Confident | Fred Weasley

Chapter 98 | Kingsley

Getting a dog turned out to be the best decision Fred had ever made. When he departed for work, Sarah had someone to talk to, to keep her company, and to join her in all her mindless tasks.

Her walks around her property turned into runs, with an excited, overactive Moose to contend with. Household chores became more bearable as she chattered away to the dog as she did them. He didn't understand a word she said, Sarah knew, but with the way he sat, it was almost like he was listening. She had a fluffy companion curled up beside her as she completed her jigsaw puzzles.

There were less than ideal things about having a dog, like Moose eating from her vegetable garden. Or him wandering into their bedroom when Fred and Sarah were trying to have some alone time. But, these were things that training and a locking charm could fix.

Sarah started off her morning on a run with Moose. He kept up with her pace easily, prancing over the bumpy terrain. The running was really getting Sarah into shape. She could see her stomach becoming more toned when she looked in the mirror.

"Come on, Moose!" Sarah said to the dog, panting, "To the stream..."

With her legs and lungs burning, Sarah weaved through the trees of their woods. The twigs cracked and crunched underneath her feet as she ran. Even in the frosty morning air, she was hot and sweaty.

They made it to the stream, where the enchantments on their property ended. Sarah came to a stop, bending over and clutching her knees. Moose panted, too, but he wasn't nearly as tired as her.

Sarah slumped into a seat on a large rock, and Moose lay down on the ground.

Leaning down to rub Moose's head, Sarah said, still gathering her breath, "Good job, Moosie. You ran so well. Better than me..."

Moose barked in response, leaning into her touch. His fur was splattered with dirt, and his paws were filthy. Sarah would have to give him a bath, but she didn't mind it so much. It was something to do, at least.

Sarah pushed the sweaty strands of hair out of her face and tucked them behind her ears. She sat peacefully for a while, listening to the running stream and the howling wind.

"Shall we head home, mate?" Sarah asked Moose, standing up and rolling her shoulders.

Moose got up, and the pair walked back to the house. The sun, which had only just risen when her and Moose went on their run, was well in the sky now. If they were quick enough, they would catch Fred briefly before he departed for work.

"Good run?" Fred asked when Sarah and Moose entered the house. He pulled on his winter cloak, whilst Sarah pushed her trainers off.

"Yeah, not bad," Sarah responded, "It's freezing out there, though. You off to work?"

Fred nodded, "Yeah, just going now. I'll be home a little bit late, okay?"

Sarah raised a brow at Fred, who stood opposite her, smiling. There was something in his smile.

"Why?" Sarah asked slowly.

Fred grinned, leaning down and kissing her temple, "That's for me to know and you to find out."

"Oh, come on," Sarah pouted, wrapping her arms around his neck, "You can't just leave me with that."

Fred quickly kissed her and extracted herself from her arms, "That's exactly what I'm doing!"

"What the hell," Sarah laughed, watching as Fred rubbed Moose's head in goodbye.

"See you later, Moosie," Fred said to the dog, getting up, "See you later, darling."