The Heart Of A Lion (A Charlie Weasley Love Story)

8. Back At The Burrow

Three days before Christmas Holiday, Imogen found Charlie curled up in his bed as she was about to head to Potions Class. He'd caught a nasty cold a few days back, much to his distress. 

Imogen couldn't help but notice how beautiful his features were as the sun made his fair skin glisten and his red hair look ablaze. The boy shifted slightly, slowly opening his eyes.

"Looks cozy", Imogen smiled at him.

"Feels like shit", Charlie mumbled sleepily, before letting out an impressive sneeze.

Imogen rolled her eyes and sat down at the foot of his bed: "I can't wait for the Holidays... Can you imagine, both our families under the same roof?" 

"It's going to be a disaster."

"Don't say that!" she laughed: "I'm sure it'll go to plan."

"Aren't you going to be late?"

Imogen glanced at the clock. "Shit!" 

***

"I kind of wish I could spend Christmas here", Imogen looked around the Great Hall in awe three days later, as they were having breakfast before leaving for Christmas Holiday. 

"Please do", Bill stated with his mouth full of toast. Charlie snorted. 

Imogen glared at them. Someone tapped her on the shoulder. 

"I figured I'd come and say goodbye before you guys leave", Tonks opened her arms wide. Imogen stood up and hugged her friend:  "Are you sure you're fine staying here alone?" 

"I'm not going to be alone – a bunch of other Ravenclaws are staying here, as well", she reassured: "Have fun at the Burrow." 

"We will", Charlie stood up and hugged her as well. Tonks waved them goodbye before heading out. 

"Are you ready?" Bill asked. Imogen, Charlie, Bill and Percy fetched their trunks from their dorms and made their way to the train station. The Hogwarts Express was already waiting at the platform, ready to take them home for Christmas. 

***

In a few hours, the train arrived at King's Cross Station. Dozens of students were reunited with their families. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were already waiting for their lot with Ginny; they hugged their sons before turning to Imogen. 

"Good to see you, dear", Mrs. Weasley smiled. It seemed that she had forgotten about Imogen and Charlie's little fistfight. 

"We better hurry", she glanced at her husband and then turned to the others to explain: "We left the boys at home by themselves." 

"Bad idea, Mom", Charlie grinned. 

"You have no right to act like an angel", Mrs. Weasley pointed her finger at him, proving Imogen wrong: "And not a word about your fight to Fred and George... they don't need any ideas." 

The whole group snuggled up into Mr. Weasley's light blue Ford Anglia – it was surprising how well they fit in with their trunks and other belongings. The car journey lasted about two hours, and finally they arrived at the Burrow. 

Imogen smiled. The place felt like home to her – she had spent a lot of time there over their Summer holidays, after all. 

"You can stay in the guest room until your parents arrive", Mrs. Weasley said to Imogen as they carried their trunks into the house: "We'll figure something out then."