Scratches (Fred Weasley)

(152) Dry Run

"Don't be too nervous, alright? You're going to be fine." Julien told Florence for what seemed to be the nth time. He was still in a pretty rough shape, a healing yet prominent gash on his lower lip, his right eye a deep purple color, and one of his arms wrapped in bandage and tucked into a sling. Sloan was practically healed overnight, and had been back to work. Julien was adviced to stay home, however he insisted on being there for Florence's dry run.

Florence gave him a look, whilst keeping a firm hand on his side at all times, "I'm fine. I'm worried about you. You are in no shape to be helping with the dry run facilitation."

"Dry run facilitation is just a fancy phrase for standing beside Mr. Robards while watching you tackling the obstacles. Nothing I can't do."

She chuckled, "Okay, whatever you say. Is it okay if I leave you for a bit? I need to find Hadley," she said, looking around and finding that the blonde was not in the training room with the rest of the people. Julien joined Mr. Robards, giving Florence time to wander away from the Auror wing of the building. Hadley often spent a large portion of their breaks at the Ministry's dining hall, for obvious reasons, so she decided to look there first.

Sprinting slightly towards one of the closing lifts, she was able to make it in time before it closed completely, Florence letting out a huff before pressing one of the floor buttons.

She heard faint whispering behind her as she patiently waited for the lift to get to her floor, turning around curiously to see who she was with.

Florence froze in place at the sight of Mr. Weasley, who had caught her gaze and was now staring back at her awkwardly. What made the situation even more worse was that the son he had beside him was the last person Florence needed to see at the moment.

Yes, it was Fred. She was sure.

She turned back around, feeling a lump building in her throat, staring straight ahead rather timidly.

"I heard today's a big day. Nervous?" Mr. Weasley asked, the question clearly directed at Florence, after clearing his throat in attempts of making things less awkward. Florence nodded, "Pretty much. My whole career is riding on this."

"Well, er, good luck, Florence."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley."

Silence consumed them once more, Florence anxiously waiting for the lift to stop at her floor. She could feel Fred's eyes fixated on her, and it was making her slightly uncomfortable. She couldn't talk to him. What would she even say? Florence was aware that they have not spoken ever since they broke up.

She could not, for the life of her, decide if she should say something or not.

The sound of a tiny bell chiming decided for her, the lift doors pulling open as they stopped on Florence's floor.

She stepped outside almost immediately, brisk walking as fast as she could manage towards the dining hall. Sure enough, there she found Hadley, her bright blonde hair sticking out from the crowd. She was nervously snacking on a sandwich in full uniform, worry and anxiousness evident on her face as Florence came closer. She plopped down in front of her, offering her a small smile.

"You okay?"

"No," she said without missing a beat, "I feel sick."

"It's probably the sandwich," Florence joked, "I heard they don't replace them for months."

"Really? I thought for sure it was my nerves. Good to know it's just food poisoning."

She reached out across the table, putting a hand on top of Hadley's, "Hey, you'll be fine. You and I will be okay. Plus, you're one of the best trainees in our group."