Spit Fire [Charlie Weasley]

Chapter 1: The Will

A free spirit, that's what they called me. In the words of my late mother, I was simply too wild and rebellious to settle down and have children. After graduating from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I set for exciting things although my mother would have me slow down and work a desk job at the ministry. Unfortunately, that was just not my taste. I jumped straight out of school and into dangerous jobs as an Auror, dealing with dangerous people and on occasion magical creatures. I wasn't particularly the brightest girl, but Merlin's beard did I have a dying passion for animals and socks. Godric I'm simply crazy about collecting socks...

I stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd of people. I had bright, sunny blonde hair that blended into hues of charcoal black towards the tips. I have this one stubborn piece of hair that sticks directly out in front of my face at all times almost like a reverse version of that muggle boy Alfalfa. My ears were ringed with glittering piercings of diamond and pearl. I had eyes that were the iciest shade of blue. I was unfortunately rather tall, and a little on the lanky side, although I tended to eat like a hog, and extremely unhealthy, too. I recall one occasion when my mom had wrestled me to the ground to shove spinach in my mouth...Gosh, how old was I, six...seven? No, wait, that was only just a few months ago.... My mother, unfortunately, passed away just last month. It was random, it was sudden, and I was totally unprepared for it. Vera Royale passed away from causes unknown. The Healers who had come to tend her told me that she died rather quickly and almost painlessly. I suppose if I had to choose a way for my mother to die, it would have to be peacefully... But it was with her death that my life truly started. Where I ventured to Romania for purposes included in her will, and where I met the love of my life while doing what I love most in life.

~*~*~*~*~

It was the summer of 95', and I was in the prime of my life. I was nineteen, I was young, I was happy. Well, as happy as a troubled girl could be who just lost her mother. Whereas normally I'm oozing excitement and bouncing off the walls, I was rather calm and impatient. Every time I received 'condolences' for her death, I found myself wanting to hex the person. I didn't like to speak of or hear about her death anymore, I just wanted to put this nightmare behind me. I had forced myself to wear black dresses and skirts as of late out of respect and mourning for my mother. Today, the will would be announced. Although I was an only child, my mother had many friends who assumed that they would be receiving a portion of her valuables.

I sat in the Minster of Magic's office bouncing my knee impatiently. Rita Skeeter, another one of my mom's close friends was speaking in a hushed tone to Fudge, but it wasn't as if I couldn't hear her. "-honestly, she's a lovely girl, quite eccentric, too. But Vera knew Winnie was just too headstrong for her wealth, Merlin knows should probably blow it all in one go." I gritted my teeth as I heard that. My mother had a small fortune after she served time working for Spell Creation. Her most popular spell, Exaresco, is known by multitudes.

"Yes, well, Miss Skeeter, the will has not been announced yet. We're still waiting on the arrival of Miss Malfoy." Fudge coughed and I felt my frown deepen. My mother didn't exactly keep the best company... There was a crack following the Minister's words and I looked up to see Narcissa Malfoy standing there in all her glory.
"Pardon my tardiness; I was caught up with chores at home." Narcissa quickly apologized, pushing a strand of black hair behind her ear. I rolled my eyes.
"This isn't school, Sissy, there are no tardies. You're either on time, or you're hindering everyone else's day." I spoke coldly, my arms folded across my chest as I glared at the room full of selfish women.
"Better to arrive late than to arrive ugly." Narcissa snipped at me and I felt my nostrils flare, my anger boiling.
"Why you rotten-!"
"Let's get started, shall we!?" Fudge interrupted me nervously, pulling out an envelope. He unraveled the parchment and pursed his lips. "Firstly, I'd like to recognize all those who are in attendance: Miss Rita Skeeter, Miss Penelope Zabini, Mrs. Jenivive Goyle, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy, and Miss Winnifred Royale. To each of you I am so sorry for this loss you have endured. Vera was a priceless jewel to our world...Now; let's begin with the reading of the will." I could feel the tensions grow in the room and I internally scoffed as Fudge began to speak.