Katie hadn't set foot back in Diagon Alley since her dinner with George, too busy with Quidditch practice and with a thoroughly embarrassing pair of photo shoots for a calendar. (The first one hadn't been "enough", something that had annoyed Katie thoroughly, as she thought she'd certainly put "enough" of herself out there. Apparently sour expressions were desirable, since she'd sported one throughout the second shoot and they had been pronounced "much better".)

The need for new dress robes could no longer be ignored, and the state of her potions cupboard was dismal. She had the day off from practice, and the afternoon was warm, a lazy ease settled over the business in Diagon Alley. Katie bought herself an iced pumpkin juice to sip as she walked, though she knew her reasons-- no drinks allowed in the robe shop. She hated being fitted, hated standing on the little pedestal and looking at herself in the mirror for that long... she was stalling again.

But potions could come first. She slipped into Slug and Jiggers, a place she liked for its intimate size and sleepy atmosphere. Today, however, it was bright, the sunshine streaming in, and behind the counter was a familiar face.

"Neville?" Katie asked, tentative, and then she grinned. "Oi, Neville, I didn't-- you work here?"