Chapter 4: The Memory Gatherer*
Back at the Burrow, the Weasley family was in the midst of a quiet afternoon. The kitchen smelled of fresh-baked bread, and the sounds of chickens clucking in the yard were a soothing backdrop. Molly Weasley stood at the kitchen counter, her hands deftly kneading dough. Though her movements were
sure, her eyes held a faraway look, a hint of sadness lingering behind her motherly warmth.
Ginny was at the table, reading the latest edition of *The Daily Prophet, her brow furrowed as she scanned the headlines. "They're still talking about the trials," she murmured, half to herself. "More Death Eaters being sentenced."
Molly sighed, wiping her hands on her apron. "It'll take time, dear. But justice will be served. That's what matters."
As if on cue, the fireplace flared with green flames, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione stepped out, brushing soot from their robes. Ginny looked up, her expression brightening. "There you are! What brings you here?"
Harry exchanged a look with Hermione and Ron before stepping forward. "We have something we need to talk to you about. It's about… your brother, Gideon."
Molly's hands froze, her face paling slightly. "Gideon?" she echoed, her voice a whisper. "What about him?"
Hermione stepped in gently. "Mrs. Weasley, we found a portrait of him
at Hogwarts. In the Headmaster's office. It just… appeared. He's there, and he wants to… to see you, to connect with you."
Molly's eyes filled with tears. "Gideon… my dear brother… I never thought…" She took a shaky breath. "He's really there? In a portrait?"
Ron put a comforting arm around his mother's shoulders. "He is, Mum. And we're trying to find a way for him to visit you. There's a portrait maker in Hogsmeade who can help, but we need your memories of him. Can you do that?"
Molly nodded, her voice trembling. "Yes, of course. I'd be more than happy to share my memories of Gideon. He and Fabian… they were my world before Arthur and the children. They fought so bravely. I always wanted them to be remembered."
Hermione produced a small vial and a silver Pensieve from her bag. "If you could just think of your memories of him, the happiest ones, and use your wand to draw them out, we can take them to Petra."
Molly's hands were shaking as she drew her wand, but her eyes were filled with determination. She closed her eyes, her mind reaching back into the past. Slowly, she drew a shimmering strand of memory from her temple, guiding it into the vial. As she did, the kitchen seemed to grow warmer, filled with the echo of laughter and the scent of summer.
Ginny watched in silence, her eyes wide. "Mum… are you okay?"
Molly gave her daughter a reassuring smile. "Yes, dear. I'm more than okay. I feel… I feel like a piece of my heart is coming home."
As Harry watched, he felt a surge of love for the Weasleys, this family that had taken him in as one of their own. They had lost so much, but their strength, their love, had never wavered. And now, perhaps, they could find a measure of peace.
Molly handed the vial to Harry, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Take good care of him, Harry. He and Fabian… they were the best brothers a girl could have. And I want to see him again. To tell him… tell him I love him."
Harry took the vial with a solemn nod. "I will, Mrs. Weasley. We'll make sure he knows."
Molly gave a tearful smile, pulling Harry into a tight hug. As she embraced him, Harry felt the depth of her love and sorrow. He hugged her back, promising himself that he would see this through. The kitchen was filled with a sense of purpose, of hope, that had been missing for too long.
Back at Hogwarts, Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way to the Headmaster's office once more, carrying Molly's memories with them. The castle's halls were quieter now; most of the volunteers had left for the evening, leaving only the staff and a few dedicated students.
As they reached the office, the spiral staircase moved in its familiar spiral, lifting them toward the heavy wooden door. The door opened, and they stepped inside. Dumbledore's portrait smiled at them from his frame, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"Welcome back, Harry, Hermione, Ron," he greeted them. "How did your meeting with Molly go?"
Harry held up the vial of memories. "It went well, Professor. Mrs. Weasley shared her memories of Gideon. We're going to take them to Petra so she can begin creating the new portrait."
Gideon's portrait, which had been quiet, stirred. He leaned forward, his eyes focused on the vial. "Those are Molly's memories?" he asked, his voice tinged with emotion.
Hermione nodded. "Yes. She spoke very highly of you, Gideon. She misses you and Fabian very much. She wants to see you again."
Gideon's expression softened, a bittersweet smile crossing his face. "I've missed her too. I wish I could have been there for her, for all the things she's faced. But if this works… it would mean the world to me."
Ron stepped forward. "It will work. We'll make sure of it. Petra's the best there is, and with these memories, she'll be able to create the perfect portrait."
Dumbledore nodded sagely. "It is remarkable, the power of memory. To connect the past and the present, to bridge the gap between life and what lies beyond. You are doing a great service, not just for Molly but for the entire Weasley family."
Harry turned to leave, but paused, looking back at Gideon's portrait. "We'll be back soon," he promised. "With the new portrait. You'll be able to see Molly again."
Gideon's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Harry. And thank Molly for me. Tell her… tell her I've never stopped thinking about her, not even for a moment."
Harry nodded, and with that, they left the office, descending the spiral staircase. The vial of memories felt light in Harry's hand, but he knew the weight of what it represented. It was more than just a connection to the past; it was a chance to heal old wounds, to bring a bit of light back into the world.