Mrs. Weasley was knitting, her fingers busy with the yarn. Usually, she simply used magic (it still had the loving touch of a mother, and her children didn't care) except for when she was especially anxious.
Such as now.
"My dear, you are much older than her."
Bill frowned and shifted in his chair, the hint of a blush on the tips of his ears.
"Not very," said Bill, tense with hope. "Besides, it's not like I'm going to knock her up and leave her on some street corner."
Molly winced at the vulgar choice of words and accidentally skipped a stitch.
"Your brother was in love with her."
Bill frowned at her words as he fiddled with his earring.
"Was. And besides," Bill smiled shyly. "She doesn't love him anymore."
Mrs. Weasley sighed. Bill was her first child, and her most difficult. He always seemed to be gazing at the horizon, wanting more than just a comfortable home and children toddling around his feet.
Bill leaped up from his chair suddenly and fell to his knees before his surprised mother.
"Please, mum," be breathed, tightening his long fingers around the fabric of her apron. "I love her. I'll die without her."
Mrs. Weasley sighed and shook her head. He had certainly not inherited that love for the dramatic from her.
"Bill," she said firmly. He perked up. "If you truly love Hermione, then who am I to stop you?"
His smile was sweet and full of light.
Hermione Weasley sat comfortably before the fire, her own knitting needles clutched tight in her hands, Crookshanks curled up on her lap and purring softly.
Hermione was glad for the break from her stressful job at the ministry. She adored her work, but quiet moments were always appreciated.
"I'm knitting a scarf for Bill," she explained to her mother-in-law. "Though I'm sure he'll never wear it. He's so difficult; sometimes I wonder how he's still alive."
Mrs. Weasley patted Hermione's hand.
"Oh, I'm sure he will," she whispered. "You'll see."
Listening quietly in the doorway, Bill let out the breath he had been holding and smiled warmly before going over to join his wife and mother in front of the crackling fire.