February 18th…
“What was the name of Charlotte’s first husband in Sex and the City?”
With a roll of the eyes Bella places the freshly pulled pint onto the bar, raising an eyebrow at the change placed on the wooden surface of the bar. A flicker of annoyance crosses her features as she gazes at the coins. A euro thrown in with the pounds, a grin on the man's face.
“Pay up Mundungus.” Her voice brooks no argument. “Or I’ll impound your car again.”
“Fine, fine. Your sister lets it slide, you know… help an old boy out.” Mundungus grumbles digging into the worn pockets of his old coat.
“Andy is currently quiz master,” Bella retorts, folding her arms waiting for the coins to materialise.
“Question twelve. What is the largest organ in the human body?” As if on cue, Andy reads the next question aloud.
“Here…” Mundungus grumbles, placing the coins down before shuffling away.
Sighing, Bella drops the coins into the cash register, closing the draw with a little too much force. Throwing a look over to Andy currently perched on a stool holding up the next question card. Groups of three or four conjugate around whispering between themselves as they decide answers.
Quiz Night Every Thursday.
Rubbing her temple, Bella leans elbows staring at the sign before watching the groups mutter between themselves. Clearing her throat, Andy reads the answers bringing the quiz night to an end.
A nudge to her side as Cissy slips behind the bar carrying a box of supplies. “Is it over?”
“Nearly,” Bella replies as she watches the groups count their scores.
“How did we let her convince us into doing a quiz night?” Cissy questions unloading the box of pork scratching and restocking.
“You told her to get more involved.” Bella reminds her younger sister critically.
“I meant in the kitchen. Her baking, not… not this.” Cissy mumbles brushing her blonde hair out of her face.
It was true, Narcissa had asked Andromeda to step up more, to become more involved with the pub. The blasted pub was left to them in their uncle’s will years ago, when they were young and full of never ending hope. They had all agreed to run the pub together. They lasted a year before the bickering became too much. Andromeda left to start her own bakery but a few doors down. Narcissa left to attend university and Bella remained, running the pub.
Yet somehow, years later the three sisters had drifted back together, Bella’s injury had left her bed bound for weeks. Andromeda and Narcissa had shared the duty of running the pub and they never left. Much to Bella’s chagrin and her enjoyment, not that she would ever admit it. Narcissa turned her hand from Chef at the high end restaurant to opening a small successful kitchen in their little pub. Friday and Saturdays are always booked weeks in advance.
Andromeda’s baking goods are the talk of their little community, always going down a treat after a hearty meal. All the while Bella observed, pouring pints to the regulars and the new. It was Andy’s idea to throw a quiz night to bring in a ‘younger’ crowd. To bring in more professionals and students.
Bella will begrudgingly admit it has become a success, not that she would ever admit this to Andromeda. Whoever had decided to give her sister a small microphone needed shooting. She’s sure the old shotgun on the wall is for display purposes only, but she’s half tempted to find out on Thursday nights.
“Congratulations, Red Hot Trivia Peppers! Winners fourth week in a row.”
A small half hearted applause from the table the winners to a round of free drinks handed to the ginger haired lad who jumps to his feet. Waiting, Bella offers her hand out as the lanky ginger man saddles up to the bar smirking.
“Two pints of Fosters please and ugh… ‘Mione, what do you want?”
“Gin and tonic please,” replies the bushy haired woman coming to a stop next to the bar.
Bella sets to pouring the Fosters before dropping an ice cube into a glass. Reaching for the gin she catches Andy out of the corner of her eye walking towards the bar.
“If you keep this up people are going to think you’re cheating.” Andy summarises coming to a stop opposite the bushy haired woman.
“What can we say,” Snorts the ginger haired man accepting his Fosters. “We’re ace at Quizzes.”
Bella’s half tempted to point out it’s only the woman who answers ninety percent of the questions. She’s sure the men are only there for the sports questions but one look from Narcissa makes her bite her tongue.
“You sure are,” Andy retorts but her eyes are focused solely on the younger woman in front of her. “I never asked, are you at the University?”
“We were… I graduated, I currently work at the law firm Kingsley and Co.” The woman replies, twirling the straw around the glass of gin.
“I know Shacklebolt,” Andromeda nods in thought. “We were at University together,”
“What did you study?”
“Er… Science.”
Bella snorts in surprise, unable to stop herself. She turns away from the angry glare from Andromeda, pretending to clear her throat.
“Hermione, you coming? Ginny’s here.” The dark hair man calls.
“Coming Harry,” Hermione calls back over her shoulder. “Well, thanks for the drink. See you.”
“See you.” Andromeda replies watching the brunette walking away.
Biting back a smirk, Bella stares at her younger sister, with her eyebrow raised. “Science? Is that what we’re calling it?”
“Shut up.” Andromeda mumbles rubbing her temple. “I panicked.”
“Why are we panicking?” Narcissa enquiries returning with a clipboard and pen tucked behind her ear.
“Andy here studied science at University,” Bella informs the blonde.
“Oh!” Narcissa snorts, sharing a look with Bella. “And what young lady has your attention to create such a tall story?”
“If I knew a week's Astrology course was equal to a degree, I’d have joined you.” Bella teases.
“I didn’t say I had a degree.” Andy replies tersely.
“No, but you didn’t say you didn’t either.”
“Andy, if you like her, just ask her out.” Cissy advises.
“Or ask her for her number.” Bella suggests.
The door rattles just as the group including Hermione file out of the pub. “There’s always next week.” Cissy reassures.
February 25th…
“What a know-it-all.” Draws the voice.
“She’s incredibly smart,” Cissy agrees, topping up the greasy haired man’s glass. “I’ll give her that.”
“Shush,” Bella hisses. “I want to watch this.”
“Congratulations! Tequila Mockingbird.” Andromeda calls offering the prize to the young ginger haired man who bounds up to collect the free round of drinks.
“Tequila Mockingbird?” Cissy repeats groaning.
“I might bring in a rule where they have to keep the same quiz name. “
“Two fosters!” The ginger haired man states offering the slip of paper. “‘Mione?”
“Gin please Ron.”
The man called Ron grins turning back to Bella who obliges by starting the drinks.
“Ginny, what are you having?”
“Cider please,”
Cissy takes over pulling the pint of cider for the younger woman called Ginny. who waits next to the bar still in conversation with Hermione.
“‘Mione, look at what she was wearing. Could she be any more lesbian?” Ginny states accepting her pint with a smile.
“She probably does Astrology.” Pipes in the dark haired boy.
Bella bites back a grin, Severus snorts into his glass of whisky. “Maybe even a dream catcher tattoo as well.” Ron supplies.
Unable to stop herself, Bella glances to Andromeda’s back where she knows the dream catcher tattoo is located on her sister's shoulder. Severus is turning red holding back laughter, Cissy has turned away pretending to count the packet of crisps, shoulders shaking with barely controlled laughter.
“Sorry, you wanted to ask me something,” Hermione interrupts Ginny, turning to Andromeda who is frozen.
“Nothing…”Andromeda breathes. “I can barely remember. Well done again.”
Smiling, Hermione collects her drink following her group of friends away from the bar just as Bella barks a laugh. Blushing scarlet, Andromeda glares at all three of them.
“Your support is greatly appreciated.” Andromeda huffs.
“Did you not foresee this coming?” Severus quips in his dry, drawling voice.
“Screw you all.” Andromeda mutters storming away.
March 1st…
“Can I have your number?”
Crunch. Crunch. Slowly, Severus plucks a salted peanut from the tray and takes another bite. Staring at the scene in front of them, Bella sends curious glances at the two women slowly, agonisingly slowly pouring a pint. Wanting to remain in ear shot but aware the patron is further down the bar.
“Of course.” The upbeat reply from Hermione.
Cissy trips over her own feet at these words but gracefully manages to stop herself from falling by leaning heavily against one of the fridges. Elegantly composed she bends over in one fluid movement to pluck a bottle from the fridge.
The hiss of the cap as it’s prized from the bottle and tumbled away. A glass grabbed from the shelf at random placed haphazardly down in front of the blonde witch. Hawk like eyes glued to the scene unfolding, the hand digging into the jeans pocket.
“Here, Rolanda,” Cissy murmurs, sliding the glass against the woman's arm.
A ten pound note is clumsily passed to Cissy, neither woman paying attention as they watch Andromeda and Hermione.
“You’ve already paid,” Cissy mutters as she passes the cash back.
“Here’s my business card,” Hermione’s voice is clear. “I’m new, but if you need any advice I’m more than happy to help. It’s a shame we lost tonight, but I’m rubbish at sports without the boys. See you later.”
“B… bye.” Andromeda's voice falls quiet holding the business card aloft.
“Thank you Severus.” Rolanda whispers. “You were right, this has cheered me up greatly.”
Crunch. Crunch.
“Every thursday.” Severus replies, chewing thoughtfully on the peanuts. “Peanut?”
“Just one.”
22nd March…
Congratulations to the team - You’re a Quizzard Harry!” Andromeda frowns as she reads out the group name.
Laughter erupts from the group, the dark haired boy flushing red as he moves to get the slip of paper. He saddles up to the bar with the order for his friends at the ready.
“Same as always?” Bella questions.
“Please.” Harry agrees, still flushed red around the face.
They linger around the bar, the little group discussing the quiz, Ron’s voice the loudest. Curious glances thrown to the odd bunch sat at stools against the bar. Severus, Rolanda and Minverva all nursing their drinks casually discussing their day with one another.
Bella supposes they are an odd bunch, all university teachers, all locals to the pub. All eyes glancing occasionally at Andromeda who is lingering near the bar.
“Hermione,” Andromeda calls, stopping the younger woman from leaving as their group turns to leave. “I… ugh. Erm. I was wondering.”
“Oh,” Hermione grins. “Did you look at the website I gave you?” Hermione replies with a smile. “It’s genius isn’t it.”
“Ugh, yes. It’s brilliant.” Andromeda agrees.
“Did you want something?”
“I… ugh. No. Just thank you for suggesting it.”
“Oh, no worries, you’re welcome.” Hermione grins before turning to follow her friends.
Groaning, Andromeda rubs her face, muttering to her face.
“This is painful.” Summarises Minerva.
“A little pathetic.” Rolanda whispers.
“It’s prime tv.” Bella quips with a smirk.
“None of you; need to be here.” Andromeda comments, throwing them all a scathing look.
“We’re moral support Andy,” Cissy rebuffs. “Don’t be so ungrateful. Next time, use more words.”
A cackle of laughter from Bella as Cissy pats Andromeda on the shoulder soothingly.
“Truly painful,” Minerva nods to herself. “Could I have another Bella, dear.”
20th May…
“You look beautiful.”
Bella chokes on her glass of water just as Severus inhales a peanut instead of chewing coughing harshly. A solid thump to his back from Rolanda who dislodges the stuck food.
Bewildered eyes turn to Andromeda who is leaning casually against the bar, making full eye contact with Hermione. The younger woman blushing a deep red as she glances down at her dress.
“Blimey.” Albus Dumbledore said calmly, watching the scene with a twinkle in his eye.
“Most unexpected.” Flitwick agrees.
“Thank you,” Hermione replies, smoothing down her dress. “Ginny selected it for me.”
“Well, you most certainly will be the centre of attention tonight.”
“Thanks Andy,” Hermione replies with a small smile. “You’re a good friend.”
Smiling, Andromeda nods until the younger woman is out of sight. A groan, Andy’s legs give out as she slumps to the floor behind the bar. Bella is biting her lip studying when her sister collapsed on the floor.
“Are we sure she’s gay?” Rolanda asks.
“Yes. She is… isn’t she? Andy?” Cissy agrees before glancing at her sister on the floor.
“Y… err I didn’t ask.” Andy replies blinking.
“You didn’t ask?” Bella repeats incredulously. “How many hours do you spend together these days?”
“Discussing quizzes and stuff, nothing else.”
“You didn’t think to ask?”
“It didn’t come up.” Andy defends running a hand over her face.
“Too busy discussing science?” Cissy quips, sharing a smile with Bella.
“Piss off.”
14th June….
“Congratulations to, I am Smarticas…” Andromeda trails off. “I suppose that’s better than last week.”
“What was their name last week?” Minerva asks. “What did I miss?”
“You don’t want to know the name.” Cissy replies reassuringly.
“They were called ‘Exit her…”
“Thank you Bella, I can figure the rest out for myself.” Minerva interrupts sending Bella a reproachful look.
“I didn’t name them.” Bella shrugs. “Same again lads?”
“Please boss.” Ron states as he slides the piece of paper to Bellatrix.
“I think the team should be rewarded more points for the creative name each week.” Dumbledore suggests with a short nod at the younger man.
“Thanks mate,” Ron grins. “Hear that, we should be rewarded.”
“I let you return each week, that is reward enough.” Bella retorts, sliding the pints over.
“Right you are.” Ron blushes stumbling away.
Snorting, Bella watches the group linger near the doorway. It’s an unusually hot June day, so hot they have thrown all the windows and doors open. The beer garden heaving with locals and office workers all looking to soak up a bit of sun.
Crunch. Crunch. Bella glowers at Severus who takes slowly calculated bites of peanuts smiling innocently at Bella. Mumbling, Andromeda slips behind the bar pulling herself a drink she sighs in relief.
“This weather.”
“Don’t knock it.” Minerva advises flicking a piece of Albus' ball of yarn out of her way. “Not often we get such beautiful weather.”
“Then why are you inside?” Andromeda questions.
“I'm an old woman, the heat does not agree with me.” Minerva sighs.
A small nod of agreement from Albus as he continues to knit observing the bar and conversing on occasion with Flitwick.
“Incoming,” Bella whispers as she signals to Andromeda the approaching Hermione.
But before Andromeda can say anything, Cissy is bustling out of the kitchen flustered. “I have a delivery, the chilli is overheating and the freezers just packed up.”
“I’m coming Cissy,” Andromeda reassures, taking the opportunity to escape.
Both sisters disappear out the back Bella notices the frown of disappointment on Hermione’s face.
“How many weeks has she avoided Hemrione now?” Rolanda enquiries.
“This will be the third week.” Bella replies smiling as Hermione comes to a rest on the other side of the bar. “What can I get you?”
“Can I ask you something?” Hermione requests lowering her voice.
Severus, Rolanda, Minerva, Albus and Flitwick all lean slightly on their stalls closer to Hermione to listen to the conversation.
“I don’t want this to be awkward… however, I…” Hermione trails off looking uncomfortable.
Bella leans against the bar managing what she hopes to be a reassuring smile. “What’s on your mind?”
“Your sister… Andromeda. Does she like women?”
Blinking, Bella stares at the younger woman in front of her, nonplussed. But before she can reply Hermione is talking, babbling once more.
“I… it’s just… I want to ask her out, but… she. Is she gay? Do you think she would be interested?”
Thump. Severus' head hits the bar with a groan, a yelp from Albus as he jabs himself with a knitting needle. A crash from behind Bella, just behind the door leading to the kitchen. A mumble as Flitwick stumbles from his stall disappearing from Bella’s sight. Rolanda chokes on her drink and Minerva sits rigid.
“Do I think my sister would be interested in going on a date with you?” Bella repeats.
“Ugh… yes.” Hermione glances in confusion at the group at the bar. “Are they okay?”
“They’re fine, they do that.” Bella dismisses as Albus helps Flitwick from the floor, Severus sits rubbing his head and Minerva pats Rolanda on her back. “I think Andy would be delighted to go on a date with you. Give it a minute though, she’s helping with a delivery.”
A bluster of air hits Bella’s back as the door behind her swings open, Andromeda marching out as she pauses spotting Hermione. “Ah, Andy…”
“Hermione.” Andromeda interrupts Bella, coming to a stop next to the bar. “I would like to take you out… on a date. If you’re interested.”
“Oh…” Hermione sighs with a small smile. “That’s…”
“I know, I’m older and no I didn’t go to University not for a degree anyway. I also don’t want to make this awkward…” Andromeda is speaking faster, the words stumbling from her lips, her hand gripping the bar. “I don’t even know if you’re gay…”
“Andy…” Bella tries to interrupt.
“Not now Bella, but if you would. Could. Maybe. Would. Like to…. Date with me. Sometime?” Andromeda finishes lamely trailing off.
Silently, the door creaks behind Bella as Cissy pokes her head out of the kitchen to witness the events unfolding. Andy breathing heavily, hands clutching the bar, Hermione staring at Andromeda in mild concern and amusement.
“Um. Yes.” Hermione replies hesitantly. “Umm. Yes, I'd like to go on a date with you.”
“Oh,” Andy nods, blinking slowly.
“This weekend?” Hermione suggests.
“Saturday?”
“Two pm?”
“Shall I meet you here?”
“There’s a Flea market this weekend.” Both women exclaim at the same time.
“Two pm.” They agree in union.
Blushing, Hermione steps away heading back to her friends, throwing a glance over her shoulder at Andromeda. Shakily, Andy steps backwards turning wide eyed to Bella.
“I asked her out.” Andy whispers. “She must finally be ready, probably wasn’t ready all the times I asked before.”
Bella bites her lip, not wanting to break the news to her sister that Hermione didn’t have the slightest idea of Andromeda’s intentions. She smiles, patting Andromeda on the shoulder.
“Well, it must have been written in the stars.” Cissy states.
Bella cackles as Rolanda spits out her drink, Andy blushing at the laughter. Muttering beneath her breath as she stalks back to the kitchen.
“I thought the Flea market was cancelled?” Minerva wonders aloud.
“It was,” Bella replies with a shrug. “Let Andy have this moment. We’ll tell her later.”