shackleboltings:
Before he could open his mouth to reply, the two boys were quickly passed into his arms. Thankfully, they hadn’t decided to fuss. While Kingsley prided himself on being a patient man, he had never quite known what to do when it came to children—he had none of his own, and truthfully never saw it in the cards for him. Work kept him too busy even for casual relationships, let alone settling down and creating a life with someone. “I don’t think you sound silly,” he answered at last, watching with a soft smile as Molly attended to Percy. The fact that she found time for anything at all with five children ( and if her comment about Arthur was true, likely more on the way sooner than later ) was astounding. There was no doubt in his mind that the work she did put his own busy schedule to shame.
“I think you’re right, Molly,” he continued after a careful pause; “I know Arthur wants to believe he can protect you all on his own…” He was a strong wizard in his own right, but he couldn’t always be home to guard his family. These days, that was more dangerous than he realized. “But there’s no harm in learning to defend yourself, even if you never have to use it.” Kingsley hoped to Merlin’s ghost that she never would, but he wasn’t that optimistic. She didn’t need to hear of his fears, though—she was here for reassurance. “I could probably teach you some basic defensive spells, if that’s what you’re interested in.” His agreement was punctuated with amusement. “And I know for a fact that I can handle a lashing, too. I’ve been on the sharp end of Moody’s tongue more often than I care to admit. I’m sure yours won’t be any worse.”
Molly smiled, both from the relief of him agreeing and seeing the twins with someone she trusted. With everything that had happened recently, she had forgotten that they were still surrounded by many trusted friends and loved ones. She bounced Percy, patting his back as she spoke, "Look at you, a natural with children; I see you're a man with many talents." Molly leaned over a bit, gently caressing both of the twins, "He is Fred and, he is George. As of right now, it's easy to tell them apart, but I anticipate they're going to have fun yanking both Arthur and I's legs." She chuckled softly, staring down lovingly at her boys. They were the motivation she needed to do this.
"I appreciate taking my request seriously; Arthur means well when he's not trying to undress me all the time." Molly laughed nervously, shaking her head, "But I must thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to help me; I know work must be... chaotic, with how occupied everyone seems." She felt a bit of guilt imposing on him with everything he already had on his plate, but she didn't know of too many people who were capable of teaching her what she needed to know. "Oh, heavens, I do intend to use it." Molly quickly retorted in response, "Anyone thinks they're approaching my husband, children, or friends with ill intent, will be met with the same fate they intend to procure. No one is going to harm those I care about and get away with it, not if Molly Weasley can help it, right boys?" She smiled down at her children, making a face when he mentioned Moody again, "I know Moody is gifted and somewhat... brash, but must he be so volatile? He makes it hard for me to recognize his talent when he has the mouth he has on him."
