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A New Land, A New World	By : Madam_Weasley Category: HP Canon Characters paired with Original Characters > Het - Male/Female Views: 3271 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
A/N –   To Anon – Thank you so much for pointing that out. I tried to stay true to the canon by keeping all ages the same. However, when I did my math I greatly miscalculated and only caught the mistake after. I remembered to change the ages, but not the amount of time she had been working. I swear it worked with my original ages!   And thank you so much for the review.
                To Starr – Yep, for this one it’s just Charlie. I’m easing into this whole writing thing, but I’ve come up with an idea for another story that is a little more, adventurous? But I need to finish this first – at least for myself! Thanks for the review!
Day 2 - Tuesday, June 11, 2002
                I woke up around 10am. MUCH later than I had intended, I had even gone to bed by 9pm. Jet lag was kicking my butt. I stretched under the starched white sheet and rolled onto my back. It took me a minute to remember Charlie. Then I blushed and grinned. Good lord, he was beautiful. I thought about the fit of his shirt across his chest and arms. That made me think about the burns on his arm. They are pretty bad. I wondered again what could have caused them. Car accident? House fire? Accident as a child? I wasn’t going to ask him, but honestly his mother had to be a mess between his burns and his brother’s, what was his name again? So many kids, face.
                I got out of bed and headed to the shared bathroom that was in the hall. Luckily there was no one there and I could shower and get dressed. I grabbed my back pack and headed down stairs. I picked up another map and headed to a café to get breakfast and replot my day. I checked my camera and saw that I had plenty of battery life. On the slate for the day: The London Eye, changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, sitting by the Thames and watching it flow by, and the tour by double decker bus! Everything required a scheduled time and a ticket, except the river! I ate quickly and finished my tea. I put my map safely inside the backpack and zipped it up. I headed out to enjoy London. However when I was in transit or sitting by the river I found my mind wandering to warm brown eyes and shaggy red hair.
                I got back to my hotel room at 6 o’clock. I had stopped at a store to buy a sun dress and sandals. I could fit them in my bag to take home, but I seriously believed I may have been way over charged. I wasn’t the best with pounds. I had also picked up some blush, eye shadow and mascara. I don’t typically wear it, but I thought I should make an effort. I got upstairs and thankfully found the shower free again. I showered off the day’s sweat, river air, and exhaust. I got back to my room and put on my make-up. Just a touch, just to enhance. Enhance what? I dropped my hand from putting on mascara and looked at my reflection. Seriously, why did he ask me out? Someone that good looking doesn’t ask out someone as common as me. I’m not ugly. Small children don’t run screaming when I walk down the street. I’m just… plain. Guess there is no point in worrying about it. He’ll be here in 10 minutes! I lotioned my feet, legs, arms and hands, pulled the turquoise dress over my head and brushed my hair, pulling the sides back into barrettes. I slipped my feet into the strappy white sandals I had gotten and took a last look in the mirror. Not bad. But it may have had something to do with the ridiculous smile on my face. I took a deep breath and headed out the door. I was struck by a horrible feeling that he wouldn’t show up. My stomach knotted as I slowed my steps going down the stairs. As I turned onto the last flight of stairs and the lobby came into view I saw him. He was standing with his back toward me, looking out the window. My heart did a little flip, like a tiny caged bird. As if he sensed I was there he turned at looked up at me.
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Charlie’s POV
                I turned toward the stairs just as she came around the corner, the same place where I lost sight of her last night. I thought about her almost nonstop last night. Her laugh, the faces she made when she was frustrated or confused, the feel of her hand in mine as we said good night. I thought about her not showing up. Why would she? It’s just been about 24 hours since we first met, she doesn’t know me and I don’t know her. This is mental! But as she came down that last flight of stairs my breath caught. She wasn’t dressed in anything fancy, just a simple summer dress, that I felt she must of just purchased since she said she hadn’t had anything to have dinner in, that showed off her tanned arms. Her hair was down and came just below her shoulders in soft waves.
                I walked toward her as she walked toward me. She stopped in front of me and I noticed that the blue of her dress made her eyes even more stunning. I could tell that she had put on just a bit of makeup but it didn’t distract from her beauty. I also noticed that her eyes went from sparkling to confused as she looked at me with a slight tilt to her head. Oh Merlin, she had said something to me and I completely missed it.
                “I’m so sorry. What did you say?” I was so embarrassed.
                “I said hi and that you looked nice.” She repeated.
                “Thank you, I was thinking the same about you, except stunning would be more appropriate.” I watched as her neck, cheeks and ears turned pink. It was very endearing. She looked down and mumbled thank you.
                I was suddenly very nervous as I opened the door for her.
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                Charlie and I walked side by side down the road.   “Where are we going?” I asked.
                “Sartoir, it’s an Italian place. I hope that’s ok. I should have asked.”
                “No, it’s fine. I like Italian.” Last night we asked and answered questions easily, we walked in comfortable silence. Tonight I was so nervous. What was wrong with me?
                We got to the restaurant and were seated quickly. We were quiet as we looked over the menu. When our server came I ordered chicken parmesan and Charlie ordered the lasagna, he also ordered a bottle of wine. When we were alone again we were still quiet.
                “This was really unnecessary Charlie. It is very sweet of you, but you didn’t have to do this.”
                “I know I didn’t have to, I wanted to. “He looked me straight in the eye when he said all of that. I gave him a small smile and took a sip of water. “So tell me, did you get to see the fuzzy hats and such?”
                I rolled my eyes at him. “Yes, I did. It’s amazing how much self control the guards have. I saw so many people trying to get them to react. I found it very disrespectful. But it was incredible to watch them.” Charlie showed true interest in my sightseeing and my reactions. He was so very attentive and let me just gush about how much fun I had. However, after I had run out of things to say we stopped talking. We sat in silence for a while, sipping on our wine and looking around.
Charlie sighed and said “May I be completely honest with you?”
                I nodded but felt a little apprehensive. What was he going to say?
                “I told you last night I wanted to see you again, and that is completely true. However, I am feeling a little on the nervous side and I’m having trouble coming up with anything to say. I keep worrying about you having a nice time but realize at the same time that you can’t have a nice time because I’m acting mental.” He said all of this very quickly.
                I smiled at him. “I’m a little nervous too. Please don’t think I’m stupid, but is this a date or just dinner? I don’t want to be presumptuous. “
                “What would you like it to be?”
                I laughed. “Sorry, that isn’t how it works. You asked me to dinner, you had an idea. I swear I won’t be crushed or frightened by either answer. I just want to know what you were thinking.”
                He took a deep breath and looked at the table. “I was hoping that this could be a date.”
                Thank god the lights were dim, I could feel myself blushing again and butterflies in my chest and stomach.
                He looked up quickly, “I swear I don’t have ulterior motives. I just wanted to have dinner with you. God, I need to stop talking.” He put his face in his hands again.
                I tore 4 small pieces off of my napkin and rolled them into balls. I placed 2 in front of Charlie and two in front of myself. I looked at him and said “Four questions. I go first.” We spoke with such ease last night when we had been given a topic, it was worth a shot. He looked at the little paper balls and then up at me, a look of relief washing over his face.
                “Do you have any pet peeves?”
                “That is a very odd question.”
                I took another sip of wine. “I have serious pet peeves. Some are deal breakers, might as well throw it out there. I’ll go first. My biggest pet peeves are people who chew with their mouths open, hypocrisy, and people that are fake. The chewing thing, not even a joke. I can’t handle it. So if you chew like a farm animal, I’m out of here, just thought I’d warn you upfront.”
                “I don’t believe that I chew with my mouth open. I’ll be very aware of it now.”
                “I’ll let you know. It will come out rude, but I seriously can’t stand it!” He started to laugh.
                “Ok, my turn. Pet peeves. Arrogance and entitlement. My family has always been poor. We never wanted for the necessities, but we very rarely had anything more than that. Most of our things were second hand. Growing up that way was embarrassing. Other students would make fun of us and call us names. We had a good childhood and we have a great family. I know now that there was nothing wrong with how we grew up, but those with more money were so cruel and seemed to feel that they deserved something special because of how much their families had. Having more gold does not make you a better person.”
                I know I gave him a weird look when he said gold.
                “Money. Having more money doesn’t make you a better person.” he corrected with a blush.
                I looked at him a little longer. I guess I need to brush up on my British terms.
                Charlie picked up one of his napkin balls, “Describe yourself not physically, but you as a person.   I am incredible, obviously.” he said with the air of someone much more upper crust than either of us. I laughed and he gave me that crooked grin again. It was really quite cute. “Seriously, I’m very family oriented, I love being outdoors, I’m kind of a loaner though. What about you?”
                “What about me, you didn’t describe yourself. You told me things you like. But I will answer, but you have to go again. “He looked thoughtful for a moment and nodded. “You’re right. Fair enough.”
                I sat there for a moment and Charlie raised an eyebrow expectantly. “Well?”
                “How do you describe yourself without sounding arrogant or completely hard on yourself? “
                “I guess you’ll have to choose your words carefully.” There was that grin again.
                “Ok, well I am loyal. I will protect and stand up for my friends and my students. I’m a slob, but only at home. I have things very orderly at work. I can find anything you ask for. My home is a wreck. It’s cluttered and dusty. I have a lot of initiative in all areas of my life. I step up at work, I see people coming to a door and I’ll wait and hold it for them, I’ll watch older people at the store to see if they need help reaching something or getting to their car. Things like that. Ok, you’re turn, again.”
                Before he could answer the sever brought our food. Charlie looked over at my plate and smiled.”
                “What?” I demanded
                “It’s nothing really, but I’m not sure I’ve ever been out with a girl who actually ate real food. You aren’t picking over a plate of greens or complaining about yourself and all of the things you have to change. It’s a nice change, that.”
                “I don’t believe in false advertisement.” I told him as I started cutting my chicken.
                “What does that mean?”
                “I believe in being exactly who I am. I don’t wear make-up except for special occasions.” He looked down at his plate and grinned when I said that. “I don’t color my hair or style it, I don’t wear padded bras to make my boobs look bigger. It’s not me. I don’t want to present something that isn’t true or is not something I could keep up with. Same with food. If I like it, I’ll eat it. Needless to say I’m a bit of an odd duck compared to other women. But I have a hard enough time keeping up with my life as it is, to throw all of that stuff in there to worry about would probably drive me crazy.”
                “I can respect that. But you’re right, you are odd.” he said as he took a bite, grinning around his food.
                “Then I guess odd is my last answer to describing yourself.” I smiled back at him. “It’s still your turn.”
                “Ok. I’m typically very quiet and withdrawn around new people. Around my family I’m outgoing and playful. I am persistent when I want something, want to do something, or want something done. Especially at work. I’m a homebody even though I like to be outside. I’m actually quite sensitive to other’s emotions, but I don’t advertise that being a big strapping bloke and all.”
                We laughed and we talked while we ate, the other napkin balls forgotten and not needed.
After dinner Charlie asked if I’d like desert and I declined. I may eat in front of a guy, but I wasn’t going to stuff myself. Even I had limits. He paid the bill and we started walking me back to my hotel. I was wondering if there would be a good night kiss when we got back to my hotel and thanked the growing darkness for hiding my blush.
                “Gina…”
                He didn’t speak again as I looked over at him. “Yes?”
                “I’d like to see you again.” He mumbled this towards the ground. I stop walking and look at him. Why was this happening? I’ve not dated anyone in 3 years and I go to England for one stinking week and I find a guy that wants to see me. How is this fair? I’m incredibly confused. I am VERY attracted to him. He makes me laugh. He lives a gazillion miles away. I do tend to fall for the unavailable guy, just not typically like this. I just stand there and look at him. I can think of nothing to say. I’d love to see him again, but what is the point? Maybe he just wants to be friends? But this was a date. This was NOT on my itinerary!
                “Why? What’s the point?”
                Charlie pulled back like I had hit him. I realized that my words and tone were both a bit on the snotty side.
“What I mean is, what are your expectations? I leave the country in 5 days. I won’t be coming back, I could barely afford this trip. I’m not sure what the expectation is.” I’m frustrated and it’s coming out in my words.
                “Well we could still communicate after you leave. I can do muggle post.” His eyes went wide in shock and his mouth fell open a little.
                “What the hell is muggle post?” I’m really confused now.
                “Uh… muggle is British slang for American.” He sounds unsure and looks guilty as sin.
                “Why would you need to do American post? You’d be sending letters from England, not America.” I am so confused right now. I only had a glass and a half of wine so I know I’m not impaired.
                “Right, sorry. I mean we could write letters to stay in touch. What I’m trying to say is that if nothing else, I would like to become friends with you. We could be pen friends.”
                Pen friends. How depressing. As I stood there looking at him I wanted nothing more than to brush his hair from his forehead. Just moments ago I was wondering if there would be a kiss at the end of the date, because I was really hoping there would be. But a kiss would just complicate things. Wouldn’t it? But he did say ‘if nothing else’, doesn’t that imply that he would like more? Why would there be more. I’m leaving in 5 days! Who would have thought getting lost would result in this mess.
                “Being pen friends sounds nice.” I say, swallowing my confusion, disappointment and hope. I smile at him and try to bring this back from being weird. Just two new friends taking a walk. Nothing to see here.
                Charlie smiles a little uncertainly at me and we start walking again and he stuffs his hands deep into his pockets as we walk. We make it back to my hotel and he stops outside the front door.
                “Thank you for having dinner with me.”
                “Thank you for asking. If we are going to be pen friends I’d like to see you at least one more time if that’s ok with you. We can exchange information then. Addresses and things.”
                “Yes, I’d love to see you again. When? “
                “Thursday? I have plans to tour the country side tomorrow. I leave early Sunday morning so I need to be ready to go Saturday evening so that I can get to bed early and get up early. That leaves Thursday and Friday. I have things I want to do, but nothing scheduled. “
                “Tea on Thursday?” he asks.
                “What time is tea?”
                “ 5 o’clock.”
                “Perfect.” I smiled at him, nervous and hopeful.
                He smiled back and said, “Til then.” he gave a formal bow, turned and walked down the street.
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Charlie’s POV
                I’m mental! Why do I keep seeing her? What is it about her? My mind races with thoughts of doubt, confusion, and the one I’m trying not to pay attention to, desire. I wanted to hold her hand on the way back to her hotel. I wanted to give her a good night kiss at the door, or at least a hug.   I can’t bring myself to touch her. I know I’m confused about this, but she only looks confused when I fuck up and say things like flying, gold, and muggle. That was horrible. I’m not even sure she believed me when I said it was slang for an American. Maybe I should just leave a letter at the desk in her hotel and tell her I can’t make tea. Make a clean cut. She can go back to her friends and complain about the bastard Brit who stood her up. The thought of her saying those things is upsetting though.
                I made it to the ally and check to make sure I am alone. I need to be careful when I apparate. If I am thinking too much of Gina I’ll end up in her room and scare the hell out of her and then have to figure out what to tell her. I concentrate hard on the Burrow and turn.
                I end up in the garden of the Burrow, chickens softly cluck and gnomes scatter. I take a moment to look up at the sky, so clear here unlike the city. The stars are bright and I feel horrid. I hear the door open and light spills out across the yard. Bill is here, he leans against the door jam with his arms crossed over his chest.
                “I saw you through the window. You plan on coming in? Fleur and I are on our way home. “
                He walked toward me and stopped in front of me. I was still looking up at the starts. “Are you pissed? Where were you?”
                “I’ve not been drinking, well 2 glasses of wine. But I’m not pissed.”
                “So, what happened with that bird you chased down the other night? I haven’t seen you since.”
                “Gina. Her name’s Gina, and she’s incredible. I just saw her again. She’s here for a week from the U.S. and she bought me a drink Monday night to thank me for walking her back. We sat and talked for a while. Then tonight I took her to dinner. We have plans to see each other again for tea on Thursday.”
                “Tea? On Thursday? Isn’t that bit sudden? “ He asked with a raised eyebrow.
                “Why? We had dinner tonight. Why would tea be a problem?”
                Bill laughed and clapped me on the shoulder. “Because, it’s Thursday, family dinner night. You bringing her to meet everyone?”
                “Bloody hell!” I looked back at Bill but he was walking away chuckling at me.
                I spent a lot of time tossing and turning that night. I came up with an idea. It wasn’t smart, but I could fix things if I needed to. Was it worth it though? I needed to get in touch with Hermione first thing in the morning. I was planning on doing the scariest thing of my life.
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A New Land, A New World