The Healer | Part 2: The War

The Wedding

George

'Edith?'

Bloody hell. It really was her.

It had been so long since I'd seen her, it took me a moment to fully recognize her. She looked much more grown up than I'd ever seen her. Her hair was down and pinned back with a simple, pearl pin, much classier than some of the absurd hats and fascinators I'd seen so far. Her brown curls were longer than I'd ever seen them. As I watched, she brushed some from her face and bit her lower lip that was painted a dark red before she gave me a shaky grin.

My stomach did a flip at the sight. She was wearing more makeup than I'd ever seen her wear before, but it still wasn't much, at least, it didn't look like much. She was wearing a dark green, lace dress that was really quite modest and it made her eyes somehow look more blue. I suppose it didn't take much, I'd only ever seen her in school robes before. She certainly didn't look like a Hogwarts student today. She was a grown up. And she was beautiful.

And, more importantly, she was finally here with me.

I was suddenly much more conscious of my missing ear than I ever was. Here she was, about to make everyone jealous of the fact that she was my girlfriend, and I didn't even have to proper number of ears. Would she find me repulsive now?

'Hello, George,' she said a bit roughly and then cleared her throat, her cheeks flushing adorably.

Bloody hell, hearing her say my name in her endearing accent made me want to throw her over my shoulder and run off with her.

'I was just telling Edith here this is an invitation only event,' Fred elbowed me suddenly in the ribs. I groaned and shot him a look, rubbing at the spot. I was fully aware that I had been staring, but I didn't care. I didn't know when the next time I'd see her after today would be.

'I have an invitation,' she looked away from me and turned to Fred, handing him a piece of parchment she'd had clutched in her hand. 'I honestly thought you two had something to do with it.'

'We know better than that,' Fred grimaced and nodded over at a Mum, who had appeared and was greeting guests as cheerfully if she hadn't just been crying a few minutes ago.

My mind was blank, I knew I should say something, anything, but I was just too busy appreciating the view. I had never noticed the way her body curved and dipped so perfectly. I wasn't sure if it was because she was older now or because I'd only ever seen her in bulky school robes before, but I didn't care.

Hell, I hoped she was still my girlfriend. I suddenly felt like the biggest prat ever for leaving her at Hogwarts before my last year was even over. Surely other blokes would have had their eyes on her with me gone. If I had stayed, there would definitely have been no doubt.

'Edith Falconer and guest,' Fred read aloud from the parchment and then looked back towards her. 'Right then, where is your guest?'

'I figured if I didn't bring one, I could bring the second meal home for lunch tomorrow,' she quipped.

'Still quick with the words, I see,' I finally found my voice. Blimey, this was incredible, I certainly hadn't expected to see her here today. My ear may be missing, but I had put more effort into my appearance than I usually did that day. She turned back to grin at me, I ran a hand through my hair and winked at her. 'Bloody hell, Edith, you sure are a sight for sore eyes.'

'Fred! George!' Mum's shrill voice called from inside the marquee. We all turned, she looked nothing short of murderous. A far cry from the tears she'd been shedding just fifteen minutes previous. Apparently, I wouldn't be getting anymore sympathy over my ear today. 'Stop flirting and start seating guests!'