'Tell Me Pretty Lies,' by moongirlel

Chapter 66: Little Miss Eavesdropper

[Arcade - Duncan Laurence, Ft. FLETCHER]

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Tue. 10th January 1995 - 12:35pm...

Throughout the past week, my friends all came to visit me in a rotation.

First Ron, then Luna and Blaise. Pansy, Daphne and Theodore followed afterwards. And so did Hermione, Kage and Neville.

Ron returned for a second round of Wizard's chess, because he enjoyed our match together.

Even Cedric and a few of his friends came to check up on me for a while too.

And finally, my brother — Who didn't bother showing up until everyone else had at least shown up twice (not including Draco, as he practically slept next to me every night on the chair.)

"I had a task to do with Dumbledore," Was the pathetic explanation Harry had gave me. Yet, whenever I asked him what it was, he steered the conversation towards classes, our friends and Sirius' letters instead.

I wanted to argue him. But I didn't have the energy to bother divulging into a heated debate about how blind he is regarding the headmaster's intentions and involvement between both us and the Ministry (no pun intended.)

On the other hand, Draco helped me become cautiously reintroduced to water again, in the Prefect's bathroom, and I was back to a some-what type of normality.

Unfortunately, Madam Pomfrey had informed me the bandage across my left eye wasn't anywhere near close to being taken off. She told me there are some injuries too severe to be considered safe to heal with magic fully, and this specific one needed time to recover on its own.

I felt exposed walking around the castle, with a white square on my face, reminding everyone of the damage the Siren's had caused.

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I brushed down my school skirt, and step into the Great Hall. A good amount of time was still left of lunch, and I didn't want to sit any longer in the dull atmosphere of the hospital wing or my dormitory.

Taking a moment for my ears to adjust to the loud chattering of students, and clattering of plates, Cedric was the first to spot and approach me.

"I'm glad you're feeling a lot better. Listen, I feel really bad about what happened to you."

"Why? It wasn't your fault." I ask, crossing my arms.

"I know. I guess you can say it's in my nature to care about my friends. I'll spare you the majority of details, but me and your friends are happy you're recovering." He smiles, "If you care... the last task has been rushed forward. I think the Minister is secretly scared about the consequences of your near death experience."

Nodding my head, I fake a smile. "...Alright. Honestly, the Minister is the last person on my mind right now."

"Sorry... I know, I'm just—" He placed his hands on my shoulders, leaning down. "I'm really glad you're okay. You didn't deserve any of that, no one does. And, I'm here for you, for as long as I live."

"Thank you, Cedric. I appreciate your honesty."

"You're a good friend, Jane, I mean it." He grins widely, patting my shoulders, before returning to his food.