"His smile was his biggest treasure"
୨˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˙˚˙˙˚˙˙˚˙˙˚˙˙˚˙˙˚˙˙˚˙˙˚˙˙୧
Being in Third year was one of the best things for any student, as they could travel to Hogsmade, the little winter town that many students, and even adults, had dearly in their hearts... Especially, with one certain establishment: The Three Broomsticks Inn.
If you asked the people around, it was obvious that reasons for it existed: the cozy atmosphere, the enjoyable presence of the owner, Madam Rosmerta, and of course, the drinks served there, butterbeer, pumpkin juice, cherry syrup, and even for the adults, some fire whiskey.
But today, for Alaister, was a place he didn't expect to be. Not because he wasn't thinking of going before, he surely was to do so, but because he was invited there, that night, by none other than his best friend (and secret crush) Daniel Page. It did take him a long time to not lose his mind and exaggerate the invitation, to stop jumping in his place, squeaking while his roommates were elsewhere, and of course, to get his best looks to the occasion, even if it was just using his uniform, fix his hair, and make sure his cherry earrings were in place and his glasses were clean... And why not, some cherry perfume here and there.
Sometime later, he finally arrived just in the hour at the location they'd met, outside the place, greeting each other, and, sure enough, going inside, feeling the change of the atmosphere from a cold, white winter to a warm, wooden establishment, with fireplaces and plenty of tables and costumers, from students to adults.
Daniel: Ahh, the Three Broomsticks. Lively as ever.
Alaister: You've come here before?
Daniel: Just once, I think. My mum must have brought me... But I don't really remember, since I was too little back then, I believe. But I've heard plenty of stories, though!
Alaister: Huh, well, what everyone said of this place is true, it is cozy and welcoming! And it doesn't surprise me this place is popular, it looks a little crowded tonight... How about you get us a seat and I go look for our drinks?
Daniel: Sure. I'll find us a quiet table on the second floor... You know what I like.
The blonde boy couldn't help but let out a giggle... Gosh, he really fell hard for him, more now that he could see Daniel way happier and open than usual. It was a sight he could never get enough of, and containing the blush on his cheeks was a hard task that he, somehow, fulfilled as he turned around and walked towards the bar, talking to the woman who owned the place.
Madam Rosmerta: Why, hello there! Fresh from Hogwarts, are ya?
Alaister: Greetings, indeed, miss, I have just arrived from there.
Madam Rosmerta: Call me Rosmerta, please! "Miss" makes me sound like an old crone!
Alaister: Ah, my apologies, Rosmerta... I wanted to ask about the specials here, any type of recommendations are welcomed greatly.
Madam Rosmerta: Well, our two specials are our famous butterbeer: a frothy, buttery creation that is our house specialty, and pumpkin juice, fruity, with notes of spice. It's perfect, hot or cold! We also have other drinks, like, for example, cherry soda, with natural cherry syrup.
Alaister: Hmm, I think I'll have one cherry soda and... A butterbeer, please. I'll pay them both.
Madam Rosmerta: Great choices! A cherry soda and butterbeer, coming right up...
It didn't take too long for him to get the drinks and pay them both with a few sickles and galeons, and as best as he could, he walked to the second floor, doing his best to not spill a single drop, as his friend waited for him on a far, far table. Leaving the drinks, one after the other, on the table, he took a sit right in front of the other.
Alaister: Here they are... I got you a butterbeer... I hope that's what you wanted, I forgot to ask you before.
Daniel: Knew I could count on you! Cheers!
And just as soon they would rise their orders, by the corner of their eyes, they noticed how a group of spiders rushed out of nowhere, and not small ones, precisely, yet not as big as an adult acromantula.
Alaister: Ah! W-Where those came from?
Madam Rosmerta: Somebody help, please? My potential customers are fleeing from these spiders!
And, soon enough, they've found themselves, using Arania Exumai as their lives depended on it... Luckily, Alaister wasn't alone with this, and he even found it quite nice to work together with Daniel as he used to...
Madam Rosmerta: Well done, lads! Thank you for your help, the next round is on the house!
Alaister: Oh, thank you very much Rosmerta, but it was not the big thing... Although, I am worried about their possible origin...
Madam Rosmerta: Oh, it was probably Hagrid who left his new pets again. He can expect a nice, lil' chat with yours truly next time he comes in for a pint...
Both smiled happily at this and went back to their table, enjoying their time and their drinks... Alaister couldn't stop smiling all that night, even when he was on his bed. The sight of Daniel talking so passionately about his likes, about his day, being so open, so relaxed with him... It was a thing that made his heart flutter like crazy. He even hoped he could just dream of this moment so he'd never forget... Because his smile was his biggest treasure.