He had been doing this now for 11 years. Since Nearly Headless Nick showed up and said it was time for him to retire and someone else should take over. Fred knew from speaking with Minnie that soon, in the coming years, he would be meeting his nieces and nephews. She knew of another child coming but didn’t mention it under her mother’s wishes.
But here was the day, September 1st, 2010, when a new group of first years showed up amazed as ever. It had been 5 years since the last of the kids around for the war had graduated so the newer kids were a blessing in a curse. At least the new group didn’t have the amount of trauma the others had.
Fred was excited to meet the new Gryiffindors. He enjoys getting to watch them learn new spells, concepts, and maybe some pranks (though he would never admit to teaching them). He sat quietly watching as the new boys and girls were sorted, cheering when they were placed with the lions. Fred didn’t pay much attention to the names of the students until he heard a familiar one.
“Freida Weasley!”
Fred’s head snapped up so fast he was sure he gave himself whiplash. The little girl had fiery red hair and freckles much like his own. But the face could not be mistaken. With her blue doe eyes, short little nose, dimples, and smile. When Minnie put the Sorting Hat on her head his heart seemed to stop for the second time. She looked so much like her. There was no mistake by the young one’s parents. When the loud shout of “Gryffindor!” rang out into the great hall, Fred in a way flinched, knowing that this was the way he was supposed to meet his daughter.
He still cheered nonetheless for the new Gryffindor, not without catching the look of concern from the headmaster. He didn’t miss the loud cheer from the blue haired second year Hufflepuff. Fred sat through the rest of the ceremony quietly and watched as the young children welcomed their new housemates, siblings, and friends.
He decided to go ahead to Gryffindor Tower and make sure everything was being prepared properly for the children, new and old. To make sure it was rightfully prepared for her. He checked over all the rooms and made sure the common room was ready for everyone.
It was the same process every year. All the new kids line up, hear his welcome speech, and then head up to bed before their first day of classes. He knew it was about to begin when he heard the head of house, Professor Longbottom, telling the children their new password. The older children said hello to their beloved ghost and headed up to their dorms for the year. The Herbology professor lined the kids up explaining who the, yes, you can walk through him, don’t do it if you don’t want to be pranked, house ghost was.
“Hey kiddos. I’m your house ghost, Fred Weasley. I was in this house during my time at Hogwarts. I also co-owned Weasley Wizard Wheezes with my brother. I, uh, died during the second Wizarding War fighting along some of the greatest heroes you may idolize. I want you to understand that even though I am a ghost, I’m here to talk, whether it’s homework or advice. I'm here for all of you. Now head up to bed all of you. You have classes in the morning. Welcome to Gryffindor house!”
The kids all cheered and started in the direction of their dorms except for one little girl. She stood so still right in front of him. He knew he had to have looked spooked almost.
“You look like Uncle George.”
Those were the first words his daughter said to him. Her voice hit him like a truck and practically knocked the air out of him. She sounded just like her mother but had the same snarkiness as her father.
“Well I guess that makes sense. He is my brother.”
By this point she had sat down across from him on the floor. Freida thought about her next words carefully. Fred enjoyed just being near her so he didn’t seem to mind the silence while she thought.
“You're my father aren’t you?”
“I am yes.”
“This might be odd but I’m excited. I’ve always wanted to meet my dad but Mum said he had died being brave and she got real sad when I brought him up. Uncle George said that one day when I helped out in the shop that Fred was finally back where he belonged. Mum always said she named me after him but when I was little she said my name sounded like freedom and that my dad was her freedom and made her whole so it had double meaning. And like last Christmas Teddy said he met someone who looked like Uncle George and me. It must have been you even though he’s in Hufflepuff though I’m sure he’s met everyone by now. He kind of just wanders it can be a real problem. Uncle Harry says he will get lost one day but I don’t think he will because-”
“Take a breath, love. It is wonderful to meet you as well. I would love to chat but it's getting rather late and you have classes in the morning. We can talk when you finish schooling tomorrow. Good night Freida.”
“Okay and yes please! Good night,” she seemed to hesitate for just a moment, “Dad.”
Fred watched with an aching, but full heart as she ran to her dormitory. On the way up the stairs she was humming a tune Fred hadn’t heard in quite some time.
“Freida? How do you know that song?”
“My mum played a lot when I was small and she always plays it when she seems sad. It brings her comfort I think. Why?”
“Ah. No particular reason. Just curious, that's all. Have a good day tomorrow dear.”
Once she retired to her room and the last of the kids headed to bed, he began writing.
Dear Sunflower,
Fredia is settled here at Hogwarts. She got into Gryffindor just like her entire family. She is a beautiful girl just like her mother. I miss you dearly. I will keep her safe while she is here I promise. At least she will have a parent when she is away from you. You have done an incredible job with her. She's amazing. I’ll see that she writes to you at least once a week. I love you.
Forever yours,
Fred
He performed an Aparecium charm on the letter and sent it with a trusted owl. Hoping his beloved got it. Humming their tune from the Owlrey. Feeling content after almost 11 years.