It was inevitable. I had spent most of my time pretending it wasn't going to happen, but I knew it was.

Because when people die, there is a funeral.

And I would give anything not to have to go.

But I knew I had to. For Fred.

"It's going to be okay," a soft, familiar voice said from the doorway.

"Says you," I retaliated, not even turning to look at her.

"You're strong," she says. "I know you'll pull through this."

I sigh. Maybe she's right. The funeral will be small. Only family, plus Harry and Hermione and Lee Jordan. Oh, and Katie, Fred's girlfriend.

I wondered for the first time since it happened how Katie was taking it. He could tell that they had really loved each other.

Katie had always been good friends with the twins. She'd started Hogwarts when they did and was one of their closest friends. He suddenly felt a small bit of happiness welling inside of him at the thought of seeing her today.

"Your tie's crooked," Allyson announced. I attempted to fix it, looking at her for approval. She nodded solemnly before walking away.

*****

The funeral was awful.

Everyone was crying, and family said things about Fred. How funny he was, how kind he was, how he was always there when we needed him.

After the funeral, Katie walked over to me, hugging me tightly.

"Are you alright?" she asked through tears.

"Are you?"

She shook her head. "I don't think so," she said.

We sat down on bench as people began to leave.

"We were going to get married," she said, not looking at me.

I was only faintly surprised. Fred had never mentioned it, but I had always known those two were perfect for each other.

"It wasn't official or anything," she continued. "I don't even know if he ever actually asked me. We just…knew. We made plans. Talked about our life together. We were going to have everything." Here she looked at me, and I could see the pain in her eyes.

"We talked about having kids," she said, looking hard into my eyes. "He was going to be such a perfect father. But we never expected…" She started sobbing into my shoulder.

"Katie, what are you talking about?" I asked softly.

"I never even got to tell him," she sobbed. "And I'm so scared. I can't do this alone. I can't George. I need him."

"Katie, slow down," I said, patting her shoulder. "I don't understand what you're trying to say."

"I'm pregnant," she sobbed. "I found out the day before the battle, and I never even got to tell him."

"Oh," was all I could say.

Dammit Fred! Why'd you have to do this! Can't you see we all need you? We really do.

"If I didn't love him so much, I would hate him right now," Katie said, still sobbing.

"I know what you mean."

I couldn't believe this. "Who else have you told?" I asked her.

"No one," she said. "I have no one else to tell. My parents both died several years ago."

I nodded. "Where are you living?" I asked her.

"A flat near London."

"Wrong," I said. "You're staying here."

"But I-" she started to argue, but I put a finger over her lips.

"You have to," I said. "You and my little neice or nephew."

She touched her stomach lightly. "Alright," she said. "But will you help me when I tell your parents?"

I nodded. "Of course."