2. The Essentials

L'Air du Temps – Nina Ricci (Oh, tough one to translate. It would be the equivalent of Zeitgeist, I guess: spirit of the times.)

Characters: Ron, Molly Weasley

Ron is six.

190 words

"This clock isn't a real clock, Mum. Why do you call it like this?"

Ron points an accusatory finger at the slim hand on the clock that indicates with a squeal that Arthur will be home shortly. Molly opens her arms to him, "Come here, dear."

He walks to her with obedience and her hand slicks an unruly wisp of hair. Their faces are close now; she brings a single finger to her lips. They listen in silence, waiting for the regular strokes that come from the inmost depths of the clock.

Molly whispers and gives him a conspirational wink, "It's more than a clock, dear. It's the heart and soul of this house."

She cannot stifle a chuckle when she witnesses his dubious expression and she opens her arms to him for a cuddle. His youngest son pushes his cheek against her bosom. She does not see that he is frowning again.

It is an astounding evidence for this blissful child, who is engulfed in her soft wheat and wild flower scent.

The heart and soul of this house is not made from magical wood.