Molly moved quickly through the castle, her heart pounding as she searched the sea of faces. The battle was over, but her relief was shadowed by the need to see her family, to count every one of her children and know they were safe.
She spotted Arthur near the entrance hall, his face lined with exhaustion and worry. He turned to her, his eyes lighting up with relief.
"Molly!" Arthur said, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I've seen Bill and Percy. They're both fine. But I haven't found George, Ron, or-" His voice faltered, and he glanced around as if expecting to see them. "Or Fred."
Molly nodded, the knot of fear in her chest loosening slightly. "We'll find them," she said, though her voice was strained. "We just have to keep looking."
"I'll go see if they're with the others," Arthur said, squeezing her hand before moving off into the crowd. "Check on Ginny if you can, love."
Molly nodded absently, already moving toward the exit. Her plan was to Floo home and make sure Ginny was alright. The thought of her daughter, alone and overdue, sent a fresh wave of worry through her.
She arrived quickly to the Hog's Head, but as she approached the fireplace, Aberforth suddenly appeared in her path, his expression unusually tense.
"Heading out, Molly?" he asked, a slight smirk on his face and a twinkle in his eye that reminded Molly of his brother.
"Yes, I need to check on Ginny," she replied, trying to move past him.
He held up a hand, stopping her. "No need for that. She's here."
Molly's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean she's here?"
"She's upstairs," Aberforth said, his gaze steady. "She delivered. You should go to her. Quickly."
Molly's mind spun. "Delivered? But-" Her breath caught, and she grabbed his arm.
Aberforth nodded, stepping aside to let her pass. "I'm being sent to fetch the midwife," he muttered, but Molly barely heard him as she hurried up the stairs, her heart racing.
When she reached the room, she pushed the door open to see Ginny lying in the bed, looking exhausted but content, the small, bundled form of her baby in her arms. Fleur sat beside her, a reassuring presence, and Molly felt a rush of relief wash over her.
"Ginny!" she exclaimed, rushing to her daughter's side, her eyes filling with tears. She reached out, gently touching Ginny's hair, her voice trembling. "Oh, my love, are you alright?"
Ginny nodded, her eyes bright with exhaustion and joy. "I'm okay, Mum. We're both okay."
Molly glanced down at the baby, her heart catching in her throat. The tiny face, nestled in the blankets, was impossibly sweet. And then she saw it - the dark hair, the familiar features.
"Ginny…" she whispered, her voice breaking. "That's Harry's baby."
Ginny's face crumpled. "I'm so, so sorry, Mum. I just...I thought it was safer this way. I didn't want to put anyone at risk…"
Molly shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Oh, Ginny, you didn't have to hide it from me. I would have protected you."
"I know," Ginny whispered, her voice trembling. "But I had to protect him, and you...everyone. It was my secret, my burden. But now, oh my sweet boy, everyone will know…"
Molly pulled her daughter close, her heart aching with love and relief. "Darling, It's over now," she murmured. "Voldemort is dead. You're safe. We're all safe."
Ginny's jaw dropped. "He's gone? Really gone?"
Molly nodded, her tears falling freely. "Yes, love. It's over. Harry did it."
Ginny's grip tightened on her mother, but a new worry clouded her eyes. "Harry...is he...is he alright?" she whispered, her voice trembling with fear.
Molly's face softened, and she brushed a strand of hair from Ginny's forehead. "Yes, love. He's fine. He's alive."
Ginny let out a shuddering breath, tears streaming down her face, the relief almost too much to bear. "I was so scared…" she whispered, her voice breaking. "I thought I'd never see him again."
Ginny's eyes filled with tears again, but this time they were tears of joy and gratitude. In the midst of so much loss and pain, there was this - a new life, a new beginning, and the hope of a future they could build together.
Neville was moving through the Great Hall, checking on the wounded and comforting friends when he noticed Aberforth talking urgently to one of the Healers. He saw Aberforth gesturing animatedly, his voice louder than usual.
"I'm looking for Hestia. The midwife," Aberforth was saying, glancing around the crowded room with a mix of impatience and worry. "She's supposed to be here."
Neville's heart skipped a beat. A midwife? Why would Aberforth need a midwife? He pushed through the throng of people and hurried over. "Aberforth, what's going on? Why are you looking for a midwife?"
Aberforth turned to him, his face tired but calm. "It's Ginny Weasley, lad - she had her baby at the Hog's Head. Her mum's with her, but they want the midwife to make sure everything's alright."
Neville felt a rush of shock, disbelief, and urgency. "What? She's had the baby?"
Aberforth nodded. "Aye, and she's fine. But they just want to be sure everything's as it should be."
Neville didn't wait to hear more. He turned and sprinted for the door, his heart pounding. Ginny had given birth - in the middle of everything. He had to see her, to make sure she and the baby were truly okay.
He burst into the Hog's Head and raced up the stairs, taking them two at a time, his mind racing with worry and hope. When he reached the room, he paused for a brief moment to catch his breath before pushing the door open.
The sight that greeted him was overwhelming. Ginny was lying back against the pillows, her hair damp with sweat, her face pale but glowing with a mixture of exhaustion and happiness. Molly was by her side, and in her arms, wrapped in a soft towel, was the tiniest bundle Neville had ever seen.
Molly looked up, and before Neville could say a word, she swiftly handed the baby off to Ginny and pulled Neville into a tight embrace, her arms squeezing him so fiercely he thought he might suffocate. "Oh, Neville!" she cried, her voice choked with gratitude. "Thank you, thank you so much for everything you've done for her."
Neville was taken aback, his arms awkwardly returning the hug. "Mrs. Weasley, I-" he began, but the words failed him. He could feel the weight of her relief, the intensity of her gratitude, and it humbled him to his core.
Molly pulled back, her eyes shimmering with tears. "You've been there for her, for both of them. darling boy, you were giving up everything for them. I don't know how we can ever repay you."
Neville swallowed hard, his gaze shifting to Ginny, who was watching him with a tired but genuine smile. "There's nothing to repay," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm just glad they're okay."
Molly gave his arm a final squeeze before stepping back, her eyes still wet. "You stay here with them, dear. I'm going to go find Harry."
Neville nodded, taking a deep breath as he approached Ginny's bedside. His heart felt like it was swelling in his chest as he looked down at the tiny face peeking out from the towel. Ginny held the baby out to him, her eyes bright and tired.
"Do you want to hold him?" she asked softly, her voice filled with warmth.
Neville hesitated, worrying for a moment about his inexperience, how small the baby appeared in Ginny's embrace. Then, slowly, he reached out and took the baby in his arms, cradling him gently. The baby squirmed slightly, his tiny fingers curling around Neville's.
"Hello, little one," Neville whispered, his voice trembling with awe. "Your daddy just saved us all. And I get to be your Godfather. No matter what your mummy says."
He glanced at Ginny, his eyes shining, she was smiling widely at the scene. He looked back at the tiny newborn "and just in time too, no one would have ever believed you belonged to me, no sir. Tiny little Harry is what you are."
Ginny let out a shaky breath, tears spilling over as she nodded, laughing.
Molly moved quickly through the debris-strewn corridors of Hogwarts, her heart racing as she searched for Harry. When she finally spotted Arthur standing with Bill, Charlie, and Percy near a shattered archway, relief flooded through her. They were safe. At least, some of them were safe.
Arthur turned as she approached, his face lined with exhaustion but lighting up at the sight of her. "Molly!" he called, rushing to meet her. He enveloped her in a tight embrace. "I caught sight of Ron and George earlier, but I haven't managed to talk to them yet. No sign of Fred, but we'll find him. We'll all be together soon, I promise."
Molly nodded, her hands clutching his robes, her heart still heavy with worry. "Yes, we will," she said, her voice wavering slightly. She took a deep breath and glanced over at Bill and Percy, both looking equally worn but focused.
"Ginny's had the baby," she said, her words a rush of emotion, almost not believing them herself. "At the Hog's Head. I was just there."
Arthur's eyes widened, his face a mix of shock and concern. "She's had the baby? Is she okay? When did this happen?"
"Just a little while ago," Molly replied, her voice steadying. "She's fine, Arthur. A healthy little boy. Looks just like his father. Wait until you see him."
Bill's eyes narrowed. "Just like his father?"
Molly gave a mischievous smile. "Yes, he's got beautiful green eyes and dark hair, just like his father."
Arthur's eyes widened as the realization dawned on him. "Oh!"
Molly nodded, her smile growing.
Percy, still spiraling, looked between his parents and brothers, his face pale and bewildered. "What are you talking about?" he stammered, his voice rising in disbelief. "What do you mean Ginny had a baby? Our Ginny? My little sister? She's only sixteen - I-"
Bill nodded, his expression serious but understanding. "It was a shock for all of us, Percy. She's been through a lot."
Percy shook his head, his eyes wide with shock. "But how...I've been such a prat, I had no idea. I've missed everything. I've been so wrapped up in my own stupid pride, my baby sister had a baby and I didn't even know she was pregnant…" He trailed off, his voice cracking.
Molly's expression softened. "It's going to be alright, Percy. None of us have had an easy time. But you can be there for her now. That's what matters."
Charlie nodded, clapping Percy on the shoulder. "She'll be glad to see you, Perce."
Percy looked down, swallowing hard. "I should have been there. I should have known."
Molly shook her head. "There's no point in dwelling on what's past. Go to her now. She'll want to see you all. The baby's beautiful, and she's done so well."
Bill's gaze lingered on his mother, his brow furrowing. "Mum...are you sure everything's okay?"
Molly smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. "It's been a long night, Bill. But we've got something to be happy about, don't we?"
Arthur squeezed her shoulder. "Alright, love. We'll go and see her."
"Go," Molly urged. "She needs her family right now."
Percy nodded slowly, still looking stunned but resolute. "Okay. Let's go."
Molly watched as they headed toward the exit, her heart heavy but hopeful. There was so much to process, but for now, Ginny and the baby were safe. And that was enough.
Bill, Arthur, Percy, and Charlie made their way into the Hog's Head, nervously, none of the four men really knowing what to say. As they stepped into the room, they saw Ginny resting on the bed, looking straight from the battle herself, yet at the same time, serene. Beside her, Neville stood cradling the newborn in his arms, his expression a mix of awe and protectiveness.
Arthur's eyes went straight to his daughter. "Ginny!" he exclaimed, hurrying to her side and gently taking her hand. "Are you alright? How do you feel?"
Ginny nodded, a tired but genuine smile spreading across her face. "I'm okay, Dad. I'm just...tired, but we're both fine."
Arthur's eyes filled with tears as he looked at her, a mix of relief and pride shining through. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "You did it, Ginny. I'm so proud of you."
Ginny's eyes welled up as she squeezed his hand. "Thanks, Dad."
Arthur finally turned to look at Neville, who was holding the baby securely. "Is that…?" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Neville nodded and took a few steps closer, carefully passing the baby into Arthur's waiting arms. "He's perfect, Mr. Weasley."
Arthur's breath caught as he looked down at his grandson, his face breaking into a smile. "Oh, Ginny...he's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful."
Bill moved closer, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the scene. "He really does look just like his dad," he said, his voice full of emotion. "You've done brilliantly, Ginny."
Percy, still looking pale and flustered, was standing by the door, his eyes filled with guilt. "Ginny...I'm so sorry I wasn't here. I should have been. I should have known." His voice cracked with emotion as he looked at his sister and the tiny bundle in Arthur's arms.
Ginny's eyes softened as she looked at Percy. "It's okay, Percy. You're here now. That's what matters."
Charlie stepped forward, giving Neville a warm smile. "You've been there for her through all of this. Thank you, Neville. You've been a real hero."
Neville shrugged, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I just did what I could. Ginny and the baby are family. I'm honored to be here."
Arthur turned back to his daughter, his heart swelling with pride and relief. "I can't believe I'm a granddad." He glanced down at the baby, his voice tender. "And he's got those green eyes, just like Harry's. He's perfect."
Ginny smiled softly, exhaustion etched into her features but joy shining through. "I know."
The room was filled with quiet conversation, Arthur gently rocking the baby in his arms while the rest of the family stood around Ginny's bed, exchanging quiet words of relief. Then, the door creaked open.
George appeared in the doorway, battered and bruised but very much alive. Everyone froze, staring at him in shock.
"George?" Bill was the first to speak, his voice filled with surprise.
"Yeah," George muttered, stepping inside. "Looks like I missed the fun."
"George!" Ginny's voice cracked as she pushed herself up, eyes wide with disbelief.
Arthur, still holding the baby, smiled through tears. "Come on over, son. Meet your nephew."
George stepped forward, leaning over to get a look at the baby. His eyes widened, taking in the dark hair and familiar features. He glanced at Neville, who stood awkwardly by the bed.
"Well, yeah," George said with a grin. "That makes a lot more sense. No offense, Neville."
The room burst into soft laughter, and Neville rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, a good-natured smile on his face.
"None taken," Neville said with a chuckle.
George leaned down, pressing a kiss to Ginny's forehead. "You did good, Gin," he whispered.
Ginny smiled back, the relief and joy flooding through her as she saw her family together, safe. Then, a sudden thought struck her. Her smile faltered as she looked around the room.
"Where's Fred?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Everyone fell silent. George's smile fell. Ginny looked around at everyone, searching their faces. The silence was heartbreaking, until…
The door opened again, and Fred stepped in, looking even more battered than his twin. His face was bruised, his arm in a makeshift sling, but he was smiling.
"Fred!" Ginny gasped, clutching her chest, relief coursing through her. "Oh, Fred, you're here!"
Fred gave her a lopsided grin, stepping fully into the room. "Well, where else would I be? Heard there's a new addition to the family, and I had to come meet him."
The room erupted in a chorus of shocked exclamations and laughter, everyone rushing to embrace him, their grief and fear melting into joy and relief.
George, still holding the baby, let out a choked laugh, his voice trembling as he looked at his twin. "You great prat, you scared the hell out of us."
Fred shrugged, his smile softening as he looked at the baby in George's arms. "I had to make an entrance, didn't I?" He leaned in to get a better look at his nephew, his eyes widening as he took in the tiny face. "Well, I'll be damned. Definitely a Potter."
Just then, Fleur appeared at the door, surveying the crowded room. "Alright, everyone, out. Ginny needs to rest," she said firmly, though her voice softened as her gaze landed on her sister-in-law and the baby.
Bill turned, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of his wife. He pushed through the crowd to get to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Fleur, what are you doing here? You were supposed to stay home safe," he murmured, his voice thick with relief and emotion.
Fleur returned his embrace, her hands gently caressing his back. Before she could respond, Ginny spoke up, her voice filled with gratitude and pride. "She delivered my son, Bill," Ginny said softly, her eyes shining as she looked at them. "Fleur delivered him."
Bill pulled back just enough to look at his wife, his expression a mixture of awe and disbelief. "You're kidding. You did that? You delivered Ginny's baby?"
Fleur gave a modest shrug, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Oui, but Ginny did all ze 'ard work. She is so strong, your sister."
Bill cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "You're amazing, you know that? You always are."
Fleur's smile widened as she leaned into his touch. "Non, love. Today is not about me. It is about Ginny and her bébé."
Reluctantly, the family began to file out, offering their final words of love and congratulations before leaving Ginny and the baby to rest.
Neville lingered near the door, unsure whether to stay or go. Fleur caught his eye and nodded. "You can stay, Neville. Ginny needs someone to watch over 'er."
Neville's expression softened, and he moved quietly back to Ginny's side, his heart swelling with gratitude and pride as the room emptied.
As the door closed behind the last of the family, Ginny looked up at him, her eyes tired but filled with warmth. "Thank you, Neville. For everything."
Neville reached out and gently took the baby from her arms, cradling him with surprising ease. "I'm just glad I could be here," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "Your little one's got a lot of people who love him already."
Ginny nodded, exhaustion and contentment mingling on her face. "And his godfather, too."
Neville's smile widened as he looked down at the baby, his heart swelling with pride. "Yeah. And his godfather."
He cradled the baby, captivated by the small, fragile life in his arms, and let the peace wash over him.
