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

12. Preparations

"Oh, darling! What a pleasant surprise!" Mrs. Weasley rushed outside to the yard: "Charlie didn't tell me you were coming today!" 

"I wasn't supposed to", Imogen smiled and hugged the witch: "Had a change of plans... Hope it's okay?" 

"Don't be silly, of course it is okay! How are your parents, dear?" 

"They're fine – kind of busy with work, that's why I didn't stay for longer." 

Imogen had spent the first few days of summer with her parents. She felt slightly uneasy seeing Mrs. Weasley's warm smile – she had no idea Imogen would not be staying for too long, and neither would Charlie. 

"Come on in, I'm sure everyone is thrilled to see you!" 

Imogen followed the older witch into the Burrow, her trunk floating before her. She stepped inside and was immediately greeted by Ginny. 

"Hey", Imogen laughed as she hugged the girl: "I've missed you." 

"Move aside, Ginny", Charlie appeared into the doorway: "She's my best friend." 

Imogen ran into Charlie's arms – it hadn't been many days since they'd last seen each other, but she had missed him nevertheless. 

"Good to see you two reunited", another person stepped into the room: "It's been like, what, three days?" 

"Bill", Imogen's face lit up, and she wrapped him in a hug, too: "I've missed you, too, if that's what you're worried about." 

The boy grinned as he returned the hug. Imogen hadn't seen him since last summer, as Bill had been too busy to come home for Christmas. 

"How's Egypt?" 

"It's great – couldn't be happier to work there", he smiled: "What about you? Already know what you're going to do now you're done with your studies?" 

"Oh– um, no", she stuttered: "No, not really." She quickly glanced at Charlie, who looked slightly uncomfortable: "Let's go upstairs?" 

Charlie nodded and followed her out of the kitchen and into his room. He shut the door and stared at Imogen in silence. 

"Are you nervous?" the girl asked: "Because I am... I haven't slept properly for weeks." 

"Me neither, to be honest. But... you still want to go, right? I mean, I do." 

"Yes", Imogen nodded quickly. 

"Good. Because I've already got us train tickets and a place for the first few nights." 

"Train tickets?" Imogen furrowed her brows: "Aren't we going to Apparate?" 

"To Romania, yes", Charlie nodded: "But the head quarters is likely to be extremely well-protected. I doubt it's safe to even try and Apparate anywhere near it." 

***

Over the next week Imogen and Charlie prepared for their trip in secret, making sure they weren't the least bit suspicious. They'd been collecting everything they needed from clothes to food and other supplies; Imogen had even mastered the Undetectable Extension Charm, and her small purse now fit all of their belongings inside it. 

Three days before go-time, Mrs. Weasley called Imogen and Charlie downstairs. They had just been planning their route, but were now forced to take a break. 

"What is it, Mom?" Charlie asked as he entered the kitchen. His eyes widened when he saw the purple-haired witch standing next to Mrs. Weasley. Imogen was just as taken aback – but possibly for different reasons.