Weasley Twins - A Fate You Can't Escape

Chapter 78 - Keeping Distance

I start looking for an apartment, but there doesn't seem to be much. Too many homes are being destroyed, increases the demand. Mrs. Weasley assures me that it's not necessary, and I can share Ginny's room. I don't want to intrude, but I honestly don't have a choice.

I do purchase some new belongings. I restock my clothing and toiletries. It feels nice to have my own stuff again. I also pay the Weasleys rent and food money. They tried to decline it, but I insisted that it would make me feel better.

I go to quidditch practice, but Vivian won't let me play until the doctor suggested two weeks is up. So I end up just sulking on the bench as I watch everyone else fly above me. I've also been avoiding Fred. I don't know if Molly and Arthur have noticed, but they haven't said anything.

Owlexander now stays with me in Ginny's room, quickly making himself at home. I bought him a new perch and he seems to like it pretty well. I get a letter for Eric. He's recovering well and staying at a friend's house. He has to use an inhaler now, but is otherwise in good shape.

My scars fade a bit, but I still cover them. I have weekly appointments at the hospital to monitor everything, and they say the healing is going well. But I'm still having trouble accepting that this is what I look like now. So I wear a lot of turtle necks, and tights under my skirts.

March rolls around and I have been doing an excellent job at avoiding Fred. He's actually started owling me notes in attempt to talk to me. I read them, but never respond. I don't know how to explain how I'm feeling. I'll have to figure it out at some point, I'm sure, but I'm not ready quite yet.

I head down the stairs, already dressed in my quidditch uniform, blue robes flowing behind me. Today is the first day I've been cleared to fly. Vivian said that I can't do any beating, but I can fly with the team. That's enough to have me grinning though.

"Good morning!" I grin at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley as I enter the kitchen. I jump in to help make breakfast.

"Good morning, dear." Molly smiles at me. "You're in a good mood this morning. Did you finally talk to Fred, then?"

I freeze.

"Um..." I bite the inside of my lip. "No. But I get to fly today during practice."

"Oh, that's good." She sounds disappointed.

"Yeah." I scoop some eggs and sausage on a plate and pass it to Arthur. He thanks me and sits down to eat.

"I don't mean to intrude, Hazel. But are you and Fred still together? I haven't seen you together in ages." Molly puts a hand on mine, stopping me as I reach for another plate.

"I...." I pause, not sure what to say. "I'm not sure."

"Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine. I'm just still processing things." I try to brush it off, but she doesn't let me.

"Did that son of mine do something? I'll give him a piece of my mind!" Molly starts waving the spatula she's holding, in a very threatening manor.

"No! He didn't do anything." I promise quickly, worried she'll go after him.

"Then what is it, dear? I don't like seeing you two struggling so." She pats my cheek in such a mom like way, and my chest hurts a little.

"I'm still healing. From the fire. And coming to terms with it." I admit, eyes on the floor.

"Coming to terms?" She asks softly, encouraging me to continue.

I nod, slowly pulling up one of my sleeves, showing her the scars.