He could not believe how quickly time had gone, New Years had past over a month ago and now it was nearing Valentine's day. Hermione and Ron were still going strong, though she was now busy with an internship at the Minstry, but by internship it really meant she was putting together her own department and would be running the show by mid-year. Ron felt something for her that he had never felt in his life. He was not a ladies man by any means so he still was not so sure about how a relationship should develop and grow, but he was quite sure it was progressing well and one day he would end up settling down with her.
The thought of buying a Valentine's day gift was still a struggle for him, last year he had splurged and bought her a necklace but this year he was thinking of something she would actually get use out of. It was a Friday afternoon and he was always able to leave early from work on Fridays and leave the copious amount of studying and paperwork to some poor sap who worked the night shift. So, Ron decided to take a few hours to himself and wander around Diagon Alley.
He remembered the first time he went to Diagon Alley, it wasn't to shop for him but rather his older brothers. He was forced to go, and he hated watching them pick out things for school. When he ended up going for his own supplies, he hated it even more because he never got anything new. It was fascinating how times had changed. The Weasley family still was not wealthy by any means, but they were living quite comfortably and no longer were forced to purchase hand-me-downs unless they chose to on their own accord.
Ron was quite foolish with his wages in the beginning, but had settled down with the spending. He was quite certain he did not need a giant Chudley Canons autographed and framed poster (though they were now 5th in the league!) and he probably should return those custom ordered shoes from Peru which were charmed to play theme music when he walked onto a new floor at work. Nevertheless, he was now shopping for a few things he needed for home, and of course a small something for Hermione.
It honestly felt like he had just been through this, but he was not going to complain - just yet. Ron's feet softly hit the pavement of Diagon Alley and he immediately began scanning the shops. There were some new stores put in since he had been here last. Honestly, the wizarding economy was so good right now that he-who- Lord Voldemort was gone, that if he really wanted to he could open his own rotisserie chicken shop and people wouldn't even turn their nose in objection.
Of course he would need to stop into his brothers' shop, and check on George. Honestly, he was doing quite well compared to how Ron thought he would be. He remembered having a serious conversation with him a few months after Fred passed and it was not looking very bright for him but George was now dating and coming to Sunday family dinners at the Burrow again and that was a relief to Ron.
First though he needed to go to Flourish and Blotts to get Hermione something. Not that she didn't own half the store already but he was sure he could find something she didn't own...like those weird painted rocks that said things like "don't put off today what you'll regret tomorrow!" or "check your calendar for important events!" or "you really need a breath mint". Hermione had gotten him one of those stupid talking planners for him when he was in school, and she would never find out that he sold it to a nerdy Ravenclaw first year for a pack of Drooble's bubble gum.
Just entering the store made him yawn. He knew he should have cared more about books and words and stuff but he was more of a hands on learner and he didn't exactly find pouring over a book which weighed more than a watered down elephant at two twenty three in the morning fun. Scanning titles also gave him a giant headache. Looking around, he wondered if there was even another living person in here, he wouldn't be surprised if all the witches and wizards who worked here died of boredom or irritation of their own clammy hands and irritating voices while they spouted off facts about famous wizard historians who studied other dead wizards and creatures.
Blinking, he could feel a bead of sweat trickle down his face, it was so dry in here, didn't these people know what "fresh air' was? His blood sugar suddenly dropped dramatically so he quickly shoved his hand in his robe and pulled out a candy and popped it in his mouth and proceeded to head to the center display of the store. He heard some woman cough, so he realized he was not alone and that made him feel a little better. "Hmm." he muttered as he stared at a book called "Charm your own pants off!: A Magical Guide to becoming your own best friend". Wow, no.
Just then he heard the little bells of the store door chime, but he continued to look on, hoping that one of the people who worked here would come out of the woodwork or trap door they were hiding under and give him some assistance; even a random passerby would be more help than him having absolutely no idea where to begin. "Uh, does anyone know where I can find the not-boring section?" he said in a quiet, low voice, wondering if someone would appear.
