not the tea i asked for (Zaira)

[Abigail Longbottom]

Abby wasn't one to be out and about on a Friday afternoon, of all days. She was one of the people who preferred taking things slowly after the sun was at its highest, perhaps lazily gardening or reading a new Herbology book; or writing to her friends. But given the fact that it was the holidays and she'd barely been out in the past week or so, she was already getting bored. She'd been waiting for Friday afternoon, this time around, because the Leaky got more busy than usual once the weekend started, more so because of the holidays. The moment she knew her parents were adequately busy and wouldn't bother her much, she'd changed into something comfortable and walked out to the other cafe in the area.

Entering the Tamarisk, her eyes searched for a quiet table to sit at. She didn't really want to be in the way of other people. At the moment, she simply craved a different scenery for her silence. Perhaps a cup of tea, or two, and a slice of pie and then she'd be off looking for something else to do. As her eyes scavenged a spot, a familiar figure caught her eye and she automatically found her eyebrows raising, and her lips curving into an amused smile. She politely pushed her way over to Zaira Zabini - a classmate whom she knew well enough for this conversation to not turn awkward very fast. It was a brilliant coincidence, if she said so herself.

"Zaira!" she smiled. "What a pleasant surprise!" she exclaimed, smiling in a friendly manner. She put her hand gently on the other girl's shoulder in greeting and then looked around. "I didn't think you'd be here. This is so fun. I thought I'd have to spend the rest of the day all by myself."

[Zaira Zabini]

Now, normally, Zaira didn't go anywhere by herself. A trip to a cafe, shop, or even book store wasn't something she braved solo. Things got too boring inside her own head for her to enjoy her own company. Besides, she got enough of being alone in her room. But here she was, sipping tea in The Tamarisk Tree, completely and utterly alone. Well, save for the other people drinking their tea, but she didn't actually know any of them.

After days of being trapped in her house with parents, Zaira finally snapped and decided she needed to get out of the house at any cost. It was a bit last minute to invite anyone out with her (and even if she did she didn't fancy the idea of waiting around for an owl back) so she had to go solo. So far it wasn't that bad. The cafe was really cute and the tea was standard. The little cake she'd ordered was light and spongy with little strawberries poking out and absolutely delicious.

Just when she was starting to warm up to the idea of being at a table all by her lonesome, a familiar voice called out her name. Zaira turned to look and there was Abby Longbottom, looking all bright and bubbly. Apparently she'd done the same thing, ventured out without any real plans. Perfect.

"Abby, hi!" she said, finding herself catching Abby's infectious enthusiasm. "I didn't expect to run into you either. Well, I didn't really expect to run into anyone really. Have a seat." She gestured to the empty chair across from her. "Honestly, I was thinking I'd be alone all day as well. What're you up to today?"