A/N: I am so dreadfully sorry about the delay. I offer no original excuses other than I'm frantically trying to finish my last term of my undergrad career. Thank you to everyone who's reviewed for their kind words, and also to everyone who's read this far period! You make my day. I hope you enjoy this chapter and please let me know what you think. :) Again, this is unbeta'd so I am responsible for any mistakes/typos.


CHAPTER SIX

Late June 1914

Ever since that candid talk with Sybil, Edith took extra care to appear unaffected by Mary's jibes. She didn't care to verbally spar with the same vigour. Edith immersed herself fully into her research though she felt no urge to transform into her animagus since that night. She took the liberty of apparating to London to visit Diagon Alley to spend the day with a close friend from her school days.

Felicia Mayweather was Edith's best friend while at Hogwarts. They were both studious Ravenclaws who earned top marks due to their similarly determined natures and rigid study habits. Their professors respected them, cultivating them as they should upon discovering the best and brightest in their cohort. Now Felicia worked as a healer at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Because Felicia's schedule rarely allowed her to take time off, Edith made sure to come to London at the first chance that Felicia was able.

She recognized her friend as soon as she stepped into the little café adjacent from Twilfitt and Tatting's. The day was slightly overcast considering it was nearly the middle of June. Edith approached the table with a big grin, feeling happier than she had in weeks.

"You look so different, Eed! Look at your muggle clothes," Felicia cried as she embraced Edith fondly.

Edith wore a crème blouse neatly tucked into a wool skirt, topped with a light grey ladies' coat. Felicia, on the other hand, donned her Healer's robes as though she'd just left the hospital and come straight to lunch. Her blonde tresses were twisted efficiently into a practical bun which drew attention to her dainty features.

"I hope it's a good change. You yourself look wonderfully professional. I do hope our little outing isn't keeping you from work."

"Oh, I just finished my early shift. It's lovely to be outside at this time of day again." Felicia joked.

The two ladies took their seats after which a server took their orders. With a wave of the server's wand, their luncheon appeared on the table before them. They ate and chatted unreservedly as though they hadn't been apart for over a year.

"After my first four months, I was promoted to the Janus Thickey Ward—Spell Damage and all that. The things I've had to do…" Felicia shook her head with her eyes closed. "You'd be astonished at how stupid people can be with their magic sometimes. And then there are victims of violent crime but those are few and far between."

"It sounds as though you've become a true expert. You should be proud at your being promoted so early." Edith saw the lines in her friend's face, the stress of the work.

Felicia took a bite of her sandwich and sighed.

"I know and I am. I just…"

"What?"

"I've heard some rumblings, nothing solid just whispers here and there 'round the hospital that there could be a muggle war coming. The Ministry officials have been in contact with the senior administrators of St. Mungo's." Felicia's voice had dropped to a whisper by the end of her statement.

Edith's eyes widened.

"I realised tensions are high in Austria-Hungary but I hadn't realised we were involved at all."

"It seems likely that the tensions are results of very carefully calibrated interference by malicious wizards in the respective foreign ministries of magic."

"Atrocious," muttered Edith. Many things began to make sense. The rise of extremist groups in Europe, the rampant buildup of arms and naval power among those countries. Her mind wandered unintentionally to Sir Anthony and his trips to the Continent. Something must have shown on her face for Felicia remarked on it.

"If their efforts come to fruition, well, the magical community in Britain has agreed to contribute however it can. Now enough of this gloomy talk. What of you, Eed? What massive undertaking have you accomplished so far? I remember your plans for research before we left Hogwarts."

Edith sipped her coffee before setting her cup down on the table. She hadn't told Felicia of the true extent of her injury. She even went so far as to ensure that she went to a Healer in a different part of the ward so as to avoid running into her friend during any of the routine appointments Edith had to attend. She didn't want pity from someone who could actually imagine what it would be like to lose control over one's power. She inhaled quickly and spoke smoothly so as to hint that nothing was amiss.

"I've refined my initial hypothesis at first. I'm still interested in studying practical applications of Transfiguration. But I've seemed to have lost the specific direction I'd like to go…"

Felicia waited patiently as Edith tried to find the words.

"…I've been distracted recently."

"Oh? That's not like you." Felicia recalled their study sessions just before their N.E.W.T.'s, only sleeping two or three hours a night without sacrificing either of their focus.

Edith met her companion's gaze and decided if it was worth mentioning.

"I find living amongst my family again has been especially challenging. Hiding my magical ability is taking its toll. I practice of course, but in secrecy. I've shown Sybil some of the normal practices of our world, she's been a good sport about it all."

"And?" Felicia leaned back in her chair, knowing there was more to that morose expression on Edith's face. Edith's left eyebrow rose a bit, and then a look of indecision came over her face before she sighed and caved in.

"I've met a man."

"Do tell."

The beauty of their friendship was that Edith's aristocratic, muggle heritage was not the barrier it should have been between two young girls. Edith felt utterly grateful for Felicia's willingness to listen.

"He's, well he's one of my father's old friends. They came up together at Cambridge and he owns a house near ours. The thing is, mama is hopeful that he might marry my sister Mary."

"How did you meet him?"

"Mama invited him to dinner last month. On a lark, I volunteered to keep him company since Mary made it a point to avoid him as soon as mama informed her of her plan. We got talking quite comfortably. Then I stepped outdoors to take a walk after dinner and…he joined me. We spent the rest of the evening, getting to know each other. It must've been the evening, his kind manner."

"You sound quite in love with the man." Felicia was frankly pleased for her friend. This was the first time she'd ever heard Edith express an interest in a man that went beyond mere friendliness.

"Oh god, do I?"

At Felicia's questioning look, Edith began to explain the second meeting when she saw Anthony riding out with Mary.

"At tea, I suppose I was overwhelmed, really. Sitting there quite literally doing nothing and realizing that if all this—" Edith waved her hand in the general direction of the tall window beside their table, "didn't exist, that I'd be exactly that. Nothing. And if I choose to return fully to that world with my family that I'll need a far greater incentive than to just be an ornament for the rest of my life."

The blonde Healer suddenly understood Edith's plight. As a witch from an old magical family, Felicia couldn't imagine what it was like to straddle the two worlds and stay sane.

Edith continued, "This man…Anthony is his name. From the brief time we were together, I realised a man like him may be incentive enough to juggle these two radically opposite lives. Perhaps in time I could grow accustomed to living as a witch in the muggle world. It would be easier than trying to have a muggle husband in the magical world."

"Certainly, I imagine so. Edith, I'm sure this goes without saying but you shouldn't rush through this lightly. Remember that we will live long lives. You must try to be happy, whatever you choose to do."

"I only hope so. I do love my family but they seem to drive me batty," Edith laughed, not with amusement but with relief at being able to air out her troubles. "Thank you, for lending me your ear."

"Not a problem, Eed."

"I do want to hear all about when you find a beau."

Felicia's brows shot up at Edith's teasing tone.

"Well, we'll just have to wait and see, won't we. I spend far too much time with my patients to even consider joining the hunt, so to speak."

"I'd hardly call it a bloodsport! Actually you may have a point."

They both laughed heartily and finished their food, spending the rest of the time in a lighter mood. After paying for their meals, they agreed to stroll down and visit the rest of the shoppes since it had been quite a while since Edith was in London. They stopped to peruse the selection at Flourish and Blotts, which wasn't too busy at the luncheon hour, so they could occupy an aisle without worrying about being in anyone's way.

"There is an author who's rather an upstart among medical researchers and he's just been published. My boss has attended some of his talks and recommended to keep up with this man's findings. Ah—here it is." Felicia waved her wand delicately to summon the aforementioned book from its place far above their heads. When it reached her hand, she gave it to Edith.

"Allen Kirshler is a researcher in medical Transfiguration. He's invented new techniques to use Transfiguration to assist in mending broken bones and healing internal injuries that potions can't fix alone. I think you'll enjoy his work and perhaps be inspired. You know, he's going to Italy to the mediwizardry institute in Salerno. I plan on attending if I can get the time off."

Edith mulled this over, having heard the man's name mentioned before. She ran her hand over the book's leather cover. The thrill of delving into a new and relevant piece of literature coursed through her.

"I'm ever so glad you keep me in the loop. I'll have to come down to London more often to try to keep up with the pace of innovation!"

"If you master his techniques, with some basic Healer's training, I bet you could have a successful position at St. Mungo's. I'd happily put in a word for you, Edith, should you choose to make this your life. If it turns out I won't be able to attend, I'd be happy to let you take my place at the conference."

The calm but encouraging tones of her friend were clearly an attempt to sway her a certain direction. Edith couldn't be angry at Felicia for being biased. Who wouldn't be, if born to such a legacy? Every corner of Diagon Alley was bursting with vivacity, disguised as it was from the rest of muggle London.

"Yes, well, I gave mama one year. I intend to keep my promise."

"You must also promise me then, that you will seek out this fellow of yours to see what he intends to do. Spend more time with him, as you contemplate your choices."

"You and Sybil, like broken records, you are." Edith joked softly.


Despite her best intentions and the valiant struggle that brewed inside her, Edith found herself entertaining visions of herself with the gentleman, walking and chatting happily in that glowing light that seemed to encompass all of her tender imaginings concerning him. She scoffed internally at that, knowing that if she intended to make these images reality, she'd best rid herself of those proverbial rose colored glasses. He was human with his own thoughts, biases and probable shortcomings. She was quite certain that accepting him for who he was entirely was key to any sort of lasting connection.

The two ladies made their way through the aisles, pausing when either spotted a book that caught their fancy. By the time they were finished at Flourish and Blotts, Edith had to bid Felicia farewell so she could get home to rest before her next shift at hospital.

"It was so good to see you, Eed. Remember what we discussed. I truly wish you the best. I daresay you've more than earned it."

"I'll do my best, as ever. And know that I am very proud of how you've made your way into your profession. I wish you the best of luck."

After Felicia whirled away, apparating home, Edith stood alone on the cobblestone sidewalk. She glanced around at the passers-by, clad in wizarding robes and surrounded by magic. The air itself hummed with it. She placed a hand on her chest, feeling her own faint power resonate within her in response to the energy around her.

Reluctant as she was to leave, it was getting late.

Edith moved aside against the window display of a Quidditch supply store so she wouldn't be in the way of the crowd and visualized Downton Abbey. She chose her room, picturing the pink walls and dark wood furniture, Laila sitting on her perch by the window. With a deep breath, she was blindsided by the desire to apparate after so long. The reservoir of her healing magic swelled and matched the beat of her pulse, as it used to, in the moment before she'd draw from it to perform complex spellwork. Surrounded as she was by magic, she longed to be like any other member of the wizarding population. Her fingers were white with strain as she held her wand so tightly she was afraid she might damage the mahogany wood.

Then Edith recalled the same impatience that brought her to the brink of ruin. It hit her like a blow to the chest, her skin prickled at the idea of it. She put her wand away and began to walk to the brick wall entrance to the alley, intending to simply catch the train home to Downton Rail Station.

The journey home passed uneventfully. Branson was there at the station to take her home. When she entered her room, she jumped to find her mama standing near her bed. Cora was equally, if not more startled.

"Good god, Edith, you gave me such a fright!"

"I'm sorry Mama, I didn't think anyone would be in my room when I returned."

She kissed her mother's cheek apologetically. Cora smiled tremulously before gesturing to the dress she'd laid out on Edith's bed. "I had this made for Sybil but she wasn't too fond of it. I wondered if you might like to have it altered to fit you."

The dress in question was a very fetching chartreuse with glittering beading all around the neckline and bust. It was very fine, and Edith liked it at once.

"Thank you, Mama. How kind of you."

"Give it to Anna and she'll see to it."

"…Actually, I can do it myself. I mean I can easily mend it myself without the need to trouble anyone."

"Oh?"

"Yes, would—would you like to see?"

Her mother wasn't sure how to react. She could see it in her mama's well-meaning stare.

"Very well."

Edith smiled. She hoped to impress her mother in this small way, at least, to make her see the value of magic in little tasks such as these. She knew that minor alteration charms were easy enough for her now. She was definitely glad she hadn't attempted apparition from London to Yorkshire or she might have splinched herself and taxed her recovering energy.

She took out her wand from her coat pocket and murmured, "Wingardium Leviosa." The dress floated up of its own accord, suspended in midair so it hung nicely.

"My measurements are inherent to the following alterations charms." Edith explained as she waved her wand in a loose figure eight shape. Cora watched as the hemline lengthened just an inch and the sleeves changed to a shorter cap-style. The waist and bust were taken in a little. The garment began to glow a little, giving off a faint golden sheen.

"Do you see that, Mama?" Edith asked, referring to the color change.

Cora nodded wordlessly.

"That's a mark of my magical energy. Sometimes, we leave little traces of ourselves behind."

All finished, Edith sent the dress to hang in her armoire and waved her wand to open and close the door. She pocketed her wand again and faced her mama.

"I know I haven't been able to express it properly, my dear. But I am very, very proud of you. You've done so well in ways that I cannot possibly have taught you. I always knew you'd grow into a strong, beautiful lady." Cora's eyes filled with meaning and Edith found herself quite robbed of breath.

"Oh mama—" She embraced her mother tightly. This precious moment between them, in which Edith bared a fraction of her soul to her mother, and her mother's words was just what she needed after her conversation with Felicia. "Thank you for not rejecting me."

"I could never."

They separated after a few lingering seconds.

"Mama, I must ask you. Do you mean to invite Sir Anthony Strallan here again?"

"I think he means to come take Mary for a drive on Thursday morning. Why?"

Edith bit her lip and looked down before replying. She wanted to confide in her mother as she had in Sybil and then Felicia. But she knew how much her mother wanted to see Mary engaged and wed before the end of the year so she bit it back, though the more she repressed her feelings, the more Edith wondered if she might die of the effort.

"No reason."

"Actually, I believe he might make a proposal to her very soon. Your papa says it's highly likely from how things are progressing, don't you think? Granny certainly approves."

"I'll make sure to be home when he does, then." And just like that, Edith felt a heavy sadness come over her. So the end of her tender hopes was nearer than she anticipated.

"Does she love him, Mama?"

Cora frowned at her middle daughter in confusion, and perhaps a little curiosity and concern.

"I think she loves the idea of being married at last." She answered carefully. She suddenly noticed the anguished look on Edith's face and the quick attempt to disguise it with casual interest.

"Ah. I see. Poor fellow…"

Throughout supper later that evening, Edith was pale and withdrawn. Mary glowed with supposed excitement a young woman feels when she's at the cusp of becoming a bride, but Edith knew the truth behind that feline smile.