Chapter 8

The snow was falling gently as the twins bid farewell to their loves. Molly and Arthur passed the twins in the hallway as they headed up the stairs for their old bedroom for the night. The fire was still crackling and the tree still glowed a brilliant yellow. The WWN was still playing quietly on the wireless. Arthur walked over to the couch and sat down. Molly busied herself gathering up forgotten plates, mugs and napkins that had been left by the guest.

That was until Arthur reached out his hand and pulled her to sit next to him on the couch. Molly smiled at him and snuggled into his side. The sat peacefully, relaxed, listening as the fire popped and "All I want for Christmas is you and a new broom" played on the radio.

After a few minutes of silence, Arthur spoke. "It was another amazing party Molly," Arthur complimented looking down at his wife and giving her a smile.

"It really was, wasn't it, Arthur?" she replied returning his smile. "I see you and Xeno were examining that muggle tool you got from Harry."

"Oh yes, the drill, I think it's called." Arthur said excitedly. "It runs on a battery and can be used to take apart other muggle objects. I can't wait to try it out." His face lit up at the thought.

Molly sighed. "You make sure and have Harry show you how to work it before you go about and get yourself into a pickle." She said, a tad nervously. Arthur and his muggle objects. She just didn't understand it.

"Did you get any good knitting patterns from Augusta?" Arthur asked.

"I did!" Molly exclaimed. "I got this lovely pattern for a blanket and the most adorable little hat pattern that I was thinking of making in a nice bright yellow for Tonks's and Remus's baby."

"I know they would love that. Will you also be making a pair of socks for the wee thing?" Arthur asked.

"I don't know. Probably." Molly shrugged. "I do have a very cute pattern for a baby sweater that I have been saving, hoping Bill and Fleur would have a little bundle of joy soon."

"It could still happen." Arthur said with a knowing smile. "And now you might have to make twice as many for future grandbabies what with Fred and Angelina engaged."

"Oh yes!" Molly declared happily. "Did you see that ring? That boy did a great job. She is so good for him Arthur! She settles him somewhat, brings him back to earth. Makes him a little more serious."

"Just like you are good for me," Arthur replied kissing the top of her head. Molly blushed slightly.

"Oh Arthur."

"And who knows, there could be another wedding not far after Fred's. George and Alicia were looking very cozy tonight." Arthur remarked.

"I bet you're right Arthur! Those two always do things not far off from each other. They always have. Even way back when they learned to walk or tried out a broom for the first time." Molly said reminiscing. "Oh but won't it be lovely to have another wedding at the Burrow?"

"Now Molly, we can't assume that Fred and Angelina will want to have the wedding here or even if George and Alicia will be getting married." Arthur reminded.

Molly sighed again. "I know. I just love when this house is full of family and friends. It so quiet and lonely when everyone is gone." Tears bubbled in Molly's eyes. "Soon there won't be anyone left. Ron is of age and will be getting a job soon. He won't want to be hanging around here anymore. And Ginny! She will be coming of age this summer!" She began to cry in earnest now and pulled a hanky out of her sweater pocket.

"There, there Molly," Arthur said patting his wife gently on the back. "You know the kids will always come around for a Sunday family meal if you ask them. And you know Harry thinks of this place like a second home. I think Hermione does as well."

Molly nodded. "I know. They are both sweet kids." She replied dabbing her eyes and shoving the hanky back into her sweater pocket. "I think of them both as ours, too, Arthur."

Arthur smiled. He knew how much his wife cared about the famous Harry Potter and the wickedly smart Hermione Granger. "And you never know, maybe someday they will be officially one of ours."

Molly looked up at Arthur. "Do you think so?" she asked.

"Have you not seen the way that Harry looks at Ginny? He is besotted, just like I was with you at his age!" He chuckled. "And if Ron and Hermione can figure out a way to finally talk to each other, we might find we have another couple on our hands."

Molly smiled. "I think something might have happened in that regard." She said excitedly. "When I walked Augusta to the door to say goodbye to her and Neville, I came across Ron and Hermione under the mistletoe. Harry seemed to think that something might have finally clicked between them when they kissed."

"Oh ho!" Arthur laughed. "It sounds like the mistletoe has gotten quite a workout today." He smiled.

Molly agreed. "I love having them all here Arthur. I love having this annual holiday party even if it is a lot of work. I love being together as a family." She said a little melancholy.

"I know Molly. We might be alone for a year or two until everyone settles down, but I predict that our house will be full of grandchildren one day in the not too distant future. I'm sure of it."

Molly smile shakily. "I hope that you are right dear."

"I know I am." Arthur replied placing a kiss tenderly on her forehead.

They sat in silence for a few more minutes till Molly's shoulders slumped, her body exhausted from the day. "Shall we head to bed, Arthur? It is late."

"I think that is a grand idea. It has been a long and eventful day." Arthur said slowly getting up from the couch. He turned and stretched out an arm to help his wife up. "Why don't you bank the fire in the kitchen and turn off the lights in there? I will take care of things in here."

Molly nodded and headed off toward the kitchen. Arthur pulled out his wand from his pocket and gave it a flick at the tree. The lights on the tree and in the room went out. He walked over to the fire and bent down, piling the ashes around the few bits of logs that were still burning. He then got back up and walked over to click off the wireless radio. As he turned the dial, the last few words of "Home for the Holidays" died away. He then walked over to the hallway and stood just under the mistletoe to await his wife.

Molly came shuffling out of the dim kitchen and turned to head up the stairs. She was stopped when Arthur grabbed her hand and pulled her in close.

"I had to put that wicked little plant up so I'm going to get some use of it." Arthur said as he pointed up at the mistletoe above them. Molly looked up with him and smiled.

Arthur pulled Molly closer and gently pressed his lips to hers. Even though this had to be over the hundredth millionth time they'd kissed, his heart still picked up its beat and she still melted into him.

"I love you Mollywobbles," Arthur murmured when they parted. Molly blushed slightly.

"And I love you too, Arthur."

And with one more little kiss under the mistletoe, the elder couple began to climb the stairs, leaving the house quiet. The main floor of the Burrow was silent for the first time since early that morning. The simple little bunch of mistletoe hung quietly by its red ribbon there in the hallway where it had been greeted by many that day. The tree in the sitting room cast a shadow on the wall as the dying light from the fireplace shown on it.

The windows were frosty, half obscured by the snowflakes and ice that were building up on them. The snow outside began to fall faster and soon covered every eave and window ledge in a thick coating. The trees sparkled in the faint bright light that was reflected off the smooth white surface of the lawn. The light also illuminated the tall, lopsided house that was much more than a house to so many. It looked like a picture perfect winter wonderland or the inside of a snow globe.

As the last light in the house went out, a single star, peeking ever so slightly out from between a snow cloud, blinked brightly as if to say "Merry Christmas!"

The End!

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That is it! How did you like it? Leave me a review even if you are reading this years from when it was posted! Happy Christmas!