The Last Goodbye

Fred Weasley

McGonagall had told all those who had survived of the Resurrection Stone, and a line of tear-streaked yet smiling people had formed outside the classroom Harry was in. It was the Weasleys- upon Harry's insistence- who came in first. George was holding his mother's hand, "hiya Harry."

"Hey George, you ready?" Harry held out the stone in his hand, letting George take it with shaking fingers.

"Georgie boy." Fred smirked at his twin, "you look horrible."

George held back a sob, "you can talk, we both know that I'm the good-looking one out of the two of us."

"At least I'm not gonna get old and wrinkly." Fred pursed his lips together, as if forcing back tears.

At this Molly let out stifled sobs, "oh Fred!"

"I'm not Fred, I'm George! Honestly woman, you call yourself our mother?" Fred shot her a lopsided grin on an attempt to cheer her up, "please mum, don't cry. I don't want any of you to cry."

"That's impossible." Ron shook his head.

"Well at least try you twat. Right, without further ado, on to last wishes." Fred sighed. He turned to Ginny, "my only sister, remember all that I have taught you: how to lie convincingly, pull pranks, make fake wands, yaddiya etcetera etcetera. Also you now own my broom." He leaned in so only she could hear, "and look after George for me please."

She nodded, "gladly."

"Onto the second youngest, Ronald my dear," Fred tapped his chin, "I give you partnership to Weasleys Wizard Wheezes... if you find that your job is getting a bit boring."

Ron looked down at his feet, hiding his face, "I want to be an auror, I don't think that'll get boring."

"Suit yourself." Fred turned to Percy, "mate, you are so incredibly boring sometimes. Loosen up a bit, you don't have to be perfect for your family to love you."

"I'm so sorry-" Percy began.

"Oh God don't. Don't get all soppy with me Perseus." Fred shook his head, grinning ever so slightly, "now, Bill."

"Yes?"

"Keep on rockin' the look man!" Fred made a rock sign with both hands, "oh and also, look after Fleur alright?"

"Of course, I love you Fred."

"I love you too man." Fred shrugged, turning to Charlie, "Charles..."

"I don't care if you're dead, I'll beat your ghost arse to the ground if you don't call me Charlie," the brother grinned, blue eyes watering slightly.

"Charlie, okay, you can have the box of fever fudge under my bed. They're pretty good. And one more thing... read The Hobbit, you'll like it, is about dragons."

"A box of mouldy sweets and a book reference?" Charlie feigned disgust.

"Ungrateful!" Fred gasped dramatically. He turned to Harry now, "Ickle Harrikins, you'd better look after my Ginny, or I'll haunt you."

"Of course." Harry smiled.

Fred turned to his parents, "mum, dad. I love you so much, never forget that alright? And don't cry over me, I know I'm your favourite son and all..."

Arthur held Molly tight as they looked at their boy, "we love you too."

As Fred had planned, George was the last, "George, we had some good times."

"Just good? I'm the best twin you could ever have Freddie, I'd say it was more than good." George smirked, rubbing his eyes quickly.

"Whatever big-head, listen, expect you to at least make one of your kids after me- because as you know, I am amazing- and teach them about all those secret passage ways, because I won't be able to annoy you by getting your kids into trouble." Fred grinned, but it disappeared when George tried to reach for him, "I'm forever glad that you were with me all my life-"

"But you won't be with me for mine."

"Don't be a pessimist, we helped destroy a bloody dark Lord!" Fred sounded exasperated, "anyway, I know it sounds cheesy, but I can only say this once. I'll always be with you, " he pointed to his twin's chest, "in there."

"You're right," George laughed, "that was so amazingly cheesy."

"You ruined the mood Forge!"

"Don't be such a drama queen Gred!" It was as if the boy had never died again, the Weasleys had thought for almost a moment. Almost.

"I should go now." Fred looked around to his family.

"I'm rubbish at goodbyes, you know that." George's breaths were uneven and ragged now.

"For old time's sake then," Fred stepped back, "close your eyes." His brother did add he was told, Fred smirked, "Mischief..."

George smiled, his eyes squeezed shut, "...managed."

And so George never had to watch his twin leave, for once he'd opened his eyes, the boy who had once been his splitting image, was gone.