15th October, 1895 — The Three Broomsticks

"Apologies for the delay," Alfie said cheerily as he joined Gemma in the snug of the bar, pleased to note that he had not spilled a drop of either of their drinks when he'd been obliged to maneuver through the pub like he was following the erratic path of bludgers once again. (Why were there so many people here? it was Wednesday for goodness sake!) Triumphant, he took his seat opposite her and grinned sheepishly; he had gotten here twenty minutes before her and guarded this spot like a feral dog, but she didn't need to know that. The little bit of privacy was well worth the effort and he was pleased to see that no one had taken his absence as a cue to push their way in.

"It's standing room only out there and...well, I'd have to crouch down to hear you," he joked, taking a sip of his drink and smacking his lips with pleasure. Leaning forward on his elbow, drink carefully poised for another taste, he became more sincere: "How are you? It's been ages and, well, I know it's been a terrible few months."

Gemma Simpson | Daffodil Grimstone

  

Alfie's invitation to the Broomsticks had been a delightful surprise. Things between them had been a little distant over the last couple years, but mostly because she was gone most of the time. A few letters here and there, but she thought that now she was going to be here for a little while, she wouldn't mind catching up and reconnecting a little. It was a little awkward and she didn't want it to be, those feelings that never quite went away, but she could lock it all up for now and just enjoy his company.

The crowded pup was nice and warm and she waited in the booth while Alfie went to get the drinks, humming to herself quietly as she watched the people around them for amusement. People watching was always one of her favorite things to do, especially when abroad. Gem had learned so many different customs and cultures across her travels, mostly from observing whatever was going on around her. It helped when she worked with people form around the world as well. It was one of her favorite parts of her job.

Gem wrapped her fingers around the warm cider gratefully, inhaling the spices fondly. She stuck her tongue out at him for the height joke. "It's not my fault you're the size of a mountain." She shot back playfully. "I'm alright. Been trying to keep busy." Professor Skeeter's house was almost all cleaned out and she was finding herself wondering what to do next. "How about you? How's work and everything going?" She didn't know what else he'd been up to over the years outside of the superficial things.

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