Chapter 15
Charlie had never expected this.
Sure, he had always found Draco attractive—even back when the blond was a bratty teenager, trailing after him at Ministry events with wide, star-struck eyes. But back then, Draco had been too young, and Charlie hadn’t been stupid enough to encourage anything.
Now, though?
Draco was a grown man. A father. A damn good one at that.
And Charlie was falling for him.
—
The Little Moments
It started small.
Draco laughing at his jokes when they sat in the Manor’s garden, sipping tea while the kids ran around.
Draco touching his arm absently when they talked, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Draco trusting him—letting him help with the children, allowing him to be a part of their lives.
Charlie hadn’t planned this. He had only meant to be a friend, a distraction. But somewhere along the way, he realized that he liked being in Draco’s life.
And worse—
The children adored him.
Orion curled up in his lap when he read bedtime stories. The twins begged him for dragon stories at every meal. Scorpius watched him with a mix of awe and curiosity, like he was trying to figure out if Charlie would stay.
And Charlie wanted to.
But there was a problem.
Harry Potter.
—
The Shadow of Harry
Charlie wasn’t an idiot.
He knew Draco still loved Harry.
It was there in the way Draco’s breath hitched whenever Harry showed up unannounced, in the way his gaze lingered just a little too long when Harry played with the kids.
And worst of all?
Harry had finally realized what he was losing.
And he was fighting.
Bringing Draco’s favorite flowers. Leaving heartfelt letters. Spending more time with the kids. Using every trick in the book to remind Draco of what they once had.
And it was working.
Charlie could see it.
The way Draco hesitated when Charlie touched him. The way his smiles weren’t quite as certain anymore.
And for the first time in years, Charlie felt something bitter stir inside him.
Because he wanted Draco.
And he wasn’t sure if Draco wanted him back.
—
A Late-Night Conversation
"You seem distracted."
Draco’s voice was quiet as they sat in the study, late at night, nursing glasses of firewhiskey.
Charlie sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Just thinking."
Draco tilted his head, watching him carefully. "About?"
Charlie hesitated. Then, finally: "Us."
Draco stilled. "Charlie—"
"Do you actually want this?" Charlie’s voice was rougher than he intended. "Or am I just… easier?"
Draco inhaled sharply. "That’s not fair."
"Isn’t it?" Charlie exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Look, Draco, I care about you. I care about the kids. But if I’m just some—" He swallowed. "—replacement for Harry, tell me now."
Draco opened his mouth. Closed it.
And Charlie knew.
He knew.
Draco was falling for him, yes.
But Draco had never stopped loving Harry.
And Charlie wasn’t sure if he could live with that.
—
Meanwhile, Harry
Harry wasn’t backing down.
If anything, seeing Draco and Charlie together only made him more determined.
Because Draco was his.
And Harry was going to make damn sure he remembered that.