despondency - George Weasley

{five}

Chapter Five

"Astrid! Wait up!" Gwen called, jogging to catch up to Astrid, who was making her way out of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes after her first day. 

"What's up?" Astrid said, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder as Gwen approached. 

"We were all going to grab a bite to eat at the Leaky Cauldron, care to join us?" 

"Yeah, I'd love to!" 

"Cool, let's start heading over now and everyone will meet us there in a little bit," Gwen said, Astrid nodded and the pair began making their way through Diagon Alley. 

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"Over here!" Gwen yelled, waving her arm in the air to get the attention of the group of five that walked into the Leaky Cauldron. 

By the time Felix and the rest of their coworkers got to the Leaky Cauldron, Gwen had already downed a Firewhiskey and Astrid was nursing one as well. 

"Ladies," Felix said, unwrapping his scarf from his neck as he sat down. 

"Gentlemen," Gwen replied, giving a bow from her seat as the five slid into the large booth. 

"Alright, Astrid," Felix said as he settled in the booth, "you met Eddie earlier, but I don't think you got the chance to meet the others, so let me do some introductions." 

First Astrid was introduced to Bruce, a stalky redhead who was often mistaken for a Weasley by those who visited the store. He would never admit it to anymore, but sometimes he would go along with it when kids would ask him if he was one of the Weasley's. 

Next was Micah, the tallest of the group whose dark hair was tied in long braids that fell just above his waist. Micah was rather quiet, but when he did join in the conversation he brought his dry and sarcastic humor that left everyone doubled over in laughter.

Last was Nigel, who had a mousey face and fair hair. His clothing was as orderly as it could be, not a single wrinkle or stray string could be seen. Astrid couldn't help but notice how awkward he was, but he was also hilarious, which came mostly from the fact that he didn't realize he was being funny. 

It was an interesting group, but Astrid felt right at home despite only knowing these people for such a short time. It had been such a long time since Astrid had been around other people than those who frequented the Stumbling Snorckback, she had forgotten that there were other kinds of people out there. Astrid much preferred her new friends from the joke shop, she couldn't remember a time before meeting them that her face hurt from laughing. 

"So guys," Astrid said after about an hour at the Leaky Cauldron, everyone was feeling particularly happy and warm thanks to the Firewhiskey, Gwen couldn't contain her giggles that erupted constantly, as she was two drinks ahead of the rest, "what happened to George this week that's made him so grumpy?"

Astrid didn't think much of this question, but the smile that had been cemented on her face began to falter as she saw the same thing happen to those around her. The air changed from one of joy and lightness suddenly felt heavy and awkward. Those around Astrid glanced at each other nervously, none of them wanting to be the one to answer the question.

"Uh," Felix finally said, scratching the back of his head and avoiding Astrid's gaze, "that's kind of just George. He's always like that."

"Honestly what you've seen is his good mood," Bruce added, everyone around him nodded and Astrid's face fell further. 

"He's just so...different than he used to be," Astrid said, remembering the bright and happy George Weasley she had met at Hogwarts years ago. 

"Trust us, we know," Felix replied, shaking his head. His hazel eyes finally lifted to meet Astrid's and something about his expression made her suddenly realize just how serious the situation was. 

"What happened to him?" Astrid asked quietly, her heart feeling heavier by the minute. She thought about one of the few times she talked to George back at Hogwarts, how no one had ever made her laugh so hard or feel so warm. She refused to believe that part of George had disappeared. 

"Losing Fred really took a toll on him, he's never gotten over it," Felix said, taking a large swig of Firewhiskey.

"The drinking probably also doesn't his state," Gwen added, her whole body swayed and her eyes looked heavy from the many drinks she had consumed throughout the night. 

"Gwen!" Micah scolded, taking the glass of whiskey out of her hands and out of her reach. 

"I'm sorryyyyy," Gwen slurred, dropping her head into her hands. 

"I think she's had a little too much to drink," Nigel said worriedly as Gwen's head slide from her hands onto the table. 

"I'll help her get home," Astrid said, quickly standing up and tossing some sickles onto the table, "I'm sorry if I made things awkward."

"No, you're totally fine," Bruce said with a smile, to Astrid's relief it seemed genuine, "you would find out eventually, better to be prepared."

"I'll help you take care of Gwen," Felix said, quickly sliding out of the booth, "I'll see you guys tomorrow, take care."

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Hellooooooo

So, uh, it's been a while. I kind of lost inspiration for writing for a long time but something about quarantine has really made me want to get back into it. I don't know if anyone will even read this since it's been so long, but if anyone is still here how are you? What's going on in your life? Please tell me about it!

I'm currently 20 and in college, trying to decide between two majors so that's not fun. I feel like I don't really know how to write anymore, but I hope this wasn't too bad and I'm hoping with time I'll get better. 

I know I've been gone forever, but I've missed you guys and writing. 

Love you all.