Permelia took a long drag off of her cigarette, inhaling deeply, then slowly blowing the smoke out of her nose. It was her lunch break from the ministry- and she couldn't fathom why on earth people had to be so awful. She had taken the floo network to Diagon Alley so that she could grab a hot lunch from one of the pubs in the alley. Ellie was just dying for something hot, greasy, and fried. Fish and chips smothered in vinegar should hit the spot.

Her heels clacked on the cobblestones as she made her way down the alley to one of her favorite haunts- she tugged her coat a little tighter against the chill. Permelia hated high heels- but she tried very hard to look professional at work. She wasn't dumb. She knew exactly how lucky she was to have the job that she did- being a squib didn't afford her many opportunities in the wizarding world. The job paid well enough, she had money for her bills and for food and for most of her wants- the only real downside was the constant reminder of the magic that she would never have.

Maybe she needed a pint with her lunch, too. She pushed the door open to the small pub and was surprised to see how crowded it was. There must be something going on in Diagon she hadn't heard about. There weren't any empty tables so she took up a seat at the bar. Permelia ordered a pint of beer and ordered her fish and chips- asking for extra chips- she was absolutely starving. The beer was placed in front of her and the bartender moved down the bar to take care of other patrons.

She snagged a nearby ashtray and put out her cigarette before immediately lighting up another. Permelia was always chain smoking- and her nerves were extra shot today. She wished she had some gillyweed on hand, it would make the rest of her day so much more bearable. Perm took a long drink from her glass and let out a quiet sight before leaning back in her chair. Someone came and sat next to her, and Permelia was careful to blow her smoke in the opposite direction. She would show that much courtesy- but she would not put out her cigarette. She needed the nicotine. "The stout is extra good today," she said to the stranger- motioning to the pint glass in front of her. "Any idea what's going on in Diagon to make this place so crowded?" she asked.