Feeling guilty/Asking for forgiveness
• Harry
After taking you to the infirmary, Harry stayed by your bedside all evening. Hermione and Ron had to persuade him to leave you and come back the next day.
*****
H: "Harry, you really need to eat something. You can't stay like this. Don't worry, she's all right."
Lost in his thoughts, Harry looked at her. "Hermione, I feel so bad. Really bad. But the worst part of it is that there is a little voice deep inside of me telling me that she deserves it: that she tried to force you to be her friend, just because of your intelligence and your popularity. And I hate that type of person."
Hermione and Ron look at each other in confusion. R: "But Harry, she never tried to force us to be friends. If you're talking about the time Hermione was embarrassed by her presence, it was because Y/n had asked Hermione for help with a homework assignment. Because of me, Hermione got angry and told Y/n she'd help her next time. That's when you arrived, and Y/n wanted to leave us alone".
H. "You must have misunderstood. I wasn't embarrassed because of her presence, but because Ron had just made a mess of things and I had a sense of duty to Y/n."
Harry looked at her shocked. "But-but does that mean I've been turning her down all this time for nothing? All she wanted was help?". He didn't know where to start. Everything he'd believed so far had been lies. Whether it was Cho or the reason he hated you.
All of a sudden, they were told you'd woken up. Harry leapt from the chair and ran as fast as he could. He ran into the room and when he saw that you were sitting up and well, he felt an immense sense of relief. You flinched when you saw him and Harry noticed. He slowly walked towards the bed and stopped at the foot of it.
H: "Hi...can I sit here?" You gave him a look, a little shocked at his sudden shyness, and nodded. He sat down and you saw him playing nervously with his hands: "I... Look... I'm really, really sorry. For everything. Whether it's for the fact that I hurt you, for the fact that I never listened to you, for the fact that everyone left you because of me, for the fact that I judged you without ever really knowing you. Oh my God, there's so much. I'm so sorry. I truly am. And... and I know you probably won't forgive me... and that's completely understandable, but..."
You cut him off carefully, "Harry. Don't worry, it's OK. I'm fine. It's not that bad and I'm used to it." Hearing this, Harry felt sinking. How had you managed to live with feelings like that all this time? When you saw how sad he looked, you smiled: "Come on, don't worry, it's nothing serious.” "I'm not saying I forgive you. At least not right now, it's too soon for me, but I'm sure things will get better with time." A little embarrassed, but relieved, Harry smiles at you.
• Ron
After leaving you at the hospital, Ron ran to see Ginny. Ginny comforted him, telling him that she was fine and that it was just one of Moaning Myrtle's pranks. He was relieved, but Ginny noticed how worried he looked.
*****
Ron had been waiting by your bedside for three hours. He felt terrible, and his conversation with Ginny only made him feel worse:
(a little earlier, at Ginny's side)
G: "You look worried Ron, are you all right? Ron looked at her, ashamed, "I-I attacked Y/n because I thought she'd done that to you. I swear it wasn't on purpose, or at least not after I found out it was Moaning Myrtle you were trying to point the finger at.".
Ginny looked at him, then took his hand, "It's all right Ron, I'm sure she'll forgive you. She's not a bad person, in fact she's very nice." Ron looked at her sharply and squeezed her hand tightly, "You know, I know all about what she does to you. She can't hurt you here, and even if I was wrong this time, consider it revenge." Ginny looked at him in disbelief, "But... what are you talking about? I'm not lying, she's really nice."
Ron snapped, "About your bullying Ginny! I know she's bullying you!"
Ginny looked at him stunned, "Ron, listen to me. You trust me, don't you?" He nodded, "I've never, ever been bullied by Y/n, the only one who's ever bothered me is Moaning Myrtle, but then Y/n was always there to keep her away."
(back to now)
After these revelations, Ron was stunned, feeling crushed with guilt and realising that he had never thought to ask Ginny. Or have seen you in action. He also remembered your reactions and the fact that you seemed genuinely concerned for Ginny, or when you denied his accusations. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice you had woken at first. When he saw you, he rushed over and grabbed your hands to squeeze them into his. "Y/n... I'm so, so sorry. For everything. Please forgive me. Please." You looked at him in surprise. He then went on to explain everything about Ginny and what she revealed and what he realised. You looked at him and then replied: "You know, I really hated you. For not trying to listen to me, or for calling me all those bad names all the time. But I get it. If I had a sister and I thought she was in danger, I would have done everything I could to keep her safe. And that's exactly what you thought you were doing. So, I do understand. But I'm not sure if I can forgive you right now. But with time, it will get easier. I'm sure of it." Feeling relieved and less ashamed, Ron thanked you a million times.
• Fred
After his mistake, Fred was at your bedside for over 3 hours without any movement. As he approached the 4th hour, George and his friends persuaded him to come back after he'd eaten.
*****
Fred really didn't have much of an appetite at all. Not only was he feeling betrayed by the girl he'd thought was his 'friend', but he also felt guilty towards you. Both for reacting so violently and for never trying to listen to you or check the rumours.
Towards the end of the meal, as he was on his way to the door, he overheard a discussion going on between a group of girls. "Have you heard what's going on? According to Sophia (the drunk girl from Chapter 2), Y/N tried to throw her into the flames ". "That hysterical lunatic" "No wonder Fred hates her. Besides, she would have accused Sophia of using a love filter on Fred when it was her and Sophia who saved Fred."
Fred couldn't believe what he heard. How could things have gone so wrong? Not only was everything they'd said untrue, but he realised how stupid he'd been to believe those girls, who two minutes earlier had been best friends with Sophia and were now gossiping about her. It had never occurred to him that they might have done the same to you, and to realise that came like a cold shower.
George, who had heard everything, glanced at Fred to assure him that he was taking care of the situation. He then went to deal with the girls and the rumours. Fred left for the hospital. His heart was heavy and full of guilt.
When you woke up, he did everything he could to have your forgiveness. "I'm beggin' y/n, forgive me. Please, please. I'm sorry. For all the things that have happened to you because of me. Not only did the others reject you because of me. But instead of listening to you, I hurt you". After a long discussion in which you had some understanding for his remorse, you reassured him: "Fred, it's true that I was very angry with you. For all the times you humiliated me. When I hadn't done anything to you. Or for choosing to listen to rumours instead of taking what I say. "But I know that you mean what you say. And I truly wish to forgive you. Just give me time." He was relieved by your reaction. He promised himself that in future he would listen to people and less to rumours.
• George
While you were in hospital, George had a chat with Fred. They decided to wait until you woke up to play the trick on Umbitch. For George, the priority was to apologise to you.
******
After discovering the missing piece, George had a long talk with Fred and realised he was the one who misplaced the box. Realising this only made him feel guiltier. With Fred's agreement, they decided to postpone their prank, and George stayed by your bedside while the nurse looked after you. After an hour or so, you finally woke up. The sight of George in front of you was a surprise. Despite his shame, he worked up the courage to apologise. "'Y/n, I'm really sorry. I would never have hurt you in such a way. Not only did I not listen to what you had to say, but in the end I was the one who misplaced the box". "I know what I've done is unforgivable, but please forgive me." He then handed you your bracelet: "Here, I understand it means a lot to you". You thank him and put it back on your wrist. Then you replied: "I can understand why you thought it was me. After all, you did find something that belonged to me in the room. And it's true that I did go into your storage room. But in my defence, Filch was after me, and it was the only room in the vicinity. I promise you, I didn't touch a thing. And besides, why would I want to touch anything?".
He glanced at you for a moment, then said in an embarrassed voice, "You know, there's no need for pretence. I know that it was you who denounced us to Umbridge on more than one occasion. But that's all over now. I simply don't understand why you have done this." You asked what he was talking about, looking at him in confusion. He then went on to tell you that he'd seen you talking to the teacher on several occasions immediately after their prank and that, as luck would have it, she had tried to stop them in the minutes that followed. You looked at him in shock and replied hesitantly, "You-you thought I'd 'report' you? Why should I do that? It's true that I did have a word with the teacher after your jokes, but it was precisely to keep her away as long as possible, to give you time to get away". George felt both stupid and sorry when he realised that he had been completely wrong about you and that he had never thought to check his accusations. Not only was he completely wrong about you, but you actually helped them! He then asked for your forgiveness and was relieved that you were willing to forgive him. It was just a matter of time.
• Oliver
After your spectacular fall, Oliver rushed to the hospital as quickly as he could. He spent the last 2 days wondering if you'd ever wake up.
*****
"Come on. That's it. You'll come back tomorrow. Don't worry too much. Her condition is stable and she's making a great recovery," the nurse said. He nodded and replied: "Can I stay another 10 minutes?" The nurse seemed hesitant but, seeing Oliver's sadness, agreed. "Just 10 minutes then, and let's keep it between us." He thanked her and she went to her work. Ten minutes later, just as he was on his way out, he heard you fidget. "Hmmm... Where am I?". Oliver suddenly turned around and ran over to your side. "Y/n... hospital. You're in hospital." "You've had a nasty accident and have been brought here. But don't worry, you're all right now." It took you a moment to remember what had happened and you were surprised that Oliver had a really worried look on his face. "I - listen... Thank you for saving my partner. Without you it would have gone badly". "And... I'm sorry," he continued, looking increasingly embarrassed. Really, really sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am. I mean, it's all my fault. None of this would have happened if I hadn't been blinded by victory."
"I was so convinced that you had caused him to fall that I didn't even bother to ask him directly what had happened. In fact, I think it was the victory that was more important to me than his condition or the cause of his fall". "You always played so well... and I... I didn't know how to react... So I just... I just..."
You looked at him in surprise, then quickly cut him off, "Oliver, I understand, there's no need for concern. Winning? Everyone wanted it, so don't beat yourself up about it. We all get blinded by victory or revenge sometimes." He looked at you with puppy dog eyes and asked: "So... you forgive me? You're not angry with me? You replied: "I-well, I think I need some time to forgive you, so give me some time. He nodded, grateful to see that you weren't angry.
• Cedric
Cedric had been with you all night. As the accident had happened in the evening, he had insisted on spending the night by your bedside.
*****
It was around 1am. Cedric was trying very hard not to sleep. He didn't want to risk being sleeping when you woke up. Gradually his eyelids became heavy and he couldn't keep from falling into a restless sleep. He dreamed of you and Marla, of all the unfounded accusations he had made against you. All the times he'd teased you jealously. Then, suddenly, he was awakened by a voice: "Cedric... Cedric..." He woke in sudden panic, seeing you leaning towards him, worried. "Cedric, are you all right? You looked as if you were having a nightmare, so I took the liberty of waking you up. Sorry." He looked at you a bit confused. "You... Y/n... Are you OK? Oh, y/n! I'm so sorry. I... I thought it was you, but it was actually Marla... she... well, she was jealous of you, so..." You took his hand and said in a calm voice, "Cedric, it's all right. Look, I'm fine." There followed a long discussion in which he apologised for everything he'd done since you were children, and for taking all your friends away from you out of jealousy. He also apologised for hurting you and spoiling your book the last time you were at the lake. He told you that Marla had been banished after it was discovered that she had been the source of several thefts of valuables from the castle. After listening to his apology, you sighed calmly and replied: "You must understand that this is a lot to take in. All this time, all I wanted was a normal life at school. But because of you, everything went wrong. So yes, I was angry with you and I still am, but... I think in time I'll be able to forgive you". He was relieved by your response. He felt less guilty and grateful to you.
• Draco
After taking you to the hospital, Draco went to deal with the student who had caused all the trouble. He was furious at having attacked you and was determined to take his revenge on the person who really did it.
*****
Draco wiped the dried blood from his clothes, his mind racing. He had taken charge of the culprit, and had even warned Dumbledore of his misdeeds: of the attempted rape, and of the attempt at revenge. He had also learned that he had attempted to rape other girls after his humiliation, which only increased Draco's anger. Did he not understand the purpose of the humiliation? After all, Draco had used all his strength to beat him without ever touching any vital parts and remained respectable. It had not been his intention to kill him, but rather to teach him a lesson. After that, Dumbledore took charge of the case and promised to take care of the matter. As he changed his clothes, thinking that beating the student would be enough to remove his guilt, he realised that he would not feel relieved until he saw you awake. He couldn't believe it. He had beaten up a girl. It's true that you fought a lot as children. But this time he didn't even let you defend yourself. He was ashamed. While he was deep in thought, you slowly opened your eyes. Draco was surprised and took a moment to react, "Y/n...? Are you... Are you all right?" You tried to move, but you grunted in pain. Your chin was still swollen. "Don't- Don't move, you look like shit." You looked at him and said sarcastically, "Really? I had a feeling I'd be on my way to Miss Universe in this condition." When you saw the regret in his eyes, you gave him a smile and told him that you were fine. He gave a gentle laugh and took your hand. "I'm so, so sorry... I... Shit. I don't even know what to say. All this time it was the other asshole. And yet I attacked you like a coward." You sighed slightly and replied: "You know, I'd like to tell you that I forgive you, that it's nothing, that everything's fine. But it's not. I'm mad at you... You didn't even give me time to explain, you had no proof and you attacked me. But, well.... I think you have to get over stuff... Give me time and you'll see, I'll probably forgive you". He nodded, feeling a little more relieved and a little less guilty. "Draco? Can... can we just keep this between us? I mean... you know... parents?" He seemed a little surprised but accepted without flinching. If it would help you to forgive him, he would accept without thinking.
• Mattheo
Mattheo paced around your room, unable to stand still. You'd been unconscious for three hours. Three hours that felt like an eternity.
*****
"Shit!" "How could she do that?!" Mattheo was furious. He blamed himself terribly and had just realised the full truth. During the 3 hours he'd had time to read Pansy's entire notebook. He'd discovered all the horrible things she'd thought or planned to do to you. Who knew? Maybe she'd already done some. Mattheo shivered with disgust at the thought. The more he read the notebook, the more he noticed details in her memories that should have alarmed him. But no, he had chosen to remain ignorant, and that ignorance had led him to hurt you. In fact, it wasn't the first time he had hurt you. Since you were little, you'd often fought and both ended up hurt. But this time was different. This time you were the only one with any injuries. Not long after the accident, Pansy had been expelled from the school that very same evening. Dumbledore had accompanied her personally. He had promised Mattheo that he would take care of her punishment. That had helped Mattheo feel less guilty. But it hadn't taken away all his shame. After pacing back and forth for the 50th time, he finally sat down in the chair by your bedside and looked at you sadly. How was he going to ask for your forgiveness? He wasn't used to it, and shame and regret overwhelmed him. Then he noticed you had opened your eyes. You were trying to sit up. He hurried over and held you firmly but gently, "Y/n... don't move, you're in bad shape". You looked at him with surprise and said, "Matheo? But... I..." Then he saw you panicking and felt you shaking, "I swear I didn't do anything! She-she jumped on me first, so... I-I..." He gently placed a finger over your mouth and silenced you. "I know, I know. Oh Y/N forgive me! Shit! I was completely outta line and a total jerk..." He managed to apologise and you began to calm down a little. He apologised again and told you about Pansy and the notebook. A long discussion followed, during which you reassured him and promised to forgive him. Your answer was a relief to him, and his sense of guilt was a little less overwhelming.
• Theo
After the incident, Theo made sure the girl was punished and that you were safe. He was worried about you, even though he wouldn't admit it.
*****
The sight of all that blood on the back of your head was a shock to him. Since then, he has spent the last two hours by your side, bombarding the nurse with questions: "She's going to wake up, isn't she? Are you sure she'll be okay? Why is this taking so long?"
The nurse finally took him out of the room and asked him to wait outside. She said he was too noisy and disturbing the other patients. After an hour of doing nothing, replaying the scene in his mind, the nurse found him: "Mr Theodore Nott? Miss Y/n Y/l/n has woken up. You can have a look at her now". He jumped off his chain and cautiously made his way to your bed. It was the first time he'd ever been stressed out by the idea of having to see someone, and it was downright frightening. He stood at the foot of the bed, seemingly avoiding your gaze, "I...Hi." "Fuck. OK." "Y/n. I'm sorry. I acted on impulse as usual. I have no excuse. I should have taken the time to analyse the situation. I'm sorry." You realised that this was an apology and looked at him in disbelief. So you replied: "I... Thank you. I mean... It's cool that you're sorry." He looked at you sadly for a moment. He noticed that you were afraid of him and he tried to be more relaxed by sitting down next to you, "Look, I know that you don't forgive me and that you're afraid of me. But I promise I won't hurt you." "Shit, I think I already threatened you... Forget it, okay? I was just angry that you reported me for smoking and I couldn't control my anger". You looked at him in surprise and explained that you hadn't reported him, although you had been disgusted by the cigarette, but had never intended to report him. You also apologised for your father's behaviour at the galas, telling him that you were as embarrassed as he was. When he realised that you were sincere and not joking, he was completely confused, but in the end he apologised. You were no longer afraid of him and were even open to forgiveness in time. You ended up having a light conversation until sleep overcame you and h