Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Yep, the baby's here! He's not very strong yet, but he's the child of Hermione Granger.
Now, it's time for Fred's thoughts on the whole situation. Do remember, he's still a very broken man.
So sit back and enjoy.
Love always,
Avoline
Fred stood next to the incubator, watching the small, fragile child sleep inside of it. He tried to swallow around the lump in his throat, biting his tongue to hold back the sobs. What had he done that warranted this kind of punishment? Why did an innocent child have to suffer for his mistakes?
Why did Hermione have to suffer for his mistakes?
His lower lip began to tremble. She didn't deserve this. Any of this. She deserved to be happy and not have to worry about whether her son would survive or not. She deserved to find a career in the Wizarding world and strive in it. She deserved to be happy, to be loved, to not be weighed down by anyone. She shouldn't have to deal with the pain she was feeling right now.
"Our son will survive."
He smiled just a bit. It was a comfort, knowing that she thought of him as their son, not just her son. Maybe he wouldn't have to look far for a new match. Maybe she was what he was needing all this time. He could have saved her from having to deal with Ron and his abusive ways. Maybe he could have avoided loosing Angelina and Brianna. Maybe, just maybe, they would grow into something so much more.
The newborn moved just a bit, snapping Fred out of his daze. He watched as the frail being tried to scream, and he felt his heart break at the lack of sound.
"Oh, my son, I'm so sorry," he murmured, a few tears falling from his eyes. "I'm so, so sorry." Then, as he was watching the baby struggle, something miraculous happened...
The thin eyelids slid opened, and Fred's deep blue eyes were met with a pair of equally deep brown eyes.
He couldn't stop the smile from crossing his face. This was the first good sign in two weeks. Hope grew within the broken man. This meant so much to him. It meant that the child would live, and possibly grow stronger within a few days.
It meant they could give him a name.
Fred furrowed his brow. He remembered Hermione creating a list of names and meanings. He was trying to remember the name he liked the most on that list. All he could remember was that it started with an E, and that it meant firm and strong. He was sure Hermione would strangle him for picking out a name without her, but he couldn't leave without naming his son. He watched the newborn flail around, looking for something to eat.
Ethan!
He laughed. It was perfect, in every way. Ethan would be a strong boy, with a firm head, just like his mother.
"Hey, Ethan," he whispered. "Oh, your Grandmother Molly can't wait to meet you. Nor can your four uncles."
Would be five if Ron wasn't so unpredictable.
The mediwitch opened a small porthole in the incubator, and Fred gently stuck his hand in, a few more tears falling as Ethan grabbed his finger. He stood, unmoving, for several minutes, staring at the tiny hand holding his finger.
For the first time in a long time, he felt whole again.
He unlocked the door and basically ran into the flat. Hermione was sitting on the couch, staring out the windows.
"Hermione, you will not believe what happened," he exclaimed, dropping to his knees beside the couch and grabbing her hand. Her gaze met his, and he could see Ethan's matching gaze in his mind.
"What," she inquired. He smiled the biggest smile since Brianna started walking, tears rimming his eyes.
"He opened his eyes," he answered softly. "Hermione, he's going to make it!" She squealed and threw her arms around his neck, and he returned the embrace. "Oh, Hermione, Ethan's going to be okay." She giggled a little.
"Ethan," she breathed in his ear. He nodded.
"I couldn't walk away without naming him, 'Mione," he explained. "I know you wanted to help pick, but I figured Ethan would be perfect for him." She pulled back a bit and smiled.
"It's okay, Fred," she soothed. "I like it. After all he's been through, it'll be perfect." He smiled as she laughed, a sound he adored and wanted to hear more often.
Then he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers.
Just as quickly he pulled away, avoiding her eyes. He might have just ruined everything. Even though he was sure that she fancied him, that didn't give him the right to up and kiss her. She would probably be so disgusted with him that she'd pack everything up and leave. He wouldn't blame her if she did. She now had every right to cut him out of Ethan's life.
"I'm sorry," he began. "It wasn't my place." Her small hand rested on his shoulder.
"Fred, look at me," she instructed, her voice holding so much tenderness that it brought tears to his eyes. He shook his head. "Frederick Gideon Weasley, look at me." He turned just slightly, still trying to avoid her gaze. "If you want to kiss me, I have no problem with it. If it means you'll start being you again, then so be it."
His head snapped up, jaw hanging. She wanted him to kiss her? She really didn't mind if they shared a kiss here and there? He shook his head slowly.
"Hermione, I couldn't," he protested, but stopped when she held up a hand.
"Yes, you can," she countered. "Fred, if it means you won't be broken anymore, then do it. You deserve to be happy, and if you want a kiss, then so be it." He smiled and grasped her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Thanks, 'Mione," he stated hoarsely.
One day, I'll be able to give you what you need.
The freedom to find Mr. Right.
