Learn to love

I smell a rat.

The next morning Hermione and I used the floo channel to arrive at the Weasley's home. It was busy, the wedding planner was running around with her wand, getting everything in place. The tables and chairs were being set up, followed by a black table cloth. Apparently, she decided on the theme colors being black and sky blue. I don't know how many times I have told her, that just because his name is Black, doesn't mean he likes the color. But I gave up, all I cared for was to get this over with. The sooner the better. The tent was lifted, covering all 100 tables. I was still confused as to why she was setting this all up, the wedding wasn't until the day after tomorrow. Waving it off, I followed Hermione into the house. To my surprise, Harry was there.

I waved. "Hey!"

"Athena, Hermione hey!" Harry jumped to his feet, giving each one a hug. "You are here early."

"Yeah, I need to speak with Molly." I grabbed my bag placing it behind the door. Molly walked in her hands full with a basket of black roses. "Here let me help you ma." Taking the basket and placing it on the table, I yelped at the sudden pull I got. Laughing as I was covered in kisses. "Good to see you too."

"I wasn't expecting you till tomorrow." She grinned, only to gasp. "Oh, dear! Ginny, can you prepare Athena's and Hermione's guest bedroom!"

"Yes, mum!"

"I am sorry ma, I should have sent an owl before dropping in." I took a seat at the table, watching her place the roses into vases of blue water. "Black roses?"

"Ms. Huffle insisted in black." Molly grumbled.

I chuckled, grabbing one. "I told her Sirius doesn't like the color black. He prefers Burgundy." With a smirk I turned the rose in my had red. Watching as the others did too, I handed her the rose. "They are to stay red." Seeing the others gathered in the living room, I chuckled as Ron once more beat Harry. "Ma."

"Yes, dear?"

"I-I am scare." I didn't see, but clearly heard her stop and I could feel her looking at me.

"Ronald!" Molly yelled.

"Yes, mum?"

She handed him two vases. "Take this outside, and come back for the others." She then gestured I follow her. I wasn't sure where we were going or how long we had walked, but the fresh air felt amazing. We were surrounded by tall grass, reaching past my waist. "Now tell me, why are you scared?"

I shrugged. "I can't explain it ma. It isn't marrying Sirius. It is the to come." Sitting on a rock, I stared down at my hands. "I am not ready to be married, but I will push through it. But the part in which I have to consume my marriage, it scares me. Having kids frightens me."

"Oh, sweetie." She sat beside me, pulling me into a tight hug. "I was too on my first night. young girls' first time should be special and unforgettable. Just because your engagement started off wrong, doesn't mean this has to. Speak with Sirius, explain to him you are not ready for that. He will wait."

Pulling back, I wiped the tears. "Does it hurt?" She nodded. "A lot?"

"It depends dear. Some say yes, others say no. Me personally, no, it did not hurt as much as I thought."

Taking a deep breath, I pulled her into a hug once more. "Thank you ma."

"I am here for you always." As we walked back she held my hand.

That was something that always gave me comfort. Although I loved my mother, and I know she loved me very much, she never showed me a lot of affection. Father didn't want me to become someone dependent on their mother. I was to learn how to clean and cook and care for children, then I was to marry and become a breeding cow. I could count the times mother hugged me, kissed me, or simply held my hand. Everything I have missed out from my mother, Molly had happily given it to me. Speaking with her was a breath of fresh air, it didn't take away all my fears, but it helped. As we approached the house, I was greeted by Gryffindor. I missed Slytherin and I would always miss him, he was the mischievous one. Gryffindor compared to him was a saint. Picking up a stick I threw it, laughing as he dashed away.