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About halfway down the north side of the Alley stands Flourish and Blotts, the shop noticeable by its wide picture windows displaying all sorts of gold-embossed spellbooks, any new releases warranting advertisement and the occasional sleeping cat, as the shopkeeper’s two cats occasionally decide to make the window display their chosen napping place when they aren’t underfoot. Upon entry, all that seems to be visible are bookshelves, stacked to the ceiling and absolutely filled with books of all shapes and sizes. While it may look like chaos, there is a sort of order to the shelves and various stacks of books scattered throughout the main floor in addition to those shelved. A table sits close to the door which regularly holds sets of Hogwarts’ required textbooks every summer for the ease of students who may not want to hunt them down on their own, and a staircase, even more shelves filling the space underneath, leads up to a second floor that contains shelves of the various works of fiction from the Wizarding world and beyond.
Near the center of the shop stands the counter, where the shopkeeper can usually be found and which is also the location for the occasional book-signing or other book-related event. Surrounding the counter are displays of newspapers, magazines, diaries, journals and other small items that might interest the literary-minded customer. In addition, a large, leather-bound book rests on a small stand to the left of the counter: an index of all the books sold in the shop for the use of the customers who are in a hurry or simply don’t want to search through all the shelves on their own.
Toward the back of the shop, a door leading to a storage area and the small office used for paperwork and any other business the shopkeeper needs to take care of in private, a cat-door installed as well as the cats’ food and water while they’re in shop are there. Tucked away in various corners of the shop, half hidden by shelves and very cozy, are small reading nooks containing squashy chairs and small tables for a lamp, and a larger reading area including a fireplace can be found near one of the front windows. Enjoy!
SPOILER!!: inventory
Children's Stories
A Children’s Anthology of Monsters by Newt Scamander
A Compendium of Common Curses and Their Counter-Actions
Basic Hexes for the Busy and Vexed
Curses and Counter-curses (Bewitch Your Friends and Befuddle Your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying, and Much, Much More) by Professor Vindictus Viridian
Jinxes for the Jinxed
Dark Arts & Defence of
A Compendium of Common Curses and Their Counter-Actions
Confronting the Faceless
Magik Moste Evile
The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts
The Dark Arts Outsmarted
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
Practical Defensive Magic and Its Use Against the Dark Arts
Divination
Broken Balls: When Fortunes turn Foul
Death Omens: What To Do When You Know The Worst Is Coming
The Dream Oracle by Inigo Imago
Predicting the Unpredictable: Insulate Yourself Against Shocks
Unfogging the Future by Cassandra Vablatsky
Genealogy
Nature's Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy
Healing
Asiatic Anti-Venoms
Common Magical Ailments and Afflictions
The Healer's Helpmate
Herbology
Encyclopedia of Toadstools
Flesh-Eating Trees of the World
Magical Water Plants of the Mediterranean
Goshawk's Guide to Herbology
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
History
Atlantis: The Rise and Fall of a Legendary Civilization by Dorothea Langenberg
Beyond the Tales: 20th Century Wizards and Witches by Everett Scabior
This shop is owned by an NPC and is a part of the IC Shopkeeper initiative. For details, please see this thread.
Do you have a character who has written a book and would like for their works appear in the inventory here? Fill out this questionnaire and the Diagon Alley Proprietors will make it happen!
❄ Chasing Waterfalls & Wonder ❄ | Mama Badger | Eva's Soul Sister | An OG™ | It's all in the Numbers
Tiffany shook her head rather seriously at her brother. "One way, but probably not the best," Oh wait, he was kidding. Ice compress? Well that probably would make more sense than the ice cream she was thinking about. Speaking of the parents, her gaze shifted to the streets as she wondered where they were - they mentioned some top secret trip to get them each a surprise, so they should be along shortly. "We can sit here for as long as you'd like," well unless the shop closed but surely Ari would be better before then. It was probably mostly the initial shock of things rather than the actual injury.
Amelia was on a quick Diagon Alley trip - she mostly tended to avoid the shopping area during the summer months now that the children and grandbaby were grown. But unfortunately she needed to pick something up at the Apothecary, which led to her passing Flourish & Blotts and the familiar faces of her nieces and nephew on the floor. Ducking into the bookstore, the Potions Mistress wrinkled her forehead in concern. "Is everything okay over here?" And no she wasn't one to tell her brother or in-laws, unless it was something super dangerous. Which nothing appeared out-of-the-ordinary except for three pre-teens (wait were they teenagers already) sitting on the floor of one of the more populated shops given how everyone needed books on their school supply list.
__________________
___________________You should take your littlefinger and just point it in the mirror. ________________________________________Baby, maybe you're the problem✯
The soft chime of the bell above the door announced their arrival as Eleanor Ashcombe stepped gracefully into Flourish and Blotts, her presence immediately commanding respect. Alaric followed close behind, his gray eyes alight with excitement as he took in the towering shelves crammed with books. The faint scent of parchment and ink filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of chatter and the occasional rustle of turning pages.
"Thank you for bringing me, Mother" Alaric said, his voice brimming with sincerity as he glanced at her. His hand instinctively brushed the phoenix charm on his bracelet, its small weight against his wrist reminding him of her thoughtful gift. "And for this—it’s perfect."
Eleanor’s lips curved into a warm smile, her pale green eyes softening as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You’re welcome, darling. I’m glad you like it. It’s a reminder that no matter what challenges come your way, you’ll rise above them."
Alaric nodded, standing a little taller under her gaze. "I’ll make you proud. Just wait until I learn to duel—I’ve already got my eye on a few Defense books."
She chuckled lightly, her voice elegant and full of affection. "Let’s start with the basics, shall we? Your Hogwarts list first, then we’ll see about indulging your ambitions."
Alaric grinned and darted ahead to a table near the door piled high with Hogwarts-required textbooks. He reached out to grab A Beginner’s Guide to Transfiguration, marveling at the gold lettering on its cover. "This is brilliant!" he exclaimed before catching himself and glancing back to ensure he wasn’t being too loud.
Eleanor, observing him with an indulgent smile, began gathering the rest of his list. "If you see anything else you’re curious about, let me know. But don’t try to convince me you need The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection just yet."
Alaric smirked, his mischievous nature briefly flashing through. "You’re no fun, Mother."
Eleanor laughed softly and ruffled his wavy blonde hair—a rare gesture for the usually composed woman. "I’m fun enough to let you browse the fiction section after we’re done. Now, let’s keep moving; the shop is starting to fill."
As they made their way toward the counter, Alaric trailed behind slightly, his fingers once more brushing the charm on his bracelet. The thought of Hogwarts filled him with both excitement and nerves, but with his mother’s unwavering support, he knew he was ready for whatever lay ahead.
__________________
Days of Potter 2022: Which Luna Quote Are You?_____________________ ____________ "you can laugh! but people used to believe there were no such things
as the blibbering humdinger or the crumple-horned snorkack!"
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ Claimed by Bits ❤️ ~ Queen of Typos ❄ Magical Mosh Pit ❄
SPOILER!!: Sister, Sister & Aunty! <3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nordic Witch
Johnny wasn't going to leave his friends at Beauxbatons. Ari had accepted that sad fact a long time ago, unlike Tiff who still seemed to hope that their brother suddenly would change his mind, and tell their parents to fix the transfer to Hogwarts too. Ari blinked and shook her head slightly as she eyed the offending book on the floor. "Is that book on the required list too?" Where was her list now anyway? Turning to her sister she smiled weakly at Tiff "Can't we just sit here for a bit? I'm sure whatever this is will pass."
Gazing over at Johnny next her heart warmed at the genuine concern she saw there in his safe, and stable eyes stating. "I'm fine Jojo. Just my head hurts. You only have one nose now I promise, and Tiff isn't double sized any longer." Reaching up to feel her head Ariadne visibly winced when she touched a large bump that had formed on her forehead. "Some ice might be nice though." Please could they avoid telling mummy and daddy until they had to?
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhoenixRising
Tiffany shook her head rather seriously at her brother. "One way, but probably not the best," Oh wait, he was kidding. Ice compress? Well that probably would make more sense than the ice cream she was thinking about. Speaking of the parents, her gaze shifted to the streets as she wondered where they were - they mentioned some top secret trip to get them each a surprise, so they should be along shortly. "We can sit here for as long as you'd like," well unless the shop closed but surely Ari would be better before then. It was probably mostly the initial shock of things rather than the actual injury.
Amelia was on a quick Diagon Alley trip - she mostly tended to avoid the shopping area during the summer months now that the children and grandbaby were grown. But unfortunately she needed to pick something up at the Apothecary, which led to her passing Flourish & Blotts and the familiar faces of her nieces and nephew on the floor. Ducking into the bookstore, the Potions Mistress wrinkled her forehead in concern. "Is everything okay over here?" And no she wasn't one to tell her brother or in-laws, unless it was something super dangerous. Which nothing appeared out-of-the-ordinary except for three pre-teens (wait were they teenagers already) sitting on the floor of one of the more populated shops given how everyone needed books on their school supply list.
It wasn’t that Johnny had completely shut his mind off of transferring to Hogwarts; he was just going to take it one day at a time and see how the next year without his sisters went. “I dunno? But since Tiff says that it’s on your booklist it must be.” It seemed a tad fascinating, judging by the title but no one would ever catch Johnny reading it unless he was forced into such a heinous act. “We can absolutely absotutely sit here for however long you want, sis!’’ See? Even Tiff agreed.
JoJo? The guy giggled, thinking that the knock to the head had really messed with Ari’s head since she had never called him that. “I like that name,’’ he said happily. And he was happier when he learnt that she was seemingly getting back to normal. “One nose is good. If I really had two then I would have been a weirdo.” With Tiffy ‘back to normal’ as well, Jon watched as Ari reached up at her forehead. He too winced because he felt her pain. To offer comfort, he braced an arm lightly against Ari. With him and Tiffy both at her side, Ari was bound to feel better soon, right?
Jon was definitely a teenager already! Which obviously meant that his sisters were too. Sorry, Auntie Amelia! This meant you were getting older. She was immediately recognised the moment he looked up and saw her friendly face. “Aunty Melia!” Johnny was on his feet in an instant, and detouring from the usual teen behaviour of being uncaring and rude, he threw himself at the woman to give her a hug. “Hi! It’s lovely seeing you. A book fell on Ari's head. DoYouThinkYouCanHelp? Tiffy and I are worried.”
Tiffany shook her head rather seriously at her brother. "One way, but probably not the best," Oh wait, he was kidding. Ice compress? Well that probably would make more sense than the ice cream she was thinking about. Speaking of the parents, her gaze shifted to the streets as she wondered where they were - they mentioned some top secret trip to get them each a surprise, so they should be along shortly. "We can sit here for as long as you'd like," well unless the shop closed but surely Ari would be better before then. It was probably mostly the initial shock of things rather than the actual injury.
Amelia was on a quick Diagon Alley trip - she mostly tended to avoid the shopping area during the summer months now that the children and grandbaby were grown. But unfortunately she needed to pick something up at the Apothecary, which led to her passing Flourish & Blotts and the familiar faces of her nieces and nephew on the floor. Ducking into the bookstore, the Potions Mistress wrinkled her forehead in concern. "Is everything okay over here?" And no she wasn't one to tell her brother or in-laws, unless it was something super dangerous. Which nothing appeared out-of-the-ordinary except for three pre-teens (wait were they teenagers already) sitting on the floor of one of the more populated shops given how everyone needed books on their school supply list.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19
It wasn’t that Johnny had completely shut his mind off of transferring to Hogwarts; he was just going to take it one day at a time and see how the next year without his sisters went. “I dunno? But since Tiff says that it’s on your booklist it must be.” It seemed a tad fascinating, judging by the title but no one would ever catch Johnny reading it unless he was forced into such a heinous act. “We can absolutely absotutely sit here for however long you want, sis!’’ See? Even Tiff agreed.
JoJo? The guy giggled, thinking that the knock to the head had really messed with Ari’s head since she had never called him that. “I like that name,’’ he said happily. And he was happier when he learnt that she was seemingly getting back to normal. “One nose is good. If I really had two then I would have been a weirdo.” With Tiffy ‘back to normal’ as well, Jon watched as Ari reached up at her forehead. He too winced because he felt her pain. To offer comfort, he braced an arm lightly against Ari. With him and Tiffy both at her side, Ari was bound to feel better soon, right?
Jon was definitely a teenager already! Which obviously meant that his sisters were too. Sorry, Auntie Amelia! This meant you were getting older. She was immediately recognised the moment he looked up and saw her friendly face. “Aunty Melia!” Johnny was on his feet in an instant, and detouring from the usual teen behaviour of being uncaring and rude, he threw himself at the woman to give her a hug. “Hi! It’s lovely seeing you. A book fell on Ari's head. DoYouThinkYouCanHelp? Tiffy and I are worried.”
Ice cream? Ice compress? Ari knew that she was a teeny bit out of it, but ice cream wouldn't fix the aching bump, but an ice compress could? Turning to Johnny she asked "Jojo, can you see if the shopkeeper has an ice compress or something? This bump on my head really hurts." Queue another visible wince as Ari turned to Tiff with an almost scared look in her eyes "Tiff, do you really have to climb up on the top shelf too to get your own copy of the book that hit me in the head? I don't wan't you to get hurt too." Granted Tiff had better balance that Ari had on most days but she could still get hurt.
Next minute they were suddenly joined by Auntie Amelia. Looking up at her aunty, Ari said "Hi Aunty Melia! Sorry, I really want to jump up on my feet and hug you just like Johnny did, but I don't think my bumped head would like that." She had a lot of dark hair, but the angry red bump on her head was probably hard to miss since it stood out like a stop sign.
Reign stepped into the bustling cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley, her heart racing with anticipation. It had been ages since she last wandered these magical alleys, and today she was on a mission—books. Not just any books, but something fresh, something that would ignite her imagination and keep her up reading late into the night.
As she approached Flourish and Blotts, the familiar scent of parchment and ink wafted out to greet her. The shop was as enchanting as she remembered, with shelves towering high and stacked with volumes of every size and color. Her fingers tingled as she ran them along the spines, each title whispering promises of adventure, mystery, and wonder.
“What will it be today?” she murmured to herself, eyes sparkling. A leather-bound tome caught her attention, its cover embossed with golden stars. Next to it, a brightly illustrated book on magical creatures seemed to call her name.
Reign grinned as her arms filled with treasures. She wasn’t sure what she’d been looking for when she arrived, but now she knew—she’d found magic waiting between the pages. Today was going to be a good day.
__________________
we're only getting older, baby & I've been thinking
about it lately does it ever drive you crazy just how fast the night changes? everything that you've ever dreamed of disappearing when you wake up but
there's nothing to be afraid of even when the night changes
Reign stepped into the bustling cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley, her heart racing with anticipation. It had been ages since she last wandered these magical alleys, and today she was on a mission—books. Not just any books, but something fresh, something that would ignite her imagination and keep her up reading late into the night.
As she approached Flourish and Blotts, the familiar scent of parchment and ink wafted out to greet her. The shop was as enchanting as she remembered, with shelves towering high and stacked with volumes of every size and color. Her fingers tingled as she ran them along the spines, each title whispering promises of adventure, mystery, and wonder.
“What will it be today?” she murmured to herself, eyes sparkling. A leather-bound tome caught her attention, its cover embossed with golden stars. Next to it, a brightly illustrated book on magical creatures seemed to call her name.
Reign grinned as her arms filled with treasures. She wasn’t sure what she’d been looking for when she arrived, but now she knew—she’d found magic waiting between the pages. Today was going to be a good day.
Wednesday walked the street of Diagon Alley. She was looking for somewhere to go. She came across a bookstore with new books. Which fascinated her deeply because of her love of reading.
She entered the shop, and the smell of new books whiffed through her nose. She looked through the books, hoping to find something to suit her reading tastes. Then she picked up a book about potions and looked through the book.
She saw she wasn't alone in the shop, she grabbed her book and introduced herself to a person in the same area of bookshop as her. " Hello, I am Wednesday, but you call me Winnie” She said, greeting her friendly.
Wednesday walked the street of Diagon Alley. She was looking for somewhere to go. She came across a bookstore with new books. Which fascinated her deeply because of her love of reading.
She entered the shop, and the smell of new books whiffed through her nose. She looked through the books, hoping to find something to suit her reading tastes. Then she picked up a book about potions and looked through the book.
She saw she wasn't alone in the shop, she grabbed her book and introduced herself to a person in the same area of bookshop as her. " Hello, I am Wednesday, but you call me Winnie” She said, greeting her friendly.
Reign was lost in the endless possibilities of the bookstore, her fingers trailing along the spines of novels like they held the secrets of the universe. A new year was coming, and with it, the promise of new adventures—at least, in the pages of a good book. But what to read? She sighed, her mind swirling with indecision, when a soft hello pulled her back to reality.
The woman’s eyes sparkled as she introduced herself as Wednesday. "Wednesday," Reign repeated, testing the name on her tongue. It felt like the start of something intriguing. "I love the name!"
Startled, Reign turned to find a striking woman standing beside her. How had she not noticed her approach? The stranger had an air of quiet confidence, and Reign couldn’t help but smile. "Hi," she said warmly, her British accent lilting. "It’s lovely to meet you! I’m Reign—though my family calls me Ree." She quickly added, "You can call me that too, if you’d like."
__________________
we're only getting older, baby & I've been thinking
about it lately does it ever drive you crazy just how fast the night changes? everything that you've ever dreamed of disappearing when you wake up but
there's nothing to be afraid of even when the night changes
Reign was lost in the endless possibilities of the bookstore, her fingers trailing along the spines of novels like they held the secrets of the universe. A new year was coming, and with it, the promise of new adventures—at least, in the pages of a good book. But what to read? She sighed, her mind swirling with indecision, when a soft hello pulled her back to reality.
The woman’s eyes sparkled as she introduced herself as Wednesday. "Wednesday," Reign repeated, testing the name on her tongue. It felt like the start of something intriguing. "I love the name!"
Startled, Reign turned to find a striking woman standing beside her. How had she not noticed her approach? The stranger had an air of quiet confidence, and Reign couldn’t help but smile. "Hi," she said warmly, her British accent lilting. "It’s lovely to meet you! I’m Reign—though my family calls me Ree." She quickly added, "You can call me that too, if you’d like."
" It's a pleasure to meet you' She said, extending her hand for a handshake. Wednesday, was happy to meet someone new. She spent most of her time at home with her cat. It was nice to get out and about for once.
Her stomach started to growl with a low hum. She didn't always eat breakfast because of her new job. "Do you know anywhere to grab a bite to eat?" she wasn't really from London. She grew up in Scotland with her mother and two sisters.
" It's a pleasure to meet you' She said, extending her hand for a handshake. Wednesday, was happy to meet someone new. She spent most of her time at home with her cat. It was nice to get out and about for once.
Her stomach started to growl with a low hum. She didn't always eat breakfast because of her new job. "Do you know anywhere to grab a bite to eat?" she wasn't really from London. She grew up in Scotland with her mother and two sisters.
Reign couldn’t believe her luck. Could this really be the start of a new friendship? She had spent so many days tucked away at home, her only companions the pages of books and the hum of silence. But now, here was Wednesday, standing before her with a warm smile and an invitation. Reign felt a spark of hope ignite in her chest.
As their hands met in a firm shake, Reign’s stomach gave an audible growl, reminding her just how much she needed this—both the company and the food. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until now, too caught up in her quest for the perfect book to notice. But suddenly, the idea of sharing a meal with someone new felt like the most exciting adventure in the world.
“I would love to get something to eat!” Reign exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “I am absolutely starving.”
Reign felt a surge of happiness. Maybe today wasn’t just about finding a new book—it was about finding a new friend. And that was even better.
__________________
we're only getting older, baby & I've been thinking
about it lately does it ever drive you crazy just how fast the night changes? everything that you've ever dreamed of disappearing when you wake up but
there's nothing to be afraid of even when the night changes
Reign couldn’t believe her luck. Could this really be the start of a new friendship? She had spent so many days tucked away at home, her only companions the pages of books and the hum of silence. But now, here was Wednesday, standing before her with a warm smile and an invitation. Reign felt a spark of hope ignite in her chest.
As their hands met in a firm shake, Reign’s stomach gave an audible growl, reminding her just how much she needed this—both the company and the food. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until now, too caught up in her quest for the perfect book to notice. But suddenly, the idea of sharing a meal with someone new felt like the most exciting adventure in the world.
“I would love to get something to eat!” Reign exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “I am absolutely starving.”
Reign felt a surge of happiness. Maybe today wasn’t just about finding a new book—it was about finding a new friend. And that was even better.
"Where's the best place grab something to eat" she asked. Her stomach was growling even louder. Wednesday was not sure where to go because she hadn't been to Diagon Alley since her Hogwarts days. " I could buy some books another day." she said smiling wide.
Xerxes walked into the store and looked around. It was a (forgive the pun) magical place. Although he had grown up in a wizarding household, he had still never seen curious books the likes of all these before. He approached the counter, taking out his school book list in the process, and waited to be assisted.
Rose Pearl entered the shop and glided quietly over to the section of books for new Hogwarts students.
"This is exactly what I need!" She said excitedly.
She looked over at the other patrons to see what they were doing. It looked like there were other Hogwarts students but she didn't notice any other first year's. Oh well, she thought. Maybe I'll find a friend eventually.
She grabbed the large box of books with the bundle of texts that had "First years" written upon it, and walked over to the Check out line.
Rose Pearl entered the shop and glided quietly over to the section of books for new Hogwarts students.
"This is exactly what I need!" She said excitedly.
She looked over at the other patrons to see what they were doing. It looked like there were other Hogwarts students but she didn't notice any other first year's. Oh well, she thought. Maybe I'll find a friend eventually.
She grabbed the large box of books with the bundle of texts that had "First years" written upon it, and walked over to the Check out line.
Philomena saw a girl wander over to the counter and rushed over to help her. "Good day m'dear. First Year at Hogwarts." she stated not asked to the girl. "I do hope you have consulted your book list. I do happen to have one here on-hand if you should need. We also carry a wide selection of other books not for school. You know, for fun. My favorite are the 'Love Amongst the Dragons' series. They are on that shelf right over there...." Philomena said, pointing to the aforementioned shelf.
"Once you have consulted your list and are absolutely sure you have everything you need, I'll be happy to ring you up at the counter." she said melodiously with a sanctimonious little smile. Philomena then skipped off to the help the next customer.
__________________
Hufflepuff - Trained Ministry Hit Wizard
the shelves of flourish and blotts were a poor replacement for LWU’s library but there were some things you could find here amidst the magazine racks, the brightly colored bookmarks with quotes of great (and terrible) literature and the clearance books holding on for dear life, and that was a fresh start. while demona enjoyed the aesthetically pleasing look of a 200 year old tomb, what they didn’t enjoy were the blotches, the markings, the food stains and filthy fingerprints of stupider the less careful minded. and it was with this in mind that they had ventured out to grab a fresh new copy of [s]Spellman’s Syllabary.[/i]
It would have been an excursion that brought the wizard a great deal of satisfaction but there was a fly in the soup, so to speak.
The conversation with Claude in the leaky cauldron had been, in their opinion, very straightforward and conclusive, and yet somehow ‘bigger off’ had translated in the future financier’s mind as ‘come along as i run my errands’, which was as bad a translation as you could get.
they rolled their pale neck as they pretended to scan the shelves for the book they wanted- they had seen it immediately. third shelf from the bottom, dark red with gold lettering. the very print they favored- and ignoring the young man who stood somewhere in their peripheral vision. “I know you don’t like books so I doubt you have any business in here.” Demona coolly said, throwing his teenaged lies in his face, acknowledging him but not turning to look his way. For reasons.
__________________
the moon: feminine, intuitive, inner strength, innocence
doesn't proofread tweets | #wrongaboutcereal | #siriusly? | emo to the extremo
Quote:
Originally Posted by nicole black
the shelves of flourish and blotts were a poor replacement for LWU’s library but there were some things you could find here amidst the magazine racks, the brightly colored bookmarks with quotes of great (and terrible) literature and the clearance books holding on for dear life, and that was a fresh start. while demona enjoyed the aesthetically pleasing look of a 200 year old tomb, what they didn’t enjoy were the blotches, the markings, the food stains and filthy fingerprints of stupider the less careful minded. and it was with this in mind that they had ventured out to grab a fresh new copy of [s]Spellman’s Syllabary.[/i]
It would have been an excursion that brought the wizard a great deal of satisfaction but there was a fly in the soup, so to speak.
The conversation with Claude in the leaky cauldron had been, in their opinion, very straightforward and conclusive, and yet somehow ‘bigger off’ had translated in the future financier’s mind as ‘come along as i run my errands’, which was as bad a translation as you could get.
they rolled their pale neck as they pretended to scan the shelves for the book they wanted- they had seen it immediately. third shelf from the bottom, dark red with gold lettering. the very print they favored- and ignoring the young man who stood somewhere in their peripheral vision. “I know you don’t like books so I doubt you have any business in here.” Demona coolly said, throwing his teenaged lies in his face, acknowledging him but not turning to look his way. For reasons.
Claude had little interest in what this shop had to offer. He wasn't in the market for a new book at the moment nor did he fancy himself a 'loves the smell of new books' cliche. He was purely here for the love of the game. And thus, he followed Demona like a shadow - knowing his presence was unwanted, but unwilling to comply.
They were hurt and he could understand why, but they were also friends. Something neither of them had in spades (despite any outward appearances on his part). So they watched as Demona performed, their body language something new and prickly. Claude, however, remained undeterred, lazily scanning the shelves, fingers tracing spines of books as they weaved in and out. At some point, he had grabbed some travel guide he had no intention of buying and began idly flipping through its pages.
And when they paused, Claude did the same.
He glanced toward the shelf they were studiously pretending to search before shelving the travel guide with a quiet thud. "I came for the scenery," he answered without a pause. Infuriating? Why, yes. If they were trying to push him away, they'd have to be more direct than that. The lack of eye contact was very telling.
He scanned the shelf too and immediately he knew. Spellman’s Syllabary. He ducked down and grabbed the very last copy.
“Yes, because it’s gorgeous in here.” Demona said, their tone drier than a biscuit which had been left out of its tin. They had no interest in looking at him. They had no interest in speaking to him. Claude had moved from fascinating to boring in the span of one long overdue conversation and Demona was not planning on changing their mind on this new label.
their therapist would not have called this healthy, but then their therapist was not here.. suck it, cheryl.
Demona reached out, light reflecting on their black flame manicure as a smile of some satisfaction began to spread across their pale visage only for said smile to be wiped clean off as the red and gold tome was unceremoniously plucked from the shelf by Demona’s unwanted companion and his greasy fingers.
“Claude.” Demona drawled, turning sharply and gracefully on their heel. With a viciously sweet smile, the wizard reached up and almost gently grabbed him by the front of his shirt, dark eyes boring deeply into his like they were trying to see into his mind . “What are you doing with my book?”
__________________
the moon: feminine, intuitive, inner strength, innocence
doesn't proofread tweets | #wrongaboutcereal | #siriusly? | emo to the extremo
Quote:
Originally Posted by nicole black
“Yes, because it’s gorgeous in here.” Demona said, their tone drier than a biscuit which had been left out of its tin. They had no interest in looking at him. They had no interest in speaking to him. Claude had moved from fascinating to boring in the span of one long overdue conversation and Demona was not planning on changing their mind on this new label.
their therapist would not have called this healthy, but then their therapist was not here.. suck it, cheryl.
Demona reached out, light reflecting on their black flame manicure as a smile of some satisfaction began to spread across their pale visage only for said smile to be wiped clean off as the red and gold tome was unceremoniously plucked from the shelf by Demona’s unwanted companion and his greasy fingers.
“Claude.” Demona drawled, turning sharply and gracefully on their heel. With a viciously sweet smile, the wizard reached up and almost gently grabbed him by the front of his shirt, dark eyes boring deeply into his like they were trying to see into his mind . “What are you doing with my book?”
He quieted his smug look as he replied, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Or something like that. Claude wouldn't go as far as to say it's gorgeous in here, but he could appreciate the dingy, freshly dusted aesthetic. Whether it was purposeful or not was none of his business. In any case, it certainly wasn't his cup of tea, but surely someone liked it here. Otherwise, Flourish and Blotts would have gone out of business with some trendy, instagramable cafe taking its spot. Who was Claude to criticize what was surely a thriving fixture of successful business? Gorgeous or not.
"Mm?" He turned to face them, quirking a brow as he looked down at them. They didn't plan to grab for his shirt, did they? It'd wrinkle.
Besides, he had thought they had expelled him from their reality. Wouldn't it be a shame to cross the physical barrier so quickly? Not even lasting an hour. Tsk. "Your book?" He asked confused. "I thought I'd make a purchase, take it home with me." He kept his satisfaction at bay. Admittedly, it had been a guess, but their question was a confirmation that he had chosen correctly. "But you are welcome to borrow my book whenever you'd like." If they asked nicely. He was so generous like that.
He quieted his smug look as he replied, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Or something like that. Claude wouldn't go as far as to say it's gorgeous in here, but he could appreciate the dingy, freshly dusted aesthetic. Whether it was purposeful or not was none of his business. In any case, it certainly wasn't his cup of tea, but surely someone liked it here. Otherwise, Flourish and Blotts would have gone out of business with some trendy, instagramable cafe taking its spot. Who was Claude to criticize what was surely a thriving fixture of successful business? Gorgeous or not.
"Mm?" He turned to face them, quirking a brow as he looked down at them. They didn't plan to grab for his shirt, did they? It'd wrinkle.
Besides, he had thought they had expelled him from their reality. Wouldn't it be a shame to cross the physical barrier so quickly? Not even lasting an hour. Tsk. "Your book?" He asked confused. "I thought I'd make a purchase, take it home with me." He kept his satisfaction at bay. Admittedly, it had been a guess, but their question was a confirmation that he had chosen correctly. "But you are welcome to borrow my book whenever you'd like." If they asked nicely. He was so generous like that.
They clenched their fist, twisting the clean, soft fabric of Claude’s shirt until the material ran taut across his chest. The cool smile never faded as he spoke but their eyes did grew wider- the tiniest, most infinitesimal amount. Surprised? no, this was exactly what Demona would expect from Claude. to stir a simmering pot until it boiled. some boys never grew up or learned from their mistakes.
Demona did.
Claude had been a mistake.
One they had made and were trying to move on from, but ‘go away’ had never been in his vocabulary. Demona’s eyes glittered with that softly simmering anger. they were holding it back, not letting him feel it since they were sure it would please him to see them more affected. They had already done too much, but taking [i]their[/] book had been particularly aggravating.
“I don’t borrow things from people I don’t like.” They said. Demona’s face shifted, from the fake pleasant smile to cool and searching. They released his shirt slowly, their fingers and knuckles tingling. “You know what, Claude.” his name was like a slur on their tongue. “Take it. There’s a billion copies. Take it and leave.”
The sullen, hot ache in their chest cavity felt much too real. It pissed demona off. he pissed them off and nothing was new. Again they found themselves wondering how someone like them could lose themselves enough in another person to ignore all the ugly truths that came with all the paltry flattery and kisses. Of course now they knew they’d been feeling lonely and rejected and clung to the first person they’d felt something for. Pathetic.
Demona was not a number.
they were more. they were an anomaly. and wanted- no, needed to be treated as such. And they were sick of feeling jealous and petty. They were a genius. They were an anomaly. They could have ripped apart the world and put it back together and he was just a well-read boy with abs and a puzzle for a heart.
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the moon: feminine, intuitive, inner strength, innocence
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nicole black
They clenched their fist, twisting the clean, soft fabric of Claude’s shirt until the material ran taut across his chest. The cool smile never faded as he spoke but their eyes did grew wider- the tiniest, most infinitesimal amount. Surprised? no, this was exactly what Demona would expect from Claude. to stir a simmering pot until it boiled. some boys never grew up or learned from their mistakes.
Demona did.
Claude had been a mistake.
One they had made and were trying to move on from, but ‘go away’ had never been in his vocabulary. Demona’s eyes glittered with that softly simmering anger. they were holding it back, not letting him feel it since they were sure it would please him to see them more affected. They had already done too much, but taking [i]their[/] book had been particularly aggravating.
“I don’t borrow things from people I don’t like.” They said. Demona’s face shifted, from the fake pleasant smile to cool and searching. They released his shirt slowly, their fingers and knuckles tingling. “You know what, Claude.” his name was like a slur on their tongue. “Take it. There’s a billion copies. Take it and leave.”
The sullen, hot ache in their chest cavity felt much too real. It pissed demona off. he pissed them off and nothing was new. Again they found themselves wondering how someone like them could lose themselves enough in another person to ignore all the ugly truths that came with all the paltry flattery and kisses. Of course now they knew they’d been feeling lonely and rejected and clung to the first person they’d felt something for. Pathetic.
Demona was not a number.
they were more. they were an anomaly. and wanted- no, needed to be treated as such. And they were sick of feeling jealous and petty. They were a genius. They were an anomaly. They could have ripped apart the world and put it back together and he was just a well-read boy with abs and a puzzle for a heart.
Mistake? So hurtful.
Claude wouldn't ever say their friendship was a mistake. He enjoyed time spent in their presence and up until just an hour ago, it had always appeared to be mutual. As a rule, he did not waste his time on those who did not care for his company (unless for entertainment value). And even if they were willing to give it all up, he certainly was not. Unfortunately for Demona, Claude is as persistent as he is annoying.
Despite appearances, his inner circle was one he kept tight. He did not easily disparage it.
"We could have a bookclub," he suggested, half in jest. "Meet weekly." With every dagger they aimed at him with their eyes, he offered nothing but ease. The hatred, though misdirected, was nothing he couldn't handle. He had received far worse in life. Hatred is something. Hatred is still feeling. Hatred is moldable. With hatred, there is still the ability to salvage. If you can hate, you still care.
But apathy? It was apathy that made him falter. Apathy that cloaked itself in his childhood robes and threatened to make itself at home. It was their apathy that stopped him. Apathy that caused the smirk he wore to slowly slip away. "Demona," he knit his brows together, a visible sign of his concern as he lowered the book by his thigh. His voice low, vibrating with gravity.
The impossible, unfeeling boy. Maybe he did have a heart after all.
"Take the book," he offered the copy over, ducking his head, looking at them through his thick brows. "But don't shut me out." His plea but a whisper.
Flourish and Blotts 
x12 
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