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

9. Christmas Confessions

Imogen's parents arrived at around noon the next day. She greeted them with a hug before they even had the chance to step inside the house. 

"Darling", Imogen's mother laughed as she squeezed her tightly. Her father lifted her off the ground and planted a kiss on her forehead. The Weasleys let them have their moment before stepping forward and introducing themselves. 

Mrs. Weasley hugged both of Imogen's parents and Mr. Weasley shook their hands with excitement. Imogen's Mom then shifted her gaze to Charlie, who was standing next to Imogen. 

"You must be Charlie", she smiled at him. He looked slightly taken aback by the fact that she recognized him even though they had never met before. 

"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Everett", Charlie stepped forward and shook her hand, then moved on to Imogen's father. 

"Just call me Angie. Imogen's told me a lot about you", she smiled and then turned to Imogen. She glanced at Charlie and then beamed at her daughter with a knowing look on her face. The girl shook her head slightly, almost as to silently order her mother to keep her mouth shut. 

The rest of the Weasleys then introduced themselves to Imogen's parents as well; it took quite a while, considering how big a family they were. Mr. Weasley guided them to the living room while Mrs. Weasley started preparing dinner for the lot. 

"The table's set!" she appeared into the doorway half an hour later, disrupting the conversation between Imogen and Charlie's fathers. The kitchen was filled with happy chatter as everyone stuffed themselves with Mrs. Weasley's delicious foods. 

Imogen was positively surprised by how well her parents were taking in the manners of a wizarding household. Charlie, who was sitting next to her, must have noticed her relieved expression, because he tapped Imogen on the shoulder and leaned in closer to her. 

"Our dads seem to get along well", he whispered into her ear and grinned. Imogen shifted her gaze to the two men, who were in the middle of deep discussion about credit cards. She smiled to herself and turned back to Charlie. 

"I was so nervous about this", she mumbled quietly: "But it seems to be going... perfectly." 

Charlie nodded and smiled widely. He slowly edged his hand closer to Imogen's under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze. Imogen felt her skin burn at his touch; it felt exciting and comforting at the same time, a feeling she had never experienced before. He didn't let go right away. 

A few hours later, Imogen's parents decided to go and rest after their long day of travelling. Imogen was just moving her things out of the guestroom, when Mrs. Weasley walked up the stairs and smiled at her. 

"I spoke with Charlie and he's agreed to sleep on the sofa", she explained: "You can sleep in his room while your parents are here." 

Imogen quickly shook her head. Of course Charlie had said that. "No, it's okay!" she insisted: "I don't mind sleeping on the couch – it's easier that way." 

"Are you sure?" Charlie jumped up the stairs to them. 

The girl let out a laugh. "I think I can manage." 

"Well, dear, if that's okay with you", Mrs. Weasley said: "I'll go and make the couch for you." She disappeared down the stairs. 

"Wanna play a game of Muggle Chess?" Charlie turned to Imogen. 

"Sure", she smiled, and they followed Mrs. Weasley into the living room. They sat down on the floor in front of the couch and Charlie pulled out the chessboard. Mrs. Weasley disappeared for a few minutes, only to come back with two cups of steaming hot tea.