Short little oneshot about Molly Weasley's troubles. Dedicated to BadMum- best mum in the world, who is stuck at home looking after my little sisters.

xxxxxxxxxxx

Molly Weasley stared around the living room packed with unwelcome guests. Mistletoe hung from every corner and alcove, probably George and Ron's idea, and the tinsel draped the walls, sparkling in the candlelight. Harry and Hermione were sitting in the corner with Ginny, drinking pumpkin juice and talking obsessively about something that had happened the year before; the only welcome guests in her house. Ron and George were in the next room, testing out their latest Wizard Wheezes project on poor Bill and Charlie- like usual. Percy and Arthur were probably upstairs again, discussing job opportunities as they were both now unemployed. The rest of them were just mindless blurs to Molly as she stood in the corner sipping her sherry. She cared nothing for trying to make mindless chitchat to guests she wished weren't even there. She ambled slowly into the kitchen and opened the oven- yet again- to check that the turkey was still not done. Yes, all in order here.

She sighed and made her way into the dining room, leaning on the nearest chair for support.

"Molly?"

She turned round. Arthur had come downstairs and was standing in the doorway, concern etched on his old, weary ("but still handsome" Molly mused) face.

"Is everything okay?"

Molly forced a smile and like a robot replied, "Of course Arthur, don't be ridiculous, it's Christmas! I'll be through in a minute dear…"

Arthur nodded, still not convinced, but retreated back into the living room like he was trained to.

Molly groaned in annoyance and rubbed her face. She hadn't even wanted a Christmas party this year. It hadn't felt right. But Arthur had insisted- well pleaded more like- and like usual, had got his way. She and slowly made her way back into the party, joining a conversation that Arthur had struck up with the new minister and his wife.

"No, those two aren't my children," Arthur was explaining patiently, pointing at Harry and Hermione. "I have six children: Ginny; over there, Bill and Charlie my eldest, Percy, George and Ronald."

Molly let out a shrill laugh, causing everyone in the group to stare at her. "Oh, don't be silly Arthur!" she exclaimed hurriedly, her voice shaking dangerously. "We have seven children! How can you miss out your own son hey?"

By now the population of the entire room were staring at her. Molly felt her cheeks flush furiously and turned away, almost running out of the room. Tears stung her cheeks as she made her way into the moonlit garden and sat down on a nearby bench. How could they forget Fred so easily…? She heard someone behind her and was about to yell at them for interrupting her when a warm hand was placed on her shoulder. Whoever it was placed something on the bench beside her, kissed her head and made their way back into the party.

Molly turned to look. It was a large box of Bertie Bots every flavour beans with a note attached to it.

Mum,

Thought you'd need these. Fred gave them to me when I was upset- always cheered me up.

George x

Ps- you will always have seven children

Molly smiled and tucked in to the beans, chuckling to herself. She had always thought George was the smartest of her children. Now she knew why.

Hope you enjoyed. please review x