For all the mothers I know and love...because who else would you call when all is lost?
When All Is Lost
Sunday 5th May 1996
Molly awoke to the sound of the fire roaring into action downstairs. She smiled, assuming it was Bill coming to visit. She waited, counting the minutes as she listened for footsteps. Five minutes. Ten. Fifteen. Then, she heard the stairs creak, followed by the sound of several pairs of feet stampeding up them. Charlie must have come too she thought, smiling at the idea of seeing her eldest sons. She almost giggled like a school girl as Arthur knocked on the door.
'Molly dear, I have a wonderful surprise for you, but you have to close your eyes until I tell you.'
'Ok!' she shouted, grinning 'They're closed!'
She listened as the door opened and several people entered. She felt a weight press onto the bed as two people sat down.
'Ok' Arthur said 'you can open them now.'
And so she opened her eyes to the most wonderful sight anyone could want. Standing on either side of their father were Bill and Charlie, wearing almost identical grins and holding a tray of breakfast between them. The twins stood at the side of the bed, smiling at her, holding a large bouquet of flowers. Ginny and Ron sat on the bed, holding hands and presents. Even Harry is there, hovering uncertainly in the doorway. Molly gestured for him to enter.
'What are you all doing here?'
'McGonagall let the students use the Floo to visit their mothers this year' Arthur answered.
Molly smiled and made a mental note to thank the other woman next time she saw her. Then, she turned her attention to the many homemade cards and presents.
One card grabbed her attention. It was store bought, and had a really corny poem written in it, but it was signed 'with love, Percy'. Molly wiped away a tear, and joined in her family's conversation.
Outside the Burrow, a war continued to rage and the world as they knew it got turned upside down.
Sunday 4th May 1997
There are no presents this year. No cards, no flowers, no breakfast in bed. No surprise visitors. Instead, Molly Weasley's children listen through the door to their mother's sobs. Bill holds his wife's hand and wraps an arm around George. Percy holds George's hand tightly, while Ron places a comforting hand on his shoulder. Charlie touches his other shoulder as Ginny opens the door. They enter the dark room and surround their parents on the bed.
Harry hovers in the doorway until Molly gestures him in.
Outside the Burrow, a war has ended, people are celebrating and the world has been turned right way up again.
Inside the Burrow, a war has ended, people are mourning and their world will never be the same again.
