Meant to Be

Chapter 4

Charlie

No matter how much I tried I wasn't even halfway when I heard mum calling us for dinner. I stood up and moaned from the pain. This chair was killing me but it was better that I just stay in my room than talk to Rhylee.

I made my way downstairs. I was surprised at how quiet the afternoon was. The twins came out of their room as I got to their floor, giggling. I was waiting for an explosion or a fire or something but nothing happened so I followed them down into the kitchen.

We all sat down and since my dad spent the entire morning working on something in the garage I decided to talk to him. I wasn't at all surprised that he was playing with the plugs he was collecting. I always found his obsession with Muggle artifacts rather amusing.

After dinner, I went back into my room and buried myself in my work. I wish the formal part of my job was as fun as the practical part. I loved working with dragons but writing reports on what I do every month was a pain in my arse.

I lifted my head when I heard a knock on the door.

"We're leaving now, Charlie." Mum poked her head through the door. "Are you sure you can't come with us?"

"I tried, mum, but I still have so much to do." I sighed.

It pained me how sad she sounded.

"Alright, dear. I understand." She smiled. "Rhylee's staying behind too. She's in Ginny's room, working on something." She added and gently closed the door behind her as she left.

Rhylee is in Ginny's room. That was great news! It means I can go work downstairs and make myself some coffee. I grabbed all my papers and rushed down the stairs the second I heard them leaving. The kitchen table was much bigger than the one in my room so I was excited I would be able to spread all my papers across it and make it easier for myself when I search for different pieces of parchment.

I made myself a big cup of coffee because since I have been working on this for 5 hours and felt as if I got barely anything done, I knew it was going to be a long night for me.

—

"Oh, dear Merlin, you scared me, Charlie!" I jumped up in my seat and turned around. I saw Rhylee standing in the living room, her hands on her chest. "I thought I was alone in the house." She continued, trying to calm herself down.

"I thought Bill told you I'll be here." I couldn't help but laugh – the look on her face was priceless.

"He forgot to mention it, I guess." She tried to laugh too but was still a bit shaken.

She slowly made her way to the kitchen.

"Can I just make myself some tea?" She stopped next to me.

"Why don't you sit down and I'll make it for you." I offered.

She smiled appreciatively and sat down. She couldn't help herself from peeking at my papers.

"How come you didn't go with your family?" She asked.

"Because I am an idiot that leaves his reports until the last minute before they have to be handed in," I replied, putting a kettle on and getting her a cup.

"Don't like to do paperwork, huh?" She chuckled.

"I dread it." I opened the cupboard where mum usually has tea leaves. "It's the only thing I don't like about my job."

"I feel you. It's a real party breaker." I turned to her.

She was leaning on the table, watching me.