𝙿𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚔𝚒𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜 - 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑦 | ✔︎

Chapter 72

Molly was beside herself after learning of the Golden Trio's disappearance, and as days turned to weeks, the world seemingly got colder, but physically and figuratively. After July came a shockingly horrid August, full of random rain patterns and harsh wind, followed by September which brought little light to the Wizarding World.

Natasha and Fred rarely ventured from their home, housing runaway Order members and anyone else who needed help. Currently, Tonks and Remus were staying with them, after word was caught of Death Eater's knowing the location of their cottage.

Fred and Natasha knew the risks of opening their homes to those in need, but their hearts overruled their minds, and they loved entertaining, especially to those who hadn't cracked a smile in a long time.

Natasha's stomach continued to flourish, and by October, she found herself just wishing for her baby to be out, wanting to fight back physically against the darkness. She was not allowed to fight, as was the same with Tonks, Grace and Penny, and found herself to be bored, running out of things to clean and prank ideas to evolve.

Her saving grace was her husband, the only man in her life who could make her laugh until she peed even on her worst of days. She was truly grateful to Fred, especially for his patience when she was cranky and tired.

His caring nature and loving soul warmed the house, and all who entered felt the bond between Natasha and Fred, deciphering that the two really were soulmates, destined only for one another.

Halloween was quiet, bar the few young children in the local village who dressed as ghouls and witches, and a snowfall graced the town, so the four occupants of the house hosted their own Halloween feast, joined by Lyall Lupin, Sirius and Aurelia.

October turned to November, and by now, Natasha was just praying for December, as was Fred, who was concerned for his wife. She would sometimes just cry from how sore her back and feet were, and Aurelia would stop by with all kinds of muggle foods and ailments, relieving Natasha of the pain she was in.

The only positive thing now was the process of picking a name, which had turned into a game, between the two couples residing in the home. They had narrowed down onto four names each for a boy and girl, and Natasha was sure her choice would win.

"Okay, for a boy, Jonathon Matthias Black Weasley and for a girl, Peony Emma Black Weasley," Nymphadora said, throwing her hands up and Natasha shook her head furiously, laughing hysterically.

"In no world am I calling my daughter Peony," she retorted, turning to Remus who stacked his cue cards up expertly. He had not given any input as to what his final decision had been the whole time, they had played this game, so Natasha and Fred were both quite intrigued to see what his brilliant mind had come up with.

"For a boy, Regulus Orion Black Weasley, and for a girl, Rosie Molly Black Weasley," he said quietly, fiddling with his small beard he had started to grow. Fred paused; his smile wide as he took a seat beside Natasha.

"Reggie isn't a bad nickname for our baby if he's a boy," he whispered and Natasha nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Moony, Regulus is perfect, especially since I found out the gender of our little one the other day," she revealed. She placed a hand on her stomach and smiled up at Fred with a twinkle in her eye.

"Mum saw it yesterday, in a vision. A perfectly healthy baby boy with a tuft of black hair and hazel eyes. Our little boy Freddie," she said excitedly. Fred jumped up in delight, running a lap around the kitchen, before pumping his fist in the air.

"HA! I told George it was going to be a boy! The first non-ginger Weasley in a millennium!" he cried, scooping Natasha into his arms to kiss her. She laughed, begging for him to put her down, and he did, lying across the top of the couch.

"Well, now that that's out of the way, how about I give you my selection of names for the night?" Natasha cleared her throat, holding out the parchment in front of her like a scroll.

"Hear ye, hear ye, by the order of Lady Natasha Lily Black Weasley the First, I give you a name of a boy, Edward, also known as Teddy Lupin, in honour of Ted Tonks. For the girl, I give Hope Lupin, in honour of thy late mother of Remus, may her soul rest gently," she read, sending a handkerchief to Remus as he began to tear up.

Natasha and Tonks also began to cry, purely because of their hormones, leaving Fred to sit awkwardly in-between, unsure of whether to comfort his wife or run to their bedroom and hide. It was only when Natasha leant her head in his lap did, he realise she still needed him, and he stroked her hair, keeping a hand on her swollen belly.

"Come, Natasha, I think it's time we all got some sleep," he cooed gently, scooping her up once more into his arms making sure she was comfortable. Remus, whose eyes still shined with tears, nodded once to Fred, acknowledging their departure.

"Sleep well you two and thank you for those names Natasha. I believe they'll come in handy next year when our little one comes along." Fred waved, and carried Natasha upstairs to their bedroom, watching his steps to avoid the small toys in the hallway that had been gifted to them a few weeks ago.

They had spilled out from the nursery designated for Reggie, so he quickly kicked them back inside, shutting the white door carefully as to not stir Natasha who was now quite drowsy. He continued on, passing the room Remus and Nymphadora were staying in, until he finally reached the master bedroom at the end of the hall.

Like every other room in the house, the door was white and tall, but inside was a completely different story, with a light green wallpaper, and a white king-sized bed, currently holding grey bedsheets. A pale wooden bassinet strayed off near the window, with a sparkling mobile atop, hosting a flapping dragon, which breathed fire onto the nearby stars, making them twinkle every few seconds.

Natasha had created it herself, along with some input from Aurelia who had created a similar one years before for Natasha. An armchair also lay off to one side, made of the finest blue velvet, and two doors in the room led off to a walk-in-roe and bathroom, elegantly finishing off the homely space.

"Here we are darling," Fred cooed once more, his tone gentle and calming. He placed Natasha onto their bed, and rolled up the bed covers, being careful to not tuck her in, as it was the one thing she loathed most in the world.

He kissed her stomach, resting his forehead on it, before kissing Natasha's lips. "Goodnight my loves, sleep well."