#I like to study molly as a kind of vehicle for that kind of parenting that quietly fucks someone up

[mirrorofliterature]

here's an opinion that i don't necessarily entirely agree with but i think it has great points and i'm curious to hear your take on it:

while molly weasley was very far from a perfect mother and made many mistakes, it's as good as a human person can do under the circumstances she grew up and lived in (two wars, losing her brothers and many friends, her husband and kids constantly being in danger, living under constant threat of war, financial status, treatment by other families etc.) and the fandom judges her way too harshly while characters who were much worse parental figures and were plain out horrible and neglectful (especially men) get off the hook very easily

strongly agree | agree | neutral | disagree | strongly disagree

I agree in part - this may surprise some people, because I do not like molly, nor am I her biggest fan - however.

I think it is important to remember, when criticising molly's parenting (as I do frequently) to not forget the pressures she was operating under - trauma, patriarchy and rigid social structure. And people do often treat molly more harshly than other subpar parents - which is why I make sure to criticise arthur as well, as it takes two to tango and whatnot.

The only part I mildly disagree with is 'as good as a human person can do', because I think that molly could have done more by listening to her children. I don't think that molly or arthur are to blame for their family's low socioeconomic status - poverty is a social construct, and whatnot. What I do fault her for her is her misogynistic treatment of other characters, like Fleur and Hermione, and her treatment of Sirius in Grimmauld Place. That was needlessly cruel.

So in short - I'm not naive. I think the key issue is that a lot of people view Molly as a saint, so a lot of people swing heavily back into painting her as the devil - whereas, as a lot of things in HP, the true answer lies somewhere in between. Molly was good intentioned as a parent and was hampered by a lot of things, particularly trauma and money. She loved her children, undeniably. But this provides an explanation for her behaviour - it doesn't excuse it.

I think that other characters should get similar levels of scrutiny - as I do with arthur, but I don't think that necessitates us giving her the excuse of 'oh, it's okay that her children felt conditionally loved because she was traumatised!' [Which I don't think this opinion is suggesting, but something to be careful of]. I understand why molly is the way she is - she grew up in a socially conservative time during a war and lost a lot. But. If I am writing from the perspective of a Weasley child, they are going to have complex feelings about Molly, and Arthur.

So, in short: I agree. I think molly is a deeply flawed mother, shaped largely by her environment, but that does not mean she cannot be held accountable for the hurt she caused. I think the fandom's laser focus on her is at times misogynistic, but it's not particularly unique. Also, not every criticism of a female character is necessarily misogynistic. Molly often takes a lot of flack because she is presented as this paragon of motherhood quite overtly in the books, compared to others - so she's a bigger target than a lot of others.

I like the take, but I personally would veer away from saying she couldn't have done any better. She is a realistic mother: that doesn't mean she couldn't have done better.

[cpd5021]

Poked and Prodded

Happy Wednesday!!! One week closer!!! This week's one shot is based off the prompt sent in by Halstead-cpd-cm-stories on FF.net. Thanks to everyone who has sent in a prompt or idea for these one shots and I hope everyone is enjoying them!! 

“Jay and his fear of needles/ Hailey supportive”

Hailey approached the ambulance and took in the sight before her. Jay sat on the back of the rig, looking rather disgruntled as Sylvie wrapped his hand up in gauze. As she got closer, she could hear the words being exchanged. 

“I’m just saying Jay, you need to go get this properly cleaned at Med and get your tetanus booster. Rusty metal is the devil.” The paramedic instructed, shaking her head at his stubbornness. 

“I’ll be fine, promise.” Jay replied firmly, looking like he had no intention whatsoever of doing anything she had suggested. He turned his head then and met Hailey’s stare, his face changing from stubborn to sheepish, as if he had just gotten busted by a parent and was about to be scolded. 

“How’s the hand?” Hailey asked, closing the distance between them.

“Fine.” Jay started before Sylvie cut him off. 

“No, not fine. I cleaned it up the best I could here but he needs to go get checked out.” She sent him a smug look as if she knew he wouldn’t win this argument against Hailey. Hailey merely raised her eyebrows, silently backing up the medics words. 

“Fine.” Jay huffed, looking annoyed. “I’ll go.” 

“I’ll drive.” Hailey stated, sending Sylvie a quick smile before turning back towards her car with Jay in tow. Once they were both buckled into her vehicle, Jay decided to give one last ditch effort at not going. 

“It’s really not that bad. I’ve had way worse.” He pleaded, reminding her of the time he was shot. 

“Mhmm.” Hailey nodded, avoiding his stare and shifting her car into drive. 

“I’m not getting out of this, am I.” Jay sighed. It was more of a statement than a question. He knew he wouldn't win. 

They got to the hospital quickly, much to Jay’s unhappiness, and Hailey stood behind him as the nurse checked him in. 

“What brings you in today?” She asked, glancing at his bandaged hand over her glasses. 

“Uh...just a small cut. It’s nothing. Really...” Jay tried to brush it off. The nurse shifted her attention to Hailey and the two women shared a look that left Hailey with a small grin on her mouth. 

“Come on.” The nurse huffed, turning and leading them towards a room. She instructed him to sit on the bed and that a doctor would be right in. Instead, Jay paced around the room after she left. His body radiating a nervous energy. 

“Will you sit down, you’re making me nervous.” Hailey finally exclaimed from her seat in the corner. Jay glanced at her, letting out a sigh before moving to lean against the edge of the bed. He wasn’t sitting but at least this was a little better. She watched as he picked at the bandage around his hand, his eyes avoiding hers. “I don’t get you...” She announced after a moment. 

“Huh?” He looked up, confusion evident on his face. 

“You’re always the first through the door, but you’d rather take a bullet then have anything to do with needles.” She studied him, watching a slew of emotions cross his face. “Why are you so afraid of hospitals?” She asked quietly, knowing it was a touchy subject.

“I’m not afraid of them...” He started, causing her to raise her eyebrows in a challenge. “I know it seems like that..it’s complicated.” Before he could continue, the curtain to his room was yanked open and Will walked in. 

“Dude. Now what?” Will shook his head, glancing quickly at Hailey and sharing a smile. 

“It’s just a little cut.” Jay held his hand up to let Will exam it. Hailey watched as Will carefully unraveled the gauze, revealing a small but nasty looking cut on Jay’s palm. 

“I’ll need to clean it up some more. And you’ll probably need some stitches.” Will told him, turning Jay’s hand back and forth as he continued looking at it. Hailey saw Jay’s face pale slightly at the mention of stitches and wondered what he had meant by ‘it’s complicated’. “How did you do this?” Will asked, satisfied with his assessment and taking a step back.

“Got into a fight with our suspect and accidentally put my hand through a window.” Jay shrugged nonchalantly as if this was no big deal. 

“So it was glass that cut you?” Will clarified.

“Well, no...the window was already broken. But there was some old metal on the other side. I think that’s what got me.” Jay looked up at him sheepishly, knowing what he had just earned himself. 

“Then you’re going to need a tetanus shot too. I’ll get the stuff and be right back.” Will left the room again and Jay instantly started pacing. Hailey could see the sweat forming on his face and she stood to go stall his movements. 

“Hey,” She gently grabbed his shoulder, forcing him to face her. His eyes darted around the room, trying to avoid her gaze. “I don’t get why this freaks you out. But it’ll be okay..” She gave him a comforting smile and was happy when he returned it. 

“Yeah...I just...I hate this..” He looked around the room again, using his good hand to wipe the sweat from his brow. Will returned then and Hailey sat on the edge of the bed next to Jay as he was cleaned up. She debated reaching out to hold his good hand but they weren’t that kind of friends and she felt slightly awkward with Will’s presence. Will finished stitching him up and re-wrapped the hand with clean gauze. He smiled at the two of them and told Jay the nurse would be right in with the shot. Jay had done surprisingly well with the stitches, but she knew he wasn’t a newcomer to the land of injuries requiring them. But when the nurse came in holding the tray with his tetanus shot, it was a whole other story. Hailey watched as Jay swallowed hard, looking paler than before as more sweat gathered on his brow. The nurse looked at him and let out a small laugh.

“You’re not a fainter are you?” She asked, hand resting on her cocked hip. Her other hand holding up the shot.

“No..” Jay croaked, voice sounding harsh and shaky. 

“Mhmm,” She replied through pursed lips. Looking both annoyed and amused. “Lay back.” 

“I’ll be fine, really.” Jay tried to protest but she wasn’t having it. 

“Back.” She instructed again, pointing a finger towards the pillow on his bed. Jay shifted his legs onto the bed and made to lay back. Hailey went to stand up so she wasn’t in his personal space but Jay gripped her forearm firmly holding her in place. She looked down at him and saw his eyes were shut tight, Hailey smiled softly and then settled back onto the bed, taking his good hand in hers while her other hand draped across his chest. The nurse came over and quickly tugged his waistband down enough to jab the needle into his lower hip. Hailey averted her eyes from his exposed skin, feeling a sudden flash of heat in her face at the sight of his exposed groin. She swallowed hard and returned her focus to trying to comfort Jay who still had his eyes closed and looked as if he was about to be sick. The nurse finished and left them alone, telling Hailey they were done as soon as he was ready to go. 

“Hey, you’re all done.” Hailey gently poked his shoulder.

“Mhmm.” Jay nodded, eyes still closed and lips pursed. 

“Are you going to be sick?” She asked, shifting slightly to get a better view of his face. 

“Debatable.” He mumbled, but opened his eyes to look up at her. “I should be good.” He gave her a sheepish look and she knew he was embarrassed. This was a stark contrast to the Jay everyone else knew. 

“Are you okay?” Hailey asked gently, meaning both physically and mentally. 

“Also debatable.” Jay replied but gave her a smile. He sat up on the edge of the bed and bumped his shoulder into hers. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” She smiled at him again, returning his shoulder bump.

“And if you could not tell anyone about this..that would be great.” Jay looked at her pleadingly.

“Oh...so I shouldn’t have sent that group text?” Hailey teased, earning herself a playful shove from Jay. “Totally kidding. Your secrets are safe with me.” Hailey wanted to ask him what he meant by his statement earlier, but knew this wasn’t the right time or place. She decided she would let it go until he brought it up again, if he brought it up. They checked out at the nurses station and headed back out to her car, Jay feeling thankful for the fresh air to clear his mind. They headed back to the precinct to finish out their shift and at the end of the day, Jay asked her if they could grab some beers.

They passed on Molly’s, per Jay’s request, and instead headed to a dive bar on the other side of town. It was one that had become their own spot when they didn’t feel like Molly’s or just wanted to be alone. Hailey sat at a table in the back of the bar while Jay ordered them beers, before coming to sit with her. Hailey took the beer, nodding her thanks and took a sip, waiting for Jay to start. 

“I know it probably seems ridiculous…” He started, knowing he didn’t have to specify because Hailey would know what he was talking about. 

“It doesn’t. I’m sure you have good reason.” Hailey gave him a reassuring smile.

“Yeah…” Jay trailed off, taking a sip of his beer before continuing. “They didn’t use to bother me...hospitals, that is.” Hailey sat quietly, waiting for him to continue. She could tell by his eyes that he was somewhere else right now. When he didn’t talk she decided to give him a gentle push. 

“Was it war stuff?” Hailey spoke softly, knowing this was a touchy subject on multiple levels. To her surprise, Jay chuckled at her question. 

“You know, I almost wish it was. At least it would make for a better story…” He trailed off again, picking at the label on his bottle. 

“You don’t have to tell me Jay.” Hailey said. She was tempted to reach out a hand to his on the table but they weren’t the touchy feely type of friends. 

“I want to.” He gave her a sad smile then took a deep breath before he spoke. “It actually has to do with my mom. I was there with her the entire time she was in the hospital and I watched as she just got worse and worse. It killed me to see her so sick and I would get so mad at the doctors because it seemed like they weren’t doing anything for her. After she died, I guess I just started hating hospitals because every time I’m in one I see her face.” He stopped then, swallowing hard, and Hailey could tell he was holding back a wave of emotions. That was the last thing she had expected him to tell her but she was thankful he opened up. When Jay dipped his head down, avoiding her eyes, Hailey slid her hand across the table, laying it on top of his and giving it a squeeze. He looked up at her then and she could see his eyes were moist with the threat of tears. 

“Jay...I’m so sorry.” Hailey didn’t know what else to say or what she could possibly do to help him. So she just gave his hand another squeeze in the hope that he would know she was here for him. 

“It’s okay. Or at least, it’s something I’ve come to terms with now. I just hate having to go as a patient.” He used his free hand to raise his beer to his mouth. 

“Well maybe you should try not getting hurt anymore.” Hailey teased, trying to lighten the mood. It seemed to work and Jay gave her a grin behind his bottle. 

“Yeah yeah…” He chuckled, rolling his eyes at her and eliciting a laugh. 

They finished their beers and ordered two more, the conversation shifting to much lighter topics and Jay was happy that he had someone to talk too.

[mimiceon]

answer all of them

When I said I would block you,,,, There’s a lot more than one way to get blocked. Anyway, I’m putting this under a read more bc I hate you and it’s long. If you want to know more about me than strictly necessary then click read more, rip in pieces to those on mobile.

Also: I W I N

200: My crush’s name is:No one,,, or is it (lol it’s no one)199: I was born in: Ireland, 1998198: I am really: Annoying, probably197: My cellphone company is: 3 mobile196: My eye color is: Blue195: My shoe size is: 5194: My ring size is: IDK?? I have my Cladddagh ring but I don’t remember193: My height is: 5′‘2192: I am allergic to: nothing191: My 1st car was: I can’t drive190: My 1st job was: babysitter189: Last book you read: Foster (it’s shit)188: My bed is: A double bed?? really comfy?? I have no parameters here187: My pet: I don’t have one186: My best friend: Emma, a certified Dork185: My favorite shampoo is: Elvive, it has glitter184: Xbox or ps3: Xbox183: Piggy banks are: Cool??182: In my pockets: I’m in pajamas181: On my calendar: nothing all week save Graduation on Thursday180: Marriage is: Coolio 179: Spongebob can: be happy, levae him be178: My mom: is coolio177: The last three songs I bought were? Decpacito, Issues, and Horns176: Last YouTube video watched: Vine compilations, sue me175: How many cousins do you have? Too Many, family reunions are wild174: Do you have any siblings? 4 bothers and one sister173: Are your parents divorced? Yes172: Are you taller than your mom? Yes171: Do you play an instrument? *Flashbacks to recorder practice* It’s required in Ireland so yeah170: What did you do yesterday? Went shopping and bought my graduation outfit[ I Believe In ]169: Love at first sight: yes (I’m a mushy person don’t drag me)168: Luck: yes, Luck of The Irish, I’ve never had it, but it’s there167: Fate: Yes, it’s fate I’m gonna kick ur ass166: Yourself: N O165: Aliens: yes, I wanna fuck superman, I have to believe164: Heaven: ??163: Hell:???162: God:?????161: Horoscopes: yeah I’m a Leo (August 19th, mark your calender)160: Soul mates: Yes 159: Ghosts: Fuck yeah, my firends house is haunted158: Gay Marriage: I’m a bisexual,,,, so Y E S157: War: No (?)156: Orbs: *flashbacks to fanfics* … don’t…155: Magic: Y E S[ This or That ]  (I’m bisexual,,,,, why u asking me to choose) 154: Hugs or Kisses: Kisses!153: Drunk or High: Drunk152: Phone or Online: Online151: Red heads or Black haired: Black hair 150: Blondes or Brunettes: blondes149: Hot or cold: Cold148: Summer or winter: Winter147: Autumn or Spring: Autumn146: Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate145: Night or Day: Night144: Oranges or Apples: Apples143: Curly or Straight hair: Straight142: McDonald’s or Burger King: McDonald’s141: White Chocolate or Milk Chocolate: Milk Chocolate140: Mac or PC: PC139: Flip flops or high heels: High Heels138: Ugly and rich OR sweet and poor: Sweet and poor137: Coke or Pepsi: Coke136: Hillary or Obama: Obama135: Burried or cremated: Buried, I’m taking part in the skeleton war134: Singing or Dancing: Singing133: Coach or Chanel: Coach132: Kat McPhee or Taylor Hicks: Who (???)131: Small town or Big city: big city130: Wal-Mart or Target: I’m Irish129: Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler: Ben Stiller128: Manicure or Pedicure: Manicure127: East Coast or West Coast:I’m Irish126: Your Birthday or Christmas: Christmas125: Chocolate or Flowers: Cocolate124: Disney or Six Flags: Disney (tf is six flags??)123: Yankees or Red Sox: I’m Irish[ Here’s What I Think About ]122: War: My brothers are all in the army, this is v Yikes121: George Bush: Did 9/11120: Gay Marriage: Let us marry!!119: The presidential election: Stupid118: Abortion: Let them have it, it’s not my decision117: MySpace: Oldie but goodie116: Reality TV: Stupid, but entertaining115: Parents: Love my step dad, I’m a daddy’s girl lmao114: Back stabbers: [eye emojis]113: Ebay: Don’t use it much112: Facebook: Good, I guess111: Work: I’m a lazy binch110: My Neighbors: Nosy!! They look in our windows when we’re out109: Gas Prices: I don’t drive108: Designer Clothes: Look fancy107: College: I plan on going to one106: Sports: Quidditch I love, not so sure on everything else105: My family: OK, a little nasty sometimes, v petty, esp my brothers104: The future: The what???[ Last time I ]103: Hugged someone: Like this morning?102: Last time you ate: I’m eating an apple rn101: Saw someone I haven’t seen in awhile: Last week I saw my aunt100: Cried in front of someone: Last Thursday 99: Went to a movie theater: Lke a week ago98: Took a vacation: way too long ago97: Swam in a pool: Years96: Changed a diaper: Not long enough ago95: Got my nails done: Ages ago94: Went to a wedding: Last year93: Broke a bone: 5 years ago (my school shaded me, another story for another time)92: Got a peircing: 3 years ago91: Broke the law: I downloaded music illegally yesterday90: Texted: yesterday[ MISC ]89: Who makes you laugh the most: My friend Molly88: Something I will really miss when I leave home is: My Coffee machine87: The last movie I saw: Gaurdians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 (I was forced)86: The thing that I’m looking forward to the most: The end of my exams85: The thing im not looking forward to: My exams84: People call me: Abbey, Abbs, Dabbey Hufflepuff (100% real)83: The most difficult thing to do is: Study82: I have gotten a speeding ticket: I don’t drive81: My zodiac sign is: Leo80: The first person i talked to today was: My mum79: First time you had a crush: I was like 8, he was my brothers best friend, he gave me a valentines card and I told him to go away bc I couldn’t handle it78: The one person who i can’t hide things from: My mum77: Last time someone said something you were thinking: Idk??76: Right now I am talking to: The GC75: What are you going to do when you grow up: something stupid, probably74: I have/will get a job: IDK??73: Tomorrow: School72: Today: Study71: Next Summer: Exams, then England for a while70: Next Weekend: Dying slowly, from a hangover69: I have these pets: None68: The worst sound in the world: ‘moist’67: The person that makes me cry the most is: Myself binch66: People that make you happy:my mutuals (yes even u you shitstain)65: Last time I cried: last Thursday64: My friends are: a little mean, v condescending63: My computer is: HP62: My School: Is becoming a gaelscoil and I can’t deal lmao61: My Car: I don’t have one60: I lose all respect for people who: Shout at me/fake ask ppl out59: The movie I cried at was: Lion King, Marley and Me58: Your hair color is: Brown with some blonde57: TV shows you watch: Shadowhunters, Avatar, Legend of Korra + many more56: Favorite web site: This blue hell, or youtube55: Your dream vacation: America54: The worst pain I was ever in was: When I broke my arm, that shit hurt53: How do you like your steak cooked: Well Done52: My room is: Messy, kind of51: My favorite celebrity is: I can’t choose don’t do me dirt like this50: Where would you like to be: America!49: Do you want children: IDK48: Ever been in love: Hah nooooo47: Who’s your best friend: Emma46: More guy friends or girl friends: Girl friends45: One thing that makes you feel great is: Sleeping44: One person that you wish you could see right now: My niece, Ella43: Do you have a 5 year plan: No, I don’t even know what I’m doing in 5 mins42: Have you made a list of things to do before you die: No41: Have you pre-named your children: No40: Last person I got mad at: Myself, my friend Mia 39: I would like to move to: America38: I wish I was a professional: Sleeper[ My Favorites ]37: Candy: Chocolate36: Vehicle: IDK35: President: Mary, she was good34: State visited: i’M iRISH33: Cellphone provider: 332: Athlete: N O31: Actor: NO30: Actress:also no29: Singer: again no28: Band: I HAVE NO TALENTS OKAY27: Clothing store: Penneys26: Grocery store: Tesco25: TV show: Shadowhunters24: Movie: I don’t have a fave, don’t do me dirt23: Website: This blue hell, or youtube22: Animal: A Sugar Glider21: Theme park: ???20: Holiday: I’d like to go to America19: Sport to watch: Quidditch18: Sport to play: none lol17: Magazine: none16: Book: Harry Potter15: Day of the week: Saturday14: Beach: Loch Luch13: Concert attended: none12: Thing to cook: Pasta Bake11: Food: Curry10: Restaurant: Blue Ocean9: Radio station: Today FM8: Yankee candle scent: Lavender7: Perfume: Princess- Vera Wang6: Flower: Violet5: Color: Purple4: Talk show host:Ryan Tubridy3: Comedian: Darragh O’Brien2: Dog breed: A Newfie!! We used to breed Newfoundlands!!1: Did you answer all these truthfully?  Yes (kind of)