We will meet again ~ Fred Weasley

- Tomorrow Can Wait -

"Some dreams are postponed not because they're impossible... but because surviving comes first."

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Morning arrived slowly at Grimmauld Place.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Katherine didn't wake to nightmares.

Instead, she woke to warmth.

To the steady rise and fall of Fred's chest beneath her cheek.

To the familiar scent of smoke, peppermint and sawdust that somehow seemed permanently woven into every jumper he owned.

To quiet.

Real, peaceful quiet.

For several blissful seconds she simply stayed exactly where she was, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart beneath her ear. Outside, rain tapped gently against the bedroom window, soft grey light filtering through the curtains and washing the room in muted silver.

Everything that had happened over the previous week—

It all seemed impossibly far away.

Not gone.

Just... distant.

Like waking from an awful dream before reality inevitably came crashing back.

Fred stirred slightly beneath her.

Without opening his eyes, one arm instinctively tightened around her waist.

"Mornin'," he mumbled sleepily.

His voice was rough from sleep, barely more than a murmur.

Katherine smiled despite herself.

"Morning."

He cracked one eye open.

"Why are you awake?"

"I don't know."

Fred frowned dramatically.

She laughed quietly.

"I woke up..." She paused, trying to find the words. "...happy."

Fred's sleepy smile softened instantly.

"I'll take credit for that."

"Oh, will you?"

"Absolutely."

"I worked very hard."

She rolled her eyes.

"Obviously."

He finally opened both eyes properly, looking at her with the lazy contentment that only ever appeared first thing in the morning.

"You're smiling."

Her expression softened.

"I know."

Fred brushed his thumb gently across her cheek.

"I like this version."

"So do I."

Silence settled comfortably between them once again.

Not awkward.

Never awkward.

Eventually Katherine sighed.

"I've been thinking."

Fred immediately groaned.

"Oh no."

She poked his chest.

"Excuse me?"

"Every time you say you've been thinking, something life-changing comes out afterwards."