You know George, jealousy is ugly on you.
Toby
Toby couldn’t sit still. He bounced on his toes as he waited at the door. This was the last visit before he left this place for good. Toby would be able to see Justin and Draco every day. When the baby is born he could help. Deep down, Toby always wanted a baby. Would he want a baby to go through what he goes through each month? He shook his head. Why worry about something that would never happen.
When the door finally opened. Toby walked into the room. Justin was standing. He held something in his hand.
”Toby!” His older brother pulled him into a hug. “I can’t believe next time I will be taking you home. Draco would have been here today, but he is setting up your room. Barnaby is excited to have you. I am not sure why you don't want to stay with us.
Toby rolled his eyes. He pulled Justin to sit down.
“The baby is going to be here soon. You will be really busy. You don’t need your brother around. Though I will be there a lot to see my niece or nephew. Toby watched as a big smile appeared on his older brother’s face.
”I have something to show you. We don’t know if the baby will be a girl or a boy yet. Next appointment we will find out but they did give us pictures and I wanted to give you this one.” Justin handed him a black-and-white photo of a blob. He could maybe see a baby.
“I can’t believe that you are going to be a dad. I’m going to be an uncle.”
Justin squeezed his knee.
“I get to do it with you there. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. You have worked so hard. I don’t think I could have done everything you have done.”
Justin was stronger than he was.
“Of course, you could. You wouldn’t have been here as long as I have. But what matters is that I did it…. I… I’m a person. I am not a monster. I am a son, brother, and soon-to-be uncle.”
There were tears in Justin’s eyes as his older brother hugged him.
“You are the best, brother and I know you will be the best uncle.
Arthur
The sun was shining as Arthur walked happily down the pathway. He just finished lunch with Barnaby. They were quickly becoming best friends. The man’s positivity was contagious. Arthur and retirement weren’t working out well. He was bored. Not that he didn’t love spending time with his grandkids. They were not around all the time.
He was about to arrive home when he saw a shop sign that caught his eye.
Second time around, a magical and no-mag antiques. Well, he could pop in there for a few minutes.
The door chimed as he walked in. The smell of antiques filled his nose. There was an underlying smell that felt familiar.
“Welcome to Second time around!” A man with curly green hair greeted him.
“WELCOME!” A child with the same curly hair, but his was bright purple. He looked to be about 5.
“Thank you!” Arthur nodded toward the little boy. Whose blue eyes widened at the sound of his voice.
“Dad! He sounds just like Daddy and Grampa! I’m River!” River’s dad walked over to the small boy and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Let the poor man breathe, River. I’m Indie. Please let me know if you need anything.”
“Don’t forget to look at our no-mag section! It’s my favorite!” River shouted as he was pushed toward the back of the shop. Arthur chuckled to himself as he walked around the shop. This would be a perfect place to come with Draco. Would he ever think he would want to spend time with a Malfoy? Draco has a part in his heart. The boy well man, needs family love.
After an hour Arthur left with a small bag filled with trinkets. With a promise to River, he would be back.
George
”You are the one who is off traveling Fred! It is not me neglecting a business. I have never said anything to you about being gone for weeks at a time. Our stores pretty much run themselves now, yes. So why does it matter where I live!” George yelled through the floo.
“You don’t ever come to see us anymore George! We were together every day for our entire lives and now I see you maybe once a week!” Fred barked out.
It was true they had spent their entire lives together. Though it's getting harder to spend time with his twin. It’s just a reminder that his twin’s family is growing. While his family isn’t. Lola is enough. She is the greatest gift. It's hard to see how she was around her cousins and their siblings. George knew how bad she wanted a sibling and he couldn't give her one.
”Life hasn’t been all roses here Fred. If you haven’t forgotten Percy, our brother has needed us. Where have you been?”
“I was out of town when he had his trial!” George huffed out a humorless laugh.
”Shocking!”
“You know George, jealousy is ugly on you. Just because Luna and I can have a bigger family doesn’t mean you should take it out on us! You should be happy to have Lola!”
It was as if his twin stabbed him in the heart.
”I am happy I have Lola! She is the reason I wake up every morning! I don’t even know you anymore Fred.”
”The feeling is mutual brother. How about you stay in the States and I’ll stay in the UK. It seems to be working out better like this anyways.”
George raked his fingers through his hair and sighed.
”Perfect! I will.” He cut off the floo. George fell back and closed his eyes. The sound Lee playing in the background was all he could focus on. It was a good thing to focus on. Lee seemed happier recently. He has been spending more time at the hospital helping Toby. The other man made him happy. George couldn’t lie. He couldn’t wait to meet the man himself. If he could make Lee smile the way he did. He must be something. He needed to not feel the way he was feeling. This is a fresh start. A new chapter. Hopefully the happily ever after.