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Daphne had spent two years seeing the anger grow in Fred— he felt as if he had lost a part of himself when he was injured.
Their baby girl had just had his second birthday party and Fred had sent everyone home halfway through the party when he couldn’t play with Octavia and couldn’t lift her up to play with the piñata.
He had just started physiotherapy six months ago and had made some progress— he could at least move his legs now. But not enough to make a difference.
She hated seeing him so down on himself but there was nothing she could do to help except be there when he broke.
He’d only broken down three times over the two years. He said he had to remain strong.
Daphne never pushed him though because it usually ended up in a fight when she did.
He didn’t seem to see that she was suffering too.
xXx
Fred watched as Daphne sunk into herself further and further as the years passed— two years of failing his wife and he’d had enough.
All the hard work at Physio had finally paid off and as he found her crying in the guestroom, he stood and walked over to the bed.
Joining her, he held her as she cried.
Daphne jumped as his arms came around her and turned to face him, “How?”
“Well I was trying to surprise you on Saturday but I couldn’t sit in that chair while you cried for the hundredth time,” Fred admitted.
“You walked?”
“Yeah, baby, I’ve been working extra hard in physio to get to this point, now seeing as it is our actual anniversary today may I have the honour of a dance?” Fred asked.
“Yes,” Daphne said, a smile spreading across her face.
The couple stood from the bed and Fred turned the wireless on pulled her into his arms.
“Thank you,” Daphne said.
“You’re welcome love, I’ve missed this,” Fred said, bending his head and kissing her as they danced.
xXx
The whole family had gathered at The Burrow for a special luncheon for their anniversary.
Fred let Daphne and Octavia go through the Floo first and then followed behind.
Daphne had drawn the family out to the yard so that he could surprise them.
Fred waited until they were all distracted and then came out.
Octavia burst from her Uncle George’s arms as planned and ran over to Fred jumping into his arms.
As everyone turned and saw him standing they all began to cry— Molly ran over to him hugging him hard.
“How?” She asked.
“All the spells and the physio finally helped,” Fred shrugged.
“Why didn’t you tell us straight away?” George asked.
“I wanted to surprise you all today. Daphne included. But I couldn’t keep it from her for long,” Fred admitted.
“We are so happy for you son,” Arthur said as he pulled him into a hug.
“Me too, Dad, me too,” Fred said.
Daphne shooed them away and smiled up at Fred, “Can we dance again?”
“Of course,” he said.
As they began to dance everyone stood around watching the couple dance.
The last hurts of the war were finally over with Fred’s healing. They could finally move on with their lives.