CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"This has got to be one of the best ways to end Summer, even with one of our Professors here. No one at school will believe me."
Taking in the wide grin Ronald was displaying Molly could not prevent her own smile as she took in similar grins upon her other children and Harry. Despites the initial reservations her children might have had about one of their Professors being familiar with her and Arthur they had slowly come to the idea. The Summer holidays allowing them to see another side to their Professor, although still respectful they had become more relaxed in her presence when Aoife came to visit. Although she suspected the incident with Lucius had played its part in getting her children to accept Aoife as more than just their Professor. The fact that Aoife had not only questioned Lucius about his statements, but made it officially known that she considered the Weasleys family had made quite an impact on her children. Truthfully, she was relieved to see her children becoming more at ease around Aoife, making it less awkward for everyone as the younger woman began visiting them more.
Now that the elementist had returned to the Wizarding World Molly had no intention of letting the elementist up and disappear again, not if she had anything to say about it. Upon finding out about Aoife's appoint at Hogwarts she had felt a weight she been carrying for far too long being lifted, no longer in constant worry about Aoife's wellbeing and where she had disappeared to. Although they might not be blood, she had quickly come to consider Aoife family; a familiar bond developing as easily between them as the one between Saoirse and herself. At times it seemed almost surreal to her that a friendship which had begun with their parents would have gained her not one, but two remarkable friendships.
Some of Molly's earliest memories involved Saoirse, how despites the age difference between them the older girl had always been there, making time for her. Truth be told the bond between Saoirse and herself had always been closer to that of sisters than mere friends. Therefore, when Saoirse had announced her pregnancy, she could still remember recall her excitement at hearing the news and hoping the new arrival would arrive before she had to leave for Hogwarts. Once Aoife had arrived Molly could remember looking forward to the Christmas and Summer holidays, allowing her the chance to see not only Saoirse, but the little girl who had quickly won her over.
Molly could still fondly recall how hesitant the usually confident Saoirse had been the first time she asked if she and Arthur would mind looking after Aoife, her position as an elementist and Auror meaning that The Ministry and others were requiring her assistance even more. After reassuring Saoirse that Aoife was more than welcome the next couple of years had been memorable as The Burrow became a second home to Aoife. Unfortunately, the happier times came to a quick halt as The Wizarding War began and things quickly became to worsen. During Aoife's own time at Hogwarts Saoirse decided that it would be far safer for her daughter and the Weasleys if Aoife remained at Hogwarts for most of the holidays. Not only would the numerous spells and staff at Hogwarts offer safety, but the fact that Aoife's Godfather was Headmaster would deter most from even thinking of going after her.
Despites all the losses they had suffered during the War Molly had hoped they would all make it through, therefore when news of Saoirse's death reached her Molly had felt the same blow at fearing of her brother's death. Initially she had could not accept that the woman she considered a sister was no longer with them, that once again she had lost someone she loved. However, even as she was dealing with the grief of losing Saoirse, she found herself dealing with the fear of not knowing Aoife's wellbeing. The news simply reporting that Aoife's current whereabouts were unknown. It was only after several days of worry that Albus personally delivered the news that Aoife was alive and safe. However, after realising that someone had either willingly or forcefully given Saoirse up Albus had decided for everyone's safety, in particular Aoife's that he would not be revealing her location.
Despites all the losses they had suffered during the War Molly had hoped they would all make it through, therefore when news of Saoirse's death reached her Molly had felt the same blow at fearing of her brother's death. Initially she had could not accept that the woman she considered a sister was no longer with them, that once again she had lost someone she loved. However, even as she was dealing with the grief of losing Saoirse, she found herself dealing with the fear of not knowing Aoife's wellbeing. The news simply reporting that Aoife's current whereabouts were unknown. It was only after several days of worth that Albus personally revealed to them that Aoife was not only alive, but safe. However, after realised that someone had either been forced or willingly given the two elementists up to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Albus had decided it was safer for all concerned to keep her exact where abouts a secret.
Although Molly corresponded with Aoife as often as she could during the war, she felt the letters could never fully convey all she wanted to say. Therefore, when Albus had approached Arthur and herself about meeting himself and Aoife the two of them had immediately agreed. Molly could still remember how fiercely she had returned Aoife's embrace upon seeing her, wishing she could return the missing innocence to the young woman's eyes. It was immediately obvious that the war had changed the young witch, dealing with her mother's death and then her work in The Order had forced Aoife to deal with horrors and grief one of her age should not have to face. As much as Molly wished to change what had happened, she knew she could not, if the War were going on, the suffering would to. Therefore, she did her best to show Aoife that despites the horrors going on around them there was still good to be found, eager to fill her in on how her sons were doing and the antics they got up to.
Once the War had ended, despites their growing family Arthur and herself had made it clear that Aoife was welcome to come stay with them for as long as she needed. For a time, Molly have hoped the young woman was finding the peace she needed and the scars one could not see where healing. However, as the weeks went by Molly could see that despite the smiles and laughter that something was amiss with the young woman. Aoife was carrying a burden within herself that at times caused a glimmer of sadness as she silently watched the comings and goings of the family around her. Hence, one the first-year anniversary of the Wars end Molly was not totally surprised to discover the letter awaiting her that morning. Although part of her had hoped for contents far different that the ones she read, the greater part was unsurprised at Aoife's farewell note.
Feeling there was more on going on with Aoife than she was letting on Molly had reluctantly decided to accept the elementists need to be alone, even if her motherly instincts wanted nothing more than to find Aoife and bring her home. Although Molly had received countless letters from the younger woman it would be the last time in a long time, she and most of the Wizarding world would see Aoife. Therefore, when news of Aoife's appointment at Hogwarts reached the Wizarding world, she had been both overjoyed and apprehensive about the witches return. Despites, their correspondence Molly had no idea if Aoife would still value hers and Arthur's friendship. However, any doubts or worries she had instantly disappeared the second she saw Aoife on her doorstep and the smile she was wearing. The reunion that day may have been far too long in happening, but it was one Molly would not change.
Returning her attention to the scene before her Molly found herself sharing in their smiles, glad to see not only her family, but friends old and new, happy. Though as she took in the scene before her Molly highly suspected that the elementals currently settling amongst the youngsters were not only the ice breaker, but part of the reason behind the smiles.
The initial awkwardness of a combined last day of Summer and belated birthday for Aoife soon disappearing when the elementals had requested to join the gathering. Shortly after everyone got to see another side to the regal creatures as an afternoon of antics quickly began. They had final finished with a strange version of tag against Samudra and Aoife the victor being the one to avoid getting drenched. However, Fred's victory speech had been noticeably short lived as Aoife was nudged into using her water magic by George.
Now that Sekhmet had dried everyone off the fiery lioness was currently curled between Ron and Harry, purring contentedly at the attention she was receiving. The respective wolf and griffin forms of Fenrir and Fei Lan lazily lounging alongside Fred and George, while the equine Samdura was currently allowing Ginny, under the supervision of Arthur a last ride around The Burrow. Leaving the children to enjoy their last minute with the elementals Molly moved to join Aoife; the woman having settled under her favourite tree within their garden as she watched the scenes before her with a tired smile.
"Thank you for today, I am sure the children will not be forgetting it in a hurry. You really did not need to; this was supposed to be as much your day as theirs."
"I can assure you Molly I have had an enjoyable day, thank you. As for anything else you do not need to thank me – it was worth it."
"Nevertheless, it is time to stop and before you even try lying to me, I know better than anyone how taxing it is to call all four at once, even if they are just entertaining children. Someone has to make sure you do not over do it."
Taking in the raised eyebrow from the one before her Molly was unfazed by the innocent gaze that accompanied it; seven children had given her plenty of experience when dealing with situations like these. Instead, she simply stood her ground, making sure that Aoife could clearly see that she would not be taking no for an answer. Within seconds Molly heard a small chuckle from Aoife, followed quickly by a slight nod.
"Alright everyone, it is time for bed. Big day tomorrow and I expect you all to be up bright and early."
Despites the grumbles her children gave at her announcement Molly could still see the excitement within each of them as they bid farewell to the elementals. Surprisingly once the last elemental had released their physical form her children and Harry gave very little resistance in calling it a night. Though she did suspect that despites her warnings of an early wakeup call that none of them would be actually going to sleep anytime soon. Sharing a look with Arthur she was glad to see that he was happy to deal with getting everyone settled, thus allowing her to deal with a what would no doubt soon be a stubborn witch.
Turning her attention to said witch Molly quickly saw that she had been right in calling it a night, although the younger woman was putting on a good front Molly had enough experience not only as a mother, but as a friend to see past the act. Despites the respectable front Aoife was putting on Molly had a good feeling that the act of maintaining four elementals would take its toll on the one before her.
Although she was no expert on elemental magic Molly strongly believed that Aoife had surpassed even her mother's skills as an elementist. Over the course of the evening Molly had come to realise that Aoife had been able to sustain the four elementals in their physical forms for far longer than Saoirse ever had. However, even as she acknowledged the difference between Aoife and her mother Molly knew that the one before was pushing her boundaries. To the casual observe Aoife appeared to be simply enjoying the evening as she leaned back against her favoured tree, but Molly could see the fatigue the elementist was trying to find. No doubt using the tree as a support while she recuperated some of the strength before attempting to apparte back to Hogsmeade. Despites the years since Saoirse's death and the ending of the War Aoife was determined to keep pushing her limits.
Molly could still remember how withdrawn Aoife had been in the weeks following her arrival at The Burrow after the War. How worried she and Arthur had been to see this subdued side to their friend and unsure of how they could help. However, a couple of months after Aoife's arrival Molly would gain insight into the reason behind not only her friend's withdrawal, but her actions in the coming months. After rushing into Aoife's room one night upon hearing terrified screams Molly had simply listened as the younger witch finally revealed the guilt she felt at surviving, at letting her mother and friends down. Unable to shake the belief that things might have played out differently if she had been stronger.
After an emotional evening Molly could not fail to see the determination and resolve that began to appear in Aoife over the following days. It was rare not to see a day go by without seeing at least one of the elementals or catching Aoife working at her elemental magic. Although she could understand Aoife's reasons for what she was doing Molly was unable to deny the concern she felt as Aoife often pushed herself to far, on more than one occasion near to collapse. It was after one such episode where Aoife had pushed her to far that Molly made it clear that Aoife had to stop, she was constantly worrying that the next time might be to far. Explaining that the War was now over, and she refused to lose anyone else now that they could enjoy life again.
At the time Aoife had taken on board Molly's pleas, taking a step back from the punishing routine she had been undertaking. However, Molly couldn't stop old fears from resurfacing as she took in the one before her.
"Before you say anything I was not pushing myself Molly, I just could not bring myself to eat their fun. It was nice, seeing them having fun. The elementals rarely get the chance to be so carefree and the children really seemed to enjoy the experience."
Seeing the amusement within the tired smile Aoife was giving her Molly could see that the younger witch not only knew the worries she was having but was being genuine in her words. Despites once again being apart of the Wizarding world for the last year Aoife had spent much of that time at Hogwarts teaching, thus this Summer was the first opportunity she would have had to simply enjoy time amongst friends without having to keep up appearances.
"You can not blame me for worrying. You were so determined after the War to keep pushing yourself."
"I am sorry I worried you, but I promise you Molly I have a far better understanding of limits now and I will not push myself like I did. I know far to well what the result could be if I ever did."
Returning the smile Aoife was sending her way Molly was glad to see the Aoife of old, this last year of being back amongst friends had really brought back her spark. However, as she watched the one before her gather herself together Molly was not fooled by the composed act Aoife was portraying, the elementist would be in no condition to go apparating across the country.
"Do not even think about it missy. You are not apparating anywhere, not in your state. You will be staying here tonight; you can go in the morning after a good night's rest."
"No, I could not. . ."
"I will not hear another word on the matter, I would be worried sick if I let you go off right not. The boys will not might bunking up for one night."
Hearing the light chuckle Aoife gave Molly knew she would hear no argument, if anyone knew when to let a matter drop if was Aoife. Unrelenting in her no as I say stare Molly gave a smile of approval as Aoife moved past her towards The Burrow. Taking in the glowing lights and raised voices coming from the home before Molly felt a moment of pure happiness knowing that those she loved were inside.