The Healer | Part 1: The Hogwarts Years

Too Much Credit

Edith

I was feeling significantly more cheerful as I walked into the greenhouses, George and Fred were the only ones who hadn't teased me about the lake or acted like they felt sorry for me. It was refreshing, they were quite fun to talk to as well, I was glad I caught them today.

'Mademoiselle Edith!' A familiar voice called when I walked into the Entrance Hall later at supper time.

I could see Andrej waiting for me by the Entrance Hall doors where he usually did, and Fleur Delacour was hurrying towards me from the Great Hall.

'Oh, hello Fleur,' I smiled and changed direction so I was walking towards her instead, grateful for a distraction from Andrej for the moment.

'Do you have a minute to talk?' She lowered her voice and spoke in French when we were close enough together.
'Of course,' I nodded. She took my hand and pulled me outside and down the front steps. A few other Beauxbatons students were arriving for supper, she waited for them to pass before she spoke again.

'I want to know how you cope,' she asked. Her face was dark and serious, I hadn't seen her like this before.

I blinked. She wanted to know how I coped? With what? Surely she had much more on her plate than I did. She was a Triwizard Champion and in her final year of school.

'With what?' I asked her. She sighed. I could see that her eyes were wet.

'I have been having nightmares ever since the Second Task,' she explained. I placed a hand on her arm instinctively and I felt my own eyes well up with tears too. 'I feel foolish, it was only grindylows, but I can't stop thinking about it. I couldn't even save my own sister.'

'It's okay,' I assured her, a few tears slipping down my face. Thinking about the lake always made me emotional. I wiped the tears away quickly. 'I have nightmares all the time. They aren't as often as they used to be and I can wake myself up from them now.'

'But it will get better?' She asked, her voice shaking.

'In time, yes,' I nodded.

'I feel so weak,' she averted her gaze. 'I am a Triwizard Champion.'

'There's no shame in it,' I said. 'It's really hard and not very many people understand.'

'You understand,' she looked up at me.

'Yes,' I smiled weakly. 'I am here if you ever need to talk about it.'

'Thank you, Edith,' she grasped my hand in hers. 'I feel much better after talking with you.'

'Anytime,' I told her.

We walked up the steps together and into the Entrance Hall. Andrej met me at the door and held out his hand for me to take, which I took. Fleur waved as she disappeared into the Great Hall.

I snuggled myself into Andrej's side. I was so grateful for him suddenly. At least Fleur had known what she was getting into before she went into the lake and had time to prepare. At least she had been able to breathe. I hadn't had a choice in the matter.

It was certainly sobering to think that I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Andrej.

He let go of my hand and wrapped an arm around my waist. I looked up at him, he seemed a little surprised. I hadn't been this affectionate with him in weeks. Nevertheless, he took advantage and bent down to give me a quick kiss.

I was grateful for him, that was for sure, but I also knew that we weren't meant to be together. I couldn't help but flinch or cringe when he kissed me. It just felt unnatural.