Fic: Should I Stay or Should I Go? for igrockspock
Title: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Author st_dl
Recipient: igrockspock
Characters: Charlie, Ginny, Ron, Molly, George.
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 1600
Warnings (if any): None
Summary: Charlie has a big decision to make, can his family help him?
In every family, each family member has a role. The more family members you have, the more roles you get. The Weasley family is as big as you can get and luckily for Charlie, he got second choice. Second choice is a lot better than seventh choice; Ginny rants about it forever. Bill got first choice and so he's the wise and cool big brother. Charlie got to be the peace maker.
With so many siblings, fights and arguments were frequent. For an unknown reason a tiny percentage involved Charlie. No one seemed to want to fight him and if someone actually tried, it was to find him completely uncooperative. But it was more than that; Charlie also liked to create a friendly atmosphere. Molly Weasley knew everything would be fine when Charlie babysat the kids. He even knew how to calm the twins, that was one hell of a feat.
For years, Charlie's number one rule was: family first. Somewhere along the way, dragons stole his peace-making efforts, time and heart. Now, in the aftermath of the war, Charlie wasn't quite sure what was first. In his hand he held a letter from the reserve's manager. He should answer already, is he going back? For once in his life, Charlie was at loss.
Fact was, Charlie didn't realize how much he missed his family until he was back. On the other hand, he was definitely missing the dragons. He remembered the time he spent yesterday with his little sister, would he give it up again?
Ginny was having tea in the kitchen, the only occupant of the usually busiest room in The Burrow. She was poring over a long sheet of parchment, books scattered on the table and a biscuit plate next to her cup of tea.
"Morning, midget."
She only scowled and crammed another biscuit in her mouth. Charlie grabbed one from her plate and sat down opposite his sister.
"So, where's everybody?"
"Doing something important." She huffed. "Well, if you really need to know, Dad and Percy went to the ministry. The others are helping with the renovations at Hogwarts. Since I'm not of age, I can't even do a bloody levitation charm and am completely useless." She sounded bitter and angry and Charlie sensed a new project for him.
"Why so bitter?" Charlie smiled and got up, "let's have a little one-on-one. Ron tells me you're a good chaser."
"Really?" she blushed, "Ron said that?" then she composed herself, masking the childlike reaction, "Well, I bet I'm better than you."
It turned out his sister was right, she was better than him. True, he was out of practice but still. Charlie looked at the letter again. If he stays at The Burrow he could fly as much as he wants, he could get to know his little sister again. His brothers too have all grown up; Ron was a man now, Fred and George… He'll never get the chance to reconnect with Fred. With a heavy sigh he got up from his bed and went downstairs to the kitchen, he'll answer his manager later.
His mother was making something delicious for dinner, Roast of some kind. They never got this kind of luxury food at the reserve. She was alone in the kitchen and he offered to help set the table.
"Thank you, dear" she smiled gratefully "I need to get George up from his nap."
Five minutes later George walked in groggily and Charlie suppressed the urge to cringe. He looked nothing like the George he knew. There was nothing wrong on the outside, George was shaved and clean, it was his empty eyes that bothered Charlie. It's not that he didn't expect it; it wasn't easy to lose a twin brother. They all ached from the absence of Fred in their lives. It was more the fact that George managed to hide it quite well usually, always taking on more chores and tasks, always surrounded by friends and family. Seeing George without his mask on unsettled Charlie.
"Hey, George, want to have a dip in the pond?"
George obviously did not notice Charlie, because his head turned so quickly and then he froze. He looked like a deer caught in wandlight. For a moment it looked like he was trying to say something, then he gave up and walked out of the kitchen.
"You can't fix everything, dear." Molly patted his shoulder, her eyes wet.
*
"Having fun at the renovation?" Charlie asked casually. Both he and his brothers were back from another busy days at the ruins of Hogwarts. He was happy to see Ron of all people alone in the kitchen, it was a great opportunity to try and fix something.
"Yeah, it's hard work but it's great." Ron smiled. He was sweaty and the pumpkin juice jug in his hand was nearly empty. He looked tired.
"Where is the rest of the gang?"
"Hermione is packing; she's going to Australia in a few days. Harry's meeting the Minister."
Charlie raised an eyebrow, Ron was walking right into his net. "And Ginny?"
"What about Ginny?"
"Have you seen her lately?"
Ron looked slightly ashamed of himself, "I guess I should include her more, s'not her fault Mum won't let her come and help."
"Yeah." Charlie smiled.
*
In every house there's a room where everything's happening. In the Burrow, it was the kitchen. If you were looking for something or someone, it was usually found in the kitchen. So it really shouldn't have surprised Charlie that the kitchen wasn't empty at three o'clock in the morning.
Ginny, of all people, was sitting at the table and enjoying a cup of tea. 'Of all people' is because Ginny usually cherished her sleeping hours and 'enjoying' was a great fat lie, it was obvious she was crying, though she dried her eyes rather well when she saw him.
"What do you have there?" she pointed at the letter in his hand. She was trying to focus the attention on Charlie and for the time being he played the game.
"It's a letter from my manager at the reserve."
"Oh," she didn't expect his answer, probably hoped it was from a girl so she could tease him. "So, when are you going back to Romania?"
"I'm not going back," Charlie shrugged and sat next to her, he summoned a cup and poured himself some tea from the pot Ginny prepared. "I'm going to resign."
"No you're not!" her fist hit the table and some tea sloshed from her cup. "is this some kind of strange need to protect us or something? Do you have any idea how fortunate you are to have a job you love? It's easy to forget when half your family enjoys their work. Sure, Bill and Percy found the job of their dreams. Fred…" she choked his name, "Fred and George created the job of their dream. I mean, look at Dad, he sacrificed his Ministry career because he loves his work. But if you look at other people outside our family circle, do you think they all enjoy their work? Fat chance! I bet you Stan Shunpike didn't want to be the knight bus conductor. Merlin, I don't even have a clue what I'm going to do after my seventh year."
"You can play Quidditch, you're damn good."
"Yeah, sure. Let's be realistic though," she was stern, but a little smile crept in at his compliment. "I have no idea what I want with my life. And Ron,"
"What are you talking about? Ron's going to be an Auror, he told me yesterday."
"Who told you Ron wants to be an Auror? He's doing it because it's the right thing to do and because his best friend is going to be an Auror as well. But if you ask me, the last thing Ron wants is to chase dark wizards, he had enough of that for a lifetime."
"You see, that's why I need to resign. You know Ron like I'll never get to know him because I missed so many years of his life being away. I may never get the chance to reconnect with you all again, I've missed that chance with Fred."
"But Charlie, they need you! There's a dragon out there, alone and blind and he needs your help."
Charlie released the letter onto the table, "how did you know?"
"Oh, don’t be silly," she swatted his arm, "Everybody knows Harry, Ron and Hermione set a dragon free from the depth of Gringotts."
For a few minutes they sat quietly and sipped their tea, enjoying the silence around them.
"So," Charlie finally broke the silence, "Harry Potter."
"What about Harry?"
"That's exactly what I asked," he smirked, "what about Harry?"
"I'll let you know when he gets his head out of his arse."
So he was right, she was crying about Harry. "Give him time, the guy just defeated an evil dark lord. He has the press all over him and everybody wants a piece. I'm sure when the dust sets he'll come straight to you."
"Thanks." She smiled gratefully, "When the time comes, you'll be with your dragons. Just remember to visit us on Sundays sometimes. You're a bloody wizard, apparate, for Merlin's sake!"
"Since when did you become so smart, midget?"
"I was always smart," she smiled wryly.
And Charlie knew she was right. At the end, he'll be with his dragons. He just had to promise himself not to forget his family again.
Author st_dl
Recipient: igrockspock
Characters: Charlie, Ginny, Ron, Molly, George.
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 1600
Warnings (if any): None
Summary: Charlie has a big decision to make, can his family help him?
In every family, each family member has a role. The more family members you have, the more roles you get. The Weasley family is as big as you can get and luckily for Charlie, he got second choice. Second choice is a lot better than seventh choice; Ginny rants about it forever. Bill got first choice and so he's the wise and cool big brother. Charlie got to be the peace maker.
With so many siblings, fights and arguments were frequent. For an unknown reason a tiny percentage involved Charlie. No one seemed to want to fight him and if someone actually tried, it was to find him completely uncooperative. But it was more than that; Charlie also liked to create a friendly atmosphere. Molly Weasley knew everything would be fine when Charlie babysat the kids. He even knew how to calm the twins, that was one hell of a feat.
For years, Charlie's number one rule was: family first. Somewhere along the way, dragons stole his peace-making efforts, time and heart. Now, in the aftermath of the war, Charlie wasn't quite sure what was first. In his hand he held a letter from the reserve's manager. He should answer already, is he going back? For once in his life, Charlie was at loss.
Fact was, Charlie didn't realize how much he missed his family until he was back. On the other hand, he was definitely missing the dragons. He remembered the time he spent yesterday with his little sister, would he give it up again?
Ginny was having tea in the kitchen, the only occupant of the usually busiest room in The Burrow. She was poring over a long sheet of parchment, books scattered on the table and a biscuit plate next to her cup of tea.
"Morning, midget."
She only scowled and crammed another biscuit in her mouth. Charlie grabbed one from her plate and sat down opposite his sister.
"So, where's everybody?"
"Doing something important." She huffed. "Well, if you really need to know, Dad and Percy went to the ministry. The others are helping with the renovations at Hogwarts. Since I'm not of age, I can't even do a bloody levitation charm and am completely useless." She sounded bitter and angry and Charlie sensed a new project for him.
"Why so bitter?" Charlie smiled and got up, "let's have a little one-on-one. Ron tells me you're a good chaser."
"Really?" she blushed, "Ron said that?" then she composed herself, masking the childlike reaction, "Well, I bet I'm better than you."
It turned out his sister was right, she was better than him. True, he was out of practice but still. Charlie looked at the letter again. If he stays at The Burrow he could fly as much as he wants, he could get to know his little sister again. His brothers too have all grown up; Ron was a man now, Fred and George… He'll never get the chance to reconnect with Fred. With a heavy sigh he got up from his bed and went downstairs to the kitchen, he'll answer his manager later.
His mother was making something delicious for dinner, Roast of some kind. They never got this kind of luxury food at the reserve. She was alone in the kitchen and he offered to help set the table.
"Thank you, dear" she smiled gratefully "I need to get George up from his nap."
Five minutes later George walked in groggily and Charlie suppressed the urge to cringe. He looked nothing like the George he knew. There was nothing wrong on the outside, George was shaved and clean, it was his empty eyes that bothered Charlie. It's not that he didn't expect it; it wasn't easy to lose a twin brother. They all ached from the absence of Fred in their lives. It was more the fact that George managed to hide it quite well usually, always taking on more chores and tasks, always surrounded by friends and family. Seeing George without his mask on unsettled Charlie.
"Hey, George, want to have a dip in the pond?"
George obviously did not notice Charlie, because his head turned so quickly and then he froze. He looked like a deer caught in wandlight. For a moment it looked like he was trying to say something, then he gave up and walked out of the kitchen.
"You can't fix everything, dear." Molly patted his shoulder, her eyes wet.
*
"Having fun at the renovation?" Charlie asked casually. Both he and his brothers were back from another busy days at the ruins of Hogwarts. He was happy to see Ron of all people alone in the kitchen, it was a great opportunity to try and fix something.
"Yeah, it's hard work but it's great." Ron smiled. He was sweaty and the pumpkin juice jug in his hand was nearly empty. He looked tired.
"Where is the rest of the gang?"
"Hermione is packing; she's going to Australia in a few days. Harry's meeting the Minister."
Charlie raised an eyebrow, Ron was walking right into his net. "And Ginny?"
"What about Ginny?"
"Have you seen her lately?"
Ron looked slightly ashamed of himself, "I guess I should include her more, s'not her fault Mum won't let her come and help."
"Yeah." Charlie smiled.
*
In every house there's a room where everything's happening. In the Burrow, it was the kitchen. If you were looking for something or someone, it was usually found in the kitchen. So it really shouldn't have surprised Charlie that the kitchen wasn't empty at three o'clock in the morning.
Ginny, of all people, was sitting at the table and enjoying a cup of tea. 'Of all people' is because Ginny usually cherished her sleeping hours and 'enjoying' was a great fat lie, it was obvious she was crying, though she dried her eyes rather well when she saw him.
"What do you have there?" she pointed at the letter in his hand. She was trying to focus the attention on Charlie and for the time being he played the game.
"It's a letter from my manager at the reserve."
"Oh," she didn't expect his answer, probably hoped it was from a girl so she could tease him. "So, when are you going back to Romania?"
"I'm not going back," Charlie shrugged and sat next to her, he summoned a cup and poured himself some tea from the pot Ginny prepared. "I'm going to resign."
"No you're not!" her fist hit the table and some tea sloshed from her cup. "is this some kind of strange need to protect us or something? Do you have any idea how fortunate you are to have a job you love? It's easy to forget when half your family enjoys their work. Sure, Bill and Percy found the job of their dreams. Fred…" she choked his name, "Fred and George created the job of their dream. I mean, look at Dad, he sacrificed his Ministry career because he loves his work. But if you look at other people outside our family circle, do you think they all enjoy their work? Fat chance! I bet you Stan Shunpike didn't want to be the knight bus conductor. Merlin, I don't even have a clue what I'm going to do after my seventh year."
"You can play Quidditch, you're damn good."
"Yeah, sure. Let's be realistic though," she was stern, but a little smile crept in at his compliment. "I have no idea what I want with my life. And Ron,"
"What are you talking about? Ron's going to be an Auror, he told me yesterday."
"Who told you Ron wants to be an Auror? He's doing it because it's the right thing to do and because his best friend is going to be an Auror as well. But if you ask me, the last thing Ron wants is to chase dark wizards, he had enough of that for a lifetime."
"You see, that's why I need to resign. You know Ron like I'll never get to know him because I missed so many years of his life being away. I may never get the chance to reconnect with you all again, I've missed that chance with Fred."
"But Charlie, they need you! There's a dragon out there, alone and blind and he needs your help."
Charlie released the letter onto the table, "how did you know?"
"Oh, don’t be silly," she swatted his arm, "Everybody knows Harry, Ron and Hermione set a dragon free from the depth of Gringotts."
For a few minutes they sat quietly and sipped their tea, enjoying the silence around them.
"So," Charlie finally broke the silence, "Harry Potter."
"What about Harry?"
"That's exactly what I asked," he smirked, "what about Harry?"
"I'll let you know when he gets his head out of his arse."
So he was right, she was crying about Harry. "Give him time, the guy just defeated an evil dark lord. He has the press all over him and everybody wants a piece. I'm sure when the dust sets he'll come straight to you."
"Thanks." She smiled gratefully, "When the time comes, you'll be with your dragons. Just remember to visit us on Sundays sometimes. You're a bloody wizard, apparate, for Merlin's sake!"
"Since when did you become so smart, midget?"
"I was always smart," she smiled wryly.
And Charlie knew she was right. At the end, he'll be with his dragons. He just had to promise himself not to forget his family again.