56. Apate – Spirit of deceit. She was one of the evil spirits released from Pandora's box. Write about dishonesty. For the Greek Mythology Mega Prompt Challenge at HPFC.

1/4 in this series.

"This isn't about trust, Arthur Weasley! You damn well know it's about peace of mind."

She was shouting for no reason, it seemed, because the rest of the Burrow was quiet, Charlie and Bill were asleep, and Arthur was bleeding, holding his disembodied left hand in his right.

He was rather pale, too.

Molly'd had enough.

"When we married, we promised each other the truth. I am appalled - aghast, Arthur - that you continue to lie to me about what you're doing."

"I'm not lying! I told you I was going to work-"

"WORK!" Molly screeched, throwing the small towel that was draped over her shoulder in his direction. He let it hit his chest and fall to the ground to soak up the blood that was pooling there. "When you tell me you're going to work, I take that to mean the job that will give you money and safety so that you can come back to our family in one piece."

"I'm careful!"

"Your hand is no longer attached to your arm. I think you've taken this muggle artefact love a little too far, if you let it endanger you like this. It's like a shameful addiction. Your commitment, first and foremost, is to our family."

"I know, love, but-"

Molly's glare silenced him.

"I don't care what you're studying. If you're interested in tinkering, tell me! Share it with me! Going behind my back makes me very unwilling to reattach limbs, funnily enough. I'd love to help you, if only you allowed me. Arthur, you need to think very seriously about our marriage and your priorities. You will stop lying to me or you will encounter some consequences."

She felt as though she was reprimanding one of her young sons.

"You could die." Molly finally felt her energy go as sick worry gripped her again. "And I wouldn't have any idea. You could have died!"

Arthur wobbled in place, though he looked very guilty.

"I'm sorry, Molly. I was - it was a mistake."

That was when she started crying, deep gasping gulps of air harshly swallowed between sobs. Her heart felt like it was breaking all over again, just like it did every time Arthur confessed what he was investigating. Every time he partook in that kind of honesty, he also had some kind of serious injury. It was like a stab to her heart every time she realized how much he kept from her - and that he never would have told her if not for the wound.

"I promise," he said firmly, "that I'll be more careful. I'll tell you everything. I'm sorry, Molly. I get carried away."

She didn't answer. With a wobbly hand, she took great care in whispering the healing charms, then brought him a few potions she had in store just for those sorts of events.

"This is your last warning, Arthur."

She hoped against all odds that his firm nod would be enough to soothe her imagination and quiet her worry.

"I can't lose you," she said.

"And you won't."

Molly finally wrapped her arms around him, holding his shaky body upright. The blood on the floor could be cleaned later. She guided him to a sofa, where he collapsed and fell asleep.

She suspected her fear would never go away. The unknown was full of surprises. Still, she trusted him to finally start doing some research and talking to her. That thought, at long last, calmed her a little.

Peace of mind could go a long way if she could just keep her mothering instincts to herself. Perhaps everything would work out.

Now, she thought, what exactly is a chainsaw and how did he manage to get one?