Those Left Behind

Twenty-Three

Life at The Burrow began to take on a semblance of normality, as June faded into July. The days grew longer and the weather warmer, while George and Olivia transitioned into engaged life with ease. They let Molly take over the wedding planning, knowing that it was a welcomed distraction. A date had yet to be decided, as Olivia's documents still hadn't been retrieved by the Ministry, and they couldn't proceed until then.

George still hadn't returned to work, changing the subject every time someone tried to bring it up in casual conversation. Olivia knew it was inevitable and that he would have to make a decision eventually, but she refused to pressure him into it. He hadn't stepped foot inside the shop in over a year, the last time having been alongside his brother, business partner and best friend. Whether he wanted to continue without Fred at all, was unknown.

The end of July arrived in a flash and with it, Bill and Fleur's wedding anniversary, Harry's eighteenth birthday, and the end of Olivia's first trimester. Olivia was thankful that her stage of morning sickness had ended, as Molly had kept her busy preparing for a small celebration in honour of Bill, Fleur, and Harry.

Molly insisted that they make up for the year prior, when the wedding reception had been cut short and Harry's birthday hadn't been acknowledged at all. Although nobody felt much like celebrating, they all plastered fake smiles on their faces and followed through with Molly's demands.

The week leading up to the party, the women had spent most of their time preparing enough food to feed a small army. While the men cleaned the front yard and set up the same white tent that had been used at Bill and Fleur's wedding as well as Fred's funeral. The tent had begun to feel like part of the family, having been there through both the good and bad times.

On the morning of July 31st, Olivia wasted no time rolling out of bed and lifting Beau out of his bassinet. As she drew him close, he grinned up at her and grabbed a fistful of her hair, tugging hard.

"Ow! Merlin's beard, you're getting so strong!", she gasped with a laugh, staring down at the chubby-cheeked baby in her arms. The sound of her voice was enough to wake George, who slowly opened his eyes and looked around the room.

 "Future beater that one, I'm tellin' you.", George whispered hoarsely, propping himself up with his back against the headboard. Olivia smirked at him and carried Beau around to his side of the bed. "Now listen Beau, you're father was a wicked beater...not as good as me of course.", he boasted, earning a small giggle from Olivia.

"Lucky for you, you'll have Uncle Georgie to teach you everything he knows. I'm sure you'll be even better than him.", Olivia whispered in Beau's ear, keeping her eyes locked on George.

"Impossible.", he winked at her, before climbing out of bed and pulling her close. She held Beau in the crook of one arm and rested her head on George's bare chest, listening to the quiet thud of his heart. 

"I have to go, I promised I would help set up before everyone arrived.", she sighed, backing out of his embrace. He let out a disappointed groan and then reached down running his thumb over her bottom lip.

"Do you remember how we started this day last year?", he inquired, his gaze travelling back and forth between her mouth and her blue eyes.

"Getting caught on the living room couch by your mother.", she shuddered, reliving the memory as if it had only just happened. Her cheeks turned red, prompting a small laugh out of George. His smile then faded moments later as reality hit him.

"How times have changed...", he sighed, dropping his eyes to the floor. Olivia took note of the pained expression on his face, knowing that there was nothing she could say or do to fix it. "Ahem! You should go, I'm sure Mum is waiting."