Between the Cracks // 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

64. Antipodean Opalaye

Chapter 64: Antipodean Opalaye

Molly soon joined Fred in the kitchen, a stack of dirty plates hovering in the air behind her, moving towards their place in the sink. She immediately joined his side with an embrace, patting his back motherly.

"It's so nice to have you boys back," she spoke mildly, her pats temporarily being replaced by rubs. "With everyone away – me and Arthur are shocked by how quiet it can actually get!"

"Aw, I get that, Mum," Fred spoke, emptying the rest of the snacks from a bag into a bowl. "We can try visit more often, George and I. Just a bit busy at the moment."

Molly aw'd at his words. "Of course you are. My successful boys! Who would've thought. After everything." She rubbed his back once more. "But here we are."

Fred simply hummed, not interested in looking into the past. He could talk about the war fine, but he had never been quite clear on how to talk about his accident. Although it was of course a difficult time for him, it seemed like people around him were hit harder by it than he was. He never quite knew how to respond to their concern, and instead opted to do what he did best – joke about it.

After a moment of silence, Molly's quiet words were heard from his side, sounding as if she just couldn't resist saying them.

"She's lovely, Fred."

He couldn't help but let his smile widen and chest swell at the words. He tried to suppress it the best he could, only smiling appeasingly back at her. "Mhm. I know."

-

A short while later and all the presents had been distributed among the family, the last one being a camera gifted to Fred and George from Bill, with the hope of helping with product development. Molly had just finished heating up the mulled wine, and cups with warm contents now stood strewn over every counter and table in sight. Leigh remained in the couch, engrossed in a fun conversation with Ginny. Fred stood talking with Bill, Harry and Percy, and Charlie sat a distance away, just having had his hair ruffled by his Dad.

Molly made her way past the couch and stopped to quickly express her thoughts. "I have to say it again – thank you for the muffins dear, they were so good."

Leigh looked up at the sound of her voice, immediately letting out a light and carefree chuckle. "To be fair Fred and I didn't do a lot," she admitted, remembering their only feat being putting frosting on top of the muffins from their neighbour.

"Oh, nonsense. They were festive and so good," Molly spoke before immediately continuing. "Heard from the boys you're only staying one night?"

Leigh nodded. "Uh, yeah. Yeah, I think that's the plan," she said and smiled slightly.

"Why not another night? We have space for all of you after all. It's so nice to have a full house again and I'd love to get to know you better. 1 day is so short," Molly went on, and while Leigh was glad and felt more than welcome, she was also uncertain of what to respond. All of that was up to Fred, really.

"Uh, yeah, I suppose it is."

"Isn't it Fred?" Molly raised her voice slightly, causing Fred to hear his name and look over. He raised his eyebrows in attentiveness.

"Huh?"

"One day is so little," Molly continued. "Stay another day, will you? To have the chance to actually show her around a bit." She reached down to rub Leigh's shoulder as she spoke her words. "Merlin knows we have food enough! Arthur made sure of that," she spoke and smiled towards her husband.

"Why, yes, stay longer!" Arthur agreed from his place beside Charlie.

Ginny soon spoke up at Leigh's side. "Yeah, stay longer! I want to hear the story of you threatening Ron with a knife!"