A/N: Yes, this one is probably going to be quite short as well. I am sorry but I find it easier to write in small chunks :) Otherwise I get a head ache. I hope you like it even if it is pretty short.
Chapter 6
Facing Breakfast
Ron and Hermione joined everyone else at the breakfast table at 08:30 sharp. The whole affair was quite subdued, people exchanging a little conversation here and there, but afraid to enjoy their time with family, when certain members couldn't be there.
The family were coping very well, though, despite what anyone else said. They searched for comfort in each other's arms and always gave it when it was needed. The were trying not to dwell on what happened. They knew it was better to move and and only bring with them their favourite memories of times before disaster. It was hard though, to forget the other bits, sometimes the worst parts always made the best memories. There were no tears shed in public, puffy eyes were had by most, but it was from crying in bed, or at times when they were alone, and all they had to occupy their thoughts were those of the deceased.
Ron looked at his family, proud of the way they were, even if they were odd, they were his own. He smiled, softly, around at them all his smile broadening ever so slightly when he saw Harry and Ginny sitting, even more subdued than everyone else. Their faces were red enough to rival the fat lady's after she'd downed all the wine in that monks picture.
Ron moved around the table, holding onto Hermione's hand and sat next to his eldest brother, Bill. Hermione didn't sit and Ron looked up at her questioningly.
"I'm going to help your mother with the breakfast" she told him with a twitch of the lips, that could have been a smile. He nodded and she kissed his cheek before grabbing an apron and joining Molly at the worktop.
He looked over at Bill then nudged him in the side, lightly.
"What happened to those two?" he asked. Bill smiled slightly, and the ghosts of his twinkling eyes appeared for a split second. Ron was sure that with time, the twinkle would be their as it always used to be. He knew if Bill had a choice, he would be laughing like crazy at the young couple.
"Mum caught them shagging each other's brains out this morning" he managed to say with a slight movement of his shoulders that could have indicated light laughter. Ron smiled again, though it never really reached his eyes.
"Wait, why is he still alive?" Ron asked. "I want to rip him limb from limb at this precise moment in time to be honest with you." Bill shook his head with a knowing smile.
"We already threatened him and all the big brother stuff. But we aren't going to hurt him. Come on Ron. We already lost one brother, do you really want lose another and your only sister? No? I didn't think so."
Ron rolled his eyes.
"It still isn't a laughing matter big brother."
"Oh come on, lighten up Ron. When George gets up he's going to have a field day with this." Bill started smiling again.
"So, how come you and Hermione aren't sitting down here red as tomatoes?" Bill asked him after a while.
"Cause we weren't doing anything smart arse" Ron answered cheekily.
"Aye. Whatever you say man." he winked at Ron, who rolled his eyes at this. "Well done on not getting caught little bro," he said, patting his back. Ron chuckled, before remembering the events of the days before and going back to just little smiles.
"Whatever, brother." he smiled. He looked back at his plate and saw that all his favourite breakfast food was sitting in front of him. He looked around.
"Thanks mum." He grinned. Then he noticed Hermione was standing by the stove giving him evil eyes.
"Don't thank me dear, it was Hermione." she told him.
"Sorry 'Mione, didn't know." he apologised, winking at her. She stuck her tongue out at him and turned back around to work at the stove. Ron's eyes lingered on her ass as she worked. He was brought out of his reverie by getting a whack on the back of the head by Molly, Bill and Charlie and a kick in each leg from both Harry and Ginny.
"Hey!" he exclaimed. They all smiled at him. "Don't know what you two are grinning at. Bet you didn't get five people attacking you for it."
"Nope." Harry said. "So, Ron, how was your night?" Harry asked.
"Good, I don't need to ask how yours was" he teased. Harry blushed again and started playing with his food. Ron rolled his eyes. It was more fun to tease them than it would be to kill Harry.
You could tell Molly just wanted to keep busy. She had just lost one of her sons so no one blamed her. Arthur had gone out to work very early that morning and she couldn't get back to sleep after he left. She just cried on her bed, wishing for her son back but also thanking god for letting her keep the rest of her family.
"Will you all hurry up?" Mrs Weasley demanded. "I have to prepare for the end of battle party that we are having tonight. We could also remember the casualties, Harry, would you mind giving a little speech?" she asked.
"Umm, sure why not." he replied, trying to get back into her good books. She smiled and patted him on the head. Ron huffed, she never forgave him so easily.
"Right, I don't care if you haven't finished" Molly shouted. "Out! All of you!" everyone scattered, not wanting to face the wrath of Mrs Weasley. She smiled for the first time that morning and got to work planning and cleaning. She would keep a roll a side for George
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