After arriving in England, it was mid-afternoon. After some asking on Maddie's side and insisting on Ginny's, Maddie and Ginny parted ways. Maddie went home, while Ginny took the bags with her home. Usually, the Prophet provides the equipment, but Ginny prefers using and buying her own stuff since she's more familiar with them.
After storing her equipment, Ginny immediately started working on her article. Before she knew it, it was nighttime again.
Ginny stretched in her chair and checked the time. It was already 9pm and, as if on cue, her stomach grumbled.
"I guess now is as good as any time to go to the Burrow."
Ginny stood up and went to her bedroom to change her clothes and freshen up a bit. After a few minutes, she went straight to the fireplace and flooed to her parents' home.
"Arthur, is that you?"
Ginny came out coughing from all the smoke and soot from the fireplace. When she recovered, she dusted the soot from her clothes.
"Seriously, is no one gonna do anything about all these soot in the floo network? It's absolutely maddening."
Mrs. Weasley came into view and immediately encased Ginny in a big hug.
"Mum-can't. breathe."
"I'm sorry, dear. I didn't realize that you were coming over tonight," Mrs. Weasley said as she withdrew her arms from Ginny. She looked at her closely and shook her head. "And, apparently, I have to fill you up. Haven't you been eating in the last month? Come and sit at the dining table." Mrs. Weasley turned back to go to the kitchen, like a woman with a purpose. Ginny, on the other hand, couldn't help but smile at her mother's antics.
"Do you need any help in the kitchen?" Ginny asked before sitting down at the table.
"No, dear. This won't be much."
Ginny sat and listened to the pots and pans bustling in the kitchen. She's been living by herself for almost five years now, but the Burrow still takes up a big space in her heart. It's not her home anymore, but it will always be one of the places she loves so dearly.
As promised, Mrs. Weasley came out with dish after dish following her, floating due to magic.
"Mom! You said it's not much, but you look like you've prepared a feast for the Great Hall!" Ginny exclaimed as her mother directed each dish to settle on the table.
"Don't be silly, dear. These are just leftovers." Mrs. Weasley took a seat opposite Ginny and smiled at her daughter.
"What, and did you feed a whole army or something?"
"Well, your brothers did come by yesterday."
"I suppose that explains it." Ginny shrugged and went for the soup. She took a spoonful and more.
"Where's dad, by the way?" Ginny asked as in the middle of deciding whether to go for another spoonful of soup or a piece of roast chicken. She went for the latter.
"He's stuck in the ministry. Ever since people started travelling, they started bringing in a lot of muggle devices to the wizarding world which caused a lot of issues. Right now, it seems that there was a young fellow who decided to buy a television and figure out his own way to use it with magic. Well, let's just say, it didn't go over well. So now, your father has a lot of paperwork and briefing to do."
"That sounds awful. Hopefully, dad won't take up too long. It's really a different time now. Muggle and magic is slowly intertwining. It's interesting, but it's a mess."
"I couldn't agree more with you."
Ginny is now turning her attention to a plate of pudding. "I really missed your cooking, mom! Japanese food is great and all, but nothing beats your food," Ginny praised. Mrs. Weasley blushed slightly, but didn't say anything. Compliments still get to her, even if they're from her own children.
When she was finished, she looked up and saw that she ate most of the food laid out for her.
"Wow, I didn't realize I was that hungry."
"For one second, I thought you were your brother."
"Take that back!"
Molly laughed. She missed having her children around the house. Now that they've all moved out, the house has been quieter and emptier. But, they've all figured out a career and a life for themselves, and she couldn't have been any happier. She summoned two cups of tea for her and Ginny.
"So, how was your trip to Japan?"
Ginny took a small sip. Jasmine, her favorite. "It was great actually! I'm not gonna deny that I'm tired, but that country is just so mesmerizing. Of course, they have a wizarding world there too, but the muggle world is just as magical. We went to this place called Yakushima, and I swear it's like the forest itself was breathing. Truly spectacular place. I should take you there someday."
"I'm glad that you had a great time. I remember being worried about you going on assignments in the beginning. You're no auror, but the adventures that you go on sometimes are quite dangerous. But, it's always nice to see you back here looking all refreshed after an assignment. I can't say the same about your brother though." Mrs. Weasley chuckled.
Ron, just like Harry, ended up working in the Auror Department since the War ended. Although Death Eater activity has been close to zero in the last couple of years, their encounters with small gangs and organizations oftentimes send them home with cuts and bandages.
"Speaking of brother, you said they came by yesterday. Did something happen?"
"We didn't think of sending you an owl since we figured you'd be home soon anyway, but Percy is quitting his job in the Ministry."
Ginny was shocked at the news. Her brother, Percy, quitting? That's almost unheard of. "Did he say why?"
"He said he's been headhunted by a private company. They deal with hotels and resorts. Apparently it's owned by Draco Malfoy."
"Malfoy? Why would Percy want to work for him? Didn't he say he likes working for the Ministry? Is this the same Percy we're talking about?"
"We were all surprised, really. We all thought Percy was the one who'd continue working in the Ministry till the end of days. But, it turns out Draco Malfoy wanted his expertise in international law and cooperation. It seems like he's expanding his business overseas."
"Can't he find anyone else? And a Weasley at that?" Ginny was still incredulous about this whole situation. Her brother working with Malfoy?
"I haven't the slightest idea. Percy didn't know either, but he said his pay is well above his pay grade in the Ministry. As you know, Percy and Audrey are starting their family, so I assume that he's only thinking about his family's stability."
"I guess that makes sense. What did the others say?"
"Bill and Charlie were supportive. But the rest, well, you know how they can be. They threw hell back and forth. Percy was having none of it. You know your brother, once he's decided on something, no one can force him to change his mind. In the end, your father, shocked as he was, congratulated Percy for his new job and ended the discussion."
Ginny was thoughtful. The War has been long in the past. People have moved on, have been forgiven, and everyone is just trying to live their lives now. Even Malfoy wasn't an exception to that. Throughout the years, she's only heard about him here and there. He tends to keep out of the spotlight, preferring to talk about his business rather than himself if he does find himself under it. She's had a few run-ins with him herself, but she doesn't remember any that was any less civil.
"What do you think, mom? Do you think it's a good idea?" Ginny tried to ask softly, as if it wasn't a big issue.
Mrs. Weasley breathed deeply. "Percy is an adult, and ever since he was a boy, he's always made his own decisions, good or bad. I don't know much about this Malfoy boy, but I haven't heard about him and of him aside from the work he does. All I know is that I will trust Percy's decision. It's his life after all."
Ginny nodded and took a sip of the cooling tea. Mrs. Weasley did the same. The two were silent for a few minutes before Mrs. Weasley said something again.
"I know, for some of your brothers, associating with, much less working for, a Malfoy is unimaginable. Given your history with him, I can't blame you and your brothers for being worried. But it's been such a long time. I won't tell you what to do about your feelings. But, if this job is good for Percy, and hopefully it will be, we should support him," Mrs. Weasley said with conviction.
Ginny nodded and sipped her tea. She didn't hold a grudge towards Malfoy anymore, but it's still uncomfortable. It's not a problem, really. But it's just strange, she thought as she finished her cup of tea.
Author's Note: Edited for consistency
