Would anyone be able to predict the course of events? Would anyone be able to change them? What would have to affect the past for the present to be different?
It all happened so suddenly. One moment you were fighting side by side, it seemed like you were winning, and the next moment he was gone. (Y/N) replayed the battle in her head every day, trying to find an explanation or a moment that would allow the events to change.
Before the Battle of Hogwarts, she imagined their life together, the beginnings of their relationship, their engagement, then their wedding, a house with a large garden, then a group of children that they would raise together. She was certain that they would both survive the battle, that they would manage to fulfill all the plans that had been stuck in her head for so long.
She had had a crush on Fred Weasley since her third year. They had been to classes together, and in between them they had spent their time coming up with new pranks and jokes on Filch. (Y/N) felt safe with them, happy. She laughed with them, cried with them, and if something was getting on her nerves, she knew they would always find a way to cheer her up. Throughout her education at Hogwarts, she had become attached to them and could not imagine life without any of them.
Before the battle, she tried to find a moment to tell Fred her feelings. It wasn't easy, considering the amount of preparation for the attack. Just when she thought she would manage to say what she felt, more tasks would come, separating them. And when the battle began... there was no way to try anymore.
~
It had been a while since that day. She now lived in the cottage on the hill with Mrs. and Mrs. Weasley and George. Harry and Ginny lived separately, raising their first son, and Ron and Hermione, raising their daughter. Sometimes they visited on weekends and holidays, or vice versa, which brought a cheerful atmosphere to the house.
It was one of those days when Ron and Hermione dropped by to visit with little Rose. The house was filled with conversation, laughter, and the little one's loud giggles. (Y/N) kept her distance though. The nightmares of the night before haunted her, reopening the wounds she had spent so long trying to heal. They weren't as frequent as they used to be, but they were still very painful and all too real.
"Are you still thinking about that night?" George's voice brought (Y/N) back from her thoughts.
"Unfortunately" she said softly.
"(Y/N) you're one of the strongest people I know. Please, don't make yourself suffer again."
"I'm not. It's just.. I-I had a dream last night about it. I felt like a was reliving it once again. And I thought I was almost healed from it, that I finally found my peace." (Y/N) replied feeling tears forming in her eyes. "Now I don't think I'll ever be able to do that."
"Of course you will, it'll take time but you will."
"He was the love of my life, George. He was my support when I lost my parents. He was my shield when I was bullied. He was the person that could easily made my smile, even after the worst moments of my life. And now he's gone. I don't think I'll ever get over it."
"And do you really think that he would be okay with you still crying about him?" he said pulling her into a hug. "He's never told you but he loved your smile, that's why when you were upset he'd do everything to bring it back. He loved your laugh, that's why he was always joking around you. He loved your burgundy cheeks when he complimented you, that's why he did it so often. He loved you (Y/N) and I'm sure he would do anything to make you smile again."
"He.. h-he loved me?"
"Of course! Wasn't it obvious?" (Y/N) shaked her hair. "How on earth you didn't notice?"
"Well, I thought he was just being friendly. I had a crush on him since third year and.. I-I probably imagined he'd never be with me, so I didn't try."
"Like two children.. I swear!"
"It doesn't matter now, he's gone so.." (Y/N) wiping away her tears.
"But I'm sure he's watching you every step of the way. And he wouldn't be happy to see you in this state" he said rubbing gently her back. "Come with me downstairs to spend some time with Rose. She's so cute, you're going to love her. She's talking so much!"
"Yeah, I should probably greet them. Thank you by the way George. I really needed that" she replied pulling him into a hug.
"My pleasure. And if you ever feel down again, come and get me. We'll get through this together."
