It was Christmas day before Louisa saw Arthur Weasley. It wasn’t a moment too soon. She was still undecided how she felt about going and she was allowed only to go if she transfigured. She had never been to St Mungo’s before and it was a strange place. Full of dark corridors, few windows and it wasn’t long before she wished she wasn’t there. They went in and said Merry Christmas, although she tried to wait until last to go, and to give him a present. She sidled up to the bed nervously. She felt as though he would blame her in some way. That he would feel that it was, in some way her fault. It wasn’t of course, that was silly but it didn’t stop her from feeling guilty.

“Merry Christmas, this is from uncle and me. He sends his best.”

“Louisa! what’s with the solemn face? It’s Christmas! Is it a puzzle box?” he shook it joyfully.

“er no I gave Molly the puzzle box. I thought you would have trouble opening it in here so it is a normal gift.”

As he unwrapped it his eyes lit up “rechargeable batteries! Merlin’s beard! This will go wonderfully in my collection.”

She smiled a cheeky smile.

“You aren’t angry are you? I mean with me?” she asked thoughtfully. It had been something that had crossed her mind so many times since his attack.

“Why on earth would I?” he looked at her bemused.

“well, it was my…” but he cut her off.

“Now see here. I want none of that talk from you. You understand?” it was almost as though he was more pained that she would think he would be cross at her for it than being attacked.

“I do”. Her eyes stung with tears as she left.

“We’re going to the tea rooms, want to come?” said Hermione, placing her hand on Louisa’s shoulder. She nodded,
knowing that she needed energy of some kind, of any kind. It was decorated it baubles and lights sparkling brightly.