Remus Lupin

The beer garden is starting to see some regulars. It's an interesting crowd. We wanted muggleborns to feel free to sit for a bit, so we started off from the beginning discouraging people from asking awkward questions. During the week, we've started to notice a group of muggleborns who turn up every Wednesday afternoon. They've clearly arranged to run errands the same day, at the same time, so they can sit and visit together. We've tried to give them a spot of privacy, but of course no one watches what they say in front of the family dog. The worst conspiracy Sirius has overheard is a discussion of how best to mix drinks to speed their masters to drunken oblivion.

On the weekends we see more of a half-blood crowd. They can come openly, instead of snatching moments when people think they're running errands. And they bring money, fortunately, and they seem to have a good time. We've started noticing regulars in this group, too.

Weekday evenings, we think we're attracting a few of a more criminal element. Our 'no nosy questions' policy, of course, makes it a good place for people to arrange to meet for deals they don't want overheard. They're not an especially savoury lot. On the other hand, they might turn out useful later, and oddly, they might provide us with a bit of camouflage. If people assume we're doing something illegal but winked-at, they're less likely to look too closely. On the other hand, in a crackdown they might draw attention. It rather depends on what they're up to, so Sirius is listening in when he can.

And of course there are a few individuals who we're not sure which group they fit in. There was a man who came last Saturday and stayed until we chucked out the last few stragglers. He was back on Monday and Thursday, and then again last night. He tried to chat up Dora on Thursday.

I'm a bit worried he's from the Ministry.