Just Like Home | Charlie Weasley

Chapter 20

A/N: Hiiii! I'm sorry it's taken so long to upload- work has been kicking my arse. Here's a slightly longer chapter for y'all.  Hope you enjoy! Next part coming soon <3

George was glad to see Eleanor again. However, he didn't miss the way her smile was slightly less bright than it usually was, even though she hid it very well, he could tell that she was still hung up on Charlie. His heart went out to her, but he was sure that his plan would have her hearing Charlie out in no time. There was nothing we wanted more than for the two of them to get together. Well... nothing more than bringing Fred back, anyway. It was weird, George thought, because Fred was always the master meddler. George knew for a fact that if Fred were here, he'd have thought up some elaborate plan to somehow get Ellie to 'bump into' Charlie and have them miraculously together within a few days. The thought of letting his brother down caused his stomach to drop, and his heart felt heavy, but today wasn't about him. He needed to push those thoughts aside. He could practically hear Fred screaming in his ear to stop being such a sap and put the plan into action.

Eleanor was having a lovely time. It was something totally different for her to be having lunch with friends! Friends that weren't Hayley, anyhow. The fact that George, Ginny and Angelina had invited her because they actually wanted to spend time with her warmed her still-fragile heart. It was hard not to think of Charlie when his siblings shared such strong resemblances to him, though. Her stomach ached each time she found herself wondering what he was doing. Did he know that she was having lunch with his siblings? Did he care?

"So what are you doing for Christmas this year, Ellie?" Angie asked as she settled herself under George's arm.

Eleanor smiled at the two of them, wondering how they weren't a proper couple by now. "I'll be at my dads," she explained. "We tend to do things quietly, just the two of us. What about you guys?".

"I'll be spending the day with my parents and then we usually go and see my grandparents in the evening. They live in Somerset so it's a fair drive. My mum refuses to let dad apparate her anywhere so," she laughed.

Ellie looked expectantly at George and Ginny. George cast his eyes downward and stayed silent, but Ginny spoke up. "We'll have most of the family at The Burrow," she explained, a sad edge to her voice. "It's usually pretty hectic, mum cooks enough food to feed an army but it's always good fun,".

"That sounds lovely," Eleanor sighed. What she wouldn't give to have a large family to spend Christmas with.

The hours slipped by easily and the company was pleasant. Eleanor had the most delicious lasagne for lunch and felt contently full afterwards. She was just getting ready to excuse herself home when George spoke up.

"Actually, Ellie, I have a favour to ask you," he announced, leaning his elbows on the table.

"Sure... What is it?" Eleanor questioned, settling back into her seat.

"I was wondering if you could bake a birthday cake for me," he said. "Not for me, but one that I can give to... somebody,". Eleanor barely noticed the way that Ginny's eyes flicked towards George as though she was warning him.

"Oh! Yeah of course," she smiled. "What sort of cake are you after? When do you need it? I haven't baked a birthday cake in ages! Nobody seems to want them..." Eleanor babbled, cutting herself off when she realised she was waffling.

"I'll let you decide that as the expert, but I was hoping you'd be able to have it made and delivered on the 12th?" George asked sheepishly, well aware it was rather late to be asking for something less than a week away.

Eleanor's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded affirmatively. "I can do that... But are you sure you want me to choose the cake? I mean...".

"I trust you, Ellie, just go with your gut," he smiled. "But I do have one request, though, and I'll even pay extra for it...".