where: crossing in front of the three broomsticks. who: alecto; @alectocarrowx.
The scent of butterbeer and roasted chestnuts drifted from the open windows of the Three Broomsticks, lively with chatter inside — but outside, things were quieter.
Molly adjusted the thick knit shawl over her shoulder, pulling it closer to keep the brisk wind off baby Ron, cradled snugly in her arms. His tiny fists peeked out from the blanket, one of them batting at the little knitted hippogriff charm dangling from the edge.
She'd just been out to pick up a few essentials — nappies enchanted to change color when full, a new bottle charm that promised fewer colic spells. She wasn't expecting company.
Just then a figure emerged from the far side of the street. Alecto Carrow. Or Lestrange. She didn't know what to believe these days.
Their eyes met. Just for a second. Long enough to know it wasn't a mistake, not a coincidence. Molly's lips tightened. But then, with practiced politeness, she lifted her chin and gave a cordial — if cautious — smile.
"Are the rumors true that you're also a mother now?" she asked as Ron snatched her finger and put it in his mouth. Her voice was steady, even kind. "Wouldn't want to believe in rumors without hearing it from the person's mouth first hand."