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wisteria-lodge · 9 months ago

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What do you think about Molly Weasley?

I have a lot of thoughts about Molly Weasley. I think she’s a fantastic character, just not in the way that JKR intended.

I think the intention was to make Molly kind of a mama bear. Fiercely loving, fiercely protective, hot tempered… but you know. In a cute way. In a warm way. I do think that Movie!Molly threads this needle. (I also think that her bear-ears hairstyle is perhaps intentional.)

Movie!Molly gets her big duel with Bellatrix, she gets (reasonably) annoyed at the boys for stealing the car. Her only spicy moment is the Howler… which is softened and made more comedic by 1) including a nice message for Ginny at the end 2) including a tongue-sticking-out moment, which turns the whole thing into more of a joke on Molly. Now it’s your mom being kind of weird and embarrassing… versus her public shaming you, toxic tik-tok mom style. The Howler is much worse in the book: “I THOUGHT YOUR FATHER WOULD DIE OF SHAME, WE DIDN’T BRING YOU UP TO BEHAVE LIKE THIS.”

So let’s talk Book!Molly, because there’s a lot there. She’s a Prewett, growing up in a more *typical* pure blood family as opposed to being a “blood traitor” Weasley. (Cedrella Black was disowned for marrying a Weasley, Lucretia Black married a Prewett no problem.) Molly also married Arthur really young, and really quickly. It’s even lightly implied they married too quickly -

“I just think [Bill and Fleur] have hurried into this engagement, that’s all!” “They’ve known each other a year,” said Ron (...) “Well, that’s not very long! I know why it’s happened, of course. It’s all this uncertainty with You-Know-Who coming back, people think they might be dead tomorrow, so they’re rushing all sorts of decisions they’d normally take time over. It was the same last time he was powerful, people eloping left, right, and center —” “Including you and Dad,” said Ginny slyly. “Yes, well, your father and I were made for each other, what was the point in waiting?” said Mrs. Weasley.

There’s some psychological truth to that. (Also, Molly and Arthur were 100% hooking up while at Hogwarts:)

“[The Fat Lady] was here in my time,” said Mrs. Weasley. “She gave me such a telling off one night when I got back to the dormitory at four in the morning —” “What were you doing out of your dormitory at four in the morning?” said Bill, surveying his mother with amazement. Mrs. Weasley grinned, her eyes twinkling. “Your father and I had been for a nighttime stroll,” she said.

And the timeline’s too fuzzy to know for sure… but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Molly getting pregnant with Bill was one of the reasons she and Arthur got married so fast.

It’s hard to say, because you never get a great sense of their relationship, but I’m actually not sure how compatible the two of them are, or if they would have gotten married at all if it hadn't been for the war and all these external factors. There is an ongoing conflict between them: Arthur is a political radical who seems to enjoy upsetting the Malfoys - he’s not playing nice, he doesn't have a prestigious job, he’s not getting a promotion anytime soon, and he’s fine with this. His interest in muggles is fringe counterculture stuff, and his hobby is illegal. And Molly… is pretty establishment. She wants her sons to be Head Boys and Prefects, and then she wants them to get jobs at the Ministry:

“Mum went mad at [Fred and George after finding their prank candy.] Told them they weren’t allowed to make any more of it, and burned all the order forms. . . . She’s furious at them anyway. They didn’t get as many O.W.L.s as she expected.” “And then there was this big row,” Ginny said, “because Mum wants them to go into the Ministry of Magic like Dad, and they told her all they want to do is open a joke shop.”

Like we hear about this interaction secondhand, which softens the emotion, but I’m sorry? Molly burned their order forms? She wants them to do jobs they very clearly have no aptitude for, instead of being entrepreneurs? Arthur sides with the twins, and of course he does. They’re anarchists just like he is. But it *really* bothers Molly, and this conflict just keeps coming up.

[sidenote. You cannot tell that Arthur Weasley, once he was in his late 20s/early 30s, once he had grown into himself a bit. Tell me that this man didn’t once think “you know, I really should have married a Muggle. That would’ve been perfect.”’]

But back to Molly Weasley, nee Prewett. She wants a big family, and there is no way this doesn't have something to do with the fact that both her brothers were just brutally killed. She’s trying to distract herself, fill some void, find some meaning. The fact that it doesn’t work (because how could it, she’s got just buckets of unprocessed trauma) is maybe why she is so set on having a girl. Maybe a little baby girl is what she needs.

In the main timeline of the book, Molly 100% needs enrichment. She needs to start breeding alpacas or join a book club or get a job. (Job could be cool, especially since she has no kids at home and money is an issue.) Like come on, Molly is intense, Type A, and powerful. Possibly one of the best duelists in the entire series. She takes out Voldemort’s number two, and Bellatrix has already defeated Sirius - incredibly talented and powerful in his own right. I do think that the reason JKR made this choice (instead of letting Neville have a confrontation with Bellatrix, which would have been more narratively straightforward) is because (whether consciously or unconsciously) she doesn’t like the idea of one of her good-guy GUY characters hurting a woman. So Molly defeats Bellatrix with magic mom powers, which is the same reason Narcissia can lie to Voldemort’s face I guess.

What Molly definitely does NOT need to be doing is obsessing about her kids' significant others. Like take Fleur. (Who I think we as readers were meant to dislike more than we actually did?) Fleur is great. So when Molly has a problem with her… then starts trying to matchmake Bill with Tonks… until Tonks (another fan favorite) also starts annoying her… it makes Molly looks really unreasonable. Also, let Bill have his long hair and earring.

She gets weird about Hermione in Book 4, after she believes Rita Skeeter’s write-up that she's some sort of temptress playing Harry and Krum off each other. Instead of, idk, asking Harry (who she thinks of as a surrogate son) she sends Hermione a passive-agressive comically undersized chocolate egg. Harry and Ron get huge ones. That’s not cute, or funny.

Also, Percy and Penelope Clearwater. I know the real-world reason Percy hides his relationship in Book 2 is so he can be a red herring acting all suspicious… but in universe, I guess Percy just wants to date someone without his mom being weird about it? Like Penelope Clearwater is nice and normal and fine. Why is he hiding this relationship?

Then there’s Molly the disciplinarian, which we mostly see in the context of Fred and George (although there is also Ron being public-shamed by the Howler.) She is constantly giving the twins a hard time about their life choices, their jokes. Ron says “I remember Mum walloping Fred with her broomstick." Then yeah, she burns their order forms. She does feel bad about this later, and after the whole thing at the Quidditch World Cup hugs them and says, “What if You-Know-Who had got you, and the last thing I ever said to you was that you didn’t get enough O.W.L.s?” It’s meant to be a sweet moment, but this would annoy me just a little. It’s a little like saying, “I’m glad I don’t have to think of myself as being a bad mother.”

I also want to point out Molly's pretty clear favoritism. Fred and George are the problem children, Ginny is the baby (although we almost never see her and her mother interact, so it’s actually very hard to say what their relationship is like), and Percy is the golden child. We see how this sort of sets him apart from all his siblings, how he's described as pompous and full of himself, but also how he’s secretive and hides things from his family. It’s kind of precarious being the golden child, and when he finally does stop pleasing his mother he falls hard. (Although I will always be a big believer in Daddy Issues!Percy. That has to be why he commits that hard to Barty Crouch Sr that fast, and then ignores that many red flags.)

And of course Ron is the invisible child. Almost the first thing we hear him say is, “She always forgets I don’t like corned beef.” That one can slide. Molly’s got five kids at home, she made corn beef sandwiches, not everyone is going to be equally happy. But Ron’s clothes. Molly makes her own clothes, she's defined by her facility with household magic. She knits Ron sweaters... but at least two of them are maroon despite the fact that Ron hates maroon. His room is plastered top to bottom in bright orange Chudley Cannons merch. She couldn’t make him an orange sweater? There’s also the issue with the dress robes. Ron clearly doesn’t like them (“Mum, you’ve given me Ginny’s new dress.”) But he is the one who cuts off the lace trim later, and he doesn’t do an amazing job. I know that it's a joke, but like. That sounds like a job for Molly.

We do get Horcrux!Hermione telling Ron that he is the “Least loved, always, by the mother who craved a daughter,” so this idea of Molly picking favorites is *kind of* in the text. But Horcrux!Hermione is wrong about Harry/Hermione being a thing, so maybe we’re meant to read this as Ron’s baseless anxiety? It doesn’t feel like that though. What it actually feels like is an unresolved plot thread.

So here’s my take on Molly Weasley. This is someone who is pretty high-powered, who suffered a period of emotional upheaval, then got married and started having kids because she kind of thought that was what you do - and it wasn’t as fulfilling as she thought it would be. I think a lot of her comments come off as *meaner* than JKR intended, because let’s face it - JKR has a kind of mean sense of humor. And if I want to speculate further… I think there are quite a few parallels between Molly Weasley and JKR. I don't think she put them there consciously.

#jkr critical #anti jkr #molly weasley #molly weasley meta #hp #literary analysis

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nidamae-approvedhpfanfics · 9 months ago

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What if Harry had reacted a little differently when he heard that Ron and the twins were being punished by de-gnoming in Chamber of Secrets? How would Mrs Weasley (and the rest of the Wizarding World) react when Harry's past starts to unravel? [COMPLETE]

Rated: K+, English, Family, Harry P., Ron W., Molly W., Amelia B., Words: 19k+, Favs: 1k+, Follows: 1k+, Published: Jul 8, 2016 Updated: Jul 22, 2018

A fast paced story starting off with Harry's surprise at the mildness of the punishment given to Ron, Fred and George for taking the flying car.

Harry's life quickly and dramatically improves.

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unabashednightmarepizza · 2 years ago

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𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝐷𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑆ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑠

A/N: I couldn't stop my simping ass from writing for him, sorry not sorry!

Warnings: Spoilers for the "First Date" quest, some unintentional drama(?)

Prompts used: lips barely touching, smiling while kissing, slow kisses, first kisses from this/ "Is it okay if I kiss you?" " I would like that very much." from this.

People are very noisy.

That's even more obvious to you after the accident with Snape. You didn't blame him for what happened, especially after he said "no notes" and you were caught writing something down. It was a misunderstanding, one that put you on a rough spot.

Because all your friends were trying to learn who your crush was, everything felt like you were drowning in them and you had no other way out.

Apart from your saviour in white shirt and Gryffindor tie, the only one person you could confide in, someone who wouldn't care about all the rumors.

"Hi, Bill..." you sat in front of him as the red-head lifted his head and smiled kindly to you just like always.

"Hey, Y/N. How are you holding up?"

"Good I guess." You shrugged your shoulders. "By the way, I am sure Charlie knows you were out in the Courtyard, checking up on him earlier. He was irritated I guess?"

" Good. I want him to know his big brother is watching. Truth is, my mum likes me to keep an eye out for him. She is worried about him almost all the time."

You smiled at the woman's worry, though you knew better than to be fooled by her sweet nature, especially after that one Howler she sent to Charlie.

"His hobby is monstrous, fire-breathing creatures. I think any mum would be worried. How is she doing by the way?"

Bill smiled at your question, answering with a happy she is fine, she wants you to come to the Burrow this summer actually, as you and him ate your meal in silence.

You were gratefull for the Weasleys and how welcoming they had been to you, ever since the start of the second year. Spending time with them for the last 3 summers felt like a paradise to you, even if it was mostly chaos with their younger siblings. But they were a bunch of cute and good-natured kids, didn't mean extreme harm to anyone as long as they didn't annoy them and they adored listening to your rants about your adventures with their two eldest brother.

All the while trying to surpass their smirk at their second older brother having heart eyes as you talked to them, blushing behind you with a dazed look.

Apart from you, Charlie's raging crush on you was pretty obvious to everyone. Both in school and to his family. Never, even for once, did he shut up about you at home. Always talking, always telling how amazing and badass you were, how caring you were with the magical creatures as Hagrid watched you, how you always spent time with him and was comsiderate of your friends, how cute you looked while sleeping...

"Okay, okay, we get it. Your curse-breaking girlfriend is pretty awesome." Percy would often roll his eyes at his brother, already sick of the amount of talk about you even if he... tolerated you?

Molly and Arthur would also chime in from time to time, just to push Charlie a bit to know more about his dating life. It was from her good heart of course, Molly just wanted all of her children to be happy... Possibly with a lover that would hopefully turn into their spouse.

And besides, seeing his usually dragon-maniac son who wasn't interested in dating suddenly blushing at the mention of this girl made her curious.

Who were you and how did you manage to make her smitten ike that?

So, as the sweet yet slightly controlling mother she was, she convinced Bill to take you here with himself for one summer, to see and get to know you. Bill was happy to oblige, besides he knew his mother already knew a lot about you by the endless talk both him and Charlie did, the last thing left for her was to see you.

And when she did, she decided: You were now a part of the family.

Because one, you looked like such a cute and generous girl with a golden heart and two, her son was really, trully happy whenever he was with you.

But, as much as she witnessed the obvious love her boy had for you, she was left shocked, one would say even pitying her own son for his denseness, when she talked to him and Bill... and learnt that you two weren't dating as the boys looked at her sheepishly.

"Charles Septimus Weasley! What's this supposed to mean?! What do you mean by you aren't dating her?! Are you so dense to let a girl like her go?!"

But here was the part, which was the reason why he still didn't make any moves on you: Charlie sucked at romance.

Dragons? Show him one scale and he could tell what they eat. Lessons? Pfft, pretty easy, he aced them all! Quidditch? He was the best at new strategies! But romance?

With you?

That was straight out of his nightmares. Because what if you didn't feel the same? What if he lost you for good because of some silly, yet very warm, feelings? Was it worth taking the risk? He didn't know any pick-up lines, and didn't intend to ask his friends...

So, just like that, he refused to do anything and instead savoured the time he had with you even if his heart made backflips whenever you smiled at him.

And Bill was left to deal with his dumb brother and oblivious friend as they both had feelings for each other, unknown to both sides.

" At this point, everyone knows I have crush and suddenly... they are all so interested in who he is!" He was shaken from his thoughts as you exclaimed angrily, munching on your lunch like an angry rabbit, remembering the pleading looks your friends gave to you.

"Well, you have all the reason to keep it to yourself." He said pointedly. Just the same logical boy he always was...

"Well... Except, I'm thinking of not keeping it to myself." You shyly told him as he raised a brow at you, shocked and also sad for his brother and how heartbroken he would be. It was inevitable though, as he and their mother often told him.

"Oh really? Well, good for you. Good luck with getting a decent enough person to give you advices!" You looked at him curiously as he almost seemed... nervous to continue this talk.

Is he... pretending to not understand me? Or mocking me?

You stared at Bill who was eating his sandwiches with a happy grin, trying hard to not look at you and confront you to save himself from the stress, sternly until he lifted his eyes to look at you and his mouth fell open in shock.

"Wait... You want my advice?!"

"Yeah, who else's?" You sarcastically said, pointing between you and him and showing the other empty seats. But Bill's attention wasn't on any of them, since y'know, he was freaking out, choking on his food.

Nope... Nope, nope, that was bad! He couldn't betray his little brother like that!

"Don't you remember the Emily Tyler thing? Trust me, Y/N... I'm the worst person you could have come to!"

"Bill."

"Oh... Oh, you are very serious, and you aren't going to give up, are you?"

The only answer he got was a playful rise of your brow and a smirk.

After a very long lunch with Bill, and trying to convince him that it was a good idea to ask his opinion, you felt tired.

Why would you trust my advice?

You've never led me wrong, Bill.

Do you ask because I'm older?

Trick question. You are older... and wiser!

The list of questions continued. You couldn't help but get suspicious of him and his strange behaviour. Now, it was official that Bill was the mother hen of your large friend group, being the only one who had 2 brain cells, and he tended to get worried about almost everything... Possibly a treat of having 6 younger siblings.

But he, never even for once, hesitated to help you with something. It was almost like he was looking for an opportunity to run away from this conversation, or you in general whenever he saw you out with your friends.

You were starting to get worried you were being a nuisance to him.

But... who else were you supposed to go, when your crush was the little brother he was always looking out for? None other than, Charlie Weasley himself.

It was patheatic really, how you silently suffered because of this crush. It didn't help that he always hung out with you, or that you got to spend the summer with him and his family.

You saw him, the true him every day even more and this crush was getting our of control.

Now, you knew he was an outdoor-loving, adventurous spirit and probably, the best way to ask him... out, was in the forest. A picnic date? Maybe?

Oh Merlin, I can't believe I'm about to do this... Rejection is at the horizon, and I can always write to mum and ask her to transfer me to Beauxbatons.

Besides, Aurélie likes me. I'm sure she could-

Your train of thought were cut when Bill suddenly laughed awkwardly, looking at once again, anywhere but you..."I can't believe we are about to have this conversation... It's been a while since I gave any advices."

But ultimately failed at seeing your... saddened face.

Which made the mother alarms in his mind go off.

"Hey, hey, what's wrong? Did I do something? Did someone do something? They better pray for a higher power, because I will-" he stumbled over his words as he took a hold of your hand to comfort you, but frowned when you took it away from him.

"It's not that... Bill, you would be honest with me, right?"

"Of course, what kind of a question is that?" He frowned at you as he sat down on the bench outside Hogsmeade, a hand on your knee as he rubbed it comfortingly.

"Because... I'm starting to think that I am being a nuisance to you, by how you always try to run away from me."

Oh Merlin, this isn't going to places good...

Panic suddenly rose in Bill's chest, seeing how you trully believed in that by his actions. He failed to realize how his actions affected you, when he tried hard to not betray his brother like that.

But you didn't do anything to deserve this, and he was instead betraying you.

"Well... I'm sorry if I gave that idea but, it's not that. It's just... Everyone looks at me as if I know something they don't. I mean, I don't even have experience in that part! And now, my best friend is asking me for help, and I don't know what to do."

You looked at him softly, suddenly realizing that this was also hard for him and you were just making things up. "Bill, I really appreciate your concerns but I came to you for a reason: I trust you. I talked with Penny, Tulip, Barnaby, even Talbott! But in the end, you were the one who always helped me first..."

A cheeky grin took over your face soon, which already told enough to Bill that you were planning to tease him after a heartfelt conversation.

"Besides two years more experience is a lot when it comes to dating, isn't it old hag?" You elbowed his side and ruffled his hair playfully, which he secretly took great care of, and took of for a running while Bill scoffed at you and prepared to run after you.

"Oh, you little rascal... Come here!"

After letting out a squeal and running away from Bill while laughing freely, he finally caught up to you and offered to drink Butterbeer to cool down and finally help ypu put with your problem, your head between his arms in a headlock as you struggled to get away from him.

Even if he would be betraying his brother, he couldn't let you all alone by yourself.

"So... What's the best way of asking out my crush?" You asked to him, eyes hopefull, as Bill looked at you through the glass he was drinking and smirked at you teasingly.

"Well... Definetly, I wouldn't recommend a note. It could easily fall into wrong hands."

"Haha, Bill. So funny, I'm glad my misery is so funny to you." You giggled embrassed as he shook with laughter, his long hair falling onto his face.

"Well, all jokes aside, face to face would be the best think to do. It may be the most nerve-wracking but involving anyone or anything else complicate things."

You nodded thoughtfully as you drank your butterbeer, weighing your options and which place would be the best thing to do such thing... When Bill's silence made you look at him confused.

"Is that all? Surely the Bill Weasley has other advices to give to his cute and in dire-need-of-help underclassman who is also his best friend, right?" You cheekily exclaimed, batting your lashes at him while hoping that it would help, making him shook his head in disbelief at you.

" Yeah, my cute underclassman, I told you I'd come prepared. I promised I would help, remember? Even if I may feel silly giving them..." he cracked his back as he took his notebook and pencil out, writing his list down under your watching and curious eyes.

Sorry, Charlie... Forgive me.

"First, compliment them. Everyone likes compliments, and don't dive directly to the topic. That would scare them. Also, don't overthink, something hard in your condition." He pointedly said as you rolled your eyes at him, elbowing him to continue.

"Spending time with someone you like should be fun and relaxing. And remember: Your date might be just as nervous as you are. There is a high chance that it is both your first times dating, so relax knowing that it's also a first for him."

After minutes of talking and him advising you, you were feeling... enlightened? Your plans of taking Charlie to the forest would work, it seemed!

And he called himself bad at giving advices, what the hell? He had been even more useful than the others!

"So, any questions?" Bill clapped his hands expectingly as he stared at you, waiting for an answer. But the answer he got was one that made him blush.

Almost. You were still the girl his brother, who had been obsessed with dragons as long as he can remember, liked. He wasn't going to act like a schoolboy talking to a girl for the first time.

"And you call yourself bad at giving advices! Bill, you just saved my life and my potential date!"

"Now, I wouldn't get too excited. I didn't save anything, yet." He said, suddenly turning serious as he looked at you. "Until you ask your crush out, your date goes amazing and you leave as a girl who has a boyfriend, I don't consider anything over."

"There is... a high chance that he could reject me, you know that right?" You meekly said, your fingers clutching your clothes thightly. His confidence for your ability, or lack of, to ask someone out surprised you. Actually, everyone thought you to be very confident for some reasons.

Was it because you were dealing with the Vaults? Or Merula? Or maybe you just gave off that vibe even if you were an anxious ball of stress almost half of the time?

"And if that happens... Just think of it as an adventure. You've been on many of them."

"It's something I know of, dating though? I don't have any experience."

That girl and her pessimistic brain...

Bill sighed out irritated at your sudden lack of confidence and got a hold of your cheeks to make you look straight into his eyes as he used the ultimate weapon: The Mum Voice.

" Y/N Y/L/N, everything will be fine! I'm trying to lighten the mood here... Just because this is something new for you, something you have never done before and don't have control over, it doesn't mean it will end bad. To me, everything will turn out fine for you."

"I really hope so... This means a lot to me, y'know?" you blushed softly and Bill was stricken with a realization: You grew up from the little first year you were to a fine young woman, with steady steps.

"If you aren't gonna tell me who he is... At least tell me what he likes, maybe that could help finding a good spot for your first date?"

And also save me from finding that guy and breaking the news to Charlie?

"Hmm... That's an interesting idea, actually...." you hummed thoughtfully to yourself, confirmation from Charlie's own brother would be almost the same as his. But you were not aware of the wide eyes Bill was giving to someone behind you as you dived into your fantasies. "Uh huh, shit..."

"Hmm? What is it, who are you talking- C-Charlie? Tonks?"

There stood Charlie, shook to his core as he clutched his bag thightly in his arms, heart beating loudly at the sight before his eyes. Out of anything he expected to happen, seeing his brother with his crush wasn't on the list when he merrily woke up today with the greatest stretch of his life in the morning.

What were you two doing? Why were you alone? And what was that interesting idea anyways? Not that he was jealous, no no not at all...

Meanwhile Tonks looked between you and Charlie awkwardly as Bill signed her to help him out, to which she awkwardly cleaned her throat.

"Wotcher, Y/N! We weren't expecting to see you here, right mate?" She emphasised pointedly, elbowing Charlie so that he could stop sending daggers to his own brother before he knew what was going on.

"Yes, of course." He replied with icy cold voice, though it wasn't directed at you and he was looking rather softly and sadly at you, you wondered if something happened between the two.

Something Bill didn't mention, because they were both fine this morning, and he had been with you ever since the lunch time so he didn't spend any time with Charlie enought to set him off.

Before you could ask, he walked up to your table and stood between you and him, with a pointed look to his brother.

"I heard that my brother has an interesting idea. Please, do tell. It's very rare, after all..."

Ufff, something definetly happened. Because the Charlie Weasley you knew wasn't like that.

With a frown, you answered him, not knowing that you kind of made everything even worse. " He was helping me ask my crush out, and asked what he liked doing... But what's wrong with you? You are never... this sarcastic?"

Well, it was definetly a way to put it in Charlie's eyes. He knew he was being irrational, after all, you and him weren't a thing. You weren't dating or anything, so he didn't have a reason to stand against you hanging out with his brother.

Besides, he had been your friend almost since first year started, and maybe... If he had just gotten over his anxiety back then and talked to you, he would be the one standing next to you, supporting you through everything you went through, protecting you.

Which he was already doing, just... a little bit later than he wanted.

With a broken heart, he looked at you and sighed sadly, not saying anything as Bill landed a reassuring hand on your arm. "Don't worry, Y/N... I think my brother just picked today to show his development in humour. What luck, trully..."

Witnessing the silent battle the two brothers were having, Tonks tried to think of a way to stop this. But just as everyone here knew, she was bad at this.

"I heard uh, the accident with note, Y/N... I hope you are feeling better now."

"Note? What note?" asked Charlie curiously as he watched your expression change and you blushed.

If his heart wasn't squeezing painfully in his chest at knowing that you had a crush, he could awe at you and memorize this momet to think about it later before he slept.

"You don't know? I'm surprised actually, everyone seems to be very into knowing who I like... Thanks for your worry though, Tonks. I feel better."

"Yeah, I mean... Snape already scares people enough. Adding the fact that he, accidently or not, stumbled upon a personal thing..."

"Oh... So, that note never reached to your crush?" Charlie hoped that his hopeful voice wasn't also carried by his question, trying to seem cool to you as if your heart didn't already belong to someone else.

You, meanwhile, gulped down hard at seeing him very... interested in it. But it wasn't like your other friends', they wanted to know purely out of curiosity and wished you to be happy...

When Charlie wanted to know everything because... He was jealous? No way, your crush liking you back wasn't an option, right? Besides, why would he feel jealous? He wasn't interested in dating and you were already walking on eggshells.

But this exchange... And the talk she had with Charlie a few hours ago how he wished it was him you were into, that it was him who would take you to a date...

Tonks had a plan.

"No, not really... Why did you want to kno-"

"You know what, Y/N? We will help you plan your date!"

"What?!" You and Charlie both yelled at the same time, eyes wide in shock at what she said from two different reasons.

Charlie couldn't believe his own ears at what his best friend was telling. Helping you with your date? Was she out of her mind? Did she and him not talk about his feelings for you?

"What? I'm not into dating anyone and Charlie... well, he is your best friend! He would like to help, right?" Charlie agreed with what seemed to be sarcastic nod of his head as he started to pick at the skin near his finger out of anger, looking between his friend and brother as you laughed awkwardly and pulled Tonks to yourself.

"Tonks..." you whispered down to her silently with thight lips, looking up at her. "Why the hell are you so invested in planning my date so suddenly anyways?"

"I told you, it's because-"

"I heard it clearly but... Are you sure it's not to learn who my crush is-"

"We don't care about your crush, Y/N."

You looked at Charlie with shocked eyes as they were filled with tears slightly at the sharp tone he used and how... cold he sounded. At that moment, he wasn't the same warm-hearted boy you met, he wasn't the friendly boy who you talked about dragons all the time even though you didn't understand everything about them but did it anyways just to make him happy, and he definetly wasn't the same boy you fell asleep on as you basked in his soft touches...

But you wondered... what it was you did that made him so angry.

"Charlie, what the hell?!" Bill angrily let out as he got up to confront his brother who was also shocked and shaking at what left his mouth. That definetly wasn't the way he was raised, definetly not him at all.

I didn't mean it like that... Even if it was "I" instead of "we".

"No... Wait, Y/N! I didn't mean it like that! We care about you. Please, let me just-"

But he was already late as he watched you got out of the Three Broomstick hurriedly, Tonks following you right after as he was left with a fuming Bill.

"What the hell, Charles?! Don't you know the school talking about her and her brother, also adding the fact that her crush was revealed, that she had been stressfull? Why were you even acting like that?!" He dragged him outside to scold him, pushing him by his shoulders. His shoulders sag in sadness as he let his brother push him lightly, knowing that he deserved it after his unreasonable outburst at you.

"I... I know it's no excuse but I... I was jealous and couldn't bare it anymore. It hurts, Bill."

Bill looked at his brother's teary eyes and guilty face with a soft look, his anger having long been gone at the pitiful sight of him. He understood why he felt like that, having to hear the girl you like liking someone else and all, but still...

It wasn't enough of a reason to treat tou like this.

"I understand why, little brother but it was too much... You will go to her now and be completely honest to her, Charlie. You know she deserves it."

"I know..." he mumbled silently, his chest constracting painfully in his ribcage as his stomach was knitting itself anxiously.

"And she would never ditch you out for having feelings for her either. She didn't do it with anyone, and she will not do it with you. Now go!" He pushed Charlie towards the open area to where you ran, hoping that everything would turn out fine for both of you...

And that what Tonks said was true.

"She likes Charlie, had been for a year or so. But she is shit at showing it. All they need is a little push."

"But... I don't know where she is!" Charlie hastily yelled out as he looked at Bill over his shoulder to see him sighing irritatedly. Stupid teenagers...

"She is your bestfriend, you crush! You know her better than anyone!"

And yes, he did know where you were thanks to what Bill said, and ran to where he thought you were.

An apology and explaination already ready in his mind as he begged to Merlin that he wasn't too late to fix his mess.

If you were to ask Charlie when he started falling for you, he wouldn't be able to give you an exact time. For the most part of his friendship with you, he didn't even realize that his feelings went beyond admiration. His friends and brothers always teased him for it whenever he called you "his bestfriend that he never imagined to have", and as a result, would get a snarky comment from Bill like "What a good way to add in your confession, brother! So romantic~"

But perhaps what sealed the deal for him and opened his eyes was that one time when you were cold in the common room, reading together and he gave you his sweater with his initial on it. (He pretended not to realize how cute you looked in it and how his heart beated faster at the sight of you, suddenly feeling possessive because damn it, you were so cute and beautiful as you read your book.)

And then, as if the sight didn't already turn him into a puddle, you mumbled a sweet it smells like you and buried yourself deeper in the sweater whilst continuing to read your book, completely unaware to how red he was because woah, seeing you so cozy in his clothes and as a big part of his life really opened a new window!

In your defence, you thought it was because he was hot from sitting in front of the fireplace witg that sweater on. And besides, he always ran warm for some reasons.

And then, just like that, his "bestie" attitude would turn into hearts and stars, accompanied by the "love of my life, my shining star and the meaning of my life" type of attitude. He had started to see all the outings you two did together, or all the times you went to the Three Broomsticks together, as dates and imagined himself just sitting next to you, an arm around your shoulders as he looked at you with loving eyes.

Apart from the fact that he absolutely sucked when it came to romance and being flirty, rather loosing track of his thoughts and stutter in your presence( which made you often giggle and call him adorable before pecking his cheek and setting them aflame) even though Andre often called him "an utter catch" while listing all the reasons why.

You are friendly, quick-witted, hard working, kind, play Quidditch and "annoyingly handsome" as a good friend of him-you- said.

So, he said nothing about his new-found feelings in fear that his friends and brother would make it worse by teasing him, he didn't have to know the miserable heart eyes he was giving you whenever you were close already gave it away, and try to desperately just be your friend. He couldn't risk ruining the best thing happened to him with his feelings, so he tried to avoid you in hopes that his feelings could disappear.

Spoiler alert, it didn't...

But his behaviour only ended up with you liking someone else and then him feeling stupid because he didn't act on his feelings before and get angry at himself and everything.

Human nature, after all, tended to blame orher things rather than themselves.

But now, he had to suck it up and go up to you, possibly explain everything and even comfess so that he would be free of the restrictions they brought to him and maybe, by a tiny chance, you would return his feelings back.

"Hey..."

Hearing his timid voice behind you, you wiped your cheeks hastily and turned to him. You knew your eyes gave you away, with its redness and all, and you saw how Charlie winced at the sight, almost seeming like he was just as in pain as you were.

But why would he, you thought. He was the one who made me feel like shit, why would feel bad?

"I've come to... apologize, for my behaviour. I didn't mean to be such a prick. I'm sorry for shouting and hurting you... and made you cry." He mumbled in a sorry manner, playing with his fingers anxiously as he waited behind you to say something. Every second you were just sitting there silently, your back to him as the wind brushed through your hair and clothes, he got even more anxious.

Maybe he lost his chance? Did you really get hurt by his words that much? Of course, you did, you didn't deserve to hear any of them and-

"It's okay, I forgive you... Even though you were total jackass." He chuckled and nodded at you, not that you saw it as you pat the spot next to you and waited until he was fully seated next to you. The calm and silence was a good one, after all the hectic week you had, but even then...

You were restless, as your crush who just made you cry was sitting next to you.

And you wanted to know why he did what he did.

"Why did you say that? Back at the Three Broomsticks? Why did you act like that?" You asked softly, no hint of judgement in your voice, only confusion as you looked at Charlie with knitted brows, frowning when he stiffened at your question.

"You wouldn't understand..." he mumbled, shaking his head as if he was you and actually knew how you would react. That was one of the things that could anger you, just like it did in that moment, as your irritated eyes found his soft and pained ones, watching you with a thundering heart as his breath got faster at your angry shout.

"Then make me, Charlie! I'm your best friend! What did I do to deserve-"

It was your right to know it, you definetly didn't deserve to be left in the shadows but he was... scared. Scared of loosing you, scared of ruining everything. Scared of you hating him...

But he had to be brave, and accept whatever happens after what he was about to say.

"You made me fall for you, that's what you did!"

Out of all the answers you expected from the redhead, this definetly wasn't on the list.

Charlie? Weasley? The one who loves only dragons? He loved you?

You could actually dance around and scream in delight from how happy you were as a wide smile took over your face completely. You wanted to shout, jump on Charlie and kiss him breathless, later peppering his whole face on them as you stared at his freckles, then go and gush to Rowan, or Penny, scream in happiness with them too!

But before you could open your mouth after the shock of hearing your crush liking you back, Charlie continued to talk. He thought if he just kept talking and poured his heart out, you wouldn't slap him across the face and leave him there, heartbroken.

Maybe he could postpone the inevitable just a bit.

The inevitable in his eyes.

"What he have... our friendship is so perfect, I have everything I want in my life. My family, friends, you," his voice shook as he shuffled closer to you, and you wondered if your heart was loud enough for him to hear.

You looked at him sweetly, his worry of loosing you, how much he cared-no, loved- you made you melt at him. Tears of happiness strung up your eyes as you gingerly took his calloused hand and squeezed it.

"And how do you think I feel?" You whispered, making Charlie look at you confused and tilt his head.

"What do you mean by that?"

Welp, here goes nothing...

You sighed deeply, turning your whole body towards him and took both of his hands in yours. He looked at you shocked for a second, heart jumping up to his throat as his eyes first landed down on your hands holding his and then back to your own eyes.

"Charlie, the reason I was so secretive about my crush was because... Because it was you."

Now, it was Charlie's turn to be shocked. Because out of every kind of angry ways he expected this talk to go, you confessing to him wasn't one of them.

That crush being him, wasn't even close!

Taking his silence as a sign to continue, you sucked in a breath.

The word was already out anyways.

"I only tried to get more hints on what you like and dislike, so that I could ask you out properly. I mean, I know I'm your bestfriend but... I also know that you aren't into dating and have your focus on dragons-"

"I love you more than dragons." You smiled at how fast and eagerly he said that, clear genuine love pouring out of him, and nodded your head.

"I know that now..."

"I thought... You know, Barnaby was your crush and I felt so jealous. He had liked you for almost as long as I did and... I thought tou would see him more of a better match for you."

"But why would you think that?"

"I know you are kind of scared of dragons, and can't keep every information about them in your mind." You blushed at being caught. You thought tou made sure you didn't give away!

Charlie smiled at your blushing face and chuckled, raising his hand to touch your cheek but hesitating. You felt his hand get close to your face, shaking slightly. You giggled at his obvious nerves and nuzzled closer to his palm, pulling it towards your face as you gazed at him with eyes full of love.

And Charlie forgot what he had to say at the sight of your lovely self.

"A-And Barnaby and you... like the other creatures more, y-you even bonded with his Knarl and went on many, uh... alone hanging outs."

"Charlie... What I feel for Barnaby is completely platonic, he is only my friend. What I feel for you is much stronger." You smiled at him softly, lovingly with your eyes accidently drawn to his lips.

"I've been denying my feelings for you at first, I wasn't going to let my feelings get in our way, I was afraid I would loose my bestfriend but you were and are still my bestfriend. I just didn't think you would... actually feel the same."

He shuffled closer, your thighs touching each other as your faces came closer and closer."I have been dreaming about this... Longing for you to feel the same, wanting to be with you..." He whispered, close enough that you felt his hot breath as his lips hovered over yours, barely touching yours.

"We are both idiots in love, then?" You whispered to his lips and he laughed, the sound of it making your heart skip a bit and smile lovingly at him.

"I wouldn't have it the other way..."

Suddenly aware of thw situation you were in, you could have backed out and instead take it slow. But Charlie was intoxicating, he called you to him like a flame did to a moth and your lips met for the first time. The kiss was soft and slow at the beginning, a little bit clumsy as expected but it was just... perfect.

You ran your hand through his hair, pulling his hair tie back as his long hair fell down his shoulders. You had been craving to kiss him, and pull on his locks in a make-out and you exactly did that.

Your teeth might have clashed, from how wide you both were smiling as Charlie's hand travelled across the expanse of your back and settled on your waist, but you both knew that this was definetly not gonna be the first time your lips would meet.

Now that both sides had a taste of the other, both of you became each other's drug.

"But you still owe me a date. You made me cry, y'know?" You teased him while panting after breaking apart, still in each others vicinity as he looked down at your lips in a daze and nodded.

"I'll spent my life making up for it, love. And I already planned our next 50 dates."

"Is it okay if I kiss you again?" You couldn't help but ask, wanting to only drown in him and his kisses. Dates could wait, you and him had a life time for more dates anyways. He chuckled and leant down with a smirk as his lips caught yours.

"I would like that very much."

And indeed, he really made up for it.

#charlie weasley x reader #charlie weasley x mc #charlie weasley x jacob's sibling #charlie weasley imagine #charlie weasley #harry potter imagine #harry potter hogwarts mystery #harry potter x reader #hogwarts mystery #SUMMER CELEBRATION 🏖

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blorger · 6 months ago

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The Great Longbottom Bully Chronicles: Gran Edition

After examining Neville's relationship with Draco (or, more accurately, the lack thereof) here, I found myself thinking about the actual bullies he's shown to have in canon, one of which is undoubtedly his grandma.

Mrs. Longbottom is shown to have a continued negative impact on her grandson but are we meant to see her behaviour as abusive? I'm going to go out on a limb and say no, JKR did not intend for the character to be read as abusive, even though what we see when she is mentioned in the books is nothing but a military parade of red flags.

The descriptor JKR uses most often when talking about Augusta is "formidable" so I'm assuming she meant for her to come off as strict but ultimately well-meaning. After all, she is one of the Good Guys and we are always meant to excuse a Good Guy's actions, no matter how mean spirited or violent (see: Harry crucio-ing that one dude).

JKR has the unsettling habit of framing abusive parenting as excusable when the person doing said parenting is coming at it with good intentions or from a place of love (see: 70% of Molly Weasley's actions towards her children). I understand she started writing the books in the early nineties when there wasn't much of an open discussion on this topic but some of the behaviours she has her mom characters do feel like abuse evergreens. Take for example the howlers:

A howler's intended use IS public humiliation, there's no two ways about it. If the intent was merely to scold the recipient one could decide when to open them but howlers are designed to open as soon as they've been received. And when are Howlers received, especially when you send them to your school-aged children? In the great hall, a room full of you child's peers and teachers. Both Augusta and Molly know all this and still make the decision to send Howlers. This, in the books, is treated as embarrassing for the receiver but is not ultimately portrayed in a negative light (that is to say, as a malicious act).

So, JKR has a skewed perspective on what constitutes good parenting but what do we, as a modern, presumably non abusive audience, actually see when we look at Augusta Longbottom's actions as a guardian? Let's take a look:

(PS, Neville on how his family discovered he was a wizard)

Neville here is describing his family's terrible attitude towards him and Augusta is not only shown to not have a problem with any of the horrible things being done to her nephew but she is also implied to have shared her relatives' concerns. Would her treatment of Neville have been even worse than what is shown in the books if he was a squib (something which, by the way, he'd have no control over)? Most definitely.

Also, I hate how Augusta's love is portrayed as conditional; don't worry, we'll see more of that in a while (lest you think this was a one-time instance).

(PoA, while preparing to defeat a boggart, Neville describes his greatest fear - Snape - and also casually mentions how he fears his own grandmother)

I'm sorry, did Neville just put Augusta on the same level as Snape, his most fervent bully? This says so much about their relationship (and Augusta's approach to parenting).

(GoF, Neville knows his gran would love for him to enter a potentially deadly competition just to show the world how Brave he is)

Why is it up to a 14 y.o. boy who has so far shown very little aptitude for magic to uphold the family honor? Neville is literally still a child but he's already being measured against his war hero parents, not only that, he's being told regularly through this comparison that he's lacking, and that cannot possibly be good for a child's development.

(OotP, straight from the horse's mouth)

What a perfectly horrible thing to say. Not only is Augusta saying this to Neville's face but she is also telling this to Neville's schoolmates (Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny). Why does she feel the need to dress him down in front of people whose opinion he cares about?

(OotP, Neville casually reveals he is constantly made to feel inadequate, even in front of others)

Once again we are being told that mrs Longbottom is endlessly reminding Neville of all the ways in which he fails to be like his father.

(OotP, Neville is injured and in danger in the Department of Mysteries but he knows his gran's priority is first and foremost his father's wand)

I would like to take this moment to address just how fucked up it is that not only Neville is being constantly compared to his father but that he's also being forced to imitate him via the use of his wand. We know from observing both Ron and future Neville that a wrong wand can seriously hinder one's magic output; this cannot be news to someone of Augusta's age yet it's more important to her that Neville try to live up to his father's image than he be his own person.

and

(HBP, Augusta is finally proud of Neville)

Here we see an aspect of Augusta's behaviour towards Neville that is particularly gross: Neville finally has his grandma's approval (because he's behaving like his father) but it's not his heroics by themselves that she appreciates, it's their public nature. Mrs. Longbottom, who has not talked to the press before (nor will she in the future), is happy to do so because she has an excuse to brag, as if her grandson's achievements are also hers by association.

(HBP, sure Neville is a hero but he's a not Harry Potter-level hero...)

And here we come to yet another evergreen in the abusive parent handbook: the shifting of goalposts. Augusta has been wanting for Neville to behave more like his father (i.e. heroically) all this time but once he starts doing that suddenly it's not enough anymore. Whereas before Neville was lacking because he wasn't behaving bravely, now he's lacking because he's not behaving saviour of the wizarding world-level bravely (an impossible goal to reach).

(HBP, McGonagall says what we're all thinking)

I find this passage interesting because jkr finally has a character acknowledge that mrs. Longbottom is not behaving like a good parent and yet nothing comes from it. In an ideal world, McGonagall would follow this with a letter to Augusta where she talks about the effect her expectations are having on Neville but she doesn't do that. This is especially galling since McGonagall is shown to not have a problem with writing to Augusta if she sees she's acting against her grandson's best interests, after all she does write mrs. Longbottom a letter to help Neville enroll in 6th year Charms (the study of which Augusta discourages because it's a subject SHE had difficulty in).

and also

(DH, Augusta is finally proud of Neville but only because he's behaving like she wants him to)

I can't help but feel like there's better ways to show Neville's growth as a character (and the improvement of his relationship with Augusta) than what we are shown in the books. In the end, mrs. Longbottom is rewarded for her awful parenting by getting exactly the grandson she's wanted all along; it's not her who's adjusted her expectations and seen them as unreasonable, it's Neville who's had to change - and even then it's not because he wanted to but because of external reasons (he's in the middle of a war). Neville rose to her impossible expectation by pure happenstance and I don't say that to discount his resilience and general goodness, only to note that the circumstances were beyond his control.

In conclusion, Augusta Longbottom is a terrible guardian and her actions fucked up Neville's development just as much as Snape's bullying did and yet in the books only one of them is unequivocally shown to be in the wrong for it.

#hp #hp meta #Neville Longbottom #Augusta Longbottom is a terrible guardian #we are an anti-Augusta household here #the great longbottom bully chronicles #harry potter meta #the Blorger Special

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hogwartsthenextgeneration · 1 year ago

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Teddy Remus Lupin Facts

* Was a very long hat-stall between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor but ultimately got put in Hufflepuff.

* Grew up in a house in a little village in the south east with his grandmother Andromeda.

* Is very protective over the whole gang but especially the Potter children.

* Managed to track down and fly on a hippogriff in his first year of Hogwarts. (Andromedas first howler of many)

* He’s very close to Harry and didn’t realise how much he looked up to him until he found out his patronus was also a Stag.

* The true golden child of the Wotters. He can do no wrong in the eyes of Mrs Molly Weasley.

* Genuinely hates horror films. Absolute secret Disney fanatic though.

* Although he wasn’t a werewolf like his father he still had some effects of it like Seasonal Affective Disorder and heightened senses.

#harry potter next gen fic #harry potter next generation #hp next gen #harry potter #harry potter next gen headcanon #hp next generation #albus severus potter #james sirius potter #teddy lupin #fred weasley #remus lupin #tonks #hufflepuff #andromeda tonks #andromeda black #hogwarts #wotters #quidditch

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dark-elf-writes · 1 year ago

Note

Molly Weasley sends howlers to Charlie and Bill asking why Percy was the first child to give her grand babies when they were the oldest.

Molly is much like her son in that she doesn’t specify said grand baby is Harry and not a literal baby

Panic ensues and the two screams of “WHAT!?!?” from a curse breaking site and a dragon sanctuary can be heard everywhere

The two of them tripping over each other because they both tried to floo home at the same time both shouting at the top of their lungs because how the hell did Percy have a child and A) not get married first and B) not tell them that he was even in a relationship.

The fact that they are both convinced that Percy is gay never even crossed their minds because if anyone was going to figure out the magic needed for that it would be a determined Percy Weasley.

Molly is of course, calmly sipping tea as she watches her two oldest lose their minds

(Charlie who had spoken to Harry before and was also planning on how to get him out is honestly a bit miffed he didn’t think of adoption before Percy had. He was sure Harry would have loved the dragons, but he is also content being the cool uncle.)

#the elf talks #harry potter

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cuffmeinblack · 1 year ago

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These Days Worth Living

Garreth Weasley

Tags: tooth rotting fluff | mentions of loss

1.6k words

Summary: As the first wizarding war draws to a close, Garreth spends time with his extended family and reflects upon his long and fulfilling life.

A/n: Here we go, my contribution to the Weasley Wednesday Christmas special and the conclusion to a timeline of Garreth's festive seasons. Fluffy, a little bittersweet and thoroughly heartwarming (I hope). Merry Christmas! Full collab masterlist here.

December, 1981

Garreth sat at the kitchen table listening to the wireless radio propped next to the stack of cards he’d yet to sign. The pile of ones he’d written was pitiful in comparison to those that still required his attention. If only the Weasley family wasn’t quite so large he’d have finished before lunch, or if he didn’t insist on writing personal and heartfelt messages in each one. He’d just finished cramming in an update to his nephew Septimus when his concentration was interrupted by a knock on the back door. Turning around in his chair and groaning slightly at the stiffness in his back (he was spritely for a man of one hundred and eight, but by no means a spring chicken), he was met with the bright freckled face of his daughter. He grinned and beckoned her in, casting a quick charm to unlock the door.

“Hello, sweetheart. What brings you here?”

“Just checking in…”

Matilda did a lot of checking in these days, though Garreth couldn’t say he minded. The family home that had once housed so many lay bare, with only Garreth to fill its many rooms. The moving photos of his loved ones could never replace their presence, especially that of his beloved life partner. It had been a long nine months since her passing, and not a day went by that he didn’t feel the painful longing caused by her absence.

“Writing Christmas cards?” Matilda asked as she sat next to him.

Garreth took her hand and nodded, finally placing the quill on the table for a break.

“Almost done,” he lied. “Cup of tea?”

Matilda nodded, jumping to her feet to prepare the kettle before Garreth could move an inch.

“Molly’s throwing a big celebration with Arthur, you know. They extended their house again…”

“How could they possibly extend it anymore?” Garreth chuckled.

“Well they had to when Ginevra was born.”

“I would like to see their little girl…”

Matilda nodded, pouring out two steaming cups of tea and laying them on the table, the smell of bergamot filling the room. Garreth hadn’t been much of a tea drinker before…well, before her.

“Then it’s settled. Let them see Great Uncle Garreth, dad.”

“Fine, fine. I wonder if Leander will be there? It’s been a while.”

“If they can fit the Prewetts in too, I’m sure they will.”

Garreth very much doubted that, but he couldn’t deny he was looking forward to a great big family gathering, even if he wasn’t the one to host it this year. He’d been isolated too long, kept away from the ones he loved through grief. That’s not what she would have wanted, especially now that the war was finally over. A raucous Christmas party seemed like a fitting celebration to mark the occasion. Perhaps it was time for Garreth to reintegrate with the Weasley clan, and revel in all the affection they had to offer.

Christmas day came with a whimper rather than a bang. For Garreth, he woke to an empty bed in an empty house, though the owls’ incessant hooting and tapping on the windows made it hard to sleep in. He spent the early morning reading cards, opening presents and cuddling Barney, his beloved labrador retriever. Whilst he felt his love’s absence more acutely today, he grinned through all the well-wishes and even the unexpected howler from Leander, confirming that unfortunately he wouldn’t be at the Weasley celebration later, but would love to get together in the new year. He’d ended the note reminding Garreth that he still owed him five galleons.

“Git,” Garreth chuckled.

Garreth arrived at The Burrow just before lunch, his neck craning in order to take in the teetering heights of their home; it was quite the magical feat. He’d barely taken two steps into the front garden before he was ambushed by a flurry of red hair, more shocking than his own.

“Great Uncle Garreth!”

There was no mistaking the twins, the lanky four year olds piling into his arms and knocking the presents he’d been clutching to the snow-strewn ground. Garreth chuckled and hugged the boys tightly, already wishing he’d taken the time to visit sooner. A few months may as well be a lifetime for young children.

“Hello Fred, George!” Garreth said, ruffling their ginger locks.

Most people struggled to tell the pair apart, but Garreth knew that Fred had a slightly crooked smile and George was the ever so slightly more mischievous twin with wider set eyes. Those blue eyes were trained upon Garreth with rapt attention as little hands pulled and pushed him towards the bustling house.

“Molly, Merry Christmas!” he shouted to the host as he was guided into the kitchen.

Yet more familiar faces greeted him and Garreth felt his heart swell. How he’d missed this; the noise; the chaos. His own son and daughters were first to embrace him, then Garreth’s grandchildren got their turn. He was almost thankful when he finally found a perch on the kitchen bench and Arthur greeted him with a glass of mulled wine.

“Arthur! How’s my favourite great-nephew?”

Arthur slapped Garreth on the back, a grin breaking onto his thin but still youthful face. After so many children (how many was it now, seven?), Garreth was still surprised by the energy he exuded.

“Fantastic! You must meet Ginny, she’s a treasure.”

“Later, Arthur, she’s just gone down for a nap. How are you, Garreth?” Molly asked, parting the crowds with her commanding presence.

“Well, Molly, thank you. And Merry Christmas. I’m glad I came.”

She didn’t give him that pitying look that others enjoyed bestowing on him; hers was one of only warmth, an unwritten invitation for company and a sympathetic ear. Garreth knew he could count on his family in his time of need, but what he needed now was a joyful Christmas. As if on cue, the twins were back, this time with their elder brothers in tow and a toddler bounding after them.

“William! Percy! Charlie! Mind the crockery!” their mother shouted.

The smaller redhead, Ronald, almost nosedived into Garreth’s lap as the boys all piled onto him and their father. And thus began the onslaught of questions. Garreth was in his element, regaling the boys with tales of his youth, even if they earned a few raised eyebrows from their mother. Fred and George in particular hung on to every word, their limited vocabulary seemingly no issue. Garreth made sure to add lots of exaggeration for their benefit as he gesticulated wildly.

“...and then the cauldron exploded, BOOM!” Professor Sharp was not impressed…earned me a month’s worth of detentions, but so worth it!”

The children cheered and asked for more stories, but once Fred started babbling about explosions, Molly swiftly brought an end to storytime and asked the children to wash up before their meal. Without the distraction of children, Molly thought it an opportune time to thrust a gift into Garreth’s hands. He’d not expected anything; he knew how hard up the family were, and after the toll the war had taken, he’d not expected anything but company this Christmas. He was rendered momentarily speechless, until he opened the parcel to find a handwritten cookery book, at which point he started to babble his thanks as he flipped through the pages.

“You know I think your presents are currently lying in the snow outside,” Garreth chuckled. “But nothing a good wash can’t fix.”

“Don’t worry, I picked them up after you,” Arthur said, pulling the parcels out of the stack behind him.

Garreth watched as the pair opened the wrappings, nervously awaiting their verdict. Molly was first to reveal her burgundy jumper with the gold ‘M’ knitted on the front.

“All handmade! I took up a new hobby…,” Garreth said bashfully.

“Oh, it’s lovely!”

Arthur nodded his agreement, already pulling on the navy blue jumper with his ‘A’ emblazoned on the front. Grinning somewhat smugly, Garreth clapped his hands.

“You’ll have to teach me how to knit,” Molly said, twirling around. “I mean it!”

“Of course!”

It wasn’t long before another drink was thrusted into Garreth’s hand and he was on the way to becoming merry even before lunch was served. The smell of roast Turkey and all the trimmings was making his mouth water, and the bowl of nuts he’d been dipping into just wasn’t cutting it. Before he could stand to source a delicious mince pie, a tiny cherubic face caught his eye and stopped him in his tracks. The darling sleeping baby lay cradled in his daughter’s arms as she weaved through the throng, gently stroking the tufty hair on top of her head.

“Is that Ginevra?” Garreth said, almost a whisper.

She looked startling like Matilda as a baby. He couldn’t stop the well of tears in his eyes and the surge of affection for the girl he barely knew. The little girl was passed to Garreth without him even asking, and he accepted her with a smile. She stirred, grumbling and blinking awake as Garreth watched her intently. Her shocking red hair was but a few inches long, her dark brown eyes sparkling as they focused on his face. He just about melted onto the rickety old bench when Ginevra took his finger in her tiny hand and offered him a sleepy smile of her own.

“She’s darling,” Garreth commented. “Absolutely beautiful.”

Inevitably, the memories of his infant children prompted yet more recollections of that time in his life; a time when his dear wife had been by his side. The sadness threatened to overwhelm him, yet those tiny fingers gripped him tighter as if offering him a lifeline; a beautiful and innocent distraction which he held onto firmly. Garreth had been luckier than most, having spent decades of bliss with his soulmate; the love of his life. The children packed into every nook and cranny of the warm and welcoming Burrow were a reminder of his legacy, one which would continue to warm his heart with pride and love for the rest of his days.

#weasley wednesday #garreth weasley #weasley family

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