Survivors Guilt

Last night with you.

"Okay, let's do it!" Fred says in a confident manner
 
"No!" I protested vehemently. "Stop this ridiculous charade and be logical. We're not even twenty-one yet! You can't just throw your lives away in some foolish endeavor where you're putting your life in jeopardy! Like serious jeopardy.. this isn't a joke anymore guys!

 
I looked pleadingly at Fred and George for a sign that my words got through, but all I got was Fred's usual smirk and George's half-shrug. And as I sighed deeply, I knew that nothing could change their minds.

"Oh, stop being such a worrywart," Fred dismissed with his usual smirk. "We're not going to die!"

 
"Yeah," George chimed in, "It's not like we're going to take on Voldemort himself or anything. Just some run-of-the-mill Death Eaters. No big deal."

 
I couldn't help but groan in exasperation. "That's exactly what I'm talking about. You're not invulnerable! You could get seriously hurt, or worse. I'm begging you, don't go!" she says starting to feel physically ill about the events that's about to happen "this is death eaters we're talking about! And the fact your not even taking this seriously is scaring me guys" she pants heavily trying not to break into a full on panic attack.

"Look, Beth, we appreciate the concern, but we'll be fine! We promise!" Fred replied reassuringly.

 
"Yeah," George added. "We're sticking together in this, okay? We won't leave you alone. You can't get rid of us that easily!" He added with a wink.

 
I stared at the two of them for a moment, then sighed deeply. "Alright, I understand. Just please be careful, okay? I don't know what I would do without you two."

*later that night*

Beth tiptoed into the kitchen, careful not to wake anyone else. But to her surprise, there was someone already there – Fred. He was sitting on the edge of the table, staring at his glass of water in deep contemplation. She could see the worry etched onto his face, despite his attempt to hide it with a small smile.

 
"Hey, can't sleep either?" She asked, quietly padding her way over to the sink.

"Yeah," he responded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just thinking about tomorrow, y'know? Kind of hard not to, eh?" 
 
Beth nodded in agreement, taking a sip of her water. "I know what you mean. It's scary, isn't it? I can't help but worry about everyone."

Fred sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping as he looked up at her. "I keep telling myself that it'll be okay, but there's always that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that something could go wrong." 
 
Beth's eyes softened, and she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We'll get through this, Fred."

"I just want everyone to be safe," Fred said, his voice filled with determination. "I don't want anyone to get hurt, especially Georgie and you. I'll do anything to protect you guys, you know that, right?"

 
Beth smiled at him, her eyes filled with affection. "I know, Fred. We all do. But we have to trust that the Order knows what they're doing. We can't let our emotions cloud our judgment."

Fred got up from the table and moved closer to Beth, wrapping his arms tightly around her. "Please, Beth," he pleaded. "Stay close to us tomorrow. I need to know that you're both safe." He pulled away slightly, searching Beth's eyes with a mixture of worry and desperation. "Promise me you won't leave our side. Promise."

Beth felt her heart swell with affection as she nodded her agreement. "I promise, Fred," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I won't go anywhere. I'll stick by you and George the whole time. We're in this together, no matter what. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."