Late into the evening, Augusta brought them updates. Mrs. Diggory had taken Cedric home after dinner, while Alice had arrived at the Burrow to help look after the children. Everything there was calm for the moment.
Around midnight, painful cries from the ward signaled that Molly's labor had begun in earnest. Arthur paced the corridor, his footsteps echoing in the quiet hospital halls as he grew more anxious. Alex and Frank watched, trying to stay calm, bracing themselves for what could be a long night.
As dawn approached on August 8th, Molly's cries gradually faded. Then, after a tense silence, the sound of a baby's first cries filled the air.
Outside the ward, the group sighed in relief, though Arthur's face remained tense as he waited for news of Molly's condition. Moments later, the Healer appeared, her expression softening as she shared the news. "Congratulations. Molly and your baby girl are both safe."
Arthur's face lit up with relief and joy, though a hint of worry remained in his eyes. "Thank you," he said, voice thick with emotion. "Can I see them?"
The Healer nodded, and Arthur entered the ward, where Molly was cradling their newborn daughter. Despite the exhaustion and sorrow on her face, she held her baby with deep, tender love.
Watching from the doorway, Alex felt a wave of mixed emotions. The joy of new life and the grief of recent losses filled the room with a bittersweet atmosphere.
Later that morning, Alice arrived at the hospital. She'd arranged leave from the Auror Office for herself and Frank, and the Ministry granted Arthur a brief leave as well. The Longbottoms were determined to support the Weasleys through this difficult time, knowing the family would need help in the days ahead.
Alex and Augusta spent most of their time at the Burrow. Frank and Alice took turns staying with Molly in the hospital, while Alex helped cook meals for the children. Augusta looked after the Weasley children, who, though usually full of mischief, were unusually quiet and subdued, clearly missing their mother and feeling the worry in the house.
On this day, Alex prepared lunch for the Weasley family as usual, calling Bill to help set the table. The Weasley kids had grown fond of Alex and were unusually obedient around him. Even Bill, just over a year younger than Alex, looked up to him as a big brother, treating him with respect and always ready to help.
"Brother Alex, what are we having for lunch today?" asked Charlie, the most enthusiastic about food, as he hurried to the table.
"You'll see soon enough," Alex replied with a grin, directing Charlie to call his brothers over. He used a floating spell to bring dishes to the table, placing them neatly at each seat.
Augusta and the children gathered at the table. George, the ever-mischievous twin, immediately spotted a plate of ribs in front of him. His mouth watered, and he instinctively reached out to grab one.
"Ah-hem," Alex cleared his throat, and George's hand froze mid-air. Embarrassed, George quickly withdrew his hand, picking up his knife and fork instead. Alex's approach to gently correcting the twins had made the usually lively George and Fred behave more respectfully during meals.
As everyone started eating, the Burrow's front door creaked open. The children glanced at each other, then, as if realizing who it might be, scrambled out of their seats and rushed to the door.
Alex followed them and, as he expected, there stood Molly, back from the hospital with her newborn daughter in her arms. Arthur stood beside her, smiling, with Frank and Alice just behind. After nearly a week in the hospital, Molly was finally home.
The children surrounded their mother, shouting "Mom!" and clinging to her in excitement. Some even cried as they hugged her, and Molly, though still visibly worn, managed a warm, comforting smile for each of her children.
After embracing her kids, Molly turned to Augusta, Alex, and the Longbottoms, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you all for everything you've done. I can't imagine getting through these days without your help. I missed my children so much, and knowing they were in good hands gave me peace."
The children finished their lunch with laughter and bright smiles, their spirits lifted by the joy of being together. Meanwhile, the adults shared a few quiet words, their expressions reflecting both relief and sympathy.
Arthur looked down at his newborn daughter, his smile warm and proud as he gently held her tiny hand. "We've decided to name her Ginevra Molly Weasley," he announced, his voice filled with love. "We'll call her Ginny."
Molly, though tired, looked around at her friends with a grateful smile. "Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall came to see me at the hospital," she shared softly, her voice steady but carrying a hint of sadness. "They've kindly arranged the funeral for my brothers. I'd like to invite all of you to come."
The Longbottoms exchanged glances and nodded without hesitation. They were moved by Molly's strength and admired the way she held her family together, even while dealing with her own pain. Her resilience inspired them, and they were determined to stand by her in the difficult days ahead.
After lunch, Alex and Augusta said their goodbyes to the Weasleys, giving them space to settle back in as a family. As they left, the children called out to Alex, clearly sad to see him go.
Back at the Longbottoms' house, life returned to its routine, though the upcoming funeral weighed heavily on everyone's minds. A few days later, Alex received an invitation to the funeral for the Prewett brothers and Marlene McKinnon. Since he was staying with the Longbottoms and had formed friendships with members of the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore thought it fitting to include him.
On the day of the funeral, Alex dressed in a dark robe and joined the Longbottom family as they traveled to a quiet cemetery in southern England. There, Marlene and the Prewett brothers would be laid to rest.
The cemetery was filled with familiar faces, many dressed in somber robes. The Weasley family stood together, visibly heartbroken, while Marlene McKinnon's relatives, including her younger cousin Charles, stood nearby, eyes red from tears.