Invitation Only ~ Fred Weasley

SIXTY

The reaction was huge. Both twins raised both their hands in the air without spilling any of the champagne. Percy was complete speechless, Charlie dunked Bill approvingly in his back while congratulating him. Hermione rushed over to give Fleur a hug, her eyes filled with tears of joy while Ron and Harry sheepishly congratulated both of them.
Molly and Arthur obviously already knew, because they merely watched as their children congratulated Bill and Fleur with big smiles and affection painted all over their faces.

When everyone had shared their congratulations, everyone looked at Viola who hadn't reacted just yet. She felt a mixture of emotions. She was thrilled and happy for Bill and Fleur, but she also felt pain. What she wouldn't have given to be in Fleur's shoes right at that moment with Fred by her side, announcing her own pregnancy.

It was clear in both Bill and Fleur's faces that they had been having Viola in their thoughts when they announced their pregnancy.

Fleur's eyes met Viola's and she had a pleasing look in her eyes. She was begging for Viola's blessing and her happiness.

Violas mouth cornered into a genuine and big smile when she brushed her own sorrows aside and walked over to give Fleur a big hug.

"Congratulations you two, I'm so happy for you." She said and Fleur immediately hugged her back.

"Oh, mon dieu, Viola, mon cher, I'm so 'appy you feel that way." Fleur said and Viola could hear her voice slightly cracking. "I know it must be 'ard for you since you..."

"Don't worry about me, Fleur, this is your moment." Viola said and gently pulled away from Fleur to turn to Bill.

"You are going to be a great dad." She said and Bill quickly pulled her in for a warm hug. "Thank you, it means a lot coming from you." Bill whispered in her ear and tugged her tightly.

"We were reluctant to tell everyone because we wanted to make sure you were okay first." Bill added when Viola pulled away from him.

"I'm sad, of course, but it's nothing against the happiness I feel on your behalf." Viola said in all honesty. Bill nodded and grabbed her hand to give it a quick squeeze.

"How far along are you?" Hermione asked to break the silence when Viola had pulled back to Fred's side. Fred had snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her tight into him. Viola knew that he was doing it to make sure that she was truly okay. But she was. She was indeed happy for Bill and Fleur.

"20 weeks." Fleur answered and her hands traveled behind her back and tugged her loose dress so it tightened around her body. Her stomach revealed a very small, but visible bump.

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Dinner was a festive feast. Molly really had outdone herself with the meal she had made and everyone was enjoying her cooking. Even though, Viola was a fair cook herself, it was obvious that Fred and George absolutely loved having a homemade meal from their mom.

They toasted in celebration, Fleur kept drinking pumpkin juice instead of champagne, and she told them about possible baby names her and Bill had discussed.

All of that baby talk made Viola think and she came to the conclusion that even though she had suffered the worst sorrow, any woman could go through... She wasn't ready to be a mother. And she didn't think that Fred was ready to be a father either.

They had spoken about the possibility of them trying again, but they never talked about when. They shouldn't rush, Viola thought to herself. They had plenty of time to start a family. Right now, she just wanted to enjoy being with Fred.