Character Appreciation: Bill Weasley

Showtime, Drink With Me: a pub

Word Count: 315


Bill wishes the Three Broomsticks wasn't so crowded, but he isn't surprised. The war has only been over for an hour or so. Everyone has flocked to the nearest pub. The Hog's Head had been damn near overflowing and almost standing room only; this one isn't much better, but he finds an empty table in the corner and orders something that isn't quite strong enough to take the pain away.

"Mind if I sit 'ere?" Fleur smiles at him as she sits across from him, taking her husband's hand.

"I couldn't stay there," he murmurs. "I needed…"

Bill trails off, shaking his head. He doesn't quite know what he needs, but he knows that staying in the castle, staring at his brother's dead body had been too much.

Fleur pulls his hand to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss to each knuckle. Bill closes his eyes, and a faint small almost breaks. He can almost pretend that it's just another day, that they're just two lovers living in a world of blissful romance.

But he can still hear the sobs, and it's a painful reminder that today is different, that the world has changed forever.

He stares downs at his glass before downing the contents quickly.

"Your family understands," Fleur assures him. "So do I."

It's enough to make him break. With a heavy sigh, Bill slumps forward, resting his head against the table. Fleur's hands are gentle as they rest upon his shoulder.

"I love you," she says.

And he wants it to be enough. He wants to reverse time and go back to the days where those words could fix anything.

Hesitantly, he looks up, exhaling deeply. "I love you too."

"We will figure 'zis out. Together."

Her words don't take the pain away or make things easier to endure. But they remind him that there's hope.

Maybe he can get through this.