Snogging at the Burrow

Chapter 36

Charlie hadn't realized how much he was in love with Hermione Granger.  They had somehow over the course of six weeks together, three over the holidays, and three prior; fallen fast, and hard.  The six months she was away at Hogwarts was torturous enough, but he had his Dragons, and the months had flown by.

Though now, knowing the witch was statistically in mortal danger, he felt her absence as a pain that never subdued.  He hadn't any idea where she was. And despite knowing she was probably more talented in defending herself than him, this knowledge did little to settle his nerves.   

He was a dragon tamer.  He hated not being in control. He hated sitting around and waiting.  He already being packed, took a portkey back to the sanctuary.  He slung his bag over his shoulder and hiked up the grassy slope to the small cottage he spent most the year in. 

Twenty four hours. It had been twenty four hours since he last held her tight to his side; it felt like a year. 

Charlie entered his small house, that resembled something more to a hut. It was comfortable for one person.  Yet it felt large. He filled up a basin with water, splashing his face to clear his mind.  The only solution was to distract himself. 

It was night, and though highly advised against, he exited his home, leaving his pack on the bed and made his way to the Dragon pen. 

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The two apparated into the familiar location, the place they had spent the summer before fifth year. 

"All this time? They've been here?"

Hermione looked back at Ginny, understanding what she had meant. "I suggested it as an option. I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier."

There was a strange noise.  "Wands at the ready." Hermione whispered, snapping her gaze back forwards. 

They walked further down the hall of number twelve grimuald place.  Ginny nearly screamed as she was wrapped in the largest hug.  Hermione pivoted, but caught her breathe realizing it was Harry. 

"Hermione!" Harry cheered, now hugging her in turn.  "We hoped you were still at the Burrow. And you got our letter then?"  He sounded ecstatic.

"Yeah, you said where doxies bite. How could I forget cleaning them from the curtains?" Hermione said casually.

"We need you Hermione." Harry said in a more serious tone.

"Don't be stupid, you two were fine-"

"We need to break into the ministry. We think it's the locket. We have been planning, and are making to do so in a week."

"You've been here all this time then?" Ginny piped up.

"We were going to come back to the Burrow, but weren't positive it was still safe." Harry quickly answered.

"I'm in." Said Hermione, her mind already thinking of ways to infiltrate such a place.

"As am I." Ginny said.

"Gin, no. I never wanted you to-" Harry started.

"Shove it Potter. I'm in whether you like it or not."

Hermione smirked at the two's sexual tension. "Where's Ron?" She asked.

"Kitchen." Harry added, his eyes still glued to the red headed witch.