Disclaimer: I own nothing, J.K Rowling owns everything.
Now, all Daddy sees is a broken, torn, incomplete girl. Neither did I feel like his daughter, nor did I feel like the person I used to be. "I am a widow of the man I loved." That's all that went through my head. As I closed my eyes, with tears streaming down my cheeks, I felt a set of lips caress mine.
"Fred?"
I opened my eyes and found myself alone, again. He didn't want me to drown myself in sorrow, as I have been doing for 3 whole weeks. I knew it was him who was giving false notions of his presence. The very night George wrote one of his letters to Fred that I was a living corpse, I felt secure in my bed, cause his arms were around me.
I cannot help it, no matter how much I try, I cannot pass a moment without thinking about you, Fredrick Arthur Weasley. Why didn't you take me with you?
I vaguely heard the telephone ringing back in the hall along with the hooting of owls. It was either Daddy or Alicia, checking to see if I was alive. I don't want to be alone, so I don't answer. They'd Apparate in sooner or later, worried sick about me. I knew they were wondering, why I haven't told the Weasleys about my marriage. I myself don't know the answer. It must be fear. What if they refuse to accept me? What if they are not happy about the marriage? What if they don't believe me?
These what ifs just swirl in my head and torment me. I couldn't tell them. I knew George would be there, supporting me, but I didn't want to be the reason for George to caught amidst all the explanation and questioning, especially cause the trauma of Fred's death still affected him the most.
I heard someone Apparate in as expected. "Go away," I lied through the dryness in my throat from all the crying. "I'm still living, you don't have to worry," I yelled and heard the door crack upon the mutter of a spell. Whoever it was entered and settled themselves next to me on the bed as I curled up and pretended to be trying to sleep. I felt a hand upon mine and opened my eyes. I was shocked to see Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter by my side.
I hastily wiped my tears and sat up, questioning, "Ginny! Harry! What are you doing here?!?" They stared at me with eyes of concern, noticing my puffy, red eyes and tear-stained cheeks.
"We were just wondering how you were. We haven't heard of you since..." Ginny quivered and suddenly stopped, searching for the right words to continue. Harry stepped in and said, "The incident. Angelina, you were always a strong person, off and on the Quidditch pitch. We know Fred was your best friend, Ginny and I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You didn't even come for his funeral and weren't replying any owls."
Best friend. It just reminded me that the Weasleys only knew about my existence and the fact that Fred had a crush on me, they had no idea the depth and soul in our relationship. It was sweet they were concerned, but how was I to tell them that we weren't just friends. We were so much more than that. My right hand covered my left, I could feel the cold metal of the wedding band Fred graciously placed upon my finger by vowing to forever protect and be there for me.
The silence must have made the couple uneasy, provoking Ginny to say, "Angelina, it's been hard for all of us. Maybe it will help if you talk?" The young girl was trying to make things better. Talk? What do I tell her? Her late brother kept our relationship a secret so as not to worry anyone and make it seem like a big deal while her boyfriend was fighting the darkest wizard of all time? I am her sister-in-law of her brother that no longer walks this planet?
As much as I wanted to free myself from all these strings, my heart wouldn't let me succumb to it. I couldn't let this wonderful family go through another radical phase filled with questions. I needed to speak to George about it, he'd tell me what needs to be done. It occurred to me that Ginny and Harry were exchanging looks of mixed emotions – sorrow, confusion and worry.
"Ginny, Harry, it's really nice of you guys to drop by. Thank you, I really appreciate your concern. Don't worry, I'll be fine. It's not just, the incident, you know. There are a lot of other things in my mind at the moment but I'll sort them out. I'm sorry for acting so unwelcoming, first thing I said was go away!" I tried to fake a laugh which I knew was unconvincing. Ginny and Harry nodded, gave me a quick hug each and an unexpected kiss on the cheek from Harry. They left.
Ginny and Harry reached the Burrow and everyone's attention turned to them. "How is she?" The creases on Mrs Weasley's forehead tensed up. "She seems to be taking it very hard," Ginny replied while Harry placed his arm around her shoulders. Mrs Weasley said "Oh dear, maybe she should come over..."
"Who are we talking about?" George asked as he came down the stairs. He seemed more composed than usual. "Oh George dear, we were talking about Angelina..." The expression on George's face switched immediately. His face became blank and he stuttered as million thoughts ran through his mind, "An... Ang... An... Angelina? Why?"
"Well dear, we know Fred and her were close friends. It's only right that we support her through this as well, she has no one besides her father..." Molly Weasley held a weak smile hoping to receive the same from George.
George realized the concern that Angelina must be having immediately. He couldn't believe he was selfish enough to not realize the emotions and feelings she must be having with respect to the family. She was a Weasley now. His loss of Fred truly shook him, so much so he became oblivious to the world. George immediately ran up to owl Angelina. But, he didn't need to cause she already did.
Dear George,
It's been quite a well since we met at the graveyard the other night. I hope you are doing better than I am. Anyways, I need to talk to you about something, I'm sure you are aware of the issue. I really don't want to bring it up, but I have no choice. It's killing me from within, George. Anyways, I'll meet you at Diagon Alley tomorrow for lunch, how about that? Thanks and take care.
Love,
Angelina
George scribbled a "See you at one, Angelina. I better not see dark circles or eye bags on that pretty face of yours!" trying to lighten up his spirits. He has been trying to heed the Fred's, in his dreams, advice about keeping the place lively and jovial. George slouched on his bed and slowly, for the first time in many days, drifted into a sleep almost immediately.
"Hello twin, I'm glad to see you making progress in making the Burrow back to normal again, you git."
"Fred, It's you! How's heaven treating you, again?"
"Who said I am in heaven?"
"Haha, so when are you gonna leave me alone? You are freaking dead and still bothering me."
"Hey, so much for missing me after I'm gone! Anyways, today will be the last time I visit you here, Georgie. I have something important to tell you."
Cliffhangers for the win! :P I know I haven't received any reviews, but I didn't think it'd matter. I just needed to do this for myself, I need to come to terms with Fred Weasley's death. Anyways, thank you for reading and please review if you have feedback! It's nice to know if your work is wanted or how it could be made more wanted (: