Order Only: the Beer Garden

[alt_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.

Comments

[alt_lupin]

And yes, the bloke was back, as gregarious as ever.

I'll send you down, next time I spot him. You can get close enough to listen without anyone thinking anything of it. His chat with Dora was innocuous enough, but who knows what he's saying to the rest of the crowd?

[alt_sirius]

So Dora says, anyway.

[alt_nymphadora]

Oi, there!

[alt_sirius]

Wot? It wasn't innocuous?

[alt_nymphadora]

It was perfectly harmless. Only Remus would fault someone for being at his ease meeting new people.

[alt_sirius]

Well, he's a professional worrier, you know. He and Poppy could have a contest.

[alt_nymphadora]

Do you think you're being fair to Madam P?

[alt_sirius]

I think so, yes. It's her job to worry and she's bound by compacts of her profession. Whereas Moony just worries on his own time.

[alt_lupin]

Are you two quite done?

[alt_sirius]

Not half.

[alt_alice]

If he is with the Ministry, he's being awfully obvious about it.

Which might be what he means to do. So that you know you're being watched.

Or perhaps he's just very lonely, and has found a place where he can go and be among friendly people for the first time in a long time.

[alt_nymphadora]

Well, that's what we hope for all of them, of course.

Only we wonder sometimes what brings in the newcomers. When they don't come with anyone regular their first time.

It's just Remus being cautious. He does that, you know.

[alt_sirius]

Still, I'd like Dung's expert opinion on the fellow.

Take his visit on Thursday, for example - buying that whole cake. Doesn't strike me as someone with many mouths to feed.

[alt_nymphadora]

Well, he could just be a chap who likes to have friends round to his. You can't say he's not a friendly sort.

Or maybe he took it along for Sunday supper with his Mum and Dad.

I hear people do that. If they've got family left.

[alt_nymphadora]

That's not to say we shouldn't have Dung give the place a sniff. He can't lower our standards any, I don't think.

And you're right, he might be able to tell us a bit about some of our dodgier friends.