Reliving the Past, Present, and Future

Chapter 4

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. New York: Scholastic, 1999. Print.

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Mrs. Weasley and, to everyone's surprise (Draco included), Narcissa, were silently preparing supper side-by-side, dismissing Ginny and Harry from the task as everyone took a seat around the table. 

There was obvious tension between the two matriarchs as they magically prepped, both having preconceived notions of the other.

Didn't think a Malfoy would know how to cook... they have house elves for that, don't they?

Is the Weasley woman humming Celestina Warbeck? Hmm... could be worse...

Bill suddenly remembered he wanted to confront Charlie on his strange behavior around Hermione. His brother has never shown an interest in either witch or wizard in years thus Bill was immensely curious to find out more.

"Oi, Charlie, a word?" asked Bill as he nodded his head back to the sitting room.

Charlie gave a Bill a confused look before getting up and following his older brother, highly aware that many stares were following them.

Bill stopped finally when he was out of hearing distance to the kitchen before turning around.

"What's with you and Hermione?" asked Bill with no preamble.

Taken aback, Charlie's eyes widened "N – Nothing," he stuttered.

"Don't give me that load of tosh," said Bill, shooting daggers at his brother. "You like her, don't you?"

"She's too young." said Charlie finally, looking down embarrassed. Why was his brother so bloody observant? 

Bill snorted. "Remus and Tonks have a bigger age difference."

Charlie was quickly side tracked. "They're together?"

Bill rolled his eyes. "It's obvious, mate."

"Only to you," Charlie muttered.

Bill pretended not to have heard him. "Don't deny it. You like Hermione Granger -"

Charlie cut him off before his brother went too far, his ears turning bright red. "Ron obviously likes her and maybe Harry... "

"Harry only sees her as a sister. It's obvious that Ginny and him will be paired up. Mum will be ecstatic," said Bill with a roll of his eyes.

"But Ron..."

"Perhaps," said Bill hesitantly. "But with the amount of bickering those two do, I doubt their relationship will last long... I think if you get to know her and vice-versa you two would have a real solid foundation," said Bill wisely before clapping Charlie on the back.

"When did you become Merlin?" muttered Charlie, his face turning the famous Weasley red.

Bill laughed and grinned, not commenting, as Charlie silently followed Bill back to the kitchen.

Evidently, the only chair available was next to Hermione because Bill had hurried to sit in the spot next to Narcissa. Charlie gave Bill a dirty look who shot him a sly wink.

Everyone looked between them confused before getting side-tracked from the aroma of food. Charlie and Hermione were giving each other glances out of the corner of their eyes; neither noticing the other was doing it.

Draco grimaced down at his plate, confused as to why his mother helped cook with the pudgy woman. He looked around bored only to notice the mudblood and... some bloody Weasley... Charmander...? The pair exchanging secretive smiles.