Who: Eleanor and Blaise (and OPEN to people with a reason to be at The Daily Prophet) When: 29. August 2009 - morning Where: The Daily Prophet What: It’s El’s birthday, and Blaise isn’t always a workaholically insane boss Warnings: None
Even before getting out of bed, Eleanor had been bracing herself. Unlike what they had joked about since Gaspard turned 50, he wouldn’t be there to be the first to congratulate her for officially being more than half his age. He wouldn’t be there to talk her into playing hooky, and he wouldn’t be there to surprise her by remembering without her having to remind him. She didn’t wake up next to him, but instead there was Burrito, and that made her smile while trying not to wonder which hole Gaspard was sleeping it off in.
Coming out of the shower to find messages from Charlotte, her smile was genuine, and she was happy to see her sister’s joy practically shining through the phone. She was careful, though, when texting back, to keep all mention off Gaspard. Charlotte didn’t need that now, and Eleanor didn’t want to think about it. Well, too late for that, but maybe she could pretend she didn’t think about it?
On her way to the office, she stopped by Sweet Nothings for a little self-indulgence. She picked up Mr. Zabini’s usual order – Miss Bobbin already had it ready for her – and a caramellate to go with her own pastry. She was about to leave when she changed her mind, and had Miss Bobbin box up a lemon and raspberry cupcake for her lunch.
Stepping into her office she stopped. And stared. Because right there, on her desk, was a vividly bright bouquet of cheerful flowers and a present. Even from this distance she recognized the writing on the card by the present to be Mr. Zabini’s, and this was the last thing she had expected. Eleanor didn’t know how to deal with this, and therefore she just stood there. Holding the coffees in one hand and the pastries in the other, as she stared at the beautiful flowers that was everything her mood hadn’t been in what felt like forever.