Brixham House (On Temp. Hold)

4.5- Crumpets

April 1st 2004

George stared up at the Burrow. He ought to go inside, he figured by this point he'd probably be the last to arrive but he couldn't find the strength in him.

It didn't get easier. People told him it would. But it never did.

Fred had always loved their birthday. Saw it as an excuse to do whatever he pleased. 

As if he didn't already. 

He'd pull pranks on the most unsuspecting victims. He'd demand favors, and tell jokes until he cried. He'd wish for three different flavored cakes. He despised presents, and wished instead to just simply be around his friends and family.

George never hated their birthday per-say, but he never been overly fond of it. Something about the unnecessary attention, and the expectation of doing something extraordinary every year just seemed a bit much for George. But Fred had always been there for the planning, and the scheming. He'd put together an elaborate set-up the night before, and all he needed George for was the execution. 

Now, facing his birthday alone was nearly unbearable. He didn't have anyone to share the attention with, or pass along the wishes too. He was forced to nod and thank every person that spoke to him.

Just this morning he had received nearly a dozen cards from distant friends, he hadn't opened a single one.

Because though they wrote his name in big letters, they always wrote Fred's below, in much smaller letters. As if they hoped that somehow, Fred would get to read their messages too. Over time his birthday cards had become condolence cards, passing on their thoughts and prayers as each year passed without his light in their life.  

George wondered, briefly, if this meant over time Fred's name would eventually fade from the cards as well. 

Until all that was left, was George's name in a crooked font. 

"Show him Rose." Hermione smiled, setting Rose down on the grass outside of the Burrow's front door and pointed her daughter in the direction of George. Who was stood, leaning against the side of his car with a frown on his face.

She had gone on a whim, and ventured outside. Sure that George wouldn't just simply not turn up for his birthday, but rather perhaps, he was too overwhelmed to walk in alone. 

"Gee!" Rose squealed, reaching her chubby hands up into the sky as she waddled over. Her steps were uneven, and she nearly pitched forward a few times but eventually she toddled right to George's feet. Where she leaned forward, grasping George's slacks and begged to be lifted into the air by her favorite uncle.

George tossed her up, a smile spreading on his face as she squealed with delight. He only settled her against his chest when Hermione walked over. A hesitant smile on her face, and a scatter of mascara smeared underneath her eyes. 

She had cried today-George wondered why, but he found he didn't want to know the true answer. 

"You are walking now, hmm?" George smiled, poking Rose's stomach causing her to buck and laugh in his arms. "All on your own?" He teased, wiggling his fingers as she screeched.

"Took me all weekend to baby proof the house." Hermione laughed, running her hand along the side of George's car. It had quite a few nicks, and scratches but it still looked beautiful.

"Are you a menace?" George laughed, setting Rose down so she could toddle towards a section of overgrown grass.

Hermione came to a stop, settling her hand on the hood of the car. She felt the glamour under her finger tips, but she didn't question him.