Chapter One
What Was Lost Returns


The sun was slowly rising over the hills in the distance, and the birds were in a cheerful mood as they happily exclaimed their chirps to the morning sky.
Light poured into the small room giving everything an angelic glow. Today is supposed to be a happy day Molly Weasley thought as she gazed sadly out of the window. Bill is going to be married, and we are all going to be together… Maybe for the last time…

The sounds of loud snoring stopped abruptly and Molly looked to her husband, who was now muttering in his sleep. “Ho there!,” he snuffled to the air, “I say, is that a blender? …How marvelous…”
His snoring resumed as he flipped over in his sleep. His blue-striped pajamas were rumpled, and his arm was extended over the side of the bed.

Molly shook her head; she couldn’t imagine how Arthur could sleep. She thought of Harry, Hermione, and Ron … How on earth would she be able to stand having them away from home after all that had happened! They were still children… At least she still had Ginny. Ginny… Ginny, who didn’t want to stay here. Molly knew that Ginny never tried to show how unhappy she was to stay with her parents while the others went to the Dursleys, but mothers always know. She wanted to be with Harry; that much was clear as day. But she wasn’t going with him. Molly had no idea why this was, but Ginny had been avoiding Harry’s eyes ever since they had left the Hogwarts express after Dumbledore’s funeral. Something had happened there, Molly knew it, but she didn’t want to press the issue in case she accidentally convinced Ginny to go with Harry after all.

Why on earth the three of those children were going to the Dursleys was a mystery to Molly, but Remus had made it clear that Harry was to be allowed to do what he wished. Molly would have put her foot down on Ron going if she hadn’t felt so very sorry for Harry. All of the things that poor Harry had been through, she couldn’t let him go alone…

“Morning, Dear.” Said a voice behind her and Molly jumped. It was just Arthur. She had been so deep in her own thoughts, she hadn’t noticed that her husband’s snores had stopped, and he had gotten out of bed.

“How’s my Molly-wobbles today?” He said, stretching and scratching his head,
“Did you sleep at all?”

“Oh yes, I slept.” Lied Mrs. Weasley, smiling at her husband. She didn’t want to bother Arthur about her thoughts; he was probably already worried about the same things himself.

“My soul! Are you crying?” Arthur asked concernedly, searching Molly’s face. Molly hadn’t even realized that she was in tears while she was thinking. She wiped her eyes on the apron that was draped over her nightgown.

“Oh… Um.. Yes. You know, after all, our son is going to be married today! …A mother’s d-dream…” Arthur smiled and kissed his wife affectionately,
“Don’t be sad, Dear. We still have six more.” He chuckled as he went to dress.

“I hope we still have eight more by the time all of this is over…” Molly said quietly as a sob escaped her mouth.

***
“MUM! I think my dress is too loose!”
“MUM! Why do I have to wear maroon to the wedding?! It was bad enough that I had to wear this to the Yule Ball! Can’t I wear the robes that Fred and Gorge gave me?”
“MUM! The awning in the front-yard needs a new spell! It flipped over and almost squished Errol!”
“It was FRED’s FAULT MUM!”
“MUM! Tell Flur not to throw her hairbrush at me! I only said that she needed an extra button!”
MUZAIR! Ginny eez eensinuating I am FAT. You are joost jealous, leetle girl.”
“MUM! Ginny did the bat-bogey hex outside school! And… oooh… Poor Flur…”
“MUM!”
“MU-UM!”
“MUM!”
“MUUUUUUUM!!”
“…MOLLY!?”
“OW!”
“MUM!”

The noise in the house was such that no one could be exactly sure who was talking. Also, there was a flock of bats now fluttering around, blocking people from sight. High-pitched screaming was coming from within the cloud.
“…Uh… Mum?”

“WHAT IS IT NOW!?” Molly screeched swinging around to face the next person that called her name. She was ready to release her rage. She was TIRED. Why couldn’t people call on Arthur to help them? And---

Molly stopped before she started. She had found herself face-to-face with…

“Percy? OH PERCY!” Molly was all of a sudden so filled with happiness that all of her past grievances were momentarily dismissed from her mind. Her son was here! He had shown up! He hadn’t RSVPd… But that didn’t matter; he was home at last.
She took his hand and dragged him over to the empty dinimng room.

“Hello, Mother.” Percy said stiffly as his mother hugged him tightly.

“Ooooh, Percy! I’m SO glad you came! Oh, we were so terribly worried about you! Oh, I’m so happy I could… Oh dear, I AM crying! OH PERCY!”

Percy was squeezed so hard that he barely heard his mother’s “Oh Percy”s.
“Uh! Mother, I… Can’t… Breathe!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry dear, I’m just so pleased that you are here.”

“Mum… I’m really…”
Molly beamed at her son’s failed attempt at an apology and placed a hand on his cheek.

“I know, dear. I know.”

As Molly let her son go, all of a sudden the din of the wedding crowd came back to her ears.
“MUM!!! Bill almost saw Flur in her dress!”
“I did NOT! I just need to get in the house to use the bathroom, if you don’t mind!”

Molly wiped her eyes on her apron and bustled out of the pristine dining room.

“Everyone! I want you all to please… SHUT UP!”
As Molly screamed these last two words, the room fell silent. Even the bats, it seemed, were too afraid of Molly to maintain their fluttering and screeching. They disappeared in a cloud of grey smoke with a POOF.

All eyes were on Molly and Percy now. Percy pushed his glasses up his nose nervously and put a scowl on his face.

“Ahem, thank you!” Molly said loudly as she beamed around the room.
“Everyone! Look who’s back! Aren’t we all happy to see him?”

Silence. Spiraling, dismal, blank silence.

All eyes in the crowded kitchen were looking, more like glowering, at Percy.

“Oh hooray...” Said Fred sardonically, breaking the silence finally,
“The traitor has entered the building. How nice. Have you come to interrogate Harry? Or to crash your brother’s wedding and arrest us all for trying to have a happy day?”
The rest, other than Mrs. Weasley, looked like they were thinking along the same lines.
Percy’s face turned red. He opened his mouth to speak, but didn’t seem to be able to find anything to say in answer to either sarcastic question. He turned and reentered the dining room, leaving the others to talk feverishly about his return.

Molly’s eyes followed Percy as he disappeared from view, and then turned to the rest of the group in the kitchen.
She hoped that this day wouldn’t go very wrong. But she had a feeling that Percy’s return, though a blessing to her, would create bad feelings in the group. Another tear ran down her face as she set back to fixing up Ginny’s hair.

Chapter 2- A Mother’s Wish coming True
Arthur & Molly were very busy. There were many activities that needed checking on to make sure that they were done such as security, food & decorations.
Rufus Scrimgeour had agreed to let a few Aurors be at service at the Wedding & in return Arthur had invited him to the wedding. Molly had taken care of the food & decorations of which were only two colours chosen by Fleur & Bill: Purple & White.
With all the fear circulating around the Wizarding World about Voldemort & his Death Eaters, Arthur & Molly were very concerned about the security.
Molly & Arthur were dressed in brand new Dress Robes which Fred & George had insisted on buying.
Ron also wanted to wear the Robes the twins had bought him, but for some reason Molly wanted him to wear the robes he had worn at the Yule Ball.
Ginny was wearing a purple dress since she was one of the Bridemaids along with Fleur’s sister, Gabrielle.
Molly had just finished doing Ginny’s hair, so she decided to go outside, to check if everything was in order. Molly was dazzled by the way the purple & white decorations all looked.
“Everything looks so perfect & beautiful,” she thought.
It was almost time for the Wedding to begin. Almost all of the guests had arrived which included family & friends of both the Weasley & Delacour families. Members of the Order of the Phoenix could also be seen here & there. They were all dressed in their best for this special occasion.
Ron was with Harry & Hermione. Hermione wore a periwinkle dress robe while Harry wore a bottle green one Molly recognized as the robes she had bought for him to attend the Yule Ball.
She could see Arthur chatting with Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister of Magic. And standing beside him looking very tall & awkward was Percy. He seemed to be trying to avoid his father’s eyes. Molly felt very sad. She wished that everyone would just forget what Percy had done & forgive him.
Apparently the conversation was over because Scrimgeour & Percy left to find seats.
Arthur appeared to be looking for someone because he was turning his head in all directions. His head stopped in Molly’s direction & his face lit up in a smile. He beckoned her over to him. When she reached him, he took her hand & he said, “You’re looking very dashing, Mollywobbles.” He kissed her on the cheek. “You’re looking smart yourself,” Molly replied smiling. “We must check to see that all the Aurors are at their stations ,” Arthur said. “But,” protested Molly, “the Wedding is about to start.” Arthur sighed & said “Molly, wouldn’t you rather let your son have a safe wedding than rather something terrible happen?”
Molly was torn apart to her desire to see Bill getting married & him getting a safe wedding. But she decided to check on the Auror positions. She’d do anything to keep her family safe.
She nodded to Arthur. He took her hand & together they walked all around the Weasley property to check the security.


When Arthur & Molly returned, the wedding ceremony was over. They saw Bill kiss Fleur & they were followed by guests to dance while some headed to the food tables. Ron was included & was followed by Harry & Hermione.
Molly & Arthur remembered when Bill was a little boy. He would normally take his father’s wand, wave it around causing objects to shatter around the house. He would take Molly’s cooking books & hide them in various rooms of the house. He loved Quidditch & had a toy broomstick which he would zoom around the house crashing into things. But fortunately he was never hurt.
After he had finished Hogwarts, he got a job at Gringotts as a Curse Breaker. He joined the Order of the Phoenix & helped fight the Death Eaters that had attacked at Hogwarts in the last school term. He was attacked by Fenrir Greyback & because of that he had lost his good looks. He was now badly scarred & scratched. But despite all this Fleur still wished to marry him.
Arthur & Molly reached the newly wedded couple & both parents embraced their son & new Daughter-in- law.
Arthur took Molly’s hand & started to dance with her as the music began to play. It was the song they had danced when they were eighteen years old: ‘A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love’.
Molly rested her head on Arthur’s shoulder as they danced. Although she had tried to be happy on such a joyous occasion , she couldn’t help fearful for her family, Harry & Hermione. If Hogwarts were to re-open, she was sure that Harry, Ron & Hermione would not be returning.
After the song ended, Arthur led Molly to one of the tables.
Arthur was looking around at the guests, but Molly had her eyes locked on Harry, Ron Hermione.
Why Ron & Hermione had gone to the Dursleys’ house she didn’t know. She was very worried about Harry. He was like a son to her. She was glad Percy had finally come back to his senses & came back to his family.
The Wedding celebration lasted until late into the night. Then Bill & Fleur left for their new home which was a good distance from the Weasleys’ House. Some of the guests had left but others had remained to chat with the Weasleys’.
Arthur was talking to Rufus. Harry, Ron , Hermione & Ginny were at a table by themselves. Harry & Ginny were avoiding each others eyes. Fred & George were with some of Fleur’s French friends. Percy was by himself & Molly was with Gabrielle.
Molly felt relieved that Bill’s Wedding was a success. The only thing she was worried about now was the war which she knew was to come.

Chapter 3 - Farewell
The day after the wedding consisted of everyone lying around aimlessly in the summer heat. Arthur and Molly had magicked up fans for the others.

It was nearly lunchtime, so Molly was hard at work in the kitchen, sweat beading on her forehead and wand waving to and fro. Her eyes fell upon the clock she owned, with all its hands pointed at 'mortal peril'. Shuddering, she pursed her lips and willed herself not to look at it. She knew of the dangers the future could bring, but how would she face it? Did it mean all her loved ones were going to die? Inhaling a deep breath, she looked away pointedly.

"You alright, Molly?" Arthur asked, patting her on the back. In one hand he held an assortment of Muggle plugs.

"You've already asked me this," Molly pointed out with a small smile. "I'll be fine." However, her eyes drifted towards Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and her smile drooped.

Following her gaze, Arthur commented, "They'll be fine. They've got to do what they've got to do." He lowered his voice as he said, "I have information from the ministry. Death Eaters are now coming door to door, persecuting those who do not give them information."

Molly gasped and nearly dropped her wand. "But--" she sputtered, looking aghast, "--but--could that happen to us?" Terror filled her eyes.

Giving her a sad smile, Arthur shrugged. "It might. That's why I'm building a compartment underneath the burrow; we can hide there if the need arises." He added, "It may be good that Harry, Ron and Hermione are setting off on their own ways; at least they will be harder to track."

~

The next day, Ron, Hermione, and Harry announced that they were leaving.

"Oh Ron, I really don't think--" Molly sobbed into his shoulder.

"Gerroff, Mum," Ron said gruffly, trying to pry his mother from him. "We'll be fine."

Molly sniffed. She couldn't bear to see them go. They were still so young! Pulling Harry and Hermione into a hug, she sniffled, "Be good, and if you ever need anything..."

"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, giving her a smile.

"Thanks for everything," Hermione added.

Opening the door for them, Arthur bade them farewell. "We're counting on you." He winked good-naturedly and patted each on the shoulder. "I daresay we'll see you soon!" he called after their retreating figures.

The moment Arthur closed the door, Molly sank onto the nearest couch and sobbed into her hands. Hurriedly walking towards her and putting his arms around her shoulders, Arthur whispered, "It's okay, Molly, it'll be okay."

Hiccoughing, Molly tried to control herself. Resting her head in the crook of Arthur's neck, she hugged him tight. "I don't know what I'll do if we lose them."

"Don't think that way," Arthur admonished. "They have their job to do, and we have ours."

"Of--of course," Molly said through her tears, forcing a smile.

Chapter 4- Secrets Discussed

As the little sunlight in his office faded Arthur Weasley stared at the pile of paperwork in front of him. He felt guilty to have to have left Molly alone after Ron, Harry and Hermione had left, but work had called. He had to be strong for her, and hide his own distress. Truthfully he was worried about them just as much as she was, and perhaps more. He wasn’t sure if they were ready for what was out there and he was at first unwilling for them to have to go. But he knew it was the only way.

Perkins had already gone home; he had managed to finish his paperwork in a record time so he left to finish up something about an enchanted pocket-sized toy that was ripping up clothes. The others had left too. They had finished their confiscating duties and had made for home. Arthur couldn’t blame them, but it left him with a lot of the paperwork. He had only just come back from a complaint himself and now he had to finish up the paperwork. It would be hopeless to try and finish it right away he reasoned and packed up his notes before appirating back to the Burrow.

The atmosphere at the Burrow was dreary. Even the twins seemed a little less happy then usual. Arthur went into the kitchen where he saw the defeated form of his wife sitting at the table, her face in her hands. “Don’t worry too much, Molly. They know what they are doing,” he said to her putting a hand on her shoulder. Molly lifted her head a looked up at him. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

A sharp knock was heard at the door. “Is this a bad time?” A voice behind them asked and Arthur turned around to peer through the kitchen window at Kingsley Shacklebolt’s large frame.

“Arthur, you dearest ambition?” Molly asked quickly, her eyes wide.
“To find out how aeroplanes stay up.” The question had come a little late but he didn’t regret it.
“Mollywobbles,” came her answer swiftly.

“Hello Kingsley! What is you favourite food that Molly makes?” he asked the wizard.
“Those Prinary Puffs," Kingsley said laughing. “I love those things. Arthur, where did Bilius keep his pocket watch?”
Arthur smiled slightly. “In a sock, Molly’s not an imposter either,” he said as he opened the door.

“I would like to say I just came to visit but I can’t. I’m on Order business,” Kingsley said pointedly to Arthur.
“Oh yes, the information,” Arthur went to close the door that led out into the living room and he performed a few spells on it to make sure the children did not over hear anything.

“It seems that Bellatrix Lestrange killed Griselda Marshbanks,” Kingsley said as he took a seat and Arthur did like wise. “I got it from Scrimgeour himself,” he continued. “It wasn’t pretty.”
“Looks like they are going for everyone who can put them away,” Arthur replied massaging the bridge of his nose before he put his glasses back on. “It’s disgusting.”
“It is,” Kingsley said in a low voice as he studied the wooden table in front of him. “Almost like revenge.”

Molly remained silent but now Arthur saw her slowly going white. Putting a hand on hers he replied.
“I’ve been talking to a few people Kingsley,” he said solemnly, “From what I got back, Severus hasn’t been seen by a soul but Lucius has been. Spotted in Diagon Alley and then at Hogsmede.”
“What would you make of that?” Kingsley asked him.
“It’s not for shopping. He’s doing some sort of job for You-Know-Who.”

Chapter 5
Daring?

BANG!!The front door flew open. There stood as pale as ever Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. “They’re coming” said Lupin breathlessly, “the Death Eaters, they are on their way here”. “They are looking for Harry, they think he’s here ”.“Molly get the twins and get into the compartment underneath house now” commanded Arthur.

“FRED AND GEORGE,GET IN HERE RIGHT NOW!!”boomed Molly’s voice through the house and into the yard where Fred and George were playing Quidditch.“Bloody hell mum, do you want to scare the dear life out of us” said a terrified Fred as they entered the house.

“Never mind that now, the Death Eaters are on their way here, we have to get out of the house this instant “POP! Everyone turned in the direction in which the sound came from in time to see Harry, Ron and Hermione apparate. “Harry, Ron, Hermione!!!”exclaimed Molly.

“Mrs Weasley!, everyone needs to get out of here fast, the Death Eat-”started Harry but Molly cut him short.“Calm down Harry dear, we know that the Death Eaters are coming, follow me everyone” said Molly. Everyone except Arthur, Lupin and Kingsley followed Molly out of the house into the Weasley’s Secret Lair(the compartment under the house).

As they were going through the garden, they noticed in a distance that the Death Eaters were starting to surround the Burrow. Fear started to spread on Molly, not fear for her life but fear for her children and husband including Harry and Hermione lives.

“I have to do something to help” said Molly to herself. “Tonks, can you please lead them to the Lair, I have to check on something” lied Molly. For she knew that if they knew where she was going, they would not had let her go.

“Okay” replied Tonks. Molly went back to the kitchen in time to see Arthur, Lupin and Kingsley putting enchantments around the house. “Molly what are you doing here?”said Arthur. “I came back to help” replied Molly.

The Death Eaters were coming closer and closer towards the house. “Arthur the Death Eaters are almost here, we have to hurry” said Molly anxiously casting enchantment around the house.
“We’re finish, let’s get going” Arthur announced after what seemed like forever. They positioned their selves for battle.”Molly go with the kids, we’ll handle them” shouted Arthur from across the room.
“No I’ll stay” said Molly stubbornly.

Arthur pleaded with Molly but gave up after a while to let her stay. The Death Eaters stopped at the Weasley’s gate. Two of the Death Eaters approached Arthur, Lupin and Kingsley. “We demand of Harry Potter” said one of the Death Eater. Arthur recognized the voice instantly .It was the voice of Lucius Malfoy.

“Aww Lucius my old pal would you like a cup of tea” said Arthur sounding casually. “Mind your language Weasley” said the other Death Eater furiously. “And you must be Bellatrix, Lestrange, why yes, Nymphadora told me all about you” “I can see that you still have your nasty temper” said Arthur calmly.
“I’m warning you Weasley, hand over the boy or we’ll take him by force” said Lucius angrily. “I’ll like to see you try” said Arthur sounding challenging. “Very well then” said Bellatrix.

“Avada Kedav-” started Bellatrix but Molly yelled “Stupefy” Bellatrix fell to the ground. “Stupefy” yelled Molly again, Lucius fell to the ground too. The other Death Eaters started closing in but Lucius yelled “STOP!!” “They are ours said Lucius indicating to Bellatrix and himself”. Lucius and Bellatrix raised from the ground and faced the Weasley’s.
“So you want to fight right Weasley?” said Bellatrix angrily. Without warning Arthur, Molly, Kingsley and Lupin yelled “Stupefy”. Some of the Death Eaters who were coming closer to the house fell to the ground.

Chapter 6
The Duel

Lucius was not deterred by the stunning. He advanced upon Arthur, eyes burning with icy fire. Sweat was beading on Arthur's forehead; he wanted so badly to beat Lucius Malfoy once and for all, and would not give in, whatever the cost.

"Don't come closer," Arthur warned, raising his wand higher. It just seemed to be the two of them now.

Snarling, Lucius laughed and approached with a swish of his black robes. "Prepare to meet your end, Weasel."

"Stupefy!" Arthur yelled, but Lucius was too fast for him; the spell flew over his blonde head and struck a Death Eater beyond.

Lucius muttered an unidentifiable incantation and a purple jet of light seared towards Arthur, who cried, "Protego!" The force of the spell burst through, however, and he crumbled to the ground.

"Arthur!" Molly screamed, warding off Bellatrix with a stunning spell. She rushed towards her husband, who was moaning; at least the shield charm had protected him a bit.

Another stream of light issued from Lucius' wand. Molly dodged it with surprising speed and yelled, "Impedimenta!" This time, it hit Lucius full-force.

"Molly--get...out..." Arthur gasped for breath, attempting to sit up. "I'll...take...care of...Malfoy."

Tears were now leaking out of Molly's eyes. "No, I will not." She shakily performed some healing spells on her husband; he seemed to strengthen, but was not up to any rough activity. "I'm going to keep fighting," Molly informed him, and rose.

Lucius had broken from the hex Molly had given him. "Think you can beat us, do you?" he jeered, flourishing his wand in his hand.

Screwing up her face in concentration, Molly shrieked, "Stupefy!" just at the same time as Arthur, and both spells hit Lucius, sending him flying backwards and into the gate.

Meanwhile, Molly could see Tonks fending off Bellatrix and Lupin running around, stunning Death Eaters who weren't occupied.

"Let me get Lucius," Arthur whispered to Molly. He made to approach Lucius, but Molly stopped him.

"He's already dead," she told him, looking at Lucius' still body. "The spells hit him where he would certainly die. Look for yourself."

Arthur's eyes roved the surface of Lucius' face. Indeed, the light was extinguished from his pale eyes and his face was as white as snow.

Smirking, Arthur said, "Serves him right."

Molly pulled her husband back. "Now, we fight. There are plenty of Death Eaters for the both of us." Giving Arthur a kiss on the cheek, she ran forwards toward the fray.

They couldn't imagine how long they fought, but just when their bodies were about to give in, the Death Eaters were conquered. Kingsley's life had been taken by Bellatrix, but the rest of the Order was all right.