Chapter Text
It had been 2 ½ weeks since what he and the rest of the family had dubbed The Incident, Charlie could honestly say it had been rough on everyone’s part especially Ron and him by default. Charlie had never ever been in a situation like this, and their family dynamic still hadnt recovered. There had been a visible shift in the family as everyone tried to get used to this new normal.
And Charlie was okay for the most part, at least until he woke up the next morning, glanced at his calendar and realized that he only had 5 more days until he had to leave for his internship at the Dragon reserve. He had to go, there was no way around it, because he had started this program when he was 13 and if he stuck with it, it meant after graduation he was guaranteed a job.
He was on his 3rd year now, and if he continued with it, he would be a senior dragon handler at 17 years old. There were added perks, such as he would be able to work everyday instead of just 4 weeks, and his salary would be way more then what it was now. Right now he only got paid for 4 weeks, but when he turned 17, he would get a salary every month, doing something he loved. He had gotten really lucky with his dragon sanctuary, and it had all been by chance.
He had managed to come across a baby dragon in the Forbidden Forest, and still to this day Charlie doesn’t know how the dragon got there. But he was able to settle and calm the dragon enough for the Headmaster to call on a friend at an super exclusive sanctuary. The organizers had been very impressed by how calm he had gotten the dragon and had offered him the paid internship and even his mum as much as she hated it, allowed him to accept it.
His future was all set up, and despite all of that, for the first time since he got the internship, he didn’t feel comfortable going because he was worried about leaving Ron. Not even the thought of his upgraded level of pay (300 galleons!) could pull him out of his current funk at the thought of leaving his little brother unprotected. Charlie stared at the calendar again, inadvertently drawing his little brother's attention to him.
“Are you excited to leave?” Ron asked softly; he had noticed Charlie staring at the calendar earlier so he wasn't surprised. And since he knew how to read now, he knew what the circle on it meant, and his heart pounded at the thought of Charlie gone.
“Not really,” Charlie murmured truthfully.
”Me neither. I don’t want you to go,” Ron admitted softly, feeling selfish saying so but he was so afraid.
“I know,” Charlie said with a sigh. “I don’t have a choice Ronnie, this is my future,” he added.
Ron knew his brother’s future was on the line which is why he didn’t beg Charlie to stay or anything because he would never ever want his brother to choose him over his future career. Bill and Percy and the twins already hated him, he wasn’t trying to isolate the only big brother who still loved him.
“We’ll, I guess you’d better pack then, I know You’re going to have lots of fun,” Ron said with a forced smile, before he started scooting off his brothers bed. He felt like crying but he couldn’t do that here in front of Charlie, especially not about this. He didn’t want Charlie to feel guilty or anything, which is why he was planning on going to his room to hide away.
“Whoa, whoa little bro, where are you going?”’ Charlie asked, quickly reaching forward to grab the back of his little brother’s shirt before he could run away.
“To my room,” Ron mumbled softly, not looking up at his big brother.
“Mum says you’re not allowed to hide away in your room to cry anymore, she doesn’t like that, and I don’t like that either. You want to cry, you can cry right here with me,” Charlie told him bluntly.
“I don’t want to make you feel bad,” Ron sniffled sadly as he turned and buried his face into his brother’s side.
“You’re not going to make me feel bad kid, trust me,” Charlie said keeping quiet on the fact that he felt bad anyway because he knew what leaving would mean for Ron.
If he wasn’t here to protect him, he knew that Bill would corner Ron, and force him to accept the apology in hopes that the family dynamics would go back to the way it was. Bill didn’t care if he terrified their little brother in the process, and the thought of Ron gong through that without him here him, made him sick.
Not to mention Ron was afraid of Percy and the twins as well. And even though he was starting to forgive the twins Charlie anticipated even more accidents then Ron was already having because there would be no safe haven for him, like there was now with Charlie. He needed a plan, a way to make sure that Ron would be protected in his absence and he knew just who he could talk too.
“Come on Ronnie,’ Charlie said as he stood up from the bed and lifted his younger brother into his arms.
Ron pressed his face into his brother’s shoulder unsure of where they were going, but not feeling brave enough to ask. He was just grateful that Charlie was taking him with him..
Charlie headed downstairs with his brother in his arms, and went into the kitchen where his mom was. He didn’t release his hold on his little brother and instead made his way towards their mother.
“Hey mum, what was the name of that store that sold premade toilet rooms?” Charlie asked after a moment.
“Magical homewares,” Molly answered easily, she had remembered because it was her dream to go in and buy a premade toilet room but they were very expensive.
“Where in Diagon is it located by?” Charlie asked, having a solid idea of what he needed to do to protect his brother.
“It’s near the ice cream shop but its hidden a bit, you won’t know it unless you’ve been there before. Why do you want to know?” Molly asked, confused at the line of questioning.
“I want to buy Ron his own en-suite toilet,” Charlie told her truthfully, he had nothing to hide not to mention it was his money to do with what he wanted.
“I see,” Molly said slowly because she didn’t understand why Charlie felt he had to do that, but he had his determined look in his eyes so nothing she could say would change his mind.
“Do you mind coming with us? Since you know the location of the store?” Charlie asked her easily.
“Of course, we can go right now,” Molly said as she pulled off her apron.
“Great, I already have my bank card, so we can head straight to the shop,” Charlie said as he headed to the floo, still carrying his younger brother. He grabbed the floo powder and shouted out their destination landing smoothly and moving out the way so his mum could come next. Once she arrived he followed her out of the pub and into the alley, and towards the store.
On the way, Charlie was mentally calculating what he knew to be in his vault. He didn’t often check on it, as he was content to use his brother’s hand me downs and he only really used his galleons for Hogsmeade weekends, so he knew he had collected a lot of interest on-top of his galleons in his vault. Especially because the Warden who had given him the initial internship had set him up with a high-yield savings vault and he couldn’t be more grateful. He had only worked 3 years so far and last he saw he had at least 500 galleons and he would only add to it after July was over.
Charlie followed after their mother who led the way quickly to the store and then headed towards the section labeled bath. Once they were there he finally set his Ron on his feet, he wanted him to be a part of the process.
“They have 5 basic models that you can customize if you’d like, what were you thinking of giving Ronnie?”Molly asked curiously.
“He needs a toilet, and sink, but looking at the models I think he would benefit even more from having a shower as well. There’s only a 50 galleon difference with the shower, so that’s what I’m going to go for,” Charlie said, watching as his mother went to get an associate to help them.
“Charlie are you really buying a toilet?” Ron asked in confusion.
“I sure am, it’s even cheaper then I thought it would be,” Charlie remarked, with the shower it came to 200 galleons, and it was worth every Knut.
“Where will it go?” Ron asked curiously, he felt lost despite being here in the conversation.
“Your room,” Charlie told him candidly.
Ron was stunned, staring mouth agape at his older brother, even as his mum came back with a sales associate. “Just for me?”He whispered.
“Yes, just for you Ronnie,” Charlie promised him sweetly.
Ron’s eyes got wide before he ran toward his brother, laughing tearfully as he was suddenly scooped up and tickled. He couldn’t believe his luck, he really did have the best brother in the whole world. He was so lucky! He hugged his brother as tightly as he could and tearfully whispered, "Thank you."
Molly watched this silently, wanting to object because this didn’t feel fair, but she couldn’t really say anything because it wasn’t her money, it was Charlie’s. And Because it was his, he could do whatever he wanted with it. Even though she thought this, she still felt like she had to try.
“Ronnie, wouldn’t you like to put the toilet between your room and Ginny’s room so you both can share it?” Molly asked lightly. Coming from her point of view it would be much for beneficial for the two youngest Weasleys to have a bathroom of their own. It would go a long way in preventing accidents.
Charlie didn’t say anything at his mum’s words because he knew what she was doing and he couldn’t fault her but at the same time it was a bit irritating and he turned to see what Ron would say.
Ron bit his lip at his mum’s words and thought it over before he sighed and shook his head in the negative. “No, I don’t want to do that,” he said finally.
“Why not love?” Molly asked patiently, her heart clenching because she just knew her heart was about to be broken.
“Because Ginny is Bill’s favorite and he could ambush me from her side, and that’s scary. Charlie wants me to be safe, and I won’t be because that would give Bill access to me through her room,” Ron said with a shudder as he pressed himself back into his brother’s side.
“Yeah I would have to agree with Ron, sorry mum, this is solely going to be Ron’s toilet,” Charlie said unapologetically. He already had an idea of where the placement of the toilet in his little brothers room would go.
Molly was saddened to hear that but didn’t push, because again its not her money. Despite that turmoil she couldn’t feel more proud for Charlie being so selfless for his younger sibling, he deserved the world.
Charlie led the way towards the front of the store, where the attendant was showing him how to set it up and how to set the charm to adhere to wherever he put it permanently
“Did you want to personalize it? There’s no added cost, as you bought a upgraded model,” the attendant told him.
Charlie grinned and looked at his little brother. “What do you think Ronnie, Chudley Cannons?” He asked in amusement.
“Yes please!” Ron said excited, that was his most favorite Quidditch team, his bathroom was going to look so cool. He watched in interest as the woman did something with her wand before letting them know that it was personalized. Ron could not wait until they got back to the Burrow to see it.
Charlie laughed at his little brother’s excitement, preferring this to the sadness the little boy had been just an hour earlier. “Alright let’s get this paid for and then we can head down to honeydukes first and then get some ice cream after,” he told the little boy. He wanted to spoil Ron, especially since he was leaving him alone for a month.
“Can I get a chocolate frog Charlie?” Ron asked hopefully.
“I was thinking you can get the 3 pack of chocolate frogs if you wanted it,” Charlie told his brother with a bright smile.
Ron grinned a gappy smile, his two teeth in the front had fallen out a few days ago. “I want that Charlie,” he said excitedly.
“Glad to hear it little bro,” Charlie said as he looked at his adorable little brother fondly.
Molly watched all of this with a sad smile, and realized she was no longer needed at the moment. Ronnie needed this one on one time with Charlie and she wasn’t about to be the third wheel. “I’m going to head back home,” she told Charlie.
“Okay, thanks for coming with us mum,” Charlie said thankfully.
“Of course dear, be good for your brother Ronnie,” Molly said as she kissed both of her sons before she headed back towards the leaky cauldron to floo home.
Charlie waited until they couldn’t see their mum anymore before turning to look at his little brother. “Now that mum is gone, after we get your chocolate frogs, do you want to share a big sundae together?” He asked with a mischievous grin.
“Would I ever!” Ron said eyes wide in shock. This was the best day ever.
“And after all that we might even be able to go to the Quidditch shop as well, we’ll make it a fun day. What do you think Ronnie?” Charlie asked in amusement as he saw the stunned look on his little brother’s face.
Ron was staring at Charlie as if he hung the moon, stars and invented the sun. “I would love that very much,” he whispered tearfully unable to contain all of his happiness.
Charlie grinned and scooped up the little boy and carried him out of the store.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Molly wasn’t exactly sure how she was feeling as she stepped into the fireplace and flooed back home. On the one hand she couldn't be prouder, and on the other hand she wanted to shake William for what he had caused. Never had she ever imagined William to be the one to turn on his siblings. If she was being honest, she had thought that Percy would be the one to turn his back on the family. She was still unsure of which house he would be in when he went to school for the first time in Sept.
Arthur was convinced that Percy would be a shoo-in for Gryffindor, as all the Weasleys were, but Molly knew her son and he could be a Ravenclaw or a Slytherin if he was so inclined. She wouldn't worry about it, as that was a problem for later when the time came, if the time came.
She stepped out the fireplace, surprised to find Bill and Percy sitting at the table, looking like they had been waiting for her.
Bill was surprised when he didn't see his two younger brothers come into the floo after their mum. He had taken a glance at the clock earlier, and it had shown, Mum, Charlie and Ron at the shops, and he was curious to see what they had gotten.
“Hey mum, where are Charlie and Ronnie?” Bill asked curiously.
“Still in the Alley, Charlie wanted to spend the day with just him and Ronnie,” Molly said honestly.
Bill nodded silently not surprised in the slightest at that answer. “What did you guys get?” He asked a moment later, knowing they wouldn’t just randomly window shop, the Weasleys always shopped with a purpose.
Molly didn’t answer right away because she knew that there might be some feelings that would come from her answer. That being said, she also knew she wouldn’t be able to hide it, it wasn’t a secret after all. “Charlie bought Ronnie an en-suite for his room,” she said quietly as she got to preparing the lunch for herself and the children at home.
Bill was floored because of the list of things he thought his two brothers might get, and en-suite hadn’t been an answer at all. “Why would he do that?”
“Why do you think William?” Molly asked in an incredulous tone, her blue eyes flashing up to stare at his pointedly.
“Because Charlie is going away in 5 days and Ron is still terrified of all of us,” Percy said glumly, his stomach hurt at the thought of his younger brother fearing him.
“Exactly Percy, Charlie wanted to give Ronnie some peace of mind, as Merlin knows that little boy deserves that,” Molly said lightly before she turned back to the stove.
Bill sighed loudly because he mistake was having far reaching consequences and he wasn’t happy about this in the slightest. “How am I supposed to get Ronnie to forgive me if I can never see him?” He asked with sigh.
“You’ll be able to see him fine, you wont be able to be in close proximity with him as your youngest brother is currently terrified of you. And furthermore you cannot make Ronnie forgive you, you cannot force someone to forgive you. You hurt your little brother horrifically and its going take longer then 2 weeks for him to get through that. You’re going to have to be okay with not interacting with Ronnie right now,” Molly told him honestly. She didn’t want to be cruel, but at the same time what Did William think was going to happen?
“When do you think I will be able to speak to him then?” Bill asked his mom softly, because he didn’t like her answer at all.
“When Ronnie himself tells me that he wants to speak with you, then we can go from there. I will not push him to forgive you nor force him too, it will be his decision alone. I don’t understand why you’re so upset Bill, isn’t this what you wanted?” Molly asked grimly, keeping her back to her oldest son.
Bill squeezed his eyes tightly because he could hear the accusatory sound in her tone. He stood up suddenly, taking some deep breaths because no he didn’t want this. “I need some air,” he muttered, turning and headed out of door a moment later.
“Merlin,” Percy whispered as he glanced from where his older brother had just left and to the back of his mum who hadn’t stopped her stirring. Percy didn’t need to see her face to know that she was livid. “Can I help you with anything mum?”
“No, I’m not feeling very charitable to you right now either Percival. I would like some space, find something else to do, and I’ll call you when lunch is ready,” Molly said quietly.
Percy felt like he had been punched in the stomach at his mother’s words. He swallowed hard but he like Bill only had himself to blame. He needed to figure out how he could make it up to his younger siblings, especially Ron. He got up from the table and headed to his room, needing to think about what he could do.
Molly blew out a breath when Percy left, wondering how were they going to get through this?
~*~*~*~Diagon Alley~*~*~*~*~
Charlie Weasley walked just a step ahead of his younger brother, weaving through the crowd with easy familiarity, occasionally glancing back to make sure Ron hadn’t been swallowed up by a passing group of robes or a particularly enthusiastic owl.
Ron, at seven, was practically vibrating. “Charlie….Charlie, look!” Ron tugged on his sleeve, pointing at a window display filled with self-stirring cauldrons. “That one’s stirring faster than the others, do you think it’s showing off?”
Charlie snorted. “Definitely showing off. Probably thinks it’s better than the rest just because it can spin a spoon without splashing.”
Ron giggled, then immediately got distracted by something else. “Oh! Oh! Is that…are we going to Honeydukes now?”
Charlie grinned, slowing his pace. “We are. And you’re not sprinting ahead this time, got it? Last time you nearly ran into a stack of exploding bonbons.”
“That was one time,” Ron protested, though his ears pinked.
“Mmhm,” Charlie hummed, unconvinced. “And Mum still talks about it.”
They reached the bright, colorful storefront of Honeydukes, its windows bursting with sweets that seemed to hum with sugary magic. Ron didn’t wait for permission this time, but he did stay close as they stepped inside, the scent of chocolate, caramel, and something faintly fizzy wrapping around them like a warm hug.
Ron’s eyes went wide. “Blimey,” he whispered, pinching himself because was this real life?
Shelves stretched in every direction, packed with jars and boxes and ribbons of candy that twisted and shimmered. Chocolate frogs hopped lazily in their boxes, licorice wands flicked themselves like they were practicing dueling, and somewhere in the back, something fizzed and popped like a miniature fireworks show.
Charlie leaned against a display, arms crossed, watching his brother take it all in. There was something deeply satisfying about this, about being the one to give Ron a day like this. He wanted his little brother to look back on this day fondly.
“Alright,” Charlie said, pushing off the shelf. “You get a three-pack of chocolate frogs, and one goodie bag. Fill it. Within reason,” he told his younger brother easily.
Ron turned to him slowly, as if he hadn’t heard correctly. “Within… reason?”
“Yes,” Charlie said firmly. “Meaning no trying to fit an entire shelf into a bag.”
Ron nodded seriously. “Right. Reasonable,” the little boy said before he bolted. This was truly the best day, not even the sudden pressure in his lower abdomen could take the thought away. He would deal with that later.
Charlie laughed under his breath and followed at a more leisurely pace, watching as Ron carefully selected his chocolate frogs. He picked up one box, then swapped it for another, then compared two like a scholar debating ancient texts.
“Do you think one of them has a famous card?” Ron asked, holding up the pack.
“They all have famous cards,” Charlie replied. “That’s the point.”
“Yeah, but what if I get someone really good?” Ron asked seriously, what if he got someone Priceless?
Charlie shrugged. “Then you’ll have someone really good.”
Ron considered this deeply, then nodded and added the pack to his growing pile.
Next came the goodie bag. Ron approached it with surprising strategy, grabbing a bit of everything. Fizzing Whizzbees. Sugar quills. Cauldron cakes. Something labeled “Sickle Sampler” that came in a shiny pouch filled with an assortment of tiny sweets.
“What are these?” Ron asked, holding it up.
“Those are basically a sampler,” Charlie said. “Bit of everything. Good if you can’t decide.”
Ron looked at the bag, then at the shelves, then back at the bag. “I’ll take it,” he decided, as if making a life-altering choice.
By the time they reached the counter, Ron’s arms were full, his face flushed with excitement. Charlie pulled out his money pouch, ignoring Ron’s attempt to count along.
“Did you see how many Sickles that was?” Ron whispered as they stepped outside.
“Enough,” Charlie said dryly. “Don’t worry about it,” he said honestly, at 7, Ron should not be worrying about money.
Ron clutched his bag like it might vanish if he loosened his grip. “This is the best day ever.”
Charlie ruffled his hair. “We’re not done yet.”
Ron’s head snapped up. “We’re not?”
“Nope. Next stop,” Charlie told him, wondering if the little boy had forgotten or was overwhelmed.
They made their way down the alley, the crowd thinning slightly as they approached Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour. The shop sat like a little oasis of cool sweetness, its outdoor tables shaded and its menu board covered in flavors that ranged from classic to completely ridiculous.
Ron pressed his face to the glass. “They have pumpkin fizz swirl! And…what is that…dragonfruit ripple?”
Charlie opened the door. “Come on. We’re getting a sundae.”
Ron didn’t need telling twice, and hurried into the shop. He was grateful that Charlie knew what they were getting because he was both overwhelmed with choice and starting to feel a little anxious. His little bladder was starting to get more insistent, but for the first time ever he was afraid to say something.
He knew Charlie wasn’t like Bill but fear was irrational and they were outside of home so this was an unknown. For the first time, he wished that his mum hadn’t of left already. He made sure to fix his face because Charlie could see through him if he didn’t.
They took a seat by the window, and Charlie ordered something enormous. Layers of ice cream stacked high, drizzled with syrup, topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry that seemed to sparkle faintly.
When it arrived, Ron just stared. “That’s… that’s not a sundae,” he said reverently. “That’s a mountain.”
Charlie handed him a spoon. “Then start climbing.”
Ron dug in immediately, his eyes lighting up. “This is….this is brilliant!”
Charlie took a bite himself, leaning back in his chair. The sweetness cut through the warmth of the day, and for a moment, everything felt simple. No responsibilities. No expectations. Just him and Ron and a ridiculous amount of ice cream.
“Hey, Charlie?” Ron said between bites.
“Yes Ronnie?” Charlie asked him, his full attention on his younger brother.
“Do you think I could ever play Quidditch professionally?” Ron asked shyly.
Charlie smirked. “You? Depends. Can you stay on a broom without falling off?”
Ron frowned. “I can stay on..mostly.”
“Then you’ve got a shot,” Charlie said. “But you’ll have to practice. A lot.”
Ron nodded seriously, as if committing himself to years of training on the spot.
They finished the sundae slowly, the kind of slow that only happens when you want something to last just a bit longer. When the last bite was gone, Ron leaned back with a satisfied sigh.
“I’m full,” he announced, gently rubbing his stomach and wincing because he was full with both ice cream and wee. He needed to say something and soon as he didn’t want to have an accident and ruin their great day.
“Good,” Charlie said. “Because now we’re going somewhere you’ll need both hands free.”
Ron perked up instantly. “Where?”
Charlie grinned. “You’ll see.”
They walked a bit further down the alley until they reached the gleaming storefront of Quality Quidditch Supplies. Brooms hovered in the window, polished to perfection, while posters of famous players flickered with motion.
Ron froze. “…Charlie.”
“Yes, Ron,” Charlie said with a fond smile.
“Are we going in?” He asked hopefully.
Charlie pushed the door open. “We are.”
Ron practically floated inside, he didn’t go to the brooms because he knew they were all way to fast for him. Not to mention he didn’t think he could be still and stand in one spot at the moment.
The shop buzzed with quiet excitement. Customers examined broomsticks, flipping through magazines and comparing specs like it was serious business. Ron immediately gravitated toward a rack of Quidditch magazines, flipping one open and scanning the pages with intense focus.
“Charlie, look! This one says the Chudley Cannons are getting a new Keeper!” He said bouncing on his feet, hoping it came off as excitement rather then desperation.
Charlie leaned over his shoulder. “About time. Their last one couldn’t block a Bludger if it asked nicely.”
Ron snorted, then turned the page eagerly. He grabbed one more before he went to take a seat on the the little beanbags on the floor.
Charlie left him there for a moment, heading toward the back of the shop where a wide, warded grass area stretched out like a miniature field. A sign read: Test Flights Available. Ask for Assistance.
Charlie didn’t need to ask, they knew who he was and came in here often. He knew that if he hadnt had the Dragon Sanctuary lined up that he would have played Quidditch professionally after Hogwarts.
A shop assistant handed him a sleek racing broom, its handle smooth and perfectly balanced. Charlie ran a hand along it, feeling the subtle hum of magic beneath the wood.
“Take it for a spin,” the assistant said easily.
Charlie mounted the broom and kicked off the ground.
The world dropped away in an instant. The air rushed past him, sharp and exhilarating, and for a moment, everything narrowed to speed and balance and the pure, wild joy of flight.
He dipped low, then soared upward, testing the broom’s responsiveness. It moved like it was reading his thoughts, sharp turns and quick dives effortless under his control.
A grin spread across his face as he flew because, this was what he loved.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back in the store, more specifically at the beanbags, Ron was squirming uncontrollably realizing that he needed to say something now. He knew Charlie wasn’t physically in the store which is why he set down the magazine and hurried towards the check out counter.
“Weasley,” the woman at the counter said with a smile. She didn’t know the child, but his red hair gave away which family he came from.
“Yes ma’m, I’m Ron, can you get my brother?” He asked urgently, his hand coming to grab the front of his trousers a moment later.
“He’s flying at the moment,” she said, frowning as she looked over at the obviously desperate child in front of her. “Do you need to use the toilet?” She asked, already moving from behind the counter because she knew what his answer was.
“Yes please, I gotta to go really bad,” Ron said desperately.
“Come on then, we have toilets in the back,” She said, leading the way towards them.
Ron followed after her quickly, relieved when the toilets were literally right there in the back. “Thank you,” he said, pulling up his shirt as she opened the door.
“You don’t need help?” She asked just to make sure.
“No I got it, thank you,” Ron said before he ran into the bathroom.
The Assistant shook her head in amusement and headed back to her station.
Charlie swooped down towards the ground, slowing and landed lightly, handing the broom back with a satisfied nod. “That’s a good one,” he said turning to look back to where he had left his younger brother. He didn’t see him though.
“Top of the line,” the assistant said proudly , following his line of sight before gesturing towards the back of the store. “He’s in the toilet,”
Charlie glanced back to the woman in surprise. “My brother?” He asked just to make sure she was talking to him.
“Yes, the little Weasley, he said his name was Ron, he’s currently in the toilet,” she told him.
“Oh good, I was worried for a moment that I lost him,” Charlie said with a sigh of relief and a smile.
“I wouldn’t have let him leave without you,” She told him before she turned to assist another customer.
Charlie bemused at her words gave a nod of thanks. Sometimes he really did love their red hair because even without saying anything, Everyone always knew who they all belonged too. He started headed towards the back, stopping when a door opened and Ron appeared.
“You’re all done flying?” He asked with a pout, as he walked towards his older brother unaware that his trousers were crooked.
“I am,” Charlie said bending down so he could fix his brother’s clothes. “You ready to go?”
“Already?” Ron asked, but he wasn’t whining.
“Yeah. We’ve been here a while,” Charlie said glancing at his watch.
“Can we come back again?” Ron asked hopefully as he hurried back to the beanbag where he had left his bag that he had got from honeydukes.
Charlie smiled. “We will.”
Ron nodded, satisfied, and followed him out of the shop, clutching his bag of sweets like treasure.
As they stepped back into the golden afternoon light of Diagon Alley, Ron looked up at Charlie with a grin that could’ve powered a small city.
“Best day ever,” he said again.
Charlie laughed, slinging an arm around his shoulders as they headed down the bustling street to the Leaky Cauldron to head home.