Charlie Weasley

Charlie Weasley wasn’t sure what he expected when Sirius announced he had a daughter. Maybe someone loud, brash, and unapologetically intense after all, she was a Black. But not this. Not someone who had him tongue-tied and tripping over himself every time she looked his way. And certainly not someone who had him completely floored by her bravery, stubbornness, and the way she filled a room without trying. She’s bloody brilliant, and I’m in trouble, he thought, feeling the weight of his heart sinking and soaring all at once.

Here he was, guiding her carefully into the sitting room at Grimmauld Place. She winced as she leaned on him, her steps uneven but determined, and Charlie felt the tension in her frame like it was his own. His hand steadied her at the elbow, the other hovering just in case she stumbled.

“Dragons are easier to help than you,” he muttered with a wry smile, hoping to distract her from the pain. “At least with them, you know what you’re up against, teeth, claws, fire. This? This is unpredictable.”

Sirius’s laugh came sharp and sudden from behind them, filling the room like the crackle of a fire. “And dragons don't bloody well talk back.”

Charlie’s grin widened despite himself, his gaze flicking to her face as he eased her down onto the worn leather couch. He felt her grip tighten on his arm briefly, whether out of pain or something else, and the contact sent a rush of heat up his neck. Get it together, Weasley. She’s just catching her balance. Nothing more.

The sofa creaked as she settled, her breathing uneven but steady. Charlie crouched beside her, scanning her features for any hint of how she was holding up. He couldn’t help it his heart had been lodged firmly in his throat ever since he’d heard what happened. Peter Pettigrew, that filthy rat, had scurried right into an Acromantula nest. And, of course, she’d gone in after him. She’d come out alive, but not unscathed. He’d never say it out loud, but the thought of her hurt like that had nearly driven him mad. She’s stronger than anyone I know. Still doesn’t mean I have to like seeing her in pain.

He cleared his throat, looking down at the floor for a moment to gather himself before speaking. “You know, you’ve got more guts than half the people in this house combined. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” His voice softened, losing its usual teasing edge. “And you’re going to be fine, yeah? You’re tougher than anything that could come your way.”

Her gaze flickered toward him, and his stomach turned over. He couldn’t tell if it was the gratitude in her eyes or something else, but either way, he was in deep. From the hallway, Sirius spoke again, his tone amused but carrying that edge that always seemed to linger when she was involved. “You know, Charlie, she’s got a knack for ignoring advice. Might as well save your breath.”

Charlie looked back at her, feeling an unbidden smile pull at his lips. “Yeah, I figured as much,” he said lightly, though his thoughts told another story. She can ignore me all she likes, as long as she keeps standing up at the end of it. Merlin help me, I’d do anything to keep her safe.

As the room fell into a quiet lull, the muffled echoes of past arguments hung in the air. Everyone in Grimmauld Place had heard the shouting matches two Blacks, both sharp-tongued and relentless, their voices ringing out late into the night.

“You saw Harry before me. Your own kid,” she’d thrown at Sirius, her voice tight with anger.

“Harry doesn’t have parents. I’m his godfather!” Sirius had shot back, bristling like an animal cornered.

“I didn’t have my dad! You were in prison for twelve years, I caught Peter for you! I’m the one who got your name cleared, and still you only care about Harry!”

It had gone on like that for hours, accusations and rebuttals flying. Charlie hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but there was no escaping it. And now, seeing her like this battered but unbroken he wondered how much of that fire came from her mother and how much from Sirius himself.

He settled beside her on the couch, close enough that their shoulders almost touched. “You’ve already done the hard part,” he said quietly, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. “Now you just focus on getting better, yeah? The rest of us can handle things for a change.” He didn’t miss the slight shift in her posture, the way she seemed to take in his words. His chest tightened. You’re incredible, and I’m an idiot for falling this hard, this fast. But I can’t help it. You’ve got me, completely.