Who: Hermione & Eddie When: 24 December, afternoon Where: Diagon Alley Rating: G What: last minute shopping pandemonium!!
For the RP Lottery House Points Contest!
The mad rush of shoppers, eager for those last Christmas presents, crowded Hermione into the side of a building where she'd stopped to peer in the window, hoping beyond hope that something on display would catch her eye. It was hopeless, she'd decided - she simply could not possibly think of a proper gift for Ron, now that he was her boyfriend.
With a belabored sigh she nudged her way into the throng only to be greeted by a familiar face on the other side. "Eddie!" she called with a little wave as she hurried towards him. "Are you doing last minute shopping as well? Isn't it dreadful?"
Eyes lifted from their lazy study of the cobblestones, Eddie grinned. "Hardly. A little late for shopping, isn't it, Miss Granger?" He cocked his head to the storefront behind him, the rows of ladies' hats bobbing comically on mannequin heads. "I get a little something extra for commission." He crossed his arms, features shaded. "How do you feel about feathers?"
"Oh, right! I'd forgotten you worked here." She glanced around him and into the window, swallowing nervously. "Feathers? Well...err...they're all quite lovely. I'm not shopping for myself today, though maybe I could find one for Mrs. Weasley! Brilliant idea, Eddie. Now if only I could find something for the other Weasley I could get out of this crowd."
Smiling, Eddie thrust his hands into his pockets, leaning casually against the glass. He'd be scolded, he knew, but it wasn't often he had such company in his few moments of freedom. "More of a ribbon chap, is he? Or perhaps flowers?" He bent his head as though engaging in conspiracy, his voice a low whisper. "We have the silk and wax variety."
Ribbons? Flowers? Hermione looked perplexed and then caught on. "Oh! Well...I'm not really sure. I mean, I know what sorts of things he likes, but I've exhausted most of those options over the years, and this is our first holiday as boyfriend and girlfriend. I did have a list, but then it accidentally got set on fire while I was at The Burrow and now I'm stuck - though it really was rubbish anyway. What would you want from your girlfriend on Christmas?" Then in a louder voice that wasn't very convincing at all, "I think ribbons, maybe. Velvet ones?"
Eddie stifled a chuckle. "As I recall, velvet would go finely with his dress robes." He sobered after a moment, aware of her distress. "I suppose I would like to spend a fine evening with her. Good wine and company, perhaps one of those brassy pocket watches. Right smart looking, those are."
Ron had been wanting more of her time lately, so spending an evening alone together would be nice. They could even sneak back to 12 Grimmauld while Harry was at The Burrow and have the place all to themselves. "A pocket watch," she repeated...thinking it over. "You know, that might do nicely! I keep thinking I should get him something he'd enjoy and have fun with, but he really could use a watch and he does want to be taken more seriously, so an adult watch might be just the thing. You're a life-saver, Eddie!"
Hands raised in gesture as though he quite agreed, Eddie's grin broadened. "There's a shop but a short walk from here, Tinder's Timepieces." He winked. "That might do you."
Hermione smiled brightly and looked down the way before turning her attention back to Eddie. "You really have been a huge help," she said carefully, hoping he'd understand her deeper meaning. "I really appreciate it." Without Eddie they'd have no chance of finding the locket. If he was really able to get hold of it, at least they'd be on the right track, and it would be such a huge relief. "How late is the shop open? I'd really like to come back for a hat for Mrs. Weasley, if you'll be open later."
Understanding her meaning, Eddie offered a knowing smile. The owl had been sent to Harry that very day, a weight lifted from Eddie's shoulders, if a boon to his pockets. "We'll be closing up shop at the fine hour of six p.m. so employees may spend the holidays with their families." Or their prospective alcoholic beverages.
"I'll be sure to make it back, then. Oh, and I just thought of something else to get him! You must be inspiring me. I'll see you in a few, I promise." Even as she waved goodbye she was already on her way towards the watch shop, intent on finding the perfect watch even if it was Christmas Eve.
A moment to watch her leave, a covert action, before Eddie was ducking within the shop, the shrill ringing of the owner's voice as greeting. She brandished a cloth and polish, pressing them into his arms. A nod, and Eddie turned, begrudgingly set to wiping down the window. Happy Christmas, indeed.