Scratches (Fred Weasley)

(107) Hog's Head

September faded away much quicker than anyone would have imagined, October rolling in with a drastic drop in the temperature. Winds were now chillier compared to the last month, and trees started to shed its leaves, leaving them scattered haphazardly around the castle.

Hermione had came to tell Florence about Harry agreeing to teach, three days before the first Hogsmeade weekend of the school year. They were to meet with him, at the Hog's Head, to talk about agreements and to see if any of them had questions.

Alexander was looking forward to his plans with Olivia, waking up extra early that by the time Nicolai came down to grab her shoes from the common room, he was already dressed and was waiting idly on the couch. His blue eyes flickered over to his best friend, "What's taking you two so long? Hurry up!"

"Alright, alright!" she retorted, practically running back up to her room to finish changing.

Nicolai didn't really have any plans for the day, apart from the Hogs Head meeting, and was unsure as to who she was going to tag along with. As they descended down to the main entrance of the castle, she watched, with confused judgement, Alexander meeting up with Olivia, a bright smile on his face.

Florence, meanwhile, refused to leave her by herself, insisting that she was welcome to spend the day with herself and the twins, as they didn't really have anything planned as well.

They stopped by Madame Puddifoot's as always, Florence telling the boys that they could go on to Zonko's without her for a bit, quite adamant in sticking with Nicolai despite her continuously telling her that she was fine on her own.

"That's not what best friends do," she scoffed as they entered the small shop, the bell tinkling from above, "I'd sew myself to you if I could. That's how much I love you. And the twins can wait. Besides, they're going to spend quite a long time just ogling at everything in Zonko's.

Nicolai chuckled, "You bet. I remember two years ago when I had to go with George...Boy, he looked like it was his first time going in, almost everything making him go ooh and ahh."

"Mm. And what were you doing that time, while your fake boyfriend was busy falling inlove with Zonko's."

"I was actually looking for something to use against you...or Xander, maybe. The thing is, I didn't see that teacup that you gave me. If I did, I would have already had a head start on you and would not have accepted it when you gave it."

"I'm going to try that on you again, by the way. What are the chances that it would catch you off guard?"

"Slim to none!" she exclaimed, "You're not going to get me with that one again, I promise you, Flo."

Florence shook her head, "No, I still think I can get you."

"Miss Clearwater!" The woman behind the counter greeted, a big smile on her face. "It's been awhile since you last wandered into the shop. How are things with you?"

"Just wonderful, Mrs. Krosky. Last year in Hogwarts and all... It's pretty terrifying."

"Ah, I understand perfectly, yes. The same happened with me. The castle just feels like home, and when it's time to leave it just feels wrong..." she smiled, "My business and I will miss you as well, dear. It was sad when your sister left...Do promise to visit every once in awhile when you've graduated."

"Oh I will," she chuckled, "Very much so. I love your tea too much. Penny hasn't visited since she's working in America. She came home during the summer, but it was very short."

"Penelope Anne, working for MACUSA? That's wonderful news. She's made no mention of it before but I'm glad her career is going great—"

Florence let herself wander away from their friendly exchange and catching up, setting herself down on one of the chairs, staring aimlessly at the fixtures. The bell tinkled again, signaling the entrance of another costumer. Her eyes went wide upon locking gazes with the blonde girl who walked in, before she whipped her head around to see if Nicolai had noticed.