III
Memories
In the daytime, sometimes, she forgets. For minutes, sometimes for hours.
(Not if George is around.)
At night, she cannot help but remember. And she does not want to forget.
Finish this
Charlie is rebelling, but Molly is adamant. Charlie was never quite this reluctant to do schoolwork before Bill left for Hogwarts.
"Finish this," Molly insists, "then you can go outside."
Light
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out."
Molly does not know where that originates, but in the midst of terror, it comforts her.
Dark
The older boys gave up the charmed nightlights in their bedrooms early. (Darkness scared Percy, but he wouldn't admit it.)
The twins still have a light. Fred hates the dark.
Rule breaking
The moonlight is bright and the grounds beautiful. More important, they are alone.
The Fat Lady has stern words for Molly on her return. Arthur does not escape so lightly.
Holding hands
Arthur is fathoms deep in a Potions essay which he proclaims to be "Impossible!" and Molly is frantically revising Charms.
Under the table, their fingers are entwined together.
Fearful
When there is a knock on the door or the Floo activates, she reaches for her wand.
Voldemort died three years ago.
She wonders when she will stop feeling afraid.
Honour
People who do not know her say she should be honoured to see their names on the Memorial.
Her son.
Her brothers.
Molly wants them back.
Transportation
Molly lets go of Bill and Charlie's hands and finds a convenient tree to be sick behind.
She hates Apparating in pregnancy. (But Flooing is even worse.)
Going in circles
"We can't afford it."
"We've managed before."
"But it's so tight now, Arthur. Another baby would make it worse."
"We'd manage."
"How?"
"We'd manage."
Molly doesn't know she's already pregnant.