Sometimes I wake up by the door,

That heart you caught must be waiting for you

Even now when we're already overI can't help myself from looking for you

.-Adele, Set Fire To The Rain

"You're joking Perce!" I heard Fred laugh.

Ginny and Hermione would be here soon.

"You actually are joking Perce….I don't think I've heard you joke since you were…."

There was an explosion, screams, then I blacked out.

Its 8 years later now. I look at the clock. 6:45 pm. I arrange the dinner plates so that they are equal to each other. Something is missing as I survey my settings. But, there was always something missing. I walk over to the dresser to retrieve the silverware. my eyes hesitate as I look up at the picture of Fred that rests on top of it. I tear my eyes away from it. It hurts too much. Neatly and slowly I place the silverware on the teal napkins I had picked out the week before. I step away and survey my work. I had always been a perfectionist, but not too over the top. Even without magic. I am satisfied and I throw a limp smile to the mirror overhead. I look tired and frail, but that happens when sleep doesn't come easy. My dark red hair looks lifeless and my green eyes have seem to lost their luster. i'm fair skinned and thin, but that hasn't changed. At least my lips were still pink. I turn away when I hear a loud crack in the living room and I make my way in it's direction. I find Ginny, hair still flaming red and Hermione, still looking wise as ever waiting for me. Both look disheveled from traveling.

"Vera! " Ginny rushes over to hug me as Hermione brushes herself off. I release her and turn to hug Hermione.

"I will never understand why apparating has to be so loud," Hermione says as she lets me go. I smile at them.

"How's Harry?" I ask, "and Ron." I finally say.

"Oh they're fine," Ginny says as she removes her coat and Hermione follows. "Being boys. They send they're love."

I escort them into the dining room and wave my wand at 3 wine glass, which instantly fill themselves up with plum wine. I watch them set themselves down on the table and we take our seats.

"We have some news," Hermione begins, "Ron and I and Harry and Ginny."

I take a sip of my wine, wondering what it could be.

"What is it? Has something happened?"

Ginny laughs,"No, nothing bad…Hermione and I are going to have a baby."

My wine goes down the wrong pipe. "What? You're kidding! Thats wonderful!"

"Yea, I couldn't believe it. both of us at the same time," Hermione says, smiling brightly at me. They take sips of their wine.

"Any names picked out?"

"Harry is set on James."I smile, I knew that was coming.

"And Ron and I are set on Rose."

"That's great," I respond. I suddenly feel empty again. I look ahead at the picture of Fred on the dresser. They notice.

"Vera…that's not the real reason Hermione and I came over," Ginny begins and I know whats coming.

"I'm fine," I lie.

"No, you're not. You're destroying yourself. Its been 8 years. We all miss him, but you can't be alone anymore," Hermione looks at me seriously and with desperation.

"I'm fine. I know he isn't coming back. I know he's gone."

"George came by to see us, he says he hasn't heard from you. He's worried," Ginny responds.

"I've been…busy. I'm writing again."

Hermione smiles. "Thats great, I'm so happy. anything ready yet?"I shake my head,

"No, i'm still trying to fit the pieces together, it will take time." Ginny and Hermione look at each other. I begin to feel flustered.

"Maybe we can just do this another time. I'm not feeling to well. Send Harry and Ron my love. I'll stop by soon. I'm sorry." I begin to walk away and Ginny and Hermione remove themselves from the table as well. Ginny sends me a loving good-bye, which I return and I watch them collect their coats and put them on.

"I'll see you soon, love," Ginny says before dissapparating, but Hermione stays behind. She looks up at me as I turn away from her gaze.

"He wouldn't want this, Vera. He wouldn't want you to live in pain. You need to know that. sometimes you just have to let go. "

I don't respond.

"We're here for you, whatever happens." I close my eyes as a defining crack fills my ears telling me Hermione's gone. I've never felt lonelier.

*all quotes belong to J.K. Rowling and adele*