Chapter Eight

Fred slowly walked up the path to the Burrow. It was daylight outside but there wasn’t a single sign of life in the tall home. He opened the door and walked into the living room, or what used to be anyway. The furniture was gone as well as the pictures and other various shared memories. He left the house and began walking. Walking anywhere in general, no given direction or speed or distance. Just walking alone. He eventually found Diagon Alley and the shop he and his twin brother had shared. So many things had happened there. The shop was alive with wizards of various statures sifting through the products to find something they wanted. This had always been Fred’s dream. To own the joke shop next to his brother.

Tentatively, he walked through the doors and jumped as a loud noise announced his arrival to the other patrons. Everyone stared at him as soon as they saw him. Some people called him George but when they glanced at his firmly attached left ear they began gaping. “Was there a third one?” Some asked. “Was he just faking?” Other voices rang. “He doesn’t look like himself.” A few said. He paid no attention to any of the statements or questions. Instead he just walked up to the flat in the second floor of the store. He opened it and found everything missing. Everything gone. He ran down the stairs and his body slammed into a few people who loudly protested. Once in the middle of the main floor, Fred caught sight of Lee and Lee looked into his eyes and froze. Fred’s name played on his tongue but he wouldn’t dare say it. Lee simply walked up and looked at Fred straight in the eyes.

“Ge- G- George?” He whispered.

Fred simply shook his head and tilted it so Lee could see his left ear. He looked down at Lee and posed his question simply. “Where is he?”

“They m-moved to Godrics Hallow. Into Harry’s old parents’ house. I have the address if-“

“No.” Fred said cutting him off and turning away. “I know how to get there.” He explained.

“But wait-“ Lee said stopping him. “His kid is being born today so he’s probably at the hospital with Angelina.”

Fred looked confused for a moment and his heart filled with warmth. He missed her so much. Good thing she stuck by my brother and is there for when his wife gives birth. He thought to himself. I can’t wait to just kiss her again. Nodding his thanks to Lee, he turned and left the store of dumfounded customers. Once he was in the streets of Diagon Alley he apparated to St. Mungo’s and walked up to the visitor’s desk in the main lobby.

“Name?” The girl asked, not even bothering to look up. But when she did she gasped aloud and opened the doors. “Room 214.” She said as she stared at his features.

The entire hallway smelled like cleaning solution, as most other hospitals did. “210, 212, 213, aaaaahh.” He thought aloud. The door was closed and he knocked lightly. “Come in.” Molly shouted from inside the room. Fred opened the door to see her holding a toddler and George and Angelina hanging on to a little baby girl. All heads turned to him with eyes wide. George handed the baby to Ange and took out his wand. He slammed Fred into the wall and held his stick of wood at Fred’s throat. “YOU’RE DEAD!” He bellowed through the tears slowly etching their way down his face. “YOU’RE DEAD!” He yelled again as though saying it over and over would make it anymore true.

“I came back.” Fred said emotionlessly

“NO YOU DIDN’T” George was still shouting.

“I’m standing right here.” Fred said still void of his feelings. He sighed deeply. “When we were about to turn seventeen Harry Potter have us is Tri-Wizard winnings. Cedric Diggory died in the tournament. When Ron was a little boy I tried to get him to make an unbreakable vow and dad beat the crap out of me. And the year we left Hogwart’s you decided to start drinking and you made Tori Leroy a very happy woman in our flat above the store.” He sent a sideways glance at their mother and then looked back into George’s eyes. “And after I died you stole the only woman I have ever truly loved!” Fred leaned his head back against the wall and smiled angrily at George. “Ring a bell?” He asked.

George stepped away from him and managed to look happy, angry, disgusted and sad all the same time. He wasn’t sure whether to throw a punch at his brother, hug him, cry, or apologize. He went with the ones that seemed most adequate for the situation. He hugged his brother and began crying. “I’m so sorry. I love her.” He said.

Fred didn’t hug his brother back. He didn’t move to help his brother dry his tears. But he wrinkled his nose at the apology and glanced at Angelina lying in the hospital bed holding her daughter. “Yeah. I loved her too.” He said in an almost exasperated voice. “I loved her too.” His voice was dry and cold. Angelina flinched under the glare he gave her. “Get off of me.” He growled at his brother. Nothing touched him, not emotionally.

George let go of him and backed away slowly. “Well, this is your nephew, Fred. Well, Fred Junior.” Fred scoffed at the name and George looked devastated. “And this is your niece Roxanne.” He said almost fearing his brother. Fred smiled at the little girl in Ange’s arm. It was the first time he had shown any emotion. He laughed a little when she grasped onto his hand.

“Fre-“ A little boy called to him from across the room. Fred turned to see the little boy in his mother’s arms. Fred Jr. reached out for Fred to take him and he did. He looked at his father innocently and said, “F-ower? Give Fre- F-ower.” He began whimpering slightly.

“Baby, I don’t have any flowers.” When Fred looked at him questioningly George felt it his obligation to explain. “We visited your grave a lot and he always put a flower down for you.”

Fred looked at Fred Jr. lovingly and kissed him on the forehead. “Thank you little guy.” He whispered.