"Don't cry, say 'fuck you' and smile."

Unknown

Eileen straightened her apron and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she walked back to the bar; her thoughts lingering on the young man who had all but bared his soul to her. His earnestness and vulnerability had struck a chord deep within her, resonating with the echoes of her own past, and the witch felt a deep sense of empathy for the teen, yet also admired his courage and strength in facing such a monumental decision.

As she approached the bar, an older lady with silver-streaked hair and gentle blue eyes, looked up from where she was busy polishing glasses. Despite her age, there was a youthful sparkle in her gaze that spoke of a life well-lived and a heart still full of warmth - a rarity in a town like Cokeworth - and Eileen couldn't stop her smile from appearing if she had tried. Mrs Nuppet was a figure of quiet strength, a constant presence in not only Cokeworth but the pub, and had become someone the young woman saw as both a friend and a maternal figure.

Mrs Nuppet tilted her head, a soft smile playing on her lips as Eileen rejoined her. "My dear," she said, her voice carrying a comforting, melodic quality. "Look at you, playing the part of the wise sage. Didn't know you were in the business of giving life advice?"

"And I didn't know you were still in the business of snooping," Eileen chuckled, feeling a familiar warmth in the elder witch's presence.

"You know me too well."

Eileen shook her head, her smile only growing, before her gaze caught sight of the teen she'd been conversing with. "I... I think he just needed someone to listen to, someone to understand."

"You've always been a good listener," Mrs Nuppet observed - before: "And such a handsome young man, too," chuckling as red suddenly cut across the younger woman's cheeks. And setting the glass she'd been cleaning down, leaning on the bar, a knowing smile crept across her features as she asked, "Those brooding types, though... they really do have a way of touching the heart, don't they?"

"He's just a kid!" Eileen hissed under her breath, feeling her cheeks warm further as her mind unwillingly drifted to what the woman she really did see as a mother figure had insinuated.

"Old enough to face the world and question its troubles, old enough to charm the likes of you," the cheeky witch retorted with a tone that was both teasing and gentle. She stole a glance toward the young man in question, finding him staring out the window, lost in thought. "So, what's his story, then? He seemed pretty intense. Well, more intense then the usual folk who stumble into this place."

"I thought you needed help," Eileen couldn't help but accuse, her eyes narrowing on Mrs Nuppet. Yet her denunciation was empty of heat, a small smile tugging at her lips before it disappeared and her gaze too drifted back to the boy. "He's thinking about enlisting," she revealed, her voice softening. "His father... he was soldier, and he feels... obligated - like it's his duty to follow in his father's footsteps. But he's scared, uncertain. He doesn't know if it's the right path for him."

Mrs Nuppet nodded slowly, her eyes reflecting the wisdom of her many years. "A rather familiar and heavy burden, indeed," she murmured.

"The weight of family expectations can be a mighty force."

"Yet, it also takes a truly brave soul to question it, to hold onto what makes them who they are and search for their own truth."

"Yeah," Eileen agreed, a tinge of sorrow mingling with her admiration; a reflection of her own past shining within her eyes. "But he's not like- he's not just rushing into things. He's really thinking it through, trying to make sense of everything. He wants to do what's right, not just for his family but for himself."

"It takes a lot of bravery to admit that you're scared," Mrs Nuppet said with a soft, understanding smile. "And even more to speak it out loud. Most men, especially the young ones, would rather bottle it up."

"I just hope he makes the decision that's best for him, not because he feels obligated or pressured."

"He reminds you of someone, hmm? Someone... who, maybe, possessed their own struggles to break free from what was expected." Mrs Nuppet reached out and gently patted Eileen's hand when the young witch stilled, her touch warm and reassuring. "You did good, Eileen. You've always had a strong spirit, and I know it took a lot of courage to stand at that crossroad and choose the path that felt right in your heart, rather than the one your parents had laid out for you."

Eileen could only smile, a mixture of fondness and sadness in her eyes. "So much for being a Slytherin," she joked.

"Bah!" Mrs Nuppet huffed. "Those houses are but a curse placed upon every child for the sake of tradition. Each and every one of us are far more complex than any single label could hope to define. Take yourself, dear; you have the bravery of a Gryffindor, the wisdom of a Ravenclaw, and the loyalty of a Hufflepuff, all wrapped up in a Slytherin's cunning. Yet that does not make you an anomaly or a hat-stall, it makes you remarkable."

"You always know just what to say," was all Eillen mustered, feeling the warmth of the elder witch's reassurances seep deep into her weary soul.

"That's the benefit of age," Mrs Nuppet retorted with a wink. "Now, why don't you take a moment for yourself? You've already had quite the night, what with Donaldson and Teagan showing up and causing that ruckus. The less thoughts on troublesome dunderheads the better, yes?"

"Again... I swore you needed help."

The elderly witch laughed at Eileen's words, the sound like tinkling bells. "Oh, nonsense," she said, waving her hands dismissively. "I've been handling this bar and its inhabitants long before you even knew what magic was. Besides, I think you've earned a break."

Eileen could only shake her head with a sigh, her gaze drifting back to the young man by the window. His brow was still furrowed in thought, his fingers drumming a restless rhythm on the table; a look of conflict she recognised all too well - the turmoil of a soul caught between duty and desire, of expectation and self-discovery. It was, in all honesty, a mirror of her own past, one that seemed both distant and ever-present.

Reluctantly, she untied her apron and hung it on a hook behind the bar. "Alright, I'll take you up on that offer," she said, giving Mrs Nuppet a far more genuine and grateful smile. "But just for a few minutes. From what I heard last night, Jacob is coming 'round with a few of his friends and I really don't like leaving you alone with that flirt."

"Oh, take all the time you need, dear," Mrs Nuppet replied, her eyes twinkling with a knowing yet mischievous warmth. "And if you just up and decide to take the whole night off, I'm sure I'll manage. It's been a while since I've gone clubbing."

Eileen paused, her eyes narrowing on the witch. "You do remember that Ernie took your bat with him. Bert told me when they picked it up that his brother wanted to show him a 'different style of fishing'," she revealed - and Mrs Nuppet let out a hearty laugh.

"That scamp," she chuckled, shaking her head fondly. "Trust Ernie to find a new use for an old Beater's bat. Rascal's always up to some kind of mischief. Poor Bert's there now, probably trying to knock the fish out of the water while Ernie's lecturing him on the proper fishing techniques - whatever they would be with a bat involved..."

The image of Bert 'beating' water with his brother Ernie lecturing away in the background filled Eileen's mind, and she couldn't stop herself from laughing. "Oh, the picture you paint!"

"They do keep life interesting," Mrs Nuppet agreed with no little affection. "Why, I can still remember when they were but young wee lads, causing chaos wherever they went. I think I'm just glad they know better than to try and strip off in public."

"They've always had a knack for turning the ordinary into something extraordinary," Eileen managed to choke out, the image now filling her mind of two adult figures of Bert and Ernie running around Cokeworth without their clothes on managing to steal what little breath she had.

"Indeed," Mrs Nuppet agreed with a rather knowing smile - like the evil witch she pretended she wasn't. "As much as they might drive me up the walls sometimes, they bring so much laughter and life into this old pub. Those little moments, those bursts of unexpected joy, it's what makes everything in life so worthwhile."

Eileen felt a sudden pang of nostalgia, remembering her own childhood. Though she had not been as mischievous as Bert and Ernie, she had her fair share of adventures. The warmth and camaraderie of family and friends had once been her anchor during the most turbulent years of her life, much like Mrs Nuppet's pub was now a haven for the troubled souls of Cokeworth.

"I think it's wonderful that you've got such a close-knit family."

Mrs Nuppet's eyes softened as she looked at Eileen. "Family is everything, my dear. Yet it's not just about who shares whose blood; it's about the connections we build and the love we share. And you, too, have become a part of that circle. You've become like family to us, Eileen."

The warmth of her voice touched Eileen deeply. She had always felt a special bond with the elder witch, who had taken her in and offered her a sense of belonging when she'd needed it most. "Thank you, Mrs Nuppet. Th-that truly means a lot to me."

"Anytime, Eileen," the witch replied, giving her a reassuring pat on the back. "Now, you go on and take that break. You've earned it. And don't you worry about Jacob; I'm sure I've got an old broom or even bludger around here somewhere.

Eileen chuckled as she made her way towards the door. "Well, don't let him get too comfortable. I'll be back before you know it."

"And I'll keep a weather eye out for him," Mrs Nuppet said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Off you go now."

As Eileen stepped outside, the cool night air greeted her. The pub's warm glow seemed to offer a comforting embrace as she leaned against the rough brick wall. The stars twinkled overhead, the distant sounds of the town provided a soothing backdrop to her thoughts, and the witch felt a sense of peace settle over her.

For a few moments, she could simply be - free from the worries and responsibilities that had once clung to her like shadows as she instead found solace in the simple joys and connections she had cultivated during her short life.