Lyra || Charlie Weasley ||

I am too young to be an uncle

Lyra's POV

We returned to Hogwarts three days ago, but I haven't seen Charlie once. I miss him a lot, I missed his warm brown eyes and easy laugh and everything really, but he's been busy. I'm sitting in the library with Ginny and Draco who, surprisingly, get along well. They both love Quidditch and making fun of Harry and me. Ginny chuckled at something Draco said, the sound of their laughter interrupting my thoughts.

I dipped my quill into ink, struggling to refocus on the Defense essay before me. A few more inches and I could leave this musty corner. Ginny packs up her bags, saying "I've got to go, Harry should be firecalling any minute." I dismiss her with a wave.

I hear a soft, familiar voice. "Hi."

"Mar?" I say, looking up. Marlene, Aunt Ari and Uncle Hugh's daughter, is a quiet Ravenclaw two years below us. "Long time, no see. Sit with us,"I offer, gesturing to the empty seat beside Draco.

But Marlane bites her lip, gaze sliding almost nervously to Draco. "Um actually, would you mind if I borrowed Malfoy for a bit?"

I raise a puzzled eyebrow at her request and sneak a peek at Draco. He's always had a crush on Marlene, but she's ignored his existence completely until apperantly now. His cheeks flush slightly even as his lips quirk in a little secretive smile. Without a word, he packs up his things and follows Marlane from the library.

My lips purse in bewilderment. Since when have those two been on speaking terms, much less wandering off alone together? Shaking my head in bemusement, I turn back to my essay. The library is empty as everyone else is probably at the Black Lake or somewhere more interesting. I like being alone.

Nearly an hour passes uninterrupted as I work, the cozy nook enveloping me in comforting silence. So when approaching footsteps sound unexpectedly close by, I dismiss them as another student without glancing up. That is, until the earthy, Vanilla scent I'd recognize anywhere envelops me. My head snaps up to find Charlie sliding into the chair beside mine, lips quirked in that charming half-smile that makes my stomach flip helplessly. "Charlie!" I smile widely as he sits next to me. 

"Hello troublemaker," he rumbles, the familiar nickname sending affection swirling inside me. "You've been MIA for a while. Had to bribe my sister with confiscated firewhisky to find you." His eyes dance teasingly, making my heart skip. Merlin I've missed him!

I feel heat creeping up my neck under that intense tawny gaze. "You've been busy," I demur, fidgeting with my quill self-consciously. "Didn't want to disturb you..."

Charlie shrugs, dropping his head onto folded arms to peer up at me through his unfairly long copper lashes. "Looks like you're the busy one, not me," he counters with a roguish wink. Unable to resist, I reach out to card my fingers through his lush red mane, nails lightly scraping his scalp. Charlie's eyes drift shut, a low hum reverberating from his chest at the contact. Emboldened, I continue the gentle ministrations until he unexpectedly grasps my hand to press a soft kiss to my palm.

My breath hitches, pulse thundering at the intimacy. "Charlie, someone will see!" I whisper, though I make no move to withdraw my captive hand. His thumb strokes slow circles over my knuckles and I shiver at the delicious sensation.

Hazel eyes glint up at me impishly. "You chose a corner so hidden I couldn't find you while actively searching the whole library," he points out, brushing another scorching kiss across my inner wrist. "What are the odds of someone just happening by?" My retort dies on my lips as he continues his sensual exploration of my captive hand, scattering my wits.

Finally Charlie sits up, though he keeps my fingers loosely entwined with his own. I mourn the loss of contact as he kisses my flushed cheek instead. "I want to show you something..." he murmurs secretively.