The Healer | Part 3: The Survivors

No More Secrets

Edith

The atmosphere back at The Burrow had changed dramatically by the time George and I returned for lunch. There was a great shout when we entered the cramped kitchen and everyone gathered around to offer their congratulations.

'I don't remember getting an invitation to a wedding,' Charlie laughed as he wrapped George in a bone-crushing hug.

'Nor I,' said Ron.

'No one did,' George shrugged.

'When did this happen?' Ron asked incredulously.

'Which one?' George grinned mischievously. 'Her getting pregnant or me marrying her?'

'George!' I smacked his arm. He only winked at me.

'Blimey, I'm sorry Edith,' Charlie turned to me. 'I would've held back a bit yesterday if I'd have known.'

'It's fine, Charlie,' I crossed my arms. 'I'm pregnant, not disabled.'

'Bloody hell, now she's stuck with you forever,' Charlie turned back to George. 'Why didn't you say anything before?'

'It is a wee bit scandalous,' I shrugged. 'We only got married a week ago.'

'Did you wear a kilt?' Ron asked with a smirk.

'I can't say,' George grinned back.

'I want to see photos of that,' he laughed.

'He does have one now!' I piped up. 'He wanted to wear it down to breakfast this morning, I had a right task convincing him he'd frighten everyone.'

'Oi!' George reached over and pulled me to his side tightly.

'I am sorry, Edith,' Fleur said sheepishly in English. 'I did not know it was a secret.'

'How did you know?' I asked her.

'It eez my Veela heritage, I can sense life,' she exclaimed. 'I sensed more life than usual when we arrived and your stomach was so firm when I hugged you.'

'Come to think of it, I'm surprised no one else noticed,' Ginny said. 'It is quite obvious now that I look at you properly.'

'Gee, thanks,' I rolled my eyes. 'I'm only twelve weeks!'

'Yes, but it's twins!' Ginny exclaimed. 'Blimey, Edith, you left out that bit.'

'You knew?' Ron exclaimed, turning to his sister. 'You didn't tell me.'

'And why would I?' Ginny retorted, 'you can't keep a secret.'

'Can you imagine the look on Filch's face when he finds out there's another set of Weasley twins coming to Hogwarts?' Harry laughed, many others joined in.

'I'd give anything to see that,' George sighed contentedly.

'The news might just do him in,' Harry grinned. 'Seriously mate, congratulations.' He clapped George on the back.

'Well, that's three married now,' Mrs Weasley said proudly from the kitchen. 'Three to go.'

'Oi, I'm just the gardener, remember?' Charlie quipped.

'Leave it to you to get married without telling anyone,' Bill rolled his eyes at George. He only laughed.

'We didn't want Christmas to be about us,' I explained. 'We were going to tell you all in the new year.'

'Nonsense,' Mrs Weasley tutted. 'Now everyone to the table, lunch is ready.'

***

George and I left for Ireland the following day. We had rented a small cabin by the sea for the week. Ireland looked quite different covered in snow, though I suppose I had only ever been there once before. It had certainly been much greener then.