The Buddy System. *Updating In Process*

Trying to Understand

"She did?" Azaleah asked.

"Oh yes, dear. They are all in boxes in there for you. I washed everything that was sent."

"Well, that is one less job then." I smiled. I turned to Trixie. "How are you finding the house? Were you able to find everything OK?"

"Oh yes, Miss. Your house is being beautiful. Trixie likes it very much."

"Where do you live Trixie?" I asked. She was a free elf meaning that one- she was paid to work in the house. And two - she was able to have her own life outside of work.

She looked down at her feet. It wasn't until now that I noticed what Trixie was wearing. A dirty old camel-coloured cardigan and a kilt. "Well Miss Raelyn, Trixie is living in a coal bunker at the minute." She said.

I nearly choked on my food. "Sorry, what?"

"Well, I had never had a paying job before Miss. This is being my first one. So until I's can afford somewhere I's living there. It's where Trixie grew up." She didn't look embarrassed. Actually she acted like this was completely normal. 

I decided then and there to change that. "Trixie, why don't you live here? I have an attic and a basement, either of which could be transformed into a little apartment for you. Or I have a wooden house at the bottom of my garden. I could have it refurbished so you could have a home of your own?"

Mrs Weasley beamed. "Oh no, that is too much trouble for Miss."

"Nonsense. I would be happy to have you. Please?" I asked smiling at her. She was going to be helping me and I would make sure that I was paying her well. She deserved to have a space of her own. 

"Well if Miss is sure? Maybe I's could have a little area for myself? Only if it's not too much trouble. A cupboard is being fines. "

"I would be delighted to have you," I smiled. "I will write to Jeff and ask him to build onto the house in the garden so you can have your own home, with your own privacy. Does that sound good?"

Her eyes lit up. "Oh, thank you Miss!"

"Go and pack up your things and I will get everything sorted for you." I smiled.  She jumped up and bowed before popping out of sight.

"That was so sweet of you Raelyn." Mrs Weasley smiled before turning to Adaleah. "Azaleah, as part of my guard duty I need to discuss things with you. I have paperwork to fill out each visit. Just to make sure you are being well looked after. And Kingsley is sending his own personal physician this morning to check you over."

"What time is the physician due?" I asked as I conjured parchment and a pen and began to write to Jeff. 

"She will be here in about an hour." Mrs Weasley explained as she took my finished letter. "no need to wait for an owl," she smiled. She tapped her wand to the letter and it disappeared. "He should be getting it now."

"Great!" I smiled. 

"Don't worry. She is not here to get details of what happened that night. More to make sure that you are ok with everything that is happening now and to ensure that there is a plan in place to get you in the best of health." Mrs Weasley explained. 

Azaleah nodded. "Thank you," she whispered.

"And before that, I thought maybe you two could have a catch-up. The Ministry counsellor said it was good to talk. To express your feelings to someone. And who better than your best friend." Azaleah blushed as she looked at me. 

We ate breakfast in silence after that.  I was nervous about speaking with Azaleah.  I felt so much guilt about not being there for her. I was determined to be there for her now but I didn't know what to expect. If she began to talk about how she was treated I just knew I would crack. And that was not what Azaleah needed right now. We both took our time, dreading the impending conversation but when it couldn't be held off any longer, I stood, helping Mrs Weasley to clear the table first before turning to Azaleah.