Holding On

Chapter 1

The sun barely broke the horizon as I stare out the window above Weasley's Wizard Wheezes in the three-bedroom apartment that Fred set up. I've been awake for hours, just watching the moon go down, awaiting the sunrise. The thing is, I don't live here, I live in the house my father left for both me and Harry. Number 12 Grimmauld Place though sometimes not even there feels like home. I come to the apartment just before I leave again for another school year to make sure everything is setup for Faith. An odd but very loved little girl. My daughter is what the muggles call overdeveloped. She speaks very fluently for five and asks even more questions than I have answers to. She loved exploring the wonders of Grimmauld Place, and Hogwarts. Right now, though, I'm here at Diagon Alley much earlier than usual with my dear girl, a special occasion came up and George asked us to stay as soon as the most recent school year let out. I couldn't decline, even though the apartment gives me solemn memories, I knew he needed us because of how hard it is on him. Without Fred, it's like he's half empty, but he handles it better than any of us would imagine. Definitely better than I am, I admire his strength and wish I had it. I know if Fred was here right now, he'd laugh and tell me that with every bad thing, there's something good that comes out of it. Though I'm not exactly sure what good would come out of this.

A gentle knock releases my thoughts as I turn to see George in the doorway, he leans against the door frame and raises an eyebrow at me. I self-consciously realize I'm still in pajamas, so I cross my arms and give him a forced smile, not finding the energy to give him a real one.

"Up so early Rosie? Usually you sleep in."

"Have to get back into schedule Georgie." I shift uncomfortably, "How long have you been standing there?"

He flashes an evil smirk. "Long enough now, come on you ought to lay down a little while longer. It's a big day, you need the rest."

I roll my eyes, but move to lay back down on my bed as he sits next to me, "You're really ready?"

"The store has been closed long enough. I figure a grand reopening is in store, besides we can't stay closed forever."

"Well, I'm glad." I reach over and place my hand on his. "He would want this." And from the bottom of my heart, I mean it. I know I that Fred would want this. He'd be angry to see us moping around over him, he'd laugh and say we're bloody idiots for sitting around and doing nothing. But I can't help it, I ache all over, I just wish he was here. He was taken to soon from me.

  I look over as George nods and closes his eyes, fighting back the tears.

"Don't worry Georgie I'll be there the entire time. If you need a moment, then take one. It's okay to step away, we won't burn the whole store without you." I hear him let out a half-hearted chuckle.

We had reopened the store three years ago. We didn't open it back immediately after the battle of Hogwarts, giving us time to mourn. So, it's been open and ready until we decided to close it last year, because George had an absolutely brilliant idea. Together, a team we put together that was made of quite a few Weasley's, we all expanded the store. It was made to now include a memorial to Fred, and others lost in the battle. This section is filled with candies that help you sleep at night from nightmares and calm your anxiety when it gets high. Pillows filled with good dreams, and eye drops to see the world brighter and much more. I'd help George make them, each testing them out ourselves. Both of us cried but said nothing to anyone about it, not until we had completely finished the products.

"I know don't worry about me. Are you ok?"

I close my eyes, attempting to hide the tears pushing up. I've grown to hide my emotions, because if I let them get out of control, so does my ability. "Of course, I am."