For A Candy Cane A Day on the Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.
Angelina and George
Verity busied herself with closing the counter, moving to the beat of Angelina's impatient tapping. By now, it was a familiar routine. Verity, finishing up her shift as Angelina waited for George to come out from the backroom. In a desperate to attempt to ease the tension in the air, Verity complimented Angelina on her dress, telling her the violet hue really made her glow. But Angelina was in no mood for small talk.
"I can't believe he's late again," Angelina muttered. "Seriously."
"The shop was busy today," Verity offered. "I'm sure there's a lot to wrap up."
"Yeah." The excuse did nothing to placate Angelina. "The shop seems to be busy every day, doesn't it?"
Verity looked up, her eyes searching Angelina's face. With the corners of her mouth turned downwards and forehead furrowed, it was etched with disappointment. For the past several months, it was the only look Verity had seen grace Angelina's features.
"Absolutely not," Angelina said sharply. Finally, George had emerged. Somehow, his appearance had only incensed her further. "You can't wear that. It's a formal event, George."
Verity tried to hide her wince. George, dressed in jeans and a plain t-shirt, was certainly not ready for any kind of formal event.
"Ah. I forgot."
"You forgot?!" Angelina was near screeching. "George, I've been talking to you about this for weeks. Please, just go back upstairs and get changed."
Mercifully, George disappeared without argument. Unfortunately, once again Verity was left in an uncomfortable silence with Angelina who, by now, was red in the face with rage.
"It really has been busy recently," Verity said softly.
"I know," Angelina snapped. Then, seeing the alarmed look on Verity's face, she softened. "I know. And it's good, I suppose, that business has been so good. It just seems like George doesn't much time for anything else recently."
Before Verity had time to conjure a response, she was relieved to hear George coming back down the stairs. But even though he reappeared in an appropriate suit and gave Angelina an apologetic kiss to the corner of her lips, Verity couldn't help but notice that Angelina didn't smile back.