Chapter 2
While sitting here in the back garden watching my family, I've never felt so complete and so alone.
Three years after the final battle I married Angelina Johnson - my twin's girlfriend. When we got together everyone (including myself) thought it was morbid. Freddie was really the only thing we had in common, but Ang was the only one I would talk to for a quite a long time. She had to go through her own grief just as I had to go through mine, but we learned that we could fight the loneliness together.
In the beginning I reminded her of Fred, and she reminded me of a side of my best friend and brother that I rarely got to see - the serious side.
I remember when Freddie finally admitted that he fancied her after the Yule Ball.
...
We had finally gotten back to our room where we immediately changed out of the uncomfortable dress robes and into our night clothes. The room belonged to just me and Fred. I think it was our third year when our 17th consecutive roommate filed a complaint about his belongings mysteriously bursting into flame, and that spurred Dumbledore to finally give us a room to ourselves.
"Merlin, Georgie." Fred began, his eyes wide with excitement. "Who would've thought I would fancy Angelina? We've played on the pitch together since what - first year? I guess I didn't even realize she was a girl until tonight."
"Yeah," I mumbled, exhausted from dancing. "That's great, mate."
I really was happy for him ... maybe even a tad jealous. He and I had never sat around and talked about girls before, at least never seriously.
"I can't wait till it happens to you," he said smiling. "I've asked her to go to the Three Broomsticks with me tomorrow. I don't know how to describe it George, but I've got a good feeling - a really good feeling."
And then we fell asleep. Thoughts of Angelina Johnson flooded into Fred's mind, while mine was full of visions of the future.
...
I never would've thought that future didn't involve him.
I still feel him around.
I felt him beside me the night my son, Fred, was born.
My boy has creamy skin, bright red hair, and a mischievous side that rivals even that of is namesake. Even though he is always up to no good, he is nothing short of caring and sweet when it comes to his baby sister Roxanne. He's incredibly protective of her, just like we were with Ginny.
I know that wherever Freddie is, he's always looking out for them. That makes me feel better in some respects, but I wish he were here more than I can put into words. There is nothing I wouldn't give.
I wish he were here by Ang's side and had babies of his own. He would have been the best father.
Even though he isn't physically here, he's still the greatest Uncle.
Angelina's dark hand takes hold of mine, and the look in her brown eyes tells me that she knows exactly what is on my mind. I squeeze her hand and turn my attention back toward our children in the yard. Their laughter fills the air and as Roxie screams Fred's name the clouds part and brilliant sunlight showers over them.
At this moment I know he is here, and he has never left.
