Molly put Ron down in his high chair, hoping to Merlin he stopped crying long enough for her to finish the cookies she had in the oven. The Order hadn't met all together since they had lost so many of its members a few months before. Small groups had convened to respond but many had been left so broken that they couldn't bring themselves to come together. Molly hoped that their cheerful burrow and some good hospitality would make the meeting a little easier on everyone.
The door buzzed and she wiped her hands on her apron, running to open it. Molly smiled when she opened the door and saw Minerva behind the door. "Minerva!"
"Hello, dear," her former professor said, hugging her tightly.
"Come in! You're the first one here." Molly walked her into the kitchen which now smelled like fresh baked cookies. She pulled them out of the oven and rested them on the stove.
She looked back and saw Minerva bent down next to Ron, smiling. "He's gotten so big since last time I saw him."
Molly smiled. "I know; he's growing so fast. I'm just thankful my mother is handling the rest of them for today. Merlin knows this meeting would be a disaster with Fred and George running around."
"Mm," Minerva agreed, smoothing Ron's little bit of hair. "As if it won't be enough of one."
Molly sighed and sat down, motioning for Minerva to do the same. "It's just not going to be the same without them all here," she said sadly.
"I think that's why everyone's been putting this off."
"Oh absolutely," Molly agreed. "And with the newest member of the order..." By the way Minerva's lips tightened, she knew she needn't expand.
"Yes. Severus's presence will take some... getting used to for everyone."
"How's it been at the castle?"
Molly had barely crossed paths with Severus in the last few years. Therefore, his turn to death eater hadn't affected her the way it had so many of them. Whether he had truly changed sides or was pulling a Lucius Malfoy, she couldn't say. It was far past her knowledge to pass judgments on the man's allegiances. Albus trusted him, and she trusted Albus.
"It took us all some getting used to. Admittedly, I was very against his hiring. But Severus has turned out to be a very good teacher and a good colleague."
Molly smiled. "I trust Albus and your judgment. If you trust him, then I do."
Molly enjoyed the little bit of time she had to catch up with her old teacher. With so many children running around and Arthur constantly at work, she rarely had time to just sit and chat with another adult that wasn't her husband. It was refreshing in many ways. Minerva caught her up on how things were going at Hogwarts with Bill. They talked about their holidays, Molly not knowing how she had never realized many of the professors didn't leave Hogwarts for the holidays. She made a mental note to invite them the next year.
The other members of the Order arrived slowly and late as usual. When Arthur came home, he had helped her to finish setting things up and within an hour, they were all seated around their kitchen table which Molly had enchanted to be larger.
"I thank you all for being here," Albus said cheerfully as everyone finally settled. "I know that the past few months have been a whirlwind, and we've all been together for less than pleasant reasons. I will not ignore the many members missing from our table this afternoon. But they died and were lost for the greater good, never in vein. I want us all to know that." Molly felt tears leak from her eyes, thinking of the Potters and the Longbottoms, unsure which of the two families had faced a worse fate. Arthur reached under the table and squeezed her hand, not letting go. She squeezed back. He could always sense when she needed him. "However, some good has come since the last time we convened around a table together. The Dark Lord is gone, at least in the immediate. I thank you for all that you sacrificed in the war, and I hope you know that if you ever need support, Hogwarts will always welcome you home." His words were kind; they always had been.
"I also speak on behalf of Hogwarts," Minerva said, cutting in gently. "You know that it will always be your home. Say the word and Albus and I will make it happen."
"Absolutely, Albus patted Minerva's hand. "Now, that being said, we are here today because while the Dark Lord is gone, his teachings and his followers live on. We should be happy for our accomplishments, but never let our guards done." Many nodded, including Molly, but a bitter laugh came from the other side of the table.
All eyes turned to Alastor. "I'm sorry, Albus. I just find it insane how we sit here trying to figure out how to handle the Death Eaters left when there is one sitting here at the table with us." All eyes immediately turned to Severus who didn't look a bit phased by the accusations.
"Like you should be one to talk about sanity," Severus scoffed.
Molly looked to Albus, her heart rate increasing at the situation. Severus being there was awkward for everyone, but she would have hoped it had stayed civil. Albus's face was calm. She was sure it hadn't been the first time there had been push back about the man's loyalties, and Molly knew it wouldn't be the last. "I have final say on who will and will not be part of this order, Alastor. If you have a concern, then I suggest you bring it up with me after the meeting."
Beside Albus, Molly saw Minerva's face was pale.
"Oh, like I'm the only one here who isn't disgusted by sharing a table with a murderer and rapist!" he exclaimed, standing from his spot to tower over Severus.
"Alastor!" Minerva shouted, interjecting before either Albus or Severus spoke. "Nobody's hands are clean. We are talking about war. Now take a seat and let us get through this meeting." Her voice was sharp and her eyes looked like she was ready to tear him apart.
"At least when I kill a man it's because he's a bigoted cunt."
"Unless you can produce a list of my war crimes, I suggest you sit down," Severus snapped. Molly noticed that although he never raised his voice, he was still just as intimidating. She now understood what Bill meant when he said that the Potion's Master was scary without being loud.
"Oh, we don't need a list when our minds can fill in the blanks."
"Enough!" Minerva shouted, standing to meet Alastor's height. Her nose was almost touching his, and Molly almost laughed when she noticed the way the large man finally showed signs of backing down when the Deputy stepped in. Even when she was young, Minerva had a way of owning every room she walked into, especially when she was mad. Minerva's hand was on Severus's shoulder, and Molly couldn't figure out if it was to steady herself or comfort him. "Not another word, Alastor." Her words were clouded by her accent. Everyone knew Minerva was fiercely proud of her Scottish heritage, but it only came out when she was angry.
The meeting continued more smoothly once Minerva put a stop to the arguing. When Albus adjourned everyone, there was the usual friendly chatter, but Alastor stormed out. Severus stood in the corner, clearly waiting for Albus to finish making his rounds. Molly was talking to Kingsley when she felt a pang of guilt for Severus being alone. She excused herself and made her way over to the sullen man in the corner, not even sure if he knew who she was aside from the introductions. "Severus, can I get you anything, dear?" she asked, patting his arm.
He looked surprised at the gesture, staring at her for a moment. She couldn't even begin to read his vacant expression. "No, thank you."
Unsure of what else to say, Molly was thankful when Minerva stepped between them. "Ah, Severus. I'm glad you're meeting Molly."
He nodded. "Thank you for the accommodations."
"Ah yes, well. Severus," Minerva said, her voice deepening and becoming more serious. "Look I'm sorry about Alastor."
"It's not your place to apologize, nor is it his. You act as if I was surprised. We have had this conversation before."
"I know but-"
"And may I add this conservation where you played Alastor's role...though I will say you spoke with a bit more...clarity than he did."
Molly looked back and forth between the two. She sensed a friendship between them. It was so like Minerva to stand up for those who most needed it; it always had been. It made sense that Minerva would be the one ally Severus seemed to have. "Good to know I have a bit more clarity than that old bastard. Thank you for that assessment, Severus."
Molly swore she saw a smile pass over both of their lips. "I do feel bad about it, Severus," Molly chimed in.
Severus looked at her as if he had forgotten she was there. "I put no blame on anyone here."
She smiled and tapped his arm. "Well, you are welcome here shall you find yourself needing anything."
He nodded and unsure of how else to proceed with the conversation, Molly made her way back to Arthur who was striking up a conversation with Albus about some muggle item called a computer.