𝙿𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚔𝚒𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜 - 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑦 | ✔︎

Chapter 67

Once news of Natasha's pregnancy hit the Weasley family and the rest of the Order, she was immediately taken off of any cases, much to her dismay. She had heard stories of Lily Potter and Alice Longbottom fighting Death Eaters whilst pregnant, and even stories of her parents fighting whilst she herself had been in the care of Molly or another Order member.

So, she had decided to take it into her own hands to purchase a home, as now that she was pregnant, she knew Fred and herself wouldn't be able to raise a child with room in a crowded flat.

She and Fred had finally settled on that piece of land next to Remus and Tonks' cottage, and with the right supplies, she, Fred, George and a few members of the Order had helped build it, successfully creating a two-storied homestead styled home, with six relatively large bedrooms, and plenty of garden space.

They were still living in the flat as furniture came in, but slowly, items disappeared from the room Fred and Natasha had been living in, reappearing in their new home, where their bedroom was twice the size of that in the flat.

One month turned to two, then three as spring turned to summer, and Natasha's stomach began to grow, slowly but surely. June was the month of Aurelia's birthday, but the world was becoming more unsteady and darker, meaning no large celebration could be had.

Tension at Hogwarts had also been on the rise, after the attack of Draco Malfoy and Harry's paranoia, leaving Sirius up in arms over Harry's concerns, his wife's birthday and Natasha's pregnancy.

It was that one day in June that had everyone as scared as Sirius though.

The day Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore died at the hands of Severus Snape.

Aurelia and Natasha were heart broken.

They day had started as any other, with Natasha visiting Tonks and Remus to deliver some food and to catch up. Remus had gone through a transformation a few nights before, so Natasha brewed him some healing potions, and kept Tonks company, allowing for the woman to sleep.

Sirius and Aurelia had also visited, bringing baked goods and plenty of stories, and the day had been pleasant, right up until Minerva's patronus had entered the cottage. "Dumbledore is dead, Death Eaters are attacking Hogwarts but have been driven away. We are at war," her patronus said in a panicked voice, and everyone in the room looked to each other before Aurelia broke down, falling against Sirius.

"Everything they died for. Every effort we made," she cried hoarsely, and Natasha found herself wishing for Fred, who was working that very minute at the shop. Tonks sat beside Remus emotionlessly, the impact of her greatest mentor passing hitting her immediately.

"I need to go. Fred will be worried if the news hits him before I am home," Natasha said quietly, and Sirius lifted his head, his sad eyes watching her closely.

"Stay safe Nat. Don't go outside once darkness falls, and only use your Patronus for conversing. Your mother and I will visit you tomorrow morning, but we will apparate, so do not open the door to anyone. I fear times will now become the darkest they have ever been, and your safety, alongside your baby's and Fred's is all you need to be concerned about," he warned, nodding at her as if to ask if she understood.

She nodded once, before apparating home to the shop flat, where Fred was anxiously pacing in the lounge. He ran to his wife as soon as she appeared, engulfing her in a hug, and Angelina came out from her and George's bedroom, followed by Adrian and Oliver from theirs.

"Oh Natasha, we heard the news. I was scared you weren't going to come home and that you were going to Hogwarts," Fred cried, and Natasha felt herself start to cry as well, burying her head in his shoulder.

Adrian crawled into Oliver's arms as Angelina hugged herself, before Oliver motioned for her to join them, an invitation gladly accepted by the girl. The mood was sombre and grief-stricken, and no words were spoken.

Natasha caressed her stomach, staring up at Fred with scared eyes, a sight so unusual that Fred did not notice it at first. "Freddie, things are going to change. We may have to move as quickly as possible to ensure our baby is born in a safe place away from Diagon Alley and any other public areas," she whispered, before her lips were captured by Fred's.

"Don't stress about it. Let the night pass, and then we can talk about it all tomorrow. It's nearly 10 o'clock, and it's pitch black. We shall stay here tonight, and then we can talk about moving tomorrow," he promised, kissing her hand gently.

"I agree," piped up George from the door. He was still dressed in his work suit, and Angelina walked over to him, his large arms immediately covered her small body, his nose inhaling the scent of her hair.

The three couples all looked at each other with uncertain looks, as if they almost knew one of them had the possibility of not coming out of this upcoming war alive. Natasha and Fred fiddled with their wedding bands, holding their hands together.

"We'll survive whatever's coming," Adrian said, and Oliver kissed the side of his head.

"Of course we will my love. You five are some of the toughest witches and wizards I've ever met, and three of you were the hardest working Quidditch members I had on my team. You will all make it out of this war alive, because you all have love and support on your team," Oliver said, hugging Adrian's waist with his head on Adrian's shoulder.

An owl stopped by the kitchen window, and Fred walked over to it, leaving Natasha with the others in the living room. It was signed with a Hogwarts seal, and he sighed, slicing it open with the knife handy by his side.

Whilst he read the contents, Natasha sat down, her feet sore and tired. Angelina took a seat next to her, and began massaging Natasha's feet, something not unusual between the two women. They were often found in face masks and their feet emerged in foot spas when the boys closed up the shop, and even Adrian joined in sometimes, making the face scrubs himself.

"How many months are you now Natasha?" Oliver asked. Natasha placed her hands on her stomach before smiling up at Oliver and Adrian.

"Well, it's June, so three months. Our little one isn't due till December, but Fred and I are hoping he or she comes before Christmas. The healers at St Mungo's said our baby will be due about a week before Christmas, but it's a guessing game really," Natasha said.

Fred walked into the lounge with a sombre look and sighed heavily. "Minnie's just noted that Harry and Draco were caught up in the whole situation last night, and that the funeral is next week." Natasha ran her hands through her hair, summoning some parchment and her quill.

"I swear to Godric, if Draco doesn't start getting disciplined, I'm going to go over to Malfoy Manor myself and threaten the whole lot. As for Harry, well, once his aunt and uncle are done with him, I'm going to have some very stern words with that stupid child," she muttered angrily, dipping her quill into the nearby inkpot.

"Shall I tell Minnie we will all be in attendance?" Fred asked, and Adrian nodded for the whole group.

"It's the respectful thing to do, especially since Natasha and I were the Head Boy and Girl, and Oliver was the Quidditch captain," he explained, earning nods of approval from the girls.

"I've got a black dress that will fit over my growing bump, and we can arrange black suits and other formal clothing during the week," Natasha piped up from where she sat, the parchment in her lap now holding elegant writing, addressed to Harry.

She was expressing her concern and anger to him in the short letter, but ultimately, expressing her condolences. She knew how close Harry and Albus were, as he had been Harry's only real father figure for a number of years until Remus and Sirius returned into his life.

Angelina peered over Natasha's shoulder before shaking her head, pinching her brow. "Natasha, he doesn't understand Latin. Swearing at him in it will do nothing."

"On the contrary Ange. It makes this shitful day look like a marshmallow over a fire."