With a swish of her wand, Molly cleared away the table of all the dirty dishes and left-over food. The tiny kitchen in the Burrow had seen quite the celebration tonight. Of course, they had all known it was only a matter of time before this happened, but having it official still felt so good. Molly felt a calm sense of clarity and contentment.
For the first time in a long time, all of her children were within her reach. All who had survived the battle, anyway. Bill and Fleur were in the living room, playing with Victoire. Charlie was upstairs with George, hearing about the newest development for Weasley's Wizard Weazes. Ron was outside arguing with Ginny about the latest quidditch game while Hermione sat near them with a book. And Harry, of course. Harry was there.
Harry was the reason for her great happiness on this occasion, as he had been on many occasions before this one. From their very first meeting when he was just a polite, scared 11 year old trying to get to school, Molly had a place in her heart for him. To watch him fight such danger and discrimination had been unbearable for her. She couldn't believe that he could get through that with so much love in his heart.
As Molly wiped her misty eyes on her apron, the door creaked open and Harry came in, bringing with him a gust of cool night air. Molly turned to face Harry as he closed the door behind him. It was incredible to see him as he stood before her. This was the man he had become.
"Thank you for dinner, Mrs. Weasley. You really outdid yourself tonight," said Harry, smiling at her. His eyes were filled with the same joy she was feeling.
"Well, when you sent word that you had a big announcement to make, I thought a feast was in order," said Molly. She turned away from him and began to move about the kitchen, tidying things by hand. If she didn't keep herself busy, she was sure to burst into tears. She didn't want to overwhelm him with what she was feeling. Not on his big night. His and Ginny's that is.
"I hope you're alright with what happened tonight," said Harry in a careful voice. "I mean, I know I should have asked permission from you and Mr. Weasley first, but it just kind of happened."
Harry was reading her all wrong. He thought she was unhappy with their announcement. How could that beautiful ring on her only daughter's finger make her anything but ecstatic? After all these years, what she felt all along was finally becoming real. How could she make him understand that tonight he had made her the happiest witch she could ever be.
"I mean, you've done so much for me over the years. I would never want to upset you, Mrs. Weasley."
That was it. The breaking point. She felt the tears spring into her eyes. No amount of busying herself could stop them now. She turned to look at Harry and saw a look of anxiety and guilt on his face. Once again, his concern for the happiness of others over his own was surfacing. Finally, she opened her mouth and said the words she'd wanted to say since the first time he stepped foot in her house.
"Oh, Harry, please. Call me mum."