I watched as Harry swirled his vegetables around on his plate. I would have been worried about him, recognizing the signs that I gave out when I was struggling with my eating habits, if I didn't know what caused this behavior.
"Harry, you really need to eat something. You can't bring Sirius back by starving yourself," I urged my boyfriend.
Yes, my boyfriend. Despite the challenges with the DA, the crazy attention of Cho Chang, and the death of Sirius Black, Harry and I had agreed that sometime during the year, a line had been crossed. Instead of going back, we were determined to move forward.
Harry gave me a small smile. "I thought I was supposed to give you the pep talks," he murmured.
"Not if you're the one who's not eating," I replied.
The End of the Year Feast did not hold its normal excitement for us. Gryffindor's Quidditch Cup victory was empty for the banned Harry, and none of us were ready to forget, as much as we wanted to, the events of that crazy night in the Ministry. I was still on four different potions for the curse that Dolohov had thrown my way, but the pain was lessening everyday. But while my physical pain was fading day after day, Harry's emotional damage would not be repaired for some time yet.
We watched the countryside rush past as the Hogwarts Express headed towards London. Our compartment was quiet, none of us really able to broach what had occurred in the Ministry that night. Neville and Ginny had joined us, along with Luna. Luna's face was once again hidden behind her copy of the Quibbler, while Ginny and Neville were talking animatedly, but quietly, about plans for the DA for next year. Ron, as usual, was eating all the food he could get his hands on.
Harry sat quietly, seemingly mesmerized by the moving scenery outside the window. I didn't know how to really help him through his pain; it was something that I had never experienced.
"Harry, can I talk with you, alone?" I asked my friend. He gave me a questioning look, but proceeded to follow me outside the compartment door.
"Harry, you have been such an amazing strength to me these past months. If it weren't for you, well, I'd…" I didn't know how to put into words exactly what Harry had done for me.
"You saved me from myself. Now, I want you to know, I'm here for you. No matter what," I finished quietly.
"Hermione, thanks," Harry replied. The two simple words meant so much more. More than words were passed between us as Harry recognized just how much I was willing to do for him.
"I love you."
THE END!
Important A/N:
Okay, the story is done, but anyone who wants to stay late can get the moral of the story.
Eating disorders are a serious mental health issue. They are in fact a mental illness, and are the most serious of any others. Anorexia Nervosa has one of the highest death rates of any mental illness; anywhere from 5 to 20% of those struggling with the disease will die. As much as 1% of American women suffer from Anorexia, or almost 1.5 million women. And while most sufferers are women, 5-10% are men. It is a sobering disease that affects people all across the nation. If you or someone you know are struggling with an eating disorder, please seek professional help. Any trusted person can help you on the road to recovery.
Many reviewers have said that they couldn't see Hermione as being anorexic, but for many women the goal of this extreme diet is not to lose weight, but to gain control. Hermione's perfectionist attitude makes her a person that could become anorexic. I personally think that Hermione is too smart for that, but my major purpose in writing was to broach a subject that many people find difficult to talk about, and I hope gives at least one person the courage and strength to help themselves or someone else who is struggling with this disease.
I took my information from two internet sites that have links to finding help. Please visit Something Fishy or the National Eating Disorder Association websites to find out more at http://www. something-fishy. org/ or http://www. National eating disorders. org. (just take out the spaces)
Thank you for reading my story, and for taking seriously the struggle of many women in America, and around the world.
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