The Healer | Part 3: The Survivors

The Letters

George

After Percy's wedding was over and I was alone in his old bedroom again, my ears still ringing from the loud music, I was rethinking my whole plan to ask Edith to marry me.

The day had been harder than the day before. As I had at Bill's wedding, I had been tasked with seating guests as they arrived. I kept getting overwhelming déjà vu and kept turning around or looking over my shoulder for any sign of Edith and double and triple-checking the seating chart for any sign of the word 'Falconer'. She had showed up quite unexpectedly at the last Weasley wedding and even though I knew her sister was getting married that day and she wasn't anywhere near The Burrow, I couldn't help but hope that I might see her.

Ron was Percy's best man. I suppose it made sense. Percy had never been particularly close to any of us, though he and Ron had got on well enough. He probably wouldn't have asked me even if I had been around, I didn't want the job anyway.

If Edith and I were to get married, I'd have wanted Fred to be my best man. I didn't know who I'd want to do it now. Maybe Lee or even Charlie. But to be frank, I didn't really want anyone if I couldn't have Fred. He'd had all sorts of plans on how he would surprise Edith right before she walked down the aisle with a handful of hair colour powder to change her hair blue again for the ceremony or how he would set off a crate-full of enchanted fireworks the moment we were pronounced husband and wife, forcing everyone to evacuate. I'm sure there were other ideas he hadn't told me about, like swapping our suitcases before we left for our honeymoon with ones filled with oversized jumpers and flannel pajamas or having the wedding cake blow up the moment someone tried to cut it.

I knew he had only wanted to have some fun at our wedding, and I would have had fun too if he'd been able to fulfill his plans.

But he wouldn't.

I pulled the heavy dress robes off and slumped down on Percy's bed. My head was spinning a bit, probably a combination of alcohol and all the memories that had come with the day. It had taken a remarkable amount of self-control not to drink myself into oblivion. I pulled the diamond ring out of my pocket and turned it over in my hands.

There was no way I wanted a wedding. But I realized I still wanted Edith to be my wife. If I couldn't have her, then I wouldn't have anyone. There were ways of getting married without making a fuss. But if what Ginny had said was true, and it probably was, Edith might very well be upset with me. I could only pray that she would give me another chance that I knew I didn't deserve.

I let out a long breath and put the ring down on the night table. The house was oddly quiet. It was well past midnight, everyone was likely already asleep. I was partially grateful I'd had at least a bit to drink. It would make falling asleep easier.

Tomorrow was the day I tracked Edith down. I couldn't wait to see her again.

Edith

It was only another couple of hours of dancing and dodging Jimmy before the bride and groom left. I felt immense relief the moment their car was out of sight, at last I could go back home.

I held my leather clutch tightly and looked around to make sure no one was paying me any attention before I left. I would have to walk a short distance to make sure no one saw me Disapparate.

'Hey, Edith!'

I groaned. I was so close. Why had he followed me out here? Didn't he have better things to do?

'You never told me about your boyfriend!' Jimmy was wobbling as he followed me into the street and he was slurring his words. Clearly, he had been indulging in some drink.