Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Harry Potter franchise.
Author's Note: My friends, you have reached the final chapter of Made For Each Other.
The following week went by uneventfully for the newlyweds. They'd made it back easily though the tunnel, and Molly had moved her trunk into Arthur's dormitory for the final weeks of school. Molly's potion had come up negative for pregnancy, and her cycle started a few days after. Arthur and Amos had concluded their internship at the Ministry, each with starting dates in early June for their paid positions.
The seventh year students had all but stopped paying attention in their classes. Most of the professors didn't mind so long as the class was quiet, as they were deep within end of term exams for the younger students.
A week and a half after Arthur and Molly's wedding, the students were enjoying breakfast in the Great Hall when the owl post arrived. As usual, the newspaper dropped in front of Arthur, along with a large yellow envelope. A letter arrived for Molly as well, and a large, glossy orange envelope dropped in front of Joey. Dorcas and Marlene were scanning the front page of the Daily Prophet when Joey leapt from the bench, brandishing the envelope.
"I'M IN!" he yelled with such enthusiasm that most of the school looked at him.
Arthur looked up from the large envelope he was opening and saw two black letter C's accompanied by a cannonball zooming across the orange envelope in Joey's hand. His jaw dropped and he leapt up as well.
"YOU'RE JOKING!" Arthur yelled and ran round the table to pull his friend into a crushing hug.
"I'M NOT!" Joey yelled back, grinning from ear to ear.
Dorcas looked up as well and smiled proudly, albeit a bit bewildered, at her friends.
"You got an offer from the Chudley Cannons?" she asked as the boys sat back down, "That's excellent!"
"You're still going to tryout for Appleby with Cas, though, aren't you?" Marlene asked.
"Erm, no," said Joey, "I spoke with them already and gave up my spot."
"Why on earth would you-" Dorcas asked but then stopped speaking and looked at Joey with a trembling chin, "You didn't.."
"The Arrows are only looking to sign one player for the next season," he said with a pleading look at his teammate, "After everything you'd gone through, Dorcas, I thought you deserved it more than me. Please don't be angry. If you'd been Quidditch Captain this year like you had been, the Arrows would have sent you that tryout in November."
"You gave up the Appleby Arrows tryout so Dorcas could have it?" Marlene asked.
"I gave up my spot to free up a spot for an excellent player," Joey said, "It was the Arrows' decision to give that tryout to Dorcas," he grabbed his friend's hand, "They saw you, Cas. You played like an absolute legend in the Cup and they saw you. I had nothing to do with that -it's your talent that got you that tryout, all I did was tell the scout I was no longer interested after the match."
Dorcas didn't speak, but embraced Joey tightly at the table.
"You're not angry?" he asked, wiping his eyes.
"No," Dorcas said as she wiped her own, "if you'd told them to choose me I'd have been, but if all you did was pull your own tryout, then that's about the most selfless thing you could have done, mate."
"I'd do anything for you and Leenie," he looked at the two young women next to him, "You two mean the world to me."
"And now you're in with the Cannons!" Marlene said, getting up to hug Joey, "Without so much as a tryout!"
"The letter said that the Cup match was my tryout," he said proudly, "they want me as a starting Beater! I know they're not the best team-"
"If anyone can make them better, it's you Joe," Arthur grinned, "And this is so great- you won't be far away from my and Molly's house. The Cannons are my region's team!"
"You can stop by for dinner some nights!" Molly said enthusiastically as they all headed to Charms.
"That would be brilliant," Joey said, "and I'll see if I can get you lot free tickets for a match!"
There was so much excitement with Joey that Arthur and Molly didn't open their letters until class had started. While some students were reviewing complex charms, Arthur opened the large envelope and nearly yelled out from happiness, but caught himself. Molly looked at him quizzically before she'd read her letter, and he showed her three official documents sent by his family as well as a letter. Molly beamed when she saw their Muggle and Ministry of Magic marriage certificates. She was over the moon when Arthur handed her back her Apparition license and pointed out that her name had changed on it to Molly Weasley.
The last document was the deed to their property in Devon. Arthur's dad explained in the letter took so long to get to them as they needed to add Molly's name to it.
"Everything fell into place," Arthur smiled as he kissed his wife's hand.
"The key to it all was just telling my parents to fuck off," Molly laughed without mirth, "and you know, my getting disowned."
"Their loss, my darling," he said sincerely, then gestured to her letter, "What's that say?"
"It's from Fabian," Molly said as she scanned the letter, "He tried to reunite with Abi!"
She had a smile, but it turned blank, and then to a frown as she kept reading. She clapped her hand over her mouth and tapped Marlene on the shoulder, then handed her the letter.
"What's wrong, Molly?" Arthur asked, "Are your brothers okay -Bilius?"
"Yes they're all right…well in a manner of speaking."
After Marlene read the letter, she handed it to Arthur.
21 May, 1968
Dear Molly,
Bilius told Gid and I that your marriage licenses are finalised. Congratulations, sis, you're legally married and there's nothing Mother or Father can do about it.
I was inspired by your wedding to try to get Abi back. I thought she and I were really in love when Mr Travers called off our courtship. Before I can explain what happened, I'd learned that the group I'm involved in was having information leaked out, and a few in our ranks were recently killed. Please tell your friend Marlene that the group is laying low currently until we can regroup.
As it turns out, Abigail was the mole. The whole time, I'd thought she was a spy for our side…but she'd lied to me, to everyone. For over a year, she'd been giving valuable information to those Death Eaters, which explains why the side I'm on hadn't made any real progress, yet the Dark wizards have only gotten stronger.
Gideon and I are in hiding, but I promise you we're safe. We've left our old flat as Abigail knows the location. Don't write back, but I'll send messages to you when I can.
As it happens, Abigail went and married your failed suitor, Ethan Rosier. Apparently the Rosier family had a back-alley arrangement with Mr Travers, that if their Prewett courtships didn't work out, they could wed without a fuss.
I've heard that Mother and Father are disgraced from high wizarding society as all three of their children's courtships failed, as well as some bad business dealings from Father. Bilius told Gid that Father was pushed into retirement at the Ministry, and and Mother have left the country for a while to save face.
As much as I'd have loved to stick it to our parents by putting your marriage announcement in the newspaper, I don't think it's a safe idea to put your business out in the public. Anyone who matters to us already knows you're happily a Weasley now, and your big brothers are so proud of you, Molly.
All our love,
Fabian
Arthur was dumbfounded. He was glad that Molly's brothers were all right, but was shocked to hear that they'd been betrayed, and even more shocked to hear that Rosier had gotten himself married in a hurry after Molly jilted him. Part of him was relieved, however, to know that Rosier was out of the picture forever.
Molly had gotten the copy of that day's newspaper back from Dorcas, and flipped through to the Society section near the back. She scoffed a bit when she found what she'd been expecting, and laid it out for Arthur's eyes as well. A large photograph of Ethan Rosier and Abigail Travers in their wedding attire was in the center of the page.
Mr Colin Travers and Mr and Mrs Claudius Rosier are pleased to announce the marriage of their children, Mr Ethan Rosier and Mrs Abigail Rosier (nee Travers). The couple were wed in an intimate ceremony on 20 April. Mr Ethan Rosier was recently made head of the Werewolf Capture Unit at the Ministry of Magic. The couple will live in Kensington and are expecting their first child in the early months of 1969.
"He's got everything he wants," Molly looked at the newspaper in disgust, "I can't believe that woman betrayed my brother!"
"Miss Prewett!" called the professor, "Please keep your voice down, especially if you are determined not to stay on task!"
"Actually, it's not Miss Prewett," Molly said, agitated from the bad news, "It's Mrs Weasley, if you please."
The teacher gave her an odd look, while the other students who didn't know she was married whispered to each other. Arthur simply squeezed her hand.
The next eight days passed quickly. Before it seemed that Molly could even blink, it was the afternoon of 30 May, and the final class she, Arthur, and their friends would ever take at Hogwarts had just let out. Dorcas ceremoniously broke her quill in half and tossed it in the rubbish bin on the way out the door.
"We're finally done," she said with a sigh.
"Just the feast tonight and then we get our certificates in the morning," Marlene smiled and held her hand.
"You cooking tonight, love?" Arthur asked hopefully.
"No," Molly said to her husband, "sorry to disappoint, but I haven't been down to the kitchens since -er -you were in the hospital wing."
She looked at Arthur for confirmation that he understood, and he squeezed her hand. Molly had been avoiding the kitchens and house elves since she'd learned of Tilly's passing.
"Besides, I need to have a word with Professor McGonagall anyway," she said, "Since we're married and my name has changed, I don't want my old name on my school certificate."
"I'd say not," Arthur kissed her cheek, "You went through hell to become a Weasley, might as well flaunt it. Tell you what, I'll pack us both up and meet you at the feast, yeah?"
"Thank you dear," she looked at him softly, "What would I do without you?"
"We'll never have to find out," he touched her cheek.
Several hours later, the end of year feast was complete. Molly, Arthur, Joey, Marlene, and Dorcas were all in Gryffindor common room, in their usual spots round the cold fireplace. Joey had gotten his hands on a bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhisky, and the five friends were passing it around, reminiscing on their years together.
"Mols, remember when we couldn't stand each other?" Marlene laughed as she passed the bottle.
"Oh yes," Molly took the liquor and drank deeply, "I was so jealous of you because you were pretty, and popular!"
"And then you two had that row when Leenie was going to slip Arthur that love potion," Dorcas took the bottle and drank.
"Yeah, Molly told me about that last year," Arthur smiled broadly.
"And then in fourth year you got your tits, Mols," Marlene grinned, "and then I was jealous of you!"
"Ah, I remember that fondly," Dorcas waggled her eyebrows at Molly, who gave her a shocked look.
"Me too!" Joey slapped five with Dorcas and took the bottle from her.
"Oi! That's my wife you're talking about," Arthur said.
Molly looked at him tenderly for defending her.
"She wasn't your wife when her tits came in," Joey winked, and then promptly got slapped in the arm by both Arthur and Molly.
Arthur took the bottle grumpily and had a drink. Molly snuggled up to him and rubbed his leg soothingly.
"Anyway, enough about my tits, fabulous though they are," she said, "Remember first year when Joey took off toward the quidditch pitch during our first flying lesson?"
"I wanted to join the team," Joey laughed.
"As I recall, all you made was a week's worth of detention," Arthur grinned, having moved past their friends' comments about Molly's chest.
"Art, did you ever tell Mols about the time you almost asked her out?" Joey asked, retrieving the bottle.
"Valentine's day, fifth year?" Arthur asked, "Yeah I told her, and I feel like a fool that I didn't do it back then."
"No, before that," Joey grinned.
Marlene laughed, obviously familiar with the story. She took a deep drink and snuggled with Dorcas on the rug.
"Oh…that -no, I don't think we need to talk about it," Arthur's ears and neck were red.
"What? When?" Molly demanded.
"There was a poem!" Marlene cackled with glee.
Arthur went purple with embarrassment. Molly waved her hands at the rest of the group after she looked at him.
"Guys, stop," she said firmly, "Arthur is really bothered by this, let's just drop it."
"Right, yeah," Marlene composed herself, "Sorry Arthur. What about the time that I tried to steal Professor Kettleburn's entire poffle of puffskiens because I thought they were cute?"
Marlene, Dorcas, and Joey carried on about that incident. Arthur put his arm around Molly's waist and squeezed her to him.
"Thank you, love," he said softly, "it was a stupid love poem that I wrote when we were thirteen."
"Of course, sweetheart," Molly kissed him gently, "taking the mickey is only fun if everyone is having a good time. I told you ages ago that I never took you as a joke."
"You married into the wrong family if you don't want to be made fun of," he gave her the lopsided grin he saved just for her.
"That's different," she said, "Getting teased by your brothers is all in good fun."
They kissed again. Molly traced her hands up Arthur's chest and was catcalled by their friends.
"How much has Molly had to drink?" Dorcas called, "She's trying to undress Arthur again!"
"Not enough that I can't remember when you, Miss Meadowes, tried to get me to tell Professor Slughorn that you had dragon pox so you could skive off Potions for two weeks," Molly smirked, "And how word got round-"
"And Madam Sanguine was about to quarantine all of Gryffindor house until you came clean," Joey chipped in.
The ribbing amongst friends continued until they were the last students left in the common room.
"Is everyone packed?" Arthur asked as he stretched his back.
"Yeah," Marlene said, "Cas and I finished before the feast."
"Me as well," Joey said, "though I mostly Vanished my textbooks and parchment."
Everyone laughed and looked at each other. A comfortable, but yearning silence fell amongst them. They'd all seemed to realise together, that there would be no more nights mucking about in the common room.
"You know what I'd love?" Marlene said, getting a bit teary, "One last slumber party."
"All of us together," Joey smiled, "we could use my bed."
"I'm in," said Dorcas, "What do you say, Mr and Mrs Weasley?"
"That sounds lovely," Molly said, "doesn't it Arthur?"
"That's a cert," he grinned.
Within minutes, the five of them were squashed together into Joey's four poster. Arthur was on the far left, then Molly. Marlene was in the middle, and next to her, Dorcas, with Joey on the far right. Joey had an alarm clock set as seventh years had a graduation ceremony of sorts in the morning.
"All right you lot, no snogging," Joey said to his friends, "I mean it."
It was the same thing Dorcas had warned everyone against before Christmas holidays sixth year when Arthur and Molly as well as Joey and Marlene were new couples.
"We'll be good," Dorcas laughed and held Marlene's hand.
"We promise," Arthur grinned as he kissed Molly's cheek.
The next morning, the seventh year students in each house rose before everyone else. They all were to have on their school robes and bring their own belongings down to the Entrance Hall. Just as the sun rose, the twenty-five or so students were instructed by the gamekeeper, Hagrid, to leave their trunks and pet cages there. Their items would be on the platform at Hogsmeade Station, but not loaded onto the Hogwarts Express as most graduates didn't ride the train home.
Hagrid led all the outgoing seventh years out the front doors and down the winding stone stairs to the school's small boathouse. There, Professor Dumbledore and the four Heads of Houses waited with smiles. A single black banner bearing the Hogwarts crest hung behind them on the boathouse wall.
"Thank you Hagrid," Professor Dumbledore inclined his head, then turned to address the seventh years.
"Over seven years ago, you all came to Hogwarts as children. Today, this morning, you leave us as young adults. You have spent a large portion of your lives thus far inside those walls," he gestured up to the castle, "and now, your journey has led you back to the place where your time at Hogwarts both began and ends: these boats."
There was some sniffing in the crowd, and Arthur was certain he saw Professor McGonagall dab her eyes.
"It is no coincidence that you enter and depart this place by water. Water is ever-changing and fits whatever container it is in. So too, with each of you. None of you are the same person that arrived here in September of 1961. Your time here has changed you, and we, as your professors, can only hope that we've helped shape you as people, within the container of our school."
More sniffles were heard in the ground students. Arthur felt Molly slip her hand into his. He gave it a squeeze, though everyone's eyes were still on Dumbledore.
"The journey of your lives is truly just beginning. Your chapter at Hogwarts has concluded, but you will enter a world that each of you will help shape. We have all read and heard troubling stories as of late, which is why I must impress upon you all that each of us has the power of choice. The decisions we make each day send us down a certain path, but it is never too late to change course if you don't like the direction you are headed. As many of you have already discovered, and others will realise sooner than expected, your fate is determined by no one else but you. No hands, other than your own, can shape your future."
Professor Dumbledore smiled at the students and took a step back. The four Heads of Houses moved forward, each with a small stack of flat parchment. Hufflepuff went first, and Arthur smiled broadly as Amos Diggory was the first student to get his completion certificate. He shook hands with each professor, and hugged the Head of Hufflepuff before Hagrid escorted him into a boat. He was joined soon after by Annabelle Smith, and their boat was the first to slowly glide away from the school.
The rest of Hufflepuff got their certificates, then Ravenclaw. Soon Professor McGonagall stepped forward for Gryffindor. Arthur held Molly's hand tightly as Joey entered a boat, certificate in hand. He was sent on his way alone, followed in a boat together by Marlene and Dorcas. Molly was called next, and he beamed at his wife as she hugged each professor and sat expectantly in the boat for him. When Arthur was called, he smiled proudly as he received his certificate and shook hands with each professor. Before he followed Hagrid, he hugged Professor McGonagall and thanked her for everything over the past seven years. Molly's eyes were misty as he joined her in the boat. He kissed her cheek gently as their boat glided effortlessly across the Black Lake.
"We did it, Arthur dear," Molly said as the castle became smaller.
She looked down at her completion certificate, which read 'Molly Hestia Weasley' just as she'd wanted. He held her hand and wondered briefly if they'd ever see Hogwarts again.
"We certainly did, Molly my darling," he smiled.
A short time later the boats let out on the far end of Hogsmeade Station. The Hogwarts graduates were gathered, collecting their possessions and bidding each other farewell. Arthur found his and Molly's trunks quickly with Errol in his cage nearby. He grabbed his owl and they levitated their trunks over to where their friends were hugging.
"I can't believe we're finished!" Dorcas said as she took off her robes and shut them in her trunk, "We might never see that castle again."
"Yes, but we'll absolutely still see each other!" Molly insisted as she removed her own robes.
Arthur smiled as she had chosen to wear her red dress covered with daisies. In the commotion of getting ready that morning, he hadn't noticed until that moment. He removed his robes as well and stowed them both in his trunk.
"That's right," he said, "We'll send everyone an invitation for dinner in a few weeks, once we've got settled in a bit at our house."
"Molly, when you speak to your brothers let them know that they can reach me at the Meadowes' home," said Marlene as she took Dorcas' hand, "I'm still interested in whatever it is that they're doing."
"I will."
Amos and Annabelle said goodbye to their Hufflepuff friends and came to meet the Gryffindors.
"Seems like seven years went by in a blink," Amos said as he hugged everyone.
"I know what you mean," Arthur clapped his friend on the shoulder, "but you and I are coworkers now, mate. We'll see loads of each other."
"I wish I'd see loads of everyone," Annabelle said with tears in her eyes, "I'll be in Paris for a year."
"It's only a year, Annie," Amos touched her cheek, "we can visit each other through Portkey."
She nodded and embraced her shaggy haired boyfriend.
"I love you Amos," she whispered.
They shared a kiss before Annabelle turned to Molly and Arthur.
"I'm so glad we could help each other," she smiled, "Molly, you gave Amos the push he needed to ask me out-"
"And you gave Arthur and I a beautiful wedding," Molly beamed and hugged her friend, "thank you."
"Well," Joey gave another set of hugs and grabbed his trunk handle, "I guess this is it. I've got to report to Chudley first thing Monday for training."
"Don't be a stranger, Joey," Arthur reminded him, "Chudley is proper close to me and Mols."
"Oh I plan to be a frequent visitor once you're settled," he laughed, "now that we don't get three meals a day prepared for us anymore."
With one last round of hugs, everyone grabbed their wands and belongings. Arthur looked at Molly and she nodded in confirmation.
"Let's go home, love," he smiled.
Molly opened her eyes moment later. The tear-streaked faces of her friends were far away, replaced with the view of their odd little house and a grassy field. Arthur's Ford Anglia was parked near the door. She looked over at Arthur and smiled happily. Next moment, their kitchen door flew open and Arthur's parents, brothers, and very pregnant sister in law came out.
"Surprise!" yelled the Weasley family.
Arthur and Molly beamed, then walked quickly along the dirt path to join them. Gideon and Fabian emerged from the house as well, and everyone embraced the young couple as soon as they could reach them. After a moment, Arthur let Errol out of his cage so the commotion wouldn't bother him.
"Welcome home," Arthur's mum said as she wiped her eyes on her handkerchief.
"Come in and see the surprise!" Bilius called loudly, "Leave your trunks, Gid and I will bring them."
Molly and Arthur were ushered to the door. Before they could go in, Arthur stopped everyone.
"Wait!" he called, "I've been waiting for months to do this."
With his grin that he only used with Molly, Arthur scooped his wife up into his arms. Her left hand went round his shoulder for support.
"Sweetheart, your back!" she said in concern.
"My back is fine, love," he smiled.
They gazed at each other, very much in love, as Arthur carried Molly over the threshold of their home.
"Welcome home, Mrs Weasley," he murmured.
They kissed for a moment before Arthur set her down. Once their eyes had left each other, they looked around and saw their empty house wasn't so empty anymore. All of Arthur's belongings from his parents' house were set up for them. In the kitchen stood the tool bench, but had two place settings and a pitcher full of flowers in the centre of it.
"Amaryllis had the idea that this would make a lovely dining table," said Ignatius, "Until you two can get a proper one."
"That's brilliant, thanks!" Arthur smiled.
In the living room, the grey blanket that they used as a rug for so long was draped over a new addition -a plush, olive green loveseat. Matching curtains were hung over their windows in that room, and their rickety stool in the corner held Arthur's phonograph, his crate of records next to it.
"We all contributed to the loveseat," Arthur's dad said as he put his hand on his youngest son's shoulder, "Seeing as you didn't have anything proper to sit on. Bilius also saw to it that your fireplace was connected to the Floo Network. There's a bit of powder on your mantle to get you started."
"Thank you all so much!" Molly exclaimed.
"Come here, you two," Cedrella pulled them to the fireplace, "have a look."
On the mantle was a collection of framed photographs. Molly teared up as she saw a large moving colour photo of she and Arthur kissing at their wedding. Next to that, a black and white picture of them asleep on the sofa, taken over the summer. Behind that, Arthur, Bilius, and Molly waving excitedly in front of the Anglia. There were pictures of Gideon and Fabian, Ignatius and Amaryllis, Cedrella and Septimus, even one of Bilius kissing Gideon's cheek.
"These are wonderful," Arthur said, wiping his eyes.
"Right, last surprise, then we'll leave you to get settled," said Fabian.
He gestured to the bedroom. Arthur took Molly's hand and they saw that Arthur's proper bed from his old room had replaced the oversized toy they'd used there before. His wheeled toolbox sat in the corner with the oil lamp on top. They went back into the living room with their extended family.
"Ignatius got the plumbing sorted out as well," Bilius said, "so the house is pretty much ready to go."
"We can't thank you enough," Arthur said in gratitude, "for everything. Molly and I..." he looked at his wife with devotion, "We wouldn't be here today, in this place as husband and wife, without all of your love and support."
"Amy, when that baby comes I'll be happy to babysit," Molly said, "I don't begin at St Mungo's until the Junior Healer program begins in September."
"I'm sure I'll take you up on it!" Amaryllis smiled.
After several minutes of hugs and congratulations, as well as plans for a large extended family roast that Sunday at Arthur's parents' house, the visitors departed. Arthur and Molly were left alone in their home. With a grin, Arthur Summoned the bench he'd made at the start of the year and returned it to its normal size. He placed it at their makeshift kitchen table.
"That should work for a while," he said.
Molly got the clock Arthur had made for her and hung it proudly next to the fireplace with the Sticking Charm. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her as they looked at their clock hands each pointing to the word 'Home'.
"We've come a long way Mollywobbles," he said softly, "I love you so much."
"I love you, Arthur," she turned to face him and they shared an adoring kiss, "No matter what."
The young couple gazed at each other, then around their little home. As they considered all they'd faced to get there, and looked forward to their future, Molly and Arthur knew they'd meet everything that was in store for them the best way they knew how- together.
The End
Author's Note: THANK YOU to everyone who has stuck with this story until the end.
Words cannot describe how much I loved writing this, and each of your comments and reviews helped push me to actually finish Arthur and Molly's love story. I cried for days once I'd finished it, knowing that I'd done my best to flesh out and give life to my favorite couple in any fandom.
There may be a third book at some point, but I promise nothing as I am currently pursuing other interests. These two books took me over a year and a half to write, and if I return to chronicle more of their life, I want to do it justice.
If you are reading this, you mean more to me than you will ever know.