𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 | g. w

55. crime and punishment

As George Weasley walks into the book cafe a few blocks from his joke shop, the familiar scent of old tattered books mingle with the aromatic allure of grounded coffee beans. He glances around, taking in the cozy atmosphere with a faint smile gracing his lips. The shelves are laden with a myriad of intricate and awe-inspiring stories, each waiting to be explored, a sight that always used to stir a sense of wonder within him.

At his side walks a young woman whose elegant demeanor complements his casual charm. Her laughter, tinkling like wind chimes, resonates amidst the gentle hum of conversations. She holds onto his arm, their camaraderie evident in their shared smiles and easy banter.

Mia tries to stay immersed in the solace of a captivating novel, her fingers trailing the words that paint vivid images in her mind. It proves to be more difficult than she could have ever predicted, however, and when George's laughter reaches her ears, a familiar pang tugs at her heart, interrupting the tranquility she was seeking from the book.

Dorian, engrossed in arranging a display of vintage paperbacks near Mia, senses the shift in her demeanor. He observes her hand pause over the pages, her eyes lifting from the book to survey the room. Following her gaze, he spots George amidst the café's patrons.

Their eyes met briefly, confusion across both their faces, before George's attention drifts elsewhere. Dorian's expression remains unreadable, but his hand stills in its task, a silent show of solidarity for Mia in this unexpected moment.

Tension coils in the air, palpable like a gathering storm. Mia's heartbeat quickens, echoing in her ears louder than the storm she'd tried but failed to sleep through a few nights ago. She closes the book with a soft thud, steeling herself as she glances at Dorian, finding solace in the quiet understanding that passes between them. The table suddenly feels like a sanctuary, a protective shield against the impending encounter.

(...)

George, guided by the pretty blonde who seems blind to the inner turmoils of both parties, makes his way through the aisles, seemingly engrossed in the titles lining the shelves. However, his eyes, albeit discreetly, scan the café's patrons. His gaze wanders, a sense of nostalgia clouding his thoughts as memories of a similar place reaches the surface.

As they approach Mia and Dorian's table, Mia's breath hitches imperceptibly. She adjusts her posture, trying to summon a facade of nonchalance, still her heart races as George and his date draw nearer.

The moment of collision seems imminent. George, engrossed in conversation with his date, seems unaware of the table they are approaching. Mia's gaze darts between the approaching figures and Dorian, whose composed demeanor masks any unease he might feel.

Their eyes meet fleetingly as George's footsteps slows, his attention snagged by a display of new releases. Mia's breath catches in her throat, her grip on the book tightening as she braces herself for the inevitable.

"George," she hears herself say, her voice betraying none of the emotions swirling within her. It is a greeting, polite yet restrained, laced with a mixture of surprise and a hint of something unspoken.

Startled, George turns, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of Mia seated across the table. The beautiful girl at his side follows his gaze, flashing her a smile.

"Hey, Mia," George replies, his voice carrying a blend of nostalgia and uncertainty. "This is... this is Caroline," he introduces his companion with a faint smile, gesturing toward her.

Caroline offers another polite smile, gracefully acknowledging Mia and Dorian. Mia manages a cordial nod, her gaze flickering between George and Caroline, unable to shake off the sudden rush of emotions that threaten to overwhelm her.

The seconds stretch into an awkward silence, punctuated only by the soft background music and the distant clinking of cups. Mia's mind races, searching for words as she grapples with the unexpected encounter.

Dorian, sensing the tension, breaks the silence with a courteous nod. "Nice to meet you, Caroline," he says, his tone composed, though a keen observer could detect the subtle tension underlying his words.

The encounter lingers, a fragile moment suspended in time, each person navigating the unspoken dynamics woven into the fabric of their past relationships. As George and Caroline excuse themselves, their departure leaves behind a lingering aftermath, the café's tranquility slightly disrupted by the collision of past and present. Mia exhales slowly, her gaze fixed on the fading figures, while Dorian offers a wordless comfort in the shared understanding of the silent complexities that intertwined their lives. She attempts to compose herself amid the lingering echoes of their encounter and as she exhales for a second time, a book on the adjacent shelf catches her eye—the spine bearing the title "Crime and Punishment" stands out among the surrounding literature. Its presence seems almost ironic in this moment of emotional turbulence, a silent commentary on the intricacies of human relationships and the consequences that follow.

Dorian, sensing Mia's introspective mood, reaches for the same book and slides it toward her. "An apt choice for today's reading, don't you think?" he remarks softly, his voice carrying a subtle weight, acknowledging the underlying complexities of their shared history and the aftermath of George's unexpected appearance.

Mia offers a faint smile, acknowledging Dorian's unspoken understanding. She traces her fingers along the book's embossed title, contemplating the intricate interplay of actions and their consequences, a theme mirrored not just in the literature but in the lives entangled within the café's walls. The weight of the title resonates, hinting at the subtleties of justice and retribution, emotions and their repercussions, in a narrative more profound than the pages it adorns.

Together, in the quiet haven of the book cafe, they immerse themselves in the intricate tale of "Crime and Punishment," finding solace and wisdom within its pages, reflecting on the complexities of their own intertwined stories, a tale still unfolding amidst the intricate tapestry of life's experiences.