Undying Devotion: A Weasley Love Story.

Chapter 10: Aftermath.

Hermione led me down the stairs defensively, wand out ready to curse the first person who gave us trouble. When we reached the bottom of the winding stairs, all we could hear was yelling. George’s voice was loudest of all. He was calling Fred every bad word in the dictionary. To be honest, I was incredibly shocked. George was never the outspoken one, but he had Fred cowering in his shadow. Ginny was standing at his side encouragingly, hands on her hips glaring down at Fred. Percy was scolding Angelina and her friend. I stood for a minute in shock, I could hear the whispers around me but they were all intelligible.

“Come on, Guinevere—Cedric.” Hermione stated bringing me back to my mission. She glanced around looking extremely nervous.

“Right,” I say walking out of the common room and towards the Great Hall where dinner would be starting soon. Cedric was standing outside waiting on me.

“What the bloody hell happened to you!?” He shouted grabbing my face, roughly examining it.

“What?” I ask slowly, scared of his roughness.

“Your face—and arms,” Hermione nearly whispered looking completely appalled. I glanced into the suit of armor next the Great Hall entrance. Both of my eyes were badly blackened and cheeks bruised. I had a small cut above my right eye. I gingerly touched my face, tears flowing steadily from my swollen eyes. I dropped my gaze from my face to my arms which just as bruised. Suddenly I became aware of the dull pain in my ribs. I gently pulled up my shirt only to see a purple bruise appearing there too.

“Freak!” Someone yelled walking past. I looked up, ashamed. Tears were in Hermione’s eyes. I looked over to Cedric who looked livid, but his expression softened as he wrapped me in his arms and kissed my forehead. A few minutes past and students were filling in for dinner. Cedric wiped the tear from my eyes.

“I’m okay,” I say hiccupping. “Let’s go to dinner.”

Cedric led me into the Great Hall. Some people giggled while others looked at me with horrified expressions. I walked right by George who looked up right as I did. His mouth fell as he slapped Fred on the arm. He also looked up. Our eyes met briefly before he broke the contact and walked out of dinner.

I sat at the Hufflepuff table with Cedric, Tyler, and Erik. All three schemed revenge on the Gryffindor’s who tormented me. I couldn’t bring myself to say much. I just poked around my food listening to the boy’s heated conversations.  

“I’m going to bed,” I finally announce getting up and walking out. Cedric ran to catch up.

“Wait, I wanted to ask you something,” Cedric says panting.

“Well--?” I ask slightly annoyed, not at him, but at life.

“I wanted to ask you if you will stay for Christmas.” He says grinning. I smile at him and give him my approval.

“This will be great!” He says grabbing and kissing me. I wince at the touch but I am in enormously better spirits.

Cedric walked me up to the portrait of the Fat Lady. I lingered waiting for him to kiss me but he just laid a hand gently on my cheek. “Even with all those bruises, you’re still the most beautiful girl at this school. I don’t care what others think about me or you. I don’t care if they don’t think we are a fit couple. I love you, Guin.” My heart melted. I placed my hand over his as he leaned in and kissed me gently on the lips. “I’ll see you in the morning, Love.” I say turning to walk into the common room.

Saying all eyes were on me would be an understatement. I looked around the room, Fred nor were George anywhere to be seen. Ginny sat in the corner with Percy in deep conversation. They waved me over. I sat in-between them.