Freddie!
How you been mate? Long time now see! How are you up there in the clouds? Is it easy death? Peaceful? I hope you aren't annoying everyone up there with your pranks! God might not like it – but if he's anything like Dumbledore he'll be laughing his head off!
Its Christmas here Freddie, it's the first Christmas without you. Mum made you a jumper, but she forgot to make me one. It was in my room when I woke up so I put it on and came down stairs. Mum was in the kitchen cooking bacon and eggs for Ginny, Harry and dad. I stood at the bottom of the stairs and called out "Morning everyone" they all looked at me, mum screamed and ran up to me with tears pouring down her face "Freddie, Freddie, Freddie" she cried as she clung to me. Fred she thought I was you. Dad was in shock, he sat there with the paper staring at me, like I was a stranger. Ginny got up and pulled mum away from me, "Mum, it's George, not Fred" she said. That made her cry even more.
Do you remember when we used to switch places? Pretend to be each other and everyone would be so confused and annoyed – those little changes were some of our first practical jokes remember? Dad was cross, he thought I was pulling a prank, but I wasn't Freddie, I just miss you.
Christmas wasn't the same this year, everything was morbid, I didn't even feel like joking – is there something wrong with me? Mum and Dad bought you presents, but no one touched those, there they sit under the tree, they'll never be unwrapped or enjoyed. For a while it was quiet, no one was really talking, someone said your name and next thing you know we were all talking about you, your achievements, pranks, jokes, everything. Everyone started to have a good time and relax, but that was like a charade, soon the laughs didn't last as long and the smiles didn't quite meet everyone's eyes.
That night I went outside Freddie, I was looking for gnomes to toss over the fence and I heard someone crying. It was mum, she was sitting on the grass holding your F jumper from two years ago, the one you spilt a potion on the front that couldn't be removed. She was rocking back and forth saying your name. For a while there she could barely look at me without seeing you, so she avoided me.
The shops going well. I'm finishing some of the designs for the products we were making before the war. Ron helps me run the shop, it's good to have him there, but he isn't you Freddie. Ginny helps sometimes as well. Guess what? Ginny and Harry are getting married! I didn't really listen to what she was saying when she told the family that he proposed but that doesn't matter, they are getting married in June. It distracts mum, all this wedding planning, I think that's why Ginny is having the wedding so soon, to maybe help mum out of her depression. I think Ron might pop the question to Hermione soon! Oh god Fred! Did you know about that? Well they've been dating since the end of the war. Hermione is going back to school to take seventh year. Personally I think she's mental but she wants to do it and she wants me to consider studying and taking my newts cause we never did, I told her I'd think about it but really as if I'm going back to Hogwarts without you!
Freddie, after the war, Angelina started coming to the shop and just sitting on the seat on the third floor. I know she was your girlfriend but we kind of have got together. Please don't go sending lightning bolts down on me! We both needed someone to talk to and the other was there. I really do love her Freddie.
I hope you're watching over me from heaven Freddie! But not watching me too closely! I need my privacy when I use the loo!
I miss you Fred, every day.
George.