Epeolatry - ✔️

Thirteen

"How many of our daydreams would darken into nightmares,
were there any danger of their coming true."
- Logan Pearsall Smith

Returning to work after her Christmas holiday was something that Athene dreaded. Deep down, she knew that she missed the humdrum of everyday life and the customers that often filled her day with interesting conversations. In an average year, Athene would be itching at the bit to get back to work. Instead of sitting around, she would be inspecting the shelves for dust or rearranging her winter decor. This year, however, Athene spent the early morning before opening Epeolatry moping.

Charlie would be leaving in less than a week. Re-opening the bookstore meant that Athene had to get back to reality, and the reality was that she and Charlie couldn't always be side by side like they had been during the holiday. This fact was all that she could think about. It was an all-consuming dread that filled her from the tips of her toes to the top of her head.

But when 10 o'clock came 'round, Athene unlocked her doors and greeted several of her usual customers. They each filed in various degrees of excitement, but the one that she was least excited to see was Margarete. The older woman wobbled through the doorframe and nearly tripped on the ledge, but that didn't stop her from giving Athene the most suggestive look in the century.

"I've finally done it, my dear," her eyes glinted with triumph, "I've found you the perfect match." As Margarete was the first customer that had been waiting outside, Athene was subject to her conversations. There was nothing that she could do to stop her from prattling on about her latest find. "He's tall and handsome, and smart, but he keeps to himself, mostly."

"Oh, do go on," Athene marched through the shop, unsurprised to find the old customer following behind like a duckling.

"He's got quite the family-" Margarete chuckled, "-but don't let that frighten you!"

Athene grabbed a pile of books that had been pulled out by Mr. Selik, "Would you like these set aside on the counter?" Margarete didn't pause her ramblings while the man nodded his head, and Athene picked up the books. "Very good, Mr. Selik."

"He works with dragons, you know." Athene stopped dead in her tracks and nearly dropped the load of books that she had in her arms. "Now that I've got your attention-"

"Did you just say dragons?"

"Good," Margarete snuffed, "you're listening. As I was saying-"

"This fellow that you're talking about," Athene paused and set the books on the counter, "does he happen to have red hair?"

Margarete stuttered. Not once had Athene paid any mind to her matches, and not once had she taken an interest in the 'man of the day.' So, all Margarete could manage was a simple nod of her head.

"And does he have quite the interesting sense of humor?"

"I wouldn't say that I know that, dear," Margarete smiled, "but he is coming here now. I met him at the Ministry the other day, and then I saw him again walking down Diagon Alley. I couldn't help but tell him about your little shop."

"Charlie is coming here?"

"Yes, he said that he had to run some errands and then-"

The little bell at the front door emitted a chime that silenced both women. They gave each other wide eyes, though Margarete's face held more wonder than Athene's did. The two listened carefully as heavy footsteps marched closer to their direction until Charlie Weasley himself came into view. He was dressed in one of the sweaters that his mum had made him for Christmas with a matching hat and scarf in his right hand. In his left hand, Charlie held a beautiful bouquet of yellow daisies. "Athene," Charlie held the flowers out for the woman to take, "I couldn't help but think of you."

Margarete crooned as Athene took the flowers.

"Charlie," She raised the flowers to her nose so that she could smell them, "thank you." Athene raised her eyes and stared into Charlie's. For a second, she lost herself in the wonder that was the man before her. He was the definition of perfection, and he was all hers. It wasn't until someone nudged her shoulder that she realized that there was a line forming at her counter.

Reality, once again, was like a brick wall, and the young woman rushed to do her job. While Athene bagged each book and wished each customer a good day, Charlie sat and stared. He had never seen anything so perfect. Athene was like a goddess that had been sent to him for a reason. Her beauty went beyond her looks; she was kind, curious, and calm. She was a force to be reckoned with when she wanted to be, but she could also lend the best advice. Despite the fact that they had only really known each other for such a short time, Charlie couldn't even begin to imagine what life would be like without her, and it almost made him want to stay. But Romania was his home; his calling was there, and he couldn't abandon it.

So, when the time came, he would leave her behind with the promise of constant letters and frequent visits.

Neither of them knew the consequences of their actions. How could they know of the turmoil rumbling in the bowels of the Wizarding World? It would only be a matter of time before things began to change, but it would be far sooner than anyone wanted to recognize.

Author's Note:
Bit of a filler chapter, but I kinda like this one. Let me know what you think!

Question of the Chapter
What is your favorite Netflix/Amazon Prime show? I need some recommendations because I just got Netflix.