Charlie felt a little guilty. He had been in the country for days and still hadn't visited his mum. He'd better do it soon if he still wanted the ability to walk.

One evening, he Apparated outside the Burrow and nervously knocked on the door. The door flung open as Molly opened the door. "Hi, Mum," he said with a smile and he kissed her on the cheek.

Hugging Charlie in close to her, Molly exclaimed, "Charlie!" Then pulling back slightly she added, "And about time, dear. Tell me, how long have you been back?"


Charlie looked a little sheepish and said, "Only about a week. I haven't really had a chance to get away from the reserve for any length of time before now. I'm more or less just using Hermione's flat to sleep at the moment." He gave her another hug. "Any chance of a cup of tea then?" he asked cheekily.

Already moving into the kitchen, Molly called out, "Of course, dear. Are you hungry?" Not waiting for an answer, she began spreading out the makings of a complete dinner.


Charlie laughed as he followed her into the kitchen. "I'm always hungry remember? Hollow thighs and all that!" He settled down on a chair and watched Molly bustle around the kitchen. "Crikey, it's quiet round here."


"Oh, I know that, dear. It's far too quiet; I can't think for it being so calm." She grinned. "Who would have ever thought too much peace and quiet could be a bad thing? Even the ghoul in the attic has been more quiet than usual lately. Of course, he doesn't have you and the rest to contend with, so he doesn't need to be quite so loud," she said with a twinkle in her eyes.


Charlie did his best to look offended. "I was as quiet as a very quiet thing. Me and the ghoul got on really well!" Molly handed him a mug of tea and he took a sip with pleasure.


"Plus it should have been used to me. We shared the attic for years." He took another sip. "How's Dad?"


"You know your father. He's up to his ears in work at the Ministry, but he's loving every minute of it."


Charlie laughed. "I see you still haven't let him bring too many things home." He took another sip of his tea and then stood up to give her a hug. "And how are you with an empty nest?"


Returning Charlie's hug, Molly sighed. "I know I'm probably supposed to tell you I"m doing just wonderful, but I am rather lonely. I've been considering volunteering somewhere, or who knows, maybe even getting a job." She set a plate in front of Charlie and began to load it with food. "Eat up, dear."


Charlie started to dig in. He hadn't realised how hungry he was. He looked up and said with a full mouth, "That's a great idea Mum. Do what you always wanted to do, now that we're out of your hair." He swallowed and continued, "Swan off, see the world or run for Minister of Magic."

"You know what I think I'd fancy?" she asked. "I think I'd like some grandchildren, dear." She smiled widely at Charlie.

Charlie choked on the mouthful of food. Grandchildren? He looked up at his mum to see if she was serious and she looked as if she was. "Grandchildren? I haven't even got a girlfriend. I will eventually." He gave her a wide eyed look trying to get her off the subject.

Molly laughed. "I'm sorry, dear, I really couldn't resist. But the look on your face! You'd thought I'd asked you to stop working with the dragons." She patted his back. "I've just got grandbabies on my mind, with Fleur and Bill being due next April. I guess one will have to be enough for me-at least for a while, dear," she said with a wink.

And one will have to do for a long time. At least from me. Charlie thought and then pouted. "That's mean, Mum. What was I meant to think?" He finished his mug of tea and said, "At least you have one child keeping the side up. Give the rest of us time. When we're ready."

"Sorry again, dear, you know I'm perfectly willing to wait for you to find the right woman first." She raised an eyebrow at her son. "I do hope you're looking though."

Charlie rubbed the back of his neck. "You didn't like the last girl I bought home. And we're all very much of a type on the reserve. I'll find someone." He cleaned his plate, wondering why his mum liked to know so much about any potential girlfriends.

"I know you'll find someone," she said. Molly did feel slightly bad for her behaviour the last time Charlie had brought a girl home, but honestly, she wasn't nearly good enough for him. And my children deserve the very best, she thought. "That was so kind of Hermione to offer you a place to stay. She's such a good girl, so proper. Of course, you would have been welcome here as well," she said with a wink. "But what are your plans now?"

"Well, I'm on earlies this week, so I will need to be at the reserve for 4:00 am. So probably I'm going back to Hermione's to nap. But I can pop in again. I forgot to bring the present I bought."

"I'm planning a family dinner. I'll let you know once I find a date that's good for everyone." She went over to the counter where she packed up some meat pies and tarts. "Here you go, dear. Take these with you. You're looking like you lost some weight." She gave Charlie a big hug and said, "I do find your presents very interesting. I can't wait to see it!"

Charlie hugged her back as he juggled the package of food. "Thanks Mum. Good to see you." He kissed her cheek and gave her a small wave goodbye as he let himself out of the front door.

[Summary: Charlie pops in to see his mum]