2 June 1998

Dear Fred,

It's been a month already, but feels like years since you left us. Since you left me. I can't believe that only a month ago, you and I were discussing whether there was a potential market for Miniature Crups, and now I'm alone thinking about all this nonsense by myself. Verity has been fantastic this past month and has pretty much taken over the shop while I take a bit of time off. We've all taken time off from work. Well, really, the entire Ministry has been put on hold as we pull ourselves back together as the Wizarding World. It sounds ridiculous, but it's true. Kingsley has been appointed temporary Minister of Magic since Pius Thicknesse is currently in St. Mungos…(his brain got slightly addled when the Imperius Curse lifted). Kingsley tells us the Ministry is busy organizing a celebratory day of honor next week for those lost in the war. That means you, Freddy! They're gonna be celebrating you next week; you, Remus, and Tonks. Oh, Remus and Tonks… right after they'd had Teddy. Mrs. Tonks has been spending some time at the Burrow lately, since raising a newborn alone is difficult work. I think the baby helps Mum cope with everything. Also, I think Teddy has been my only refuge from those moments where I think nothing can get any better: taking care of a new life.

I've moved back home for the time being, for the family needs everybody on board. Percy, Bill, and Charlie came home too, and the house is way too crowded, but I feel so alone. Percy is rooming with me, but neither of us can sleep in your bed. Instead, we've moved a camp bed into the room, pushed some boxes aside, and left your side untouched. Every inch of my body hurts and my heart aches as I walk around and see signs of your presence all over the house. Even looking in the mirror is painful, since I always see your face etched in the lines of mine. Mum is beside herself with grief and hans't stopped crying in a month, although she tries not to let me see. I think she feels the same as I do; like I am a living reminder of what we've lost. Believe it or not, the one person who is with Mum all the time is Percy. I think he feels guilty, mate, even though he did nothing wrong. I keep telling him that, but I don't think he's forgiven himself yet. In fact, I keep telling everyone that you would want us to smile and laugh, yet I find that the hardest for me to do. I miss you like mad, Freddy. If there is such thing as a soulmate, you were most definitely mine. The days are long and tedious, but each day it becomes easier to put one foot in front of the other, because I know that that's what you would've wanted. That's what we all fought for; to make this world a safer place for the rest of us to live in. Miss you, mate.

Always,

George