George hesitated as he stood on the toilet side of the bathroom door, unsure of whether or not to enter the flat. He had finished showering long ago, but remained inside the small space, toweling off and waiting. Every now and then, he put his ear against the door, listening.

Bang! Slam!

No, not yet, he thought, sitting on the closed lid of the toilet, putting his face in his hands for a moment, running his fingers through his damp hair.

He rubbed his face, making sure his beard was gone. For the past several weeks, he had let it grow in, not minding the stubble. At first, it had been laziness that kept him from shaving, but surprisingly, Rhia liked his beard. She liked caressing his scruffy face, liked kissing him, feeling the warm scratching against her back in the mornings when they had a lie-in, not so much sleeping later as just quietly being together in those early hours. He would often just lie with his head on her shoulder, hand over her stomach, hoping to feel the babies move. He'd been unlucky thus far, but a few days ago, he made a muddle of gigantic proportions.

They were lying together on the sofa, and Rhia thought she felt something, so she grabbed his hand and laid it over her stomach. They stayed like that for a few minutes, but the babies were uncooperative, and then he said it. He commented on the roundness of her stomach and how excited he was to be able to see the babies in there finally. He might have actually used the phrase "getting bigger." Big mistake. Pushing his hand aside, she leapt off the sofa, and locked herself in the bathroom. He was out of his element with an emotional, pregnant woman. Growing up with mostly brothers, he couldn't relate. He couldn't fall back on his jokes, and he was at a loss as to how to comfort her. He certainly couldn't remember his mum being pregnant, and he couldn't understand why Rhia was upset that the babies were growing so well.

When she had finally come out, he didn't mention it again, but over the past couple of days, she had been very sensitive about how her clothes weren't comfortable and didn't fit right anymore, suddenly bursting into tears for no apparent reason. She was hypersensitive about how little money she had and how much she took from George and his family. He hadn't yet offered to help with clothes shopping, but he knew she wouldn't like accepting any money from him. She really didn't have much, only what George paid her, and she insisted on contributing to the household by buying groceries and other domestic supplies. Well, she'd have no choice, he decided. She couldn't walk around naked. Well, she could, he thought with a smirk. He put his ear to the door, and upon hearing nothing, peered out to see where Rhia was.

He found her lying in the bed with her back to him, still wearing his dressing gown. She was quiet, but her back was shaking, and George was almost certain she was crying again. He pulled on his underpants and a pair of jeans and sat on the bed, placing one hand on her back. "Rhia."

"Nothing…fits…I…have…nothing," she gasped out between sobs.

He lay down next to her, his chest against her back, his chin on her shoulder, and put his arms around her. She cringed when he placed his hand over her round stomach. When she went to push his hand away, he said, "Don't."

"I'm just going to get bigger and bigger. It's awful. I'm not going to the train station and I'm definitely not going to Hogwarts." She began to cry again.

"Take off my dressing gown," he instructed.

"Sorry?"

"Take it off. If we're not going, you'll need to make it worth my while." He kissed her neck and tried to nibble her ear, but she pushed his head back with hers.

He slipped a hand inside the cloth, trying to reach her skin, but she pushed him away. "George, stop it." She slid away from him, but he was only encouraged, and shimmied closer, attempting to grope her again. "George! Please stop!" She twisted her body and pushed him away with both hands. Instead of falling off, he rolled out of bed, landing on his feet, laughing, which only offended her more. "You just don't understand."

"You're right. I don't see what there is to understand. You're pregnant. There are two babies in there. Of course, you're going to get bigger." She scowled at him, hating the truth, hating that he was right, and she was being ridiculous, especially when he continued, "And then in a few months, you'll have them, and you'll get smaller again. Well, except, your breasts because they'll be full of milk, but that won't be so bad, will it?" He slid into the bed again, touching her face, and looking into her eyes. "You'll let Daddy share with his babies, right?" He smiled suggestively, budging closer, using his nose to rub a light touch over one breast. "You're beautiful, Rhiannon. You'll still be beautiful when you're bigger than this bed, and you'll be beautiful when you're a mum. I think you're right," he said, pressing his face deeper into her soft breasts, trying to open the dressing gown with his nose. "We should stay here all day. A nice quiet day just the two of us, and I agree, no clothes. I've already closed up shop for the day as it is."

"You have to go to the train and see Ginny off. She's expecting you."

"I'm not going without you."

"And besides, cariad, didn't Professor McGonagall ask you to help with the opening feast tonight and tomorrow's memorial?"

"Yes, she did, and she's the Headmistress now."

"Headmistress, then. Aren't you staying overnight at the castle?"

"She's expecting me to, but I'm not going without you."

"You just don't understand George," she said sadly.

"No, I don't. You should be happy. You're having my babies. They should be infusing you with my humor and fun-loving-ness. Are you disappointed?"

"No, of course not. I –"

"What?" he asked expectantly.

She shook her head, biting her lip. "It's…it's just all this mess –this pregnancy was so unexpected, my mam's reaction. I have no money, and it's not just the money." She took a deep breath. "I have nothing, George, only what you give me. I really care for you, but I'm…I'm afraid…you only want me here because of the babies. I'm afraid that I'm forcing you to be a dad, and you'd rather be free. I don't want you forced into a life you'll hate."

"Hermione warned me about the emotions and other nonsense, but where is this coming from?"

"It's not nonsense."

"Rhia, I liked you before I knew about the twins, remember. We were dating before you told me." He kissed her nose and her cheek, slowly moving his lips down her neck while his hands finally slipped inside to caress her bare skin beneath the fabric. "Should I prove to you how much I care for you?"

"You don't need to do that," she said, tilting her neck back, making it easier for him to kiss her there. He obliged and he began to work his way down her cleavage.

"It would be a sacrifice, I know, but I could muddle through, if you need reassurance," he said between kisses. He stopped mid-kiss, looking up. "Finally! A smile. I have an idea."

"Does it involve me being naked like most of your ideas?"

"How'd you guess?" She smirked at him, and he winked. "Actually, I thought I'd enlarge your jeans –"

"You had better be suggesting that you'll be joining me in them."

George laughed, kissing her nose. "As I was saying, you'll wear the magically enlarged jeans and one of my shirts, and we'll go see Ginny and Hermione off at the train, and then we'll go for a day of clothes shopping for the lovely mother-to-be of my enormous children, and then head up to Hogwarts for everything the Headmistress expects. How does that sound?"

Tears began to well in her eyes again. "George, I have no money. I can't afford –"

"Rhia." He interrupted a bit harsher than usual. "I'm going to make this simple for you, Rhiannon. I'm the father of those babies, and I'm going to take care of their mother. I will always be there to help you with them and that includes before they're born. What will you do in two months when even my clothes won't fit? Walk around naked? Or wear my dressing gown to Christmas tea? I've seen pictures – ask my mum how big she got with Fred and me. Let…me…help…you," he said, emphasizing each word. She stared at him, but then finally nodded her head as George wiped away her tears, kissing her. "Mmm, you taste delicious. What time is it?"

"Seven-fifteen."

"Hmm. I don't suppose we have time for a quick –"

"Breakfast?"

"Not exactly what I was thinking, but when you're eating for three, I would imagine food must dominate your every thought." He kissed her quickly on the lips and rose from the bed. "I hate to disappoint you. I know you secretly want me, but you'll have to wait until tonight to ravish me."

She laughed and went to his chest of drawers to retrieve a shirt to wear. He continued speaking while he looked up the enlarging spell in his notebook. He had a special one for clothing. "You know, I wonder if old McGonagall will let us sleep in the boys' dormitory – for old time's sakes." He turned when a pair of rolled up socks hit him in the back of his head. He laughed, but widened his smile as he eyed her choice of shirts. She was wearing the magenta grand opening t-shirt that he and Fred had given away as a promotion that first summer. He questioned her with a look. Although her hair was darker than his, magenta wasn't exactly her colour either.

"Free advertising on the platform – get your name out there for the students. You may get some owl orders or some buzz for that Hogsmeade weekend you're planning. Twins use a lot of nappies, you know."

He laughed and tossed her the now enlarged jeans. He thought he might be in love. Beautiful and sexy and not above a little self-promotion during their tender family moment of seeing his little sister off on the Hogwarts Express. He smiled as she ran a brush through her hair and her tummy poked out, round and firm and asking to be touched. He couldn't resist. He strode over and put his arms around her, resting both palms on her midsection that he thought was just amazing. He pressed with a light touch, feeling there. He put his chin on her shoulder. "I love this," he said, kissing her neck. "I love your baby belly. I can't wait to feel them move inside you." He kissed her cheek, looking at her face, and catching her eyes in his gaze. "Rhiannon, will you –"

"We should go," she interrupted hastily, stepping away from him.

He reached for her hand, not letting her move far. "Rhiannon –"

"Cariad. We need to go. We don't want to miss the train." She looked into his eyes, begging silently to change the topic. He nodded, handing over her rucksack, but then put his hand behind her neck and drew her into an intense kiss. His eyes surveyed her face seriously, and he thought he might like to say something else, something more, but in his hesitation she smiled and stepped towards the staircase, looking back, hurrying him along with her eyes.

This trimester was supposed to be the best, and Rhia had been thoroughly enjoying it. High energy, low nausea, high sex drive (George was exceptionally pleased about this, although with her expanding belly making space for two growing babies, they were beginning to get creative with their positioning), less fatigue, low bladder issues. The only drawback she found was that still, nearly every time Rhia apparated, she was sick. This was why they opted to take the tube to King's Cross Station to see Ginny and Hermione off. Ron and Harry had decided not to return to school, and would be taking a modified NEWT test in a fortnight, but they were coming to say goodbye as well. Rhia left at the end of last year, having completed all of her educational requirements. She toyed with the idea of taking the test with George's brother, but didn't see what the point would be. She would, in all likelihood, remain home with the twins for several months after they were born. She would have plenty of time to decide about her future. As they rode the train, she looked at George. He was staring out the opposite window, and she took his hand in hers and smiled at him when he looked at her with a sweet smile.

She remembered the day a little more than two weeks ago when everyone had gathered at The Burrow to celebrate Ginny and Percy's birthdays. At first, Rhia was troubled that George had invited Katie, but he insisted on including her. He had taken her into the stockroom the week before the party, and Rhia saw them hugging tightly. She saw Katie look at her and she hugged George again. Rhia knew he must have told her about the babies. She was glad. They intended to tell his family at the party, and once George decided to invite Katie, Rhia didn't want her to be blindsided by their announcement. Rhia had been pleased to see that she brought Oliver with her. They seemed close, but Rhia didn't know if they were actually dating. Lee and Angelina were there, and she assumed that Angelina knew, since she and Lee were dating now and George told Lee privately soon after they told his parents. Hermione knew, and Ginny had guessed, so really the only people who didn't know were George's brothers. Despite that, Rhia recalled feeling odd, but everyone was really excited, especially Bill and Fleur.

They sat with Rhia almost the entire evening asking all kinds of pregnancy related questions: "How did you know you were pregnant?" "When did you begin to show?" "Were they moving a lot?" "Can I feel your stomach?" Ron was the only one not constantly reaching out and touching her. George laughed and told his brothers to get it in while they could. There wouldn't be any opportunities to feel up his girlfriend after the little ones were born. That was to be his pleasure alone. Rhia didn't blush until he looked at her, his eyes darkening as they fell to her skin, peeking out from her ever-expanding bust line.

Molly admonished George for the long hours he made Rhia stay on her feet in the shop, and his response was simply and smugly that his mother should try telling Rhia what to do, and see where it got her. Molly smirked at him when she told Rhia that she would not be helping with any preparations, but insisted on her relaxing in the garden. Rhia obliged readily much to George's chagrin. Rhia didn't tell him that it was easier to obey his mother than to argue with her, a lesson he really should have learned long ago.

The train lurched to a stop and brought Rhia out of her daydream through the past. She smiled at George, realizing that he had been staring at her. She cringed slightly when he rubbed his palm across her stomach, but she didn't stop him. The pregnancy made her sensitive to constantly being touched in addition to her growing size, but she was trying to balance her squeamishness at being touched all the time with his need to be close to the babies. King's Cross was the next stop, and they surprisingly arrived at Platform 9 ¾ well ahead of his family. Funnily enough, Rhia was right about the free advertising. Some of the students were scribbling down the address from her t-shirt as well as the promotion code for the ten percent student discount on the back. She and George were having so much fun as he entertained the new students that they hadn't noticed a boy approach closer, grabbing Rhia's arm.

"Aunt Rhiannon. What are you doing here?"

"Llelo? I…You must be excited to be starting at Hogwarts."

"Are you returning to school?"

"No. I've left already. We're seeing George's sister off. She's a seventh year, although she's not here yet. I'm sorry. Llelo, this is George Weasley, my friend. George, this is my oldest nephew, Llywelyn. We've called him Llelo since he was a baby. He's Gruffydd's oldest. You remember my brother, don't you?" she asked and was surprised when he unexpectedly appeared behind his son.

"Rhiannon," he said stiffly, adding, "and your manager."

George put out a hand to meet Gruffydd's. "You don't know your sister very well; she manages fine on her own." He waved to his own sister as she passed by, patting his shoulder, while the rest of the Weasley group followed. Llelo's mouth opened in wonder as Harry walked by, a laugh on his face.

"Is that…was that?" he stammered.

George winked at Rhia, and with a nudge of his elbow, he encouraged her to ask, "Would you like to meet Harry Potter, Llelo?"

Her brother gave a disbelieving look and almost spoke, but Llelo's mouth opened and closed of its own accord, looking very much like a fish, with no sound coming out.

"You don't know Harry Potter." Gruffydd finally said what was on his mind; George was already calling to Harry, and as he quickly came over, he brushed his untidy hair out of his eyes, revealing his scar more prominently. It was obvious to Rhia that Harry and George had planned this little surprise encounter amongst themselves, knowing that Rhia's family would be at the train as well.

"Harry, this is my nephew, Llelo, and my brother Gruffydd Jones. Llelo, this is my friend, Harry Potter."

Harry took Llelo's hand, shaking it gently, smiling as he spoke, "I'm pleased to meet you, Llelo. Your aunt's become a great friend."

Llelo looked at Harry in a dazed awestruck way, almost too excited to speak, but managed to stammer, "Hello, Mr. Potter." Harry shook Gruffydd's hand as well before returning to Ginny's side. "Wow, Aunt Rhee, I can't believe you know Harry Potter."

"And now you do as well, Llelo," George said with a slight smugness to his voice, looking at Rhia's brother. He turned to Rhia, "We should head over – the train will be leaving soon."

The goodbyes were hardest on Harry and Ron, and George lost no time in taking the mickey out of the two of them. "Oh, please, you'll see them tonight at the welcoming feast for Merlin's sakes, and then again tomorrow at the service."

"Easy for you to say," Ron whinged, showing his older brother two fingers. "Your girlfriend is staying on the platform." George put a possessive arm around Rhia and pulled her closer in response. He felt sad that one brother was missing, but he was actually looking forward to visiting Fred's grave. He wanted to tell him about his nieces or nephews that would be arriving in the new year. As the train began to move, pulling away from the station, George glimpsed Rhia's family heading towards them once again. He drew Rhia closer, and when he thought her family might have seen her, he leaned down and kissed her, partly because he hadn't kissed her for some time, but he also didn't want Rhia to see her mum. He could sense that she was surprised, but she surprised him when he felt her tongue on the roof of his mouth. He forgot where they were, on a public platform in front of at least a dozen sets of eyes, when he took a step towards her and pressed his chest against hers. He could feel the curve of her breasts and as one hand dipped below her waist, brushing her arse, one of his legs slipped between hers. He hadn't realized how intimate their display was until he heard Bill's wolf-whistle and Charlie hooting at them. George reluctantly pulled his head back, staring into her eyes, his chest heaving with deep breaths.

Charlie took Rhia's hand from George's waist. "I think I'll escort the lady from the platform, lest she be attacked by your tongue again." George allowed his brother to slip an arm around his girlfriend's waist and followed them, sheepishly, blushing slightly, avoiding all eye contact with his wide-eyed and shocked parents. He watched Charlie and Rhia exit King's Cross arm in arm and stand in the street waiting for the rest of the family. Rhia's head tilted back in laughter at something Charlie said and he felt a pang of jealousy. He wanted to rush over and pull Charlie's hand from her, and he almost did when he saw Charlie put his hand on her swell housing the babies, his babies, but at that moment of unbearable envy, she looked at him and smiled. Her smile sparkled in the midday sunlight, and George smiled back, ashamedly forgetting the resentment he felt for his brother, realizing for the first time how much he felt for her.

Rhia was his. It was that simple. That beautiful smile was for him; only him. She went to sleep every night in his bed and woke up every morning in his arms. His pillow smelled of her shampoo, and each night they relaxed with his head on her diminishing lap while he waited for the babies to kick him. She waited up for him when he went to the pub with Lee and Oliver, and she made him a roast dinner nearly every Sunday that they weren't at the Burrow.

He strode over to them and took her in his arms again as Charlie began to step away. He kissed her nose and gazed into her dark eyes. "Will you marry me?" The words were out of his mouth before he knew it, and he knew her answer immediately when her face fell.

"I'm not marrying you because we're having a baby together, George."

"We're having two, actually."

"George –"

"Think about it." He ended the embrace and took her hand, waving to his family as everyone began to disapparate on their own. He noticed Charlie eyeing him sympathetically, but he ignored him, and stepped away with Rhia's hand still in his as they headed for the nearest tube station to begin the arduous task of maternity clothes shopping.

* *

George sat on the sofa, eyes closed. He could feel Rhia's presence standing in front of him. He was afraid to open his eyes. Rhia had been trying on clothes and packing for the last two hours, and that was after three hours of originally trying on the same clothes and then actually buying them. He took a deep breath and reluctantly opened his eyes. He stared at her for a moment. She was wearing the enlarged jeans she'd had on since this morning, and a scarlet shirt that was long enough to cover her stomach. It had a low cut neck that laced up and she wore a gold colored silk scarf around her neck. He hadn't realized that he hadn't spoken yet and she began to smooth the shirt along her stomach and looked down apprehensively. Finally, he smiled when she met his gaze.

"You look fantastic. Really. You look great." He stood up, putting his arms around her waist. "You look great," he repeated. She smiled and he kissed her. "Are we ready now? All packed?"

"Yes, I'm ready. Where's your stuff?"

He released her waist and strode over to the small suitcase. He tossed in a pair of dress trousers and a button down shirt with his Gryffindor tie over it, his pants and socks and then he zipped up the case and set it next to the large Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes box already by the fireplace.

"You're finished? That's it?"

"That's it." He laughed at her jealous scowl, and pushed her into the green glowing fireplace. With two cries of Gryffindor Head of House, they were both at Hogwarts, dusting themselves off and getting their things together. Rhia put her small rucksack on her back to help George with the bags. Headmistress McGonagall was waiting for them when they tumbled separately out of the fireplace. She hugged George for a long time, rubbing a comforting hand across his back. When she was finished with him, she approached Rhia and hugged her as well. She ran a loving hand over her bulging stomach.

"Mrs. Weasley told me that you two were expecting twins. Congratulations. It's such wonderful news to bring us out of these sad times." It took the new Headmistress several moments before she released Rhia's stomach. She told them to leave their suitcases there. McGonagall had arranged for them to stay in the Head of House's quarters. They were told that the new Head of House wouldn't mind, but the Headmistress declined to reveal who the new Head would be.

As they exited into the corridor, McGonagall left them, and George stopped, unsure of which way to go. They still had about an hour before the students would be arriving and the Sorting would begin. George had some setting up to do, but there was something more important he needed to do first. He wanted to see exactly where Fred had died. Rhia seemed to read his mind, or at the very least, she knew he was thinking of his twin brother, and she returned to his side, taking his hand gently in hers. She brought it up to her mouth, and kissed him tenderly and gave it a soothing squeeze. She looked up into his eyes, which were misting slightly. She touched his cheek, but they both remained silent until George ran a hand across his babies, and when he smiled at their mother, she stood up on her toes, and kissed him sweetly on his lips. He nodded, and they began the long trek through the cool passageway.

It was eerily still with no students in the castle. They hadn't passed any of the teachers yet either. Rhia felt warm and a bit lightheaded, but that was because she was remembering that May day. On the second of May, it had been unusually hot and in the heat of battle, it was unbearable. Rhia stopped to settle her nerves. She needed to be strong for George. She knew he hadn't been inside these castle walls since that day. That was the day his brother died, and she also knew it was hard for him to reconcile the wonderment of their twins who had been conceived on that same fateful day.

They soon arrived at the place where Fred died. She didn't notice anything unusual, but she could almost feel the dead reaching out. She dropped George's hand and she smiled reassuringly at him. He tried to smile back, but he couldn't manage even a feeble one. The wall before them was still in shambles. It hadn't been repaired yet, and Rhia agreed that the new students should see the sacrifices that were made here. George took one step forward, leaving Rhia standing behind him. His head hurt and his eyes were so full of tears, he could hardly see the wall. He reached his hand forward and touched it, rubbing each stone, tracing each indentation with his fingertips. The stones were hard and rough against his skin and they felt cold, like beneath the ground where Fred now rested. He shuddered and was overcome with spasms of sobbing as he leaned his head against the coolness of the stones. Rhia put her hand on his shoulder and George took hold of her, guiding her into his arms. He rested his head on hers, and held her for a long moment. Suddenly he spoke, harshly, but softly, "I wasn't here. I wasn't with him when he died. I should have been here. We'd never been apart, and he died without me."

"George," she said, "If you were here, you might have died as well."

"Sometimes, I wish I had died. I wish it were me in the ground. Did I ever tell you that he died laughing?"
"Laughing?"

"Yes. Percy said he was laughing when he died. Laughing! Typical Fred." He wiped his face with the back of his hand, his body quickly calming down. "I miss him so much." There was really nothing Rhia could do except hold him. He rarely talked about Fred's death. She took his hand and pressed it to her stomach.

"We're glad you didn't die here," she said quietly, and when he looked down at her, she saw that his eyes had begun to dry. He tilted his head to the side and with a small grin, he leaned down, and pulled her even closer, kissing her.

"I–" he began, staring into her eyes as their kiss ended. "You know, I…love…touching these two," he said as he put a little more pressure on the twins. "I guess it's a good thing I didn't die as well. But I miss him." George turned as he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Bill, what are you doing here?"

"You'll find out at the feast," he smiled. "Is your display set up?"

"No. I'm on my way there right now." George touched the wall one last time, and he and Rhia made their way to the Great Hall where George got to work setting up the fireworks as well as the other surprises. He had brought sweets that would explode from the Whiz Bangs. There were trick wands and tickling powder and toy snitches that flew, but always returned to their owners.

Once the first years were Sorted and had taken their seats, Headmistress McGonagall paid tribute to Professors Burbage, Dumbledore, and Snape. She welcomed back the returning students and professors. Obviously with the death of Headmaster Snape, she would be the new Interim Headmistress. Professor Slughorn had agreed to remain for another year as the Potions teacher and since the last Defence against the Dark Arts teacher was in Azkaban awaiting trial, the new professor would be filling in for one year to get Hogwarts back on its feet. She gestured towards the new young professor as many of the sixth and seventh year girls swooned, noticing his long red ponytail and dark dragon skin boots. "Is that an earring?" Rhia heard one of the Slytherin girls ask. Ginny and George sniggered. The Slytherin girl gave Ginny a nasty look. "What, is he too old for you to get a leg over, Weasley?"

Ginny smirked. "No. He's too much of my brother," she said as the Headmistress introduced Professor Bill Weasley, the new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher. He would also be Gryffindor's Head of House for this upcoming term. While they had dinner with Ginny and Hermione, and the rest of the Gryffindors, George seemed happy. Dean and Seamus had returned as well as Neville, who was enjoying his new-found celebrity status. He was joking with George, and Rhia was pleased to see George like this. He was actually laughing. His eyes were still red-rimmed, but he was telling jokes between mouthfuls of food. Even though Rhia thought that everyone expected Fred to come bounding in and to shove George aside to sit down on the bench, they had fun watching George juggling dinner rolls, which he dropped clumsily when he noticed Rhia staring at him with a longing on her face he'd hoped he could gratify later in the evening. He smiled at her and shrugged as he picked up one of the dropped dinner rolls, and took a bite out of it.

At the Headmistress' signal, George began the fireworks display. The Headmistress wanted the feast to be a festive time for the students. Tonight they would celebrate the fall of Voldemort and the return of all those who were safe – who survived. Everyone knew that the memorial tomorrow would be a much sadder time for all, and then the term would start on Wednesday when everyone got their new class schedules. As Quidditch captain, Ginny had to work around everyone's schedule to get in tryouts and then practices. No one except Hermione was surprised by her new Head Girl status.

The fireworks were magnificent, and anyone who had been there when Fred and George set them off in their seventh year, thought that George outdid himself this year. He was pleased at how they turned out. He had arranged for all of the house colours to be represented, including Slytherin. There were dragons, lions, and snakes. There were gryphons and hippogriffs. After about ten minutes of oohing and aahing, the fireworks began to explode, showering the students with trinkets, almost like one would find in a Christmas cracker. There were trick wands, and canary cream sweets. Tiny jars of tickling powder fell down to the house tables and tiny stuffed owls and pygmy puffs. Ginny grabbed a tiny white owl and tossed it over to Harry, who smiled, and tucked it away in his cloak pocket.

Soon, the night was over, and Rhia and George were lying together in what was now Bill's bed. George was definitely more relaxed sharing his brother's bed with Rhia than when he thought it was McGonagall's bed. Rhia cosied up to him, her back against his bare chest, and she whispered, "Those Whiz Bangs were super. You did a fantastic job, Mr. Weasley."

"Cheers," he answered with a laugh in her ear, his warm breath caressing her neck. He kissed her behind her ear, and realized that she had already fallen asleep. He kissed her again, and snuggled closer as they slept.

The next morning's sun was bright in a cloudless blue sky. Its brightness was in direct contrast to the mood – people drifted along in mind-numbing sorrow. The summer sunlight tried to heal the wounds of four months ago by filling in the dark empty spaces, the gaping holes, the upturned trees, the ripped up grass. Most of the battle scars had been repaired, healed. As the sun shimmered and its rays bathed the lush green mountainside of the highlands, Rhia wandered away from George, lost in the memory of only a few short months ago. She thought about the brash act she and George had shared together, contrasting greatly with the mood of that day. She also thought of the miracle arising out of that act. She lifted her skirt to her knees and sat in the grass against a willow tree and as she leaned against its strong trunk and looked out across the black lake, she laid one open hand across her belly, and smiled, finally enjoying the roundness there. It happened then. Her hand moved out and back in of its own volition, and she looked down, surprised. One of the babies had kicked her and then it happened again. Either one was being very active or they were both taking their turn at teasing their mum.

She saw groups of people making their way to the rows of chairs set up for the memorial service. The ceremony was to honour those who fought here at Hogwarts, but especially to honour those who never left, those who gave their lives here. There were many sacrifices that day, and Rhia was still here because two men made those sacrifices. She owed her life to Jamie Anderson and Owain Rees. She knew one man very well, had grown up with him; he was like a brother to her. In fact, he had been her brother-in-law. The second man she knew not at all, she'd only met him hours before he died and he died protecting her.

Liam Connors had just finished briefly talking about his sister, Aubrey. She was a year younger than Rhia and they had grown quite close in Rhia's year at Hogwarts. She and Rhia had a Potions study group together. Aubrey and Rhia were the Potions experts; even Headmaster Snape had admitted that, but never in class. It was an understatement to say that he was very restrained in his praise of the students, so unlike Professor Slughorn, but to Rhia he never seemed as horrible as the other seventh years described. Rhia listened as her sister quietly talked about Owain and what a kind and loving father he was. He was an Auror who gave his life, so his son could have a better life. It was at times difficult to listen to her sister's short speech, and as her sister shot her scathing looks, still blaming her, she eventually dissolved into tears. She couldn't see through her steady stream of tears, but it didn't take long for George to gently put his arm around her shoulder and persuade her to lean back against his shoulder as Dennis Creevey stepped up to talk about his brother, who would have been a great photographer. Next was Andromeda Tonks, who spoke about her daughter, the Auror Dora Tonks. As she spoke, Rhia stared straight ahead, barely conscious of George's hand still holding hers and stroking it with his gentle fingers. She took several deep breaths, choking back sobs and in time was able to control herself.

As Mrs. Tonks sat down, she was handed a baby with blue hair, and then Harry Potter was at the podium, remembering his friend, Remus Lupin. Rhia had known him briefly as a professor at her school in Wales, but then his secret came out, and he was forced to leave there as well. Harry also told the true story of Severus Snape, which still astounded almost everyone. Now, it was time for the last speaker. George remained seated and after a moment, Rhia squeezed his hand, and he rose slowly. She looked up, and followed his approach to the podium with her eyes. He began to speak about that early pre-dawn morning and the expectation of battle – his whole family had been there on that day. He began to talk about battle plans and adrenaline, and how he hugged his brother – not goodbye, but good luck. He said his name: Fred Weasley. He began to speak about losing a twin when his words strangled him. His shoulders hunched, and although he wasn't crying, he still couldn't speak. His words were caught in his throat and his breathing was ragged, but he just stood there. He was looking down at his hands, his knuckles whitening as he clutched the sides of the podium tightly. He took a deep breath wishing he could disappear into the ground with his brother. Rhia could hear some fidgeting from the group and a baby had begun to cry, but George merely stood there, not speaking, not moving, not caring that people were waiting for him to continue.

Rhia stood slowly, and she could feel everyone's eyes move to her. She felt her family's eyes, but quickly made her way up to the dais and approached George quietly. She took one of his hands in hers, lacing their fingers together. He turned his head towards her, and she gave him a thin sad smile and spoke softly as she touched his face with soothing tender fingers, looking straight into his watery eyes. "Tell me about your brother. Tell me about Fred."

And he did. He smiled and clasped her hand and he looked into Rhia's dark eyes, and he told her about his twin brother whom he desperately missed. He talked about their inventions, and said he would be remiss with so many people gathered, knowing that Fred would haunt him at inopportune moments with his lady friends if he didn't advertise their shop during his memorial. Fred was the smart one, the funny one, the outlandish one. They were exactly alike except that Fred was the better one, and George said with a wink, "I'm still the better looking one." This elicited a laugh from several people nearby, and then George continued, "And, before you row with me over it, Fred, please note that I'm the one with the beautiful woman hanging on my every word." There was another smattering of melancholy laughter as George completed his tribute to his twin brother. He squeezed Rhia's hand one more time as he finished speaking to the audience and silently mouthed, "thank you" as he leaned down and kissed her.

As their seats were retaken, they continued to lean against each other and hold the other's hand while the Minister of Magic concluded the memorial by ringing a gong fifty-five times – the number of wizards and witches who had died here at the end of last year's term, many of them students. As those on the dais trickled away, Rhia and George stepped over to Fred's grave, forever resting in the shadow of the Quidditch pitch. There was a Gryffindor scarf wrapped around the bottom of the holly bush that had been planted alongside the stone.

The granite was smooth against her touch. George pushed her gently towards the stone, so that her stomach was now leaning on it. He spoke quietly, "Say hello to your Uncle Fred, lads." Rhia laughed and grabbed George's hand to place on her stomach, so he could feel the rapid kicking just beginning inside. "I guess they're anxious to meet you as well, Fred. I miss you brother." At that moment, his hand bounced off Rhia's stomach. He laughed and then Rhia began to as well. They drew some odd stares at their inappropriate revelry, but they knew how appropriate it really was to laugh when you mourned a Weasley twin. They remained with Fred for quite some time until finally joined by more laughing redheads, getting ready for a special tea in his honour at The Burrow.