Happiness On Borrowed Time

By Clorinda

When business is slow at the Hog's Head, Aberforth likes to watch his patrons instead. Drabble.

Abe never ratted out Hogwarts students coming into his pub— Arthur's daughter included.

Her escort sauntered to the bar, imperiously calling for a hard knock to the head. Without obliging him, Abe handed him the Butterbeers. He wondered how Ginny was suffering Malfoy's company gladly .

Kids often snuck to the Hog's for stolen drinks, never for stolen time. Slouched over their table near the door, they sipped their drinks, seldom looking each other in the eye.

But as they were leaving, Abe saw him draw her into a one-armed hug— the last display of affection until they were alone again.