Weasley Twins - A Fate You Can't Escape

Chapter 56 - Burrowing In

The next day I feel absolutely terrible. I definitely drank too much alcohol and not enough water. Thankfully drunk Hazel was kind enough to leave hungover Hazel a couple of potions on the nightstand. I down the two, recognizing them as one or hangovers and one for headaches. I lay on the bed for a few minutes, waiting for the effects to start kicking in.

Once I can open my eyes without them watering, I slowly sit up in bed and swing my feet down to the cold floor. I plop down at the breakfast table and start eating dry cereal straight from the box. Reflecting back, I can for sure say I overreacted.

Fred may have could have used better, or kinder words, but maybe he is right. Maybe I do spend too much time at the store. Maybe I have been intruding, and didn't realize. I take a swig of coffee and ponder the situation.  What if I only came to help for a couple of hours a week?  That way I fulfill the role of supportive girlfriend, without overstepping into Fred's life. 

I finish my "breakfast" and put the box back in the cupboard.  I should probably send a note to George explaining where I vanished to yesterday.  I find some scrap paper on the counter a scrawl down a few lines.

'Dear George,

Sorry I disappeared yesterday.  Alex and I decided to hang out spur of the moment.  I have some potion stuff I need to work on at home, so I won't be able to help at the shop as much.  Feel free to pop by after work if you want to see me.

Love,

Hazel'

I give the note to Owlexander and he takes off, leaving a small cloud of dust and feathers in his wake.  I change out of my clothes from yesterday into something clean.  Grabbing my brewing bag and a couple of recipe tomes, I head down to the brewery in Eric's shop.

"Good morning!  Surprised to see you before noon considering the state you returned in last night."  Eric jokes as I appear at the foot of the stairs.

"Hmm.  Very funny, Eric."  I roll my eyes, approaching him.  "How's things been at the shop?"

"Business has been a bit slow, I'll admit.  Although I have had several students come in, trying to buy potions that they're supposed to brew this year.  They claim it's for research, but I'm pretty sure they just want to pass it off as their own."

"Did you sell to them?"  I asked, placing my bag on the counter.

"Absolutely.  It's up to Professor Snape to catch them.  Maybe losing a bit of coin on top of it, will assist in teaching them a lesson."  Eric grins as he puts a stopper in one of his freshly completed potions.

"And I thought You-Know-Who was evil."  I laugh as I light the flame under my cauldron.

"Oh, he's barely scratched the surface."

The two of us fall into companionable silence as we brew the potions.  Whenever there is a lull in my work as I wait for something to simmer, I watch Eric.  His hands are deft and quick, measuring precise amounts with ease.  His sliced ingredients are all perfectly uniform, the knife moving in a quick even rhythm.  It's almost art to watch him work.

"Maybe you should be Hogwart's potions professor."  I comment as he gracefully scrapes a tray of ingredients into his cauldron without splashing a drop.

"Alas my patience for children is not up to snuff for such a position."  He shakes his head, chuckling at the idea.

"It's probably still infinitely better than Snape's."

"Ahh, well that may be true."  Eric agrees.

I finish up my work and carefully carry the glass vials upstairs to prepare for transport.  I gently set the box of potions on the counter with a clatter.  I notice Owlexander has returned and check for a return note.