Chapter Thirty - The Forgiven
Nearly two months before, my father had died. It seemed like days would never end, like nothing could get rid of the pain I felt. Both Uncle Ron and Luna did their best to help me, especially her. She was an expert in the field, after all.
When my mother died, it had been too shocking. And then the search for my father started, and I hadn't been able to grieve her properly. Then he died too. It was too much to handle, and once it sank in... I wasn't sure what would happen with me.
The three of us still were in the Lovegood house. Uncle Ron had started working again at the Leaky Cauldron. Luna went back to St. Mungo's, to her job. Remus and Tonks would spend the afternoons with me, sometimes it would be Ginny and Neville. Even Bill, Fleur, and Francois would come and see me.
They distracted me. They tried to cheer me up. To remind me I still had a family. But I still felt like an intruder.
One particular day, a Sunday, Uncle Ron, Luna, and I were eating breakfast when there was a knock on the door. Curiously, he went to answer. We only heard that he slammed the door shut again, and came back scowling. "Who was it, Ronald?" she asked, concerned.
"My mother," he growled, sitting beside me, and starting to eat again.
Luna got up from her seat and went to the door. "Well, it's impolite to do what you did," she told him, as she opened the door. "Hello, Mrs Weasley," she said, formally. "Is there something that you need?"
"I came to... I want to... I want to apologize to my son," I heard Mrs Weasley saying, with difficulty. "I've been a terrible mother, I know. I thought I was doing little Johnny a favor-"
"Of course," Luna interrupted. "A favor to John, taking his guardian - his uncle - away from him." It surprised me to hear a hint of anger in her voice. "Please, Molly, choose your words carefully."
There was a sigh, tired, of resignation. "You're right," Mrs Weasley said quietly. "It was my fault. I've always... I've always wanted what's best for my children, but just now... I've realized that they all know what's best for them... I should have trusted Ronald, I shouldn't have turned against him. It's not what I taught him, any of them. 'Weasleys remain united'... I betrayed my own family's trust."
There was a long pause. My uncle stood up, and walked up to the door. "Do you really mean it?" he asked, his tone curt, devoid of any emotion. "Or are you just trying to take John away from me, again?"
"No!" I heard her reply quickly. "No, please. I just came to apologize, nothing more. I know Johnny is well taken care of, he's happy with you. I know you're healthy, I know you're responsible."
Uncle Ron didn't say anything. Instead, he turned to me and motioned for me to go over. I stood up, and walked up to them. Mrs Weasley was still outside, looking very anxious, and sad. "I think John deserves an apology."
I was surprised, but inwardly glad about it. Yes, I did deserve an apology. I felt like frowning at her, crossing my arms, and demanding an apology... But, I didn't. Mrs Weasley was nearly in tears, and she seemed honestly sorry. "Would you forgive me, Johnny? Would you forgive this old fool for not listening to you?" she asked, a small sad, but hopeful, smile on her lips.
I didn't have to think twice. "Of course, Mrs Weasley. I forgive you," I said, and let her engulf me in a bone-crushing hug. Hopefully, she wouldn't squeeze me to death. "On one condition," I added, after I was put down. She looked down at me, a bit apprehensive, but otherwise attentive. "That you call me 'John' and not 'Johnny'."
Both Uncle Ron and Luna laughed, and Mrs Weasley did too after nodding.
A few moments passed until my uncle spoke...
"Want to come in, Mum?"
Notes: It's done! I'm leaving the two would-be chapters for any other moment. Maybe for a one-shot sequel. I'm terribly tired of this story. It consumed me. But I like it, I really do.
I apologize for the several errors, typos, or misunderstandings in this story. Maybe one day I'll edit it, but don't count on it.
Thanks to everyone who read this, and those who commented. :)
December 26, 2006 - July 29, 2007