Survivors Guilt

Tell Me Tomorrow

Beth's eyelids fluttered open, and she found herself alone in the bed. A wave of confusion washed over her as she sat up, scanning the room. Where was Fred?
 
The room's quietude seemed almost eerie. Beth rose from the bed, her steps cautious as she made her way to the window. The sunlight filtering through the curtains painted the room in shades of gold. The world outside was alive with the sounds of birds chirping, a stark contrast to the nervous silence within her heart.

As Beth descended the stairs, the scent of freshly brewed tea and buttered toast enveloped her. The sound of silverware chinking against plates and hushed whispers filled the air. Molly, Arthur, Percy, Fred, and George sat at the table, their faces etched with concern as they exchanged hushed words. The aura of apprehension that lingered in the Burrow was palpable, almost tangible.
 
Molly was the first to notice Beth's arrival. A small smile played on her lips, but it did little to conceal the worry in her eyes. "Ah, Beth, dear," she greeted. "Good morning."

Beth's return smile to Molly was equally fragile, her own anxiety seeping through. She gingerly took a seat beside Fred and George, barely acknowledging the food in front of her. Molly's gaze lingered on Beth, concern etched across the older woman's face. "Beth, you should eat something," she urged gently. "You'll need your strength for the day ahead."

Beth's nod was feeble and lacked conviction. She reached for her toast and lifted it to her lips, but the thought of eating made her stomach churn. The anticipation and fear of the impending battle weighed heavily upon her, robbing her of any hunger. As she forced herself to take a bite, the taste was foreign and bland, doing little to ease her anxieties. Despite the effort, she swallowed the food, her eyes reflecting the turmoil beneath her calm facade.

*Later on that day*

The Weasleys and Beth made their way towards Hogwarts, the tension in the air almost palpable. Fred and George stuck close to Beth's side, their protective instincts in overdrive, whilst Molly and Arthur kept watchful eyes on their loved ones, their faces etched with worry. The journey felt like an eternity, each step bringing them closer to the battle that awaited them. The once familiar road to Hogwarts had transformed into a path toward uncertainty.

George couldn't help but voice his concern. In a hushed tone, he leaned closer to Fred and asked, "Fred, you remember our pact, right?"
 
Fred met his brother's gaze, his expression resolute. "Of course," he affirmed quietly. "We protect Beth, no matter what. We're in this together, George. Just like we've always been."

George nodded, his expression mirroring Fred's resolve. They entered the Great Hall, each step echoing with determination. Fred's gaze settled on Beth, his heart heavy as he took in her anxious expression. He wanted nothing more than to shield her from the hardships ahead, to ensure her safety at all costs. But he knew that they were in this together, and his unwavering support for her was a promise he was determined to keep.

Beth's eyes swept across the Great Hall, her anxiety momentarily forgotten as she caught sight of Jacob, her twin brother, standing near Grace, her younger sister. A wave of relief washed over her, and a small sigh escaped her lips. She glanced at Fred and George, her eyes conveying the unspoken gratitude she felt for their unwavering presence. With Jacob and Grace in her line of sight, she took strength in their safety, knowing that her loved ones were close by.

The moment her eyes landed on them, Beth couldn't hold back any longer. With a surge of affection, she raced toward Jacob and Grace, enveloping them in a tight embrace. Their warmth reassured her, their presence a source of familiar comfort in the midst of the turmoil. She held onto them, her grip like a lifeline, silently conveying her relief and love. "I'm so glad you're both here," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.