Scarlet watched Della silently; she knew it wouldn't be wise to say anything before any words had left the other girls' mouth. She absentmindedly folded the letter that was sat on her lap, smoothing out the edges by way of giving her hands something to do. She guessed that Della's upset was related to one Robert Nott, a Ravenclaw boy in their year whom Scarlet had never actually spoken with. She could put a face to the name, maybe seen him passing in the corridors once or twice, but she reckoned that was about as familiar it would get. Anyway, things had been said about Robert and Della, but she knew the rumours were probably overly-exaggerated and started by a bunch of gossiping idiots who'd nothing better to do with their time.
Up until that point, Della's demeanor had been one of not quite neutrality, but she'd been doing a good job of bottling it in, albeit looking as if she'd been drained of what energy she'd had left. But when she leaned back against the door in that manner, it took Scarlet by surprise. She kept her expression steady, but Della's defeated attitude was so unlike her usual 'take-nobody's-shit' approach toward things, that is was increasing her level of worry by the minute. And Scarlet didn't just worry for anybody. "Della, what's --" she paused, to choose her words carefully, "what is it that's getting to you?"
And she was given an answer. Scarlet would admit it to herself - she had never tried very hard to socialize and make more friends ever since that incident, ?and was careful not to draw herself too far into other people's lives. She kept strong relations with those she was already fond of, and that was it. Scarlet hadn't been there to see any of Della's breakdowns. she'd only noticed when the earrings she wore everyday were no longer hanging from her ears, but hadn't thought very much of it. So now, seeing somebody with such a strong headset actually begin to cry in front her her, she was reminded of her own behaviour, about a year ago.
She frowned, but it wasn't in anger, it was distress. She knew it was best to say something, and as Della came over and sat opposite her, there would not be a better chance.
"Don't apologize." she spoke firmly, not sounding anxious anymore. "You haven't done anything wrong, okay?" They'd not even been in each other's presence for all that long, but Scarlet decided to was safe to just talk. Taking Della's offer to discuss things, she began. "I know what it's like to want to just piss of out of here. But you should see yourself. You're like, a proper Gryffindor, you know. If it hadn't been for now I would have never have guessed you were feeling so bad."
"Right now, I think it's probably more important for me to listen to you. You've got a lot more on your plate. But, I might as well say this. I've got some idea of what's upsetting you. And this won't help with much, but you'e really not disgusting, okay? You're the last thing from it. I've been to a dark place, too. I went through months of shitty feelings and no self-esteem and hating myself for getting that way. And it's the worst thing." She wanted to reach out to Della and put a hand on her shoulder, something like that, but instead gave her what she hoped was a look of strong understanding, and a patronizing one.
"But you're so much better than that. I'm not going to run and hug you and say 'chin up love, it'll be alright soon, you'll see'." She surprised herself by repeating her brother's words. It was what he had said when she'd been low. "'Cause it's not that easy. But I swear, I hate to listen in to rumours, but if what I've heard has some sort of truth in it, then you've dealt brilliantly. I know it's a lot more than just one thing, but honestly, you've done so well."
she huffed darkly, more to herself. "You should've been there when I had my breakdown. My behaviour was the worst it's ever been. Trust me, you are a lion, even if you do feel scared. It happens. It's just ... hard to admit."
