Written for the M&MWP Drabble Tag for mew-tsubaki.
Hannah & Fred | Anything But Lonely
"Headed to the Leaky, Hannah?" Ernie falls into step with her, his hand easily finding hers as they make their way down Diagon Alley.
She nods, although she knows he doesn't need an answer. People are good at keeping in touch after the war—too good. It's as if everyone is too frightened to be alone. And so, every Thursday evening, all the old Hufflepuff crew gather at the Leaky Cauldron to drink and play pretend.
"Some others are joining tonight," Ernie continues. "The old crew from Dumbledore's Army."
"Sounds good."
Ernie pulls open the pub's door and gestures for her to head in. Immediately, she can hear people calling her name and see hands waving her over to the corner.
A few drinks in, and Hannah feels herself beginning to relax. Ernie has thrown his arm around her shoulders, Susan is chatting animatedly to Michael, and Zacharias is goading Justin into tipping back his pint in one.
"It's always so good to see everyone, isn't it?" Ernie murmurs into her ear.
Hannah hums her agreement. But as old friends make their way to the bar and new friends pull up a stool, Hannah can't help but feel like something is missing. Like someone is missing.
"Ron will be here later," she overhears Hermione telling Luna. "He's closing the shop. You know, it's the first time they've opened since…"
Hannah presses herself closer into Ernie's side and closes her eyes. Someone is missing, but when she tries hard enough, she can forget.
