Summer 1895: Colin is working at his grandfather's pub and he quickly realises that he might need to step up sooner rather than later.
Character featured: Mortimer Fraser @lifeofkaze.
Warnings: mentions of illness, child working at a pub.
The chatter of the customers filled the lively atmosphere of the pub at the edge of the cliff. Unfortunately, for legal reasons, Colin's grandfather Rabbie and his friend, Craig Doughlas, had to build it technically off the land. However, today it was all hands on deck, especially since his grandfather's partner was off ill with dragon pox. This summer, Rabbie decided it was time for Colin to learn how to man the bar. Previous summers had been filled with mopping the floor and carrying many crates. It was to toughen Colin up; at least, it was what his grandfather said though Colin had many doubts about it.
The door opened, and a man unabashedly wearing a bright suit entered. He carried himself with flamboyance. Mortimer Fraser was one of a kind, like everyone else at the pub.
"Alright Mortimer," the elderly man doffed his cap at the colourful younger man.
"Alright, Rabbie," Mortimer Fraser greeted back with the same respect. He nicked his head at the young lad. "Alright, Colin, hope your grandfather is not making you work too hard?"
Colin just nodded but carried on his job of cleaning the beer glasses. The boy hid his face, and he found it overwhelming, constantly being stared at while wishing for the ground to pull him down and hide forever.
His grandfather and Mortimer bantered about who was more proud of their grandson or niece. Usually, the conversation concludes with a business deal. The Frasers' whiskey has become a stapler at the Naughty Cliffs. Colin had once had a sip but found himself choking on the spiciness of the firewhiskey while the regulars laughed. Colin had never felt such humiliation in his life.
"Oi Colin!"
Colin turned around to see it was John Campbell. A regular and perhaps his grandfather's most loyal customer. He always sat at the bar to the corner to the left. His face was mauled, a scar covered the right side from a werewolf claw, and his nose stood crooked from being punched too many times. John scared Colin when he was a wee boy, but he realised quickly that he had a big soft heart. After a time, John slowly started to fill the shoes of a father figure. While neither ever expected it, it was embraced by both parties.
"Geez another round would you?"
"The usual?" Colin already knew John wanted his usual brand of scotch.
"Be kind tae the lad," his mother jokingly whacked John's arm. She was carrying the drinks and food from customer to customer. "You had enough tae drink."
"Come on, Dottie." He rolled his pale eyes playfully. "Another won't harm me or you. I'm bringing money tae, yer family."
It wasn't a lie, though. John had been more than generous to the Mosses despite barely affording anything for himself.
"How was work at the leaky cauldron?" His mother asked in a low voice. John always had difficulty maintaining jobs; his current job was as a dishwasher at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley.
John sighed, looking wearier than ever. "Had tae leave and almost got outed by a colleague."
His mother looked concerned. Colin handed over the scotch to John though he was never sure what John's relationship was with his mother. He had enquired about it once when he mustered enough courage, but his mother said they were just friends.
"Don't worry, Dottie. I managed tae find work at a broom factory." He assured her. A loud bang echoed through the pub while glass clattered.
"Colin!"
"Yes, Grandpa?"
Colin rushed over to the entrance, his grandfather hunched over spluttering. Mortimer had brought more supplies and offered to help, but knowing his grandpa, his pride wouldn't let him. In the past, his grandfather would have used his wand; however, shamefully, Colin returned it broken. His grandfather lent his wand when Copin started his education at Hogwarts. He felt so proud and terrified to use the magnificent though tired wand. Unfortunately, some older boys grabbed him and snapped the pear wood wand.
Colin almost cried, handing over the broken pieces to his grandfather. Though the unicorn hairstring barely held it together, his grandfather comforted and assured him they could quickly fix it with a bandage. They managed to gather enough money for Colin to get a brand new wand though he still felt shame over the incident.
His grandpa was hunched over with a crate of firewhiskey, letting out a series of heavy coughs.
"Are you alright, Grandpa?" Colin tried to help his hunched grandpa and spluttered out a series of coughs.
"I'm good, Colin."
"You don't sound so good."
"The lad is right," Mortimer rushed over as he witnessed the commotion. "Do you want to go to St Mungo to get it checked out."
"No, no. I'm good." He refuted the offer.
"Are you sure?" Mortimer pressed on.
"Mr Fraser is right, Grandpa. Me and Ma can man the place. You taught me so." Colin pleaded; it's not like a trip to St Mungo would cost them anything except his grandpa's pride.
"I'll be fine." He swatted away the gathering crowd. Mortimer looked at Colin with still concern, but Colin shyly shrugged back.
"At least let me carry this," his grandfather was preparing to refuse. Still, Colin decided to assert himself and lifted the crate to the backroom. Mortimer left their establishment though he did ask one last time if Rabbie was sure he was feeling well. Though he did agree to allow Colin, to do more at the bar. He did feel a little more confident about tending the bar. However, he couldn't help but worry about his grandfather's health, especially when he was away at Hogwarts the next month.
