Just Like Home | Charlie Weasley

Chapter 38

A/N: It's actually slightly depressing writing this because I'll never have my own Charlie. I'm really enjoying writing these chapters at the sanctuary, though, and I have a few more of them up my sleeve before Eleanor heads back home! Thank you for all the <3 that this story is picking up- I am so grateful for every read, vote and comment!!!

"It might feel a bit odd as we pass through the barrier," Charlie turned to Eleanor to explain. Her gaze travelled from the picturesque scenery to Charlie's expressive eyes and her stomach gave a small flip.

"Barrier?" she enquired, tilting her head slightly as she surveyed him. He looked really good. The winter sun was sharp, highlighting his already god-like features and making his eyes appear the richest, purest blue she'd ever seen. Truthfully, she would happily dive in there and get lost forever.

"We have invisible wards up around here to stop anyone else getting in accidentally," he told her. She loved hearing him talk about his job. "But since you're with me you'll be fine. Ready?".

"To see a dragon?" Eleanor breathed in deeply, her heart beginning to race at the mere thought of it. She had always wanted to see a real dragon, but now that it was happening, she was a little bit terrified. In a good way, but she couldn't stop her hands from shaking and Charlie was quick to notice. He took a step forward to meet her and placed a finger under her chin, tilting her head up to look at him. His eyes were soft and earnest as he smiled gently at her.

"Hey," he murmured. "You don't need to be scared, okay? I won't let anything happen to you." His thumb lightly grazed over her cheek, feeling her skin warm at his touch despite the wintery conditions.

"Okay," she managed to breathe as she once again allowed herself to melt into his touch. "Yeah, I'm ready."

And with a smirk that was enough to ignite a wildfire inside of Eleanor, he uttered two words that she never thought would sound so good falling out of his mouth; "Good girl".

As she was reeling, he took ahold of her hand and walked them several paces forward. She wondered if she would in fact know when they passed through the barrier, but her thoughts were answered as her body felt as though it had turned to jelly for a split second; her legs wobbling as an icy sensation seeped through her veins. It was over as quickly as it started and she immediately peered around to see if she could spot any dragons.

"Don't worry they aren't gonna jump out at you," Charlie chuckled, placing his hand against her back to guide her. "Each breed has their own area and I'm gonna take you to meet someone very special to me right now. C'mon love."

Eleanor felt a little silly for thinking that there would be dozens of dragons loosely roaming as soon as they passed through the wards, but she had never been to such a place before... How was she to know?

As they walked together up a steep, thin, winding path that was sheeted in loose gravel (almost causing her to lose her footing several times), Eleanor began to think aloud. "This explains why you're so fit."

Charlie turned his head to her as they walked, an amused, albeit slightly cocky, smile on his face. "I'm fit, eh?".

"As if you don't know," she teased him, turning her own head to face him and allowing her eyes to quickly travel up and down his form before facing forwards again.

Charlie's own cheeks reddened slightly under her gaze and his insides squirmed. He cleared his throat, running his tongue over his bottom lip before thinking of a response. "It's definitely the quidditch,".

"Really? When was the last time you actually played?" Eleanor questioned.

"Well that's really besides the point,".