True Reflections: Scars Saga 3

Endless Waiting

Chapter 35

Endless Waiting

26 July 1997

"Kate, would you please sit down?" Molly said in exasperation.

I was pacing the length of the Burrow's kitchen and lounge. I'd been pacing the same stretch for two hours, and considering I was now at thirty-six weeks and both felt and looked like I was about to pop, that was saying something.

"Mum, just give her some more calming draught," Ginny said.

"No. She cannot 'ave more of zat for anozer 'our," Fleur defended.

"No. I don't want any more that," I said. "It hasn't worked all night."

The four of us were waiting, worrying, and, in my case, pacing. The Order had gone to pick up Harry from Privet Drive for the final time. They were using six Harry decoys and flying to various safe houses before portkeying to the Burrow. Remus and Jonathan, of course, were among them and I was frantic with fear. Two of the portkeys had arrived with no one attached. This could only mean that something had gone awry.

"Where are they? They should have been here by now," I continued.

"Honestly, Kate, if you don't sit down and calm down..."

"Not until I know my boys are safe!"

"Your boys?" Molly said, highly affronted. She quickly marched over to me. "Do I need to remind you that your family are not the only ones risking their lives tonight? My husband is out there as well, along with four of my children, seven if you count Harry, Hermione, and Jonathan which you know I have always treated them as members of this family. I won't even being to recount what the others mean to me. I know you are pregnant; I know you are just as worried I am, but your pacing helps no-one and your worry most certainly does not help the baby. So, sit! Down!"

I promptly lowered my tush to the nearest chair.

"You're right, Molly. I'm sorry. I..."

Suddenly a blue light illuminated the back yard and I jumped from my seat and rushed outside. Harry and Hagrid had just arrived via portkey. I quickly took Harry into my arms and looked him over.

"Where are the others?" Molly asked.

"What do you mean? Hasn't anyone else made it back yet?" Harry replied. Our faces must have given us away because he quickly carried on.

"They knew. The Death Eaters knew it was tonight. They were waiting for us as soon as we took off. Four of them chased us before Voldemort showed up himself. The others, I... I don't know. I'm sorry."

"Zey knoo? 'Ow did zey know?"

"Oh, let's not worry about that now," Molly said before pulling Harry into her own arms. "Thank goodness you're all right."

"Yer wouldn' have any brandy, would yer, Molly? Fer, er— medicinal purposes?" Hagrid asked.

"Of course, just one moment." After a placing a quick kiss to the top of Harry's head, she turned and headed inside. I knew as a friend I should have followed her, but I found myself incapable of movement at the moment.

"Ron and Tonks were supposed to be here first," Ginny said quietly. "But their portkey arrived without them. Dad and Fred were to be next; you and Hagrid were actually supposed to be third. If..." Ginny paused and I could feel her eyes flick to me. "Remus and George should arrive in a few minutes."