By November, Fred and I had almost everything ready for our wedding, and I had started to relax. At least a little bit.

I was also surprised by how much I thoroughly enjoyed running my own photography business. Taking photos was already something I enjoyed doing to begin with, but a part of me had been slightly nervous about the salesperson aspect of it all. I wasn't charismatic like Fred and George, although Fred seemed to differ.

"You charmed me, didn't you?" He would say, nudging me and grinning.

But it was all going really well. People would come inside the shop all the time, and they actually bought my photos. I'd felt a little awkward and uncomfortable at first, but I was slowly but surely gaining confidence with not only talking to them, but really attempting to sell my photos.

"You have to act like your photo of a sunset is the best photo of a sunset in existence," Fred advised over dinner one night. "As if there are no others like it."

"Well, all sunsets are unique," I pointed out. "So there aren't any like it."

"That's exactly what I'm talking about," he replied energetically, pointing his fork at me. "That's exactly the kind of thing you should be telling them. Make them consider that they really are getting something one of a kind-something they can't get anywhere else."

My new job was also giving me an excuse to travel a bit more. For now, at least until the wedding, I was staying close by. I'd find places around England that I thought I could get some great photos of, and then I'd plan a day to Apparate out there and take some photos. Some days I went alone, but a lot of the time, I'd bring someone with me. So far, I'd brought Rachel on one trip and my mother on another. We'd leave on a Saturday morning, while Fred and George were busy working, and we'd return by Sunday afternoon in time for me to be at the Burrow for dinner.

Ginny had also been asking for a little while to turn one of my photography trips into a long weekend for a "Weasley Women Getaway".

"After I have the baby of course," she said, "and after you and Fred get married and you're officially a Weasley Woman."

"I'm not allowed otherwise?" I asked teasingly. "It sounds like a very exclusive club."

"It is," Ginny shrugged. "You can't join until you're officially a Weasley. Those are the rules."

"You're not technically a Weasley anymore," I argued with a smile. "If the rules can be bent for you, why can't they be bent for me?"

"Because you only have a short few months until you become a Weasley. I was a Weasley all my life. Have patience, will you?"

"I'll try," I assured her with a giggle.

On the subject of Ginny, she was becoming increasingly more irritable. She was due to give birth any day, and she was so ready to not be pregnant anymore.

"I swear, if this baby arrives one day past the due date, I'm going to scream," she complained one Sunday afternoon.

We were in the living room at the Burrow with Fleur, Katie, and Hermione. Victoire and Dominique were with us, too, playing on the rug in front of the fire. Everyone else was out back playing Quidditch, but seeing as Ginny couldn't play for the time being, and Fleur, Hermione, and I simply didn't play, we had opted to stay out of the cold and sit inside by the fire instead.

"Is it really that bad?" Hermione asked quietly, raising a curious eyebrow as she looked at Ginny.

"I haven't slept properly in months, so yes, it's bad," Ginny groaned. "And to think that once the baby comes, I still won't get enough sleep. How does anyone function?"

Fleur looked at Ginny in amusement as I let out a quiet breath of laughter through my nose, adjusting my position on the couch and tucking my legs under me.

"What exactly is so funny?" Ginny snapped, glaring at me. "You're the last one I expected to be laughing, considering you don't even want to have a baby at all!"

"Ginny!" Hermione gasped as my mouth dropped open and my cheeks flushed red.

"Who told you that?" I asked.

"Erm," Hermione said guiltily. Now, it was her turn to blush. "I pieced some things together at Ginny and Harry's anniversary party in May. When I walked in on you and Fred arguing. I told Ron, and Ginny overheard me. I shouldn't have even been talking about it. I'm sorry. It's not my business-anyone's business, really, except your own." She looked at me nervously. "For what it's worth, I wasn't gossiping, exactly. I actually took your side in the whole thing-I'd been saying how I hoped Fred wouldn't pressure you or belittle your feelings..." She trailed off and smiled apologetically.

I stared down at the couch cushions and picked at a loose thread. "Fred and I worked it out," I said. I shrugged one shoulder. "We're good. I was just g going through a period of self-doubt. But it's okay. And I've started to gain my confidence back since then." I glanced quickly over at Fleur, who smiled encouragingly. I looked back at Ginny. "And I also wasn't laughing at you, you know"

Ginny nodded and let out a sigh. "I know," she said. "And I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap or make you feel bad. It wasn't very supportive of me."

"It's not that I don't like or want kids," I said. "I like them quite a bit. And I adore Vic and Dominique." I glanced over at the two little girls playing by the fire. "My own childhood was just not that great, you know? I've still got shit to work out. But I recognize that Fred and I can still give a child the life I never got to have." I shrugged. "It's not going to be the same as what I had-or didn't have. We'll both make sure of that. So I've been opening up to the idea of being a mother one day. I've also considered adoption or fostering."

"What does Fred think of that idea?" Ginny asked.

"I haven't actually suggested it yet. Not as something I want to do for real. I wanted to get through the shop opening first, and also the wedding. And we both would like to take some time after the wedding before we start a family."

Ginny nodded. "I totally support you adopting or fostering, but I'll envy you when you don't have swollen ankles, when you can still tie your own shoes without magic, or even worse, without Fred's help, and when no one's treating you like a breakable porcelain doll."

I smiled slightly and rested the side of my head on the back of the couch. "You're not really selling the whole pregnancy thing, you know. You haven't made one good argument for it all day."

"It is awful," Ginny admitted.

"It wasn't that bad," Fleur said. "Not for me, anyway. Either time."

"Did pregnancy scramble your brain?" Ginny asked incredulously. "You hated being pregnant just as much. I remember having to listen to all your complaints."

"Just as we're all having to listen to yours now," Fleur said. She shrugged. "But I guess you sometimes tend to forget all the worst parts because in the end you have, well..." She smiled and gestured to Dominique and Victoire, playing quietly with their dolls.

I followed her gaze to the two girls who, in a little over a month, would officially be my nieces. A small smile lifted the corners of my mouth as I watched them.

Just then, there was the sound of the back door opening and a commotion of loud voices as the boys came inside from playing Quidditch. They paraded through the living room to hang up their coats, still talking loudly.

"How are two of my favorite girls?" Bill asked, scooping Victoire up and turning her upside down, tickling her stomach as she giggled.

"Bill, careful," Fleur warned.

"She loves it," he said, grinning down at his daughter. Nevertheless, he turned her right side up and kissed her cheek before setting her down, picking Dominique up and kissing her cheek as well.

Meanwhile, Fred had finished hanging up his coat and flung himself over the back of the couch, bouncing onto the cushion beside me and startling me slightly.

"Sorry," he murmured, noticing me jump. He leaned in to kiss me as he threw an arm over the back of the couch.

"Hermione, did you tell everyone the good news?" Ron asked, lowering himself to the floor next to where Hermione was sitting, leaning against the coffee table.

"Ron!" She hissed, widening her eyes and shaking her head minutely.

"What?" Ron asked in confusion. "You said you were going to tell them."

"It wasn't a good time," she whispered, glancing at me.

"Oh," Ron said slowly, clearing his throat and scanning the room awkwardly. "Forget I said anything, then."

"Like hell," Ginny said indignantly, frowning at Ron. She looked at Hermione. "What's your news?" When Hermione hesitated, Ginny seemed to think of something and she brightened. "You're pregnant, aren't you? Aren't you?"

Hermione blushed and gave a slight nod as Ginny cheered and Katie and Fleur brightened, wide smiles appearing on their faces.

"That's great news, Hermione," I said. "And you shouldn't have worried about me. You should want to tell everyone your news."

"It wasn't just that," Hermione said. "The discussion turned to how awful Ginny thinks being pregnant is, so how could I say anything! Besides, Sophie, I could just tell how much you were struggling with your own thoughts back in May. And I didn't know if anything had changed or if you were doing any better..."

I smiled slightly. "Things have changed a bit. Or at least started to. But regardless, even though I appreciate you being concerned, you still shouldn't feel like you have to hide the fact that you're having a baby because of me. It's great news and you should want to share it. And besides, it'll be impossible to hide at some point anyway." I smiled. "I'm happy for you. You'll be a great mother."

"I agree," Ginny said. "I'm thrilled to be getting another niece or nephew."

"You're just happy there will be someone else to go through the same torture you think you're going through," Hermione commented wryly. "Misery loves company, doesn't it?"

"It is torture, Hermione," Ginny said. "Just you wait."

"Yet I've never heard anyone complain quite as much as you," Hermione answered. "And mostly about not being able to play Quidditch and not being able to sleep."

"You try being sleep deprived," Ginny laughed. "And you may not like Quidditch, but imagine not being comfortable enough to sit and read a book in peace. Ever."

"And also not having the time to read afterwards," Fleur added.

Hermione began to retaliate, but I didn't hear what she said, because Fred had leaned in to kiss my temple.

"You okay?" He asked quietly.

I nodded. "Of course I'm okay," I answered. "You know, I'd actually like to talk to you about something along the lines of having children," I went on. "Later, though. Not now."

Fred grinned suggestively. "By talk do you actually mean with words or with other parts of-"

"No, Fred," I groaned. "Be serious. I mean a genuine conversation. Communication."

Fred studied me, his expression turning solemn when he realized just how serious I actually was about what I was saying. Finally, he nodded. "Okay," he said, brushing some of my hair behind my ear as he looked at me. After a moment his hand came to rest on the back of my neck as he leaned forward and pressed a lingering kiss to my forehead. "I love you," he murmured against my skin.

I sighed and closed my eyes. "I love you, too," I whispered.

Later that night, I was leaning against the bathroom door frame, my arms crossed over my chest as Fred finished brushing his teeth.

"So-I've been thinking," I began, as Fred dropped his toothbrush back into the holder and then leaned forward, closer to the mirror as he ran a hand through his hair, ruffling it from side to side.

"You know, I could have sworn I just noticed a grey hair," he said.

"Fred, you're twenty-three years old," I told him with a slight laugh.

"Exactly! If I'm getting grey hairs already, it may be enough to kickstart a quarter life crisis. As it is, I dread the day that I am actually old enough to have to go through losing the color of my hair. It's one of the best parts of me."

"I agree-it's one of my favorite parts of you, too. But it's all superficial," I reminded him. "It's just hair. You can always dye it if it means that much to you."

Fred turned to gape at me. "Just hair?" He asked. He gestured to his head. "This has been one of my signature physical traits since the day I was born. If family heirlooms could be body parts, this would be one of them."

I gave him a look. "Calling it a family heirloom implies that your whole family shares the same exact strands of hair, don't you think?" I asked, fighting back a laugh.

"Oh, piss off," Fred said, but he laughed as well. "I just meant that my whole family is practically known for being redheads."

"Didn't you tell me that you had been lucky to see yourself as an old man after Dumbledore's Age Line gave you a beard? And that you aged beautifully? I'm guessing your hair and beard weren't red then."

Fred hesitated. "I did say that, didn't I?" He asked, fully turning towards me and leaning sideways against the sink.

I nodded and gave him a small smile as I studied his face. "I don't think you'll have anything to worry about," I told him. "You're handsome now and you'll be handsome then."

Fred smiled and crossed the room to me. He gently tilted my chin up before leaning down to kiss me. "What were you about to say earlier?" He asked. "You said you'd been thinking." He smirked. "An impressive feat, if you ask me."

I rolled my eyes and turned away, heading down the hallway towards the kitchen. "Want some tea?" I asked.

Fred nodded and followed me into the kitchen. He quickly and effortlessly turned and hoisted himself onto the counter beside me as I pulled two mugs from the cupboard and waved my wand to charm the kettle to fill itself with water and set itself on the stove. I turned the stove on and turned back towards Fred, who was looking at me expectantly.

I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I just wanted to talk to you about what I mentioned at the Burrow earlier."

"About having kids," Fred said, a hopeful tone to his voice. "After you visited Bill and Fleur, you seemed to feel a lot better about the idea, and even more so after the week we spent taking care of Vic and Dominique."

I nodded. "I do feel better about it. I've come so far and really started to build up some confidence-generally, you know? Taking care of Vic and Dominique, opening and running my own business..." I swallowed and shook my head. "I've been doing so well and I'm proud. So, yes, I'm feeling more open to the idea of having children. More prepared. But I've also been thinking a lot lately about what our options might be as far as becoming foster parents or even adoptive parents." I looked up at Fred hesitantly, a bit unsure of how he'd react.

He blinked at me, surprise evident on his face. "You have?" He asked. "So-so you think fostering or adopting is something you really want to do?"

I nodded. "My mother brought it up months ago and she thought it would be really good for me-for us. And the more I thought about it, the more I took to the idea." I paused. "Why do you look so surprised?"

Fred shook his head. "I'm not surprised that it's what you want, but I've never really considered it until now."

"Why aren't you surprised it's something I want?" I asked, trying to fight the defensive tone my voice had taken.

Fred sighed and ran a hand over his face. "Soph-don't get so defensive. The reason I'm not surprised is because I know that you know what it's like to be a foster child. You're more...sensitive to that kind of situation than I am. It has nothing to do with whatever hesitation to start a family that you had before."

I nodded as I felt myself relax slightly. "So...what do you think?" I looked up at him hopefully.

A slow, amused smile spread over Fred's face. "I'm not sure I could say no to the look on your face, even if I wanted to."

"But do you want to?" I asked, twisting my engagement ring around my finger. "Say no, I mean. I don't want you to agree to this only because it's something I want."

Fred swallowed and looked down at his bare feet as he aimlessly kicked them back and forth, lightly tapping against the cabinets underneath the counter.

"It's not that I'm against the idea, Soph," he said, looking up at me. "But I do want kids of my own."

My stomach knotted and I felt my expression change instantly. "So you don't feel as if any fostered or adopted child that we would potentially take into our home would be ours?"

"That's not what I meant," he answered hurriedly. "I meant I want biological kids too-at least a couple, you know?"

"Why?" I asked, my voice quiet.

"What do you mean why? Why not?" He asked hotly. "Why are you still so against it?"

"I'm not! Not anymore. I'm still plenty nervous about being a mother, but not in the same way I was before. I wasn't asking why to be judgmental or accusatory. I was just asking why it's so important to you. I'm trying to understand your feelings. I'm trying to communicate."

Fred closed his eyes and tipped his head back as he let out a long, quiet sigh. Finally, he looked back up at me. "Sorry-I shouldn't have snapped at you. This time it was me getting defensive."

I nodded my head in acceptance of his apology. "Maybe I should've been clearer about why I was asking," I shrugged.

Fred shook his head. "You didn't need to be. Your tone said it all. Your tone was curious, not judgmental. I just ignored it and got defensive."

I looked up at him, studying his face. "Tell me what you're feeling," I whispered quietly. "You know how I'm feeling and why. Now it's your turn."

Fred let out a deep sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "I just...having biological children-it's just something I want. I don't know how else to explain it except for I want that kind of experience. Every bit of it. I always have. I want to look at our baby and figure out which one of us they look like. I want to be able to count all of their freckles, knowing they got them from me. I want to proudly watch them show compassion and empathy towards others and know they got that from you." He shrugged and looked at me. "I just want it, Soph. Is that stupid? Or wrong?" He whispered. "Do you blame me for feeling that way? For just wanting it without any other reason? Do I even need a reason?"

I took in a shaky breath as I stared back at him. "No," I whispered. "Of course not. You don't need a reason and I don't blame you for feeling the way you do."

It was quiet between us for a second. And then the kettle began to whistle, loud and shrill in the quiet room. I jumped slightly and turned towards it, pulling it off the stove and filling the two mugs in front of me with the hot water. I handed one to Fred and he took it, lowering it to his lap and running a finger along the rim of the mug as he stared down into the steaming brown liquid inside.

"No one said we couldn't do both," I said quietly. "I wasn't suggesting we only adopt or foster and not have children biologically. I just thought that maybe we could start with fostering. My reason for suggesting it at all isn't so much anymore that I'm hesitant to have biological children. Now, it's mostly that I just want-" I let out a sigh and looked down into my own mug. "I just want to give a few other children, who may be questioning if they're even wanted--" I broke off and took in a steadying breath. "I want to give them the life I couldn't have. I want to prove to them-and maybe to myself as well-that not all foster parents are complete shit. That there are people out there who deserve to be parents just as much as those kids deserve a family who loves them. I hate thinking that there are other children out there that could be questioning if they're lovable. It's not fair."

My voice cracked on the last word, and Fred immediately raised his head so he could meet my eyes. He twisted to the side to set his tea back down on the counter before turning back to me and resting a hand on my cheek, gently curling his fingers around to the back of my neck as his thumb brushed away a tear that had fallen down my face. His free hand went to one of mine, lacing his fingers through my own.

"I can't-and don't-blame you for what you're feeling and what you want, Fred," I went on. "I would never. But now I'm telling you how I feel. I may have been scared before, but now-now my desire to do this has everything to do with making sure there are a few less children in the world feeling like I used to. And I don't want you to blame me either for not feeling entirely the same way as you. I don't want you to resent me for it."

"Of course I can't blame you," Fred whispered fiercely. "I don't blame you. And I'd never resent you." He hopped off the counter. "Come here," he said, pulling me into a hug.

I rested my head against his chest and listened to the sound of his heartbeat as I closed my eyes.

"You say you wouldn't resent me, but if you feel so strongly about the way we have children and we end up doing something differently...you'd be at least a little disappointed."

"Well, you said yourself that no one said we couldn't do both," Fred pointed out. "And even if I were to feel disappointed, I can't and won't resent you for wanting to make the choice you did. And the method in which we have kids definitely will not change my behavior towards them."

"I know." I took in another slow breath, my cheek still resting against Fred's chest. "If I were to ever get pregnant," I whispered, "that baby would be loved unconditionally from day one. There would be no questioning from them about whether they were loved. You already promised me that you would tell them every day. And I know I would tell them every day as well. But I think of all the kids out there who ended up like me-kids who couldn't be with their birth parents for whatever reason and ended up in several different homes. Kids that weren't lucky enough to find a good family that wanted them. Kids that maybe go days, weeks, months...years without hearing anyone tell them they love them. I think about them and I just want..." I trailed off and sighed. I didn't even finish my sentence, but I knew I didn't have to. Fred knew what I meant.

"I don't know much about the adoption process here," he began, his voice a whisper, "but if this is something you want, we can definitely start looking into it. Doing some research. Then we'll be getting married and we'll get settled in and then...go from there. Sound good?"

I pulled back slightly and looked up at him. "Yeah, definitely! But-you're saying you're okay with it? You want to do it?"

Fred smiled and brushed some of my hair behind my ear. "It was never something I wasn't okay with. Not really. Like I said, it just wasn't something I'd put any thought into until now. I was completely ignorant to this sort of thing until I met you. And my promise still stands, of course. It doesn't matter in the end how a child comes into our care. I'll love them regardless and I'll tell them so. Every day."

I smiled up at him. "I know you will."

Fred looked down at me, studying my face as he slowly ran his fingers through my hair. "I know your case was an extreme, but I'd hate to think of where you'd be if Tom and Martha hadn't taken you in and shown you all the love that they did-the love you deserve."

"I hate to say it, but...I think I'd probably be dead," I whispered.

A muscle in Fred's jaw twitched as he clenched it. I saw him swallow before leaning in to kiss me. "Soph..." he whispered, pulling away just slightly and resting his forehead against mine. His eyes were still closed and his voice had been so quiet that I'd barely even heard him say my name. But I'd heard him nonetheless. I heard him as well as every underlying meaning and every word he wanted to say, but couldn't articulate properly. Except in the way he said my name.

"I know," I whispered. "I know."

"Merlin, he looks so much like Harry, I'm surprised he wasn't born with a scar and glasses."

It was just shy of a week after Ginny had gone into labor and delivered a healthy baby boy. She and Harry had chosen the name James, after Harry's father.

Fred, George, Katie, and I had been invited over to meet our newest nephew and naturally, the first words out of Fred's mouth had been the comment about the baby looking like Harry.

"It's so unfair," Ginny complained. "Nine months of pregnancy, fourteen hours of labor, absolutely no sleep, and for what? For this cheeky little man to come out looking exactly like his father." She lovingly traced a finger over little James' cheek as she smiled down at him and shook her head.

"Who wants to bet he'll have your personality, though?" Harry asked, coming into the room with mugs of tea for all of us.

"You forgot the scones," Ginny reminded him, glancing up from her son's face to look at Harry.

"I did not," Harry insisted. "I'm going back for them." He waved his wand and distributed tea to me, Katie, Fred and George before setting his and Ginny's on the coffee table. He shot the rest of us an exasperated look before turning and heading back to the kitchen.

"He forgot them," Ginny told us matter-of-factly.

"Did not!" Harry called back.

"Shh, you'll wake the baby." Ginny rolled her eyes, but smiled teasingly as she met Harry's eyes when he turned to look at her over his shoulder. Once he was gone, Ginny turned back to the rest of us. Her eyes fell on me and she smiled wider. "So...you've officially got a little over a month left until you're a married woman. How are you feeling?" She paused. "Particularly since you've got a little over a month left until you're married to my brother. My ugliest brother at that."

Fred scowled as George let out a loud laugh. "You know," Fred began, "if you weren't holding a baby right now, I'd come over there and smack you upside the head."

Ginny smiled smugly and adjusted James in her arms. "I planned it that way," she quipped. She turned back to me. "Seriously-how are you feeling? Nervous? Got any cold feet? I sincerely hope not, because I am in desperate need of another sister-in-law."

I laughed. "No, no cold feet." I glanced over at Fred with a smile before turning back to Ginny. "Definitely a little nervous, though."

"Fred's ugliness will do that to you," Ginny said, nodding seriously. "It's alright, just always keep your eyes closed tight when he kisses you. Picture your good old pal Marcus Flint instead-he's so much better looking than my brother, isn't he?"

"I swear to Merlin," Fred said through gritted teeth as he grabbed one of the decorative pillows from the couch. "Put the baby down so I can throw this at you."

"Fred, please," I said, reaching out and closing my hand on his wrist, pushing down to lower his arm. I shot him a look that said tone it down.

"See-you'd better behave or Sophie is going to get cold feet and leave you for Flint," Ginny taunted with a good natured laugh as Harry came back into the room with the plate of scones.

"Like hell," Fred practically growled. "You know, Gin, it's amazing how much more ballsy you get when you have the protection of a baby. Honestly, I thought you were better than using your infant as a human shield."

"There's no level to which I wouldn't stoop in order to get under your skin," Ginny said airily. "You should know that by now."

Fred snorted and rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything else.

"It's okay," I told him, patting his hand and giving him a teasing half smile. "It's really your personality that charmed me anyway."

Ginny and George began to laugh as Fred gaped at me.

"I may not be able to throw a pillow at Ginny," he said, grabbing the pillow again, "but there's nothing stopping me from throwing one at you." He flung the pillow at me and I laughed and caught it as I raised my hands to shield my face.

"Why can't you just behave?" I asked, punctuating the word by hitting the pillow against Fred's arm.

Fred snatched the pillow back and whacked it against my own arm. "Because you provoked me."

"Quit throwing your sister's pillows around," I said, trying to keep my voice serious as I took the pillow and put it back on the couch, adjusting it as nicely as I could. "That's not very good etiquette."

"As if you weren't just hitting me with it, too," Fred muttered, rolling his eyes. He looked at me with a small smile before leaning over and gently kissing me. He pulled away slightly and whispered, "Stay away from Marcus Flint, okay? I don't want to give him the chance to sweep you off your feet."

I scoffed. "You don't have to tell me twice."

Fred grinned. "Good," he whispered, leaning in to kiss me again.

"Oi, you two want to talk about etiquette, but then you go ahead and do that," George commented, pretending to gag.

Just then, the baby started whining and Ginny shifted him in her arms before standing up.

"Look," George said, nudging Fred. "You two are upsetting the baby with your poor etiquette."

Ginny let out a snort and rolled her eyes. "Oh, please," she scoffed. "He's just hungry, George. And he typically eats faster than anyone I've ever seen-including you-and then burps all over me afterwards, so I don't think he cares much for etiquette."

"I still think Fred and Sophie upset him," George said, folding his arms over his chest and leaning back in his chair. "Merlin knows they upset me regularly."

"And we enjoy doing it," Fred answered loftily. He grabbed the same pillow that he'd hit me with and proceeded to fling it at George, who immediately flung it back. It bounced off of Fred's head and he grabbed it, as well as a second pillow, and threw them both at George.

"Sophie, it's not too late to change your mind, you know!" Ginny called to me from the kitchen.

I let out a half laugh, half groan and buried my face in my hands as Fred and George continued to wreak havoc beside me.

Fifteen.

That was the amount of days left between me and my wedding.

Two.

The amount of weeks left before I became someone's wife. And not just anyone's wife, either. Fred's wife. The same person that I once would have been happy to never see again because he made me uncomfortable and I didn't know what to make of him.

Three.

The amount of chimes ringing out from the clock downstairs as it marked the beginning of a new hour.

I barely heard it, however.

It was three in the morning, and I was curled up on the window seat of the room I was staying in at a cottage in Cornwall as I watched the snow currently falling lazily outside.

The cottage had been Rachel's idea. She, Kayla, Allie, Ginny and Katie had planned and booked the whole thing as a surprise bachelorette weekend.

Initially, I'd been a little weary when Rachel had told me to make sure I had a bag packed and that I was ready to leave immediately after work on Friday, but she had insisted it was a weekend that I'd love.

And so far, it had been. We'd only been here for about seven hours, but the house was lovely and very cozy with a large fireplace and lots of windows, which, as I was now discovering, were perfect for watching the snow fall.

Shortly after we'd arrived-as in, we'd barely had time to put our bags down-I'd found myself being led from the house again. We'd gone to a nearby village called Mousehole-Kyle's suggestion according to Rachel.

"That jerk," I muttered. "I'll bet he had a good laugh suggesting we come here." I raised an eyebrow at Rachel. "And I can't believe you listened to him!"

"I almost didn't," she said. "I mean, it's mostly a fishing village. Not ideal for a bachelorette weekend. But I discovered they have some nice Christmas light displays and an outdoor holiday market. So I thought it would at least be worth it for a few hours tonight before we move on to doing more...bachelorette things tomorrow. Besides, the name of the village alone made it too good to pass up." She grinned and nudged me. "Isn't that right, Mouse?"

I'd found myself smiling at the use of the nickname. Kyle still called me Mouse more than he called me by my real name, despite Martha trying to get him to stop. But the name had stuck, and the thing was-I didn't mind one bit.

After we'd looked at all the Christmas lights, had dinner, and done some shopping, we went back to the cottage and let ourselves inside, where Kayla immediately lit a fire.

"It's cold as fuck in here," she grumbled through a shiver. "Sophie, why the absolute hell did you decide to get married in the middle of bloody winter?"

"I thought you liked the idea of using my wedding as one hell of a New Year's Eve party?" I asked, sinking down into a chair and tucking my legs under me. Rachel had disappeared upstairs while the other girls had gone into the kitchen. "Those were your exact words, you know."

"I did say that, but now that I've been reminded of the cold, I may have changed my mind."

"You'll be warm soon enough," Rachel said. She'd returned from the second floor with a pile of blankets. She tossed one at Kayla's head before handing one to me and setting the rest down on the couch. "Ginny, Allie and Katie are getting the snacks and making adult hot chocolate," she informed me.

"Adult hot chocolate?" I asked.

"With alcohol in it, Sophie, duh," she answered. "That plus the blankets and the fire will have us warm in no time."

We'd stayed up for a few more hours talking, laughing, and getting slightly drunk as we finished our spiked hot chocolate and found ourselves getting into the champagne Rachel had brought for toasts the following night.

"I had plans for this champagne," she sighed, gazing dejectedly at the nearly empty bottle. "We were going to pop it open tomorrow night, do some toasts and then go out in search of some good pubs around here."

"Well, I guess it's a good thing that I brought plenty of alcoholic backup," Kayla assured her.

"I'm not surprised," Rachel laughed. "But undoubtedly you didn't bring champagne. We'll be doing toasts with firewhiskey tomorrow."

"It'll get us twice as drunk," Kayla pointed out. "Which makes the toasts twice as strong."

By the time we'd headed upstairs to bed, it was nearing two in the morning. I'd changed into pajamas, but then had found myself curling up on the window seat and pressing my forehead against the glass as I wrapped a blanket around me and let my thoughts wander.

And a full hour later, as the clock finished striking three, that's where I still sat, thinking about my upcoming wedding.

I felt an odd calmness about the whole thing at this point. Everything was planned and ready. According to Rachel, all that was really left for me to do was show up. Any and all of the minor little things left were being taken care of by either Martha or Mrs. Weasley or one of my friends.

I wondered to myself what Fred was doing right then. He'd been having his own weekend away with Lee and his brothers. Charlie had even come home early for this weekend as well and was staying until after the wedding.

I fiddled absentmindedly with the Galleon bracelet on my wrist. Even though I knew it had been designed solely to let Fred and George know if I were ever in danger, I suddenly wished I could use it even just to let Fred know I was thinking about him. There wasn't any way to communicate with him from here. We didn't have an owl for me to send a short note, and it would have taken too long anyway. I also didn't want to send a Patronus just to say I missed him. I didn't want to distract him or take away from either of our weekends. I just wanted him to know he was on my mind.

Just then, there was a quiet knock on my door and I turned away from the window to see Ginny and Katie peeking their heads inside.

"Oh, good, you are still up," Katie said brightly as the two of them came inside. "We thought you might be." She immediately came over to perch on the opposite end of the window seat as Ginny quietly closed my bedroom door and then took a seat on my bed.

"Licorice wand?" She asked, pulling one out from the assortment of sweets nestled in the crook of her arm. She held the licorice wand out towards me, waving it tantalizingly.

"Uh-sure," I said slowly, taking it from her. I looked between her and Katie. "What are you two doing in here?"

"We figured you'd still be awake, wondering just how on Earth you could possibly be sitting here two weeks out from becoming a lawfully wedded wife," Ginny said, selecting a licorice wand for herself. She stuck one end between her teeth and yanked at the other end, biting off a piece and smiling at me as she chewed.

"You aren't wrong," I laughed, fiddling with my own licorice wand for a second before taking a bite. "In fact, you're completely right."

"We also figured you'd be missing Fred," Katie added.

"Yeah?" I asked with a smile and a curious eyebrow raise. "Why do you figure that?"

"Well...we figured because he figured," Katie said slowly.

"What?" I asked. Now I was really confused.

"Before we left London earlier, he gave us this to give to you," Katie went on, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a folded piece of parchment. She passed it to me.

I took it from her and unfolded it, laughing as I read the note scribbled in Fred's narrow, cramped penmanship.

I know you're going to be thinking about me incessantly this weekend. Don't be ashamed-I am very irresistible after all. But-and normally I wouldn't advise such a thing-maybe you should give it a rest. I'm getting bloody tired from running through your mind all the time. Enjoy your weekend with your friends and my incorrigible sister. Have fun. But also, don't worry-I'm thinking about you just as much as you're thinking of me. You're not the only lovesick one in this relationship, as much as I hate to admit it. Although, I suppose I should get over it-hating to admit it, I mean-seeing as I'll be essentially admitting it in front of everyone we know in only a few weeks. Anyway, I mean it. Have a good time this weekend. You deserve it. I love you. -Fred.

I smiled down at the note as I read it through a second time.

"Merlin, you and Fred are gross," Ginny said. "Now I know why George has started to claim you two upset the children in the family."

I let out a breath of laughter. It was true. Ever since that visit to Harry and Ginny's to see the baby, George had taken to blaming me and Fred every time one of the kids cried. Even if we weren't in the room at the time.

"George also claims they upset him." Katie was saying now as she rolled her eyes.

"Yes, I did say children, didn't I?" Ginny asked dryly. "And that includes George." She shook her head. "But my point is that I can see why he would say that." She pointed at me. "This girl's smiling like a nutter at a piece of parchment with a bunch of chicken scratch scribbled on it. It's a wonder she can even read it."

"I'll keep all of this in mind the next time you're gushing over Harry," I said coolly, folding the note back up and looking at Ginny.

"Ooh, you should have seen her back when she was a kid," Katie giggled. "Not that I witnessed all that much of it-I've mostly just heard stories from George. But she had the biggest crush on Harry, even before she really knew him. She could barely even be in his presence without blushing! And actually talking to him? Forget it!"

"Really," I said with a small, amused smile as I glanced at Ginny, who was now scowling at Katie.

"Schoolgirl crush," she said, trying to sound dismissive. "I was over it quickly."

"So, tell me, is that why you married him?" I asked as Katie and I dissolved into giggles. "And had a baby with him?" Katie and I were almost downright cackling now, leaning on each other for support.

"She's really trying to brush off her feelings for her own husband!" Katie breathed through her laughter.

"He wasn't my husband back then!" Ginny argued. "I made a fool of myself several times!"

"You were a kid," Katie said as our laughter slowed.

"And clearly Harry didn't mind that you made a fool of yourself," I added.

"Didn't notice is more like it," Katie amended. "He's not the most observant bloke."

"That is true," Ginny agreed. "I'll give you that."

"In any case, I wouldn't worry about it, Gin," Katie said, helping herself to another licorice wand. "Besides, it's not like you're the only one who ever made a fool of yourself in front of someone you liked. It happens to the best of us."

"Ooh, like the time when you finally realized you liked George," Ginny began, "and you were so busy trying to flirt with him that you weren't watching where you were going and crashed right into a suit of armor? You knocked the whole thing over!" She laughed and turned to me. "The noise woke the dead, I'm sure of it."

"I nearly climbed into the suit of armor to hide!" Katie groaned. "I was mortified!"

"The worst part is that you didn't even need to flirt that hard with George. He already liked you."

"I think he might've liked me more after the armor incident, though," Katie said thoughtfully. "Oddly enough."

"I wouldn't be surprised," Ginny shrugged. She looked up at me. "What about you, Soph? You must have embarrassed yourself in front of a guy before. Tell us about it and make us feel better about our own mishaps."

"Um...not really," I shrugged, squirming a bit on the window seat. "I didn't have the most normal teenage years. You both know that. I was painfully quiet and barely talked to anyone. I wasn't really spending my time flirting with boys."

"Yeah, but you must have done something embarrassing," Ginny said. "And there had to have been at least one boy at your school that you thought was cute, even if you didn't think you stood a chance with him."

I leaned back against the wall and sighed as I thought. "I guess-there was one time when I was fourteen...I did think this one boy in my classes was really cute. Luke West. I was spending one class period daydreaming terribly about him. He sat two rows ahead of me and one to the right. I was staring straight at the back of his head, lost in thought. And then Professor Bradley called on me for an answer and I stupidly blurted out 'Luke'. The whole class laughed and Luke turned bright red. He completely avoided me after that. Not that he ever really spoke to me before..."

I refrained from saying that the group of girls who'd made my life a living hell during school had taken to my embarrassing moment in class like a dog to a bone. They'd had a field day with not only the moment itself, but the fact that I liked Luke. Priscilla, the one who'd been considered the leader of their little group, even began flirting with him just to spite me. And he liked the attention from her a lot more than he'd liked the attention from me. Part of me almost wished those girls-and even Luke-could see me now.

"Where's Luke now?" Ginny asked. "Do you know?"

I shook my head. "No, I don't."

"Ah, well maybe he's cursing himself ten times over for not finding your embarrassing moment endearing," Ginny said. "And for not sweeping you into his arms right then and there. He let some other guy-my dumb brother at that-do it instead." She scoffed. "Sounds lazy to me. Lazy Luke."

I laughed. "I highly doubt he's that upset over it. Or that he's even thought of me at all. But thanks anyway."

"Sure," Ginny said with a smile.

"For the record," I went on, "I'd take Fred over Luke any day."

"That's a relief," Ginny laughed, "considering you are about to marry Fred."

I swatted at her with my licorice wand as she squealed and pulled away. "I just meant that in hindsight...Luke wasn't all that."

"Clearly," Ginny said. "You embarrassed yourself in front of him and he didn't immediately know you were the one. Not like George and Harry."

"I'm not sure George and Harry immediately knew we were the one," Katie said. "As we mentioned, Harry's not observant and George already liked me."

"Right, but they also didn't run away like cowards," Ginny argued. "And neither would Fred." She turned to me. "How many times have you embarrassed yourself in front of Fred?"

"Quite a few," I said slowly, "but some of them weren't exactly-" I broke off and sighed. "Some of them were just more serious, you know? Like in Salem, I broke down crying into his shoulder about my mother. I couldn't even stop it. And I didn't want to do that in front of him or anyone else. Then there was the day I first met him and Marcus Flint tripped me and I spilled drinks all over the floor."

"In my opinion, that was more embarrassing for Flint," Ginny shrugged. "Too bad he doesn't give a shit about his behavior. In fact, he thinks it's cool." She shuddered.

"Even still, I was mortified," I said.

"And Fred didn't care," Ginny replied. "What did he do instead?"

"Defended me," I whispered with a smile. "Nearly kicked Flint's ass. Or ripped his head off. One of the two."

Ginny smiled. "I'd argue that it was you tripping, falling, and lying there on the ground covered in spilled alcohol that captured Fred's heart. Hook, line, and sinker."

I laughed. "I doubt that, Ginny. According to Fred, what really did it was the time that I referred to Percy in the present tense, not the past tense."

"He'd already started falling for you before that," Ginny said, shaking her head. "It started just before Noah died. Fred just didn't want to admit it. Not with everything you'd gone through and him still getting over Angelina. It was complicated, especially with you dating Noah and then him dying. But what you said about Percy-"

"Hook, line, and sinker," I said. "That's what I was getting at. I think that was his moment of clarity."

Ginny stared just past my shoulder and out the window, her expression suddenly thoughtful and a bit far away. "Sometimes I wonder if..."

"If what?" I prompted.

"If..." Suddenly, she shook her head rapidly and tore her gaze away from the window as she stood up from the bed. "Never mind. It's crazy, anyway. It's all a bit too Trelawney."

"What?" I asked, glancing at Katie. She didn't look like she knew quite what Ginny meant, but she did at least seem to know who-or what-Trelawney was.

"Are you using your inner eye to see the future now?" Katie asked with a teasing smile.

"What are you going on about?" I asked, still confused.

"Never mind, it's nothing." Ginny tilted her head towards the door. "It's time for us to actually try to get some sleep, I think. If I know anything about Rachel, she's probably got a full day of bachelorette activities planned for tomorrow." She gestured to Katie, who also stood up, and the two of them headed for the door, letting themselves out after saying good night to me.

I sat there at the window seat for a moment longer, still feeling slightly confused. And then, finally, I got up and crawled into bed, rolling over to reach out and turn off the light. Moments later, I was asleep.

"You're not to take a single photo today, understand?"

"Not even one?" I asked, staring hopefully up at Rachel from the chair I was sitting in.

We were getting ready in a room at the Leaky Cauldron that Martha and Tom had designated for us to get ready in. "I'd call it a bridal suite," she'd said with a small sigh, "but it's not much of a suite."

"It's perfect," I'd assured her with a kiss on the cheek.

We'd all spent the night there as well-me, Rachel, Kayla, Allie, Ginny, and Katie-and had a completely stereotypical girls' night in the sense that we talked, ate, drank, and even painted each other's nails.

Now, on the morning of my wedding, I was sitting in the same room with my dress on and my hair and makeup done, courtesy of Rachel. And also courtesy of Rachel, I was getting a lecture on how I was to enjoy my day and not spend it working. Rachel's words. I'd tried to tell her taking pictures wouldn't be work-it wouldn't even feel like work to me-but she wasn't having it.

"No, not even one," she said. "If I let you take one, it might open the floodgates and you won't want to stop." She nodded her head decisively. "No, you'll leave the photos to everyone else today."

"But you'll be sure to-"

"Take photos of everything, yes," Rachel assured me, turning towards the mirror and adjusting her own intricately done hair. "Speaking of..." she reached down and picked up my camera. "Everyone get over here."

She set the camera to take the picture on it's own and to hover directly in front of us as she and the other girls gathered around me. At the last second, Kayla plopped down in my lap and threw her arms around my neck, pressing an exaggerated kiss to my cheek just as the flash went off.

"Kayla!" Rachel groaned. "Can't you let us take one nice photo?"

"Sure," Kayla shrugged, getting off of my lap. "Just not that one."

We arranged ourselves together again for a nicer picture, and the flash went off a second time, capturing the moment forever.

I turned to look at my reflection in the mirror as Rachel went to grab my camera and set it back down. I stood up and adjusted my dress before turning to the side and admiring myself from every angle possible. I looked beautiful, and more importantly, I felt beautiful.

I was only pulled from my thoughts when I heard a click and saw a flash. I blinked and turned towards Rachel, who was holding my camera again.

"Got to get those candids," she said with a smile, holding the camera up.

I smiled. "Good idea."

"You look beautiful, you know," she went on.

"Mostly thanks to your hair and makeup skills," I said, gazing at myself in the mirror again. Whatever Rachel had done had made the blue of my eyes stand out even more than usual. My eyelashes were longer and darker and my skin almost looked like it was glowing. My hair was curled with the sides pulled back and twisted into a braid that wrapped around the back of my head, the rest of my hair flowing down beneath it in lovely curls.

"I put a waterproof charm on all of the makeup, so it should stay even if you decide to start blubbering," Rachel said.

"Thanks, Rach," I whispered, turning to look at her. "For-well, everything."

She stared at me for a moment, a small smile on her face, before she nodded and pulled me into a tight hug. I hugged her back, trying not to cry despite the waterproof charm on my makeup.

There was suddenly a knock on the door and Martha slipped into the room, with Mrs. Weasley and my mother. They all fawned over me for a moment before Mrs. Weasley held out a glittering tiara for my hair-one that I recognized immediately as Aunt Muriel's.

"I know you probably recognize this," Mrs. Weasley said. "Muriel herself wore it on her wedding day and so did I. Fleur wore it as well and so did Katie, Ginny, and Hermione, so it's become sort of a tradition." She cleared her throat. "I wasn't sure if you'd want to wear it, given what Muriel said to you at Ginny's wedding, but I wanted to offer and at least give you the choice."

"If anything, wear it to make Fred mad," Ginny said.

"Ginny," Mrs. Weasley scolded. "Not on his wedding day. Please."

"Fred doesn't want me to wear it?" I asked, tearing my eyes away from the beautiful hairpiece to look at Mrs. Weasley in confusion.

She chuckled. "Of course not. After what happened at Ginny's wedding? He was-and still is-furious."

"He told Mum right to her face that he didn't want anything belonging to that withered, walking corpse of an old hag anywhere near you, especially on your wedding day," Ginny said.

Mrs. Weasley let out a deep sigh and ran a hand over her face. "Must you repeat that, Ginny?"

Ginny shrugged. "He also said something about Muriel's nerve to offer you the tiara after all she said to you-and to him."

"Which is why I told him that I would bring it to you and offer it this morning," Mrs. Weasley said. "Not Muriel." She shrugged. "I don't think it made him any happier, but here I am anyway."

I held back a slight laugh. "Well...as always, those were some colorful choices of words from Fred," I sighed. I looked at Mrs. Weasley. "I'd like to wear the tiara."

"You would?" She asked, her expression brightening.

I nodded. "And not to make Fred mad, either. I want to wear it for me. Especially since it's a tradition-I just think it'll really make me feel like part of the family."

"You are part of the family," Mrs. Weasley said. "Especially after today. Tiara or not."

I grinned and allowed her to carefully place the tiara in my hair. Rachel helped her fix it and arrange my hair beautifully around it.

"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley," I whispered as she hugged me.

She pulled back from the hug and smiled at me. "Remember what I just said about you being part of the family?" She chuckled and shook her head. "You don't have to call me Mrs. Weasley. I think we're at the point where Molly will suffice."

I let out a quiet laugh of my own as I beamed back at her. "That's a good point. You are going to be my mother in law in a few short hours, after all."

She nodded and patted my arm. "Now, come on, we're going to be late if we don't get a move on," she said, releasing me and taking my face in her hands as she beamed at me. "My son is very lucky to have you," she said.

"I think I'm the lucky one," I answered quietly.

Molly hugged me again before she began ushering everyone out of the room so we could leave.

Fred and I had decided to hold the actual wedding ceremony at the Ministry of Magic. It was Fred's idea, and he'd brought it up in front of the whole family, which caused the room to fall silent and everyone to stare as if he'd just sprouted an extra arm.

"I know we were having trouble deciding on a place," he'd said, "and I thought we could do it at the Ministry either in the Atrium...or better yet, somewhere in Percy's old department."

The room remained silent as everyone continued to stare at Fred, but finally Mr. Weasley had been the one to break it. "I think that's a wonderful idea. I'm sure we could convert one of the conference rooms there into a spectacular location for a wedding ceremony."

"A conference room, Arthur?" Molly had asked hesitantly.

"We could alter it magically and with decorations too, of course," he'd said. "It won't look or feel like a conference room by the time we're done with it. Especially with you involved. Besides, it's ultimately Fred and Sophie's decision."

Fred nodded and turned to me. "What do you think?"

I leaned over and gently kissed his cheek. "I'm all in. Let's do it."

So that was where we were headed now. The Ministry of Magic. I hadn't seen the transformed room yet, but according to Rachel, it definitely no longer resembled a conference room.

As everyone began filing out of the room at the Leaky Cauldron, my mother pulled me aside and waited until everyone had left before turning to me.

"I just wanted to say congratulations, Soph," she whispered. "I'm so very happy for you. Not to mention proud. You've become every bit of the young woman I'd hoped you'd be. And I'm glad I got to be here to see it. I'm glad you've allowed me to be here."

"Of course. I'm glad you're here too. And...thanks," I answered quietly, a small smile turning up the corners of my mouth.

"I'd also like to give you this..." She reached into her bag and pulled out a square box, handing it to me with a smile. "It's not much for a wedding present, but..."

"You've done so much already," I interrupted, taking the box from her. "Even all you've done to help plan the wedding." I shook my head. "I appreciate it, you know. Very much."

My mother nodded. "Open it," she said, gesturing to the gift.

I pulled open the lid of the box to reveal a silver charm bracelet. There were already two charms on it and I held up the bracelet to examine them. One was a charm shaped like a pair of ice skates and the other was a pair of wings.

"This is beautiful," I whispered.

"I thought you might like it," my mother said.

I clasped the bracelet around my wrist and held it up so the silver metal caught the light. "I love it." I gazed at it a moment longer before turning back to my mother. "Do you remember trying to teach me how to ice skate?" I asked.

"Of course," my mother nodded.

"Do you also remember during one of those lessons where you told me that although it seemed difficult at the time, one second I'd be struggling and in the next I'd be flying? And how that same philosophy could also apply to anything in life?"

"I do remember that," my mother laughed. "I'm surprised you remember, actually. You were so young, and you wanted nothing to do with my motherly advice at the time."

"I've never forgotten it," I whispered. "I spent years waiting for the moment where I'd go from struggling to flying. For a while, I thought it would be instantaneous, but it wasn't. I've spent the last few years slowly getting off the ground, but today-"

"Today you're flying," my mother finished.

I nodded. "Yeah."

My mother pulled me into a hug just then and I pressed my face into her shoulder, actually feeling so much comfort in her embrace.

"I know my struggles aren't over completely," I said. "Life is full of them...but I think the worst is really behind me."

"I think so too," my mother answered, pulling away from me. She grinned. "And I couldn't be happier for you. Now-let's get you off to your wedding."

"Thomas O'Reilly, if you don't pull yourself together, I'm going to walk Sophie down the aisle!"

I fought back a giggle as Martha stood over Tom with her hands on her hips. We were waiting in a separate room at the Ministry for the ceremony to start and waiting on our cue to begin walking into the next room and down the aisle. Tom, Martha, the bridesmaids and groomsmen were all in attendance. Ginny was also currently playing with Victoire, who was our flower girl.

Tom had heavily sat down in a chair and was staring at the ceiling, as he actually began wringing his hands.

"What are you so nervous about?" I asked.

"You just look so grown up, for one thing," he said, still staring at the ceiling. "I didn't expect to feel this...well, this emotional."

"I can't look any more grown up than I did when you first met me," I said. "Only three and a half years have passed."

"But that's the thing," Tom said. "You do look more grown up. I can't explain it. Also...this is all just completely new to me, you know? I've never been trusted with a responsibility like this before."

This time, I actually did laugh. "Tom, all you have to do is walk me from here to where Fred's waiting for me in the next room. It's pretty easy, actually."

"Not if his legs give out," Rachel said, coming to stand beside me as she assessed Tom. "Martha's right, Tom, you've got to get your shit together."

"Do you still want a job to come back to on Monday?" Tom asked, finally shifting his gaze from the ceiling to look at Rachel stonily. "If you do, you'll stop talking."

Kayla let out a hoot of laughter. "Rachel doesn't know how to stop talking."

Rachel nudged Kayla hard in the side. "I'm just telling it like it is," she said.

Just then, the door opened and my mother stuck her head in. "Ready?" She asked. "It's time."

I inhaled through my nose, trying to calm my now racing heartbeat. I was feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as Martha and my mother went back to take their seats and everyone else began to line up. Victoire was first, holding a small basket of red flower petals. Behind her was Ginny and Bill, so that they could help Victoire feel more comfortable, and to guide her in case she decided to take any detours and run off. Behind Ginny and Bill were Kayla and Charlie, then Allie and Lee, Katie and Ron, and finally, George and Rachel. Fred's best man and my maid of honor.

Tom and I stood at the end of the line, my arm linked through his as I gripped my bouquet tightly in my free hand.

"Now whose legs are going to give out?" Tom asked, nudging me. "Breathe, Sophie. If you pass out, I don't think I can carry you down the aisle. I've got a bad back, you know. I'm too old for that sort of thing."

I let out a breath of laughter. "Oh, please. You aren't old. But I definitely can't carry you, either. So I guess if either of us pass out, George will just have to carry us." I smiled as I nudged George in the back.

He turned around and scoffed as he gave me a look. "Yeah, right!" He exclaimed. "It may be your wedding day, but I draw the line at carrying anyone." He paused. "Unless it's Vic, Dom, or little James." He smiled and gave me a shrug. "Looks like you two are on your own."

I giggled as music began to play and Bill gently nudged Victoire forward. She began dumping flower petals out by the handful before she'd even gotten out the door, and Bill had to use his wand to levitate them back in as Ginny laughed and leaned down to tell Victoire to hold off just a bit.

We made our way out into the hallway and towards the next room where all the guests-and Fred-were waiting. I found myself inching closer and closer to the doorway as each person in front of me made their way down the aisle one by one. Finally, it was just George and Rachel left in front of me.

"Nervous about all those people turning to look at you at once when you walk in?" Tom asked me with a wry smile.

Rachel's head whipped around so fast, it was a wonder she didn't pull a muscle. "Tom, really?" She hissed. "If she wasn't before, she is now! Are you trying to get her to run away?"

"Maybe," he said with a shrug. He glanced at me. "It's not too late to back out. Wait a few more years before jumping into something like this."

I laughed as Rachel glared at him. "I'm not jumping into anything," I told him.

"And she's not running either," Rachel said, still glaring at Tom. "Sophie, tell him you're not running."

"I'm not running," I assured them.

"You'd better not be," George said, adjusting his tie. "You'll have to deal with me on Fred's behalf if you do."

"He's kidding," Rachel told me.

"I'm not," George responded. He nudged Rachel in the side. "Now come on, turn around, it's almost our turn." Once Rachel had turned around, George looked over his shoulder and smiled warmly at me. "I know I told you this earlier when I first saw you, but you look beautiful. When Fred undoubtedly faints at the sight of you, I'll be sure to catch him and hold him up for you."

"I thought you didn't carry anyone," I retaliated.

"You're right," George answered. "I did say that. I'll just be letting him hit the floor, then."

"Oh, shut up and walk, George," Rachel hissed, tugging him forward. The doors swung shut behind them, leaving me and Tom to step directly in front of them and wait for them to be opened again when it was my turn.

"They really are all going to stare at me, aren't they?" I whispered suddenly.

Tom chuckled. "Yeah, they will," he said. "But think of it this way-it's a small wedding. Mostly consisting of the Weasleys, their extended family, and friends."

"They have a lot of family and friends," I pointed out.

"True," Tom laughed. "But also, speaking from experience, once you get in there, you're not going to be paying a speck of attention to a single one of those guests. You won't even know they're looking at you. And if you do become aware, just remind yourself to keep looking at Fred. Again, not that you'll even need to remind yourself."

I nodded and inhaled deeply through my nose before letting it out. "Okay," I whispered. "I'll take your word for it."

Tom didn't get a chance to respond, because at that moment, the doors in front of us were swinging open to a swell in the music, leaving nothing except an aisle between me and Fred.

It was almost eerie how every single head in the room turned to look at me simultaneously, but it was just as Tom said-I barely even noticed.

My eyes were glued to Fred's from the moment the doors opened, and they remained glued to his as Tom and I began to walk forward.

"Slower," Tom whispered in my ear. "You're walking too fast. You're supposed to walk down the aisle, not run. Besides, I can't keep up with you if you run."

I fought back a snort of laughter. "Sorry," I hissed, trying to move my lips as little as possible.

"Also-the slower you walk, the more time it'll take for you to reach Fred."

"Why do you say that like it's a good thing? The whole point of this is so I can make it to him."

"I just want to test his patience as much as possible," Tom chuckled quietly.

My eyes were still trained on Fred's, and I saw him smile at me as he continued to take me all in-every inch from my head to my toes.

"Walk faster," I saw him mouth.

"See?" Tom hissed with a slight laugh. "You're torturing the poor bloke."

"And you're getting a laugh out of it," I giggled.

"I am," Tom replied.

Finally, we'd made it down the aisle and I was standing directly in front of Fred. I was barely able to turn away from him for the second it took me to hug Tom and kiss his cheek. And then I'd taken my spot beside Fred, and in front of Kingsley, who had ever so kindly offered to officiate the wedding himself.

Fred slipped his hand into mine as he looked down at me. "Shit, you look incredible," he breathed out, his voice full of emotion.

I laughed quietly. "So do you," I whispered back, smiling up at him. "You really should dress up more often."

Fred snorted and rolled his eyes as I smiled wider. I saw him notice Muriel's tiara and a slight frown flitted across his face for a moment.

"Later," I whispered. "We'll talk about it later."

Fred nodded, seemingly satisfied with my promise, as Kingsley began speaking, welcoming everyone to the wedding.

The ceremony seemed to go by surprisingly quickly. Fred and I stood side by side, holding hands and glancing at each other every so often.

When it was time for George to hand over the wedding rings, he made a joke about having lost them, causing Mrs. Weasley to glare at him from her seat in the first row.

"George Fabian Weasley!" She hissed. "Hand those rings over this instant or so help me..."

"Of course, Mum," George said, producing the rings with a smile and handing them over.

Kingsley handed one to Fred first and Fred took it before turning to me, taking my left hand in his.

"I just made you quite a few important promises using words," he said, referring to our vows. "But this," he held up the ring, "this ring is a physical, visual reminder of everything I just promised you so that you'll never forget any of it. So you'll never forget that I completely love and adore you and I promise to never stop. Not when you're in a bad mood and yelling at me for leaving my shoes lying around. Not when you're sick and asking me to go get you ice cream to feel better. Not even when you beg me to play wizard's chess for the millionth time only to have improved minimally since the last time we played."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes as everyone laughed and Fred smirked at me.

"I'm never going to stop," he went on. "Not today, not tomorrow, not ever." He slid the ring slowly onto the index finger of my left hand. "Whenever your belief in forever wavers, this ring is a reminder that I stood here and promised it to you in front of everyone we know. I'm giving you the forever you've always wanted."

I smiled up at him, wishing I could kiss him right then and there. But I couldn't. Not yet.

I took the second ring from Kingsley and turned back to Fred. I cleared my throat. "I never did believe much in forever until recently," I said. "I never believed much in a future for myself until recently either. Until I met you. I wasn't sure how anyone could promise something like forever-something they couldn't guarantee. But now I realize that it is a guarantee because no matter what happens, Fred, you are always going to have so many parts of me. My love, my trust, my time, my attention, my heart, and now my future...The world could end tomorrow and none of that would change. Not even when you leave your shoes lying around and for a moment I suddenly can't stand you." Fred chuckled as I let out a breath of laughter of my own. "So, I'm promising you forever, too. I'm promising to always hear you out, to be patient, to be a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, or to even give you space when you need it. To help you be the best person you can be because that's what you've done for me and I love you endlessly for it."

Taking a deep breath, I slid the golden ring onto Fred's finger, brushing my own fingers against it in admiration when I was done. And then I looked back up at Fred with a wide smile. He was already looking down at me, and his eyes wandered across my face as he gave my hands a squeeze.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," Kingsley said with a warm smile of his own. He looked at Fred and studied him in amusement as he took in Fred's anxious expression.

"Can I kiss her now?" Fred asked, looking at Kingsley pleadingly. "Don't stand there and torture me any longer. Please."

A ripple of laughter moved through the room. Even Kingsley laughed. "Go on, then," he said. "Before you explode."

The sentence was barely out of Kingsley's mouth before Fred had dropped my hands, moving his own hands to my face as he swiftly leaned in and kissed me.

"Finally," he murmured pulling away just slightly before kissing me again, his hands finding their way to my waist as he pulled me closer.

I smiled and kissed him back as everyone clapped and cheered around us. Meanwhile, fireworks began to go off directly outside the window, the popping sounds faintly audible to us inside.

"Your doing?" I asked Fred quietly, glancing at the window and then back at him. "I don't remember planning for fireworks."

"That's because you didn't," he answered. "George and I did."

"Naturally," I responded, turning to look out the window. "Well, they're pretty."

"I know they are, they're my own products," Fred responded.

I smiled as I let out a scoff of laughter. "Any excuse to show yourself off," I whispered.

Fred smiled back before kissing my forehead and lacing his fingers through mine, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

"Today I just wanted everyone to know that I married you," he whispered with a smile. "It's really you I wanted to show off."

I blushed. "And you know I'm such an attention seeker," I joked. "Any excuse to be in the spotlight."

Fred snorted. "Embrace it today, Soph. You look beautiful, you just got married, and most importantly, you're happy."

I nodded as I stretched up on my toes to kiss him. "The happiest."