Endless Sacrifice

Chapter 13

Over the next few weeks I walked around Bill's cottage as a shell of the person I used to be. Getting Oliver to even look in my direction when we weren't in his parents' presence seemed impossible. I cherished the moments whenever we were because I could pretend that I hadn't made the atrocious mistake that had ruined us. I could still easily feel the intense anger and sadness Oliver felt towards me now, despite the weeks that had passed. I could do nothing but understand his feelings and agree to his wishes, which was for me to stay away from him, because I knew how much damage I had caused him.

I wiped the single tear from my eye and forced a smile onto my face when I notice Fleur's eyes lingering on me. No one mentioned it aloud but the tension between Oliver and me was blatantly obvious. I sighed as I reached into the small box of ornaments and placed one on the tree. Christmas was fast approaching but I couldn't force myself to be excited about it. I wanted to hex myself for my constant dreary mood because it was Eliza's first Christmas, she was only three months old but she deserved to have a happy, first Christmas. But I wasn't sure if I could ever be fully happy when Oliver was so devastated by my mistake.

"I was going to make some tea Mel, did you want some?" Fleur asked gently.

I nodded and smiled gratefully, it hadn't been forced this time. I was indebted to Bill and Fleur forever because of their hospitality. They were so kind and generous to us. Fleur squeezed my shoulder before walking into the kitchen. I forced any more tears away as I looked to Oliver's mother Evelyn, she was on the other side of the room sitting in an armchair, rocking Eliza gently who was sound asleep in her arms. I didn't deserve to have such a caring mother-in-law after how I had betrayed her son. Oliver was still gracious enough not to tell them, I didn't deserve that either.

I smiled genuinely when Oliver came down the stairs clutching a broomstick, Bill was close behind him. When Oliver's eyes made contact with mine he looked away immediately. As fresh tears began to well in my eyes, we all jumped when someone unexpectedly appeared in the living room. I turned around and nearly squealed.

"Ron!" I shrieked as I ran towards him.

Ron stumbled backwards as he wrapped his arms tightly around me. I was surprised when he began to sob loudly against my shoulder. I pulled away and held his cheeks with my hands, his skin was icy cold.

"What's wrong? Where's--"

"I left them." Ron said sullenly. "It's just too much Mel."

Ron wrapped his arms tightly around me again and squeezed me. He had only been gone for a few minutes and already regretted his decision to leave. Fleur touched my shoulder and Ron and I separated, I had briefly forgotten where we even were. Ron smiled feebly as he took the steaming teacup from Fleur's hands.

"Hungry?" Fleur asked quietly.

Ron nodded rapidly as he gulped down his tea. I could see in his thoughts that it had been days since he had eaten. As I gazed at him closely I could see exactly how weak and exhausted he was. This quest to find Horcruxes had been far from easy, it had been unlike anything he ever expected.

"I'm so sorry Ron."

Ron shrugged his shoulders once and I was nearly knocked backwards when Bill lunged for his brother. They hadn't seen or spoken to each other since his wedding, he had been terribly worried for his youngest brother.

"The burdens I wish I could bear for you Brother." Bill whispered into Ron's ear.

Ron nodded into his brother's shoulder and squeezed him tighter. When Bill released Ron, I hugged him tightly again. I hadn't seen or heard from any of my friends since Oliver and I had visited them back in October. I knew a lot must have transpired since then, especially for Ron to have left so suddenly. I kept my arms tightly around him as we walked to the couch together, his entire body was shaking. I wrapped a blanket around his shoulders and held his hands tightly.