Written for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Challenges and Assignments) Term 13

Additional challenges listed below

Word Count – 550

"You are doing what?" Hannah's voice went out higher than she expected.

"Hush, child. Keep your voice down," said Tom.

"I'm sorry. It's just that how did that happen? Since when are you thinking about retiring?"

"Since I got old, child. It's time. I need to go live a little outside of these walls. The lady has been asking for a break as well."

"Look, Tom, I get it. I do. But what about the Leaky Cauldron? What are you going to do with it?"

"That's why I'm here talking to you. I wanted to see if you would be up for taking care of things around here while I'm gone. We'll talk numbers later, but there's no one I trust more than you."

Hannah froze in place. Her brain went from zero to a hundred way too fast and she felt her head spin.

"Yes," she heard herself reply and then nothing.

Next thing Hannah knew, the Leaky Cauldron was empty and she was ready to call it a night. As everything dawned on her, Hannah took a moment to look around the place she would be the boss of in just a few weeks. Before she could stop herself, Hannah squeaked and jumped in place with her eyes closed, her arms moving up and down. Until they hit something hard. Well, soft, actually, but hard. Hannah opened her eyes and turned around.

"Ouch," a man said, with his hands over his nose.

"Oh, Merlin! I am so sorry. I didn't see you there," she said in one breath.

"It's alright," he replied and laughed. "I sneaked up on you. I deserved it."

"No, you didn't. Ugh, I'm sorry," she apologized again. "What were you doing right behind me? I thought everybody had left.

"Please, it's fine. I was in the loo." He blushed. "Then, I heard you and I wanted to pay the bill before I left, so I was going to tap you on the shoulder, but then I got surprised."

"Oh, right." It was Hannah's turn to get red in the face.

"You're Hannah, right? Hannah Abbott." He smiled.

"Yeah, and you're Neville Longbottom. Long time no see." She smiled back.

"That's right. Um, how about I pay the pill now?" He rubbed his neck.

"Yeah, sorry," she chuckled.

"So, if you don't mind me asking, why were you so excited?" he asked, as he reached into his pockets for some sickles.

"I don't know if I should tell you this, but fine. Promise not to tell anyone?"

"Of course. Your secret is safe with me," he reassured her.

"Well, Tom's retiring and I'm going to be in charge of the Leaky Cauldron." Hannah felt her excitement rising again.

"Wow, that's amazing. Congratulations" Neville seemed impressed, with a little smile on his face.

"Thank you, thank you. I didn't think I would be this excited," she told him.

"Well, you should be. This is a big deal." Neville settled his bill and started moving towards the door. "I'll make sure to stop by more often, Ms. Abbott."

"Call me Hannah, please."

"Alright, then. See you, Hannah." Neville smiled at her.

Hannah waved him goodbye, and, as he walked out the door, she found that she was really looking forward to him coming back to the pub.

Insane House Challenge

#607 – Emotion: Ecstatic

August Auction

Day 19/ Auction 4 – Meet Cute: 'I'm sorry! I just got really excited about something and had no idea anyone was standing behind me. I didn't mean to hit you in the face.'