American Teen-the Sequel

Forgive Me

I was back at St. Mungo's. I have spent so much time here as a patient that it is very concerning. The only bonus was that Brian managed to be my healer. He was the one who helped me after I had been tortured by Voldemort almost four years ago. After that, we had started talking more once I started working here. We got to know each other pretty well outside of all the trauma I've faced. He was a really good friend. I also set him up on a blind date with Katie and they were still going strong. Suck it Angelina and Alicia. My choice was the best. 

I stayed at St. Mungo's for a month. This time was easier because I didn't have any grueling physical therapy to go through. Brian and all the other healers in the center helped me get my life back on track. They taught me ways to cope with any grief, guilt, or stress. They taught me how to learn and deal with any triggers that came up. While I was there I even managed to get my job at St. Mungo's back. Things were looking up. Brian told me to establish a schedule until I could get used to ordinary life. A schedule could provide stability that I needed to recuperate. Life at St. Mungo's definitely had that. He also suggested that I meet with people at least once a week to remind myself that I'm not alone.

So I did. My job provided most of the stability. I established a day care so that I could take Teddy there without any problem. Sometimes Andromeda would take him though. I worked Monday through Saturday with Sunday being my one day off. I used that day to connect with all the people I loved just like Brian suggested I do.  I established a rotation. The first Sunday of every month I would go to the Weasleys for lunch. The next I would visit all my dorm mates. The third I would bring Teddy to see his godfather. The fourth I would have lunch with Minerva. Just like before St. Mungo's, I had dinner with Andromeda every Sunday night. 

Visiting the Burrow after being released felt weird. It had been a long time since I had seen them. I barely visited between Fred's funeral and my hospitalization. I owed them an apology for just abandoning them. Especially George. I had talked this all over with Brian. I had neglected visiting the Weasleys in the first place because they would all talk to me and pity me which brought up memories of the war. Eventually I got so deep into my depression that any interaction with people was exhausting and overwhelming, so I kept to myself in my room. I had wanted to visit George, but I knew that if I helped him I wouldn't have anything left to help myself. And it was obvious that I didn't even have enough for myself without supporting anyone else. But now I had to face the music and make up for my shortcomings. 

I knocked on the Burrow door that Sunday. I had talked to Andromeda and would pick up Teddy when I went to her for dinner that evening. At this moment I wish I had him so that I didn't have all the attention. Molly opened the door and pulled me in for a hug before I even said hello. 

"Margaret! We've missed you so much. We were so worried about you. I'm glad you're better now." Molly practically was crushing me. 

"Molly, I want to apologize for how I abandoned your family. I cut myself off from you and I shouldn't have."

"Nonsense. You needed to focus on yourself and we all understand that. But there's something I wanted to talk to you about."

"What is it?"

"George. He's not doing well. He barely comes out of his room. When he does, he hardly speaks. I have to practically force feed him every meal. I'm worried for him. We've all tried to talk to him, but he won't listen. Will you try?"

"Of course. I should've been there for him all this time. I'll go up now." I was scared to see George. Brian told me I shouldn't feel guilty because I was in a really dark place. I was unable to help anyone else. But I still felt guilty. He was my fiancé. I opened the door to his room and could immediately tell something was wrong. The curtains were closed and it was extremely dark. It smelled bad too. I could see him face down on his bed. 

"George? It's me, Margaret. I have so much to say to you. I want to start with I'm sorry. I..." I started holding back tears. "I left you. I thought you would be fine because you had your family. But it wasn't right. I should have been here to support you and instead I ran off and was weak. I'm sorry for being so weak. You needed someone who could be strong for you and I wasn't that person. But I'm here now. And I promise I'll help you through it. You can come back to the flat with me. Of course, I have no doubt that'll be extremely hard for you. We could get a different flat. But what I'm trying to say is that I can help you now. I made it through myself, and now I can be there for you."

George didn't respond. He didn't even acknowledge my presence. So I just sat on the edge of his bed running my fingers through his hair. Eventually it was time for me to go meet Andromeda. I started walking to the door when I heard his voice. It was hoarse from crying so much. "Margaret?"

"Yes George?"

"I'll go with you. Tomorrow. I'll go back with you."

A small smile grew on my face. I was hoping this would be the start of the healing process for George. "I'll be here."