A Charlie Weasley Love Story

Happy Birthday Ava!

August 5th, 1997

Today was the day that Ava Elizabeth Lockwood, turned 17. 

Normally, her and her mom would wake up at 2:15 AM every August 5th, and lay in Ava's bed as she told her the story of her birth. Then at 2:17 AM, her mother always timed it right on time so right when Ava was being born in the story, she would be turning 17 at that exact moment. Her mother does this with all her children but, Ava is the oldest one in her family that still does it. 

This would be the 1st year that Ava and her mum weren't together on her birthday. It felt different without her mother. But, she woke up at 2:14 AM anyway, and waited those three minutes, telling the story to herself in her head. The same story she had heard the past 16 years of her life.

Ava was sure that her mother was awake too, retelling the story to herself in her own head also. Her clock blinked 2:15 AM. Ava looked at the ceiling, and then at Hermione and Ginny sleeping, and back at the clock. It would turn 2:17 in exactly 2 minute. 

Instantly, she had the urge to share this moment with someone, someone who cared for her. If she shared her 17th birthday alone, without her mom, she may just end up crying.

She rose from her bed as quiet as she could. When she opened the door, it made a small squeak causing Ginny to still her bed.

As she walked down the hallway could hear the padding of her feet with every step she stepped, the house creaking every once in awhile.

Right before Ava reached the staircase to go down, she took in a breath, knowing she had to pass Mr. & Mrs. Weasley's room and if they knew where she was going, they would forbid her to go on.

When Ava got to the bottom of the stairs, she reached the room she was looking for; she has 1 minute before she was 17.

She walked in the room, the door squeaking as she closed it once more. She walked over, taking notice of the now empty bed, next to Charlie. Bill must be with Fleur she thought to herself. 

Ava reached Charlie's bed, placing her cold fingers on his bare shoulder.

"Charlie," Ava whispered, "Charlie."

Charlie started to stir in his bed, slowly opening his eyes. When his eyes adjusted, making out Ava's figure and identity, his eyes opened wide. He was now sitting straight up.

"Ava! What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Charlie whispered, searching Ava's face. Ava noticed a hint of worry in his eyes.

Ava glanced over at Charlie's clock, it was now 2:16:30. She had 30 seconds to explain herself. She sat with her legs criss-cross-applesauce on the edge of his bed and begun to speak.

"Charlie in 30 seconds, I turn 17. Normally, every year my mum and I spend the exact moment with each other, while she tells me the story of my birth. I couldn't bare to be alone on my 17th birthday. So I panicked. I needed to be with someone who truly cared, and you came in mind 1st. So here I am," said Ava in 1 breath. She glanced at the clock, 2:16:46. She made it.

Ava tried her hardest to search Charlie's face for any sign, but it was difficult for the only light in the room was from the clock. She could only make out the outline of his body.

A smile appeared across Charlie's face, "Well all you had to do was ask." He wrapped his arm around her neck and laid down, pulling her on top of his chest. Ava rested her head on his chest just right to where she could hear his heartbeat. It was surprisingly comforting. They both had their heads turned to face the clock, waiting for it to turn 2:17.

When the clock struck 2:17, Ava smiled at the clock. She was now 17 year old. Charlie turned his head and kissed the top of her head. This didn't mean anything to Ava since he kissed her head ever since they were little. "Happy Birthday Ava," was all Charlie said.