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Hey! OMGGGGG, that marriage proposal was just the most cutest thing ever! The way that Arthur has been thinking about proposing since Christmas! The way he's carried that ring around with him, waiting for the right moment to ask Molly! The history behind the ring <3 <3 <3 And then, the ring took matters into its own ?hands? and caught Molly's eye by rolling across the floor. And...at first she was adorably confused, as though she couldn't work out why Arthur would have this piece of jewellery on his person...and then the way she asked him how he would propose and the way in which he says "I haven't thought about it but I guess I wouldn't be naked" hahahahahahah!! It's soooo lovely, yet delightfully amusing, and in role-playing, the actual proposal itself is crafted out.
:FLAILS: Just ...sigh <3
Going back to the beginning of the chapter, Arthur's anxiety over telling his parents was so palpable. And it's not just because of the news he's going to deliver, but because of what his parents have experienced before with his older brother Bilius. I love how you've packed so much about each character in this scene here without giving us long resumes; how Septimus would be easier to face than Cedrella, but Arthur is worried about disappointing him. How Septimus knows that something's up and encourages Arthur to get straight to the point. How there's that unspoken dialogue that passes between father and son when the brandy is offered "don't tell your mother". It could have been such a tense scene but Septimus makes it easy for Arthur. He's practical and sensible; knows that what's done is done, and the best way to manage everything smoothly is to not fluster but offer financial support and some advice. I can see echoes of Septimus in Arthur's character, and it's such a lovely family moment.
...but I'm very intrigued to know how Cedrella's going to react, ngl!
Looking forward to reading on! :eyes:
Meera <3
Hello, Courtney, dear! Here for our swap! (And to finally review this final chapter of this wonderful story! <3 We needed this happy ending, after all the angst our beloved went through, right? <3)
First of all, I'm so happy to see the reconciliation with Molly's parents, and her father helping Arthur fixing the house and them sitting on the roof together, sipping beer and talking about the child... and Merwyn finally apologizing... I just loved that bonding moment, and all the emotions in that first scene, it was really beautiful! And speaking of beautiful, your descriptions of the sunset and the autumn colours were beautiful as well! <3
Arthur's anxiety when he was waiting for Molly to come bsack home, and all his worries about how she would react to the changes were adorable! And of course Molly was absolutely stunned and moved and joyful about it all! Again, considering all their previous struggles, it was so beautiful to see! <3
And, aww, little Bill!!! <3 Poor Arthur... but I'm quite sure every father goes through that fright at first, right? But I love how time made it subside (although probably never fully disappear?) and the love would become evident! The closing scene, with Arthur feeding him while Molly tried to catch some deserved rest, was absolutely adorable! And yes, it's been quite a journey, and quite unexpected, but it's wonderful to see how it all feels like it was supposed to be now! <3
Such an adorable, and so satisfying, final chapter! Thank you for sharing another awesome story with us! <3
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Hi Courtney! Here for our swap :)
Whew, what a start to this story! It's so brave to open the first chapter with a sex scene but it works so very well by bringing us right into the heat of the moment. The intensity. The declaration of love and the way it hits Molly like a spell. The little details such as splayed hands and knocked glasses. So very effective without being overt.
I love the foreshadowing mention of 'tiny seedlings' in the first paragraph...
I can imagine Molly working at a place like Haven House and looking after children - it's a job which would really suit her...except when she's caught in a predicament like this one, where she's so scared and uncertain...and the last thing she needs to be handed is a baby :/ Poor Molly. Thank goodness for Dina, reassuring Molly and offering her support - and telling her that she should tell Arthur.
But Arthur has news of his own (damn MACUSA!) - and ugh, I can just feel poor Molly's anguish, because what does she tell him now? I mean, he's only going for six weeks, so she could hold off, but really, she ought to tell him...but I can see why she didn't. Gah, she must feel so conflicted, but leaving it any longer will surely come at a price...
And it's not always the sort of information that one can hide forever. Whether it shows outwardly or is displayed in subtle changes in behaviour no matter how much she tries to pretend she's okay, someone who loves Molly the way that Arthur does, is bound to notice that something's up - and he does. Obviously, he doesn't know what the actual reason is, but he's perceptive enough to notice Molly pushing him away and I bet he's so scared that she's thinking of calling the relationship off...
Oof. That must have hurt him to know one of Molly's friends found out the news before he did, but being a gentleman, he starts to say his piece then shelves his own upset to concentrate on Molly :OHMYHEART: because he loves her (OF COURSE HE DOES!!) and "especially now" <3 <3 <3
This line, though: "But whatever we do, we'll do it together, yeah?"
ALL. THE. FEELS.
Your writing is really beautiful in this! <3
Meera <3
Oh my gosh! I was thinking of starting something like Haven House for What Means Most! All the kids that could be orphaned after the last war came to mind and Andromeda, Narcissa and Molly (among others) would be part of it :)
Anyway, I thought this was really sweet. Unexpected pregnancies, whether you are pregnant or not are terrifying if you don't know you'll have the means to take care of an extra life. I liked all the canon names you dropped in, it's entirely plausible for molly to know them.
I'm glad he confronted her about how distant she got. Many would feel too awkward to mention it, but he is a Gryffindor after all, he wouldn't think it's too daunting. It's still shocking however, so his response was well done. You can be supportive of someone and still not quite know how to react.
Good job, this was a tricky situation to write.
-Heather
Hey, Courtney, my love!
Okay, confession, I meant to save this for the next review tag chance, but it didn't seem fair, so... have a free review! :P
That was the night she realized they couldn't hurt each other to the point where they lost their love. That was the night she realized that everything could be fixed because of it. Ahhhh, this closing line! <3 <3 <3 After all the pain of this chapter, it's such a beautiful note to close on! And so perfect for Arthur/Molly, I feel like it just captures who they are as a couple, always together, always supportive, always in love, despite all the adversities of life! I just love this image! <3
Their fight was so unbelievably sad, but I suppose it was inevitable... you can't keep all your frustrations bottled up like that and not expect to explode at some point, and the fact that they are both frustrated at this point is hardly surprising, being so young and with such a huge responsibility and with all the financial difficulties and the house that is obviously not the one of their dreams... Arthur working so hard and trying to keep up his optimistic facade all the time... Molly fearing for her future child's safety and maybe also feeling like none of this is what she would've expected... it's obviously so hard for both of them... :/
And then Demelza's visit... she really should've tried to fix things a lot sooner, but I'm actually glad she's trying now? And I'm so sad that Molly didn't want to hear any of it? I mean, I guess I understand that... when your own parents hurt you the way her parents did, forgiveness can't come too easily... and Molly's later claim that this was only some kind of plot so that she would be indebited to her mother somehow does sound a bit unreasonable (although, to be fair, Molly also has a point that she knows her mother better... but also, maybe she wasn't perfectly lucid and objective right then...) Anyway, I really hope they'll manage to properly talk and fix things with Molly's parents, because it would be way too sad if they just cut any relationship...
(Side note... I just realized something... in HH you introduced the character of Maltessa Prewett and in my review I asked if that was Molly's mum, but then I realized... was that great aunt Tessie, instead? I love when people include small bits of canon like that! I had to let you know! :D)
I loved their reconciliation, after that super intense fight! I'm so glad it all ended well, even if some of the things they told each other were pretty cruel! Thank you for fixing it immediately, because I think my heart wouldn't have been able to take it otherwise!
Another stunning chapter, my dear!
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Hi, Courtney! Here for tag (hopefully no one jumps in before me... :P)
And since I'm up to date with HH (I need more, just saying...) I thought I'd come back to this story! ;)
I don't know what you're talking about in your AN, when you say this doesn't feel that good... sorry? I adored this chapter! I loved the familiar, friendly atmosphere (at least until Bilius arrived...) and I absolutely adored to see all the little elements that linked to Hardened Hearts, like Magiminton and the crosswords! Ahahah, the idea of Septimus wanting to create impossible puzzles and using the children as test subjects... love it! And, aww, I love that there are so many little kids... how cute! Everything felt so relaxing and fluffy and just a joy to read, and while I'm a bit sad because it sounds like things with Molly's parents are still difficult (I hope they'll get to fix things soon), it's nice to see them happy and at ease at least with Arthur's side of the family! <3
Poor Bilius... :/ I'm not sure when he said "You've no idea what it s'like out there." what he was referring to, but it seems that he has a lot going on... and he deals with it by drinking, which is obviously not good for anyone... I'm lucky enough to have no experience with alcohol addiction, but it must be really hard to deal with... :( But also, what is it about his... visions, I guess? Is he a sort of Seer? He predicted Ginny's birth, so he's not just making everything up... I'm curious about the meaning of all this. But also, I'm so sad for all the tension between the brothers and for all the pain that Bilius' addiction seems to be causing... I hope he'll listen to Arthur (and his wife...) and actually seek help...
Lovely chapter, my dear!
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Hi Courtney! I’m here for prize review 7/7 :D
This was a great chapter. Your descriptions of the beginnings of the Burrow, how it’s all falling down around their ears. How Molly is so exhausted, and there is so much to do, and they’re doing their best, but it doesn’t feel like enough.
I was so surprised when Molly’s mother showed up, begging for forgiveness. I was glad that she and Arthur didn’t give it out right away though. She and Mr Prewett said some pretty horrific things.
The argument between Molly and Arthur was SO GOOD. You balanced it perfectly. I felt they both landed some great points, and they both had valid arguments and grievances. I wound up feeling sorry for both of them.
I don’t know if I trust the Prewetts now. Like, sometimes when you accept help from people, those people think they own you. If they are like that, I get why Molly doesn’t want to owe them. But they do need help getting the house ready for sure.
Awesome job on this.
Yours,
Noelle
Hi Courtney! I’m here for prize review 6/7 :D
The Weasley family isn’t perfect, but it’s so much more comfortable than the Prewetts right now. What a nice change of pace from the previous chapter with Molly’s parents being horrible. I loved seeing Molly and Arthur just spending the day and chilling with some nice family members.
I LOVE the idea of Bilius having the second sight. That’s awesome.
Yours,
Noelle
Hi Courtney! I’m here for prize review 5/7 :D
I was so glad when Molly and Arthur decided to just screw it and get married without a fuss before they told Molly’s parents. Being pressured into a big wedding that you don’t really want is no fun for anyone—I don’t think it’s even fun for the person doing the pressuring.
Their wedding was so simple and sweet. I think it really suited them. It was them making a decision for themselves, and everything was just the way they wanted it to be.
And then, at the end of the chapter, when Molly’s parents lost it and acted so horribly, I was REALLY glad that Molly and Arthur had already gotten married. How dare Molly’s parents behave that way and call her and Arthur such terrible things. I was sort of surprised Arthur didn’t hex them. I guess he wouldn’t hex his in-laws. Yet.
Maybe he can send them a cursed Muggle artifact anonymously though.
Yours,
Noelle
COURTNEYYYYY hi i'm here for the 'puff review swap! sorry for being so late but i'm here now ♥
i don't think i left an Official™ review when i read this for the 'puff newsletter, but i'm jumping right back into this story anyway. and god, i love the way you write arthur and molly. i was pleasantly surprised to see the switch in point of view, but it makes sense - arthur telling his dad must've been terrifying, but i'm so happy that they were very practical about it. it was a little surprising that there were no expressed emotions, but you could tell by the way they talked that septimus loves him. and i'm super curious about the cedrella/septimus storyline and how they came to be together because they seem so very different, which i guess means i'm just gonna have to read more of hardened hearts :P but you did an amazing job with this heavy father/son moment - it felt heartfelt, and very weasley, and just wonderful. i'm so glad that, at least for arthur's sake, that while his dad might not necessarily approves, he can recognize the situation and that's what they're dealing with
and oh my godddd, i'd marry arthur weasley??? how is he the sweetest and most romantic person ever? god. i love the way you write them, and how soft and vulnerable they are with each other - and i, of course, knew exactly what molly was doing the moment she asked arthur how he'd propose, and i fuckinggg loved it, it was the perfect amount of fluff that i needed on this fine sunday night. i love how protective arthur is of her and how she also leans into him for support and they're just, so wonderful and so scared and anxious but we know they're gonna be great parents and the whole thing was just romantic and swoonworthy and i'm glad they had this time away from the world to be together, and i really hope molly's parents aren't too hard on her
lowkey though i'm very curious about this billius weasley, he seems like a bit of a rogue and a troublemaker and it's making me a little :EYES: to wonder if we're gonna see more of him before the story is over??
another excellent chapter, dear! beautiful writing and characters as always ♥
Hey, Courtney, my love! :D
I'm on a review spree this weekend and you've been waiting in the review tag thread for quite some time, so... TAG!!! :P
Okay... wow... this was intense... I'm feeling so bad for poor Molly... :/ I mean, I get that their news would be shocking and not too pleasant... and that this was a heat of the moment reaction... and that this idea of getting married suddenly, on their own, without a proper celebration or even telling her parents in advance was probably a bad decision, but still... the way they treated them, like they were unworthy or something... I found it rather cruel... I suppose it was also a different time, but still I would've expected just a tiny bit more support there. I suppose they'll come around eventually, though?
I really loved the way Arthur jumped up to defend Molly, btw! He's such a sweetheart! <3 Very Gryffindor of him, too! :P
I have to admit, I'm not sure if the secret wedding was the best idea Molly could have... I understand why she wanted to do it, she wanted to make sure that the moment wouldn't be ruined by all the external expectation... but putting her parents in front of the fact was probably not the best way to make them accept it all, given the outcome... (I could've told her before seeing the outcome) And it was a bit mental of Arthur to just agree to it, although I suppose Arthur would pretty much do anything Molly asks at this point, wouldn't he? Ah, these two idiots...
This chapter was a bit of a sad one, but I'm quite confident that things will fix themselves eventually. I'll just need to keep reading to find out, I suppose. I'll try to come back soon! <3
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Hello, Courtney, my love!
Prize review 5/5!!! :D
I was undecided if going on with this or starting your newest story, but I really wanted to know what would happen next, so...
I have to say, after HH, it was amusing seeing Septimus and Cedrella years later as parents of grown-up children (technically, we didn't see Cedrella, but Arthur's thoughts about her, and the Howler, made me smile :P I loved how terrified Arthur was when he was going to tell them, and that he was relieved when his mother wasn't there... I can totally imagine Cedrella being the stern - and a bit hysterical, maybe? - one. I'm glad Septimus was supportive, if a little disappointed. And yes, I bet the idea of becoming a parent would be terrifying in any condition... :P)
Btw, I really liked all your descriptions of the Weasleys' home, with the gardens and everything. And I loved the Chrismas photo tradition, such a great detail to include! :D
Oh, my! The proposal! I can't believe it happened that way, accidentally, but I love it! Arthur's embarrassment when he was trying to explain the ring was so adorable (and the idea that he'd been carrying the ring since Christmas, just in case the occasion presented itself, which is exactly what happened... <3) And Molly making him propose without realizing he was proposing... I jut love it so much! <3
I hope Molly's parents will take both news well (or not too bad, at least... :P)
Another wonderful chapter, my dear! <3
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Hello, Courtney, sweety!
Prize review 4/5 ;)
(Actually, this is the third time I attempt to type this, but my laptot just didn't want to collaborate... I hate technology... hopefully this is the right time, though :P)
Okay, so first... I loved this! (No surprise there :P) Your writing is always delightful and this chapter is no exception! The way you wrote Molly's emotions and anxieties was so effective and real, I could feel it all at such a deep level, brilliantly done!
And talking about Molly... I can totally see why she wouldn't want to confront Arthur, where all her fears are coming from (the whole not wanting to ruin the moment mindset makes so much sense to me) but at the same time I want to shake some sense into her! I feel for Dina, I would be super frustrated as well :P Good that she was there to give her some support and some sound advice, btw! Think what would've happened if Molly hadn't run into her in the bathroom... (btw, that bit about the abandoned baby being the moment when she definitely broke down was so sad but also so good! And I love the idea of the Haven, Molly would be perfect for that job! <3)
I also really loved all her thought process and how she got to the realization, the not realizing the lateness of her period at first, and then suddenly it hits her and the whole hoping in tomorrow... it just rings so true...
But let's talk about Arthur for a moment, okay? Because he is so precious! His reaction to the news... I mean, he was shocked at first, but that's totally normal, who wouldn't be? But then he was immediately so supportive and sweet! That "I don't know what we'll do, but we'll do it together"... aww... <3 <3 <3
That job opportunity couldn't come at a worse time, though, could it? :P
Sorry if this review is jumping all over the place... just know that I enjoyed this first chapter a lot! As always, the way you write Arthur and Molly is superb (young Arthur and Molly are absolutely adorable! <3) And your writing style is just lovely all the time, too! <3
I'll hopefully get your last review and your podfic done soon (sorry I'm taking forever)
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Hey here for our swap,
I always had the headcanon despite it going against canon that Molly was already pregnant with Bill when they got married.
I love seeing Molly's friends. She didn't seem to have a lot of them in canon. I know a lot of people seem to write Mary as a friend odd Lily Evans.
I'm glad the Arthur is there for her obviously.
i can't wait to read more of Molly/Arthur.
Hey here for our swap,
I always had the headcanon despite it going against canon that Molly was already pregnant with Bill when they got married.
I love seeing Molly's friends. She didn't seem to have a lot of them in canon. I know a lot of people seem to write Mary as a friend odd Lily Evans.
I'm glad the Arthur is there for her obviously.
i can't wait to read more of Molly/Arthur.
Hey here for our swap,
I always had the headcanon despite it going against canon that Molly was already pregnant with Bill when they got married.
I love seeing Molly's friends. She didn't seem to have a lot of them in canon. I know a lot of people seem to write Mary as a friend odd Lily Evans.
I'm glad the Arthur is there for her obviously.
i can't wait to read more of Molly/Arthur.
I am so emotional right now. This was the most beautiful ending. I love this story so so so much.
I really enjoyed the beginning and the transformation of the Burrow, Arthur and Merwyn Prewett working together. It's understandable Merwyn wants to apologize and Arthur's feeling a little uncomfortable, he's more of a 'it's ok, let's just move on' but I guess it needed to be said. I think that incident will always hurt a little, but having a family and accept their mistakes is sometimes better than burning bridges, though it depends on how those people keep evolving and working with one another. Merwyn's words of She chose you had me in tears, because perhaps that was something Arthur needed to hear even more than merwyn's own apology. Also, your paragraph describing the surrounding nature around the Burrow just unfurled these intense feelings of being wistful after the UK and the surrounding countryside, it was so vivd and beautiful, and I swear I udibly sighed when I read that.
Molly coming home and discovering the transformation of their new home was so sweet. I loved how amused she was at first and then secretly pleased. Like all those things she thought Arthur was maybe neglecting when she was in a negative place, he turned around and really took all her concerns into consideration and listened and now they get to actually call it a house, a home, it's cozy and safe and I could feel how she felt differently about it and it was beautiful, such a vital change from the last chapter, that sweet payoff of overcoming the tough times, pushing through to emerge into something truly wonderful.
Oh my god little Bill, I can't even, so so adorable and cute sheesh I love him so much already. I don't often focus on Bill, but now I fully realize that he was their first Weasley baby, with them from the very beginning, and so it's just giving me all the feels right now to see him born and ajdnbajfaafaf Arthur being so scared of even holding him, that's so relatable, but then as time moves on, he's well practiced in it and it seems they all got a good rhythm going on, though Molly of course is exhausted and Arthur's at work, so obviously it's not all rosy and easy, because life never is, it's perfect in little isolated moments, and for them life is worth living, I guess. And the moment between them at the end proves that. There's still work, there's still a baby that needs all your attention and energy, there's bills to pay and things to do and meals to cook, etc. but also there's the three of them, so so so perfectly completing one another, the start of my favorite family in the world, that I am just such a mess right now. And this, this is one of those perfect moments.
Thank you so much for writing and sharing this story. Your Molly and Arthur have been an absolute delight to read, their characterisation stellar. Your writing remains to be one of my favorite things in this world, and I'm kinda sad it's over but I also feel complete. I really really loved this every step of the way!
Eli
Aaw what a perfect ending. My heart feels so full right now!
As always I’m a big fan of the imagery you create with your beautiful descriptions, like the opening scene with Arthur and his father-in-law on the roof and them looking out over the distant hills. When I read that, I imagined the typical English country side that looks like a patched blanket. It fits really well with the image of the Burrow and its roof which are also patched together and made of materials that don’t necessarily fit together bit still make a lovely ensemble. And that image of compromising different materials in turn goes so well together with the reconciliation between Merwyn and Arthur. I’m really glad they had that moment and I really loved Marwyn’s “It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. Just the two of you.” It shows that he might have wished things to have gone differently, but that he has accepted Arthur as the right guy for his daughter.
And I mean if he could have read Arthur’s thoughts as they are in the second part of this chapter, Marwyn would have had no doubts whatsoever that Arthur is indeed the perfect man for Molly. You did such a great job depicting Arthur’s nerves. I felt nervous in his place but at the same time thought it was incredibly adorable how he was so nervous about what Molly would think of the house additions and his decorations. And OMG he read an article about Apparition and pregnancy?! If that’s not the sweetest thing, then I don’t know what is! It is however not good for his nerves and I thought the line where he “suddenly felt dizzy like the house was too vast and suffocating simultaneously” sums it up so stunningly!
But of course Molly is absolutely enthralled with what he did to their house. I mean, who wouldn’t be! I really love the way you depicted her reaction. She is literally lost for words at first and I really had to laugh at her disbelief about having an upstairs LOL. Arthur really went all out for this surprise and like Molly I love him so much for it! Also can I say that I aaaawed at the kiss at the end of that part where she has to stand on her tippy toes to kiss him?! *swoons*
And I just mentally aaaawed during the whole last part with little William! I absolutely love how he is little William at first but how quickly he becomes Billy as they get used to being parents!! Also Arthur forgetting to breathe when he first holds his son is just so funny but really true to his character I think seeing he is such a caring person. I really love that you made him like that btw, because normally you’d expect Molly to be the more caring one, but they both are caring, loving parents
As I said, it really is the perfect heartwarming ending to this at times angsty fic and I enjoyed every word of it!
Emma x
adjskghskjghj;kashg YAY FOR THIS HEARTWARMING ENDINGGGG!
It's so nice you had a reconciliation finally between Molly/Arthur and Molly's parents -- even though her parents were deeply wrong in what they did and said, I'm sure that rift would have weighed on Molly and she's glad to have them and their support back in her life. I really enjoyed the scene between Arthur and Merwyn.
And I think it was really meaningful that the Prewetts personally contributeed so much to the renovation of the Burrow, showing how truly supportive they actually are.
And I loved how Arthur's so excited to show her all the work he did to the Burrow and made it a surprise for her asdkfhajksg;js. And on that note, I really loved how much thought you clearly put into what the Burrow looks like and is made of and it came through in all your wonderful descriptions.
I just really loved how you took us on this angsty journey ending in the kind of Weasley fluff I love -- it felt so real, like life is hard, and their lives are definitely hard, but in the end there's so much genuine love and affection. And the image of Arthur and Bill is just ksagha;jsfhgs my ovaries and myself really enjoyed that, thank you. XD
Really excellent job, but also, please go write HH ok thx bye.
<333
Melanie
Urgh, how can I even leave a coherent review for this chapter?? It was so well done and so so many feelings.
Like the way you start out by sort of turning this romantic/romanticized situation on its head -- them being newly married, pregnant, nesting, all this stuff, and just get right at the really hard parts of it, and all the little resentments and annoyances that just build up. Like there's so much Molly/Arthur romance to be had in the "well this place we live in maybe kind of objectively sucks, but we love it because it's where we live together" and the struggle is beautiful and all this stuff... but no, sometimes the struggle isn't beautiful, sometimes it just fucking sucks. And the same with pregnancy, like it's one of those things where it's sort of taboo for a mother or mother-to-be to admit that pregnancy wasn't this totally magical experience, but (and I've never been pregnant before, but have heard from enough friends) sometimes it's not magical, sometimes it's just like, "I fucking hate this and never want to do it again."
And then their argument is just so realistic -- like, your dialogue is always on point, always so natural -- and it plays out like those arguments we've all had at one point or another where you don't even remember what you're arguing about, it's just that the resentments have built up over time until as you start listing them all you convince yourself that you've been so deeply wronged by this other person and you are a saint for having put up with it. And it's so completely sympathetic from each of their perspectives.
Except, well, I mean Molly definitely went in for the kill there, lmao. I would have expected nothing less. She's a little more driven by spite than Arthur. I think his anger is more of the righteous variety, and tbh Molly has a thing about wanting to gain and keep the upper hand -- you hurt me, so now I'll hurt you sort of thing.
And like... I SO relate to Molly's instinct to just belabor the whole thing after Arthur comes home and is like, 'It's over, I'm willing to forgive and forget if you are.' Like... just like that? Once the argument is over you now have to have an argument about the argument. XD But yeah I so relate to the issue of worrying myself sick over whether they other person will love me less because of the argument, and whether I've just created a new resentment, and how can we ever truly move past this and the things we said?
And that whole final scene is just so beautiful in a melancholy way, there's love but still hurt but mostly love, so much emotion and it's like peak Arthur (and so sad the way he's like, "We've said enough tonight," but also it's kind of perfect).
I'm gonna need to read on for that fluffy ending now because damn.
<3 Melanie
Hi Frand <3
I still loved this chapter so much, and think you definitely made it stand even stronger after the edits.
Your descriptions are beautiful, both the visual and the way you weave emotions into it. Molly's reaction and perception to Burrow's humble beginnings are super vivid and yet her endless anxiety about every nook and corner make so much sense with her being pregnant and feeling vulnerable and just generally tired and worried. It feels like such a real place in your story, though, and I love how you almost have this relationship developing between Arthur, Molly and the Burrow. Like the Burrow is this wild thing, stone upon crumbling stone, stubborn little magical building, and here are people, distrusting at first, but ready to tame it. I'm sorry if this sounds crazy, but that's the vibe I got from those few opening paragraphs and I think it's just great the way you've written it all out there.
I love how much you get Molly here. She is very human, she is worn out and even though she's still fighting, she's kind of losing sight of who she's supposed to be fighting and what for, which I think results in the argument that follows. It's just so very relatable, the way she's frustrated and also scared for their future. When her mother arrives, her fear of being judged and her owninsecurity coming to the surface is so obviously there. I get her anger, and Arthur is there to support her when he tells Demelza it took her a while, but he also sees that maybe Molly does need her mom and that people make bad mistakes and say hurtful things often, but of course it's easier for him to rationalize this than it is for her in that very moment.
I think you've constructed their argument masterfully. The way one little comment sparks off the mountain of frustration that's been growing between them and in them both. One little detail I loved was when Molly got angry and went into a bit of slang there, 'd'ye hear me' and that's just a really nice touch because it's a very common thing for people not t control their speech when they're upset, they go back to their dialect etc. It also underlines just how upset she suddenly got.
As I've told you before, looking at this through Molly's perspective was very personal and eye-opening, because I've been there, just getting so irrationally angry, thinking I have to press on, have to keep fighting, although at some point I totally lose the thread of what it is I'm fighting for, but it's too late to back down. And then you realize all the things you've said were hurtful and suddenly you have this guilt along with the pain you felt originally, and it's a mess and a difficult place to be in psychologically.
All those things they said, however, I think they needed to be said, needed to be let out, although perhaps not in this fashion, but I guess them being so kind and loving to one another all the time can also be destructive if they don't learn to speak openly about what's bothering them, and perhaps this is one of those lessons where they again learned some more on how to communicate (or not to communicate) and that they have to trust each other.
Arthur is...such a lovely man. I know he also loses it at some point, but Molly really pushes him to the edge here where no wonder he feels the need to defend himself but ends up lashing out at her as well. It still feels like he doesn't even feel that way, like he's holding it against her that he has to work and she doesn't, it feels just like something he needed to throw back at her because he felt so profoundly hurt by the idea of disappointing her. But his love for her is so palpable throughout this entire story, the little things he does for her, buying her yarn, dong what he can to step by step turn the wildness of the Burrow into a bit of a home. The way he tries to reason with her, and then leaving the argument at that point was I think also a wise choice, to just give both of them a space, a room to breathe.
So so so omg I see you rewrote the ending a bit and oh my gosh i love it so much. The way he just comes to her and is like Hush, no more of that, Hush now Love, I know. It's so fucking beautiful, it's so gentle and just soothes my soul. I honestly love it so so much! Overall though I liked the original chapter, I think the changes you've made to it are perfect and made it even better and stronger. I know you may feel this is a dramatic fight and unplotted or something, but to me it honestly feels like a very true and honest and difficult moment the two of them as these young parents probably went through. You can't have such a strong bond and relationship without having moments where you really fight for it, and I think here at the end of the argument, they both realize that even if this is all sometimes very hard, and not what they had planned, it's still something that they want and treasure and love.
...that was the night she realized everything could be fixed because of it, is such a beautiful way to end the chapter because it's trueeeee. Molly and Arthur can always come back to each other, surrendering pride and anger and choosing love and I am just such a mess now for them and because of them and I really love the raw pure emotion of this chapter, and this story overall. Thank you for sharing!!
Eliii
Really loved the whole opening with your beautiful descriptions of their little, not yet beautiful home. I’ve always really liked your idea of the Burrow having such humble origins but gradually becoming more and more like the real cozy home as we all know it.
Also, Arthur buying Molly wool in all different colours because she can’t decide yet which colour she wants is absolutely adorable. He is such a good husband taking care of Molly and defending her when her mother suddenly comes back into their lives. And of course I absolutely loved:
“She’s a proud, stubborn woman.” A smile teased his mouth whenever he dared, “I think I see where you get that...”“Don’t you even finish that thought,” Molly let go of him suddenly, her tone defensive.”
It’s him teasing her (or trying to at least) to lighten the tension.
But then oof their fight! It makes total sense that they are having that fight. If you see how they live and how neither of them had envisioned their lives to be like this, an argument like this one would happen sooner or later, but why you gotta make it so painful Lynn?!?!
Thank God you didn’t end the chapter with Arthur running off! I’m glad you made him come back and be his super soft, sweet self! I “aaawed” at “Still. Always. And then some.” That is so them and such a good representation of their love. Because their love for each other is so profound and so real, they can get through everything.
Really enjoyed reading this (despite the angst), as always!!
Emma x
GODDAMN IT COURTNEY! I HAVE NEVER BEEN ON A MORE PERILOUS ROLLER COASTER IN MY LIFE!!!
Courtney! After giving you some loving grief about your melodramatics over Twitter, I figure it's the very least I could do to read the actual story :P (and shower you with praise for guerrilla gift tag!!)
First of all, who gave you the right to make me feel these things?! lol, I suppose I did by diving headfirst into this story, but really, this was such a great read. Accidental pregnancies is A TropeTM (seriously, the amount of Anne Shirley/Gilbert Blythe fics that have this trope, lol, but I'm starting to digress, though this is something I'd happily talk about later, so just hmu if you're interested in going down that path). Anyway, you do the trope great justice. It feels so nuanced, and Molly's anxieties are so incredibly layered: it's not just her nervous about having the baby and telling (or not telling) Arthur. She has self guilt and shame, her mother's nagging voice in her head, pressure from Dina (though I think Dina is a rock star in this chapter for Being The Voice Of ReasonTM), the very real fear of abandonment from everyone in her life (especially Arthur), it's just... wow, it's a lot, I feel for her, and you capture this conumdrum very well. <3
But in addition to that, you write Molly's feelings for Arthur so well. Even though we know a lot of their relationship's dynamic in canon and already ship them, I appreciate the way you write them when they're young and in love, the feelings and desires that come with that (I personally think Molly and Arthur never lose that, they're just pros at hiding a lot of that passion from the kiddos--at least the younger ones. Bill and Charlie? I'm not so sure, lololol [If you ever were to explore that in a fic, I would definitely not complain :P ]). You not only capture their love for each other--you also layer in a lot of their habits from canon. Molly steering the dynamics of planning a wedding in a way that she can avoid talking to Arthur is very reminiscient to how she does that with the Golden Trio in Deathly Hallows. And Arthur's disbelief and shock that edges him closer to an angry outburst--only to be quelled a bit when he looks past his feelings and sees Molly's (UGH--why aren't all partners like this? gahhhh).
In case this review didn't make it abundantly clear, this was such a well written chapter; and I will be back soon to read more! (Though... that angsty fic with Arthur and Molly growing apart... I mean, you have other WIPs for sure, but if you ever have a spare moment and want to toy around with melodrama... My complaints will only be towards the angst I feel when reading something like that but they would also be praises for your writing skills. Just sayin ;) )
PS--I nearly forgot! The purple dowsing thing: is this based on something witchy or something that you made up? Either way, I'm intrigued by this bit of magic, and I think it's cool!
This was such a fantastic look into Arthur's first family, his parents and his brothers. I'm a big fan of Magiminton :D I liked it when we talked about it but seeing it in action was really cool. The whole scene initially had such a warm glowing vibe about it, the family getting together, and Sefa and Cal were so amusing, I really liked reading all the little exchanges and taunts and jokes, meanwhile the parents Cedrella and Septimus just chilling, happy to have everyone around. Like give me all of these slices of life please, the dialogues, all of it.And the babies, sneaking biscuits from the table, that was so cute. I mean I just really enjoyed the dialogues and how it all flowed so effortlessly.
I felt like Molly was quite comfortable there and it warmed my heart to see her just enjoy herself, though I hope her feeling a little pale and off is nothing serious.
She cupped his cheek with her palm, patting it affectionately.
He turned his face to kiss her fingers before grumbling amusedly,
-oh my god, this little gentleness really stirred me, it's on the level of the 2008 Pride and Prejudice when Darcy helps Elizabeth into the carriage and holds her hand longingly for a few seconds, it's perfect, i love that little moment
Wow, what an entrance Bilius. You captured the steadily rising awkwardness so well, the clash between the two brothers and Arthur stuck in between, and the allusion to Billius' condition. At first I thought that perhaps he's fighting in the war, and those were 'all the things he sees', but only later when Arthur was having his conversation with him did it dawn on me that Billius must have some kind of sight, which is like the perfect call to canon when Ron I think mentioned that uncle Bilius just saw death omens everywhere and died of fright. There's real genuine concern written all over Arthur, which shows why he's like, what seemed to me, Bilius' favorite little brother. It must be difficult for them, though, for Bilius to like live in his head, and for Gwen trying to make sense of her man's situation and the effects it has on their family.
Soooo, I think you should love this story way more than you do, but it's okay if you don't, because i love it loads and loads also for you and i'll be here to follow it and wait for more to come :D Arthur and Molly are precious gems here, hot mess and all, and I love following thier journey through this <3 You are also a wonderful writer, creating vivid characters and interesting dialogues and I mean, I just get to hang out with the Weasleys and that's always so fun.
Eli
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