Who: Justin Finch-Fletchley and Ernie Macmillan Where: The Surrey countryside When: Slightly forward dated - Wednesday 25/10 What: Old friends catching up Rating: TBD
It had been a dull morning when Justin Apparated into Esher, but by the time he'd had breakfast with his parents and caught up with Tabby and Flick before they needed to leave for their half-term study groups, the sun had broken the clouds.
All that was left to do was wait in the front room of his family home, checking his watch every so often and kicking himself for not giving Ernie a firm time to meet, beyond 'morning'. He could just see the sun reflecting off of the pond on the front lawn, and the dogs were already outside enjoying the crisp, fresh air, chasing each other around and rolling in the grass. Nerves bubbled at the pit of his stomach. What would Ernie think of him now? Justin wasn't the same as he was the last time they were together - he was skittish, and quietly thoughtful. Reserved and skirting around a constant feeling of unease. Not the loud-mouthed boy full of opinions and cheerful laughter.
And what about Ernie? Beyond his limp - and that did worry Justin too - what had become of him? His recent entry had been blunt and forthright, just as he remembered him. But it seemed - angry.
With a sigh, he pulled himself off of the chaise lounge and wiped slightly sweaty palms against the knees of his trousers, before padding into the entrance hall to pull on his boots. Like the dogs, he could use some fresh air too.