The One With The Yule Ball

8

By the time Edan left the Owlry she only had a couple of hours to sleep. This made her first two lessons unbearable. She napped all through her free period and lunch break. By the time her second free period rolled around Edan forced herself to sit up in bed and begin her Transfiguration assignment. Cedric was likely in the library with some other Hufflepuffs studying away. She didn't have any social battery charge to endure a study session with multiple people. 

Her last lesson of the day was Herbology a subject she hated. Thankfully Dumbledore had stuck to his word about classes ending an hour and a half early. Since the lesson would only be 30 minutes long because of this Edan chose to skip it. Then she crawled back under her sheets and rested once again. 

When Edan awoke it was nearly 7 p.m. She jumped out of bed and quickly made herself look more presentable. Then she scurried down to the Great Hall. She breathed a sigh of relief that students were still filing into the hall. It was easy for her to slip in with them and find a seat. It blew her mind that she was still so exhausted. So much so that she hadn't noticed the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students taking seats as well. A few boys sat a few feet away from her. 

"Now that we've concluded with introduction for today, let us jump right in. This -" Dumbledore said waving has hand over a large object. It suddenly opened up to reveal a large goblet with flames coming out of it. "- Is the Goblet of Fire. Anyone who wishes to enter into the competition may do so by writing their name on a piece of parchment and drop it into the goblet. On the night of Halloween our champions will be chosen by the Goblet itself."

Everyone was gazing up at the Goblet, whispering excitedly to one another. Edan couldn't care less considering she wouldn't be entering her name. She placed her head on the table and tried to drown out the noise of the crowd. It was anxiety inducing being surrounding by so many bodies, so many voices. Edan stood up from the table and calmly walked towards the exit of the Great Hall. She quickened her pace as she began to feel less and less in control. 

The courtyard was mercifully empty when Edan crumpled behind the fountain. Her breathing was becoming increasingly ragged. She rocked back and forth with her head in her hands. Edan suddenly heard voices heading towards her. Part of her was thrilled to have someone to hurt but the other part of her knew she couldn't. Instead Edan punched the cobblestone ground over and over again until the pain reached a level strong enough to bring her back to reality.

The group of Durmstrang boys paid her no attention as they walked by. Edan cradled her injured hand against her chest. It surprised her how unaffected emotionally she was the more she inflicted some kind of pain on herself. Before it frightened her, then she found it embarrassing but now all she felt was relief. 

An owl suddenly flew overhead and landed beside her. She removed the letter attached to its leg and petted it affectionately. Edan was certain this was a reply from Remus. After slowly climbing to her feet Edan made her way up to the Owlry once more. It was best for her to be in a private place while reading his letter considering she didn't know what it would say. After settling in on the ground she unrolled the parchment. 

Edan, 

I apologize for not writing sooner. I wasn't sure whether or not you fancied hearing from me. The last few moments we spent together were less than favorable. I admit mostly of my own doing. I was being foolish. It was unfair of me to behave in such a jealous manner and watching you at the Leaky Cauldron. 

It was wrong to mention George's feelings to you. Particularly because you had no idea about them. Which should have shown me that you do not return his affections. As for Cedric.. I was caught a bit off guard. I was unaware of your previous friendship with him. That still doesn't excuse what I did.

I am sorry your relationship with The Twins isn't the greatest. You've been friends for so long I have no doubt you'll be able to repair things.  It seems you both have things to apologize for. 

Dumbledore has agreed to allow me to occasionally visit the Castle. We might not have much alone time but I reckon it's better than nothing. I'll be arriving Halloween night, just in time to witness the Goblet of Fire selecting it's champions. 

Love, Remus. 

Edan was happy to finally hear from him after all this time. She stood by her belief that it was as much her fault as it was his that they went so long without communicating. The letter made her feel significantly less alone, less sad. It was probably best for her to visit the Hospital Wing as she suspected there were some broken bones in her hand. She doubted it was anything severe but it deserved attention regardless. Tucking Remus letter away into her robes Edan set off for the Hospital Wing hoping she wouldn't run into anyone. 

The corridors were fairly empty at this hour aside from a few students from each of the three magical schools. A Durmstrang boy smiled kindly at her then fell in step beside her. Edan side eyed him wondering what his intentions were. "I'm Dimitri." He said reaching his hand out to shake hers. He had a thick Bulgarian accent but it didn't cause any issues with her understanding him.

For a moment Edan hesitated before shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Edan."

"What happened to your hand?" He questioned pointing to it. 

"It's a long story." It really wasn't but it was typically a red flag to punch concrete. "Are you putting your name in the Goblet?" 

Dimitri nodded his head. "How about yourself? What year are you in?" 

Edan dreaded this question because it usually led to an awkward conversation about her parents deaths. "I am almost 19 so I could but it doesn't interest me. I am in my 6th year. If my magical education hadn't been put on hold for 2 years I would have graduated last year." 

It seemed like Dimitri could tell he didn't deserve an explanation because he didn't ask why. "All of Durmstrang is rooting for Viktor to be champion but everyone deserves an a shot." 

It was a point Edan agreed with entirely. It was silly to not allow others an opportunity to compete. "You're the first Hogwarts student I've become friends with." 

This made Edan laugh. "What makes you think I want to be friends?" 

Dimitri laughed along with her. "I'm keeping my hopes up high." The walk to the Hospital Wing went by quickly as the pair continued getting to know each other. All of the Durmstrang students who'd been chosen to come along would be staying in the ship they arrived in. They would also continue their classes there as well. The lessons at Durmstrang were a bit different from Hogwarts but Dimitri agreed to get together to study and complete assignments.

"I have to sit at my houses table for meals but you're welcome to join me if you'd like." Edan mentioned standing outside of the Hospital Wing. 

"I'd like that very much." Dimitri said. They said good night to each other. Edan opened the doors to have Madam Pomfrey mend her hand. By now she was used to needing to help Edan with various injuries. It did not phase her when Edan presented her hand. 

Madam Pomfrey shook her head in disapproval. "Oh Mrs. Wilkies. If only Hogwarts had rewards program for frequent flyers." Edan suppressed a laugh that she suspected Madam Pomfrey wouldn't be a huge fan of. After Edan's bones had been mended (there were multiple broken in her hand) it was then wrapped tightly in a bandage. Madam Pomfrey released her from the Hospital Wing promptly, instructing her to return to her common room. 

The common room was the last place she wanted to be but curfew had pasted nearly 30 minutes ago. She wouldn't receive detention though considering she needed medical attention. Edan couldn't even remember how many times Madam Pomfrey had to heal her over the last year and a half. Far too many times than she could count.

Edan was determined to have a good day tomorrow. She planned to apologize to Cedric for disappearing the last few days. It was probably a good idea for her to explain to him that she sometime needs to disappear when her sadness becomes too much. Which in turn made her feel extremely lonely. It was a never ending cycle. 

She was also thrilled to know Remus would be at the Castle tomorrow! This was their opportunity to figure out their relationship. It was necessary for them to come up with a plan that allowed enough time for them to see each other while also allowing Edan to enjoy her classes, friends and mentorship with Professor Snape. Edan finally felt the sadness that had been plaguing her lessen as she dozed off.