Lyra || Charlie Weasley ||

You're my best friend too

Harry was coming back to Hogwarts and we were leaving today. My new car, untouched by my eager hands, sat in the garage, its engine a dormant beast waiting to roar to life. Mum promised I could drive it during the holidays, but that was a promise yet to be fulfilled.

We gathered at the station for our goodbyes. I hugged Mum and Dad, who, for the umpteenth time, reminded me to be safe. The familiar words washed over me. When was I ever not safe? I chuckled inwardly but refrained from voicing the thought. I glanced around the station, and My gaze landed on a large black dog hovering nearby. I hurried over to give his fur an affectionate ruffle.

"Say your goodbyes to Charlie?" Ginny murmured knowingly at my shoulder.

"Yeah," I shifted, watching him converse with Bill across the platform, his eyes locked onto me. "Kind of, back at the house."

Ginny followed my gaze to where Charlie stood. "Well, that explains why he keeps looking over here."

Sure enough, I glanced up to find Charlie's eyes on me, an inscrutable expression on his face. My feet itched to carry me over, to pull him into a fierce hug and confess how dearly I'd miss him. But uncertainty rooted me in place. This was easier, I told myself.

So I simply offered a small, sad smile. After a beat, Charlie returned it faintly. Just then, the train's shrill whistle pierced the air. Ginny tugged me into the train, leaving behind the fading view of Charlie, still shuffling on his feet, staring at the ground.

In a compartment with Ginny and Hermione, as we settled down, Hermione cut straight to the point. "Okay, what is going on with you?" she asked. Ginny smirked knowingly, and my cheeks flushed. "What do you mean?" I replied

Hermione pinned me with a knowing look. "The longing gazes you keep sending a certain Weasley's way when you think no one's watching?"

I felt my cheeks grow warm. My eyes flitted to Ginny, who hid a smile behind her hand.

"Is it that obvious?" I asked weakly.

"Well, not to most people, it would seem," Hermione says with an eye roll

Ginny snorted. "My brother has always been rather unobservant."

I smirked at Hermione and say "Brothers, wouldn't you agree Hermione? Ron is just as unobservent." He blushes deep red. Just then, the compartment door slid open with a loud bang. We all jumped as Ron barged in, Harry on his heels. Ron flopped down on the seat beside Hermione and I smirked at her.

"What are you lot talking about then?" he asked through a mouthful of the chocolate frog.

"Charlie," Ginny said smoothly. "We were just discussing how he took time off from the dragon reserve to help with Order business over the holidays."

I exhaled in relief at her quick thinking. As the conversation turned to Charlie, I couldn't help the wistful smile that crept onto my face. Somehow, I couldn't help but notice the gleam in my eyes as I spoke about him, much like the sparkle in his eyes when he discussed dragons. The mere mention of Charlie brought an undeniable warmth to my expression.

"Ugh, enough about Charlie already. All he ever talks about are those bloody dragons of his."

I bristle at Ron's dismissive tone but bite my tongue. No need to arouse further suspicion.

Hermione, ever perceptive, swiftly changes topics. "Say Harry, have you given any more thought about what career you'd like to pursue after Hogwarts?"

As Harry delves into his post-graduation ambitions, I let my mind wander, gazing out the window at the passing hills.