Thanks to Rachel Tooley and bellared245 for helping me with this piece!
Chapter Seventy-Five - F is for Fred and for Family
Harry and Ginny, Hermione and Ron, Charlie, Percy, Fleur and Bill, Arthur and Molly, the Weasley family and the ones not yet official but already considered family was present. If you add George and Kagome, the Higurashi's seemed so little, even if somehow Grandpa managed to arrive right on time, they would still be greatly outnumbered.
It was supposed to be something simple, drinks and snacks in a relaxing atmosphere. The family would know where George was starting his new life and Kagome would have the chance to meet his family and friends again under better circumstances. Obviously, it did not meet Molly's expectations.
Everyone arrived at the same time, carrying food, beverages and ice cream for dessert. His mother has also brought some souvenirs for Mrs. Higurashi and Souta, who reciprocated with their own omiyage, Japanese sweets and other goods.
All seats taken, George felt a wave of nostalgia at the scene. The golden trio sat together, Charlie and Ginny talked about quidditch, his father, Percy, and Bill shared news on the Ministry. The new additions were Kagome and Fleur talking happily about women things, his mother and mother-in-law sharing plans for future family gatherings, and Souta taking so many pictures he could probably make a movie after.
Something, someone, was missing, though.
"Why the sad face, Georgie?" asked Molly. He almost did a victory dance. He made a bet with Fred that he could bring the subject before they started eating and his Molly just gave him the perfect opportunity.
"Just thinking, mum. It's been a really long time since we were together like this but it isn't the same, the table isn't complete without Fred." The table fell silent. Awkward glances were shared between siblings and friends. George felt Kagome's hands squeezing his. Souta peeked from his phone and gave him the slightest nod. Percy was sweating from anticipation. George could almost feel Fred's anxiety, wanting him to get over with it soon. "Wouldn't it be bloody perfect if he could be with us one last time?"
Ginny lowered her gaze and a soft smile reached her lips. She was always closer to them than any of their other siblings. "I'm sure he's somewhere very proud of you."
"I am!" A familiar voice came after the sound of a closing door was heard. The guests turned to meet who said it, their faces showing absolute disbelief, not trusting their own ears at the moment. "Gred exceeded my expectations at managing to surprise you all by taking up the lead on the marriage run."
A mug hit the floor as several gasps filled the room. His little sister had the corner of her lips turned up. She was hitting Harry's arm as if seeking his confirmation that it was real. Hermione had the suspicious look she always held whenever she saw something she never read before in a book. Molly was a whole different matter. She stared at him the same way she did years before, ready to scold him. He offered a tentative smile that wasn't returned.
"It's not funny, George!"
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