𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 | f. w

vii. especially fred

chapter seven
ESPECIALLY FRED

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Flashback to just after the Second War

» » FRED REFUSED TO speak to Edith after he learned of her plans. He chose to ignore her every time she tried to reach out, whether it was when she came over to offer to help with the shop, or when Molly managed to convince him to come over for dinner. He barely acknowledged the girl's existence at all, making her feel even more than just survivals guilt from the war.

Molly tried her best to cheer up the girl, even going so far as to invite her to come along to do some shopping for Ginny's upcoming birthday in the middle of August. Edith was particularly fond of the youngest Weasley, always doing her outmost to protect her from school bullies during their Hogwarts days, and making sure the twins weren't being too harsh on their little sister. Brotherly love and all that. Unfortunately, ever since George's death a mere weeks ago, they seemed to have grown apart.

"Ginny will be so pleased to hear that you'll show up for her birthday this year. I think she's missed you these last couple of weeks. We all have".

Edith felt a heaviness on her chest, her mind wandering. They had just arrived back home from their shopping round.

She swallowed. "Even Fred?".

"Especially Fred", Molly smiled, but with teary eyes that exposed her grieving heart. "He needs you, Edith. He might not be acting like it, but he needs you—and I think you need him just as much. We're all going through it right now, and despite what you might believe, you two are better off together than you are apart, and it breaks my heart to see you both in so much pain". A single tear stained the plump lady's cheek, put she was quick to wipe it away.

"I'm just so afraid, Molly. I'm afraid—and I don't want to hurt him more than I already have".

Molly took a hold of the girl's hand as they sat down on the couch in the small living room area, overlooking the kitchen.

"The only way you'll hurt him, is by not being there". She heaved a sigh, rubbing he back of Edith's hand. "You love him".

"Yes", Edith replied nervously, as if admitting the truth would somehow break her heart all over again, colouring the world a shade of grey.

"Then why don't you tell him that?".

"I can't—". Edith heaved, sobbing into Molly's neck as she pulled her into a warm embrace. "If I do, whose to say it won't end in flames? That we'll end up resenting each other because we couldn't make it work. I won't be the reason for that—I won't".

Edith loved Fred. She loved him with all her being, every inch of her body ached for him in a way that couldn't be described. Not even through heartfelt poetry. Words just weren't enough.

Yes, she loved him, but it was hard enough admitting that to herself. How would she ever be able to look him in the eyes and tell him just what she told Molly?

Admitting that she loved Fred Weasley was like admitting defeat. She was throwing herself off a cliff, with no lifebuoy, no safety measure, nothing to ensure she'd stay afloat once crashing in the water. For all she knew, she might as well hit rock bottom, unable to stay afloat. Admitting she loved him was scary.

No, it was terrifying.

'Cause what if he doesn't feel the same? What if he doesn't want her as his friend anymore once it's out in the open?