Charlie hadn't been able to sleep or eat (though there wasn't much in the way of eating going on). Bill hadn't been in the rubble, but he hadn't been anywhere else either. His eldest and closest brother was gone.
He was roaming the alley to get his sombre moodiness away from Penny and Newt when he heard Ron screaming Bill's name. He took off instantly towards the sound and spotted the glow of rising fire. He looked wildly around for a way to get to them quicker, and the first thing he spotted that was even remotely useful was Quality Quidditch supplies. "Accio Firebolt!" Charlie called, and a moment later the shop had one less window, one less broomstick, and Charlie was in the air.
"BILL! RON!" He called as he swooped up towards the roof. The sight of the noose sent a cold spike of fear through his stomach and he quickly slashed his wand through the air, "diffindo!"