A/N: Here we are, at the end of this collection. This was quite a challenge for me, as I've never been really comfortable with, or confident of my ability in, writing about the Weasleys. I think taking this challenge was a good way to just dive right in and push my boundaries, and the overwhelmingly positive response this has received has been so humbling. I know there are things I need to improve on, and this challenge has highlighted a few of them. To the reviewers who have offered constructive criticism: thank you. Your comments help me improve my writing, and I value them so much. To anyone who has Followed/Favourited or reviewed this: thank you. This is basically one big thank you, and if you've actually made it through the whole thing, thank you again. On with the story!
"Ready, Mollywobbles?" Arthur asked, offering her his arm and grinning with unsuppressed excitement.
"More than I could ever tell you." Molly beamed in response, linking her arm through his. As they walked towards the entrance to the Ministry of Magic and the Civil Services Department which would oversee their union, the sky, previously dotted with ominous grey clouds, cleared. The sun emerged from behind them, and Molly's mood, if possible, soared even higher.
"Look at that," Arthur marvelled, gesturing at the sky. "It's an omen, and it's telling us that we're making the right choice."
Molly stopped short, frantically patting herself down in search of something.
"Molly?" Arthur watched her in concerned bewilderment, unsure what to make of her unexpected behaviour.
"You mentioned omens, and it made me remember," Molly explained. "I've got my something old." She pointed at the clip that glittered in her hair, a family heirloom she'd worn for the occasion. "I've got my something blue." She tugged at the singlet barely visible above the collar of her robes. "There's one thing missing."
Arthur understood immediately. "Here," he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a handkerchief that was clean, although faded from overuse. "Now you've got your something borrowed."
"Now I do. Sorry, I know it's only superstition, but…Well, little habits like those make me feel better, I suppose. I know that you and I will be fine, superstition or no superstition."
"We certainly will." He said it in the most loving and enthusiastic way possible, but Molly didn't miss the note of doubt that seeped into his voice. She would have been worried, if she hadn't known him well enough to see that it was not reluctance to be with her that plagued him. Rather, it was a sense of shame and disgrace that sometimes overtook him, the consequence of a desire to buy her the best of everything coupled with a frustrating inability to do so.
"Arthur," she began hesitantly, knowing how much he hated acknowledging their financial situation. "I'm so glad I get to marry you. That's all I want, not a lavish wedding with all the bells and whistles. Just you."
Molly started walking again and Arthur fell into step beside her, squeezing her hand gratefully in reply. Molly wanted to savour every moment of that day, and it was probably her desire for time to slow which made it seem to speed up, so that before she knew it, she and Arthur were in the Department of Civil Services, waiting to be married.
"Mr. Weasley, you sign here. And you, Miss Prewett, you sign over this side." Molly picked up the quill and signed her name, her hand shaking in excitement.
"Excellent," said the man behind the desk in a bored tone which suggested he'd rather be anywhere else. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You can take your marriage certificate and go."
Molly barely heard him, so focused was she on Arthur, who was, as of that second, her husband. It was a surreal and wonderful concept. He was staring at her in equal rapture.
"Congratulations, Miss Prewett. This is the start of your life as Mrs. Weasley."
"Mr. Weasley, it's the only life I ever wanted. I can't wait."
Written for:
The Connect the Weasley's Challenge
The Duct Tape Competition (Easy, Yellow)
The Monthly Het-tastic Drabble-athon Competition (Prompt: bells)