing everyone to jump and turn around. They were met by masses running in their direction.

"RUN!" Someone screamed causing people to panic and stream through the streets, the crashing seemed to get closer and suddenly and shop window exploded behind them causing glass to fly everyone the blast hitting a group of nearby people who had frozen in shock, though the screams they darted away. Harry looked to Charlie who was clutching his cheek that had been caught by the glass, his eyes were wide with fear as his eyes darted about the find the source of the explosion, Charlie raised his hand. "Look."

"Harry turned quickly to watch six men move quickly up the street, their wands raised as they shouted curses in their direction. Muggles still ran last them and a woman running frantically across from them was suddenly stuck down by a red curse her body consulting in pain.

"NO!" Charlie screamed running towards the woman as Harry ran towards to the group, his wand raised tightly in his hand as her scream and their laugher filled their ears. Charlie looked up in time to see Harry running towards them. He disarmed three quickly and caught another two with stunning charms as he dodged their own curses and hexes. Each wizard was dressed the same, black robes and dark scarfs covering the main proportions of their face. He caught the brunt of a cutting curse which hit the top of his shoulder he let out a grunt of pain and dropped his arm slightly, as he flexed again to curse the man was already screaming his next curse which died on his lips and stunning g charm caught him squarely in the chest, he turned and saw Charlie stood behind him, his wand raised high, his once white shirt strained with what could only be the blood from the lifeless woman at his feet. With the adrenalin running quickly through his veins he turned back to the remaining attackers who had fanned out around Harry, out of the corner of his eye he saw Charlie step forward and disarm one, as he turned to disarm the other he was stuck with a stupefy, his body flying backwards as he hit cobbled stones with a thud.

* * *

"Charlie!" Harry shouted looking back before turning to face the last two attackers.

"Who are you?" Harry shouted ducking two more curses.

"You'll see soon enough Mr Potter." One sneered as he raised his wand ready to speak a curse, when suddenly the street was filled with white. The ministry, four Aurors appeared just as quickly as the two men apparated, Harry ignored the Aurors who ran to to Charlie who was still laying on the ground.

"Charlie? Charlie!"

"Yeah, ow..yeah? I'm fine. What just happened?" He wheezed sitting up suddenly, " looking around he spotted the men who were now investigating the dead and injured muggles and the few stunned and abandoned attackers. His eyes were suddenly fixed on the shop across from them, and he grabbed Harrys arm tightly, his heart plummeting to his stomach.

"Harry...Look..."

"I am." Harry murmured, his voice thick with worry, his hand searching out Charlies who took it instantly and tightly.

"What does this mean?" Charlie asked and Harry shook his head,

"I don't know, but I'm guessing our date is over."

In thick black ink a symbol was painted across the front of an entire shop window. A symbol of a giant snake twisted tightly around a dying golden phoenix.

* * *

Well, that was exciting wasn't it, I really like this chapter and I hope you did too! The fight scene was really hard to write, but I hope you could visualize and read it okay, as promised you can go to the next chapter, and just a little heads up. I'm sorry. Please don't hate me! :D

Read, Review, Fav and Follow! Thankyou D.O.M


	12. The Asshole and the Coward

Here's the second part to 'The Second Date'. It's the aftermath of the attack, how will Harry cope with the guilt of another attack, and just will Charlie let him blame himself? Thanks to everyone reading it so far! And thank you still to those reviewing, I love hearing what you think :D Hope you like it! D.O.M.

* * *

Chapter Eleven. The Asshole and the Coward. Early November 1998

"So you hadn't seen these men before?" One Auror asked, Harry glared from the floor as he sat next to Charlie, at a glance he could see the blood from the cut across his cheek still dripping down his face. He touched his own hand to his shoulder and winced. "For the hundredth time, no. We weren't aware we were being followed, I hadn't seen them at any point during the night until after the first explosion. And I don't know who they are." He stated firmly, his fingers massaging his temples as he and Charlie sat on the curb of the street attempting to answer their questions. The Auror looked as though he would burst with questions again when a voice stopped them.

"That's enough miles." A voice echoed and they both turned to see Kingsley striding towards them 'Miles' seemed to almost visibly swallow before scampering off, Harry pushed himself off the curb as Kingsley came closer to them.

"Sorry about that. How are you Harry? And Charlie Weasley isn't?" In a second Harry had forgotten about Charlie, he turned and looked at him who smiled at the minister and held out his hand.

"That's the one, Charlie Weasley." Kingsley nodded before turning back to Harry.

"Now I'm sorry to be blunt, but I'm guessing this is connected to the attack on Remus." He asked suddenly and Harry nodded numbly.

"Yes, but I have no idea who they are, or what they want." Kingsley nodded glumly and ran his hand over his face.

"It's unclear I'll give you that, attacking you in the middle of muggle London, that's careless."

"And sloppy." Miles added who had reappeared and was filling out his notebook, taking in the scene around him, his eyes flickered over the body of the woman who was still lying in the street but covered with a sheet. Harry looked up at Miles with a glare who shifted his eye quickly and walked away to help somewhere else. With a shake of his head he looked back up at Kingsley.

"How many were hurt?" Kingsley swallowed and looked around the scene before looking back at Harry with dark eyes.

"From what we can see 15 injured and two dead. The witnesses are getting obliviated now, they'll believe they were involved in a small gas explosion."

"Seventeen people." Harry murmured quietly. Charlie reached up to touch Harry's arm but the younger man shifted with a sightly from. Charlie swallowed before saying. "Harry you can't blame yourself."

Sensing tension between the two Kingsley looked to Harry and nodded. "It's true Harry you can't blame yourself for any of this."

"No offence minister, but yes I can." Harry said shortly, shifting of his feet and taking one look around at the scene, the injured and now confused looking muggles, the smashed glass hidden now amongst the cobbled stone of the high street, his scrunched his nose in distaste before turning back the minister, visibly annoyed and agitated as he swung his arms. "I think I'd like to go home if you're though with questioning tonight." he said coldly, Kingsley took in the younger man and nodded with a slight worried frown.

"Of course, I'll send an owl with an inquest and any information I receive."

"Thanks." Harry murmured numbly stepping away from the minister, Charlie followed before looking back at the minister.

"I'll see him home." Charlie said added with concerned eyes.

"I'd see that you have a reason for your father as to why you were here. From what he tells me he believes you spend little time in the UK." at the mere mention of the his father Charlie stiffened, panic flaring in his eyes which the Minister only smiled at. "That being said, you are well suited."

Opening and closing his mouth he spluttered out a goodbye as the minister walked over to talk with the Aurors, their conversation almost forgotten as he looked at Harry who was watching from a few ft away, confusion swimming in his eyes.

* * *

"You didn't have to see me home." Harry mumbled as they'd apparated inside.

"I said I would didn't I? First date and all that." Charlie admitted trying to lighten the mood. Harry turned and looked at him seriously.

"One hell of a first date." He muttered and Charlie shook his head stepping closer to Harry.

"Don't do this to yourself, not again. This isn't on you."

"Then who is it on? If I hadn't have been there tonight two people would still be alive." Harry stated bluntly, his fists curled as he stood their brooding, Charlie moved in front of Harry, almost tempted to put his hands on his shoulders.

"And that is tragic, but you didn't harm these people yourself, it was an accident." Charlie explained, but Harry shook his head sharply, his eyes stormy as they locked with Charlies.

"No it wasn't I watched one kill that muggle woman in cold blood. If they weren't there looking for me she'd still be alive." Harry argued, his voice raising slightly as his eyes blazed, Charlie stepped forward, determined as he shook his head in disagreement. "You can't blame yourself for each thing that happens, you just have to move past it. You can't let this ruin a good night we had." Charlie tried.

And Harry couldn't help but smile softly, it had been a good night, he looked at Charlie again who's once white shirt was now stained in blood and dirt. Charlie followed his eyes and frowned before looking back at the stained shirt that Harry was wearing, he stepped forward and reached out to place his hand on Harry shoulder who hissed out in pain and stepped away. Charlies eyes flared with worry as he looked down at the injured wizard.

"You're hurt."

"I'm fine." Harry began, hissing again as Charlie reached out to pull away the shirt a little to inspect the wound, Harry bit on his lip and moved his neck slightly to allow more room for Charlie to tug at his shirt. They locked eyes briefly, Charlies full of worry and Harry shrugged with a defeated gaze. "They caught me with a cutting curse, nothing major. It's just a cut."

"I'll be the judge of that, sit." Charlie orders tugging Harry to his dining chair firmly and practically pushing the younger man into the chair. Charlie paced around the kitchen filling up and bowl of water and grabbing and cloth, he looked back at Harry who was watching him with tired eyes. "Shirt off Harry."

"Charlie-"

"Now Harry." Charlie said firmly, holding Harry's gaze who let out a defeated sigh, shrugging out of his shirt and letting out a groan of pain as he moved his shoulder at the wrong angle. Charlie set to work and knelt in front of the younger man, his hands reaching up to the wound, a warm soaked cloth in his hand. They were quiet for a moment, Charlie avoiding Harry's obvious gaze as he watched him intently.

"You're no healer." Harry said suddenly causing Charlie to stop cleaning momentarily and look up at Harry with calm eyes. He pulled the cloth away and wrung it out in the bowl before returning back to the wound.

"No, but I do have some training, we have to in Romania. Far to many burns and cuts to bother the healers with all the time." Charlie explained softly. "Remus will have heard by now wouldn't he."

"Probably, I'll go over tomorrow. That will mean your family will know as well."

"I'll see them tomorrow, explain, let them know what's happening."

"Explain." Harry murmured quietly enough that Charlie could pretend he didn't hear it, instead he turned to Harry and tried his best to smile.

"We should change." Charlie began, moving from the side of Harry and kneeling In front of the younger man, who had slouched back in the chair, looking deep in thought. He moved his hand to Harry's leg who jumped slightly and shifted his eyes back to Charlie. "Sorry, what?"

"Our clothes, we should change our clothes." Charlie began, but Harry shook his head.

"We can't just pretend this didn't happen, that you're not covered in blood."

"And I'm not, but I don't want to continue thinking about it now it's done with. Can't we just move on for tonight." Charlie said, putting both hands on the top of Harry's legs, trying to reassure him, bring the younger man back to him and not caught in his thoughts and emotions of tonight.

* * *

"I can't do this." Harry said suddenly, his eyes shifted to the floor. His breathing steady but hard. Charlie jumped up, pacing towards the living room before turning back, while unbuttoning his shirt he began saying.

"Okay, I'll change. Get a drink, settle downa bit. "

"No Charlie, I can't do 'this'" he murmured motioning between the two. " Harry declared, finally looking back at the dragon tamer who's arms had become slack at his side, his jaw pulled tight as he stared at the younger man before erupting into a rant, his finger raised as he pointed at the younger man while stepping forward. His shirt fell open, the bloodied fabric gathering at his sides.

"Oh no you don't, you are not trying to get rid of me again. Not now." He insisted, angrily.

"Not now? Not now! You could have been seriously hurt! People were seriously hurt, people died!"

"Yes, and I wasn't hurt, I didn't die." Charlie assured standing in front of Harry and putting his hands on Harry's shoulder, making sure to avoid the wound as he stood studying the younger man with an attempted smile, "I'm fine, you're fine. Nothing else matters."

"How can you say that? A lot else matters, I'm being targeted!"

"You said yourself that it's probably propaganda, those men attacked in the middle of muggle London. That's careless."

"That's worrying!" Harry snapped pushing away from Charlie and pacing around angrily. "Attacking muggles? That's what 'they' used to do."

"Yes and they fell."

"Not just because of me, I can't protect you."

"And I don't expect you to!" Charlie snapped with exasperation. "I can look after myself I was in the war too you know. I have fought before. I work with..."

"Dragons, I know." Harry mumbled sounding distracted as he was still pacing. Charlie looked up from the sofa arm he was perched on and suddenly exclaimed.

"Will you please stop bloody moving!" Charlie yelled making Harry suddenly stop and look at him. "Sorry, it was doing my head in."

"Yeah? Well I want to find these bastards." Harry spat and Charlie glared for a moment before staring hard at Harry.

"And I don't? You will, we will. Together."

"I don't want you involved." Harry mumbled walking across the living room in attempt to separate them but Charlie gave a sarcastic snort and stood up and followed, his arms moving as he spoke.

"I think it's a bit late for that, they must know the connection, they must have been watching us."

* * *

"We should go public." Harry said suddenly and Charlie looked up panicked and then frowned in attempt to cover his first reaction, he gave a cough and narrowed his eyes."What?"

"We need to tell the others just how connected you are to me. It won't be safe otherwise." Harry explained moving closer and leaning on the back of the sofa Charlie was perched on.

"Yes it will, I'm fine, we don't need to do that." Charlie tried to reason, but from the hurt and confusion that were in Harrys eyes he knew that hadn't worked. Harry's jaw was fixed as he shook his head with a dark chuckle.

"You don't want to tell anyone." he mumbled pushing of the sofa and pacing again. Charlie looked up suddenly and frowned. "What?"

Harry looked back and smiled almost woefully, "You'd rather be targeted then tell people what's happening."

"What? What gave you that idea? And anyway, Remus knows." Charlie attempted, but he knew Harry was right.

"That's different, you knew that 'everyone' would mean your family and you...are you ashamed of me?" Harry said suddenly, making Charlies head snap up to look at the hurt face of Harry Potter, or Evans. Just Harry. His stomach twisted at the obvious and hurtful truth, he shook his head.

"What? Harry, where the fuck is this coming from." Charlie asked.

"No, it's true. You don't want to tell your family." Harry said suddenly and Charlie shook his head, but then stopped, this was useless. It was all true. He let out a long sigh."Okay...okay, no I don't."

"Oh god." harry breathed out running his hands though his hair, letting out his own frustrated sigh. Charlie was gripping at straws.

"But it's not like I won't, I just can't..."

Harrys eyes flared and he stared hard at Charlie. "This could save you, and you'd rather-"

"It wouldn't, I'd still be in Romania most of the time-" Charlie tried to reason making Harry laugh out in frustration as he looked at Charlie before bursting out. "Then tell them! If you'd barely be here anyway then why not?"

"Because I can't!" Charlie announced. He took in Harry's hurt face and sighed. "I just can't, okay. Not yet." he couldn't look at Harry, didn't want to see how hurt the younger man was, he swallowed quickly before hearing coldly.

"You coward."

Charlies head snapped up to look Harry, who's features were tight and strong, his eyes blazing. His own features probably resembled the same. "Excuse me, who was fighting at your side tonight, helping you, protecting you?"

"Exactly, yet you can't tell your family why you were at my side, helping me, protecting me." Harry replied bluntly.

"It's complicated, you know it is. Don't be an asshole."

"I'm the asshole? I'm an asshole! You keep saying that it's complicated, but it isn't, we're together. In secret, which is killing me by the way. It's not just you lying! I'm lying to Ron nearly every day, my best friend. Your brother, I used to tell him everything!" Harry argued, taking a breath as his voice rose higher and grew hoarse. Charlies eyes softened as he saw just how painful it was for the younger man, he stepped forward before swallowing and almost whining.

"I just..." He trailed off, growing embarrassed and Harry shook his head and throwing up his hands in frustration. He looked back at Charlie and frowned.

"I think you should go. "

"Harry?" Charlie breathed out, stepping closer but Harry shook his head and stepped back. Looking close to tears as he looked at Charlie. "I can't do this right now." he murmured before disappearing behind his bedroom door.

Charlies chest was tight, the pain behind his eyes as the anger mixed with sadness. He swallowed tightly, forcing back a sob before apparating from the flat and to his lonely room in Romania, only then did he let out a pained sob as he was filled with just might have happened tonight.

* * *

Sorry! Really sorry! Lets hope they can figure things out! That was a really tough scene to write, I'm not good at writing arguments as I never really have them myself. Hope you liked it, and continue to read it even now! I promise it gets better for the two of them!

Read, Review, Fav and Follow. Thankyou! D.O.M :D


	13. The Second Dinner

Hey everyone! This is by far my favourite chapter so far, and it's actually one of the first chapters I wrote when I got the idea for this story. It's a little bit longer than the previous chapters, and i did think of splitting it up but I think we need a good happy chapter after the serious argument one! In this chapter we follow Harry to Romania, where he gets to meets Charlies work colleagues. This involves a new set of characters, I hope you like them!

Warning: There is slash in this chapter, and it will be more frequent now as Charlie and Harry are so comfortable together. So if you like it, enjoy ;) if you don't skip to the next chapter :)

Enjoy! D.O.M

* * *

Chapter Eleven. The Second Dinner. November 1998

When Harry had got to work the next day he was flocked with questions from Marcus and Thea who had heard about the 'gas leak', the few minor cuts that had scattered his face were enough proof to place him at the scene. He'd explained as best as he could with a shrug, secretly hoping they wouldn't press him further about his night.

"So apart from that freak accident how was your night?" Or maybe not, with a sigh he looked up at Marcus who gave a chuckle. "That good?"

"Fantastic." Harry grumbled miserably as he paced behind the bar, Marcus exchanged looks with Thea who edged closer to sit in front of him at the bar.

"Harry what happened?"

With another sigh, Harry rubbed his face with his hands and looked back at Thea who thankfully looked more concerned than just her usual nosy self.

"We had an argument." Harry began, before falling into telling them about the argument surrounding them becoming public.

"It's nothing, I think I overreacted." Harry finished looking downcast. Marcus edged closer, looking at Harry with concerned eyes.

"But why won't he tell his family?"

"He's worried they'll disown him, because of their traditions, and because of Ginny, his sister. It could get...oh of course he doesn't want to tell them, it's so complicated and I've been such an asshole!" Harry exclaimed making Thea and Marcus exchange sympathetic glances before looking to the customer who had stepped into the bar.

"You're not." A familiar voice echoed and Harry looked up suddenly, looking at. Charlie who looked guilty and stared at Harry with apologetic eyes. "You're not an asshole."

"Charlie." Harry murmured, not really saying his name for any reason. Just saying it with a sigh, neither man noticed the girls and Marcus slope off to the other end of the bar as Charlie walked to the bar slowly. He placed his hands flat on the surface and let out a long sigh before looking back at Harry.

"I'm sorry"

"I'm sorry"

They both said in unison and looked up at each other with guilty eyes and flushed cheeks. Harry reached out to hold Charlies hand and he gripped it tightly.

"I was an asshole" Harry admitted and Charlie shook his head.

"I am a coward." He answered solemnly and Harry shook his head and tightened his hand.

"No you're not, I completely understand, I overreacted, I-"

"Can we talk? Properly." Charlie interrupted with serious and nervous eyes, making Harrys heart clench. He nodded and looked at Charlie worriedly, his lip between his teeth as he swallowed.

"This isn't 'the talk' is it?"

"What?...no! No! Nothing like that." Charlie corrected with wide eyes, Harry let out a sigh of relief, making Charlie smile softly. Harry looked around the pub then back at Charlie with a guarded smile.

"I finish in 10 minutes, you could sit and wait?"

"I'll be over in that armchair." Charlie announced pointing to the worn red armchair, Harry nodded and grabbed Charlie a beer.

"Have it on me."

* * *

"I want you to meet my family." Charlie said suddenly, looking at Harry who was still standing, his arm resting on the chair he was going to pull back. With a confused glance, his eyes still glued on Charlie as he sat down.

"Charlie I've met your-"

"Not that family." Charlie answered and Harry looked even more confused, Harry was about to question again when Charlie just smiled warmly. "My family in Romania."

Harry tried to hide his shocked expression, but by Charlies amused eyes he'd failed and smiled shyly, scratching his head nervously. "You want me to meet your colleagues?"

"I've met yours." Charlie said with a smile in the direction of the bar where Marcus was serving customers and Thea was trying her best to pretend she was working as she glanced in their direction every so often. Charlie looked back at Harry and smiled. "I think it's only fair."

"I'd like that." Harry murmured softly, looking down at their joined hands. "I'm sorry again."

"Me too." Charlie said quickly and stroked his thumb along Harry's hand.

"I know it's not the same." Charlie began and sighed, looking at Harry. "I know it's not the same as telling everyone else but I..."

"I get it." Harry admitted. "With everything with Ginny, and your mum pushing us together. It's not the right time."

"I do want to." Charlie assured and Harry smiled softly. "And I'm not ashamed of you, the very opposite actually."

With a shy smile, both men watched as their hands moved together slowly. Harry looked up and the older man and smiled softly. "So, our first fight."

Charlie let out a long breath and laughed softly, grinning at Harry who only smiled back. "Yeah, I guess that was."

"We should keep with tradition." Harry began, standing up and pulling Charlie with him, Charlie looked confused and he looked down at the younger man who looked up with a cheeky smile. "It's only right to properly make up."

Charlie let out a husky laugh and pulled the younger man against him and kissed his forehead softly, causing Harry to look up and steal a kiss from Charlies lips.

"I think you're right." Charlie grinned and allowed Harry to pull him gently towards the door, he gave a mock salute to Marcus and Thea as he walked past the bar and the only grinned back as the two men disappeared from the bar.

"Oh to be young and in love." Marcus joked, continuing to clean the glasses as Thea stood in front of him, her hands on her hips in mock outrage.

"Oh? And what do mean young?" She asked with narrowed eyes and Marcus swallowed before trying to look back with a cheeky smile.

"Any chance we can go straight to the making up?"

* * *

"The whole reserve?" Harry asked, stretching his head to the side as Charlie kissed and nipped across Harrys neck. He chuckled into the skin and pulled away to look at Harry happily.

"Not at first, we're going for dinner, so the main reserve will be shut. You'll see the whole house though."

"Well it'll beat apparating straight to your room, can we ring the doorbell?" Harry asked, running his fingers under Charlies shirt with a grin as he pulled the fabric over the other mans head who frowned once the fabric was pulled away.

"Are you taking the piss?"

Harry grinned triumphantly, pulling his shirt over his head and smirking.

"Only a little bit." he teased, leaning forward and kissing Charlie who was knelt on the bed. Harrys hands immediately sought out Charlies red curls as the kiss was deepened, at the same time Charlie had snaked his hands around Harrys waist. Falling back onto the bed Harry pulled at Charlies shoulders edging him closer, apologies were still being almost pulled from each other as they both pulled the other closer. Moans and pants echoing in each others ears as they kissed madly. From cheeks to lips to necks.

Harrys next night off fell on a Wednesday, a day he'd usually spend with Remus and Teddy, but as soon as he'd explained about the fight and the dinner Remus had urged him to go rather than spend time with him. It was nice in a way having a parent figure who was fully supportive of his relationship, it made his heart clench knowing that Charlie still didn't have that, or whether he would ever have that. The letters he received from Ginny were becoming so gushing and flirtatious it was almost worrying, as well as the supportive but overly worried letters he had occasionally received from Mrs Weasley. He knew Christmas was around the corner and soon the whole family would be around. So at the moment having this relationship to themselves was nice, for now anyway.

* * *

Charlie and Harry took a portkey to Romania, they usually apparated but it left Harry feeling exhausted as he was not used to traveling such distances. When they landed inside the reserve, the only lights on were the outside lanterns of the residential living of the camp. Following Charlie into one of the houses he was met with a large open kitchen with connected living and dining room. The whole place was open, 'Because of the heat' Charlie had explained. He looked around the place with a smile, bookcases were filled with any book you could imagine on reptiles, magical creatures and of course dragons. The room had a warm feel to it as most of the furniture and walls were either decorated in reds, browns and whites. Charlie watched Harry for a moment before heading to the kitchen to prepare to cook. As Harry followed him through the dining room he spun suddenly as the door opened suddenly.

"So you're the man Charlies been sneaking in on the quiet." The woman announced as she stepped across the room taking heavy strides to compensate for just how petit she was, she was a short woman with long black hair that was scraped back across her head and tied in a braid, similarly to the way Charlie always dressed she was stood in Dragon hide trousers that were fitted to her short yet muscular legs and a loose tanned vest. She stood also examining him head to toe, her hands fixed on her hips. With a final glace she smiled and smacked her hands together.

"You must be the famous boyfriend. You're a rarity when it comes to Charlie. He's so much of a closed book their may as well be a chain round it." She explained with a tight smile. Charlie shrunk against the kitchen counter with embarrassment, his head bowed over a large pot as he let out a chuckle and looked up.

"Sanda this is Harry Evans." Charlie addressed with a smile and Harry held out his hand. She looked at it briefly before shaking it tightly as she glanced across his face and his forehead.

"It doesn't take a name change and a make over to not see who you are Harry Potter." she teased with a grin as harry smiled shyly back, his hand throbbing slightly from grip of Sanda. Charlie chuckled and shook his head.

"Sanda is our location specialist, she see's nearly everything, and is one hell of a rider."

"Brooms?" Harry asked, excitement building in his voice.

"That and other things."

"You're not the only one to ride a dragon Harry. Sanda here has done it to."

"If they won't let me see their territory then I have to see it while they do, best way to do that? Fly with them." she explained with a matter of fact tone as she opened the wine o the table and began filling wine glasses. Harry hung on every word finally sitting back in his chair with a grin.

"Wicked."

* * *

"Oh look a new person Sanda can impress with her stories." A man announced with a thick Scottish as he stepped through the door. His black hair cropped short to his head and piercing brown eyes that stood out against pale skin, he was followed by a man who looked the complete opposite. Long blonde shaggy hair pulled into a ponytail at the back, the style almost resembling Bill Weasley had it not been for the naturally tanned skin. Charlie stood up excitedly and hugged his colleagues.

"Harry, this is Sven and his husband Ross. They're both keepers at the reserve like me. Guys this is my boyfriend Harry."

"Oh we know who he is." Ross laughed sitting beside Sanda and grinning at Harry. Who could only smile back. "Anyone who's ever been to England knows who you are."

"Trust me, its not so great." Harry replied with a smile earning a soft smile from Charlie as he looked up from his cooking. Harry looked back between the two men. "Married?"

"Yup." Sven smiled, he looked to Ross who was looking at him with patient eyes and a smile. Sven grinned and pointed back to Harry quickly. "Wait...I can get this, seven years...October?"

"Close." Ross laughed with a shake of the head as he sat across from Harry.

"Close?" Harry asked with confusion as he looked between the men.

"He forgets out anniversary, all the time. Gets the month right 50 per cent of the time." Ross explained with a grin.

"Eh I loose track of time." Sven excused with a shake of the hand. "Whats right is I know we're married." he continued with a point of a fork for emphasis. He looked around the shared kitchen and frowned. "Who's cooking."

"Me." Charlie announced proudly looking up from the pot, Harry detected the flare of panic. He looked from his boyfriend to his work colleagues.

"Have we got time to go out again?" Ross teased and Charlie shouted in protest.

"I can cook!" Charlie protested and was met with deaf ears. "Oi, I can cook. Ross you loved that pasta I cooked."

"Saying 'well it just looks so colourful, probably isn't something good to go on." Ross laughed and Charlie sulked.

"I can cook." He grumbled defensively going back to stirring a pot.

"Has he cooked for you yet Harry?" Sanda asked over her wine glass. Harry shook his head, taking a gulp of his own wine and smiled.

"I work when he would be eating, he eats when I'm working. We've not really done it." Harry admitted with a shrug, Sven leaned forward and grinned.

"After tonight you'll keep it that way."

Charlie looked up with a mock scowl and pointed at the table with his spoon "After tonight I'm never cooking for you all again."

"Is that a promise?" Sven joked resulting in peas flying across the room which Sanda cleared away instantly with her wand, with a defeated sigh that almost resembled Mrs Weasley.

"No flying vegetables in the camp please." She ordered with a grin in Harrys direction as he watched the exchange between the three.

"Harry I've made you toast before in the mornings, and tea!" Charlie accused and Harry turned in his seat to smile warmly at his boyfriend.

"And you've done those so well." He mentioned with a smile.

"Hard to notice in bed though isn't it when you're probably more focused on your-mmpth..."

"Please excuse my husband his brain to mouth filter has malfunctioned." Sven interrupted, his hand pulled tightly around his husbands mouth. Harry chuckled and shook his head.

"Are we going to behave?" Sven teased looking at Ross' wide eyes and grinning, he suddenly let out a shout and moved his hand away quickly.

"Did you lick my hand?" Sven asked and Ross' response was merely wagging his tongue, with a snort of disgust. "Still not sure why I married you."

"We just got me off sexual conver-"

"Ross." Charlie said firmly, making Ross' hand gestures freeze up momentarily. Charlie smiled. "Enough."

* * *

"Charlie boy." Ross said picking his fork up, leaving a trail from fork to plate that dangled in the air. "This is by far your worse concoction yet."

"Really?" Charlie asked eating a forkful obliviously.

"It really is awful." Sven snorted moving odd shapes around his plate.

"I'm still trying to distinguish what it is." Sanda scrutinized, looking a little too closely at her plate and tipping it slightly, nothing moved. Charlie took another forkful and looked at Harry who avoided his eye for a moment before looking back and straight face which seemed too close to becoming a laugh.

"Maybe stick to toast." Harry offered and the others began snickering loudly. Charlie looked round in mock outrage.

"Is it really that bad." He protested with a pouting lip, making everyone laugh harder.

"It really is retched." Sanda laughed pushing her plate away with a grin.

"Shall we have pudding?" Ross suggested, beginning to clean away the abandoned plates with his wand. Charlie sat back in his chair, his arms crossed across his stomach in a sulking fashion.

"Charlie did you make this?" Ross asked with surprise as he peered at the cake intently.

"Harry did." Charlie announced tossing his head over his chair to look at Ross who carried the cake through. Once the cake was cut and passed around Sanda, Ross and Sven let out groans as they tasted the cake.

* * *

Sven looked up with a grin and pointed his fork at the cake. "Okay, now I get why you're with this man."

"Now you get it?" Charlie asked with wide eyes. He tucked in to his own cake and let out his own groan which sounded way to sexual for Harry who looked up suddenly.

"Oh my god this is like sex."

Ross laughed and looked between Harry and Charlie. "If this is how sex is like with you two I..."

"Don't finish that sentence unless you want to explain it?" Sven addressed suddenly and Ross swallowed his cake and looked between his husband and Harry.

"It's good cake." He mumbled looking back at his cake. "We should take some home for Madi."

"Madi?" Harry asked.

"Our daughter." Ross said through cake with a smile.

"Wow, I didn't know you guys had kids." Harry said with a hopeful smile, really he hadn't through somewhere like this could be appropriate for kids.

"Yeah, just the one. She's three in May." Sven said happily and Ross let out a chuckle and shook his head.

"June." He corrected automatically and Sven let out an embarrassed groan before grinning.

"Dammit so close."

"Seriously, you and dates." Ross laughed leaning over to brush the crumbs away from his husbands bottom lip and beard.

"Eh, one endearing think about me." Sven suggested with a shrug and Ross grinned a dopey smile and leaned forward for a soft kiss which Sven happily returned. Harry smiled over his wine glass at the kind moment between the two men, it was clear they were still very much in love with each other.

Harry looked at Charlie who was still eating his cake happily. He turned his head, the fork held in his fingers as he caught Harry's eyes and grinned. He turned his fork towards Harry and offered him the piece which he took, his eyes glued on Charlies. Harry smiled around the fork until Charlie pulled it away with his own cheeky grin. They were oblivious to the audience that had built up and looked slowly around into the grinning faces of his work mates.

"Get a room you two." Sven teased with a grin. Harry tried to slink away from Charlie but Charlie pulled his arms around Harry.

"Not a bad idea." Charlie murmured quietly and Harry flushed before looking around the table and nodding.

"It was lovely to meet you all." Harry admitted with a genuine grin as he stood up. The others waved automatically and Sanda smirked up at the new couple. "Now you won't have to apparate straight to his room." She assured pointing a finger at Harry who nodded with a blush.

"Especially if you bring more cake." Ross added, grinning. "Definitely bring more cake." He added causing Sven to roll his eyes and swat at his husband fondly.

"You know what they say, a way to a mans heart is through his stomach." Sven mentioned with a smile.

"Or through his-" Ross began, but was cut off by a piece of cake being practicality forced into his mouth by his husband who looked back with a grin. "Through his stomach, goodnight guys."

"Night." They both murmured before Charlie took Harrys hand leading them to his bedroom. It hadn't been the first time he'd seen his bedroom. He'd heard about his home at the burrow through Ron and the twins in the past. They moaned about how he kept wild snakes, and his walls were covered in dragon posters instead of witches and Quiddich like them. Now he realized that his room here was very similar and if anything was simply the more mature version of the one at the burrow. Instead of the dragon drawings and posters there were framed expensive paintings. Instead of the worn childhood books about beasts and monsters there were expensive looking volumes of all the mythical creatures there may be. Although there were still snakes in cages in the corner. The room oozed of Charlie, that's what Harry liked about it, it was just him.

* * *

"I can see why you never used to leave." Harry admitted as he sat on the bed calmly, Charlie clambering up and sitting at the back, his own back resting against the wall. He looked around the space with a smile and grinned.

"It's just home." Charlie admitted with a sigh and Harry grinned, moving closer so he was sat opposite Charlie, his legs either side of the dragon keeper.

"More than the burrow?" Harry asked, his hands moving to stroke the calved of Charlies leg softly. Charlie moved his head to rest against the wall and seemed to consider the question for a moment.

"Im not sure, maybe? I love my family, but theres always been a part of me that liked my own space more than the others. When we were all there I was usually in the garden trying to tame the gnomes."

"Taming the gnomes?" Harry asked with a snort and Charlie looked back at Harry with a embarrassed smile.

"Yeah, trust me. Those kids that always found injured birds, bugs, snakes and kept them. That was me, always was. That's why I didn't get why mum never really liked me going here. It was obvious from the start it would happen." Charlie explained with a smile at the memories, ending in a frown as he thought of his mother. He sensed Harry move closer and looked back down to see Harry practically sitting in between his legs, Harrys legs stretching and bent across his own outstretched legs. Harry smiled softly.

"I bet you were an adorable kid." Harry teased, running his fingers through Charlies long curls as Charlie wrapped his arms around the younger man, his hands teasing at the jumper that had rode up Harrys lower back.

"Bill and I both were, but I think Ginny took the title though, Percy was a whiny kid and always told on everyone else, Ron was always covered in something, mud, food, you name it, and the twins, well you can only guess what the twins were like, they haven't changed that much." Charlie explained with a laugh.

"No I can imagine." Harry laughed, his laughter trailed off quite quickly as Charlies eyes became more darker, the laughter behind them gone and replaced with something else.

In and instant they lurched together, falling across the bed frantically, jumpers and shirts pulled and stretched over heads as they tried to remain locked together. Charlie managed to crawl over Harry, his hands running up and down the younger mans chest that was heaving in anticipation, Harrys hands moved to Charlies neck, pulling him into a needy kiss, their limbs winding together as the kiss deepened. Charlie rolled his hips slightly groaning into Harrys mouth as he sought out the friction they needed. Pulling away with a grin he cast silencing charms around the room before looking back at Harry and looking between their bodies.

"You're wearing far to many clothes."

Grinning up at the older man, Harry tried to hide his blush and instead sat up to lean on his elbows before retorting. "That makes two of us."

Charlie pulled his trousers down successfully and attempted to help Harry out of his and instead was met with trying to pull his legs out the trousers. Without much giggling, because they definitely didn't giggle, Harry was finally free from his trousers and immediately wrapped his legs around Charlie, practically forcing Charlie on top of him and rolling Charlie onto his back. With a groan at the forcefulness Charlie pulled Harry into another heated kiss, one hand teasing the hairs at the back of Harrys head as he tried to deepen the kiss further, the other hands teasing between their bodies. Just as he slipped his hand between Harrys boxers a strong hand tightened around his own length, letting out a muffled surprise gasp he felt Harry grin around the kiss and pulled away to look at Harry who simply grinned back innocently.

"What?" He asked innocently, wrapping his hand quickly around Charlie and pumping slowly. Charlie almost forgot he was meant to be doing the same thing and let out a gasped chuckle and looking down.

"You sure are a..ahh..Fast learner." He teased rolling his hips in time with Harrys hand. He looked back at Harry who was watching him intently, his brow furrowed as he let out another hushed groan as Harrys hands moved into a rhythm. "What...you staring.." he tried, words failing as the pleasure built around him. He laughed huskily as he heard his own garbled questions.

"Just watching you." Harry murmured, his free hand reaching out to brush the now very sensitive nipples of Charlie who arched at the touch, his own hand frantically trying to grip at Harry but he was slowly loosing all bodily movements to pleasure.

"Don't." Harry whispered softly, shuffling slightly from Charlies wandering hands. Charlie looked up with wide confused eyes and Harry just smiled and moved his hand a new direction causing Charlie to bite back a groan and throw his head back into the pillow. With a triumphant smile, Harry set to work moving his hand in a rhythm he knew would get Charlie to a quick, yet intense release.

"Just enjoy...this is for you." Harry murmured. God knows what was in that wine, he'd never been with dominant in bed before, in their past experiences Harry had always followed Charlies movements, still feeling far to innocent to make any decisions himself, but tonight was different, tonight he wanted to make Charlie come undone, and know that is was just him. He was doing this to Charlie. As Charlies pants and keens grew louder so did Harrys confidence in how he moved, his hand moving steady as he drew Charlie closer and closer to release, his eyes fixed on Charlies face as his eyes were screwed shut, his mouth gasping silent breaths and pants, a flush on his cheeks stretching down across his neck to his chest. As he felt Charlie tighten against him he moved his free hand to the back of Charlies neck, pulling their foreheads together, Charlies eyes flew open at the closeness of their position and let out a final dragged out groan as his release spilled violently over his chest and Harry's hand, his eyes fixed on Harrys who was watching him with almost primal eyes. Coming down from his high, Charlie pulled his mouth eagerly against Harry who could only kiss back just as vigorously.

Pulling Harry to the side of him he let out a hushed chuckle and grinned, his fingers stroking over Harrys cheeks.

"You're amazing."

"You're not with it." Harry teased and Charlie tightened his grip on Harry as he laughed.

"I think I had an out of body experience, I swear I went somewhere." Charlie admitted, kissing Harry again softly. His hands brushing over Harrys sides and suddenly coming close to Harrys own hardness.

"Do you want me..."

"Sleep." Harry murmured rolling over and snuggling his back into Charlie chest as the little spoon. Charlie kissed Harrys neck softly before burrowing into his pillow. Murmuring finally. "In the morning..." Before they both fell asleep.

* * *

When Harry woke, he could tell Charlie was awake, his breathing was even and the one similar trait he shared with his younger brother, he wasn't snoring. He suddenly remembered a conversation he'd wanted to have before hormones had taken over.

"Charlie?" He whispered, causing Charlie to shift in his sleepy state.

"Yeah." Charlie mumbled into Harrys shoulder, sleep almost overtaking him again after their very heated session a few hours before.

"Do male pregnancies happen?" Harry asked suddenly and Charlie sat up slightly and leaned over Harry who had rolled over to look at Charlie who looked back with a confused face before trying to look serious.

"Harry I think that's a little bit ahead of our relationship." Charlie teased and Harry swatted him with his hand.

"I meant in general you idiot." Harry laughed. He looked at Charlie. "So it can happen?"

"Sure, it takes a while. You have to apply through the ministry for the potion, and it doesn't always work, and it's really expensive." Charlie explained. "That's what Sven and Ross did." Harry nodded as the pieces fit together, although he still looked confused.

He looked at Harry with raised eyebrows. "Okay I know you weren't thinking about us. But why the question?"

"Morbid curiosity." Harry shrugged. He then smirked at Charlie making the hairs on Charlies neck stand up. "That and I wasn't sure if it just happens, wasn't sure if we should be being careful."

"Worried I'd knock you up when It comes to the deed."

"What about me knocking you up?" Harry observed leaning up on his elbows and staring at Charlie confidently.

"Oh is that how it'll work?"

"I think we can be flexible."

"Oh I'll show you flexible." Charlie flirted leaning forward and knocking Harry back against pillows. He felt Charlie grab his legs and pull them up to his chest. His legs resting comfortably over Charlies shoulders, his ankles crossed over as he held his balance though the quickly deepened kiss. Charlie began his usual rutting of his clothed dick over Harrys entrance. The sensation of being so close yet so far make Charlie huff out a groan and breathe out.

"Urgh, I'd love to be inside you." In that instant he regretted saying it as Harry froze.

"Charlie." from Harry made his still his own movements and look down at his young boyfriend. He looked down and kissed his lips softly.

"Ignore me, I didn't mean that." Charlie mumbled softly.

"Charlie..." Harry sighed, moving his legs off his shoulders and laying them either side of Charlies body. Charlie shook his head trying to smile and Harry gave an embarrassed smile; "I'm sorry."

"No, no no, don't you apologize." Charlie muttered shaking his head as he lent his head on the pillow in the embarrassment. "I didn't mean anything by it."

"I want to." Harry murmured into Charlies ear, his hands running through his hair in a soothing way. Charlie looked back at Harry cautiously and Harry gave a warm smile. "Just not right now."

"And I understand that." Charlie smiled stroking Harry's leg softly. "I like what we're doing."

"What are we doing?" Harry asked coy-fully as he wiggled his hips with a smile and Charlie let out a laugh mixed with a moan. As their erections brushed teasingly. Charlie looked down at Harry trying act shy and innocent and laughed as he pressed himself closer to Harry.

"I think you're pretty great at what you're doing." Charlie teased with a smile as he burrowed his head in Harry's neck, nipping and kissing wherever he could reach, attempting to pull those temptingly glorious sounds harry always made. Harry groaned low in his throat and wrapped his legs tight around Charlies hips, the heels of his feet resting temptingly close to Charlies ass. Within moments they had returned to shameless rutting against each other for release, they're awkward conversation left buried for another night.

* * *

So that got a little steamy again didn't it? I hope you liked it and it read okay, and I hope you like Sven, Ross and Sanda. I think Sven and Ross are my new favorite couple! I wish I could write about them all the time! So things seem good between Harry and Charlie, and the next chapter is Christmas! A little late I know, but it's the first chapter with the whole family and Charlie and Harrys blossoming relationship, whats the worse that could happen! :D

As always read, review, fav and follow! I promise to thank all my reviews at the end of the story because I love reading them! D.O.M :)


	14. The Christmas Filler

Authors Note: I will start by saying I'm so sorry to all of the followers of this story! At the moment I have a strong case of writers block so I haven't be able to write! I'm working on the next few chapters at the moment but none of them are finished, I hope to do this soon and carry on normally! But as a massive apology here is a hint at what's to expect from the next few chapters. I started writing the Christmas chapter way before actual Christmas and it became huge! There were way to many scenes that I wanted to include and I didn't want to rush though the whole time as it's important. Anyway! I'm really sorry! Hope you can forgive me and carry on reading! Thanks! D.O.M

* * *

Chapter Twelve. The Christmas Filler

"I don't want to go." Charlie grumbled as he paced around Harrys flat, looking back at Harry who was attempting to make tea. Harry looked over his shoulder and grinned at the sulking red head.

"You have to go, they're your family." he explained as he stirred the teas a final time. He felt the breath of the older man on his neck and laid his hands flat on his kitchen counter anticipating the familiar pull around his middle and the kiss on his neck.

"This is going to be torture." Charlie complained as he stood behind Harry, his arms pulled around his waist. Harry chuckled and turned around in his arms to glance at his boyfriends sulking face.

"Slight over dramatics?" Harry suggested with a tease and Charlie shook his head with an attempted serious expression.

"No, I don't think it is. We have to spend three days together not touching each other."

"We can touch each other." Harry corrected turning back to make the tea and Charlie began pacing again, moving around the other side of the counter so he could look at Harry, leaning down on the counter with a crease in his forehead as he stared down at the marble.

"You know what I mean."

"We could tell them?" Harry suggested in a teasing tone as he watched Charlies shocked face with a grin.

"Do you want to kill my mother at Christmas?" Charlie burst out and Harry laughed moving around the stand in front of Charlie.

"You're being so dramatic today!" Harry laughed. He rubbed Charlies forearms in comfort and grinned. "Where's my strong rugged dragon tamer?"

"Sulking because he cant touch his boyfriend all weekend." Charlie put bluntly trying to hide a smile. Harry shook his head and laced their fingers together with a smirk that could rival Draco Malfoy.

"I'm sure you'll survive."

Charlie frowned and gave a mock pout. "Yeah, with blue balls."

"We still can." Harry suggested huskily and Charlie looked up suddenly and looked confused with a deepened frown. His hands tightening on Harrys hips.

"How?"

"I dunno, cupboards, bathroom. Who's in your old bedroom with you?" Harry joked, trying to be funny, it didn't work. Instead Charlies brow furrowed in seriousness as he remembered the living arrangements.

"I'm in with George, Bill and Fleur get my room. What about you? In with Ron?"

"Yeah, I think he's just as upset, he thought he'd be allowed in with Hermione." Harry laughed, Charlie shook his head at his brothers way of thinking and laughed.

"The only way that will happen will be when they're married."

* * *

Yes It's short and a little fillery (totally a word), but I hope you like it, or like it enough to keep reading! Over Christmas you can expect a infatuated Ginny, a randy Charlie and a flustered Harry all under one roof for Christmas. Also, their secret may stretch to two people, just who might they be! Stay posted and I promise to try and update soon!


	15. The Two Sides of Christmas

Authors Note: Hello everyone! I hope you're all still with me! I know I've been awful at updating at the moment, but for now my writers block has lifted and the next few chapters are practically written and just need some last minute editing. As I've said already these two chapters focus around Charlie and Harry spending Christmas at the burrow. I apologize already for not including Bill into this chapter, I promise he will make an appearance and be the perfect big brother to Charlie.

Warning: This is where the slight Molly bashing begins, I'm sorry if she comes across too harsh, at the moment I'm trying to keep her as just overly caring towards Harry, but that will change. There is also the beginnings of a very sad George, I'm sorry for that one too! I promise by the end he'll be happier!

Disclaimer: I should probably do this again! I'm not JK Rowling, if I were then a lot of people would still be alive, and Charlie would be in the book a lot more!

As always, I hope you like this chapter and the ones coming up. Thanks! D.O.M :)

* * *

Chapter Eleven. The Two Sides of Christmas. December 1998.

Christmas Eve

"Are you prepared for a Weasley Christmas?" Remus teased as he balanced Teddy on his hip who was eagerly reaching out for the Christmas decorations that were dangling from the ceiling. Harry looked up from his cup of tea and grinned.

"Am I prepared? I've done this before, are you prepared? Made room for your Weasley jumper?" Harry snickered and Remus smiled untangling Teddys hand from the tinsel hanging from the ceiling.

"For your information, Molly knitted both me and Sirius matching sets when you were fifteen, and I've received them ever since." Remus teased with a grin before looking apprehensive. "Are you not worried though? This will be the first hurdle for yours and Charlies relationship, especially since he's so unwilling to go public."

Harry reached out to take Teddy with a slight frown. "We've moved past that since our argument, and In a way I can understand. Ginny's being so weird at the moment, if they did find out now I don't think it could go well."

"But how often will you have to say that and keep putting it off?" Remus asked innocently and Harry let out a sigh, locking eyes with Remus. "I guess you were in my shoes with Sirius?"

"Oh yes." Remus said with a chuckle. "I always wanted to be public, it was Sirius that kept putting it off, saying that the perfect moment would arise...well, I guess it never did." He finished with a sad smile, sensing the sadness Harry turned to Teddy who was still grabbing for the tinsel and beamed, bouncing him on his hip.

"Are you excited for Christmas little man?" Harry asked, reaching down to tickle Teddy who let out a squeal of laughter, making Remus chuckle and smile at his son. No, his sons.

* * *

"Harry!" Hermione yelled as soon as he stepped through the doors, Harry let out a choked laugh as she bounded into his arms. She pulled away and looked at him. "It's so good to see you, you look amazing! You have a beard!"

"Yes, thank you and It's good to see you too Herm." He said happily and turned to Ron who was stood next to her.

"Should I be worried about you two?" He teased, looking between his best friends who laughed, shaking there heads.

"No chance Ron, I wouldn't steal her from you." He replied happily, already feeling relaxed, he looked around at the strangely empty kitchen. "Where is everyone?"

"Mums annoyed."

"Already?" Remus asked, finally stepping through the door and smiling. Harry smiled at Remus and then looked back at his friends with slight worried eyes.

"How come?" He asked and Ron shrugged.

"Bill's gone to France with Fleur, and Percy's spending time with his girlfriends family. She's pretty upset, she stopped screaming at Charlie a minute ago for walking mud across his own bedroom."

"Charlie..urgh Charlies here?" Harry began, clearing his throat to try and sound more natural and was so fixed on watching Ron's face that he missed Hermione narrow his eyes at him in question.

"Yeah, he got here earlier, apparated straight to his room and mum flipped, she's up there cleaning now, uh Remus, I think that's where you're staying now."

"Good to know, I'll head up and try to calm the situation." Remus announced, passing through the kitchen with Teddy settled on his hip as usual. The trio were sat around the table chatting happily until Ginny stormed into the kitchen and stopped suddenly to look at Harry who looked worried for a moment.

"Hi Ginny." He murmured softly looking up into her eyes, but instead of anger he saw something a lot more worrying. She was practically undressing him with her eyes. He mentally swore, he was so caught up in looking good for Charlie, almost to tease him around his family he'd completely forgotten that Ginny hadn't seen him since the summer. He'd changed so much since then.

"Harry, you look...Hi."

Visibly swallowing he looked between Hermione and Ginny. "How's Hogwarts?"

"Oh it's great, the syllabus completely changed since you left, you both should have come back!" Hermione gushed and both men tried to hide their grins as she began talking excitedly about books and lessons. Harry tried to ignore Ginny's staring eyes as she sat down next to him. He turned to her and tried to give his best smile.

"Glad to be home for Christmas?" He asked softly and she smiled sweetly, too sweetly.

"Yeah, It's good be home, it'll be nice to see everyone, catch up." She said happily, the atmosphere falling uncomfortable again, sensing the situation Ron suddenly looked up.

"Harry, could I have a word?" Ron said suddenly standing up, the girls both looked to with confusion and Hermione looked between the two almost trying to suss just what could be happening. If Hermione didn't know then what could it be? Harry was suddenly worried, this couldn't be to do with Charlie could it? His first thought left his mind though as Ron looked more nervous than him. He gave a grin and nodded joining his friend who stepped outside.

"Sure mate."

* * *

"What's up?" He asked as he joined Ron outside, who was stood awkwardly, his hands in his pockets. He looked up shyly and gave a nervous grin.

"I'm going to ask Hermione to marry me, tomorrow, on Christmas Day." He announced, looking at Harry worriedly who just stood there in shock for a moment before giving a massive grin.

"Mate, that's amazing!" He declared stepping closer to Ron unsure whether or not to give him a hug, he decided against it and held out his hand to Ron who shook it through laughter. After stepping away he grinned.

"What made you decide to do this?"

"I don't know." Ron admitted with a shrug, I just thought that with the war over, it's time to make the most of what I've got. It took far to long to get the guts to even kiss her, I'm not going to wait another seven years to do something."

Through laughter he suddenly stopped and looked at Ron. "Seven years? You've fancied her since we were eleven?!"

"Who's he fancied since he was eleven?"

Both men turned to see Charlie walking towards the house, a broom held in his hand, Harry tried to settle his heart that had sped up as soon as he'd heard his boyfriends voice. But now, with Charlie walking up the path, his vest damp from sweat, his face flushed and his muscles tense. If it wasn't for the broom in his hand he would have resembled what he looked like after sex. Not that they'd had sex yet. You get the Idea.

"Hermione." Harry grinned trying to focus his eyes on something else and not Charlies muscled arms. Charlie noticed and with a laugh, placed his broom on the floor to lean on it, flexing his muscles purposely with a cheeky grin.

"Tell me something I don't know."

"I'm asking her to marry me." Ron announced happily and Charlie looked stunned for a moment before giving a proud smile and pulling his younger brother into a manly brotherly hug.

"Congratulations." He said once he'd pulled away, still looking proudly at his younger brother who shifted on his feet for a moment before looking around the two of them and grinning. "Anyway, I should get back to the future Mrs Weasley. If she says yes that is."

"Mate, she's going to say yes. If you asked her right now she'd say yes." Harry reassured happily, which seemed to relax Ron who let out a sigh of relief and a grin before disappearing back inside. Harry let out a laugh at the prospect that his best friends could be engaged in a few days. He turned and looked to Charlie who was still leaning on his broom, watching him intently with his usual calm smile.

"Can you believe it?" Harry asked smiling happily as he looked back towards the closed door. Charlie gave a happy chuckle and paced forward slightly. His hands almost reaching out to wrap around the younger mans waist, he quickly realized what he was doing and swung his arms instead, Harry watched him slowly and laughed as they locked eyes and Charlie let out a chuckle with a flush of his cheeks.

"You look great."

"Speak for yourself." Harry teased, looking Charlie up and down with a grin. Charlie looked at himself and laughed.

"Should have known the Quiddich look would get you hot and bothered" Charlie teased back, a smirk playing on his lips. "I had to get away, mum was yelling. Bill and Percy have really dropped me in it."

"Yeah I heard, so you're still in with George?" Harry asked and Charlie nodded before looking at him huskily. Harry narrowed his eyes in confusion. "What?"

"You know...George would probably be very understanding...and he's a very heavy sleeper."

"Oh yeah?" Harry teased before stepping closer. "And how do you suggest I tell Ron?" Charlie paled and let out a defeated sigh but Harry continued. "Or get past Ron?"

Charlie gave a mock shout in protest, his voice thick with close laughter. "Oh come on! Ron sleeps heavier than me!"

"Yes. That's true, but now he's got a proposal, as well as staying away from his girlfriend."

"Well at least I'm not the only one." Charlie huffed pacing towards the door before turning back to Harry who was watching his warily. "The only one?"

"The only Weasley not getting laid this Christmas." Charlie teased before jumping away from Harry who went to swat at him. With a chuckle he disappeared inside leaving Harry on his own for a moment, he looked back towards the house, narrowly missing Hermione watching him with interested eyes.

* * *

With Molly distracted with fussing over Teddy the entire Weasley household seemed to relax. Ginny and George were out flying, the only thing that George seemed to do now. Ron had told him that if he wasn't in his room he was out flying, and now insisted on playing keeper instead of a beater. His beating bat had become a permanent ornament lent against the fireplace with its twin bat. Ron and Charlie were caught up in a highly completive game of exploding snap, Harry had found quite early on that Charlie shared Rons love for exploding snap and chess, however, unlike Ron who played for the game. Charlie played to win, there had been numerous times Charlie had lost and sulked for ages usually only getting him out of his moon with a kiss or something further, and if he won it usually ended in a similar fashion. Harry was lost in thought across the room, the Quiddich book he was reading abandoned in his lap, he was so distracted he didn't realize Hermione had sat down next to him.

"So..." She began in hushed tone, immediately shaking Harry from his thoughts and turning towards Hermione who had a worrying look on her face. He furrowed his brow, pushing the invisible glasses back onto his nose before realizing what he was doing and turning it into rubbing his head.

"So?"

"I have a few theories." She whispered and Harry lent closer to her to listen as Charlie and Rons shouts grew louder.

"Oh yeah?

"Yes."

"Care to share?" He whispered, trying to hide his worry as he picked up his tea that Molly had bustled around to make. Hermione was being far to teasing. But Hermione didn't tease, this can't be good.

"Well, one is that Charlie is gay." She whispered bluntly, causing Harry to let out a splutter and choke on his tea. Causing the others to look round at him with equally shocked eyes, he attempted a sheepish smile before turning back to Hermione with wide eyes.

"What?" He choked and Hermione just looked at him with calm eyes, a smile playing on her lips as the other theories seemed to be confirmed by Harrys reaction.

"Shall we go for a walk?" She asked suddenly and Harry suddenly realized where this conversation could go and just how public they were. He nodded quickly standing up and throwing on a coat, he looked up once his scarf was tied and saw Charlie and Ron watching them from the table, he almost laughed at the set up. Ron watching Hermione with loving eyes and Charlie watching him with an almost similar expression, well as loving as Charlie could look until his usual wide grin set across his face, the grin that still made his stomach jolt when he smiled at him like that. They muttered goodbyes about going for a walk and once they got outside she immediately looped her arm though his and practically dragged him in the opposite direction of where George and Ginny were flying.

* * *

"I'd guessed about Charlie for a while. But your reaction is quite fascinating. Shall I continue with my theories." she continued in her usual matter of fact way, as she stared across the frozen garden. Harry let out a long sigh and looked at her briefly.

"I think you will even if I say no Herm." He grumbled, swallowing inwardly as she looked back at him with her knowing eyes.

"Well, theory one. You knew Charlie was already gay due to Charlies advances because he obviously fancies you." Harry paled, his eyes fixed ahead as they walked across the garden to avoid Hermiones eyes that were trying to read his reaction. He sneaked a glance at her calm smile and flushed making her eyes wide for a moment before smiling and stopping suddenly. "Or, you already knew that because something is actually going on with you two."

"Herm." He tried, pulling away from Hermione and looking at her, who was grinning at him with excited eyes that almost rivaled Thea's. Before she suddenly reached out and swatted him round the head.

"Ow! What was that for?" He protested rubbing where she'd hit with a disgruntled tone.

"Keeping things from me." She put bluntly, She stood her ground, watching him with calculated eyes, and then she started pacing, almost as if she was trying to go back to each thing she may have missed. She stopped and looked at him.

"I mean when did you even realize you were gay?" She exclaimed, her arms thrown out in defeat

"Do you want to say that any louder? I don't think the boggart upstairs heard you!" Harry hissed charging away from her but she was quick on his tail and grabbed his arm.

"I'm sorry." She apologized. "But seriously, I would have never guessed or even suspected you were gay. Are you gay?" Harry rubbed his face at the annoying question and "I'm not, it's just...Charlie." He tried, his hand motioning to the house, or Charlie.

She followed his eyes to the house and smiled before shook her head abandoning the question. "Okay, forget about that, when did this even start."

"Hermione." He tried.

"When."

"Please."

"Harry!" She hissed and Harry paled.

"Don't be mad?"

"Just say it."

"September." He murmured quietly and Hermiones hand flew to her mouth before she reached out to hit him again which he dodged and raised his hands in defence.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He repeated as he dodged her hits. She finally stopped trying to hit him and instead put her hands on her hips, almost rivaling Mrs Weasley as she glared up at him, before her expression softened.

"Explain!" She insisted firmly, Harry attempted to let out a shrug and she immediately went to swipe at him again and he laughed.

"I will when you stop hitting me!" He shouted, humour building in his voice. Hermione suddenly stopped and began muttering to herself.

"Wait...September."

"Yes." He said slowly already dodging a hit that never came. He looked up from his crouched position and frowned at her confused but softening look. He stood straighter and eyed her cautiously. "What?"

"When I saw you earlier I thought it could just be a thing, like a casual thing. This isn't just a fling. Is it serious?"

"Erm." Harry tried, running his hands though his hair nervously. "Yeah, I think it is."

"Do you love him?"

"Oh I don't know...maybe? No, yeah? Yes, I think so." Harry fumbled and Hermione awed and beamed at him before her expression turning serious.

"Why haven't you told anyone? Is it because of Ron? Or Ginny? Or Molly? Does Remus know?" She asked excitedly and Harry sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets at the prospect of talking about Ron or the others.

"Yes to the all the above." Harry mumbled pacing and Hermione looked at him with understanding but sad eyes. He eyed her quickly and shrugged. "It is what it is. Right now we're happy with is just being us."

"Well yes, I get that. But I know you Harry, don't you want everyone to know?" Hermione asked softly

"Of course I do!" He almost shouted and sighed again before smiling. "It's nice that you know."

"It's nice knowing." She replied softly, pulling him into a hug before hitting him round the head a final time mid hug. "Just don't keep things like that from me again." She teased him his ear.

* * *

"Am I interrupting?"

They both pulled away and saw Charlie watching them warily, he quickly put on his trademark grin, hiding the worry as he eyed the two teasingly.

"You know people will talk. Boy who lived caught in affair!" He teased resulting in the two rolling their eyes, Hermione looked at Charlie then back at Harry with a calm smile which he returned before pacing towards Charlie. Charlie looked at him cautiously and as Harry reached up to grab the back of his head, about to lean in for a kiss, but Charlie dodged and pulled away looking to Hermione with wide eyes before looking back at Harry with almost fear. But Harry just smiled. With a confused frown he quirked an eyebrow.

"What are you-"

"It's okay." Harry murmured softly, leaning forward again and brushing their lips together softly, it wasn't a long kiss, it wasn't even their best kiss. But at that moment it was the most important kiss in the world

As Harry pulled away his hand slipped round to cup Charlies still slightly confused face and he snickered looking back at Hermione who was grinning like an idiot. Charlie looked again at Hermione warily before it falling into place and he looked between the two before grinning.

"Oh! Okay."

* * *

They'd returned back to the house quickly after that, Hermione joining Ron by the fire who had immediately gathered her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. He looked to Harry who smiled happily before crossing the room to Remus, who was sat opposite Molly and deep in conversation. He knew Molly still didn't approve of his lifestyle, and was still eager to set him up with Ginny, but at the same time he loved the woman almost like a mother and hated knowing that she was disappointed in him. He sat down quietly and she immediately turned to him.

"It's good to see you Harry, you look well."

"Thankyou, I feel good."

"Muggle life suites him." Remus teased over his tea and Harry smiled at Remus' attempt to lighten what was probably going to be a serious conversation.

"For now." Molly added, in a tone that was far to similar to Umbridge, he swallowed and briefly rubbed the scar on his hand as a wary reminder and looked back to her with a forced smile.

"It's what I need right now, I still get the Prophet, I know what it's saying about the war, and about me. I don't want to be surrounded by that constantly, especially Rita Skeeter."

"You'll always be part of the prophet Harry, especially if these attacks continue. Is there any more progress?"

"Molly." Remus warned looking to her with calm eyes, an obvious conversation between the two hung in the air, he swallowed and looked to Charlie for help. Who was leaning forward in his chair by the fire obviously listening in, he looked at his mum with serious eyes.

"It was a fluke mum, how were we to know?"

"You know full well why that happened where it did, and what that symbol suggests. I just worry you're so far away from everyone dear." She added looking back at Harry, before looking to Charlie with curious eyes. "And you never said why you were in London?"

Charlie visibly swallowed and looked to his mum quickly trying to sound relaxed. "I was on leave, I thought I'd pay Harry a visit while I was there."

"Why?" Ginny blurted out. Harry froze, he didn't realize she'd returned from flying and was sat in the corner of the room with Hermione and Ron. He looked at her with attempted calm eyes and smiled before looking to Charlie.

"Why not? Can 'The Boy who Lived not buy a guy a beer?" He asked cheekily and Arthur laughed at his sons antics as he paced into the room carrying fire whiskey, this resulted in a soft glare from both Weasley woman. Molly looked back to Harry with mothering eyes and smiled.

"Well anyway, at least he was there. God knows what could have happened if he wasn't."

* * *

The air became frosty and uncomfortable and continued that way all the way throughout dinner, Ginny snapped at everyone and sent obvious glares in her brothers direction every chance she got. Hermione had mentioned to Harry earlier that Ginny was convinced that Charlie must be corrupting Harry to his bachelor attitude with sleeping with various women. He was tempted to laugh at how wrong she was, but instead, he was growing with worry with just how she could react when the truth was uncovered, how they would all react. Trying to distract himself from his own head and frosty atmosphere he found himself watching Hermione and Ron, how they could touch each other innocently without worry, Hermione could run her fingers through his red hair as they laughed, how Ron could lean in to kiss her if she said anything funny or as Ron put it 'cute'.

Jealously tore through him as he craved to be with Charlie like that, by the end of the night they were sat at opposite ends of the room. Charlie was sat with George trying to coax at least a smile from his brother who had a yet another full glass of fire whiskey in his hand. Charlie looked up briefly and caught their eyes, his stomach jolted as Charlie smiled softly and he had to tear his eyes away before a flush could appear on his cheeks, he was more than aware of Ginnys eyes fixed on him the entire time, so much so he was starting to try to avoid her eyes all together.

* * *

As it got later Molly had ordered everyone to the respective rooms, Ron let out an obvious sigh almost resulting in a cuff around the head as Molly retreated to bed. Charlie let out a chuckle causing Ron to turn and glare,

"Laugh it up. It's hilarious."

"It is hilarious, you thought you could get round mum." Charlie bickered with a smirk and Ron continued to glare.

"Wouldn't you if you had someone here!" Ron burst out as he looked to Hermione. Who was instead rolling her eyes at how petty her boyfriend was being. Charlie locked eyes with his own boyfriend for a second and held a secret glance. "Of course I would." he said softly before looking away and smirking. "But I don't, so I get to take the mick out of you all of Christmas."

"I'm so glad this is funny for you."

"Not just me, Harry too."

"Don't drag me into this, you're both being idiots, I'm going to bed." Harry announced following Hermione up the stairs who was laughing to herself quietly. "You can shut up too." he hissed.

"What?" Ginny asked from the top of the stairs eyeing the four cautiously, well five. But Charlie was practically supporting George as they wound round the people on the landing to get to Georges room, guilt rippled through him as George looked at him briefly, the light in his eyes gone, clouded by just how drunk he was. He didn't even smile, he just stared, almost as if he was looking through him. He swallowed, trying to swallow the lump in his throat and looked to Ginny who was still eyeing him for an explanation.,

"Nothing Ginny, goodnight." Harry said softly with a kind smile she immediately returned, flushing red. Oh no, this was like being twelve all over again. With a swallow he retreated into Rons room who was laughing to himself as he got ready for bed.

"And what is so funny to you? Because you can't be laughing about the fact that I'm here and Hermione isn't." Harry teased, making Ron go quiet suddenly before grinning.

"You know, if you and ginny work things out over Christmas we can swap."

"What? Ron, there's nothing to work out." Harry insisted and Ron looked confused for a moment before grinning.

"I know. Hey, there's plenty of other girls out there for you! Shouldn't be too hard with you being the chosen one."

"Yeah yeah, I'll be right back." Harry sighed with a smile as he sidestepped his friend to the bathroom.

* * *

He brushed his teeth quickly and washed his face, as he pulled the towel over his face and looked at his reflection. His reflection was his, but he felt suddenly out of place. He didn't look like 'The Boy who Lived', the drawings and paintings that splashed over the prophet still showed him with his messy hair and glasses, he thought of George and yet again he was caught with a lump in his throat. The war had taken one of the brightest people he'd ever met and turned his light out, and everyone either hadn't noticed or wasn't bothered.

He braced himself over the sink as he struggled to catch his breath, since the war had ended and Voldemort had died, the nightmares had subsided to almost one a week, but panic attacks had replaced the lack of night terrors. He struggled to quieten a pained gasp as he tried to relax his breathing, but every time he tried to focus on something else Georges sad empty eyes kept appearing. Visibly shaking his head as he fought for a breath, he hadn't even noticed the door opening. A strong hand touched his back and he looked to the side quickly locking eyes with Charlie.

"Another one?" he asked softly, his eyes full of worry as he watched Harrys heaving chest. Harry could do nothing else but nod with a feared and pained expression, but Charlie just returned with a calming smile, his hand began moving up and down Harrys back in his usual movement. This wasn't their first panic attack, originally Harry had tried to hide them from Charlie. Excusing himself to the bathroom and dealing with it on his own, until Charlie had found him after he'd been gone for too long. He'd found him braced over his sink, similar to now, battling one of the worse ones that Harry had dealt with. But rather than panicking, Charlie had just walked over and rubbed his back, forcing Harry to look at him and asked him to copy his own steady breathing. Just like they were doing now;

Their eyes locked together, blue seeping into green as Harry tried to mimic Charlies breathing. When he could breathe normally he stood straight and stretched, accepting a glass of water from Charlie who was holding one automatically with a soft smile that you could see was laced with worry. He'd expected that Harry may have an attack being surrounded with people, but he hadn't expected it would be so soon into the weekend.

"Better?" He asked quietly, and Harry nodded before trying to justify or excuse what had just happened.

"I...uh..."

"George?" Charlie asked softly and Harry let out a sigh and rubbed his face in embarrassment, but Charlie just smiled, his hand moving from Harrys back and round the stroke the back of his neck.

"Don't be embarrassed." He murmured, his fingers stroking over the blush appearing on Harrys cheeks. He pulled his hand away and looked to the door with a frown.

"We should get to bed, Ron will wonder where you go to."

He nodded quickly, looking at Charlie with a smile, only just realizing the older man was shirtless and wearing slightly fitted pajamas, he jolted his eyes away from where they had settled and looked back at Charlie who was grinning. Harry was about to leave when Charlie grabbed his wrist pulling them together in a soft kiss. He pulled away only slightly, their lips still partly touching, their eyes staring into each other. Charlie smiled against Harrys lips as the clock chimed midnight

"Merry Christmas Harry."

* * *

A Merry Christmas to everyone, I know it's late. But I had planned for this to come out around Christmas, damn writers block! Anyway! I hope you like Christmas so far! Hermione knows, did anyone guess Hermione? Pheonixs1518, good guess for Bill and Fleur, In this story Bill already knows Charlie is gay, so there's only a matter of time! Ron's asking Hermione to Marry him! Aw, that's to come next. I really am sorry about George, and even more sorry about Harrys panic attacks, but I hope you liked the small bits of Harry and Charlie. Coming up next, another person finds out, this one I'm sure you won't guess! Remus is worried, Molly is asking questions and Ginny wants Harry back. I promise I will update soon.

As always, read, review, fav. Anything. I hope you all like it so far! Thanks D.O.M :)


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Harry Potter, Drama, Romance