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Charlie was playing with Bill outside when the familiar sound of his mother's scream reached his ears. He froze. "Oh no," he thought, "she's found them." He ran inside hoping to hide his ‘precious babies’ before it was too late.
"Charlie Weasley! Why are there snakes in my Christmas tree?!?!" Molly's exasperated voice echoed through the house.
Caught off guard, Charlie looked sheepish. "They looked cold."
Molly sighed, a mix of frustration and affection. "Love, you can't keep bringing animals into the house."
Charlie's lower lip quivered. "But they don't have anyone else."
Molly gently brushed her hand through his hair. "What if Ron and Ginny had gotten hold of them?"
Defensive, Charlie placed his hands on his hips. "Nyx and Fae are good! They wouldn't hurt anyone!"
"Oh, Merlin, you've named them," Molly, dropped her head, realizing she had lost this battle.
"Of course, they have names, Mum. They're my babies."
Molly couldn't help but smile. "Go tell your father to transfigure them a tank." She pointed a finger at him. "And keep them out of my tree."
"Yes, ma'am." Charlie hugged her quickly before running off to find Arthur.
Charlie eventually found his father in the tool shed messing about with a muggle blender.
"Dad! Mum found Nyx and Fae in the Christmas tree," Charlie burst out sounding worries
Arthur looked up, "Ah, the snakes? I told you to make sure she didn't find them. She’s not happy?"
Charlie nodded. "She wants you to transfigure them a tank."
Arthur chuckled, setting aside his tools. "Well, let's see what we can do about that, shall we?" Arthur grabbed an empty wooden crate and waved his wand turning it into a glass tank.
Charlie carried the tank back inside to show Molly
"Tank's ready, Mum," Charlie told her proudly.
Molly looked at it and sighed in relief. "Well, I suppose it's better than finding them nestled in the tinsel."
Charlie grinned. "So they can stay?."
Molly rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile playing on her lips. "Just keep them out of trouble, Charlie."