What Changed?
When everyone got back to the school for their seventh year, everyone was astounded. Not for any big reason, no, but because everyone’s favorite disastrous dating-not-dating pair were…different.
Senet eyeballs them as they meet up in the Gryffindor tower. “What’s all this about? All this actual sweetheart nonsense?”
Charlie noses Thandi, smiling wickedly. “I wonder,” he says. “I haven’t done anything differently.”
Thandi pinks and turns her face away. “Nothing’s different!”
Merre crosses their arms. “I know. They fuc–“
Charlie shoots Merre a look so cold that they pat themself down to see if he cast something. Senet points.
“That! There! What is goin on?”
Charlie rests his head on Thandi’s shoulder. “It’s the same. She’s mine, I’m hers, and if anyone else tries anything on her, I’ll put their head through a window.”
“You managed that one time!”
“Well, two and a half, actually,” Thandi chimes in, looking apologetic. Charlie hugs her closer.
“Two and a–what? Charlie? Our Charlie?” Senet shakes their head. “What spell?”
“Muggle dueling,” Thandi whispers. Charlie shakes her gently as she speaks.
“Come on, dearest. I haven’t been carrying you for three years for nothing.”
Thandi pinks and Senet jabs their finger. “That! What is that! Dearest? Am I hearin you right? Is that affection?“
“Is it?” Charlie squeezes Thandi, cheek pressed close to her. “I hadn’t noticed.”
“He! He doesn’t mean anything by it!”
Senet looks between the two of them and guffaws. “They switched!”
Merre cackles and points as well. “Shit! You’re right!!”
Thandi pinks further, covering her face. Charlie gives a small growl at Senet and Merre, and they throw their hands up. Making too much fun of Thandi was off the table, they knew, but an occasional prod was allowed. They hit their limit early this week, it seems.
Thandi peeks between her fingers and sighs with relief that they aren’t pressing for any more details. She clears her throat. “So, the NEWTs are going to be upon us…”
Thandi lays in bed that night. It’s familiar, but it still feels strange after the summer she spent sharing that little double bed with Charlie. And seeing him willing to let go and head back to the Slytherin dorms is…unsettling. Especially on the first day!! Fourth and fifth year was a whole slumber party of friends and partners, and after first year, she could count on Charlie to whine and beg until he got to sleep with her.
But…last time she doubted him, he turned out to be working to buy…rings…of all things! Her chest tightens as she goes over the past week. Charlie laying in bed beside her, spooning her, holding her. Sharing every meal. Ruth and Josiah’s enthusiasm. Charlie kissing her fingertips, her palm, all the way up her arm.
It’s not just for show, is it? He loves her? He’s not just teasing? Oh, but she isn’t sure. He hadn’t cried at their parting.
She half wonders if she could ask the headmaster for a little leeway to sleep back in his arms. But…they’re not really engaged. They’re not really dating. Are they? Oh, why did she leave this sort of thought for seventh year?!
Thandi hugs herself for a moment before wondering why it felt so…strange. Wait. She didn’t do it as much since…ah. Him. Always hugging her, squeezing her, keeping her from facing these fears alone.
So, what changed…?