George walked into the Leaky Cauldron, glancing around for Kagome and spotting her at the bar. Remaining glued to the spot, he stared an image crossing his mind that stopped him cold.
Fred was sitting next to Kagome at the bar, toying with the end of her ponytail as she poured over her school work, hell bent on becoming a healer at St. Mungo's. Fred leaned in, nuzzling her neck and making her turn to him with a smile.
Shaking his head to clear it, he set forward tossing himself into the barstool next to Kagome.
"I was starting to think you would never send an owl." George mumbled, Tom bringing over a butterbeer for him.
Kagome played with the rim of her mug, her lips quirking up, "don't be mad. It took me a while to get the courage."
"I couldn't be mad at you, I understand." George said.
An uncomfortable silence descended upon them, George clearing his throat and shooting a glance at her.
"How's your studies?"
"I should go."
Kagome finally turned to look at George, her eyes zeroing in on his, "sorry, this is a lot more awkward than I thought it would be. I'm taking a break from school… I can't focus."
"Don't do that. He… Fred wouldn't want that. Why not come by the shop sometime. I'll help you study." George offered.
Kagome turned back to her butterbeer, eyes shooting away from his familiar ones. "I'll think about it."
George reached out and squeezed her forearm before turning back to his own drink, silence descending on them once more.