The Bumpy Road
Arthur had gotten his hair trimmed. Of course, according to his mother, it was still far too long and it just wasn't sensible for a young man to go around looking unkempt and like he was homeless. His father just shook his head, ruffled his newspaper six times, cleared his throat and ignored him. Arthur had come to appreciate this familiar routine with his parents; after all, he would always be better off then poor Molly, who didn't have any parents. But, there was one thing (besides her entire being) that Arthur especially loved about Molly.
She took him how he was.
"I'm going to Hogwart's now." He announced, clutching his rat, Patricia.
"That's nice, son. Don't forget to write." His mother said, stirring her tea.
"I won't be back until June." He said.
"Yes, we know."
"And I'd sure appreciate a goodbye of some kind." Arthur said, raising his eyebrows.
"You'll miss your train, son." His father grumbled from behind his newspaper.
"Goodbye to you, too." Arthur mumbled angrily as he stormed out the front door, slamming it.
~-~-~-
Molly sat on her trunk at the platform, watching all of the students board the train. A few eyed her strangely, as if wondering if she was boarding or not. She smiled oddly back at them.
"I hate you James Potter! Do you hear me? I hate you!" A girl was screaming. "I'm going to kill you one day! I'm going to throw you off a cliff and laugh at your dead body!"
A girl with pretty green eyes was screaming at a boy with raven black hair and rounded glasses. The boy (presumably James Potter) was laughing hysterically and juggling a kitten in his hands.
"I might drop it, you know!" he mocked her.
"Don't you dare, you monster!" she shrieked, tears springing from her eyes.
"Aw, Lily, why do you always cry? You always spoil the fun!" James said, handing the small kitten back to her awaiting hands.
"I'm not crying!" Lily shrieked, letting loose a sob.
"You're such a wimp!" The boy next to James shouted. "We should beat you up!"
Molly felt herself smiling as she walked over to the group of First Years.
"You're a violent little imp, aren't you?" She asked the boy next to James.
"You bet ya'! " He exclaimed. "I can take anyone on at any time, you just watch me!"
Molly rolled her eyes. "There now, stop crying, Lily." She said to the little girl, whom had her faced buried in the kitten's fur.
"He almost killed her!" Lily screamed, pointing an accusing finger at James who stifled a laugh.
"Get on the train, the lot of you." Arthur said, suddenly appearing. "G'on. Don't you know what they do to first years who don't catch the train?"
"W-what?" stuttered James.
"They throw them in the lake with the Giant Squid." Arthur said, smirking. "And they never come out."
That's all it took for the three First Years to scamper on the train faster then greased lightning.
"You know what I think?" Molly said dreamily.
"What?"
"I think that Lily and James will get married one day."
"What?!" Arthur exclaimed. "Molly, they're eleven years old!"
"I know." Molly said, boarding the train. "But, love's a funny thing, isn't it?"
Arthur shook his head and felt the involuntary smile creep onto his lips.
"Sure is." He muttered as he boarded the train behind Molly.
~-~-~-
"Arthur, Arthur ... Arthur ... " Molly whispered to herself as she laid on her new bed in the Fifth Year's dorm.
Molly giggled feebly at her immature little fantasies. The two of them riding off into the sunset. The two of them dancing under the moonlight. The two of them getting married at twilight, just as the sun was rising. And then, Arthur taking her into his big, strong arms and carrying her far ... far away ...
"In your dreams ..." Molly muttered angrily to herself.
What was he? He was popular, had perfect teeth and shiny, sleek hair. Like a boy with that status would be able to find a girl like her attractive in any ways. But, it was so funny.
She had always the one to make sure no one touched her. The one to be logical and protect herself. The one that everyone hated. And then suddenly, she had a friend. Not only a friend, but a best friend. Someone that would listen and understand.
It was so much better to be just friends.
The dormitory door opened.
"... of course!" a girl said.
"Are you sure he did?" The other girl asked.
"I'm positive!" the girl shrieked.
"But, Arthur Weasley!"
Molly felt her heart do something funny. It scrunched up and seemed to cringe with pain and regret. She turned on her side and pretended to be asleep.
"I know! He just came up and asked me out!"
"And what did you say?"
"Are you insane? I said yes! Yes!"
Molly didn't know why her eyes started to burn. She didn't know why she felt so much loss when she knew that Arthur couldn't possibly have stayed with her, a friend. Arthur would never consider her as anything besides a confidant. And why should he?
Because she loved him.
~-~-~-
Molly sat in the Great Hall, breakfast lay out in front of her. She wasn't hungry, and she didn't think she ever would be again. She hated that girl that Arthur had asked out. Molly picked at her food dreamily with no concern whatsoever of what was going on around her. Arthur was in Sixth Year ... sixteen years old! What did she expect: Him to wait for her until she was suddenly beautiful? It'd never happen! Arthur would never see her as anything except Molly. And she was fine with that! Perfectly fine! But, then why did it hurt so much?
Because she loved him.
"Damn it all." She muttered to herself.
~-~-~-
He had no idea what his problem was. Arthur smoothed his bangs back angrily. Why had he asked that Sh-- sh --- what was her name again? Sharon? Sheeba? Sharon, that was it. Sharon. Ah, well, he had to. Even though he was less concerned with gossip, he still had to keep a high social status. He had to! He had to make up for all of the gossip last year with Molly. It's not that he regretted it at all. No, of course not! He realized how foolish he was over the summer to think he actually loved Molly. And he had told himself that it was perfectly alright for him to go on dating other girls because he was never officially dating Molly.
Then, why did he feel like such a prat?
"Godamn conscience." He muttered.
"What was that?" Sharon asked him.
He only, then, realized that he was in the library and Sharon was leaning her head on his arm. It was sick, really. He didn't want her there. For a split second, he imagined Molly's red hair there instead of the artificial blonde. He smiled. He put his arm around her and she started to talk about her past, her present and he listened, for once.
"Arthur?"
"No!" He cried, willing the image of Molly away from his head. Why was he so obsessed? He did not love her! He didn't even find her attractive! It was Godamn messed up that he should have these ... thoughts of her, leaning against his arm, talking to him in that singsong voice. If she ever had children, they would be so lucky to have a mother like her to sing them to sleep. She would have many children who would love her.
But not with him. God forbid it, No!
"You're acting funny today, Arthur." Sharon cooed. "Are you trying to tease me?"
"I've got to go." He said abruptly. "Quidditch Practice."
"Okay, meet me at dinner, then!"
Arthur didn't reply, but shuffled rather quickly out of the library.
~-~-~-
Ah, the Quidditch Team approaches! Molly stroked her old crow, Jellybean. He was aging. He flew slower. He flew lower to the ground. And his eyes seemed to be so tired. Molly knew if her crow died, she would cry terribly.
"Old friend." She said to it. "Enjoy the sky why you still can." She released it and Jellybean flew feebly away, slowly, as if not sure where he was going. As if he was lost within the sky.
Molly climbed down from the stands, only to be met by the taunting Quidditch Team. She didn't know what to do. Should she say 'hello' to Arthur? Should she just walk by? Why should she even acknowledge him? Molly just stood there, facing the Quidditch Team. Arthur, in front.
"Hey Dolly!" faithful Seth called. "Like that poison we gave your chicken? It'll be dead in the next month or so!"
Molly looked up. "W-what?"
"Yeah, Arthur helped the most, though. Came up with all the ingredients and everything!" Seth clapped Arthur's shoulder, who just looked at her helplessly.
You promised, Arthur. Molly thought. You promised you'd never do anything to hurt me. You promised, you lying bastard. So, it was the truth. You were just using me to gain popularity. It's all clear now. I hate you Arthur Weasley! I hate you!
It was as if Arthur heard her.
"Molly." He said, walking towards her.
She didn't even try to stop the tears from pouring out of her eyes. Jellybean was going to die. Along with her. Jellybean was everything to her. The Arthur she knew was just a fake. A clone. Someone who didn't give a damn about her. Someone who just 'dealt with the outcasts.'
"Molly." He repeated, reaching out his arms, as if to hug her.
"You promised!" She screamed at him, forcing him to take a step back.
The quiet pain she had endured took over her. She dropped to her knees and started to sob and sob and sob and sob. She couldn't control it. She loved Arthur! She loved him! She was her first love ever. And she wasn't just crying for her godamned crow. She was crying because of all the lies. Everything was a lie now.
The Quidditch Team said nothing. Even Seth was silent. They all saw what they had done. They all saw what their foolish pride had cost a girl who had done absolutely nothing to them.
A small girl stepped out from the Seeker. James Potter, first year seeker. He had amazing talent.
"Molly, don't cry." She said, innocently, walking up to her. "Please don't cry."
Molly looked up at the girl's beautiful green eyes.
She saw hope.
~-~-~-
Arthur felt horrid. He felt like throwing up when he looked at his flawless face in the mirror. How could he have contributed to that stupid potion? How could he have taken away something that meant so much to Molly? He had given her his word that he would never hurt her. He went back on his word. He was just as bad as --
"Well, well, if it isn't the Weasel."
Malfoy.
"What happened, Weasel, get dumped by another one of your girlfriends?"
"Don't you have a hole to slither in, Malfoy?" Arthur scowled.
"My, my, aren't we touchy?"
"Stop it, Lucious." Narcissa whispered. "Stop picking fights."
Malfoy didn't hear.
"Didn't see your parents at the orientation, Weasley. Oh, wait. I remember now, you're the one with the parents that, 'don't care.' "
Arthur didn't move from the windowsill where he was sitting. He let his bangs brush over his eyes as he glared angrily at Malfoy. He could make fun of his family all that he wanted. He wasn't going to let Malfoy get to him.
~-~-~
Molly shuffled down the dark hallway, just getting out from detention (courtesy of Professor Lacks). She clutched the heavy textbook against her body and tried not to cry. Why did she keep thinking about Arthur? Why did she keep thinking how much his red hair matched hers? Why did she keep thinking of how his hair brushed against his eyes? Why was she mesmerized by his gray eyes? Why? It didn't make any sense. Nothing made any sense anymore.
She turned the corner. Her shoes were a size too big, as they were hand-me-downs from girls who had left the orphanage. She hated the ugly sound they made when they stepped against the stone floors. She closed her eyes tightly and walked on.
~-~-
"Heard you failed your last test, Weasley." Malfoy was saying. "What's the matter? Is the King losing his touch?"
"I could perform a hex better then you with my eyes closed, Malfoy." Arthur said.
"Right, then." Malfoy said. "Then, we'll both try to hex the next person that turns the corner all the way down the hall. Whoever's hex affects the person most will receive ten galleons from the loser."
"I hope your vault at Gringott's is as big as your mouth, Malfoy." Arthur said, smirking. "Because I'd hate to have to resort to raiding your robes to get my pay when I win."
"I've always enjoyed a challenge." Malfoy said. "Especially from someone as easy to defeat as you."
Nacrissa burst into tears and ran away.
Both reached into their robes and retrieved their wand, ready.
Malfoy said the curse faster then the person would expect it. He said it faster then Arthur could knock the wand out of his hand and save the poor girl that was hit by the hex. It all happened in a blur. A big giant blur.
Molly looked surprised at first. And then she was in pain. So much pain. It felt as if someone was pulling all of the blood out of her body by force. By horrible force. It hurt like nothing she had ever felt before. She wanted it to stop. More then anything she wanted it to stop. Stop ... stop ... just make it stop. She saw the stone floor rushing towards her and then something stopped her from falling.
"Molly! Molly, say something!" Arthur pleaded.
She opened her mouth and blood gushed out of it and onto the stone floor. Blood. She coughed and more came out.
"What the fuck did you do, Malfoy?" Arthur yelled at the laughing boy.
Malfoy continued to laugh. "I was hoping to get a muggle born, but this is so much better!"
Malfoy's laughed died down as he walked down the hall, towards the Slytherin Common Room.
Tears were running down Molly's face, made even more pale then it was before.
"Make it stop, Arthur!" She begged him .
And more than anything, he wanted to.
~-~-
He was never going to go near her again. It was all his fault she was in this pain, and after he went as far as to promise his friendship and condolence. What scum he was! He was even worse then a filthy Slytherin, lower then a Malfoy. Why was it only the people he loved that were always hurt by him? Him? First it was Seth, with his broken nose, then it was Molly and , who next? Sure, all of the girlfriends were dumped and they cried for a spell, but got over it soon enough and were flirting with him the next day. Their emotions weren't real. Molly's were. He refused to visit her in the hospital wing. He refused to see her. He wasn't going to ever hurt her again.
"Arthur." came the high pitched giggle beside him.
Arthur glanced at the girl trailing beside him. Her name, was it Ann? Annie? Annabelle? Andrea? Annette? It started with an A, he knew that. Well, whatever it was, it was ugly. Everything he touched became ugly. All of these girls that clung to his arms were beautiful, and they would stay beautiful because he would never dare to talk to them like he had ever talked to Seth or Molly. They were hurt because of him. It was horrid.
Right, back to her name. Alice? Amanda? Ah--what was it? Molly's name was so beautiful, unlike this girl's, whatever it happened to be. Molly Elaine Eloise. It was so graceful. He smiled when he thought of the red head. Stop it, you stupid prat! He thought. Just shut up! You can't ever go near her again, ever. Do you hear? She hates you, and you hate her, so just let it go. Let it go, Arthur. Let it go.
"Oh, Arthur." She said dreamily.
It didn't matter what her name was. She would be gone tomorrow. He just hoped that Molly would leave him. He wanted more then anything to be free of her smiling face. He saw it in his dreams. He wanted her to go. Go away until he couldn't see her anymore.
"Quidditch Practice." he muttered, ducking into the Locker Room, ripping his arm from the girl.
~-~-~
How? How did a friendship so beautiful suddenly turn into something so horrid and ugly? Molly lay in her bed in the hospital wing, staring into the impending darkness of night. Madame Zel was a crazy old woman. She believed that students slept best in the pitch black. Luckily, Irene Pomfrey was a constant visitor to the hospital wing. She would always turn on a small candle light for the residing students. If she grew up to run the Hospital Wing, why, she would be the best Nurse Hogwart's had ever seen!
"Something on your mind, Molly?" She said, sitting herself down in the chair beside her bed.
"Don't you ever sleep, Irene?" Molly said, trying to make her voice sound groggy.
"Now, who do you think you are fooling, Molly Eloise? I can tell when a person is groggy and when they are just plain faking it. You know, when your stomach is empty, and your mind is full, it is impossible to find safety in the realm of dreams." Irene said, handing her a cup of hot chocolate.
Molly took the cup and sat up, taking a sip. "You didn't slip anything in this, did you?"
"Of course not." Irene smiled. "But, if you don't tell me what's wrong, then, next time I will."
Molly turned away from Irene. How could she possibly understand the terrible hurt she was feeling for Arthur? How he hated her, and because of what? She didn't even know what she had done. She felt the tears run down her cheeks in the darkness.
"Molly." Irene said, taking her cold hand. "You're so frail and fragile. You're like glass. Whatever his name is, I'm sure that he just wants to protect you."
"Protect me from what?" Molly cried out, the tears springing from her eyes. "Irene, you'll never understand! I can never have him. Ever!"
Irene was silent for a few seconds. "Finnigan." She whispered, smiling at her.
"What?"
"David Finnigan." She said. "He's a pureblood."
"So? That doesn't mean that you can't--"
"Of course." said Irene. "I'm just a filthy little halfling. I've some elf blood in me. But, that's all."
"Irene ... "
"Don't you tell me I don't understand Molly Elaine Eloise! That boy meant the world to me! I was turned down because I was a filthy little halfling! It's not fair, it's not fair at all, Molly."
Molly was silent.
"Arthur ... " she muttered.
"Weasley?" Irene said, wiping the tears away from her eyes. "Oh, yes, he is very handsome. But, that's all he is. He's very shallow. He's had about three girlfriends already. They've all gotten dumped. Arthur's a cold blooded beast, if you ask me. He only cares about himself."
"Shut up, you stupid girl." Molly hissed. "You have no idea who he is and what he goes through."
"Oh, I'm sure that it must be positively dreadful to have flawless looks and the entire school at your heels." Irene said coldly.
"Arthur is ... " Molly said, quietly. "Arthur is a beautiful person."
"I think everyone can see that." Irene said.
"Don't you see, Irene Madison Pomfrey?" Molly said. "It's what people don't see that make him a beautiful person."
"Although I've never seen anyone defend Arthur Wesley's personality traits such as you have, my dear Molly, I do not doubt your judgment."
"He's honest and he's kind and he's trustworthy."
"And is that why he poisoned your crow, mocked you in front of the entire school, made a joke of you, hexed you and now won't speak to you?" Irene asked her sarcastically.
"To bed!" Madame Zel screamed through the infirmary. "Irene Pomfrey, you get out of here, or I'll have you kicked out of Hogwart's faster then you can say 'Hufflepuff!' "
"I'm going to run this place one day." Irene said, walking straight up to Madame Zel. "And I'm going to make sure that there are no portraits of your ugly face to frighten the likes of the poor students."
"Fifteen points from Hufflepuff!" Madame Zel roared.
Irene scowled at the fat woman and rushed out of the Hospital Wing and towards the Hufflepuff Common Room.
~-~-~-
In quiet pain, Molly watched the days trudge slowly on. She saw a new girl with Arthur every week, each more beautiful then the last. Molly stopped going to the love bench. Arthur stopped throwing her small, encouraging smiles between classes. They avoided each other's eyes, knowing full and well what would happen if they looked into the other's. Each knew that the other didn't return the love they were so dedicated to.
"--of course if you want to buy proper dress robes, the only place to go is Hogsmeade!" The girl clinging to his arm said.
"Right. Hogsmeade." Arthur repeated, dully.
"Right!" The girl chirped. "Although the prices are a bit, well, pricey, it's well worth it. Oh, I've this adorable robe. It's emerald green and has a darling little brooch right where the cloaks intercept. I think that I look best in it with my hair curled. Although, Vanessa says I look better with my hair down in it. I think that painting my nails will accent my fingers when I wear those dress robes. Oh! Did I tell you about the wonderful eye shadow I got, just last week? Well, my cousin sent it to me, she lives in France. It's a deep midnight blue. I don't think it'd go too well with my new dress robes, but it's just so darling! I've got a pair of periwinkle robes in the back of my wardrobes, I think they'd go rather good with those. Of course, periwinkle is so last season. Oh, my! Did you hear about Sophie? That German girl? Well, she was caught wearing royal red dress robes to the Yule Ball! Can you imagine, Arthur? Royal Red!"
Arthur hadn't heard a bit of what the girl (ah, what was her name?) had said. Something about France and nail polish and hair. Three subjects that he had no interest in whatsoever. He had been a bit distraught lately. Gryffindor had been losing quite a few Quidditch Matches because of him. It was absurd that the Team Captain couldn't keep a few goals out of the rings. His attention was elsewhere, he searched the courtyard for Molly. The girl had started talking again.
"Oh, look Arthur! There's that Polly!"
"It's Molly." Arthur said automatically.
"Right, yes, whatever." giggled the girl. "Doesn't she know that it's only proper for girls to have their skirts hemmed two inches shorter this season? It's all the rage, Arthur. I must say, her skirts are the same length all year round, it's so absurd!"
"What about when it gets cold?" Arthur asked.
"Oh, us girls have more then one skirt, Arthur. When the weather gets too cold, we simply switch to our winter skirts, which are two inches longer then the usual length, making them four inches longer then the summer skirts. Of course, it is very crucial for a girl to know the exact day to switch Summer and Winter skirts. If not, why, she'll be the laughing stock of the school!" The girl paused for air. "But take Bolly--"
"Molly." Arthur said.
"--for instance. She doesn't ever change her skirt length. It's always cut right at the knee, just like the normal dress code. Doesn't she realize that everyone's making fun of her, I ask you, Arthur? She doesn't care! She just doesn't! No summer skirts or winter skirts for her, no sir. And when it comes to Dress Robes! Why, I've gone into her wardrobe. Now, don't look at me like I'm a nosy little girl, Arthur. Anyone would've been naturally curious! Well, she had a pair of dress robes, believe it or not, and they were periwinkle! Periwinkle! Arthur, I know why she doesn't go to balls anymore. She's so ashamed to be seen in those last season robes. Who wouldn't be? I don't even think she has any right seasoner for her hair! Now, Arthur, don't tell me you don't know what seasoner is? Well, it's the stuff you use for your hair after you use conditioner. You know, right before the after seasoner. Well, she only had shampoo and conditioner! Can you imagine? No wonder her hair is stuck in such a rut! Someone needs to teach that girl the 'do's' and 'do not's ' of wardrobe."
Molly had been looking down strictly at her textbook. But, Arthur knew, she wasn't reading. He could feel it. She could feel him staring at her. He watched her careful blue eyes, searching the page for answers to questions that could never be answered. Arthur felt the urge to walk over and sit down next to her and spill his heart out, once again. He wanted to tell her all about the ridiculous girls he had been dating.
"--got to get to Muggle Studies. Bye, Love." The girl said, pecking Arthur on the cheek.
~-~-~-
"I love food!" The girl said.
She was a new one. He hadn't seen Molly in a week, and he was getting worried about her. As much as he wanted to rub her away from his mind, she always remained. The girl, who sat beside him, now, seemed very fond of food. Ah, her name? Katherine? Kelly? Katie? Who, in God's name, cared? The only name that would ever be beautiful to him was Molly Elaine Eloise.
"I plan to be a chef someday, Arthur. Of course, I plan to use very little magic. Did you know that if you sprinkle cupcake batter with a bit of pepper it gives it a zest!"
"Zest." Arthur repeated.
"There's to be a Spring Ball." said the girl." Every girl, third year and up is required to go. If they don't find a date, they'll be paired up."
"Spring Ball." Arthur said absently.
"Well, I suppose, we'll be going together, then?" the girl said hopefully.
She laid her plump little head down on his lap before he could protest. He let her lay there, he was too tired to protest or ask her to move.
And then he saw her. Molly, standing at the edge of the courtyard. Her blue eyes leaking with quiet tears. They weren't jealous, they weren't angry. They were sad. So very sad. He could hear what she was saying. Her eyes said it all, every single word. The overwhelming guilt of seeing her alone seemed to take control of him. He meant to protect her. He meant to make sure that no one hurt her, even him. But, how? How could he have been so blind? He had broken her poor, fragile little heart. The pieces lay scattered on the floor and her blank eyes just looked at him.
'I love you, Arthur.'
'I love you too, Molly.'
She ran.
~-~-~-
"Listen." he said to the girl laying on his lap. "It's over."
"What?" She gasped, her bottom lip quivering. "But, Arthur!"
"Just, leave me alone!" He yelled, running after Molly.
~-~-~-
The Spring Ball was canceled. There really was nothing to worry about. Nothing at all. Or so it seemed. Arthur couldn't stop thinking of Molly. He had loved her all along. All along. What in God's name was his problem? Why did he date all of those useless girls? How could he have caused Molly such -- such pain when all he thought he wanted was to take it away from her forever. To make her strong enough so she could fight for herself. So he could fight for her.
And now, he sat on the train, rolling down the tracks to Platform 9 and 3/4, he felt so lost. He wanted someone to find him. He wanted someone to love him for who he was, not because of the perfect hair. Not because of the Quidditch Record and reputation. But, for Arthur. He didn't care if anyone saw, but he let the lone tear run down his cheek.
"Arthur?"
"Get away, damn it!" He yelled, hastily wiping the tears away from his eyes.
Molly stood in the doorway, wanting to stay with him, but wanting to fulfill his wishes and go away, far away, where he could forget all about her.
"I can't." she sobbed. "I can't do this, Arthur."
"Molly." He said. "What can't you do?"
"I can't stand to be in love, can't you see?" she sobbed. "It hurts too much, and even though you won't admit it, your hurt too. And for what? Where will we all end up, anyway, Arthur?"
Arthur felt himself smile that unfamiliar smile as he took her hand and pulled her towards the seat next to him.
"Well, I suppose, we'll end up back at the beginning." He said, smiling.
"At the beginning." Molly repeated. "That sounds like a good place to be."
Arthur smiled.
"Did I tell you about those idiot girl friends that I dated?" He laughed.
"No, do tell." Molly said, sinking back in the seat.
"Well, there was one and she ... "
And as the train sped along the mountains, Arthur once again found peace in the stringy red head he fell in love with. Both knew, and both refused to say. But, it was just as Arthur had said.
It was the beginning.
Arthur had gotten his hair trimmed. Of course, according to his mother, it was still far too long and it just wasn't sensible for a young man to go around looking unkempt and like he was homeless. His father just shook his head, ruffled his newspaper six times, cleared his throat and ignored him. Arthur had come to appreciate this familiar routine with his parents; after all, he would always be better off then poor Molly, who didn't have any parents. But, there was one thing (besides her entire being) that Arthur especially loved about Molly.
She took him how he was.
"I'm going to Hogwart's now." He announced, clutching his rat, Patricia.
"That's nice, son. Don't forget to write." His mother said, stirring her tea.
"I won't be back until June." He said.
"Yes, we know."
"And I'd sure appreciate a goodbye of some kind." Arthur said, raising his eyebrows.
"You'll miss your train, son." His father grumbled from behind his newspaper.
"Goodbye to you, too." Arthur mumbled angrily as he stormed out the front door, slamming it.
~-~-~-
Molly sat on her trunk at the platform, watching all of the students board the train. A few eyed her strangely, as if wondering if she was boarding or not. She smiled oddly back at them.
"I hate you James Potter! Do you hear me? I hate you!" A girl was screaming. "I'm going to kill you one day! I'm going to throw you off a cliff and laugh at your dead body!"
A girl with pretty green eyes was screaming at a boy with raven black hair and rounded glasses. The boy (presumably James Potter) was laughing hysterically and juggling a kitten in his hands.
"I might drop it, you know!" he mocked her.
"Don't you dare, you monster!" she shrieked, tears springing from her eyes.
"Aw, Lily, why do you always cry? You always spoil the fun!" James said, handing the small kitten back to her awaiting hands.
"I'm not crying!" Lily shrieked, letting loose a sob.
"You're such a wimp!" The boy next to James shouted. "We should beat you up!"
Molly felt herself smiling as she walked over to the group of First Years.
"You're a violent little imp, aren't you?" She asked the boy next to James.
"You bet ya'! " He exclaimed. "I can take anyone on at any time, you just watch me!"
Molly rolled her eyes. "There now, stop crying, Lily." She said to the little girl, whom had her faced buried in the kitten's fur.
"He almost killed her!" Lily screamed, pointing an accusing finger at James who stifled a laugh.
"Get on the train, the lot of you." Arthur said, suddenly appearing. "G'on. Don't you know what they do to first years who don't catch the train?"
"W-what?" stuttered James.
"They throw them in the lake with the Giant Squid." Arthur said, smirking. "And they never come out."
That's all it took for the three First Years to scamper on the train faster then greased lightning.
"You know what I think?" Molly said dreamily.
"What?"
"I think that Lily and James will get married one day."
"What?!" Arthur exclaimed. "Molly, they're eleven years old!"
"I know." Molly said, boarding the train. "But, love's a funny thing, isn't it?"
Arthur shook his head and felt the involuntary smile creep onto his lips.
"Sure is." He muttered as he boarded the train behind Molly.
~-~-~-
"Arthur, Arthur ... Arthur ... " Molly whispered to herself as she laid on her new bed in the Fifth Year's dorm.
Molly giggled feebly at her immature little fantasies. The two of them riding off into the sunset. The two of them dancing under the moonlight. The two of them getting married at twilight, just as the sun was rising. And then, Arthur taking her into his big, strong arms and carrying her far ... far away ...
"In your dreams ..." Molly muttered angrily to herself.
What was he? He was popular, had perfect teeth and shiny, sleek hair. Like a boy with that status would be able to find a girl like her attractive in any ways. But, it was so funny.
She had always the one to make sure no one touched her. The one to be logical and protect herself. The one that everyone hated. And then suddenly, she had a friend. Not only a friend, but a best friend. Someone that would listen and understand.
It was so much better to be just friends.
The dormitory door opened.
"... of course!" a girl said.
"Are you sure he did?" The other girl asked.
"I'm positive!" the girl shrieked.
"But, Arthur Weasley!"
Molly felt her heart do something funny. It scrunched up and seemed to cringe with pain and regret. She turned on her side and pretended to be asleep.
"I know! He just came up and asked me out!"
"And what did you say?"
"Are you insane? I said yes! Yes!"
Molly didn't know why her eyes started to burn. She didn't know why she felt so much loss when she knew that Arthur couldn't possibly have stayed with her, a friend. Arthur would never consider her as anything besides a confidant. And why should he?
Because she loved him.
~-~-~-
Molly sat in the Great Hall, breakfast lay out in front of her. She wasn't hungry, and she didn't think she ever would be again. She hated that girl that Arthur had asked out. Molly picked at her food dreamily with no concern whatsoever of what was going on around her. Arthur was in Sixth Year ... sixteen years old! What did she expect: Him to wait for her until she was suddenly beautiful? It'd never happen! Arthur would never see her as anything except Molly. And she was fine with that! Perfectly fine! But, then why did it hurt so much?
Because she loved him.
"Damn it all." She muttered to herself.
~-~-~-
He had no idea what his problem was. Arthur smoothed his bangs back angrily. Why had he asked that Sh-- sh --- what was her name again? Sharon? Sheeba? Sharon, that was it. Sharon. Ah, well, he had to. Even though he was less concerned with gossip, he still had to keep a high social status. He had to! He had to make up for all of the gossip last year with Molly. It's not that he regretted it at all. No, of course not! He realized how foolish he was over the summer to think he actually loved Molly. And he had told himself that it was perfectly alright for him to go on dating other girls because he was never officially dating Molly.
Then, why did he feel like such a prat?
"Godamn conscience." He muttered.
"What was that?" Sharon asked him.
He only, then, realized that he was in the library and Sharon was leaning her head on his arm. It was sick, really. He didn't want her there. For a split second, he imagined Molly's red hair there instead of the artificial blonde. He smiled. He put his arm around her and she started to talk about her past, her present and he listened, for once.
"Arthur?"
"No!" He cried, willing the image of Molly away from his head. Why was he so obsessed? He did not love her! He didn't even find her attractive! It was Godamn messed up that he should have these ... thoughts of her, leaning against his arm, talking to him in that singsong voice. If she ever had children, they would be so lucky to have a mother like her to sing them to sleep. She would have many children who would love her.
But not with him. God forbid it, No!
"You're acting funny today, Arthur." Sharon cooed. "Are you trying to tease me?"
"I've got to go." He said abruptly. "Quidditch Practice."
"Okay, meet me at dinner, then!"
Arthur didn't reply, but shuffled rather quickly out of the library.
~-~-~-
Ah, the Quidditch Team approaches! Molly stroked her old crow, Jellybean. He was aging. He flew slower. He flew lower to the ground. And his eyes seemed to be so tired. Molly knew if her crow died, she would cry terribly.
"Old friend." She said to it. "Enjoy the sky why you still can." She released it and Jellybean flew feebly away, slowly, as if not sure where he was going. As if he was lost within the sky.
Molly climbed down from the stands, only to be met by the taunting Quidditch Team. She didn't know what to do. Should she say 'hello' to Arthur? Should she just walk by? Why should she even acknowledge him? Molly just stood there, facing the Quidditch Team. Arthur, in front.
"Hey Dolly!" faithful Seth called. "Like that poison we gave your chicken? It'll be dead in the next month or so!"
Molly looked up. "W-what?"
"Yeah, Arthur helped the most, though. Came up with all the ingredients and everything!" Seth clapped Arthur's shoulder, who just looked at her helplessly.
You promised, Arthur. Molly thought. You promised you'd never do anything to hurt me. You promised, you lying bastard. So, it was the truth. You were just using me to gain popularity. It's all clear now. I hate you Arthur Weasley! I hate you!
It was as if Arthur heard her.
"Molly." He said, walking towards her.
She didn't even try to stop the tears from pouring out of her eyes. Jellybean was going to die. Along with her. Jellybean was everything to her. The Arthur she knew was just a fake. A clone. Someone who didn't give a damn about her. Someone who just 'dealt with the outcasts.'
"Molly." He repeated, reaching out his arms, as if to hug her.
"You promised!" She screamed at him, forcing him to take a step back.
The quiet pain she had endured took over her. She dropped to her knees and started to sob and sob and sob and sob. She couldn't control it. She loved Arthur! She loved him! She was her first love ever. And she wasn't just crying for her godamned crow. She was crying because of all the lies. Everything was a lie now.
The Quidditch Team said nothing. Even Seth was silent. They all saw what they had done. They all saw what their foolish pride had cost a girl who had done absolutely nothing to them.
A small girl stepped out from the Seeker. James Potter, first year seeker. He had amazing talent.
"Molly, don't cry." She said, innocently, walking up to her. "Please don't cry."
Molly looked up at the girl's beautiful green eyes.
She saw hope.
~-~-~-
Arthur felt horrid. He felt like throwing up when he looked at his flawless face in the mirror. How could he have contributed to that stupid potion? How could he have taken away something that meant so much to Molly? He had given her his word that he would never hurt her. He went back on his word. He was just as bad as --
"Well, well, if it isn't the Weasel."
Malfoy.
"What happened, Weasel, get dumped by another one of your girlfriends?"
"Don't you have a hole to slither in, Malfoy?" Arthur scowled.
"My, my, aren't we touchy?"
"Stop it, Lucious." Narcissa whispered. "Stop picking fights."
Malfoy didn't hear.
"Didn't see your parents at the orientation, Weasley. Oh, wait. I remember now, you're the one with the parents that, 'don't care.' "
Arthur didn't move from the windowsill where he was sitting. He let his bangs brush over his eyes as he glared angrily at Malfoy. He could make fun of his family all that he wanted. He wasn't going to let Malfoy get to him.
~-~-~
Molly shuffled down the dark hallway, just getting out from detention (courtesy of Professor Lacks). She clutched the heavy textbook against her body and tried not to cry. Why did she keep thinking about Arthur? Why did she keep thinking how much his red hair matched hers? Why did she keep thinking of how his hair brushed against his eyes? Why was she mesmerized by his gray eyes? Why? It didn't make any sense. Nothing made any sense anymore.
She turned the corner. Her shoes were a size too big, as they were hand-me-downs from girls who had left the orphanage. She hated the ugly sound they made when they stepped against the stone floors. She closed her eyes tightly and walked on.
~-~-
"Heard you failed your last test, Weasley." Malfoy was saying. "What's the matter? Is the King losing his touch?"
"I could perform a hex better then you with my eyes closed, Malfoy." Arthur said.
"Right, then." Malfoy said. "Then, we'll both try to hex the next person that turns the corner all the way down the hall. Whoever's hex affects the person most will receive ten galleons from the loser."
"I hope your vault at Gringott's is as big as your mouth, Malfoy." Arthur said, smirking. "Because I'd hate to have to resort to raiding your robes to get my pay when I win."
"I've always enjoyed a challenge." Malfoy said. "Especially from someone as easy to defeat as you."
Nacrissa burst into tears and ran away.
Both reached into their robes and retrieved their wand, ready.
Malfoy said the curse faster then the person would expect it. He said it faster then Arthur could knock the wand out of his hand and save the poor girl that was hit by the hex. It all happened in a blur. A big giant blur.
Molly looked surprised at first. And then she was in pain. So much pain. It felt as if someone was pulling all of the blood out of her body by force. By horrible force. It hurt like nothing she had ever felt before. She wanted it to stop. More then anything she wanted it to stop. Stop ... stop ... just make it stop. She saw the stone floor rushing towards her and then something stopped her from falling.
"Molly! Molly, say something!" Arthur pleaded.
She opened her mouth and blood gushed out of it and onto the stone floor. Blood. She coughed and more came out.
"What the fuck did you do, Malfoy?" Arthur yelled at the laughing boy.
Malfoy continued to laugh. "I was hoping to get a muggle born, but this is so much better!"
Malfoy's laughed died down as he walked down the hall, towards the Slytherin Common Room.
Tears were running down Molly's face, made even more pale then it was before.
"Make it stop, Arthur!" She begged him .
And more than anything, he wanted to.
~-~-
He was never going to go near her again. It was all his fault she was in this pain, and after he went as far as to promise his friendship and condolence. What scum he was! He was even worse then a filthy Slytherin, lower then a Malfoy. Why was it only the people he loved that were always hurt by him? Him? First it was Seth, with his broken nose, then it was Molly and , who next? Sure, all of the girlfriends were dumped and they cried for a spell, but got over it soon enough and were flirting with him the next day. Their emotions weren't real. Molly's were. He refused to visit her in the hospital wing. He refused to see her. He wasn't going to ever hurt her again.
"Arthur." came the high pitched giggle beside him.
Arthur glanced at the girl trailing beside him. Her name, was it Ann? Annie? Annabelle? Andrea? Annette? It started with an A, he knew that. Well, whatever it was, it was ugly. Everything he touched became ugly. All of these girls that clung to his arms were beautiful, and they would stay beautiful because he would never dare to talk to them like he had ever talked to Seth or Molly. They were hurt because of him. It was horrid.
Right, back to her name. Alice? Amanda? Ah--what was it? Molly's name was so beautiful, unlike this girl's, whatever it happened to be. Molly Elaine Eloise. It was so graceful. He smiled when he thought of the red head. Stop it, you stupid prat! He thought. Just shut up! You can't ever go near her again, ever. Do you hear? She hates you, and you hate her, so just let it go. Let it go, Arthur. Let it go.
"Oh, Arthur." She said dreamily.
It didn't matter what her name was. She would be gone tomorrow. He just hoped that Molly would leave him. He wanted more then anything to be free of her smiling face. He saw it in his dreams. He wanted her to go. Go away until he couldn't see her anymore.
"Quidditch Practice." he muttered, ducking into the Locker Room, ripping his arm from the girl.
~-~-~
How? How did a friendship so beautiful suddenly turn into something so horrid and ugly? Molly lay in her bed in the hospital wing, staring into the impending darkness of night. Madame Zel was a crazy old woman. She believed that students slept best in the pitch black. Luckily, Irene Pomfrey was a constant visitor to the hospital wing. She would always turn on a small candle light for the residing students. If she grew up to run the Hospital Wing, why, she would be the best Nurse Hogwart's had ever seen!
"Something on your mind, Molly?" She said, sitting herself down in the chair beside her bed.
"Don't you ever sleep, Irene?" Molly said, trying to make her voice sound groggy.
"Now, who do you think you are fooling, Molly Eloise? I can tell when a person is groggy and when they are just plain faking it. You know, when your stomach is empty, and your mind is full, it is impossible to find safety in the realm of dreams." Irene said, handing her a cup of hot chocolate.
Molly took the cup and sat up, taking a sip. "You didn't slip anything in this, did you?"
"Of course not." Irene smiled. "But, if you don't tell me what's wrong, then, next time I will."
Molly turned away from Irene. How could she possibly understand the terrible hurt she was feeling for Arthur? How he hated her, and because of what? She didn't even know what she had done. She felt the tears run down her cheeks in the darkness.
"Molly." Irene said, taking her cold hand. "You're so frail and fragile. You're like glass. Whatever his name is, I'm sure that he just wants to protect you."
"Protect me from what?" Molly cried out, the tears springing from her eyes. "Irene, you'll never understand! I can never have him. Ever!"
Irene was silent for a few seconds. "Finnigan." She whispered, smiling at her.
"What?"
"David Finnigan." She said. "He's a pureblood."
"So? That doesn't mean that you can't--"
"Of course." said Irene. "I'm just a filthy little halfling. I've some elf blood in me. But, that's all."
"Irene ... "
"Don't you tell me I don't understand Molly Elaine Eloise! That boy meant the world to me! I was turned down because I was a filthy little halfling! It's not fair, it's not fair at all, Molly."
Molly was silent.
"Arthur ... " she muttered.
"Weasley?" Irene said, wiping the tears away from her eyes. "Oh, yes, he is very handsome. But, that's all he is. He's very shallow. He's had about three girlfriends already. They've all gotten dumped. Arthur's a cold blooded beast, if you ask me. He only cares about himself."
"Shut up, you stupid girl." Molly hissed. "You have no idea who he is and what he goes through."
"Oh, I'm sure that it must be positively dreadful to have flawless looks and the entire school at your heels." Irene said coldly.
"Arthur is ... " Molly said, quietly. "Arthur is a beautiful person."
"I think everyone can see that." Irene said.
"Don't you see, Irene Madison Pomfrey?" Molly said. "It's what people don't see that make him a beautiful person."
"Although I've never seen anyone defend Arthur Wesley's personality traits such as you have, my dear Molly, I do not doubt your judgment."
"He's honest and he's kind and he's trustworthy."
"And is that why he poisoned your crow, mocked you in front of the entire school, made a joke of you, hexed you and now won't speak to you?" Irene asked her sarcastically.
"To bed!" Madame Zel screamed through the infirmary. "Irene Pomfrey, you get out of here, or I'll have you kicked out of Hogwart's faster then you can say 'Hufflepuff!' "
"I'm going to run this place one day." Irene said, walking straight up to Madame Zel. "And I'm going to make sure that there are no portraits of your ugly face to frighten the likes of the poor students."
"Fifteen points from Hufflepuff!" Madame Zel roared.
Irene scowled at the fat woman and rushed out of the Hospital Wing and towards the Hufflepuff Common Room.
~-~-~-
In quiet pain, Molly watched the days trudge slowly on. She saw a new girl with Arthur every week, each more beautiful then the last. Molly stopped going to the love bench. Arthur stopped throwing her small, encouraging smiles between classes. They avoided each other's eyes, knowing full and well what would happen if they looked into the other's. Each knew that the other didn't return the love they were so dedicated to.
"--of course if you want to buy proper dress robes, the only place to go is Hogsmeade!" The girl clinging to his arm said.
"Right. Hogsmeade." Arthur repeated, dully.
"Right!" The girl chirped. "Although the prices are a bit, well, pricey, it's well worth it. Oh, I've this adorable robe. It's emerald green and has a darling little brooch right where the cloaks intercept. I think that I look best in it with my hair curled. Although, Vanessa says I look better with my hair down in it. I think that painting my nails will accent my fingers when I wear those dress robes. Oh! Did I tell you about the wonderful eye shadow I got, just last week? Well, my cousin sent it to me, she lives in France. It's a deep midnight blue. I don't think it'd go too well with my new dress robes, but it's just so darling! I've got a pair of periwinkle robes in the back of my wardrobes, I think they'd go rather good with those. Of course, periwinkle is so last season. Oh, my! Did you hear about Sophie? That German girl? Well, she was caught wearing royal red dress robes to the Yule Ball! Can you imagine, Arthur? Royal Red!"
Arthur hadn't heard a bit of what the girl (ah, what was her name?) had said. Something about France and nail polish and hair. Three subjects that he had no interest in whatsoever. He had been a bit distraught lately. Gryffindor had been losing quite a few Quidditch Matches because of him. It was absurd that the Team Captain couldn't keep a few goals out of the rings. His attention was elsewhere, he searched the courtyard for Molly. The girl had started talking again.
"Oh, look Arthur! There's that Polly!"
"It's Molly." Arthur said automatically.
"Right, yes, whatever." giggled the girl. "Doesn't she know that it's only proper for girls to have their skirts hemmed two inches shorter this season? It's all the rage, Arthur. I must say, her skirts are the same length all year round, it's so absurd!"
"What about when it gets cold?" Arthur asked.
"Oh, us girls have more then one skirt, Arthur. When the weather gets too cold, we simply switch to our winter skirts, which are two inches longer then the usual length, making them four inches longer then the summer skirts. Of course, it is very crucial for a girl to know the exact day to switch Summer and Winter skirts. If not, why, she'll be the laughing stock of the school!" The girl paused for air. "But take Bolly--"
"Molly." Arthur said.
"--for instance. She doesn't ever change her skirt length. It's always cut right at the knee, just like the normal dress code. Doesn't she realize that everyone's making fun of her, I ask you, Arthur? She doesn't care! She just doesn't! No summer skirts or winter skirts for her, no sir. And when it comes to Dress Robes! Why, I've gone into her wardrobe. Now, don't look at me like I'm a nosy little girl, Arthur. Anyone would've been naturally curious! Well, she had a pair of dress robes, believe it or not, and they were periwinkle! Periwinkle! Arthur, I know why she doesn't go to balls anymore. She's so ashamed to be seen in those last season robes. Who wouldn't be? I don't even think she has any right seasoner for her hair! Now, Arthur, don't tell me you don't know what seasoner is? Well, it's the stuff you use for your hair after you use conditioner. You know, right before the after seasoner. Well, she only had shampoo and conditioner! Can you imagine? No wonder her hair is stuck in such a rut! Someone needs to teach that girl the 'do's' and 'do not's ' of wardrobe."
Molly had been looking down strictly at her textbook. But, Arthur knew, she wasn't reading. He could feel it. She could feel him staring at her. He watched her careful blue eyes, searching the page for answers to questions that could never be answered. Arthur felt the urge to walk over and sit down next to her and spill his heart out, once again. He wanted to tell her all about the ridiculous girls he had been dating.
"--got to get to Muggle Studies. Bye, Love." The girl said, pecking Arthur on the cheek.
~-~-~-
"I love food!" The girl said.
She was a new one. He hadn't seen Molly in a week, and he was getting worried about her. As much as he wanted to rub her away from his mind, she always remained. The girl, who sat beside him, now, seemed very fond of food. Ah, her name? Katherine? Kelly? Katie? Who, in God's name, cared? The only name that would ever be beautiful to him was Molly Elaine Eloise.
"I plan to be a chef someday, Arthur. Of course, I plan to use very little magic. Did you know that if you sprinkle cupcake batter with a bit of pepper it gives it a zest!"
"Zest." Arthur repeated.
"There's to be a Spring Ball." said the girl." Every girl, third year and up is required to go. If they don't find a date, they'll be paired up."
"Spring Ball." Arthur said absently.
"Well, I suppose, we'll be going together, then?" the girl said hopefully.
She laid her plump little head down on his lap before he could protest. He let her lay there, he was too tired to protest or ask her to move.
And then he saw her. Molly, standing at the edge of the courtyard. Her blue eyes leaking with quiet tears. They weren't jealous, they weren't angry. They were sad. So very sad. He could hear what she was saying. Her eyes said it all, every single word. The overwhelming guilt of seeing her alone seemed to take control of him. He meant to protect her. He meant to make sure that no one hurt her, even him. But, how? How could he have been so blind? He had broken her poor, fragile little heart. The pieces lay scattered on the floor and her blank eyes just looked at him.
'I love you, Arthur.'
'I love you too, Molly.'
She ran.
~-~-~-
"Listen." he said to the girl laying on his lap. "It's over."
"What?" She gasped, her bottom lip quivering. "But, Arthur!"
"Just, leave me alone!" He yelled, running after Molly.
~-~-~-
The Spring Ball was canceled. There really was nothing to worry about. Nothing at all. Or so it seemed. Arthur couldn't stop thinking of Molly. He had loved her all along. All along. What in God's name was his problem? Why did he date all of those useless girls? How could he have caused Molly such -- such pain when all he thought he wanted was to take it away from her forever. To make her strong enough so she could fight for herself. So he could fight for her.
And now, he sat on the train, rolling down the tracks to Platform 9 and 3/4, he felt so lost. He wanted someone to find him. He wanted someone to love him for who he was, not because of the perfect hair. Not because of the Quidditch Record and reputation. But, for Arthur. He didn't care if anyone saw, but he let the lone tear run down his cheek.
"Arthur?"
"Get away, damn it!" He yelled, hastily wiping the tears away from his eyes.
Molly stood in the doorway, wanting to stay with him, but wanting to fulfill his wishes and go away, far away, where he could forget all about her.
"I can't." she sobbed. "I can't do this, Arthur."
"Molly." He said. "What can't you do?"
"I can't stand to be in love, can't you see?" she sobbed. "It hurts too much, and even though you won't admit it, your hurt too. And for what? Where will we all end up, anyway, Arthur?"
Arthur felt himself smile that unfamiliar smile as he took her hand and pulled her towards the seat next to him.
"Well, I suppose, we'll end up back at the beginning." He said, smiling.
"At the beginning." Molly repeated. "That sounds like a good place to be."
Arthur smiled.
"Did I tell you about those idiot girl friends that I dated?" He laughed.
"No, do tell." Molly said, sinking back in the seat.
"Well, there was one and she ... "
And as the train sped along the mountains, Arthur once again found peace in the stringy red head he fell in love with. Both knew, and both refused to say. But, it was just as Arthur had said.
It was the beginning.