A/N: Hello again! I know it has been a couple months since I've updated, but here is a nice, long chapter that lets you see what some of the younger Weasleys and has a good bit of Percy.
So, anyway, I do love the reviews. I actually reread them a few days ago, and I was just as excited reading them then as I was the first time I read them. Persephonella, I love how you review as you read, and I love getting to see your reaction throughout each chapter.
Please give me your opinions and some ideas of what y'all would like to see or like to see more of. (Don't worry, Phoenix Rising, your precious Percy will play a big part as this story progresses.)
Enjoy!
Misunderstanding
The next morning was quite calm. Arthur was in a better mood than usual, and Molly hadn't pushed the subject from the previous night. She hadn't even brought it up, letting Arthur approach the issue in his own time.
After breakfast, Bill and Fleur began packing their things in order to move back to Shell Cottage, Charlie left to help with Hogwarts, and the five younger ones had gone to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes to help George take a step forward. So when lunchtime arrived, the only occupants of the Burrow were the two oldest Weasleys.
Seeing as Arthur still hadn't mentioned anything from last night, Molly took it upon herself as they were eating their sandwiches.
"So," Molly prompted her husband, attempting to get the ball rolling.
"Sooo?" Arthur responded.
"You said we would talk today, and the kids aren't home so you don't have to worry about being interrupted or overheard."
Arthur set his sandwich back on his plate as he swallowed a bite.
"What are you on about?" he calmly asked, genuinely confused.
"Last night, you said we would talk today."
"About?" Arthur asked slowly, still not catching on.
Molly was becoming aggravated. He had to be trying to get out of his promise by playing dumb.
"I can't believe this," Molly breathed, exasperated. "What? Did you say that just so I would leave you alone? It is impossible to forget something that quickly."
She stood to clean up from lunch, taking Arthur's plate with his half-eaten sandwich as she did so.
"I'm not finished with that," he protested.
Molly ignored her husband as she threw his lunch in the bin.
Huffing, Arthur stood also. He made his way to stand behind his wife and wrapped his arms around her.
"Dear, will you please tell me why you're upset?" he whispered in her ear. "I, honestly, have no clue what you are talking about."
Molly breathed out heavily before answering. "When we were in bed last night you promised you'd tell me what was bothering you."
It was a good thing Molly had her back to him because at this Arthur clenched his teeth and rolled his eyes. Really? They were back to that? Since she hadn't brought anything up all morning, he thought he could go a single day without her pestering him. He kept calm though as he took a deep breath.
"I doubt I even registered what you were saying, Love. I was exhausted and probably almost asleep." Arthur let go as Molly turned around. "You know I'm still not ready."
"When will you be, Arthur? Because at this rate things will get as bad or worse than they were last week."
He couldn't protest. It was quite obvious how things were going what with the arguments they had had the last few days. At least she didn't know he was drinking again.
"Arthur, I know what you were doing yesterday morning, and the night before that."
Well, there goes that, Arthur thought. I guess I wasn't as careful as I should have been. He opened his mouth to say something, but Molly answered his question before it even left his lips.
"I'm the only one that knows, except for Charlie, but he promised not to tell anyone. That's only because he doesn't want to see this family go to turmoil."
"I haven't had any today," Arthur told her honestly.
"I know," Molly responded, knowing he was telling the truth. "Now, sit down."
Arthur did as commanded. Molly took a seat across from him at the table.
"Neither of us are getting up until you have told me at least one thing that's causing you to act like this."
"Oh, come on, Molly. You are not going to start treating me like one of the kids," Arthur said indignantly.
"I can when you act like one," Molly deadpanned.
The way his wife was treating him caused Arthur's anger to rise. He could tell if Molly continued, he would not be able to control his temper and this would turn into another argument.
"I'm going to work," Arthur said as he stood and grabbed his cloak.
Molly followed him to the fireplace. "Let me guess, work is now code for the pub."
"No. Work is code for work," Arthur said before tossing floo powder into the fire and saying, "Ministry of Magic."
ooOoo
Arthur breathed deeply, calming himself, as he waited in line for the lifts when Percy came to stand by him.
"Hello, Fa - Dad," he corrected hastily.
"Percy," Arthur reciprocated the greeting with a forced smile.
"I didn't think you were working today. Yesterday you said you were off."
"Things change," Arthur said.
The doors of the lift rattled open, allowing the next people in line to enter. Father and son took a few steps forward, but were still a ways back in the que.
"I'm glad I ran into you today, Dad. I have something I've been wanting to ask you."
Arthur tensed as these words reached his ears. He knew it had to be about his behavior the day before.
"Yesterday - Err - Well -" Percy stopped to think of the best way to word his question. He decided to make it a statement instead. "You were acting strangely yesterday."
Arthur knew what his son meant, but attempted to play it off. "I don't know what you are talking about. Everything was perfectly fine yesterday."
"You were holed up in your bedroom until dinner, and your attitude was completely different when you came down," Percy hissed so no one near them could hear. "I've never seen you like that. And - and -" He deflated. "Why won't you even acknowledge that something is wrong?"
"Because there isn't," Arthur snapped. To his relief there was room for only one more person in the lift. Before he stepped in he told Percy, "I don't have time to discuss this. We both have to get back to work."
ooOoo
Diagon Alley was bustling with witches and wizards as usual. It was amazing how quickly the shops had reopened after the war. It was a nice escape for Molly. There was at least one place that had returned to normal with the exception of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, which she was standing in front of. She had decided to check on her son after Arthur rushed off to work.
"Sorry. We're closed," Ginny called from somewhere in the store as the bell tinkled above the door.
"Even for your Mum," Molly called back. After a few seconds, Ginny and Harry emerged from one of the aisles and George came bounding down the steps.
"Hey, Mum. What are you doing here?" George asked with a huge smile plastered across his face. The day had been difficult as everything he looked at reminded him of his dead twin, so seeing his mother was a delightful distraction.
Molly embraced each child while she answered. "Your dad had to go into work, and I have a couple errands to run, so I thought I'd pop in and see how things are coming. Where's your brother and Hermione?" She asked as she was two children short of hugging.
"They've gone to get take out," Harry answered.
"Ahh. Well, have you all gotten much done?"
George took this question. "Yeah, yeah. I think we should have things ready by tonight. A couple odd and end things really. I'll give you a walkthrough if you like," he offered.
Ginny and Harry returned to what they were working on while George gave his Mum the grand tour once again. It was odd and a bit unsettling without Fred, but George knew he was there in spirit. As they walked the aisles, George and Molly carried on light conversation. It was comforting seeing her son excited and acting like his old self.
When they came to the end of the tour Molly asked if he was alright, wanting to make sure his behavior was authentic.
George took a deep breath before answering. "I will be. I know Fred wouldn't want me to close this place down just because he isn't here. I mean, we've worked so hard to get this storeā¦I - uh - I think I'm going to open back up next weekend."
Molly put a hand on each of George's arms and gave him a reassuring smile. "I think that would be wonderful, Georgie. And if you need anything, I'd be more than happy to help."
"Thanks, Mum, but I think I'll be fine. Those four," George gestured to the group downstairs, "said they'd help until Ginny and Hermione go back to school and Harry and Ron start Auror training. That will give me plenty of time to hire people."
Molly stayed at the shop while the kids ate, then let them get back to work.
Over the past several days she had thought of ways to help her husband, and after this morning, she knew she had to take action. So, Molly Weasley walked purposefully into J. Pippin's Potions.
"Good afternoon," greeted the clerk.
"Hello," Molly replied, approaching the counter. "I was wondering if you had something to help me." She gave the store clerk a quick synopsis of what had happened over the past month and a half, from Arthur's temper and drinking to his behavior and refusing to tell her what was bothering him. "So, do you have anything that could help with any of that?" Molly was desperate. She would do anything to help the man she loved.
The clerk thought long and hard before telling the short redheaded woman that there was no potion that could help.
"What about the Draught of Peace? Wouldn't that help with his temper?"
"No, ma'am. That only helps with anxiety."
"There's absolutely nothing?" Molly asked sadly.
"I'm sorry," the woman behind the counter answered regretfully. She could tell how much Molly was hurting. "I do wish you the best though."
When she turned to leave the store, Molly was startled to see a gentleman standing behind her. Not knowing how long he had been there, she apologized for making him wait so long. He told her that it was no problem and asked her to wait outside for him while he paid for his things.
Molly took a seat on the bench in front of the apothecary pondering why this stranger wanted to speak with her. She did not have much time to think though, as the stranger came to sit next to her.
"Hello. My name is Conner." The gentleman stuck his hand out and Molly shook it. Inside the store, Molly had been too distracted to notice what the man looked like. He was taller than average and his shirt stretched over his muscles. He wore his vibrant red hair in an Undercut style.
"I'm Molly."
"I heard you talking to the clerk. And I thought maybe I could help," Conner said in a thick Irish accent.
Molly was uncertain of how Conner could help. She stared into his green eyes, waiting for him to elaborate.
"You see, what you and your husband are going through sounds very similar to what my ex-wife and I went through. Our son was an auror. He was killed a few years ago. I reacted almost the exact same way your husband is, minus the temper...So I thought maybe if I talk to him, he would stop and get things back on track. And what happened with my marriage won't happen with yours."
Molly stared at her lap as she contemplated Conner's offer. She doubted Arthur would listen to him, but it was worth a shot.
"Ok," she agreed, looking back at the Irishman. They planned for him to come to the Burrow for dinner that night, and Molly thanked him.
ooOoo
There was a knock on Arthur's office door. It was nearly time for him to get off work (though he doubted he would go home yet), so he couldn't imagine who was coming to see him this late. Either way, he called for the mystery person to come in.
"Hey, Dad," Percy said as he took a seat across from his father.
"I'm not gonna talk about it," Arthur stared abruptly.
"I was just wondering if you wanted to go to the tea shop before heading home -"
"Why?" the older man interrupted.
"I want to talk to you about Audrey," Percy answered honestly.
Arthur continued his paperwork, not acknowledging the bespeckled young man. He didn't want to harm his relationship with his son again, but he had a feeling Percy wasn't being truthful. If his son wasn't being completely honest, Arthur knew how he would handle it; with his attitude and then go to a pub to calm down before returning home.
Finishing the paperwork he was working on, Arthur stood up and said, "Alright, let's go."
Within ten minutes, they were seated in a nearby tea shop with their hot beverages.
"So. You wanted to talk about Audrey," Arthur prompted.
"Yes. I would like your advice about something," Percy said, staring at his tea cup.
Arthur saw now that Percy really was seeking his advice and not just trying to confront him again.
"What is it, Son?" he asked, concerned.
"Um..." Percy glanced up at his Father then returned his gaze to the cup. "H-how did you know you wanted to marry Mum?" He looked back at his Dad, waiting for an answer.
"You think Audrey is the one?" Arthur asked.
Percy nodded.
"Well," Arthur began, "we had discussed the idea of marriage and what we wanted out of life. But mainly, I - well, I just knew. There's not really a specific way of knowing. It's different with each person."
Percy nodded again. Neither man said anything for several minutes; Percy thinking about what his father just said, and Arthur remembering the night he proposed to Molly.
"I am going to ask her to marry me," Percy stated firmly. "She is the one."
Arthur patted his son's shoulder and gave him a genuine smile. "I'm happy for you, Perce."
They both bought another cup of tea and sat back down.
Since he had gotten the advice he needed and his dad seemed to be in a better mood, Percy decided to question him again.
"Dad, what happened yesterday?" he asked timidly.
Arthur took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Nothing happened."
"Dad, it's clear that something is wrong."
"Nothing happened. And nothing is wrong." Arthur's temper was coming back. "Besides, you've been gone for three years, so you don't know what normal is anymore."
This hit Percy hard. He knew he had been gone, and that he had made a huge mistake in doing so. His father and everyone else in the family had forgiven him, or at least that's what he thought.
"Fine. If you still feel that way, I'll go and things can go back to how they were." Percy made to leave. Arthur's voice stopped him.
"Son, I'm sorry. That's not what I meant."
Percy turned to face his dad, who was now standing also.
Thoughts buzzed through Arthur's mind. He didn't want to admit something was wrong. Hell, he didn't even know what was wrong. But he wasn't going to lose his son after just getting him back.
"Don't say things like that then. I know something is going on, Dad. I saw you yesterday and the complete turn in your behavior. And 'I fucking swear, Molly'?" Percy quoted incredulously. "Seriously, Dad, whatever the problem is, you need to fix it. Otherwise, I can tell, I won't be the only person you've lost."
With how his son put this, it didn't take long for Arthur to concede. "Ok. I'll talk to her tonight. As soon as I get home."
"Good. I'll stop by your office tomorrow and see how things went."
Father and son said their good-byes, and went to their respectable homes.
ooOoo
"Molly...I am so very sorry. I know, I know. It doesn't mean much anymore, but this time I mean it - I mean, I meant it before, but this time I truly mean it. And you have had every right to speculate and not trust me.
"Now, this part is going to be difficult for me, so let me finish before you say anything...You were right. There is something wrong. I don't know what it is though. Well, part of it is because of Fred, but that's a fraction of it. I feel - I feel...I don't know. I guess, I feel alone, even though you're always there. And I can't always control my temper. Again, I don't know why...I'm the husband and father, but I - I can't handle everything that has been put on me lately. And that is the most selfish thing I can say."
Arthur had been pacing the garden for ten minutes before finding the right words to say. Now, as he stood at the back door, he had to muster the courage to actually say these things to his wife and become vulnerable.
Taking a deep breath, Arthur opened the door and stepped over the threshold.
"I was beginning to think you weren't going to come in," Molly said as she set a pot to magically stir itself.
Arthur slowly approached his wife. "Love, where are the kids?"
"Charlie is eating out with Hagrid and the others are going to be at the shop late," she responded.
"Bill and Fleur are back at Shell Cottage?"
"Yes, Dear. You were here when they left this morning."
"Good," Arthur said, nodding to himself. "Will you stop for a minute, Molly? We - Uh - We need to talk."
This immediately got Molly's attention. It could mean one of two things: that he was ready to open up or that he wanted to take a break from their relationship. And with how things had been going, the latter seemed the most likely. She was quickly relieved when Arthur continued after they both took a seat at the table.
"Well, it's more like I have some explaining to do." Arthur took his wife's hand and looked her in the eyes. As he did this, Molly completely forgot that Conner could come back from the loo at any second. "Molly...I am so very sorry for the past several weeks. I know it loses meaning after a while, but this time I truly mean it. I've been an awful husband, and you have had every right to speculate -"
Just then the kitchen door swung open. The tall, muscular stranger froze as he realized he walked in on an intimate moment. Arthur glared at him, his blood boiling. He looked back at Molly.
"Who is this?" Arthur asked angrily.
"Dear, it's not what you're thinking," Molly stated calmly.
"Who. Is. He?" Arthur ground out. Before Molly could answer, he stood and slammed the back door on his way out. Sighing, she chased after her husband and stopped in front of him. The other day she had learned not to grab him if he was angry.
"You know what, I take back everything I said. I can't believe you would do something like this!" Arthur's face was as red as his hair now.
Molly raised her voice over her husband's. "Arthur, it is not like that! I met him -"
"- I don't want to know how or when you met him, Molly! This is absolutely -"
"- He went through something similar! I was hoping if he talked to you -" Molly interrupted again, but was quickly cut back off.
"Stop! I don't want to hear it. I'm sure the two of you planned for whenever I found out. And all of this is just a way of tricking me!" Arthur took a deep breath and continued more calmly. "Get out of my way."
Molly didn't budge. Instead she glared at her husband, daring him to leave.
"Dann it, woman, move!" he barked.
"Not until you calm down and let me explain," Molly said evenly.
Knowing how stubborn his wife could be, Arthur pushed her to the side so he could get to the apparition point, not giving her a second glance as she fell to the ground. He didn't mean to shove her that severely, but at this point he didn't care.
