A month passed since Ashleigh told George about the baby. He went to her first scan with her and that's when it all became real for him. He kept looking at the moving picture of the scan the healer had given them; he couldn't believe that was a baby, his baby. It was still quite small, but you could see that it was shaped like a baby at this point. They still hadn't told their families, George didn't even tell Fred. He wanted to tell his twin but he remembered back to when he first met Ashleigh and how Fred blabbed to everyone, so he didn't chance it.
"So, I was wondering when you wanted to tell the others. I don't think we can keep it a secret much longer", George asked during dinner one night, Fred had gone out with Hermione, so it was just the two of them at the flat above the joke shop.
"I know. I've been thinking about that too. I don't think my aunt will be all too pleased with me. Or you for that matter. I don't even wanna think about what your family is gonna say", Ashleigh told him, looking to the table.
"Hey, it'll be okay", he said, moving to sit beside her, from his spot on the other end of the small table. He took her hand and made her look at him. "I think my family is going to be okay with it, I know Fred will be", George told her. She nodded.
"I hope you're right", she mumbled.
"I'm pretty sure I am. But you practically live here anyway, so I was wondering if you wanted to make it official and move all of your stuff in? I already talked to Fred and he's fine with it. But that could be because he loves your cooking", George laughed at the last part.
"I dunno. I don't want you to feel obligated to live or even be with me because I'm pregnant", she told him.
"I was going to ask you before you told me about the baby, but decided not to after because you were already going through so much. And trust me, this is not me feeling obligated. It's me, wanting us to be a real family", he told her. She sat there pondering for a few minutes.
"You're sure Fred's okay with me moving in?" She asked.
"More than okay with it", they heard Fred say from the door. They hadn't heard him come in.
"How long have you been there?" George asked.
"Just opened the door and heard Ashleigh ask. Why?" He eyed them suspiciously.
"Nothing", they both said.
"There's never nothing. Especially when George has that guilty look on his face", Fred told them as he sat at the table as well.
"We can't tell you right now", George told him. Ashleigh just shook her head and put her hand on George's.
"It's okay", she whispered. "Tell him. He's gonna find out soon enough anyway".
"Are you sure?" George asked. She nodded while Fred just stared at them, wondering what the big secret was. "I will only tell you if you promise to keep it to yourself. No one can know yet", George said.
"I promise", Fred said, pretending to zip his lips and throw away the key. George nodded.
"Umm… I don't know how to phrase it", George said, scrunching up his face.
"Just say it please", Fred said. He got a little worried when he saw the look on George's face.
"Okay. How do you feel… About being an uncle?" Fred's jaw dropped.
"Y-You're p-pregnant?" He stuttered, looking at Ashleigh, who was looking down at the floor, she weakly nodded. "How?" He asked.
"Well, you see. When two people love each other", George started before getting a glare from Fred.
"I know how, you prat. I meant, how could you let it happen?" Fred asked.
"It was an accident. We always used a contraceptive charm. The healer said it can go faulty sometimes if someone didn't fully concentrate when casting it", George explained. Fred nodded.
"Well, I always wanted to be an uncle and knew it would happen eventually. But I figured it would be from Bill and Fleur first", Fred said. "But I'm happy for you, if you're happy. And this is what you want".
"Ashleigh's struggling with it a bit still. But I've come to terms with it, sex has consequences and now we have to live with them. But some consequences aren't bad ones", George said. He went to his room and came out, handing the scan picture to Fred. "Here, look".
"Wow… That's incredible", Fred said in awe.
"I know. But don't let slip to anyone, not even Hermione. We haven't figured out how we're going to tell them. But it has to be soon, Ashleigh is gonna start showing", George pleaded with his eyes.
"I won't, I promise. Thank you for telling me", Fred said, hugging his brother and then Ashleigh. Ashleigh cleaned up and did the dishes.
"I have to go tell my aunt. I can't move in here without telling her first", Ashleigh told him.
"Do you want me to come?" George asked. She thought for a minute before nodding. They got into the fireplace and flooed to Tracie's.
"Hey guys", Tracie smiled, but faltered when she saw Ashleigh's face.
"I have to talk to you. But I don't think you'll like what I'm about to tell you", Ashleigh said, sitting on the couch. She eyed them suspiciously.
"What is it dear?" She asked.
"I'm moving in with George and his brother. Before you say anything, I have another reason besides the fact that I love him", Ashleigh told her. Tracie just stayed silent. "I'm pregnant", she said, looking to the floor. George was holding her hand and squeezed it slightly after she announced it. "I'm sorry", she mumbled and stood up.
"Wait", Tracie said, standing up as well. "I'm sorry. I'm just trying to absorb it. You're only 17", Tracie said.
"I'll be 18 in a couple months", she reminded her aunt, who nodded.
"Right. But are you two sure this is what you want?"
"We've thought a lot about it Miss Scott", George told her. "Fred and I make good money with the joke shop. Ashleigh doesn't need to work if she doesn't want to. I can support her and our baby".
"I'm glad to hear that. But do you guys think you're ready for everything that involves being a parent? No more sleeping all night, falling behind on household chores, just being there to take care of a tiny human being".
"I think we can do it", George told her. Ashleigh had just stood there, staring at the floor.
"Ashleigh?" Tracie asked. She jumped out of her state and looked up.
"Just thinking. I think I'm ready Aunt Tracie, I don't want my child to grow up thinking that his or her real parents didn't love them so they gave them away", Ashleigh told her.
"Okay. I just want to make sure you know what you're doing and what comes with having a baby", Tracie told them. "You both are so young, but I trust you to make your own and the right decisions", Tracie said. She gave them both a hug and went upstairs to help Ashleigh pack. "What has your family said?" Tracie asked George.
"We haven't told them yet. Except Fred. We haven't figured out how to", George told her.
"I was thinking about that actually. Maybe we should do it during Sunday dinner. The whole family will be there", Ashleigh said. "I just want to get it out there. I hate keeping secrets from them".
"If you're sure, we can definitely do that", he smiled, giving her a sweet lingering kiss. Tracie smiled.
"What?" Ashleigh asked.
"I'm just so happy that you two found each other. And I'm glad George is stepping up and being there for you through this", Tracie told her.
"Always", George smiled.
"And forever", Ashleigh finished.
They finished packing and took Ashleigh's stuff to George's flat, putting the boxes and bags in his room. Once they were done, it was late so they went right to bed.
"Welcome home", George smiled as they got under the covers.