Connections

Chapter 6: Connection

Mrs. Weasley looked at her son and daughter-in-law not quite able to believe everything they had been telling her. She and her husband had spent the past two hours learning about their new daughter-in-law and her early relationship with not one but both of their oldest sons.

"You are telling me that there is more?" she said, "you were both twelve how could there be more. Oh please don’t tell me, you, no you didn’t do that."

"No, mum, it wasn’t that. Our early relationship was somewhat intense for our age, but it was entirely innocent," Charlie explained.

He looked over at Bethany, "tell them about when we were called to the Headmasters office."

"It was shortly after Charlie and Bill had received your owl," she indicated Mr. Weasley, "telling them of Ron’s birth."

* * * * *

"You mean that you aren’t excited?" Bethany asked, "Your mother just had a baby." Bethany was an only child and thought she would be thrilled to learn about a new sibling. "You know James and Lily Potter are expecting, too. I hope to be there when their baby is born this summer. To help Lily and all," Bethany added.

The three friends had been sitting out by the lake watching the giant squid and enjoying the warm spring day. Charlie sat next to Bethany, closer to her than he would have ever considered before the night of the Winter Ball. As the air had warmed, so had his courage to show his new feelings for his friend. They still had not discussed what had happened between them, but they seemed to have an unspoken change in their relationship. They were not boyfriend/girlfriend, not yet, but they were more than friends.

"Well, Beth, it’s not like this hasn’t happened before. This is my fourth baby brother," Charlie explained.

"And it’s my fifth," Bill added, "It isn’t anything new. I’m glad they are both doing well but it’s just that it has happened."

They watched as the large form of Hagrid walked in their direction. "Hi there Bethany, Bill, Charlie. Nice day isn’t it? What have you lot been up to?" Hagrid asked.

"Bill and Charlie have just received an owl from their father. Their mother has given birth to another boy and they aren’t excited about it," Bethany explained.

"A new baby should be treasured at this time. You be sure to send my congratulations for your mum and baby brother when you write to her," Hagrid told them, "Just got an owl myself from Lily Potter; she’s doing well. Said James is beside himself and she still has several months before their baby is born."

The eight foot tall half giant started to walk away and stopped suddenly, "I almost forgot. Bethany, you and Charlie are to report to the Headmaster’s office right away."

"What’s up Hagrid?" Charlie asked nervously. He had never spoken alone with the Headmaster and had never been in his office before.

"I’m not really sure, but he said it was urgent, and, if you don’t mind get there fast like, I didn’t come and get you as quickly as I should have," Hagrid explained and hurried off himself toward his hut.

Bethany and Charlie shrugged their shoulders at Bill and headed inside the castle. Bethany led the way to the Headmaster’s office. She had been there many times, she had told Charlie. He thought it had to do with her tendency to miss class and her habit of collecting detentions. On Dumbledore’s orders, she had never revealed their relationship to either of the Weasley boys.

"Lemon Drops," Bethany said and a doorway opened to reveal a tall, slender, moving, spiral staircase. They rode the stairs and entered the Headmaster’s office. Professor Dumbledore was not immediately visible. Charlie was taken in by the room with the large mahogany desk, many ancient books, and the portraits of the past headmasters sleeping in their frames hung on all the walls of the room. He completely forgot himself and his location when he saw the bright bird the color of flames perched near a window.

"Is that- Is it really?" Charlie said slowly walking closer to the bird.

"Oh, this is Fawkes," Bethany said as she motioned in the bird’s direction. Upon hearing its name the bird flew to the shoulder of the young girl making the introductions, "he is the Headmaster’s phoenix."

Fawkes straitened up and posed in what Charlie could have sworn was a bow. Charlie smiled and said, "Hi there, Fawkes, I’m Charlie Weasley." After Charlie introduced himself, the bird nodded and returned to his perch and began picking through his dish of seeds.

"Wow! I’ve never seen a real live phoenix before," Charlie said excitedly to his friend.

He was startled when he heard, "And I do believe that you are the first Weasley he has met."

Albus Dumbledore was dressed in long flowing blue robes trimmed in silver. His blue eyes twinkling with his smile instantly calmed Charlie. Bethany was not nervous and Charlie noticed that she seemed to be at home in the Headmaster’s office.

"What did you need us for? We were out by the lake watching the giant squid," Bethany asked the old wizard, shocking Charlie with her audacity of speaking to their Headmaster in that manner.

"I needed to speak to the two of you. I have heard that you two have become quite good friends," they both nodded, "Hagrid has told me that you help him a great deal."

He motioned for them to sit on the sofa near the window and Fawkes. "Bethany, how much of your past have you shared with the Weasley boys?" he asked.

"They both know the general stuff. Charlie knows a little more than Bill," she began. Charlie had no idea why he was asking her this, but it made him feel good to know that he knew more about her than Bill did. Bethany continued choosing her words carefully, she wasn’t sure why the headmaster was asking this in front of Charlie either, "They both know my parents were killed. They know of the Donnalaiths, of course, and the Delachesays but they do not know of any other relations."

"I see that you are very confused, Mr. Weasley. Perhaps Bethany and I should let you in on a few of our secrets," he began. Charlie wondered what secrets his friend could possibly have with the Headmaster. Bethany was a more than a little concerned she was always told never to reveal so many things. The Headmaster continued, "I am more than just a headmaster to your friend here. Bethany is my granddaughter."

Charlie’s jaw dropped and Bethany’s eyes widened briefly but she was calmer when she turned to nod her validation to Charlie. Charlie looked at Bethany then at his Headmaster and he noticed for the first time that there was a resemblance.

Dumbledore smiled, "In my younger days my hair was the same shade of auburn as Bethany’s. And she tends to have my habit of speaking her mind as well, but she also has much of her mother’s family and her father’s too." Bethany smirked as the headmaster walked over and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Bethany’s mother was my daughter. Muriel was killed by Voldemort," Charlie flinched at the name but the Headmaster continued, "She was an auror, but he had not come for Muriel, he had wanted Bethany." Charlie’s heart was beating rapidly and he felt nauseated by the thought of the dark wizard coming after Bethany.

"I sent her with a trusted friend to the States to live with her father, Adam Delachesay. Five years after her arrival there, Death Eaters found them and killed her father," Fawkes flew to the young girl’s shoulder and sang softly to her as Dumbledore added, "they were after Bethany again but she escaped and returned here."

Charlie was now pale from hearing this news. He knew that her past held some dark secrets that she had not revealed but he had never dreamed of this. "Is Beth still in any danger?" he asked fearing the answer.

"That, Mr. Weasley, is why I have brought you two here," Dumbledore began explaining, "For the past eight years Professor McGonnagal and another friend of mine have served as Secret Keepers for my granddaughter. A spell known as the Fidelis Charm was performed to protect Bethany’s whereabouts. Have you heard of this spell?" They both nodded. Only five days before Bill had told them about the spell he had learned about in his Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

"Good. I was hoping Bill would share that particular Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson with you both. That is why it was taught to the fourth year Gryffindors this year," Dumbledore said with a smile.

 

"What is this all about, Grandfather? Why are you revealing everything?" Bethany asked concerned.

"I have received some intelligence. Voldemort is seeking a few young witches and wizards, those with more intense powers. Bethany, you are on his list," Dumbledore explained.

Charlie brow was furrowed with worry. He reached over and grasped Bethany’s hand and held it tightly. He didn’t even realize he had done so. He suddenly had an urge to be near her to protect her.

Dumbledore smiled as he looked at the young students with their hands laced together. They too looked down and were surprised to find their hands in that manner. When they looked back up smiling they made eye contact. As soon as their eyes met the electric connection was formed. They couldn’t look away as the headmaster’s office faded from view. Charlie could see and think only of Bethany and Bethany only of Charlie. They were not aware of the length of time that they remained locked together. When Dumbledore cleared his throat and called their names the connection was released, but its after effects remained. They both reached for their rapidly beating hearts but still held tight to each other with their other hands.

"This may be better than I thought," Dumbledore said, "Charlie, I want you to become another Secret Keeper for Bethany. You would be her third. The spell strengthens with numbers but is even more effective when there is a bond between the protector and the protected."

"Why is this better than you thought though?" Bethany asked.

"I don’t have to tell you that something just happened between you and Charlie. Bonds of friendship that strong are rare indeed. I take it that this was not the first time that you have experienced the bond’s effects?" he told them as they both thought of the other time they had experienced the connection.

"The Winter Ball," Charlie answered, "Just before you and Bill went inside. Bill told me he saw it, too. What is it? Why does it happen?"

"Why did this happen with Charlie and me? We are friends and all but…" Bethany paused as she thought, "Hagrid’s hut with the baby unicorn. When we first met. It wasn’t as strong but it was there. Do you remember Charlie?" Charlie nodded his reply remembering the event as well.

"You mean this connection between you occurred the very first time you met?" Dumbledore asked looking intrigued as he fingered the long hair on his chin.

"Yes," Bethany said, "What is it? Why are you looking this way?"

"I had not known this. I didn’t know the extent. What happened between you both is a magical bond. A force, greater than either of you separately, magically connects you both. This is your destiny. It was something that was done long before either of you were born, most likely even before I was born. Some bonds are never completed. The two never meet. You are fortunate to have found such a friend in one another. If you agree, Mr. Weasley, the Fidelis Charm will be very powerful indeed," Dumbledore said as he still looked over the young Hogwarts students with amazement.

"If it will help to keep Beth safe, I’ll do anything," Charlie said and smiled shyly at Bethany. Both of their cheeks reddened.

"Well then. Let us get on with the spell. Turn and face one another. Join hands and look into each others eyes." Dumbledore instructed, but as they made eye contact again his words drifted far away. Dumbledore smiled as he began reciting the charm.

"Charlie, Bethany," Dumbledore called to them. The Headmaster’s office returned to view. They were breathing heavily as if they had just been running.

"You may share what has happened with Bill. I doubt you would be able to come up with a plausible excuse, and he should know. Just take care that you are not overheard. Hagrid’s hut would be a safe location to discuss this," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling again as he smiled. Then he added, "Charlie, this is not something you should share with your parents, not yet. When the time comes to inform them, you will know."

Bethany and Charlie both stared unbelieving at the Headmaster as he told them, "I suggest that you run along if you would like something to eat. Dinner has been served already."

They walked down the stairs towards the Great Hall. The sky was dark outside.

"How long were we in there? It was just after lunch when…" Charlie said and stopped when he looked down to see that they were still holding hands.

Bethany saw where his attention was focused and smiled, "I am not sure. But let’s get to the Great Hall. I’m famished."

* * * * *

"He never said anything to us," Mrs. Weasley said looking to her husband for confirmation, "Why were we never told?"

"I guess now that we’ve told you, he’ll explain everything if you ask," Charlie answered.

"Mum, you know how Dumbledore is. He’ll tell you part of something then tell you ‘you’ll understand later’ but he usually has a good reason," Bill said.

"I have learned that questioning him usually leads to frustration," Bethany said then added, "Of course, it hasn’t ever stopped me from trying to get answers out of him."

"Yes, you do frustrate yourself with your grandfather. He rarely gives you a straight answer," Charlie said jokingly to his wife, "It’s like talking to one of your centaurs."

"He’s not that cryptic," Bethany said as she playfully slapped Charlie.

"So, Charlie, you have been Bethany’s Secret Keeper since you were thirteen?" Mr. Weasley asked his son who just nodded. "And, according to what you have said, Albus Dumbledore feels that you two are part of something older than he is. He really feels that you two were magically bonded the first time you met?" He shook his head but had an odd smile on his face.

"Mr. Weasley," Bethany started to explain but was interrupted by her father-in-law.

"Please call me Arthur," he told her.

"Arthur," she smiled and began again, "There is so much of this I wish I could explain better myself. No one seems to have all the information and all my life those that have known portions have revealed even less. Right before I returned to England, my Na’nan told me that I would meet my soul mate at Hogwarts and that when I did I shouldn’t be afraid of the emotion," she paused smiling at herself, "I was only eleven. I thought she was talking about my tendency to take everything so seriously and look at everything logically, my true Ravenclaw essence at its finest. It wasn’t until after that day in my grandfather’s office that I began to realize what she meant. The realization shocked me. To be honest when we were younger the connection, as we called it eventually, was very overwhelming. It terrified me. I felt I had no control of the situation, and I always tried to be in control at least of myself. The emotions and feelings just rushed through." She paused and looked over to her husband. They made eye contact and the living room briefly faded out of focus. Bill called their names.

"Sorry about that, B.," Charlie said blushing then added, "It was my fault."

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked warily at one another. They were not quite sure what to make of the magic they just witnessed.

Bethany smiled, "The connection is still powerful, but it is no longer without control which is why Charlie just apologized. We worked on controlling it at school. We couldn’t have the world fading away every time we looked at each other. It didn’t take long to learn and Bill was usually there helping. Over the years, with your son’s determination, we have even managed to trigger the connection without being in the same place. But, that first year or so it was very overwhelming. When my grandfather told us what he did, it made a connection, so to speak, with the words of my Na’nan and I began to understand."

She paused repositioning herself and explained, "My Na’nan was a healing witch, a ‘traitor’ as they are called in Louisiana, and a Seer. She was a lot like my grandfather in that she always seemed to know things before they happened and she seldomly intervened saying that for a rose to bloom, one must experience thorns."

Mrs. Weasley was crying as she stood and walked across the room and hugged the girl, "Somehow, Dear, I feel you have only just begun your story."

"Well, mum, you should hear the story of when Bill took Bethany to the Winter Ball in his fifth year," Charlie said grinning at Bill.

"ARRRGHHH, that story can wait for another time, Charlie," Bill said.

Bethany laughed, "Yes it can, but it is funny."

"I’m not laughing," Bill said.

Mr. Weasley interrupted, "So, Bethany, did you go to Romania with Charlie right after Hogwarts."

"No, the day after we got our N.E.W.T. results I was notified that my Na’nan was ill and not expected to live much longer. I returned to New Orleans to care for her as she once did for me. I stayed at the Delachesay home after her death and actually attended a muggle university there and became and exotic animal veterinarian," Bethany explained.

Bill added, "When she came to her senses that living as a muggle was a poor use of her skills, she came to Egypt and lived with me." Mrs. Weasley’s eyes widened and she looked over at Charlie who shrugged his shoulders and smirked.

"Yeah, well, Beth and I had gotten into a bit of a disagreement over her decision to stay in Louisiana after her Na’nan died and we were not talking for a while, at least not directly," Charlie explained.

"They used me horribly as a go between," Bill said, "both of them were so stubborn. It was obvious that they loved each other. Neither one of them would give in. I tried for three years to get them together."

"He succeeded when I was living with him in Egypt," Bethany added, "He told me that he was going home to the Burrow which he did."

"And," Charlie jumped in, "he told me that Bethany was going to Scotland to visit her grandfather and invited me to come stay with him."

"You see them now," Bill interrupted, "and they still tell this story like I did something horrible. I knew all they needed was to get together and the connection would take care of the rest. They wouldn’t agree to meet so I just arranged it for them."

"Yes, Brilliant Big Brother Bill did it again. I walked into his flat to find Beth curled up on the sofa. She had fallen asleep reading. I dropped my bags and it woke her up. She almost cursed me to an early grave. But we made eye contact and released the connection. We talked all night and she returned to Romania with me."

"I went on a conditional visit, but fell in love with the dragons and found out that three of my good friends from schools I had attended as an exchange student were working with Charlie. I decided to stay and bought the tent out back for the five of us to share," Bethany added.

"Things fell into a routine. We all became an official team and worked well together. About a year later I arranged for Carlo, Merrick and T.J. to take an unscheduled and unannounced vacation," Charlie said.

"I came home tired and dirty and headed straight up to my room to shower. Wishing unspeakable evil on my roomies for not completing their work or starting supper. I went downstairs after showering and changing ready to chew heads," Charlie was smiling broadly as he listened to his wife tell the story, "and was greeted by a room full of roses and candles that created a trail to the dining room. The table had been shrunk and a candlelit dinner was sitting there. Charlie came out in dress robes with the goofiest grin. He walked right up to me, purposefully avoiding eye contact, fell to one knee and proposed."

"She said yes," Charlie added, "We planned to announce our engagement that summer during the school break. But, a certain young wizard and his friends, my little brother included, were visited by a certain dark wizard. Bethany’s grandfather asked us to delay the announcement and our plans for the wedding. We hadn’t even told him yet. We didn’t mind the wait for the marriage ceremony, but we didn’t like having to keep everything secret. We had already considered ourselves joined for life, since our second year at Hogwarts but we would have liked to make it official."

"The night of the final Triwizard tournament task, we received an owl from my grandfather. He said that he would arrive in Romania the next day and remain only long enough to perform the marriage ceremony himself," Bethany paused momentarily looking at the faces around the room, "Included with his letter was one my Na’nan had written before her death. In it she had asked that we not marry until that night. She said that the night of our marriage had been destined long ago, before I had ever met Charlie. She said that on this night alone that our destinies would be combined forever."

"After the ceremony, Dumbledore was worried about the Death Eaters and Voldemort going after Harry. We all agreed that it be wisest that everyone focus their attention to his protection and the protection of his friends. So we decided to keep it a secret for the time being," Charlie said.

"Then why tell us now? Why not continue to keep it quiet?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"You’ve heard us mention our next job in Scotland," Bethany said, "Hogwarts is in Scotland. Hagrid will not be returning as a Care of Magical Creatures Instructor. I have agreed to take on that position. Charlie will be taking over Madam Hooch’s job as flying instructor and Quidditch coach."

The elder Weasleys were surprised.

"Madam Hooch is okay. She has just decided to retire. We will also be teaching a new course together, Advanced Care of Magical Creatures, where the students fourth year and above will get to try their hands at dragon handling among other things. Carlo, Merrick and T.J. will also be joining us," Bethany explained.

"We thought that it best that you find out now instead of by an owl following the opening feast when the Headmaster introduced us as a married couple," Charlie said.

"I would say that the only thing that would be more upsetting than this would be receiving an owl from one of your siblings telling me you had married and were now teaching at Hogwarts," Mrs. Weasley said.

"We also thought that it would be better for the kids not to look too surprised at the announcement of our marriage. It will be noticed far less if no one is reacting dramatically," Bethany added and yawned.

"I’m sorry," she said as she rested her head on Charlie’s shoulder, "We have done quite a bit today and got a very early start."

"It is late, Bill, why don’t you walk Beth over and chase the kids back to the Burrow so we can all get some rest." Charlie said to his brother. Then turning to his wife added, "I just want to have another word or two with mum and dad. I’ll be along soon."

Bethany nodded and got up and walked over to her brother-in-law who offered her his arm then turned back to his mother, "Mum, almost forgot to tell you. I’m going to stay in Charlie’s old room in the tent. That way we can rearrange our old room for Penelope when she comes and no one will be put out or anything." He was smiling hoping his mother wouldn’t object.

"That was very nice for you to think of her, Bill," she told him, "And I am sure it will be more pleasant for you to spend the time with Charlie and Bethany and their friends instead of sharing a room with Percy." Mrs. Weasley smiled knowingly at her oldest son.

She walked over to Bethany; "I’m glad that you will be staying here for a while so that we can get to know one another better." She hugged her in her usual style.

After Bill and Bethany left, Charlie turned to his parents, "I really love her. She is my best friend. I am sorry if the secrecy hurt you, but I have never been happier than on that day. The only thing that was missing was the family."

Mrs. Weasley hugged her son, "She seems like a very nice girl and I can tell that your feelings are mutual. I won’t lie and say it didn’t upset me not to be there but I am very happy for you, Charlie. Your happiness is what is important to me." She excused herself and went to her room.

After she left Mr. Weasley walked over to his son, "Charlie, I think I should tell you. I knew her mother well. We worked together. She and I were partners before her death. Muriel was a good friend and her death was a great loss to the wizarding world." Charlie looked surprised. He knew that his father had been more involved in the war against Voldemort but never realized that he had been an auror.

Arthur Weasley smiled, "Tonight was not the first time I have met your wife either." Charlie was visibly shocked by this admission, Bethany had never told him that she had met his father. He continued, "I was the one entrusted by Albus Dumbledore to take his granddaughter to her father. I am her second Secret Keeper." Charlie gasped.

"Your mother does not even know about that part. There are many things about my old job that I have not shared with her and never will. I had no idea of your or Bill’s, for that matter, relationship with Bethany. Albus told me that there was a third Secret Keeper but never did tell me that it was my own son." Arthur Weasley patted his son on the back, "I better go on up to bed or your mother will come back out again. You go to your wife, too, I think she needs you tonight."

Charlie stood for a while just looking around the room as he wondered why Dumbledore had never let his father know of their relationship. It had hurt Charlie greatly to keep all of this from his parents and he had only done so to protect Bethany.

He left the Burrow walking slowly back to the tent. He saw his brother holding his wife outside of the tent. Bethany was crying. He hastened his step. When he reached them, Bill kissed Bethany on the forehead and went inside leaving the two alone together.

Bethany and Charlie walked to the side of the tent furthest from the Burrow.

When they stopped, he wiped a tear from her face, "I love you. It feels like I have forever. I know now that it was love I felt the very first time I looked into your eyes. It’s a love that has only continued to grow deeper everyday that I have known you."

She took a deep breath, closed her eyes briefly and they kissed. It was a long passionate kiss. They both allowed the connection to take over as they stood outside together.

Bethany spoke first, "I love you too, Charlie Weasley. It has been so much all at once. I hate having to retell those stories about my family. It is very draining."

He answered with a kiss on the cheek, then the neck. She began to giggle as he knew she would when he kissed her neck.

"Hah, I knew I’d get you to laugh," he said smiling at her, "I just heard the others going into the Burrow. I say we go back inside and take this to our room."

"Why, Mr. Weasley, whatever are you suggesting? I’ll have you know I am a married woman," she teased.

"That’s okay, I talked with your husband he said he didn’t mind." He smiled, revealing his dimples as they ran inside to their room.