"Dora, I want to. Just let me know when you're free and we'll work something out." He glanced across the room and grimaced. "OK, Rosmerta's scowling. I'll see you later?"
"Mmm. I'll send an owl if I don't stay long.'
"I look forward to it." Arche flashed her a smile before turning his attention to orders.
Dora knew she'd probably stay all night, getting drunker so she didn't get kicked out for taking up space for no profit on a busy night, trying hard not to stare at a man who had surprised her by even expressing an interest in wanting to be around her.
Archie ignored the pointed look Rosmerta gave him as he loaded up a tray of butterbeer for her. He glanced over to where Dora sat several times as he worked, he just wish he had more time to talk to her.
Dora watched the two of them. Rosemerta and Arch...maybe. Rosemerta was a lovely women. Her hair flickered brown as she sat at a table and shrugged off her ladybird coat.
"Do you want something to eat?" Archie asked a while later as he walked by, balancing a full tray of empties.
"You know she won't let you feed me," Dora teased blearily.
"Let me worry about that," he said with a half shrug and a wry smile. "Now, seriously, do you want something to eat?"
"Please." Dora blinked owlishly. "Why feed me?"
"Firewhisky doesn't really have much sustenance and I wasn't sure how long you were staying."
"I see Ravenclaws you're not feeding."
"Not ones I like or consider friends," Archie pointed out. "I'll be back in a minute,' he added, carrying the tray of empties back to the bar.
Dora smiled and watched him go. She was still bemused and getting tired. She'd call time soon.
Archie returned a moment later with a plate of food. He set it down in front of her.
"Could you get a break? Come sit with me?" She asked, the drink making her brave.
"Let me just check with Rosmerta but I don't see why not," Archie replied before turning to head over to where the landlady was standing.
After a brief conversation - where Rosmerta glanced over at Dora with an indecipherable expression - he returned and dropped down in the sit opposite her. "That would be a yes then."
"What's that face for?" Dora asked, her hair filtering to pink
"What face?"
"Rosemerta's face just then"
"I didn't notice. Was it a bad look?" Archie asked.
"Well I don't think she likes me so much."
"What makes you say that?" Archie frowned, twisting to look over his shoulder toward Rosmerta who was back behind the bar taking orders.
'She's just frowny with me around.' Dora's own brow furrowed. 'I dunno why I come back here.'
"I wouldn't worry over it, she's probably just annoyed I gave away food," he said gesturing to the plate. "Well, I have it on good authority the barman here is far less frowny."
'The barman here has been flirting with everyone since he was about fourteen, and therefore cannot be considered a trustworthy judge of character. You'd chat up a Slytherin if you were in the right mood.' Dora pointed out.
"Being friendly doesn't automatically mean flirting," Archie said.
'No, but you being friendly does, all eyebrows and teeth,' Dora teased
Archie's eyebrows rose. "You make it sound like I'm part-wolf."
"Eyebrows!" Dora giggled
Archie lips twitched as she giggled. "How many firewhiskys have you actually had?"