Because

Written for the Arthur and Molly Weasley Challenge by SnarkyAndProundHufflepuff.

If someone had seen Molly Weasley four years ago, at the age of nineteen, and now, at the age of twenty-three, they would notice quite a few differences.

First of all, there would be a sparkling silver ring on one of her left fingers, and second of all, she'd always be toting a baby, only about two years old, on her hip with flaming ginger hair that matched her own, long and silky, trailing down her back.

They'd also notice a subtle bump, too, something Molly didn't care much to hide because she was thrilled, in all honesty, to have another one. At Hogwarts, she never took herself to be motherly (Molly was expected to have a high up job at the Ministry, with her grades and intellect) but now she couldn't be happier.

It had all really started with one date, though, eight years ago.

"Arthur Weasley, he's the redhead, isn't he?"

"Matches your hair, Mol!"

Shaking her head slightly, but smiling nonetheless at her friends' antics, she changed into Muggle clothes (yes, she did prefer them to robes) and made her way down to the common room, where she would soon be leaving to Hogsmeade with the rest of Gryffindors' third-year class, and of course, her date, Arthur Weasley.

He was somewhat a laughingstock among Gryffindors: crazy about Muggles, bright red hair (but if that was the case, why didn't they bother Molly), outgoing personality.

Molly had maintained a somewhat tense friendship with him; she saw through all of the things they'd say about him, and she learned he was a genuinely true, nice person, who was a Gryffindor through and through: loyal, courageous, brave, daring. And truthfully, these days, she preferred him to her girl friends, who would squeal and chatter and go out on various dates with different boys. They weren't as willing to commit as she was.

They had met at the Three Broomsticks. Among the crowd, Arthur had found a two-person table, and had graciously slid out the chair for Molly, who smiled a little bit more. He was quite a gentleman, wasn't he?

The two chatted amicably, talking about school, friends, family life - and Molly found herself having a much better time than she anticipated.

"So," began Arthur, after a few moments, "I was wondering if..." he trailed off, looking unsure, rolling the glass of butterbeer between his hands.

"Yes..." prompted Molly.

"I was wondering if you'd like to be my girlfriend," he said quickly. "I mean, it's okay if you don't want to, I was just wondering, but you really are a wonderful friend Molly, and it would be great-"

"Yes," stated Molly, cutting through his rambling. As if he'd be worried she'd say no! He was wonderful, and Molly was surprised it took him so long to ask. That must've been why he was slightly nervous earlier.

"Yes," he repeated, grinning. Molly laughed happily before replying once again. "It would be my honor to be your girlfriend Arthur."

Just thinking about that lovely first date brought a smile to Molly Prewett Weasley's face. It was the one date that would lead to marriage and children and beyond.

Ruffling baby Bill's hair, she reminisced over those days at Hogwarts; it was great to be out, to be starting her own life, yes, but it was just so simple then.

And for years to come, when people asked why Molly would always go to the Three Broomsticks instead of the Leaky Cauldron for some butterbeer, she'd say, because.