𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 | f. w

iv. leaving you behind

chapter four
LEAVING YOU BEHIND

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» » FALLING ASLEEP had never been more difficult. Edith kept twisting and turning in bed, never finding a comfortable enough position to rest. She had become so worked up, thinking about the situation she had found herself in with Fred, and it felt like they were both tiptoeing around the subject. Fred had yet to look her directly in the eyes, and the way he spoke to her in the shop made her angry.

I don't understand why that's any of your business.

Tripping over herself to head downstairs for breakfast, Edith found herself looking like a complete and utter mess. Upon seeing herself in the mirror she realized her hair was completely ruffled and unkempt, her face paler than usual, and her arms covered in sleep marks. She tried her best at fixing herself up, even coating her eyelashes with some black mascara before eventually heading downstairs.

When she arrived, she wasn't expecting to see him of all people.

"Charlie? What are you doing here?", she exclaimed, embracing the oldest Weasley sibling.

"What—a man can't visit his parents and friend from time to time? Besides, work isn't nearly as fun without you", the redhead flashed a smile, sending her a subtle wink. Edith could feel her insides become mushy, her cheeks glowing red.

It wasn't that she was in love with Charlie or anything, she just found herself mesmerized and intrigued by him. With his flaming red hair (identical to his parents and siblings), freckles like constellations across the bridge of his nose and cheeks, and piercing brown eyes, he looked like a God. He had a muscled build, a weather-beaten face from working so much outdoors. Noticeably, his fingers were covered in blisters and calluses, all part of the job they both loved doing.

Edith admired him. He was like a brother to her, always having her back whenever things were particularly rough for the brunette. He would always check in on her, making sure she was doing okay, and if not, we'll then he would make sure to cheer her up as best he could.

"Of course, I guess I just wasn't expecting to see you back so soon. How's Norberta and the others?".

Norberta was a Norwegian Ridgeback dragon that was hatched by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, the keeper of keys at Hogwarts. She was believed to be a male before it turned she was in fact a girl. Ever since moving her to Romania, both Charlie and Edith had grown to care for the enormous beast.

"Oh, she's fine. But that's not why I came here", he smiled, his eyes radiating a certain kindness.

"Then what is? Is everything okay?", Edith asked worriedly, feeling her pulse raise.

"Everything's fine with me. It's my brother I'm worried about. I've tried contacting him via Owl post time and time again, but he seems to be ignoring me. Care to explain?", he side-eyed the girl knowingly.

"I don't really get what his deal is. I mean, I thought we were getting over the whole me leaving four years ago escapade. But apparently not".

Edith couldn't help but feel the guilt looming in the pit of her stomach, thinking about the way things had transcended between her and Fred. They used to be best friends only to become strangers, and just when she thought things were starting to become more normal between them, they were back to being strangers. It was all so tiring.