Charlie Weasley has always been a self admitted problem child.
He pranked and stole favorite toys from his siblings, often got hurt, would sneak out in the dark of night to play quidditch with neighbors, frequently gave his mother heart attacks. And when he disappeared for a week to go to Romania, ditching an offer to play quidditch professionally?
Well no one was surprised.
He had been in Romania on and off now for almost a decade and typically only made his way home on the occasional Holidays and this year, as Christmas approached, his mother couldn't help but feel a pang of worry mixed with anticipation. She had been pestering him for weeks to confirm his attendance for the Christmas celebration at the Burrow. Charlie had been notoriously difficult to pin down, even as a child, and this Christmas was no different.
The Weasley family had gathered for a cozy evening by the fire, surrounded by the warmth and love that only a family like theirs could provide. Yet, there was an empty chair, a conspicuous absence that Molly couldn't ignore. She had been waiting for a letter or a Floo call, but as the evening wore on, it became evident that Charlie was nowhere to be found.
Little did anyone know, Charlie was on his way. He had made the decision to surprise his family this year, just to see the look on their faces. He knew he had caused his mother endless worry over the years, but deep down, he also knew how much she loved him. So, on Christmas Eve, as the clock struck midnight and most of the household had retired to their beds, he apparated into the orchard adjacent to the Burrow, hoping to make a stealthy entrance.
As he tiptoed into the kitchen, Charlie couldn't help but stare at the sight before him. There, in the dimly lit room, stood a grown-up Hermione Granger dunking a tea bag in a cup. The last time he had seen her was just after the war and before that just a know-it-all first-year at Hogwarts trying to save a baby dragon. But now, at 18, she has blossomed into a stunning young woman. Her long chestnut curls cascaded down her back, and her bright brown eyes sparkled with intelligence. Freckles danced across her nose, and she exuded a quiet confidence that was entirely different from the precocious young girl he remembered standing on the astronomy tower.
Hermione turned, startled by the sudden intrusion, and her eyes widened as she saw Charlie standing there, "Charlie!" she exclaimed in a hushed tone, hand covering her heart as she tried not to wake the household. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
Charlie chuckled softly, taking in the sight of the young woman who had once been just a schoolmate of his younger brother and sister. "Sorry about that," he whispered, a mischievous grin on his face. "I didn't expect to find anyone else awake at this hour. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Hermione nodded, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Yes, it has. You look... different."
Charlie grinned, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Well, I suppose I've grown up a bit, too." He leaned against the kitchen counter, the faint light from the moon casting a soft glow on his face. He and Hermione continued to talk, their conversation flowing easily as the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air. Hermione poured Charlie a cup and gently blew on her own mug.
Hermione's inquisitive nature got the best of her, and she couldn't help but ask, "So, what brings you here? I mean, it's wonderful to see you, but your mum mentioned she hadn't heard from you about the holiday!"
Charlie rolled his shoulders back, chuckling softly. "I thought I'd give everyone a shock this Christmas. Plus, I missed Mum's cooking. There's nothing quite like it, you know?"
Hermione smiled warmly, "I can't argue with that. Molly will be thrilled to have you here."
Charlie nodded, his expression growing a bit more serious. "Yeah, I hope so. It's been too long." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "So, what have you been up to? Last I heard, you were on a mission to free house-elves!”
Hermione's smile widened as she began to share with Charlie, "Yes, that was one of my early endeavors. But as time went on, I realized that while I'm passionate about making a difference in the wizarding world, I also wanted something more... substantial."
She leaned against the kitchen counter, mirroring Charlie's relaxed posture, and continued, "I've decided to go into healing. I still want to change the world, but I felt that directly helping people in their times of need was the way to go."
Charlie raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Healing, huh? That's a noble path. And where are you studying?"
Hermione's eyes sparkled with excitement, "I'm beginning an apprenticeship under Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape at Hogwarts. They both agreed to take me on, and I couldn't be more thrilled. It's a bit daunting, but I'm determined to learn as much as I can."
Charlie nodded approvingly. "McGonagall and Snape, that's impressive. You'll be in excellent hands. But I have to admit, it's not what I expected to hear from the brightest witch of her age."
Hermione blushed slightly at the compliment. "Thank you, Charlie. And enough about me, what about you? How's life at the dragon reserve in Romania?"
Charlie's face lit up with enthusiasm as he launched into tales of his adventures with dragons. He described the awe-inspiring creatures he worked with, the breathtaking flights he'd taken, and the challenges he faced in ensuring the safety of both dragons and humans. Hermione listened with rapt attention, hanging on his every word.
"Life at the reserve has been wild, quite literally. I've been working with dragons of all sizes, from Hungarian Horntails to Norwegian Ridgebacks. It's not always easy, but it's exhilarating. The bond I have with these creatures is something I can't put into words."
Hermione's curiosity was piqued. "Do you ever miss playing professional Quidditch? You were quite the Seeker back in the day."
Charlie shrugged. "I had my shot at Quidditch, and I loved it, but being with dragons... it's my true calling. They're magnificent, you should come visit the reserve sometime. I'd love to show you around and introduce you to the dragons. I think you'd find it absolutely captivating."
Hermione's eyes sparkled with interest. "I would love to, Charlie. That sounds like an amazing experience. Maybe during the summer?”
Charlie's eyes held a warm, appreciative glint as he watched Hermione's face light up with enthusiasm. Her genuine interest in his work was heartening, and he found himself drawn to her even more as they continued to talk about their respective passions.
"During the summer, that sounds perfect," Charlie replied with a grin. "The reserve is at its best then, and I promise it'll be an experience you'll never forget."
Hermione's gaze softened as she looked at Charlie. "You know, I always admired your sense of adventure. You were never afraid to take risks, and it's clear that it's served you well with your dragons."
Charlie chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Well, I guess I haven't changed all that much from the boy who used to sneak out to play Quidditch at night. Just traded my broom for a different set of wings."
Their laughter faded into a comfortable silence, eyes locked in an unspoken understanding. The warmth of their conversation had drawn them closer, and the atmosphere in the kitchen seemed to crackle with a unique chemistry that defied explanation.
But as they stood there, caught in the quiet intimacy of the moment, something unexpected happened. Above their heads, a soft, silvery mistletoe, unnoticed until now, began to emit a faint, shimmering light. Charlie and Hermione glanced up simultaneously, their eyes widening in surprise as they realized they were standing directly beneath the magical plant.
Hermione's cheeks flushed with a faint blush as a lazy smile spread across Charlie's face as he understood the situation. "Well, it seems we've been caught under the mistletoe," he said, his voice a soft, husky whisper.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Hermione felt her heart race as Charlie's gaze held hers. There was an unspoken tension in the air, a magnetic pull drawing them closer together. She could feel his warm breath against her lips, and her anticipation grew with each passing second.
Charlie, unable to resist any longer, closed the remaining distance between them. His lips met Hermione's in a soft, lingering kiss. At first, it was gentle, a delicate exploration of what could be. But as Hermione's arms tightened around him, pulling him even closer, tongue flicking over his bottom lip as their passion ignited like a roaring fire.
The height difference between them was noticeable as Hermione stood on her tiptoes, while Charlie held her smaller frame with a strength born of his years of working with powerful dragons. Their bodies pressed together in an electrifying embrace. Their kiss spoke of longing, of unspoken desires that had been buried for far too long.
As their lips finally parted, they were both breathless, their eyes locked in a passionate gaze. Charlie's voice was still husky as he whispered, "I'm sorry, Hermione, I shouldn't have..."
Hermione silenced him with another kiss, and this time, there was no hesitation, no need for apologies. Hermione's arms tightened around Charlie's neck, pulling him even closer, their bodies pressed together in a passionate embrace. Charlie, caught in the whirlwind of emotions, responded with equal intensity, his hands firmly holding her by the waist.
The room seemed to spin around them as they kissed, a fiery dance of shared desire and maybe even a touch of destiny. Their connection was undeniable, and the chemistry between them had ignited into a blaze that neither wanted to extinguish. Hermione's lips moved against Charlie's with a fervor born of years of hidden feelings and unspoken attraction. Though he didn’t have to know that quite yet.
Charlie's hands caressed Hermione's back as he deepened the kiss, his heart pounding in his chest.
Hermione's fingers traced the contours of Charlie's jaw, and as they broke the kiss, their foreheads rested against each other, their breaths mingling in the space between them. Charlie's voice was soft, filled with a mix of longing and tenderness. "Hermione..."
Hermione looked into Charlie's eyes, her own filled with a mixture of emotions. She could feel her heart racing as she whispered, "Charlie..."
They both knew that what had just happened between them was electric and intense. But in that moment of clarity, they also realized the complications it could bring. Charlie took a step back, casually adjusting himself in hopes the gorgeous witch in front of him wouldn’t see literally just how much it pained him, "We should probably cool things off," he said with a half-smile, “for tonight.”
Hermione nodded, trying to suppress the disappointment that threatened to surface. "You're right," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s late… I’ll head to bed.”
With a strained grin, he nods at her and she turns to head up the stairs.
As Hermione settled beneath the soft sheets, her mind buzzed with a vivid replay of the electrifying moments she had shared with Charlie just a short while ago. The memories of their passionate embrace were etched in her consciousness, each sensation lingering like a whisper in the recesses of her thoughts. Her heart raced as she recalled the intensity of their connection, a magnetic pull that had drawn them together against all odds. She knew that they needed to cool things off, at least for the night, but it proved to be a challenging task when her every sense still tingled with the warmth of his touch.
However, her dreams of romantic reverie were abruptly interrupted by the faint sound of a creaking door. Startled, Hermione shot up from her nest of blankets, her wand gripped firmly in her hand. The door to the room swung open slowly, revealing a shadowy figure in the doorway. Hermione's heart raced as she prepared herself for the worst. But to her shock, it was Charlie who entered the room, bearing his luggage.
Their gazes locked, and disbelief painted their expressions, freezing the moment in time. Hermione's voice trembled as she struggled to find words amidst her astonishment. "Charlie? What in Merlin's name are you doing here?"
Charlie's voice mirrored her incredulity as he replied, "I could ask you the same question. This is, or rather, was my room."
Hermione's eyes widened further as the realization dawned upon her. "Oh, Merlin! Molly gave me this room because Ginny and Luna are sharing one. I had no idea it was your old room!"
Charlie scratched his head, a bemused grin forming on his face as he tried to make sense of the situation. "Well, I guess surprises have their consequences."
They stood there in the dimly lit room, the absurdity of the situation sinking in. Then, as if on cue, both of them burst into laughter, the tension and awkwardness of the moment dissipating.
Hermione managed to compose herself first, wiping away tears of laughter with the back of her hand. "Well, this is certainly unexpected."
Charlie chuckled heartily, his embarrassment giving way to amusement. "It's one way to make sure we keep our distance for the night, I suppose."
Hermione nodded, her giggles still bubbling up within her. "I suppose so."
Charlie grabbed his suitcase and began unpacking it, resigning himself to the fact that he would be sharing a room with Hermione for the night. "Well, I hope you don't mind bunking with me. It's not exactly how I imagined this would turn out."
Charlie finished unpacking his suitcase and looked around the room, considering where he might sleep. He sighed, resigned to the idea of sleeping on the floor or perhaps finding a spare blanket and making a makeshift bed on the couch.
However, just as he was about to suggest the floor plan, Hermione surprised him once again. She reached out, gently grabbing his hand and looking at him from under her long lashes, her expression filled with a hint of mischief.
"You know," Hermione began, her voice soft but bold, "it's quite chilly tonight. Maybe... just maybe, we could stay warm together and share the bed."
Her words hung in the air, a soft and alluring invitation. The chill of the winter night had seeped into every corner and the idea of her body pressed against his was very tempting.
Charlie, his eyes a shade of warm brown that glinted like amber in the soft glow of the room, blinked in surprise at Hermione's suggestion. His tousled, auburn hair framed a rugged face, adorned with freckles from years spent under the sun.
The atmosphere shifted, becoming charged with an unspoken longing, a current of desire that pulsed between them.
Charlie's heart raced beneath the fabric of his shirt, the fabric stretched taut over the contours of his broad shoulders and chest. His lips curved into a smile that held a hint of mischief, a silent acknowledgment of her tempting proposition. “Well," he began, his voice husky, sending shivers down Hermione's spine, "I wouldn't want you to catch a cold either."
Hermione's lips curled into a seductive smile, and she released his hand, gesturing toward the bed. "Shall we then?"
Charlie didn't need any further encouragement. With a grin that matched hers, he climbed onto the bed, leaving just enough space between them for comfort. As Hermione joined him, they settled under the covers, their bodies close but not touching, leaving room for the tantalizing possibilities of the night ahead.
She shifted slightly closer to Charlie, the warmth of their bodies emanating through the covers. Their eyes remained locked, the electricity between them palpable, and he leaned in.
Charlie's fingers, warm and gentle, brushed against hers beneath the covers, sending a delicate shiver of anticipation down her spine. It was a touch filled with reverence, as if they were both treading on sacred ground, fully aware of the unspoken desires that had brought them to this exquisite moment.
As they moved closer, their lips met in a tender and passionate kiss. Hermione's fingers traced a path along Charlie's cheek, her touch igniting a fire that coursed through his veins. Charlie's strong, calloused hands rested on her waist.
Her fingers entwined in Charlie's tousled hair, acted as an anchor, pulling him closer to her. The kiss grew more fervent, each movement of their lips filled with a profound yearning that had remained hidden for far too long. Charlie's hands, large and calloused, explored the soft curves of Hermione's body beneath the covers, tracing the contours of her back and shoulders with a tenderness that bordered on worship.
Their breaths became ragged, their hearts pounding in synchrony, as the night enfolded them in its tender embrace. The world outside ceased to exist, fading away like a distant memory, leaving only the two of them, entwined in the intoxication of each other's presence.
Finally, their lips parted, but their foreheads remained close, their eyes locked in a haze of desire and affection. Charlie whispered her name, his voice laced with awe, "You're so beautiful."
Hermione's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink at Charlie's whispered compliment, her heart fluttering in response. She gazed into his eyes, her own filled with a mixture of desire and vulnerability. Their connection, once hidden beneath layers of friendship and unspoken longing, now lay bare before them, like an open book filled with the unwritten chapters of their shared desires.
With a soft smile that conveyed more than words ever could, Hermione whispered in return, "so are you."
Their lips met once again, and this time, there was a newfound hunger, a deep yearning that had been suppressed all night.
Charlie's hands continued their exploration of Hermione's body, he traced the curve of her spine, his fingertips grazing her skin delicately. His lips left hers to trail a path of fiery kisses along her jawline, where he planted soft, lingering kisses that made her gasp with pleasure.
Hermione's fingers moved with a purpose of their own, tracing the contours of Charlie's chest and shoulders beneath the fabric of his shirt. She felt the firmness of his muscles, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and it only fueled her desire further.
With a soft moan, he pulls back and looks up at her as his fingers brush under her shirt again, silently asking for permission. Their eyes remained locked, and she nodded in response, her heart pounding with anticipation. With a deliberate slowness, he began to peel away the fabric, revealing her soft, moon-kissed skin.
Hermione's breath hitched at the sensation of Charlie's fingertips brushing against her abdomen, tracing invisible patterns of longing. His touch was both tender and tantalizing, like a whisper of promises yet to be fulfilled. A soft moan escaped her lips as his fingers danced beneath the fabric, igniting a fire that raged within her.
Their kisses continued, hungry and insistent, as their bodies moved closer, seeking refuge in each other's warmth. Charlie's lips, now trailing down her neck, created a burning trail of desire that left Hermione gasping for breath. His mouth found her collarbone, and he planted a series of hot, lingering kisses that sent shivers of pleasure coursing through her.
Hermione's fingers, eager but a bit unskilled, unbuttoned Charlie's pajama shirt and revealed the sculpted contours of his chest and shoulders. She traced her fingertips along the lines of his muscles, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palm.
With a soft moan of longing, Charlie broke away from their kiss, his eyes filled with a hunger that matched hers. He rolled them over with a slow, deliberate motion, so he was now on top of Hermione.
His lips left a trail of fiery kisses down Hermione's neck, marking her with the searing intensity of their passion.
Hermione's skin tingled beneath his touch as he moved his fingers, she arched her back, offering herself to him, her breath hitching with anticipation as his fingers trailed along her collarbone and down to her breasts. He kneaded them gently, his thumbs brushing over her hardened nipples.
With a final, passionate kiss, Charlie tore himself away from Hermione's lips, his breath ragged with need as fingers found the waistband of her soft pants, everything about her was so fucking soft, and with a swift, eager motion, he tugged them off of her.
She flushed deeply as he stared at her, his eyes hooded. “You’re so fucking gorgeous.”
As their bodies pressed closer together, she could feel his hardness pressed against her and his hips gently rocked against hers, creating a delicious friction that sent waves of pleasure coursing through her. She gasped into their kiss, her fingers digging into his shoulders as her body responded to his touch.
Again, his lips trailed a path of scorching kisses down her neck, her collarbone, and further still, igniting a hunger within her that she had never known. As he reached her breasts, his tongue and lips worked their magic, sending Hermione into a frenzy of pleasure. Her back arched, and she moaned his name, her voice a sweet melody of need.
With practiced expertise, Charlie continued to lavish attention on her, his fingers and mouth driving her to the brink of ecstasy. Hermione's breaths came in ragged gasps, her body trembling with the intensity of their shared passion.
With tantalizing slowness, he moved further down her body, his lips and tongue leaving a trail of heated kisses and nips. Hermione's eyes fluttered closed, and she tangled her fingers in his hair, urging him on.
Charlie's skilled ministrations brought Hermione to the edge of pleasure, his tongue lapping over her clit so perfectly that just when she thought she couldn't take any more, he brought her over the precipice, sending her spiraling as she came with a stifled moan. It seems he realized suddenly that they were in his childhood bedroom and he grabbed his wand, mouth never leaving her body and cast a strong silencing spell over the room just in time. Her body quivered with the force of her climax, and she cried out his name, a symphony of ecstasy that filled the room.
Charlie moved back up to kiss her lips with a sense of urgency, positioning himself at her entrance, and without breaking their kiss, he pushed into her slowly, groaning at the feeling of her warmth and tightness wrapping around him.
Hermione's nails dug into his back as he filled her completely, he was big, bigger than expected and she’d only ever done this a few times anyway but this was utterly perfect.
He shifted, slipping his arms under her legs to pull her closer. “Fuck,” he groaned, eyes rolling back slightly.
“Look at me, princess,” he whispers huskily, staring deeply into her eyes.
The pet name catches her off guard and she whimpers, her hands grasping at his arms as he gently rocks into her. Her body responded to Charlie's touch, her walls clenching around him as her second orgasm approached. Sensing her impending release, Charlie quickened his pace, his thrusts becoming more urgent, more primal.
He leans down and captures her mouth with his as her fingers dug into his shoulders, her nails leaving marks on his skin, but he didn't seem to mind. If anything, it only fueled his desire further. His thrusts were relentless, each one driving her higher and closer to the edge.
She met his every movement with a fervor that mirrored his own, their moans and gasps filling the room, hand moving to tangle in his hair, she could feel herself getting close.
Sensing Hermione's impending release, Charlie quickened his pace, his hips moving with a primal urgency that matched the fire in their hearts. He held her gaze, his eyes locked onto hers, as if they were sharing not just their bodies but their very souls.
Their mouths met once again, a desperate, hungry kiss that mirrored the intensity of their lovemaking. Their tongues danced together, a sensual tango that left them both breathless.
And then, it happened. With one final, powerful thrust, they came together. Hermione cried out his name as her orgasm crashed over her like a tidal wave.
His own release followed, his body tensing as he found release within her, his whispered endearments and gasps of pleasure mingling with hers.
Hermione's fingers continued to trace patterns on Charlie's back, their touches now gentle and soothing, in stark contrast to the fervent passion they had just experienced. Charlie's arms remained wrapped around her, holding her close, as if he never wanted to let her go.
Their lips met in soft, lingering kisses, a silent exchange of affection and gratitude for what they had shared.
Finally, as their breaths fully steadied, Charlie pulled out of her and rolled onto his back tugging her to his so she lay nestled against him. He placed a tender kiss on her forehead, his fingers gently threading through her hair.
Hermione snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his chest, feeling the comforting rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear. It was a moment of contentment, of being wrapped in each other's arms, safe and cherished.
Charlie pressed a tender kiss to Hermione's forehead, his lips lingering there as he whispered sweet words of affection. "You're incredible," he murmured, his voice filled with awe and admiration.
Hermione's fingers traced lazy patterns on Charlie's chest as she gazed up at him, a contented smile playing on her lips. "You're not so bad yourself," she teased.
Charlie whispered, his voice soft and filled with affection, "Well, I never imagined that coming back for Christmas would lead to this."
They lay there in comfortable silence, the room filled with a peaceful stillness that seemed to reflect the depth of their connection.
Their eyes locked in a shared moment of understanding and a soft sigh of contentment, Charlie leaned down to capture Hermione's lips in a slow, lingering kiss.
As the kiss deepened, their bodies stirred with renewed desire, and Charlie couldn't help but groan softly as he felt Hermione's hips shift beneath him. Their connection was far from over, and the night held endless possibilities for them.
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Hermione whispered against Charlie's lips, "Ready for round two?"
Charlie's response was a hungry kiss that spoke volumes.
***
The next morning, as the first rays of dawn began to filter through the curtains of the Burrow, Hermione quietly slipped out of Charlie's embrace, pressing a kiss to his tanned skin and then tiptoed out of the room. She had always been an early riser, and she knew that Mrs. Weasley would appreciate some extra help in the kitchen, especially on Christmas morning.
Downstairs, the cozy kitchen was a hive of activity. Mrs. Weasley was bustling about, preparing a lavish breakfast for the family, her wand dancing through the air as she summoned ingredients and charmed pots and pans to help with the cooking. The delicious aroma of frying bacon and fresh coffee filled the room.
Hermione joined Mrs. Weasley at the stove, offering to help with the bacon and eggs. The two women worked together seamlessly, sharing stories and laughter as they prepared the morning meal. Mrs. Weasley couldn't help but notice the radiant glow on Hermione's face, and wondered what had changed overnight.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Weasley family had gathered at the breakfast table. Ron, Harry, Ginny, and the twins were eagerly discussing their plans for the day, their voices filled with excitement. Bill and Fleur sat beside them, exchanging loving glances and holding hands.
As the aroma of breakfast wafted through the house, Charlie finally made his entrance, coming down the stairs with a playful yawn and a grin that couldn't be contained. He looked every bit like the mischievous little boy who used to prank his siblings and sneak out at night.
Mrs. Weasley turned at the sound of his footsteps and, upon seeing her second eldest son, her eyes widened in shock. For a moment, she couldn't believe her eyes, and then the shock gave way to overwhelming joy.
"Charlie!" she exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes as she rushed toward him. Without hesitation, she enveloped him in a tight hug, holding onto him as if she never wanted to let go. Her heart swelled with happiness and relief.
Charlie chuckled, returning his mother's embrace with equal warmth. "Surprise, Mum," he said, his voice filled with affection.
The rest of the family, having noticed the commotion, turned to see what was happening. Their expressions quickly changed from confusion to pure delight as they realized who had just joined them.
"Charlie!" Ron exclaimed, leaping up from his chair and nearly knocking it over in his excitement. He rushed over to his brother, followed closely by Harry, Ginny, and the twins. Hugs and laughter filled the room as the Weasley family reunited once more.
Amidst the joyful chaos, Charlie couldn't help but cast a glance at Hermione, who was watching the reunion with a smile that reached her eyes.
Throughout the day, as the Weasleys continued their lively Christmas celebration, Charlie and Hermione found themselves dancing around each other. It was as if they had a secret, an unspoken connection that drew them together like magnets. They exchanged stolen glances, brushes of hands, and lingering smiles.
As the day wore on, Charlie and Hermione took part in various family activities. They played Quidditch in the garden with Ron, Ginny, and Harry, the winter air crisp and invigorating. Charlie's competitive spirit shone through as he swooped and dived on his broomstick, and Hermione couldn't help but admire him from the sidelines.
As the day neared its end, and the Weasleys settled down for a hearty Christmas dinner, Charlie and Hermione continued to steal moments together. They helped with the dishes, their hands brushing against each other as they dried plates and silverware. The electricity of their touch sent shivers down Hermione's spine, and she couldn't help but steal glances at Charlie when she thought no one was looking.
It wasn't until the evening, when the festivities had started to wind down, that Charlie finally found the perfect opportunity. The rest of the family had retired to the sitting room to exchange presents and share stories, leaving Charlie and Hermione alone in the kitchen.
With a sly grin, Charlie cornered Hermione in the pantry, his tall frame blocking the exit. He reached out to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing gently over her skin. "You've been driving me crazy all day," he admitted in a low, husky voice.
Hermione's heart raced as she met his intense gaze, her breath hitching in anticipation. "Have I now?" she replied, a playful glint in her eyes.
Without another word, Charlie closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a searing kiss. It was a kiss filled with the pent-up desire and longing that had simmered between them throughout the day. Their mouths moved together with a hunger that could no longer be denied.
Hermione's hands found their way to Charlie's chest, fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt as she pulled him closer. The pantry suddenly felt like the most special place in the world, just the two of them together.
Charlie's kiss was a promise of things to come, another night together if they could get away with it, "I've been wanting to do that all day," Charlie confessed, his voice filled with longing.
Hermione smiled, her eyes filled with affection. "I've been waiting for you to."
As Charlie and Hermione continued to exchange heated kisses in the pantry, the world outside seemed to fade away. The soft, tender moments they had shared earlier in the day had ignited a fire between them, and now that fire blazed uncontrollably.
Their lips moved with a fervor that left them both breathless, their bodies pressed against each other in the cramped space. Charlie's hands slipped around Hermione's waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. It was as if they were trying to melt into each other, to become one.
Just as the intensity of their kiss reached its peak, the pantry door creaked open. Startled, they pulled apart, their hearts pounding in their chests. Light spilled into the small space, revealing the amused and knowing expressions of Fred and George Weasley, who had just stumbled upon the couple's passionate encounter.
The twins exchanged mischievous glances, and Fred grinned, raising an eyebrow. "Well, well, what do we have here?" he said, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm.
George joined in, chuckling. "Charlie, mate, didn't know you were into pantry activities."
Hermione blushed furiously, her cheeks turning a shade of crimson. Charlie, on the other hand, ran a hand through his hair, looking slightly embarrassed but undeniably amused. "You two are impossible," he muttered.
Fred and George continued to tease, but their laughter was warm and affectionate. It was clear that they were happy to see Charlie happy, especially after his surprise return home.
Just then, Mrs. Weasley's voice rang out from the sitting room. "What's going on in there, you two?"
Fred winked at Charlie and Hermione before responding, "Nothing, Mum, just making sure there are no Nargles in the pantry."
Luna chimed in dreamily from her place next to the fireplace, "Yeah, Nargles can be quite pesky this time of year."
Mrs. Weasley's laughter could be heard from the sitting room. "Alright, don't take too long. We're about to exchange presents."
The twins made their exit, leaving Charlie and Hermione alone once more. They exchanged sheepish smiles, the moment of passion now replaced by shared amusement.
Charlie leaned in to press a soft, lingering kiss on Hermione's lips, his fingers brushing a stray strand of her hair away from her face. "We'll have to continue this later," he whispered against her lips.
Hermione nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I'll be looking forward to it."
With their hearts still racing, Charlie and Hermione rejoined the Weasley family in the sitting room, where laughter, love, and the joy of the holiday continued to fill the air. Molly Weasley, watching the young couple with a twinkle in her eye, couldn't help but think that if this was the reason Charlie had decided to come home for Christmas, she certainly wasn't going to complain.