AN: For the Quest into the Unknown Challenge, Chamber of Secrets path. (Prompts: child, Molly II, flavor, "The water's warm. And quite inviting, too."). For Anna.

I.

She's four when he and his twin come over to play. Molly blushes at the sight of him and spends the afternoon learning to knit with her grandmother instead.

II.

She's seven when he kisses her, just a quick peck on the cheek.

"What was that for?" Molly asks, making a face as she tries to wipe away any germs he might have left.

Lysander shrugs. "Just 'cause."

III.

She's eleven and so sure that she won't find a place to sit on the train because her cousins don't want to be seen with a first year.

But he peeks out of his compartment, grinning as he holds out a thing of Bertie Bott's. "Sit with me. I'll make it worth your time."

OoOoO

"Cherry is my favorite flavor," she says, crushing the red sweet between her teeth.

Though she's sure Lysander doesn't care, he nods as though this is an important piece of information.

IV.

She's fifteen and bundled up, head ducked against the winter air. For her, it's easier to focus on her schoolwork outside and away from people, but the sudden splash and spray of icy water distract her. "Ly, are you insane?"

He breaks the surface of the lake and beams up at her, water streaming from his blonde curls. "The water's warm," he laughs with chattering teeth. "And quite inviting, too."

"It's February."

"Fine time for a swim."

"You're so weird, Ly," she says, helping him out and offering him a blanket.

"Body heat works better, you know," he tells her.

"Maybe next time."

V.

She's seventeen, and he's already left Hogwarts.

And this distance makes Molly realize that maybe she loves him.

VI.

She's twenty when she finds a large bag of Bertie Bott's waiting for her at breakfast. Upon opening it, she laughs.

Red, only red. Cherry sweets .

"Lysander," she decides.

Her suspicion is confirmed as she reaches in the bag and pulls out a small silver ring adorned with a lone diamond.

"Marry me," comes a voice from behind her. Arms wrap around her, and lips graze her neck. "I'll make it worth your time."

VII.

She's twenty-eight when her four year old daughter comes in, blushing and mumbling that she doesn't want to play with Donovan Creevey.

Molly Scamander chuckles and kisses her child on the forehead. "The cycle never ends," she says with a knowing smile.