Pairing: Percy/Ron.

Rating: PG-13.

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. Both Ron and Perce owned by JK.

Summary: At the Burrow for Christmas...

Magical Christmas decorations sang merrily in the living room at the Burrow. One or two were out of tune - they had been handed down through generations and were old - but Molly Weasley gave an offender a practiced, well-aimed slap, and the rest fell back in line. She turned to face the Floo.

The smell of cooking filled the house, which was soon to be filled to capacity with her children. Molly gave a contented sigh. It was nice to have some peace and quiet for a change.

But now she was ready for grandchildren.

Fred and George with George's girlfriend Lynnae arrived. Lynnae cradled Molly's first grandchild.

It was quite the surprise that the twins were the earliest to supply Molly with grandchildren. Bill and Charlie were both remiss in her book. It annoyed Molly to no end that not only was George not decently married, they had no intention of doing so either. There had been numerous Floo conversations and a flurry of owls about this atrocity. But for now, Molly only had eyes for the tiny red-haired tyke cradled in her daughter-in-law's arms (and Lynnae was Molly's daughter-in-law, legal status or no). Molly wasted no time in relieving her daughter-in-law of her little burden, cooing and making happy baby talk.

The next through the Floo was her handsome Charlie. He had a fresh burn on his neck and could perhaps be forgiven for not having children just yet. She wished he had chosen something less dangerous, though he did love his dragons, always had.

Molly blamed Charlie for little (well, not so little now) Ron leaving the Ministry for Auror training. Bad example. Bill's job was dangerous, but at least he worked for Gringott's.

She hugged Charlie, one-armed, handing him the tiny new Weasley (with a slightly ulterior motive). He grinned at George. And Fred. Which was rather odd. Molly's maternal instinct instantly recognised a secret between the three. She was content to not have it revealed at Christmas. Knowing Fred and George, it was probably horrendous and would ruin her special day.

Next was Ron, ducking under the mantle. He quickly scanned the faces in the room (that Auror paranoia set in early, Molly was sure) and then grinned at his Mum. Ron had lost weight, and no wonder! Just the application process and interviews for the Auror Academy were tremendously stressful. And then what he would face as an Auror -! Dark Wizards! Law-breakers! She had hoped for a quiet life for her Ron, and really wished he had stayed working with Percy at the Ministry. It was safer. Molly set herself for another fight with her youngest… after Christmas. Christmas was supposed to be peaceful. Little Ron was as stubborn as Charlie sometimes.

Molly wrapped her arms protectively around her youngest son, kissed the top of his head. She promised herself to fatten him up this holiday. Oh, she hoped they fed them well at the Academy….

The next through the Floo was her Percy. Molly beamed proudly at him. He was promoted again -- only two months ago! Still not married, but there was plenty of time for that. She had her arm around Ron as she turned and welcomed Percy into her embrace. She felt Ron stiffen.

The two never did get along well, and Molly suddenly suspected that Percy had something to do with Ron's suddenly leaving the Ministry. Well, perhaps she could mend fences.

Percy smiled and only nodded absently about his promotion - which wasn't like him at all - but, helpful as ever, he immediately volunteered to help Ginny bring out the snacks. Molly sighed. Her Percy was so hard-working.

Percy returned with the snacks and stood, Molly noted, far away from Ron. Oh dear. And Ron didn't immediately launch himself at the food either. She sighed heavily. There was definitely trouble there. She knew, in that mother's way, that it was worse than just a fight, though she didn't know how she knew. Competition over a girl? It had that kind of undertone.

The last to emerge - and late as usual Molly noted with fond irritation - was Bill. Arthur reached him first, slapping him on the back. Then Molly gathered him into a warm hug. Her family was all here. She beamed and bustled to the kitchen.

She opened the kitchen door and her family trundled through, laughing and talking. Out of the corner of her eye, Molly saw Bill squeeze Percy's shoulder reassuringly. Percy looked up at him with heart-breaking gratitude. Then Bill made for the kitchen. He clapped Ron on the back on the way. Ron visibly relaxed.

Whatever it was between her two boys, her eldest had it well in hand. Molly was satisfied.

Now she only hoped that whatever the twins were hiding from her this time didn't involve Ministry Security and Muggle Please-Men.

One could only hope with those two.