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Chapter 10: Tuesday With Molly

The next day Harry set about packing his things. He was not in any particular rush to leave the Burrow, but he felt it necessary to begin collecting all of his possessions that had spread themselves across the house. Hermione and Ginny had gone into town to shop (Hermione for books, Ginny for everything but books), Ron and George had gone to see the condition of the shop (which Lee Jordan had been running since Fred's death), and Mr. Weasley had gone to the Ministry. The only people remaining in the house were himself and Mrs. Weasley.

Harry was just beginning to place his clothes into the trunk when said matronly witch came into Ron's room. Mrs. Weasley took one glance at Harry's poor excuse of a packing job and tutted softly.

"You have about as much skill as Ron when it comes to packing your things together."

She then promptly brandished her wand and with a quick twirl set Harry's belongings to remove themselves from the trunk and then fall back in neat stacks.

"Thanks," Harry said.

"No trouble at all," Mrs. Weasley replied, and then looked at the posters adorning the vibrant orange walls. "You know, he's had those posters since he was seven. I don't believe he'll ever get rid of them. His wife may very well have to stare at them before long."

She proceeded to walk around the perimeter of the room, acknowledging the disorder with a smile. A pair of socks lay on the floor, and she bent to pick them up before placing them gently in Ron's dresser with a sniffle.

"I'm always telling him to clean up his things, but he never listens. I don't know why I even bother anymore. None of them had any sense of neatness. Except for Ginny, of course. Even Percy's room stayed in a state of chaos. And Fred and George's room, well, you can't even imagine…"

Mrs. Weasley trailed off at the mention of Fred, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry," Harry said quietly. It came out on reflex, guilt tearing at his stomach.

Mrs. Weasley dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief that materialized out of nowhere. "There's no need for you to feel sorry, dear. None of this is your fault."

She stepped towards him and cupped his face in her hands. Harry fought the urge to look away, feeling that familiar burning in his eyes that so often crept upon him these days.

"We're all so very proud of you, Harry. You're as much a part of this family as I am, and as long as this old house is standing, there will always be a place for you here."

Harry nodded, feeling the pressure building in his throat, and gave in as he looked down at his feet without responding. He only raised his head when he heard the faint click of his trunk snapping shut.

Mrs. Weasley released him, and then turned to leave.

"Mrs. Weasley?" Harry said, his voice cracking somewhat, and she stopped at the doorway, turning to face him. "I just…I just wanted to say thank you. For everything."

Mrs. Weasley's smiled kindly at Harry, her eyes shining, and wrapped him in a gentle hug, which Harry returned with more force than necessary.

"You're welcome, Harry. You're so very welcome."