Charlie Weasley gave a hearty laugh, Ginny Weasley giggled and Ron Weasley choked on his water as Fred and George played another of their practical jokes.
"Ronnie careful!" Despite the statement, Molly Weasley was smiling. It was Ginny's birthday and Molly didn't want to let anything spoil that or the grinning faces of her children. Or so she hoped. Molly's smile waned at the dark thought.
"When will Percy be home, Mum? As much as I'd love not to see him brag about… everything lately, I really hope he'll come tonight." Asked Ron from the kitchen.
"He'll be here soon. Anyway, Can you boys please place the dishes on the dining table from the kitchen table? And try not to levitate the cake. Not you Ginny dear— It's your birthday today. FRED GEORGE DON'T THINK OF EATING THE CAKE BEFORE ITS CUT! Charlie, put the sauce on the side. Ron…"
A moment later, all the dishes were safely on the table with a chocolate piece on cake missing. Ron placed the candles carefully on the cake as Molly softly sent a Patronus to Percy. A minute later, Arthur came down the stairs slowly and in deep thought. Molly frowned. Something was… off. It was rarely Arthur seems so worried. Things like their his finances, low social status, and most importantly their seven children hadn't worried him (or her, for that matter) before then what could? Charlie beat her to the question though.
"Dad, Is something wrong?"
"Nothing, Per—"
"Percy? What ha—"
"What about Percy? I was thinking about… perfume. Muggle perfume. Curious isn't it?" Arthur gave him a smile. Charlie looked suspicious but didn't push.
"Mum, Is Percy coming? I'm hungry"
"Me too, Mum. Is he coming at all?
Molly sighed. "There he comes."
There was something wrong with Percy too. Percy had splinched. And he immediately asked to start with 'the song' and the dinner. He refused to look them in the eye, seemed way softer towards his siblings and looked way too quiet for pompous, bragging Percy. He hadn't even paid attention to the twins during dinner even if he was the butt of the jokes.
Ginny demanded to see her gifts before going to bed. Arthur presented her with an orange muggle ball and new robes. Fred and George gave her a love potion among other prank stuff she was never likely to use, and Ron grinned as he gave her a card and a letter from Harry. Ginny mildly blushed at the letter as Percy gave her a fancy locket but nearly dropped it. Ginny caught it and yawned.
"Go to bed Ginny, Happy thirteenth" Ginny looked about to argue but ultimately went sleep, as did Ron and the twins. Percy and Molly watched their backs go up the stairs.
"What happened between you and Arthur today, Percy?"
"Nothing."
"I know something's wrong, Percy. Tell me."
"Nothing. Could we please keep the dishes?"
There was something wrong in that sentence. She lifted the plates and gave a finial nudge
"You're not my mother right, Mu—Moll—Mrs Weasley?"
Molly dropped the plates. "Who—What got you thinking… that?
Arthur and Charlie ran over immediately. "Molly, what on EARTH happened just now?
"Look what Percy said just now!" Molly's eyes brimmed with tears "He asked me if-if…"
Arthur's face dawned with realisation. Charlie's didn't.
"What did you ask Mum, Perce? You've got Dad tensed, Mum crying—."
"Cool down Charlie. This isn't your matter."
"It is Da—Mr Weasley. In fact it's Bill's, Ron's, Ginny's and the twin's. It's time to let them know isn't it?"
"We had this conversation haven't we, and..and I've made a decision. It's time to let all of you know."
Molly's tearful face turned in a fearful one. "Arthur…What are you talking about? You can't—"
"I have to, and won't listen to you this time, Molly."
"Wha…?" Charlie fumbled. He had never seen his dad not listen to his mum, no matter what the circumstances. They'd been through a war and raising seven kids, yet this had never happened.
Ron sprinted down the stairs screaming What the bloody HELL happened followed by Ginny and the twins.
This was going to be long night.