Gideon couldn't decide what sort of mood he was in, but he knew it wasn't a mood for Molly and her fussing. He'd been trying to let her get her fill of mothering, but Merlin, she wasn't his mother, and he needed a break tonight.
So he'd sent her a message not to expect him, and had gone to do some Christmas shopping. Maybe he could get into the holiday mood? Probably not, but he'd found a few things in a tiny, dusty shop, and handed over some coins now in exchange for a bag that he tucked away into a pocket.
He left the shop, pulling his gloves back on, pausing to avoid a young couple walking together. The entrance to the Alley beckoned, and Gideon headed into the Leaky Cauldron. It had been ages since he'd been, and suddenly a pint sounded good.
He wondered if they still served stew as he slid onto an empty barstool. No sense taking up a table, just him, really. "Pint of dark when you can, please."