A/N: I do not own Harry Potter
June 21, 1981
A slim figure walked briskly back and forth in front of a pub, keeping her arms crossed while she did so. She wore a black coat, with a grey scarf wrapped elaborately around her head that kept passerby's from discerning her features. A bell ringed as a pair of guys walked unsteadily out the entrance door.
As they started their way down the street one of the guys eyed the woman, since despite the precautions, her clothing alluded to a slim, feminine figure. The guy nudged his friend before letting out a whistle, with the aim to catch the lady's attention.
The woman whirled quickly on her heel in seconds to face her company, her green eyes luminescent due to the street light, were openly hostile. Her hand pulled out what seemed to be a delicate stick from a her coat pocket. After eyeing the young men suspiciously, the one who whistled overheard the women mutter words that seemed to be a foreign language under her breath, and made a sharp gesture with her stick.
These young men would wake up in their flat the next day, relatively unharmed, but with a distinct lack of memories of their night out.
As the men stumbled off, the women eyed her watch one final time, confirming that it was indeed five in the morning, before walking into the pub, a jingle of bells signaling her entrance to the lone bartender. The bartender nodded to a nearby table. The lady sat at the table and loosened her scarf, which revealed a comely face along with loose strands of wine colored hair. The bartender walked to the table along with pot a coffee and two to mugs. Before the bartender could properly greet the lady she once again grabbed her wand of it's pocket,without rising from her seat, aimed it point blank at the bartender.
"What favor did you ask of me last time we met?" asked the lady.
"I asked you to keep the birth of my child a secret from her father." replied the bartender, her dark eyes keenly observing the lady.
"My turn, what was the reason you willing to risk meeting with me?" questioned the bartender as she sat across from the lady, set down the mugs and began pouring coffee.
"I asked you to lend me your Pancha Mahabhuta spell book, green dragon scales, mermaid tears, and elf blood." said the lady.
The young bartender nodded and walked behind the bar and opened a cupboard. Green eyes observed the bartender and noted that her sandalwood colored hair grown a foot in length, and that aside from the dark circles under her eyes, her former classmate looked well enough. Given the circumstances.
The bartender once again set across from the lady and displayed the previously listed contents.
The green eyed lady clucked her tong," Really Margaret, couldn't you show more care going about our situation. Do you have any form of protection at this pub? You didn't know I was who I appeared to be when I walked in. We're in the middle of a war, can anyone really just stroll in here?"
Margaret wrinkled her nose at the sound of her named, but flashed a dimpled smile none the less as she she responded." I have certain measures in place in the event that someone unwelcome tries to enter the pub. Given my location and my job, the possibility of such an event is highly unlikely."
The lady let out a snort in response to her friends arrogance.
Margaret let her friend inspect the items before continuing with her questions.
"I know we have an don't ask, don't tell policy in regards to family, but you've had your own baby since the last time I saw you. I know you're under hard times, but would you take offense to me offering my congratulations?" questioned Margaret.
For the first time that evening, the green eyed lady showed the hint of a smile.
"He became a year old at the end of July. Him and my husband are the most important people in my life. They are the reason why I'm here." While the lady began her answer with a smile, her features had once again hardened.
"Listen, I really am grateful to you for helping me out. I know that after Hogwarts and the birth of your baby you wanted no contact with the magical world for as long as you could help it. While I didn't like your choices I respected them and did my best to keep my distance." said the lady.
Margaret's face displayed no emotions as she said," Truth be told, I wanted to contact you much sooner but we parted on harsh terms. I said some stuff about not wanting to be apart of the war efforts or join the order. You said some stuff about me being a coward and to never reach out to you again due to how I am an awful, horrendous, miserable excuse of a person."
Margaret's company winced at re account of her old words.
"But you knew that despite my misgivings, if you really needed the help I would have-"
"Yea I know. Truth be told I am something of hermit with a three year old as my only company. I love my kid but she's not much of a conversationalist. Anyhow, reaching out too you seems to be a moot point since you are basically untraceable."
By now both women had relaxed postures, there eyes alight with mirth as they both discovered that past past disagreements were long forgotten.
"Honestly, with your opportunities outside of Hogwarts, I cant believe you are working at a pub."
Margaret shrugged." It's not so bad. When work becomes unbelievably dreary I mix potions with my drinks to help the night along. I even read fortunes on the side, you would not believe how much I make on tips."
Her friend gasped. "Mag- Margaret tell me you don't. It's dangerous giving potions to muggles-"
Margaret cut her friend off. " It's all in good humor. Some pepper up cocktail here, a little love potions margarita over there to move things along. No harm no foul."
The green eyed lady let out a laugh as her friend told her stories of her escapades.
In the end, the lady with wine colored hair and green eyes spared only an hour catching up with her friend. The sun was barley starting to rise outside as she re wrapped her scarf they made plans to meet again at another safe location.
They lady and the bartender parted with a hug and amicable words.
"Take care of yourself and that baby of yours, Margaret Owens."
"You do the same with yourself and your family Lily Eva- my bad, Mrs Potter."
