Some time later, Molly was feeding Billy when Arthur Apparated into the kitchen.

"Molly, things are getting worse." "What do you mean?" Molly asked, as she managed to get a spoonful of applesauce into the baby's mouth.

"Groups of wizards are going missing, there are murders nearly everyday, and there's talk of the Ministry taking us off of our regular jobs to help fight You-Know-Who."

"But you're not an Auror, they can't possibly,"

"Yes, dear, they can. I just came home for dinner, I have to go back in tonight."

"I haven't even started dinner yet, I've been trying to feed Billy."

"Love, I'll feed him." Arthur said as he sat down in front of Billy's high chair and took the applesauce away from Molly.

"Oh, all right then." Molly got up and began bustling about the kitchen, making dinner.

"Arthur, what time do you have to be there?"

"Seven o'clock."

"What time do you expect you'll be home?" Arthur smiled at his wife, she was constantly asking him questions, so she knew exactly when she had to start worrying about him.

"They can't keep me later than two. I should be home by two thirty at the latest. If I'm not too tired when I get off my shift, I'll Apparate straight home, but I may wind up taking the Knight Bus."

"All right. Arthur, can we talk?"

"I thought that's what we're doing right now." Arthur joked, but he quickly saw that wasn't what his wife meant.

"Arthur, I meant can we talk later on tonight or tomorrow morning about...things."

"Sure, whatever you'd like darling." He said getting up and giving her a kiss. That night, after Arthur had left and Billy had gone to bed, Molly curled up in Arthur's chair by the fireplace and tried to get into one of her novels. By midnight, she had discarded the book and had begun mending some of Arthur's robes. She had made a pot of tea, knowing it was going to be long night, and she knew she should be in bed, but she never could sleep when he was away. She heard a small 'pop' in the kitchen and knew it was Arthur. She leaped from the chair and threw herself into his arms, burying her head into his shoulder.

"Molly, my darling, what are you still doing up?"

"Arthur, I can't sleep when you're not here, and well,"

"My Molly, you're scared aren't you?" She looked up at him with tears in her eyes and hugged him tighter.

"Of course I'm scared, Arthur! There's a dark wizard on the loose, I have a baby that depends on me and--"

"Molly, nothing is going to happen to me, or you, or Bill. I promise."

"Arthur, you can't promise that, no one can."
"My Molly, listen to me. We're not a target. We're purebloods, and I work at the Ministry but I'm not in danger."

"Arthur, as you know, Billy had a healer appointment to get his immunizations today and well, I had Healer Sedgewick check me out too."

"What's wrong with you?"

"Arthur, I'm pregnant."

"You are? But Molly, we haven't...well...you know."

"Yes we have. Valentine's Day remember?"

Arthur thought for a moment, and he realized that they had made love on Valentine's Day.

"But you haven't had morning sickness."

"I know, but Healer Sedgewick says I'm pregnant."

"How far along are you dear?"

"Almost two months."

"That's wonderful, Molly. When are you due?"

"Sometime in early December. I didn't ask for a specific date."

"Gender?"

"Arthur, I didn't ask about the sex either. I figured we could be surprised."

"Have you thought of any names yet?"

"One. Charlie."

"Hmmm. Charlie Weasley. I like it." He said, smiling at his wife and leaning down to kiss her gently. "Molly, my dear, you should be in bed."

"I know."

"Well, you need your rest and that little one isn't going to let us have much sleep for at least three months once he's born."

"I know, but I told you, I can't sleep when you're away. Believe me, I've tried."

"Come on, darling, we should both be in bed. I'm exhausted and you look like you're about ready to drop where you stand."

"Arthur, I love you."

"I love you too, my Molly." She allowed him to lead her upstairs and together they checked on Billy, who was sleeping peacefully. Arthur placed a tender kiss on his son's forehead and led his wife into their bedroom. Within moments of climbing into bed next to him and wrapping her arms around his chest, she was asleep. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and allowed his hands to rest protectively over her belly, delighted at the thought of a second son.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form