It's summer...but it's different

[alt_molly]

Ginny is the only one living at home, now. I am glad that I cut back just a little on the garden this year. Not too much, because I still intend to can, and part of my crop can be used in trade.

The gnomes in the garden are becoming ridiculously cheeky, since I don't have as much regular help with de-gnoming. Why, one of the little blighters had the effrontery to...to MOON me on my way to the henhouse this morning! Ginny is excellent with the bees, of course, but Fred and George were the best at clearing out the garden quickly, of both weeds and gnomes.

The whole Burrow has a different feel this summer. The ghoul is almost puzzled not to have an audience. Ron always used to bang on the wall if he grew too loud. The dining table seems so quiet with just Ginny and me, compared to the racket of years past. Of course, it's pleasant to have a comfortable cose with my daughter without being interrupted by jokes about bodily functions--and at the dinner table, mind you! And there aren't nearly as many arguments about whose turn it is to spellwash the dishes. Still, I almost miss the uproar, at least sometimes.

Comments

Re: Order Only: Private message to Charlie Weasley

[alt_molly]

But do tell me this, Charlie: I know Bill is close to you. I'm not asking you to betray any confidences, but do you think he is truly serious about her?

I just don't understand it, I suppose. She seems like such a...such a hardened young woman. I suppose she had to be, with the work that she does.

What worries me is the strain Bill's been under this past year, and whether it's affected his judgement. Working for Corax Mulciber would drive anyone around the twist, I think.

How I wish Arthur was here to give him advice. I think Bill would have welcomed it.

What I really want to know is, is she good for him? Does she bring out the best in him? If she does, well...I'll do my very best to mend fences and mind my tongue around her.

Re: Order Only: Private message to Charlie Weasley

[alt_charlie]

She's definitely good for him. She cuts straight through the -- well, you know how Bill gets, that thing where once he gets in a mood he'll practically disappear up his own arse backside fretting over things? She's great at cutting through that. Which, well, that's the thing I'd say he most needed, so I'm glad to see it.

And most of the younger members of the Order were raised by wolves, Mum. Or by people who were genuinely buying into the Protectorate propaganda, which is close enough. You're holding it against her where you wouldn't hold it against others, because she's dating Bill, but honestly, we aren't exactly anywhere to go for stable and well-adjusted folks. Not everybody's parents raised them like you and Dad raised us.

Re: Order Only: Private message to Charlie Weasley

[alt_molly]

Thank you, Charlie. I'm very grateful for your opinion. You are really the closest to him since your dear father died, and...well, young men don't always tell everything to their old Mums. Which is at it should be; it's all a part of growing up. I was quite concerned because he said something the other day that made it clear she could hurt him very badly, if she were inclined to do so. But I'm reassured by what you've said.

I hope she accepts the invitation, and I'll do everything I can to make her feel welcome.

Re: Order Only: Private message to Charlie Weasley

[alt_charlie]

You know, sometimes I think everyone we're in love with, even a little bit, even not the romantic kind of love, can hurt us badly. It's a wonder we allow ourselves to reach out to people at all, really.

But Bill was so lonely, and so worried about trying to date someone who wasn't in the Order, and even if the two of them don't last together Rachel has shown him that it's not all hopeless for him. And I'd like her for that even if I couldn't stand to be in the same room as her, you know?

But I do like her. And I hope you'll give her a chance.

Re: Order Only: Private message to Charlie Weasley

[alt_molly]

I will.