Harry made his way to his bedroom in Aunt Petunia’s house. He was scrambling to find a scrap of parchment on the desk. He scribbled a hasty note and folded it neatly. He wrote one word on the outside of the parchment. He used the silky ribbon to tie the note to the box and without a word, he sent it where he knew it would be safe. Please don’t be too mad at me, Mum.

*****

Molly felt an unusual sensation, once that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. An omen. She instinctually headed to the only magical object that could relieve her worries. She ran her fingers over the worn wood of the base of the clock; it was her good luck ritual. She touched the enchanted spells carved into the base every time before daring to look up at the face.

Not once had her ritual let her down. In fact, the only time the clock had shown her ‘Mortal Peril’, was the time she had failed to rub the charmed boards. She shuddered as she remembered her husband’s hand pointed at ‘Mortal Peril’. Molly had barely been able to contain her dread and anguish, letting lose a scream of pain at the sight. She had been too panicked to remember the ritual and to this day, she blamed herself for forgetting it.

This time, Molly hesitated to look at the face of the clock. While her gut told her that the omen she had felt was not sinister; she was loath to receive a surprise. I’ve never been one to like surprises.

Her eyes scanned the clock, starting at the very bottom of the base. She had barely reached the intricate carvings that separated the face from its holder when her eyes swam out of focus. Something was obstructing her view of the clock face. She blinked rapidly to clear the illusion, but when she opened her eyes she still saw a fuzzy section of space right in front of the clock face. She was frustrated at not being able to see the hands of her precious clock, so she swiped at the spot. What a silly thing to do,” she thought as her hand moved through the air. “If it’s magical, swiping at it won’t do anything. It probably won’t do anything good, I’m certain of that.

Molly had no way of knowing how wrong she was. Her hand collided painfully with the blurred area. What? Suddenly, it was as if the item had glued itself to her hand. Some force, beyond her control, was closing her fingers around the small object. What in the name of Merlin is going on here?

Molly took a step back from her clock, her arm outstretched and her palm closed tightly around a sharp object. Molly figured that the object must be a box of some sort, as the corners were digging in to the delicate skin in between her fingers. She tried to open her fingers, but she couldn’t. She tried to force her fingers open with her other hand, but it was in vain. She was just starting to panic when she heard a familiar sound, one she couldn’t place. That is such a beautiful song. Where do I know it from?

Molly looked around wildly, searching for the source of the strange noise that was echoing throughout the house. “Where is that racket coming from?” She tried to take a step to search further, but her feet wouldn’t move. Now the panic was settling deep within the pit of her stomach. The noise grew louder, reaching a crescendo as Molly felt a sense of peace she had never before known. I’m not sure how, but I know that everything is going to be just fine.

A Phoenix appeared in front of Molly, in an echo form. The brilliant colors of the plumage were reduced to grayscale, making the Phoenix seem on the verge of disappearing. In an instant, Molly felt the holds on her body release. The Phoenix disappeared. Harry?

When she recovered from her shock and her body understood that she could once again move, she opened her hand. She saw the note, and started to cry. I shouldn’t be surprised. Only Harry could scare the wits out me and then make me cry with his thoughtfulness.

She carefully untied the ribbon that held the note to the miniature box. She saw that the note was hastily scribbled, in Harry’s messy handwriting. She tried to prepare herself for what the note contained. She was worried since she knew what was in the box. It was the same box that her wedding rings had come in. I still have it somewhere. That’s just not something a witch throws out.

She painstakingly unfolded the creased parchment. She read the first line before bursting out into noisy tears. I am so glad that Arthur isn’t here to see me like this. He would never understand. He always thinks I am too overprotective, but this is too much for me. She tried to compose herself before continuing.

Mum,

I hope it’s okay to call you that.

You and Arthur have been like my parents at a time when I needed them most. You have provided me with the best family I could have asked for and treated me better than I have ever deserved. I know that this might seem sudden, but the time is finally right. I want to ask for your permission to marry Ginny. Tomorrow. I want to be surrounded by our family, in a place we call home, when we profess our undying love. That is, if she’ll have me.

I need your help to pull this off. I will understand if you don’t approve and refuse to help. Just know that I will spend every minute of the rest of my life making Ginny happy, whether we get married tomorrow or not.

There’s loads more we need to talk about, but that will have to wait until we are back.

Love,
Harry, your son

Molly finished the letter, tucked it back into her apron, and turned to start her preparations. She wasn’t startled to see Arthur standing a few feet away, looking at her with a newfound respect. When did he get here?

“The time is finally right,” Molly whispered. I finally understand.

“I know. The time is right indeed. You are an incredible witch, my Mollywobbles, and I love you.” Arthur pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed the top of her head. She’s finally catching on. I know it is unimaginably hard for her to accept it, but she’s finally trying.

They stood like that for an eternity, contemplating their next move. Molly pulled away slightly, freeing her hands so she could show Arthur the ring. To her surprise, the box wouldn’t open.

“Way to go, Harry,” Arthur exclaimed. “That’s my boy.” His powers never fail to amaze me.

“Do you think that Ron is going to pull the same stunt?” Molly asked nervously, changing the subject abruptly. I can’t handle two of these notes in the same day. All I ask is that they wait a short while. You know, until they’re old and toothless.

“No,” Arthur declared. “Ron isn’t like that. Hermione will probably have to ask him. We should only be worried when Hermione shows up at our door looking nervous.” Arthur teased Molly, trying to lighten the situation. To his surprise, Molly joined in the fun.

“All we have to do now is marry Charlie off to that Dragon chasing witch in Romania, set the Twins up with some of Fleur’s many cousins and we’re finally rid of them all.” She chuckled in surprise at her own boldness. It’s not like they would let me. I do wonder, though, maybe I could tell Charlie to come home for a few days. Tell him to bring that Romanian witch with him. I could have some time to work my magic on them while they’re here for the wedding.

“Ah, but we are currently running low on time, are we not?” Arthur teased. “We should pick our favorite and get them married off first.” I know who your favorite is. After all, Ginny is the only girl. How could you not love her best?

“Arthur,” Molly admonished. “I couldn’t pick a favorite. Even if I could, Harry’s already marrying Ginny. I didn’t have to do a thing.” My precious daughter.

Arthur broke into deep, pleasantly loud, laughter. Molly joined in and they laughed heartily at her joke. Arthur was holding his sides by the time they had settled down. I know her so well. She never fails to remind me of why I fell in love with her all those years ago.

Errol appeared on the windowsill, returning from a long journey of frog hunting, interrupting the happy couple. Suddenly Molly was all business.

“I have loads to do,” she pointed out. “I’d better get started. Do you think Harry and Ginny will mind if we recycle some of the decorations from Bill and Fleur’s wedding?” I hope not, I don’t have time to remake all of those decorations. Plus, we couldn’t get rid of those nasty Clabberts.

“I think that Harry would be happy to marry Ginny in a dark alley with her wearing a burlap sack. As long as she says ‘yes’, he’ll be the happiest person in the Wizarding world.” And, maybe, just maybe, he’ll find the strength to face the Dark Lord and defeat him.