(no subject)
Okay, so. Here's a fic. For
annearchy .
Title: Foot in mouth
Rating: PG-13 for language
Pairing: Ron/Eloise Midgen
Summary: Ron realizes that people can grow into their noses.
Warnings: Fluff and a bit cliche. You've been warned.
Prompt: Crooked Nose.
Eloise Midgen had no idea that Hogwarts had reunions, especially five year ones. That being said, it wasn't to be held at the school, but at the Three Broomsticks. Neville and Hannah had organized a joint engagement party and reunion into one weekend, hoping one of the two events would draw their friends back to the area. Had it not been Hannah, Eloise knew she'd not have gone.
While they shared a house in school, they'd never been that close. Eloise stuck with Wayne and Meg mostly, and didn't really feel that she was accepted by the other, more popular Hufflepuffs. She was the one with acne and a crooked nose, not the one with perky breasts or long beautiful hair. Hannah and Susan had always held the bloke's attention, while Eloise and Meg would snicker watching them primp, masking their jealousy with disdain. It wasn't that they really disliked the other girls; they were Hufflepuffs for Merlin's sake. They liked everyone. That didn't mean they had to be the best of friends, though. Wayne was always right there with them, never fitting in with the other blokes. The three of them had been inseparable. Well, inseparable until three became two. Surprisingly enough, it was Hannah who had taken care of Eloise once Meg was killed. It was Hannah who had encouraged her to go live with family in Paris and find a job there. It was Hannah who had, when Wayne had decided to live in the Muggle world, cutting off all ties with everyone, helped her survive the months after the war. After loosing both her father and best friend. Hannah, not Wayne.
So, as it was, Eloise was returning to Hogsmeade to celebrate her friend's engagement. She didn't know Neville well, but did know that Hannah had been interested in him since early on in seventh year. If he was good enough for Hannah, he was certainly good enough for Eloise to give him a chance.
Checking her reflection in the mirror of the small room she let in Diagon for the weekend, Eloise straightened the royal blue blouse she wore and tried to press out the wrinkles in her pants with her hands. The stupid ironing charm couldn't be used on these ridiculous things, something she still didn't understand. Her cousin, though, said they made her arse look amazing, not that Eloise knew why she was supposed to care. These were people who had seen her in pajamas. Deciding if they could deal with her acne for many years they could certainly deal with slightly wrinkled pants, she flooed to the Three Broomsticks.
Once she stepped out of the Floo, Eloise cursed. "Bloody fuck," she muttered under her breath.
"Trip that good?" an unfamiliar voice asked. Turning to apologize for her foul language, Eloise blushed upon realizing who stood in front of her. "Oh. Yeah, I forgot my gift. I hate the Floo. Ron, how are you?" she asked, trying not to blush even more.
Ron looked at the girl in front of him. He'd been standing next to the Floo, waiting for George to get his arse here when an attractive blond arrived. She was muttering, which was sort of amusing. Unfortunately, he had no bloody idea who she was, but she seemed to know him. Huh. Of course, lots of people knew him. "Uh, okay. How're you...?" Ron knew his ears were red and just hoped whoever this girl was wouldn't hold it against him. He knew a lot of people, and honestly didn't remember them all. He certainly didn't know her from the Ministry, she wasn't a friend of Hermione or Ginny, and she wasn't a Gryffindor. She wasn't one of the birds who followed him around, wondering if he and Hermione were really finished, or one of the girls to chase after him, curious about Harry or George or himself, wanting desperately to 'buy him a drink for his contribution to the war,' or to offer her shoulder to help him, 'get over the break-up.' The attention was fun at first, but got old pretty quickly.
Eloise kicked herself- of course he wouldn't remember her. Really, they'd only shared a handful of classes. And the only time they'd spoken had been when he'd commented on her nose being crooked. And that wasn't speaking, it was her overhearing him. He knew her name then, though.
"It's Eloise. I was a Hufflepuff your year." She tried to smile through her embarrassment. She'd need a drink- fast.
Recognition dawned on Ron a moment later. "No way! Your nose is straight!" Ron said, immediately realizing what a prat he was. "Uh, I mean. You look good."
Eloise was first offended, but quickly realized how ridiculous that was and just laughed. "Yeah well, I don't think it was actually ever crooked, just sort of big. I grew into it, I guess."
Ron swallowed and nodded. "Yeah, uh. Alright."
"I have to go back and get their gift, but I'm sure I'll see you later." Eloise smiled one more time and turned to get through the Floo, trying to shake off the feeling that, even now, she was remembered for her physical inadequacy.
After she was gone, Ron blew out a breath and ran his hands through his hair. He'd gotten so much better, too! Bloody learned to think before he spoke. Before they'd broken up Hermione'd told him time and time again that if he didn't fix the connection between his brain and mouth he'd really upset someone someday. It was bad enough it had cost him their relationship, not that it was a funcitonal one, but now he'd pissed off someone he barely knew by reverting to his 14 year old self.
Walking to the bar, he spotted Harry. The prat was snickering. "Nice one, Ron," he laughed, patting him on the back.
"Fuck, you saw that?" Harry just continued laughing, getting a glass of wine for Hermione and a pint for himself.
"Good thing Hermione's all the way over there, mate. She'd have hexed you to next year had she seen that little display."
"Keep your voice down! She'll hear you!" he pleaded. Harry shook his head, still laughing.
"What the hell, mate? She didn't look like that in school, I'd have remembered her!"
Knowing better than to talk about a fit bird with Hermione in the room, Harry just raised an eyebrow. "What?" Ron asked, his ears turning red again.
"Didn't think you liked blonds, that's all."
Ron scoffed. "I said she didn't look like that, not that I liked her. Shite. It's Eloise Midgen. I think I'll pass." Harry's eyes went wide as the very girl Ron spoke of walked past them, gift in hand with her head down. "Nice one, mate."
Ron froze when he spotted a blue blouse and head of curly blond hair pass them. "Fuck."
Eloise expected people to be curious as to what she'd done to herself in the last five years. Her nose wasn't taking up half her face these days, and the acne was finally gone. Plus, learning a charm to curl her hair had been helpful. She still didn't do herself up much as it wasn't really worth it, but she knew she looked a bit better than she had in school. She liked to pretend that the opinions of her peers didn't affect her, really she did. She wasn't hurt or upset when she heard the very Ron Weasley that had commented on her acne and her nose in school say he'd "pass," but considering his odd greeting of her just a few minutes ago, it seemed sort of bizarre. Whatever. It wasn't like she was looking for a bloody boyfriend, or even to make any new friends while she was home. She lived in Paris, and happened to like her friends very much.
Spotting the gift table, Eloise set her package down and began the search for the newly engaged.
_______
The following night the Three Broomsticks was understandably more packed than the night before. The "reunion" of sorts was much more publicized, and drew a much different crowd than the engagement party. Knowing she wasn't going to stay long, Eloise got a drink from the bar and milled around, wondering who she might see.
Wayne wouldn't be here, she knew that already. She heard from him exactly twice a year. Once on her birthday, and once on the anniversary of Meg's death. He was happy in Berlin, of all places, and had apparently started dated some Muggle bloke. Eloise hadn't been sure what to think of the obvious new enlightenment that Wayne was indeed gay, and decided against pressing the issue, opting to just congratulate him and once again invite him to see her. It was minimal, but the contact was better than nothing. He kept up with no one else from the Magical world, opting to work as an electrician and never speak of Magic again.
She spoke briefly with Ernie and Zach, both of them rather tipsy and a little more friendly than she remembered. Susan was there with Percy Weasley of all people. Apparently they worked together and had been dating for some time. Once she was satisfied she'd seen everyone she needed to, she bid farewell to those she knew and headed for the door.
"I'm a prat."
Glancing over her shoulder, Eloise saw Ron looking sheepish, raking a hand through his hair. Turning to face him, she shrugged. "Nah. Prat's are usually jerks, I think. You're not a jerk, just a little misguided." Eloise cocked her head to the side and watched as his entire head turned a bright shade of scarlet. "Don't lose sleep over it, Ron." Stepping towards him, she nudged his shoulder with her fist. It sounded like a smooth idea in her head, but obviously didn't translate well. "See ya." Turning back towards the door, she cursed to herself and headed out into the night.
Ron grimaced and turned around once she'd left, now face to face with Hermione.
"Harry told me you saw Eloise yesterday. It went well, I take it?" she asked sarcastically, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Traitor," Ron mumbled, putting his hands in the back pockets of his trousers. Hermione sighed. "Ron, you need to be careful. I know you're not friends with her, none of us are really, but you still shouldn't speak ill of her. You're better than that."
He groaned. "I know! I'd been doing so well, then I just start saying shite that doesn't make any sense. Fuck." Hermione glared at him. "Yeah, language. I know."
"Well, you have two choices. Go convince her you aren't the self centered arse you appear to be, or just let it go and hope she doesn't start telling people what an arse you are. Either way, good luck."
Ron watched Hermione walk away and sighed. He really shouldn't care, that's what George had said. The only time you needed to worry about what a bird thought of you was when they were family, you wanted to shag them, they were a friend, or you were dating them. Eloise was none of those he reckoned, so really, he should get over it.
Groaning, he grabbed his jacket from the coat rack and looked down the street for Eloise. He didn't know why it was bothering him so much. Maybe because she was prettier than he remembered, and it seemed just wrong to let her think otherwise. Eloise didn't seem like the type of girl that really worried about that too much, but still. He was an upstanding citizen. An Auror. He shouldn't be such an arse. He could just hear his mother scold him for insulting someone. Even now, at 23, he knew better than to piss off his Mum. It was bad enough when Hermione broke up with him; the whole family'd taken her side. They practically begged to throw her and Harry an engagement party when they got together a year later, not that they were even engaged. The last thing he needed was for Eloise to say something about him to someone else, have them say something, and have the blasted shite get back to his mother. Of course, if he didn't fix it Hermione would probably tell her anyway.
Ron spotted a blond standing on the sidewalk, talking to Neville. Thank Merlin- he was certain he'd have to ask Hannah where she lived. She was gesturing with her hands and had a bright smile on her face, making Neville peel over with laughter. Ron headed towards them and caught bits of the story she was telling.
"So then the bloody thing jumps into the pot of tea, and makes this horrid noise. I didn't know toads could make any noise other than a croak. It was like a moan or something. Poor thing hasn't been the same since. He just huddles in a corner, croaking every now and then." Neville wiped his face and laughed again. "Wow, Eloise. I had no idea Trevor could have had a friend in school. Next time you visit you'll have to bring him with you, and maybe they can try to cheer each other up."
Ron cleared his throat and greeted Neville. "Hey, Nev. You just heading in?"
Eloise turned, surprised to see Ron and a little annoyed that he was cutting off their conversation. "I'll leave you two. See you in a few months, Neville." Eloise patted his arm and continued walking down the street.
Ron started to call after her, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. Neville looked at him oddly, his eyebrows crooked in question. "I think, no, I know I offended her last night and I need to make it better," Ron said quickly, shoving off Neville's hand. Neville was surprised to see Ron flustered about something like that, and let him go. "Alright. Good luck with that. She's sort of feisty." Ron nodded his head and took off after her.
"Hey, Eloise. Wait a second, would ya?"
Eloise slowed her pace but didn't stop. "Is there something I can do for you?" she asked, her voice as friendly as she could make it.
"Uh. I just wanted to say I'm sorry again. You're really cute. Er," he coughed and shoved his hands in his jacket pockets. "I mean, any bloke would be lucky. Or, I mean, fuck." Ron groaned and tried to compose himself. Eloise stood and watched him, unable to hold back a giggle.
"Ron, seriously. I know I had a big nose, and I know I'm not Hannah or Susan or Hermione. It's not a big deal- I didn't hear half of what you said to Harry, and honestly I don't care," she said with a shrug.
Ron shifted his weight back and forth from foot to foot. "Alright, but still. I'm not a prat, I promise. I didn't mean to offend you or anything, I just don't think before I speak sometimes." Eloise nodded. "Me either, so don't worry."
"So, you're heading out?" he asked, wondering what else to say. Eloise smiled. "Yeah, that was the idea. I seem to keep running into people though." Ron laughed. "Yeah. Guess you have."
"Do you work around here?" he asked after a minute, realizing he knew absolutely nothing about the girl in front of him. "Nope. I live and work in Paris, actually. I work for the Ministry there in Accidental Magic." Ron was surprised to hear this. "Huh. That's really cool."
Eloise shrugged. "I have family there, and I needed to get out of England. What do you do these days? Other than chase people down to apologize that is." Ron chuckled, a little humbled that Eloise didn't know he was an Auror. "I work for the Ministry, too. Auror."
She nodded. "Makes sense. Well, it was nice to see you, Ron. Maybe I'll see you at the wedding." With that, Eloise turned and walked away.
Ron considered going after her again, but didn't know what else he'd say. She certainly wasn't like other birds he knew, and she didn't seem impressed that he was an Auror or a war hero. She didn't ask about Harry, didn't wonder about his family, and didn't offer any insight to the gossip going around like most girls did these days.
Suddenly, Ron was looking forward to Neville and Hannah's wedding. He'd just have to be sure he was ready with something to talk about other than her nose.
annearchy .
Title: Foot in mouth
Rating: PG-13 for language
Pairing: Ron/Eloise Midgen
Summary: Ron realizes that people can grow into their noses.
Warnings: Fluff and a bit cliche. You've been warned.
Prompt: Crooked Nose.
Eloise Midgen had no idea that Hogwarts had reunions, especially five year ones. That being said, it wasn't to be held at the school, but at the Three Broomsticks. Neville and Hannah had organized a joint engagement party and reunion into one weekend, hoping one of the two events would draw their friends back to the area. Had it not been Hannah, Eloise knew she'd not have gone.
While they shared a house in school, they'd never been that close. Eloise stuck with Wayne and Meg mostly, and didn't really feel that she was accepted by the other, more popular Hufflepuffs. She was the one with acne and a crooked nose, not the one with perky breasts or long beautiful hair. Hannah and Susan had always held the bloke's attention, while Eloise and Meg would snicker watching them primp, masking their jealousy with disdain. It wasn't that they really disliked the other girls; they were Hufflepuffs for Merlin's sake. They liked everyone. That didn't mean they had to be the best of friends, though. Wayne was always right there with them, never fitting in with the other blokes. The three of them had been inseparable. Well, inseparable until three became two. Surprisingly enough, it was Hannah who had taken care of Eloise once Meg was killed. It was Hannah who had encouraged her to go live with family in Paris and find a job there. It was Hannah who had, when Wayne had decided to live in the Muggle world, cutting off all ties with everyone, helped her survive the months after the war. After loosing both her father and best friend. Hannah, not Wayne.
So, as it was, Eloise was returning to Hogsmeade to celebrate her friend's engagement. She didn't know Neville well, but did know that Hannah had been interested in him since early on in seventh year. If he was good enough for Hannah, he was certainly good enough for Eloise to give him a chance.
Checking her reflection in the mirror of the small room she let in Diagon for the weekend, Eloise straightened the royal blue blouse she wore and tried to press out the wrinkles in her pants with her hands. The stupid ironing charm couldn't be used on these ridiculous things, something she still didn't understand. Her cousin, though, said they made her arse look amazing, not that Eloise knew why she was supposed to care. These were people who had seen her in pajamas. Deciding if they could deal with her acne for many years they could certainly deal with slightly wrinkled pants, she flooed to the Three Broomsticks.
Once she stepped out of the Floo, Eloise cursed. "Bloody fuck," she muttered under her breath.
"Trip that good?" an unfamiliar voice asked. Turning to apologize for her foul language, Eloise blushed upon realizing who stood in front of her. "Oh. Yeah, I forgot my gift. I hate the Floo. Ron, how are you?" she asked, trying not to blush even more.
Ron looked at the girl in front of him. He'd been standing next to the Floo, waiting for George to get his arse here when an attractive blond arrived. She was muttering, which was sort of amusing. Unfortunately, he had no bloody idea who she was, but she seemed to know him. Huh. Of course, lots of people knew him. "Uh, okay. How're you...?" Ron knew his ears were red and just hoped whoever this girl was wouldn't hold it against him. He knew a lot of people, and honestly didn't remember them all. He certainly didn't know her from the Ministry, she wasn't a friend of Hermione or Ginny, and she wasn't a Gryffindor. She wasn't one of the birds who followed him around, wondering if he and Hermione were really finished, or one of the girls to chase after him, curious about Harry or George or himself, wanting desperately to 'buy him a drink for his contribution to the war,' or to offer her shoulder to help him, 'get over the break-up.' The attention was fun at first, but got old pretty quickly.
Eloise kicked herself- of course he wouldn't remember her. Really, they'd only shared a handful of classes. And the only time they'd spoken had been when he'd commented on her nose being crooked. And that wasn't speaking, it was her overhearing him. He knew her name then, though.
"It's Eloise. I was a Hufflepuff your year." She tried to smile through her embarrassment. She'd need a drink- fast.
Recognition dawned on Ron a moment later. "No way! Your nose is straight!" Ron said, immediately realizing what a prat he was. "Uh, I mean. You look good."
Eloise was first offended, but quickly realized how ridiculous that was and just laughed. "Yeah well, I don't think it was actually ever crooked, just sort of big. I grew into it, I guess."
Ron swallowed and nodded. "Yeah, uh. Alright."
"I have to go back and get their gift, but I'm sure I'll see you later." Eloise smiled one more time and turned to get through the Floo, trying to shake off the feeling that, even now, she was remembered for her physical inadequacy.
After she was gone, Ron blew out a breath and ran his hands through his hair. He'd gotten so much better, too! Bloody learned to think before he spoke. Before they'd broken up Hermione'd told him time and time again that if he didn't fix the connection between his brain and mouth he'd really upset someone someday. It was bad enough it had cost him their relationship, not that it was a funcitonal one, but now he'd pissed off someone he barely knew by reverting to his 14 year old self.
Walking to the bar, he spotted Harry. The prat was snickering. "Nice one, Ron," he laughed, patting him on the back.
"Fuck, you saw that?" Harry just continued laughing, getting a glass of wine for Hermione and a pint for himself.
"Good thing Hermione's all the way over there, mate. She'd have hexed you to next year had she seen that little display."
"Keep your voice down! She'll hear you!" he pleaded. Harry shook his head, still laughing.
"What the hell, mate? She didn't look like that in school, I'd have remembered her!"
Knowing better than to talk about a fit bird with Hermione in the room, Harry just raised an eyebrow. "What?" Ron asked, his ears turning red again.
"Didn't think you liked blonds, that's all."
Ron scoffed. "I said she didn't look like that, not that I liked her. Shite. It's Eloise Midgen. I think I'll pass." Harry's eyes went wide as the very girl Ron spoke of walked past them, gift in hand with her head down. "Nice one, mate."
Ron froze when he spotted a blue blouse and head of curly blond hair pass them. "Fuck."
Eloise expected people to be curious as to what she'd done to herself in the last five years. Her nose wasn't taking up half her face these days, and the acne was finally gone. Plus, learning a charm to curl her hair had been helpful. She still didn't do herself up much as it wasn't really worth it, but she knew she looked a bit better than she had in school. She liked to pretend that the opinions of her peers didn't affect her, really she did. She wasn't hurt or upset when she heard the very Ron Weasley that had commented on her acne and her nose in school say he'd "pass," but considering his odd greeting of her just a few minutes ago, it seemed sort of bizarre. Whatever. It wasn't like she was looking for a bloody boyfriend, or even to make any new friends while she was home. She lived in Paris, and happened to like her friends very much.
Spotting the gift table, Eloise set her package down and began the search for the newly engaged.
_______
The following night the Three Broomsticks was understandably more packed than the night before. The "reunion" of sorts was much more publicized, and drew a much different crowd than the engagement party. Knowing she wasn't going to stay long, Eloise got a drink from the bar and milled around, wondering who she might see.
Wayne wouldn't be here, she knew that already. She heard from him exactly twice a year. Once on her birthday, and once on the anniversary of Meg's death. He was happy in Berlin, of all places, and had apparently started dated some Muggle bloke. Eloise hadn't been sure what to think of the obvious new enlightenment that Wayne was indeed gay, and decided against pressing the issue, opting to just congratulate him and once again invite him to see her. It was minimal, but the contact was better than nothing. He kept up with no one else from the Magical world, opting to work as an electrician and never speak of Magic again.
She spoke briefly with Ernie and Zach, both of them rather tipsy and a little more friendly than she remembered. Susan was there with Percy Weasley of all people. Apparently they worked together and had been dating for some time. Once she was satisfied she'd seen everyone she needed to, she bid farewell to those she knew and headed for the door.
"I'm a prat."
Glancing over her shoulder, Eloise saw Ron looking sheepish, raking a hand through his hair. Turning to face him, she shrugged. "Nah. Prat's are usually jerks, I think. You're not a jerk, just a little misguided." Eloise cocked her head to the side and watched as his entire head turned a bright shade of scarlet. "Don't lose sleep over it, Ron." Stepping towards him, she nudged his shoulder with her fist. It sounded like a smooth idea in her head, but obviously didn't translate well. "See ya." Turning back towards the door, she cursed to herself and headed out into the night.
Ron grimaced and turned around once she'd left, now face to face with Hermione.
"Harry told me you saw Eloise yesterday. It went well, I take it?" she asked sarcastically, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Traitor," Ron mumbled, putting his hands in the back pockets of his trousers. Hermione sighed. "Ron, you need to be careful. I know you're not friends with her, none of us are really, but you still shouldn't speak ill of her. You're better than that."
He groaned. "I know! I'd been doing so well, then I just start saying shite that doesn't make any sense. Fuck." Hermione glared at him. "Yeah, language. I know."
"Well, you have two choices. Go convince her you aren't the self centered arse you appear to be, or just let it go and hope she doesn't start telling people what an arse you are. Either way, good luck."
Ron watched Hermione walk away and sighed. He really shouldn't care, that's what George had said. The only time you needed to worry about what a bird thought of you was when they were family, you wanted to shag them, they were a friend, or you were dating them. Eloise was none of those he reckoned, so really, he should get over it.
Groaning, he grabbed his jacket from the coat rack and looked down the street for Eloise. He didn't know why it was bothering him so much. Maybe because she was prettier than he remembered, and it seemed just wrong to let her think otherwise. Eloise didn't seem like the type of girl that really worried about that too much, but still. He was an upstanding citizen. An Auror. He shouldn't be such an arse. He could just hear his mother scold him for insulting someone. Even now, at 23, he knew better than to piss off his Mum. It was bad enough when Hermione broke up with him; the whole family'd taken her side. They practically begged to throw her and Harry an engagement party when they got together a year later, not that they were even engaged. The last thing he needed was for Eloise to say something about him to someone else, have them say something, and have the blasted shite get back to his mother. Of course, if he didn't fix it Hermione would probably tell her anyway.
Ron spotted a blond standing on the sidewalk, talking to Neville. Thank Merlin- he was certain he'd have to ask Hannah where she lived. She was gesturing with her hands and had a bright smile on her face, making Neville peel over with laughter. Ron headed towards them and caught bits of the story she was telling.
"So then the bloody thing jumps into the pot of tea, and makes this horrid noise. I didn't know toads could make any noise other than a croak. It was like a moan or something. Poor thing hasn't been the same since. He just huddles in a corner, croaking every now and then." Neville wiped his face and laughed again. "Wow, Eloise. I had no idea Trevor could have had a friend in school. Next time you visit you'll have to bring him with you, and maybe they can try to cheer each other up."
Ron cleared his throat and greeted Neville. "Hey, Nev. You just heading in?"
Eloise turned, surprised to see Ron and a little annoyed that he was cutting off their conversation. "I'll leave you two. See you in a few months, Neville." Eloise patted his arm and continued walking down the street.
Ron started to call after her, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. Neville looked at him oddly, his eyebrows crooked in question. "I think, no, I know I offended her last night and I need to make it better," Ron said quickly, shoving off Neville's hand. Neville was surprised to see Ron flustered about something like that, and let him go. "Alright. Good luck with that. She's sort of feisty." Ron nodded his head and took off after her.
"Hey, Eloise. Wait a second, would ya?"
Eloise slowed her pace but didn't stop. "Is there something I can do for you?" she asked, her voice as friendly as she could make it.
"Uh. I just wanted to say I'm sorry again. You're really cute. Er," he coughed and shoved his hands in his jacket pockets. "I mean, any bloke would be lucky. Or, I mean, fuck." Ron groaned and tried to compose himself. Eloise stood and watched him, unable to hold back a giggle.
"Ron, seriously. I know I had a big nose, and I know I'm not Hannah or Susan or Hermione. It's not a big deal- I didn't hear half of what you said to Harry, and honestly I don't care," she said with a shrug.
Ron shifted his weight back and forth from foot to foot. "Alright, but still. I'm not a prat, I promise. I didn't mean to offend you or anything, I just don't think before I speak sometimes." Eloise nodded. "Me either, so don't worry."
"So, you're heading out?" he asked, wondering what else to say. Eloise smiled. "Yeah, that was the idea. I seem to keep running into people though." Ron laughed. "Yeah. Guess you have."
"Do you work around here?" he asked after a minute, realizing he knew absolutely nothing about the girl in front of him. "Nope. I live and work in Paris, actually. I work for the Ministry there in Accidental Magic." Ron was surprised to hear this. "Huh. That's really cool."
Eloise shrugged. "I have family there, and I needed to get out of England. What do you do these days? Other than chase people down to apologize that is." Ron chuckled, a little humbled that Eloise didn't know he was an Auror. "I work for the Ministry, too. Auror."
She nodded. "Makes sense. Well, it was nice to see you, Ron. Maybe I'll see you at the wedding." With that, Eloise turned and walked away.
Ron considered going after her again, but didn't know what else he'd say. She certainly wasn't like other birds he knew, and she didn't seem impressed that he was an Auror or a war hero. She didn't ask about Harry, didn't wonder about his family, and didn't offer any insight to the gossip going around like most girls did these days.
Suddenly, Ron was looking forward to Neville and Hannah's wedding. He'd just have to be sure he was ready with something to talk about other than her nose.