RP: Looking for a Stranger

[pb_rosmerta]

Characters: Madam Rosmerta, George Weasley
Location: The Three Broomsticks
Date: November 13, 1999
Status/Warning: Open/TBA
Summary: Rosie is need some need of company
Complete: In progress

Comments

[pb_george]

Having given up in frustration, George had closed the shoppe and hour earlier than usual. He knew it wasn't a wise decision as the last hour of opening usually ensured at least a half dozen last minute shoppers, mostly children, in hopes of picking up a few jokes before running home to try them on their parents. But at this point, he was famished, grumpy and genuinely not in a good mood. For that, there was only one solution.

His not so brilliant mood became worse upon apparating to Hogsmeade and finding himself in the middle of an unexpected shower. The skies in Diagon Alley had been laden with clouds but the rain hadn't broken through yet and as George migrated towards the Three Broomsticks, even his sneakers sulked as they trudged through the puddles.

When he reached the Three Broomsticks, George leaned against the large wooden door. It felt heavier today, swollen from the rain and George had to jam his shoulder against it before the door gave way. George fell into the warmth of the pub, shutting the door quickly before the comforting atmosphere was invaded by the outside weather. Taking his usual seat at the bar, George began the mindless task of drying himself off with his wand.

[pb_rosmerta]

Rosie was pouring a pint for another customer with George walked. Apparently still raining. she thought as she crossed over to him. "Hello, love. Something you warm you up?"

[pb_george]

'Hiya Rosie,' George attempted smiling but it didn't make it far past the thought of smiling. 'The usual? And a steak and kidney pie, if you've got any.'

[pb_rosmerta]

She gave him a pout and fixed him his usual drink before poking her head in the kitchen to tell Ceres about the pie. She brought over the drink. "Poor baby. Rough day?" she asked, sliding the glass toward him. "Want to tell me about it?"

[pb_george]

'And drive such a beautiful woman away with my horrific tales?' George interrupted himself, drawing from the pint. As it coated his stomach and feeling crept back into his fingers and toes, he was able to manage the smile from before.

'It's just been one of those days, love. Not much to say other than apparently it's raining outside... didn't know that.'

[pb_rosmerta]

"You could never drive me away." she said, returning his smile. She nodded in agreement. While her day had relatively been good, Ceres wasn't herself.

"We all have those. Anything I can do to make it better?"

[pb_george]

'Another pint?' George asked prematurely, 'This one wont last long.' Already the pint was half gone though George knew he should probably slow down. There hadn't been any time to eat today, working on his own.

'Hey Rosie, how many employees do you have at the pub?'

[pb_rosmerta]

Nodding, she poured him another pint before he finished the one in front of him. "I've got four employees plus myself. You need some help at the shoppe?"

[pb_george]

'I was thinking about it. But you just confirmed my suspicions.' George passed his now empty glass to Rosie and took the freshly pulled bitter, savoring it with a tiny sip.

'I only have Ron and Ginny. And while three used to be enough to run the shoppe, it's bloody tiring now. They're usually busy with their own careers and now Ron's bailed on me for Saturday.'

[pb_rosmerta]

"Oh, George, I'm sorry that Ron bailed on you." She could understand that Ginny and Ron had their own lives to worry about, but still it was frustrating. She remembered what it was like.

"Is there anything I can do? I mean, I can watch the place if you need it."

[pb_george]

George smiled at Rosie; she really was a wonderful witch and a caring friend. George felt justified in coming to the pub if only to have heard her kind offer and he shifted comfortably in his seat, enjoying her company. 'Nonesense. If you have time to watch my shoppe, you can take that time off and rest yourself. Merlin knows you deserve it.'

[pb_rosmerta]

Rosie gave him a smile. "The offer stands." she said before going off to grab his food. When she returned, she gave him a hug. "No point in taking time off if you don't have anyone to spend it with."

[pb_george]

The irony of the statement didn't escape George and he hugged her back, now much dryer than he had been when he'd arrived. 'Well now, I find it impossible to believe that you of all witches have no one to spend your days off with. There must be a queue right up to Hogwarts' front gate of withes and wizards waiting for you to give 'em a wave.' To prove his point, George kissed her cheek, only letting her go because not even Rosie couldn't get between a Weasley and his supper.

[pb_rosmerta]

Hugging George, she found herself realizing how empty her life had been recently.

"You better start believing in the impossible." When he let go, she watched him dig into his pie.

[pb_george]

After he had eaten enough to settle his stomach, which took no time at all, given the speed at which a Weasley will eat, George spoke between bites of steak. 'Are you really telling me you have nobody to spend time with on your days off?'

[pb_rosmerta]

Since apparently they were going to be discuss the lack of love/sex life, she poured herself a drink and nodded. "It sounds sad, doesn't it?"