Up and Down

Diagonal and Perpendicular

After the scorching but dry heat of Egypt, the muggy, smoggy, sticky warmth of the old country is absolutely disgusting. Anna washes her face and upper torso in a basin of water that is starting to look pretty grey with dirt. The small relief it provides in the middle of the day is hard to understate.

More or less cleansed of the sweat and dust and refreshed, she puts her clothes back on, fixes her hair and goes down to the pub downstairs for some tea and snacks.

They've been staying at the Leaky Cauldron for a few days now, roaming around Diagon Alley with impunity. Running into familiar faces was rather common, with many of their fellow sixth-years also preparing for the upcoming term.

She finds Imelda staring at the latest broom through the glass, her eyes hungry. Anna taps her on the shoulder, breaking her out of the reverie.

"Oh, hey Birdie."

"Hey, Imelda."

She beams at her, giving her a brief hug.

"I can't wait to get back on the broom. You better try out, and play hard!"

"I will," she grins back, "I've been practising some interesting maneuvres. Can't wait to show you."

As they chat about the way they spent their summer - with Imelda complaining about the lack of any decent rivals back in her home county - she is suddenly wrapped into a hot embrace from behind.

"There you are, love."

Imelda cringes, rolling her eyes.

"Merlin's arse, Sallow, your face is one giant freckle. Or did you catch some contagious itch?"

"Reyes, I didn't see you there. I'm so sorry you're still a midget."

Anna covers her face with a groan.

"That's enough, Sebastian, let's go. I haven't forgotten. Sorry, Imelda, we'll catch up later."

"Keep your adoring Cruppy on a leash, Birdie."

She waves the girl goodbye while tightly holding onto Sebastian's elbow with her other hand.

"Right. Ice cream. Or was it marmalade ice?"

"That shop has both."

"Alright. Let's go find Natty and Poppy."

When they approach the ice cream shop, she spots Natty's red ensemble easily. Anna giggles and sneaks up on the other girl, poking her into the sides.

"Eep!"

They burst out laughing and hug, with Anna resting her head on top of Natty's curls.

"How have you been?"

"Oh, am I the last?" Poppy runs up the stairs from the other side of the small porch, beaming.

"Call it 'fashionably late', Sweeting. That's what I do," Sebastian drawls, pulling out the chairs for both her and Poppy before sitting down himself.

"What would you like? My treat," Anna smiles, happy to see her friends after two months of only letters. The four of them really are looking like a living Hogwarts crest. Sebastian is dressed in a white button-up with rolled-up sleeves and a pinstripe waistcoat in deep emerald green, Natty is wearing a smart burgundy walking suit and skirt combination, Poppy is in a floral print honey-coloured dress and she herself is wearing a sky-blue blouse and dark navy high-waisted princess skirt.

A full set.

"Oh, you don't need to-"

"Speak for yourself, Sweeting, I'm no-"