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

10. The Dragon

Two years later

***

"I can't believe you're still putting up with her, Charlie! After everything she's done to you!" 

"Aren't you the one always telling me that people deserve second chances?" 

"Well, yes, but not all people! For god's sake, slow down!" Imogen tried to keep up with Charlie, who was barging down the corridor. 

"I'm just saying, Charlie... I think you deserve a lot be–", she quickly stopped speaking as they heard muffled sounds from the classroom next to them. She warily glanced at her friend, who had a puzzled look on his face. The boy reached for the door knob and pushed it open; Imogen peeked over his shoulder and immediately grasped the sleeve of his shirt and tried to pull him away. 

Charlie's body tensed as he stared at the sight. Nelly was sitting on the teacher's desk, and in front of her was standing a shirtless Jenkins. Nelly's legs were wrapped around his torso, her hands running down his bare chest. A mix of rage and disgust sparked inside of Imogen. 

Before she could stop him (not that she actually wanted to), Charlie was already halfway across the classroom, his wand pointed at Jenkins. 

"Charlie", Nelly breathed as she noticed him approaching: "Charlie, I can explain–" 

"Flipendo!" the boy swung his wand, sending Jenkins flying backwards to the ground. Charlie had a fiery look in his eyes as he stepped closer to him. 

"Charlie, stop it, please..." Nelly coaxed with fear in her eyes as she stared at the two. 

"Shut up!" he grumbled and took another step forward, now standing above Jenkins, whose expression was a mix of fear and scorn. He tried to grab Charlie's leg, but he was clearly prepared. 

"Relashio!" he flicked his wand again, causing Jenkins's hands to twitch away from him. Without hesitation, Jenkins also pulled out his wand. 

"Expelliarmus!" Imogen screamed, and Charlie turned to look at her. But to his surprise, her wand wasn't pointed at the boy lying on the floor; instead, she was turned to Nelly, who was now standing with her empty hand reached towards Charlie. 

"Stupef–"

"Petrificus Totalus!" 

Jenkins froze in place, his wand pointed at Charlie, who had a baffled look on his face. "Thanks", he breathed at Imogen. 

"Let's get out of here", she glared at Nelly and threw the girl's wand to the ground next to Jenkins. She turned around and walked to the door, followed by Charlie. 

Before stepping out of the room, he turned to face Nelly and shook his head slowly, a look of disgust on his face: "We're over. For good, this time." 

***

"Where are you off to?" Imogen lifted her gaze from her book as Charlie walked past her in the common room. 

"Hagrid's", he stated bluntly: "He needs help with... something." 

"Do you want me to come with you?" Imogen closed the book and set it aside, ready to get up from the couch. 

"No, it's probably nothing dangerous. We'll be fine." 

"Nothing dangerous? Charlie, you're going with Hagrid." 

"We're fine, Imogen", he gave her a reassuring smile and disappeared through the painting hole. Imogen sighed and crashed back onto the couch. There was no point in trying to stop him, and she wasn't exactly in the mood for the adrenaline. She picked up her book again and continued to study for her N.E.W.T.s.