Chapter Seven A Parcel and a Promise

There's obviously been a change in him. I can't help but notice how much Seamus has been improving over such a short period of just three days. Now that he's come to terms with the fact that he's back with those who love him, he's been recovering so well. I guess it just took that little extra encouragement and he's regained his spirit. Well not completely. There's still a distance about his eyes. He tries to hide it but I know him better.

I haven't been in my dorm that often lately. I go there only to get clean clothes. I haven't even slept in my bed since the night after that final breakthrough; Seamus was in my arms for at least an hour before Madam Pomfrey took control of the situation. But in that time there was such a connection, I don't think anything will ever break the bond we forged that evening.

But still, there's that distance!

He smiled genuinely when Dean and Neville came to see him, just the day after. He even accepted the apology from Harry Potter when he came by, just as, if not more shattered by Seamus's ordeal than Seamus was. He seems to be taking the entire matter onto his own shoulders, like it's his own fault. Seamus wouldn't hear of it. "It could have happened to anyone" he'd said. I hadn't ever blamed Harry, not really. But the fact that it happened to someone who had shared a dormitory with Harry for six years must have contributed to this. But if Seamus can forgive, I know I can and I have.

That distance though. I came in yesterday, and when I dropped my bag at the foot of his bed, he feigned sleep! He made this sighing sound and rolled over. I've watched him sleep for a month now; who does he think he's fooling? After about ten minutes he turned back to me and 'woke up'. When I've been doing my homework, bring him up to speed in his classes, he sits there and look off. This glazed look takes over his face and he looks at the wall, but he's looking right through it. That's what bothers me most. I'm not patient, but I'm trying to be. He'll tell me when he's ready, that's when I'll be ready.

"Little steps Mr. Finnigan." Madam Pomfrey scolded, supporting him by holding just below his elbow.

Elizabeth snapped back to the task at hand. She and Madam Pomfrey were helping Seamus hobble around the hospital wing. He tried to mask the winces as each step brought a spasm of pain coursing through his lower extremities. He was determined to finish this workout. He staggered along with help, and even walked across the entire foot of his bed, grasping the bed frame for support, by himself.

"That's enough for one day." Madam Pomfrey said in a voice that was kind, but with enough force that Seamus didn't complain. The two lead him back to his bed, and he sat looking worn but proud of his accomplishment. "There's a package here for you by the way." The magical matron brought over a brown paper wrapped parcel and set it on his bedside table and left after giving him a warning to rest.

"Who's it from?" Elizabeth asked light heartedly as she lifted Seamus's feet into her lap. She took off his shoes and socks, and began kneading the burn cream into the bottom of his feet. Though the burns had now disappeared, the cream relieved the pain caused by his activity.

"I'm not sure." He turned his body to prop the pillow against the head of the bed. He leaned against the pillow and lifted the box into his lap. Opening the box with meticulousness as to not rip the paper; he pulled out a piece of regular lined paper. His eyes widened as he read the first line. "It's from me dad."

"Good news I hope." Elizabeth asked cautiously, knowing that his father was a muggle and his mother a witch. His father was taking the situation very harshly because he couldn't come and see his son.

He fell silent for a few minutes as he read and re-read the letter. "I suppose its good news," He finally answered, "Mam's having a baby.

"I know," Elizabeth said, but watched as Seamus's expression changed to surprise. "I saw her when you were in St. Mungo's"

"I see," Seamus fell silent for a moment, "Dad's just apologizing for not telling me earlier in the year. He said it might have been too large of a shock. And he said you're more than welcome to come over and stay for the summer but to 'no offence but leave her cooking at home'." He read parts of the letter, but his expression still remained confused.

"What's wrong?" Elizabeth asked, "You're alright about the baby, aren't you?"

Seamus thought a moment, and then looked up with a genuine smile, "Yah." Was all he said.

"What's in the package?" Elizabeth asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Pictures from home, muggle pictures," He answered, pulling them out, eyeing the glossy prints. A rare amused smile spread across his face as he handed her the photos and reached into the box. "Me dad must have packed this." Elizabeth questioned as to what made him say that and as a response he pulled out several plastic cases. "Cds," He grinned, picking his way through them. Elizabeth recognized several of the artists. Seamus tossed them aside and reached again into the box. He pulled out a tattered and worn stuffed bear. A small innocent smile rose upon his lips. He spread his hand over the bear lovingly. "Eddy." He sighed.

"Eddy?" Elizabeth echoed. Finished rubbing the lotion into his feet, she closed the lotion tube and lobed it at the potion cart. She missed. The clatter caused Seamus to jump but he recovered quickly.

"Me dad got him for me while I was in hospital when mam had me. I've had him since." He smoothed his hand over the teddy again, and then tossed him at Elizabeth. "I wasn't very good with T's when mam asked me to give him a name. So it's Eddy."

Elizabeth smiled and looked down at the bear. He was obviously old, worn but loved. There was a big patch on its back and one of the eyes had noticeably been sewed on several more times than the other. Some stuffing stuck out of his ear, and his smile was half black, half dark red wool.

Madam Pomfrey came back to the partitions carrying a tray of broth for Seamus. "Miss Thornburn if I'd known you were still here I would have brought you a tray."

"That's alright," Elizabeth said, standing up and picking up the lotion tube to place it on the cart. "I was going to catch some supper after I'd finished up here."

"Well you make sure you get some supper." Madam Pomfrey looked sternly at Elizabeth as she put Seamus's supper in front of him. "Don't think I haven't noticed that you've been skipping meals."

"I'll eat," Elizabeth said, looking the matron straight in the eyes. Elizabeth was sure that the woman would see that she was lying. She had much homework to do and she was actually planning on sleeping in her dorm that night. "Promise," She added as Madam Pomfrey raised her eyebrows.

Making a tutting sound under her breath, Madam Pomfrey left the two alone, and closed the door to her office rather sharply.

"You've been skipping meals?" Seamus asked his tray sat forgotten.

"I've been worried." Elizabeth answered lamely. It was true, when Seamus had gone missing and when he had been returned she had been so worried that she ate no more than a meal every couple days. Of late, now that he was back and recovering, Elizabeth found herself skipping the same amount of meals, if not more.

"You're real thin." Seamus observed.

Elizabeth gave him a look that was perhaps more sharp than she'd intended.

"What I mean is you're thinner in a way that's unhealthy?"

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows.

"This isn't coming out right at all." Seamus frowned.

"Well you're thin too and I'm worried about you." Elizabeth snapped.

"Well don't worry about me then!" Seamus's voice rose uncharacteristically. He regained control of his volume. "I'm on the mend and I don't want you to get sick troubling yourself over me."

"How do you expect me not to worry?" Elizabeth asked. "All I've had to do is wait and wait until you've come around to me. There's been nothing but time and in that time I've been worried sick." A tear crept slowly down Elizabeth's cheek but she didn't even notice it. After a moment she brushed it away and turned from Seamus's hurt expression.

After a minute or two, Elizabeth became aware of a hand on her elbow. It registered in her brain along with the fact that Seamus had only ever willingly touched her and she turned back to face him.

"I'm sorry." Seamus whispered.

Elizabeth's anger melted and she immediately felt embarrassed. She ran her fingers through her hair and turned completely to face Seamus. "Don't be. I'm really sorry. I've been a twit."

"Thank you." Seamus said serenely. "Not like that. But you're helping me in ways that you'll never know." His hand stayed at her elbow, he formed circles over the bone with his thumb. "This is just helping me realize that there are other people out there and that this ordeal has affected more people than just me."

Elizabeth wasn't sure what to say so she just nodded.

"But you still have to promise to eat something." Seamus urged. "Because as much as I enjoy your company, I don't want you to have to stay in the hospital wing with me,"

Elizabeth smiled.

"Promise?" Seamus persisted.

"I'll go down to the Great Hall right now." Elizabeth answered.

Seamus squeezed her elbow slightly in thanks.

As much as Elizabeth wanted to kiss him, she knew that it wasn't the time, so she just stood up and with a smile she left the room in the direction of the Great Hall.