Simple Drink or Simple Escape?

[malinda]

The Leaky Cauldron. The most dingy, filthy, odd assortment of people and creatures infested place. Only the Hogs Head was worse in most opinion. Two arguments that had no effect on Walmsley. The drinks were good, the cups were sanitary, the customers worth laughing at, and the best accommodations around. Except for those talking mirrors, Malanda had argued with Tom countless times to get rid of them. Bloody things telling her she needed to smile more... pah!

The pub was busy this afternoon. With all the little children out of Hogwarts, they consisted of seventy five percent of the bulk. But even crowded and bursting with laughter and enthusiastic conversation there seemed to be a purposeful empty circle with a radius of about three feet from around where Malanda sat. But despite the fact that she seems incapable of smiling (she has tried you know), there was no other reason as to why she was being given such a wide girth. No abnormal characteristics, in plain unadorned robes, and so what if she did not smile. Walmsley had left her official Ministry robes behind her to not get this reaction.

The ordinary fact was that the Head of Magical Education was too well known. And not for a fabulous job as such. The only ones not practically afraid of the woman was the press; they simply adored her. Though it could not be said that those feelings were mutually returned. So she was still recognized. Not that she rightfully cared. A simple escape had turned into a simple drink.

She raised her cup of a rather strong liquor to her lips. Oh well, this worked just as well. A drink and her own private space. It was doubtful anyone would intrude, mind as well enjoy it why she could.

(( Open of course! Looking for one or more daring souls here. ))

[selena]

"Do you mind if I sit here?" Selena asked, gesturing to the amount of table which was empty. It was quite crowded in here. The nurse of Hogwarts was stopping for a drink by herself. Her husband was working and she felt better where there were students around. She recognized the lady, but she thought nothing of it. She didn't much care for the news over here, preferring to keep the news of the South that her sister would send her, clipping the important articles and sending them once a month. She had a butterbear and stood, politely waiting for the lady's answer.

[malinda]

"What I mind is of little consequence. The pub is a public place, I can't stop you," Malanda replied, sipping at the tea.

The Ministry official had not even bothered to look up at the requester. Her eyes remained fixed on the issue of the Daily Prophet she held in the hand not balancing a teacup. The woman (she hoped it was a woman by the depth of her voice) would most likely take offense. All the more power to her. Most did.

Did Malanda care if this stranger shared a table with her? Not really. Not enough to tell the woman no on any account. But that was just as long as she kept off Malanda's toes. Most people didn't. The Head was not an expert on people, she had just met a lot of imbeciles.