Sunsets Never Break

By Nanaho-Hime

For Espoir Noir

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter


After Lucy dies long before they do, Audrey deteriorates in a most horrifying fashion. Percy cannot stand it, but he cannot bear to leave her and Molly no longer looks her mother in the eye for fear that all she will be able to do is scream.

Because Molly bears an uncanny resemblance to Lucy.

Audrey begins to forget simple things, relative's names, who Molly is. She constantly asks for Lucy's whereabouts and Percy is always forced to come up with excuses, blinking back tears and leading her back into the kitchen where she sits by her window.

The large window faces the garden, her garden, the only thing she still cares to tend to. Percy helps her on occasion, and sometimes the grandkids like to pick at the vegetables and fruits when the time comes.

It's the only time he sees her smile again, and he hates and curses whatever it is that has taken her away from him. He knows that Audrey was never strong. She was never Angelina or Ginny or Hermione. Audrey knows nothing of facing soul crushing tribulation so her foundation collapses at the thunderstorm that has cast its shadow over their home.

He wonders, when he visits Fred, if it is some sort of punishment, some sort of retribution for his time at the ministry, and his abandonment of his family. During those times he will shout at the faded head stone, wondering why his guilt isn't enough to pay for his crimes. He wonders why their final years together are wrought with two losses and a family cut in half.

Every day, they sit by her window, the large one facing the garden, and watch the sunset. She will press her forehead against the glass, and her blue eyes will brighten as they reflect the dying, brilliant rays of orange.

The entire kitchen turns a brilliant gold, and she reaches for his hand, resting next to hers on the cushion.

It's the only time she remembers.

"I love you Percy."

"I love you too, sweetheart."


A/N: Man, I can never write anything happy can I? Well, hope you like it.

As always, reviews make me smile :)