Cursed Love: Fred Weasley (English)

Chapter five

10th October, Hogwarts

The next morning, Valentina woke up as the sun rose. Madam Pomfrey brought her breakfast, and she nibbled a few of the treats her friends had brought her while she was unconscious. She reflected on what had happened. Apparently, Fred Weasley had hit her a bit too hard in the head with a Bludger, causing her to fall several dozen meters and end up in the Hospital wing with a head injury, a broken pelvis and a punctured right lung from one of her broken ribs. Fortunately,  Madam Pomfrey's magical treatments were incredibly effective and acted swiftly. According to her, Valentina would be able to get out of the hospital wing in about two weeks.

During the day, Fenella came to bring her the lessons she had missed, along with a few books. She also informed Valentina that Eddie Nash and David Lloyd would pay her visit later in the day. Valentina felt mixed emotions when hearing this news. She and Eddie had become friends during their third year when Valentina stood up for him in potion class against Professor Snape as the potion master seemed determined to torment him. It had cost her five points from Hufflepuff, but Valentina couldn't care less, as a beautiful friendship had blossomed from that little confrontation. On the other hand, Valentina wasn't very fond of David Lloyd. The young man had been their prefect since his fifth year and was recently appointed Head Boy. He always had this snobbish and contemptuous look on his face and could sometimes be very obnoxious to those he considered not talented enough. Valentina had always wondered why he ended up in Hufflepuff and not Slytherin. 

Fenella told Valentina about everything that had happened in class recently. Apparently, Umbridge's lessons were getting duller and the teacher's behaviour was ever more insufferable. Lately appointed Hogwarts High Inquisitor by the Ministry of Magic, she was bringing order in her own way, punishing students for reasons each more absurd than the last. 

Valentina spent her day working on her lessons in her bed. Madam Pomfrey came to see her in the middle of the afternoon to change her bandages and give her treatment; and a few hours later, around five in the afternoon, Eddie and David came to visit.

"Val!" Eddie exclaimed, rushing to Valentina's bedside. Fen told us you were allowed visitors, so I came as quickly as I could!"

Valentina greeted her friend with a large smile. He had dark blond hair, blue eyes, and a soft, freckly face. 

"And Lloyd insisted on coming along," he added, nodding towards the other boy.

"Hem, thanks, that's... nice of you to visit", she said to David.

"Don't mention it. Besides, it's my duty as a Head Boy to ensure the well-being of Hufflepuff students," David replied in a slightly superior tone. "Anyway, as you seem to be doing alright, I'll leave you to it, I have other duties with the prefects." 

And he left as quickly as he had come. Eddie grimaced as he watched him go.

"I swear, I can't stand that guy. He's so full of himself ever since he became Head Boy!" Eddie grumbled. 

"Well, that makes the two of us, Ed. And things haven't gotten better since Fenella started hanging around him..." Valentina said. 

"I really don't see how she puts up with him. He's handsome, I'll give him that, but still!"

"I'm sure he has a good side... He's a Hufflepuff after all."

"Maybe you're right," Eddie sighed.

Suddenly, a glint of suspicion crossed Eddie's face.

"Hang on, did you talk to him before Fen started hanging out with him?" he said, frowning. "Because it's really odd that he insisted on accompanying me to see you. "