It's Nice To Have A Friend

38) Having a Baby

Poppy turned around once more as she slowly woke up out of her slumber and noticed that Fred was already wide awake, staring at the ceiling. She could see that his mind was anywhere but in his room, and it worried her.

"Fred? What are you thinking about?" She questioned sleepily, while turning on her side to face him.

"We're going to the hospital today, for this baby stuff." Fred sighed quietly and turned on his side as well, to look at his girlfriend.

"Are you having second thoughts?" Poppy wondered, while having a gut feeling about the answer.

"Is it bad that I do?" Fred pouted.

"I love Hermione and Mary, and I'd love to help them out to have a baby... but it's pretty heavy to father a child without really having one." He took her hand in his and entwined their fingers, while gazing at their hand hold.

"What if I get attached? I would always have to look at them from a distance. That thought is killing me," His eyes met hers, and she could see the absolute fright in those.

"You should tell Hermione and Mary before you go through with this." Poppy cupped his cheek to comfortingly stroke his stubble. It helped him feel calmer.

"I know, I just don't want to let them down." He said quietly.

"They are your best friends, they will understand. It's a big decision." Poppy said assuringly, before cuddling up close to him. Fred's arms enveloped around her, and he knew that as long as he had her support, things would be okay.

**

"It's a big day for you guys, huh?" FP grinned as they sat around the breakfast table, like any other day.

"We're finally getting the results of our fertility checks." Hermione smiled excitedly.

"Hopefully everything will come back positively." Fred gave a small smile.

"A man your age doesn't have to worry, Fred. It will be fine." Mary said, not noticing the worry in his eyes being about something different.

"I know, I'm just nervous." He shrugged nonchalantly.

"We're happy you're so excited. We couldn't wish for a better father." Hermione brushed his shoulder with her hand, but it were exactly those words that hurt Fred. He would father a child, but never be a real father.

"What's the procedure you have to follow?" Alice asked curiously, as things would probably be more difficult.

"It all depends on the test, after that, we're going to have to see who is going to carry the baby. I think it's very likely to go with insemination." Mary explained, as she had done the most research.

"If that doesn't work, we can always try IVF." She told them.

"Or maybe you have a long lost sister who can show up, it's a guarantee for a baby." Poppy teased, grinning at FP and Alice. He playfully pushed her.

"You're going to be great parents. We'll keep you in our thoughts today." Alice smiled at the three.

"Thank you, Alice." Hermione said gratefully.

"Come, we have to hurry if we want to make it in time."

**

The three walked towards the entrance of the hospital, all extremely nervous for what was about to come.

However, for Hermione and Mary this was different than it was for Fred. They would become mothers, that he was sure of. Whether it would be Mary or Hermione carrying their baby, eventually they would get to be a family. But Fred? He might have to watch from the sidelines, and he simply wasn't sure his heart could handle that.