Semper - Fred Weasley

Chapter XLVII

„I’m sorry we’re so stupid.“ Remus stood up and grabbed Penny’s hand.
„It’s great, that’s great. A grandchild. I’m so happy. We’re happy,“ he looked at Sirius who was smiling broadly and then back at Penny, Remus frowned.
„Wait.. We are happy, aren’t we?“ he asked and Penny took a deep breath before nodding.

„Yes. We’re happy. I mean, the circumstances could be better, but I’m happy. And so is Fred.“ she smiled, running a hand over her stomach.

„Well, then I’m happy. And for everything else we’ll find a solution. You can always live here and we’ll help you with the baby, we can get up at night and feed it and I’m sure we can change diapers,“ he turns back to Sirius.

„Right Padfoot? We can do that, we’ve done that to Harry. And we can play with the baby and we – „

„Harry.“ Penny whispered, interrupting Remus.

„I need to talk to Harry. He – oh my god, how could I be so ignorant, I completely forgot to talk to Harry and Hermione – I.. oh shit. I’m the worst sister ever,“ she sat down in the chair behind her and buried her face in her hands.

„No, no, Penny. You’re not a bad sister. It’s all been a lot for you lately and he‘ll understand that. And, well, I may have written to Harry already,“ Remus said sheepishly.

„You have  what?“ Penny’s head shot up.

„I wrote to him and I may have mentioned a thing or two,“ he said apologetically.

Penny huffed. „It’s ok. But why didn’t he say anything?“

„I asked him to give you time.“

„Okay.“, she pinched the bridge of her nose.

„Okay, that wasn’t right, but I’m not mad. I don’t feel like arguing about it either. Just - for the future, just let me do it myself.“ She pleaded, her eyes softened.

„Of course.“ he smiled.

„But there’s one thing I want to know.“ Sirius cut them off and they both looked at him.

„You and Fred. Have you broken up?“

„No. I mean, I don’t know. Not officially, at least,“ she replied.

„But how should it continue?“ He took a sip from his firewhiskey.

„I love him. And I don’t want to lose him. But he hurt me and I want him to think about what he has done. But I don’t want to give up our marriage and I don’t want our baby to grow up without a father, I – I just need a few days and he needs them too,“ her voice trembled as she talked about Fred.

And Sirius and Remus both knew that there was a long night ahead.

-----
Fred was sitting on their shared bed in the flat, a glass of fire whiskey in one hand and leafing through the wedding album that was in his lap with the other.

He didn’t know how many glasses he had already drunk or maybe he had drunk several bottles.

He’s been at this point before, back when he thought Penny had cheated on him.

And he’d vowed never to use alcohol for comfort again.

But for the moment, the only thing that gave him comfort and kept his thoughts on the ground was the golden liquid that burned so beautifully in his throat.

His gaze was fixed on one particular image, Penny’s wide smile outshining the sun as Fred carried her in his arms.

It was the moment when they left the tent together, as husband and wife.