He listened to his companion here and just nodded his head at the guy's explanation. "Fair enough." He said, still looking at the street, though, of course still focused on the conversation. It was a bit easier this way.

"Yeah, yeah, I agree." Definitely. Doing a job you found boring was obviously not the way to go about this. Especially, in the wandmakers case, a job that so many people relied heavily on for their product to work correctly for the rest of their lives, believing that their wand wouldn't break or something. "With this job...Yeah, can't be bored of it." It would show in the wand's ability to work or not.

"No. I meant like... not real. I mean, hypothetically, yes? Not an actual memory, just, just something you imagine would happen... Actually, no, yeah, you don't have to answer." What a mess. He hoped the guy over here wouldn't be giving him odd looks or something. In fact, they could drop this whole hypothetical thought, yes? Not that it mattered to the guy anymore. Probably not. "Yeah-it's Finn." He wasn't too surprised by this point, he only knew a few people, and kept to himself.

Heh. See? This is what his friends were missing out on! Whilst they were all too busy and famous to remember him, Terry really hadn’t changed at all since graduating. He’d become lonelier and was cursed with eternal boredom when he wasn’t at University but he was still the same Terry he had been throughout the entirety of school. “Honestly it’s been pretty uneventful. I’m not in the spotlight like you lot see? Just taken the normal University route.” And taken over his mother’s business whilst she casually disappeared off the face of the planet! Great parenting there. He didn’t care if he was twenty, she still had responsibility for him jeez. “I miss you all, we need to have a reunion soon.” Please? He needed an excuse to get out the house.

Haha. HAHAHAHAHAHA.

Terry didn’t even bother to disguise the loud snort that escaped his nose at that statement. “You’re right!” he chuckled. As for the NEXT bit, that was even worse. “Oh Merlin!” he continued cackling. “No. No we’re not even going there” the blonde grinned from ear to ear. Clearly Theo didn’t appreciate his suggestion about a bib. “And I thought I was giving you a sensible suggestion” he replied equally as sarcastically. Full of bright ideas he was, should’ve been a Ravenclaw.

He was also chasing a fairy? Interesting. “What were you thinking of getting her? Women are impossible to buy for. You think you’ve got them a great present and when you give it to them they seem to grimace their way through a thank you.” Except for Ana maybe, at least he hoped she appreciated the things he bought her. She hadn’t dumped him yet so that was a good sign.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team ronmione

He listened to his companion here and just nodded his head at the guy's explanation. "Fair enough." He said, still looking at the street, though, of course still focused on the conversation. It was a bit easier this way.

"Yeah, yeah, I agree." Definitely. Doing a job you found boring was obviously not the way to go about this. Especially, in the wandmakers case, a job that so many people relied heavily on for their product to work correctly for the rest of their lives, believing that their wand wouldn't break or something. "With this job...Yeah, can't be bored of it." It would show in the wand's ability to work or not.

"No. I meant like... not real. I mean, hypothetically, yes? Not an actual memory, just, just something you imagine would happen... Actually, no, yeah, you don't have to answer." What a mess. He hoped the guy over here wouldn't be giving him odd looks or something. In fact, they could drop this whole hypothetical thought, yes? Not that it mattered to the guy anymore. Probably not. "Yeah-it's Finn." He wasn't too surprised by this point, he only knew a few people, and kept to himself.

Why, of course, it was most certainly fair. Oleander's explanation made total sense, and it's a fact, one he couldn't prove at the moment but a fact nonetheless. The sixth year was lucky this guy didn't seem to have it in him to ask too many questions. He approved of that.

Nodding in return, he wondered if that should be considered for any and every other job, really. Let's take Bellaire as an example for a moment. It seems like that woman would rather be somewhere else other than teaching kids at Hogwarts, that's the image she gives off, frankly. And yet she was still there. So there must be something out the entire situation she oh-so-obviously enjoys, because the woman had plenty of options, surely. "Have any after Hogwarts plans?" Career or living-wise, of course. Since they were technically discussing careers, and not being bored with one, then he considered whether this guy had one in mind he'd thoroughly enjoy.

Hypothetically? Strange. But he will answer. Being somewhat rather observant and quiet compared to the rest of the Wisterias -depending on the situation, because they can all be extremely quiet at times- he supposed his first wand encounter ought to have been equally quiet, "Nothing loud or easily noticeable, maybe something got caught on fire." Which was something that could be dealt fairly quickly and wouldn't be particularly memorable. That was perfect for him. "Well, Finn, I'm Oleander," he said, giving him one nod, "Good to meet you, I suppose." Quiet people were nice to have around. Some times.

Well, it wasn't really in Finn to let people know too much. Or at least, let them know too much about what he shouldn't be sharing, so, although he shouldn't be getting this question directed at him, it wasn't too bad. Could be worse. "Nope." He simply said, making a popping sound with his mouth. Finn slightly grimaced, now knowing that he should be pondering over after Hogwarts life. What a joke. "Thanks for the.... the reminder." He said with a slight, only slight hint of sarcasm. Because, was he even capable of full sarcasm? Probably not. "Same question." He said to his fellow housemate. It was only fair, to put him on the light too.

At his words Finn actually laughed, a good genuine laugh. "Caught on, on fire? Maaannnn, that... that would've been good." What would the shopkeepers face even look like if it happened? Obviously, a fire caused by an eleven year old wouldn't be able to make much damage, hopefully, but it was a funny thought. Just, things going up in flames momentarily. "Probably singe an eyebrow off." Ok, he should definitely not be finding this funny, right? Right.

Oleander. What an odd name. Unheard of, that's for sure. So, Finn just gave Oleander over here a slow nod of recognition. "Well... Oleander... I suppose it's... nice to meet you too." Proper meet at least. As said, he'd seen Finn around the common room briefly from time to time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team ronmione

Well, it wasn't really in Finn to let people know too much. Or at least, let them know too much about what he shouldn't be sharing, so, although he shouldn't be getting this question directed at him, it wasn't too bad. Could be worse. "Nope." He simply said, making a popping sound with his mouth. Finn slightly grimaced, now knowing that he should be pondering over after Hogwarts life. What a joke. "Thanks for the.... the reminder." He said with a slight, only slight hint of sarcasm. Because, was he even capable of full sarcasm? Probably not. "Same question." He said to his fellow housemate. It was only fair, to put him on the light too.

At his words Finn actually laughed, a good genuine laugh. "Caught on, on fire? Maaannnn, that... that would've been good." What would the shopkeepers face even look like if it happened? Obviously, a fire caused by an eleven year old wouldn't be able to make much damage, hopefully, but it was a funny thought. Just, things going up in flames momentarily. "Probably singe an eyebrow off." Ok, he should definitely not be finding this funny, right? Right.

Oleander. What an odd name. Unheard of, that's for sure. So, Finn just gave Oleander over here a slow nod of recognition. "Well... Oleander... I suppose it's... nice to meet you too." Proper meet at least. As said, he'd seen Finn around the common room briefly from time to time.

In all honesty, Oleander hadn't been expecting that. He half-expected the guy to say yes and give a simple explanation or simply say that it was a private matter that ought not to be discussed with anyone. The latter seemed to be more of Oleander's ways, as he was positive he gave that answer to someone a long time ago. "Anytime." And he meant it, he wouldn't mind constantly reminding Finn about the fact he had zero plans for after-Hogwarts life. Ah, but that was expected, having the question asked in return, "I actually do, but I can start working on those plans next summer," and that's all Finn was going to be hearing about his plans.

Granted, he was still unsure if education was part of his future, for it was not a requirement where he was going. Technically speaking, he could leave Hogwarts and it wouldn't hurt him one bit. Try convincing his father, though.

Surprising. So, Finn thought that was funny? Oleander did, too. "It's a possibility, yeah? I'll have to ask around, see if my parents remember or something," he could simply claim it and no one could contradict him. Except he still wanted to know about it. "Only one eyebrow?" he asked, quickly laughing, "Now that is funny." It was, okay? And he was sure it was easy to grow one back. Instantaneously, even.

He smirked, "Yes, I quite agree with you." Definitely so. It was always nice to meet an Oleander, even more so a Wisteria.

See. There was someone who had themselves on the right track for plans and keeping themselves busy. At least Oleander had something to work on and look forward to, haha, something Finn should already be knowing about himself. His time was limited, and frankly, running out. "Good-good for you, yes?" It wasn't really in his place to ask Oleander just what it was about, none of his business and it could be a very personal topic to the fellow Slytherin.

"Possibly." It could have been something that happened to Oleander, but who knew. Perhaps he was capable of greater, but cooler accidents. Though, what could be cooler than causing a small, innocent fire? "Don't...don't have to ask." This was just a polite, small talk conversation they were having. In fact, Oleander would probably forget about asking his parents by the next day. Unless Finn had left him with a profound impact, which he highly doubted. "Just one." Finn said with a small smile. "Fashion statement?" If someone were brave enough to walk around with one eyebrow.

Oleander's comment made Finn laugh, although more quietly this time, and shake his head. Seriously. He saw himself highly, it seemed. "Of course." He said nodding. Well, Finn had made enough small talk, enough to have stayed at Diagon for a little longer than he had expected, but maybe it was time to part ways? Or, at least until Hogwarts came around? The brunette hesitated at getting up, hovering over the bench for a second before standing up straight. "Well, Oleander.... I think I'll be, be heading out now. Ummm, I'll see you, I guess, at Hogwarts, um, yeah? Yes?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team ronmione

See. There was someone who had themselves on the right track for plans and keeping themselves busy. At least Oleander had something to work on and look forward to, haha, something Finn should already be knowing about himself. His time was limited, and frankly, running out. "Good-good for you, yes?" It wasn't really in his place to ask Oleander just what it was about, none of his business and it could be a very personal topic to the fellow Slytherin.

"Possibly." It could have been something that happened to Oleander, but who knew. Perhaps he was capable of greater, but cooler accidents. Though, what could be cooler than causing a small, innocent fire? "Don't...don't have to ask." This was just a polite, small talk conversation they were having. In fact, Oleander would probably forget about asking his parents by the next day. Unless Finn had left him with a profound impact, which he highly doubted. "Just one." Finn said with a small smile. "Fashion statement?" If someone were brave enough to walk around with one eyebrow.

Oleander's comment made Finn laugh, although more quietly this time, and shake his head. Seriously. He saw himself highly, it seemed. "Of course." He said nodding. Well, Finn had made enough small talk, enough to have stayed at Diagon for a little longer than he had expected, but maybe it was time to part ways? Or, at least until Hogwarts came around? The brunette hesitated at getting up, hovering over the bench for a second before standing up straight. "Well, Oleander.... I think I'll be, be heading out now. Ummm, I'll see you, I guess, at Hogwarts, um, yeah? Yes?"

Not sure if it's the right track, but it was definitely a track. And it'll be rather fast-paced, soooo... best of luck to Oleander, then. Of course, the Ministry was always an option, but it wasn't his first. "Excellent for me," he was starting to like this Finn guy, although he was agreeing with Oleander most of the times -why would people not, really- it seemed he could make a case against him, too.

And no questions were asked, even better! He wouldn't have minded saying it wasn't his business, so, good for Finn.

A smile appeared on his face, "I know," he didn't have to ask, but he was incredibly curious now and he didn't stop if he was curious. Suppose that's a trait all Wisterias share. Granted, he took his time, so he may get an answer in a week or so. Maybe. Fashion statement?? He had to laugh at that, "Nice." He officially approved of the guy based on that single comment. Bellaire better not hear him, though.

Still smirking, the sixth year nodded at him. Of course. Wait, how long has it been now? The Wisteria boy had nothing to do, so he'll stay and people-watch for some more minutes, he'll find something to occupy his mind with, no doubt. "I'll see you at Hogwarts, Finn." Or the Common Room, that was pretty much the same. He nodded twice, the fellow Slytherin was free to go.

Annette found herself wandering aimlessly throughout the well known street. Diagon Alley...........how long had it been? She really wasn't sure how long it had been since she moseyed this part of the city....or....any part of it. She would have to pause and think to figure out how long it had been since she'd been in London at all. Conveniently, there happened to be a park bench and she fancied it just fine. It was empty and it wasn't too close to the rubbish bins so there weren't any foul odors. It was a nice late summer morning so sitting outside and thinking seemed like a perfect way to start her day.

It was pay-day, which meant only one thing. New hat-day. It wasn't a thing, but it was definitely going to become a thing. Because the hat shops in London, were amazing! And he was feeling quite fancy.

Fancy enough to take a tour down DA and see what sights there were to see. Only problem was, his shoes weren't made for walking. In fact, they were pinching a good deal. So, Rhydian made a b-line for the nearest bench and, uncaring of whether there was another occupant or not, plopped himself down and began tugging at his shoelaces.

"You know how they say putting shoes in the freezer with a bag of water inside will help them stretch?" Of course said bench-stranger knew. It was an age-old trick. "Well, word to the wise. It doesn't work on shoes that are two sizes too small."

Real pity that one. Cause he quite liked these shoes. Stuck them in the freezer every night just to try and stretch them out properly and permanently. They, however, seemed to have other ideas.

Annette had been enjoying the fresh air, thinking to herself, accounting for her last visit to Diagon Alley, when suddenly someone plopped down right next to her. She blinked and looked over. "Hello there." He was.......taking his shoes off? She eyed him curiously to see what he was doing that for.

Freezer......stretching your shoes....in...a freezer? How odd. So it was said this worked , though she had never heard of it.....but apparently it didn't..........alrighty then. She giggled a little. "Why didn't you buy the right size shoes?" That was sort of, what you were supposed to do right? Her shoes fit just fine and they were muggle shoes even.

She looked the stranger over, he was actually kind of cute. Tall, bright eyes, blond, interesting clothing. Maybe it was a pretty decent idea to think out here, cute guys almost fall on you out of the blue and start taking their clothes off.......

Rhydian paused in his tugging and untying, shooting a curious glance up at the stranger he shared bench-space with. "Why? Rather simple, really. Because they are gorgeous, and they didn't have my size."

Such a pity.

With a final tug, he got his first shoe off, letting out a sigh of relief as his cramped toes were allowed to wiggle freely in his socks. He took a moment to admire the shoe before placing it on the woman's knees. "See? Lovely aren't they?"

And then he was back down, tugging at the next shoelace and shoe, his foot protesting mightily in light of the other's freedom. Once it was off, he flopped back against the bench, draping his arm and the second shoe over the armrest with a blessed sigh of relief.

Was this a young man or a young woman that had sat down beside her? She thought it was a man, but his shoe commentary surprised her. What man would wish to do that to his feet? Not that Annette would ever do it to her own feet.....because she never had and never would (bare foot was waaayyyy more comfortable). She had heard women talk like that, but never a man and so she couldn't help but giggle a little.

She watched him wiggle his toes after extracting his foot. Poor thing, wicked step sister Cinderella style. If the shoe doesn't fit......She was even more surprised when he laid the shoe on her knees. Who did that? He put his possibly dirty shoe, randomly on a girls lap.....that was so bound to be a turn on right? She laughed a little harder though and looked it over with a small grin. "It is a pretty shoe." She admitted and set it on the bench between them.

What puzzled her most though, was the fact that he went on about some fantastical muggle way of stretching them to fit , which had not worked. She was in Diagon Alley right? Which meant, he must be a wizard right? "Have you tried charming them?" She figured that it was so obvious that he must have but......then again.....people could be funny in some ways.

"Right?!" Rhydian was convinced he'd be hard pressed to find someone who didn't think the shoes were just spectacular.

Stretching his legs, and his toes out fully, he rested his neck back on the bench and look up at the sky. Charming them? The woman got an amused glance. "Tried that. But you know how some things just don't look the same - as nice - when they are bigger? Or longer? Or just, different?" Surely she'd noticed that in her shoe-shopping days. "Well, these shoes happen to be one of those things. Right shame really."

But he didn't have the heart to get rid of them. No. First he'd get a good use out of them. Would just mean shorter walks and some sort of foot-soaking at the end of them. Speaking of which, wasn't there a fountain somewhere about here?

Annette wasn't quite sure what to think of the young man's shoe obsession. Was pain really worth looking 'pretty'? Maybe this was why she was single.......She almost wanted to giggle to herself.

She grinned across at him, finding it all way too amusing. "What is wrong with things being long?" She stretched herself out across the bench, being fairly thin and a decent height for a woman. 5'9" wasn't too bad in her opinion. "Or big?" She looked him over, he wasn't a big guy, but certainly bigger than she was. She held her smile and jesting expression as she said it though.

She supposed that she should try and help the strangers plight though. "Have you tried only charming the inside of the shoe then?" If he was insistent that it looked odd to simply enlarge the shoe slightly. Maybe he had and was just fickle and didn't like it. Maybe he was rubbish with that sort of thing and didn't do it right or think about it? She wouldn't know unless she asked.

Rhydian paused in his fountain searching to give the woman a strange look. "Nothing's wrong with long or big, or any combination of the two." Of which there was only one, but that was a mute point. "Merely that some things don't look right after they have been made bigger or longer."

Did she see the distinction? Maybe not. Maybe not all the cogs were oiled in her head.

But then she went and said that, and his lips fell as his eyebrows went up. No, maybe there were a few extra cogs turning about in there. "Can't say that I have, but then again I don't want the charm to end up going wonky and loosing half a leg in my shoe." How strange would that look? Though it would make for an interesting disguise....from over six feet to four....

"Ok." That is all she really had to say about his long and big commentary because.....what else was there to say on it? Once someone is dead set on an opinion over something this trivial, it was somewhat useless to attempt to change it. Save the effort for something important and pick your battles. It was just a different point of view and they were his feet , not hers.

What he said next made her laugh and she couldn't help but do so. His point was taken. "I am afraid that you may be one of those things that wouldn't look right with their size altered. Especially not that way." She smiled up at the stranger and offered him her hand, in greeting. "Nice to meet you, my name is Annette. Or one of them rather." That was her first name, she did have three components and various nicknames.

Ah ha! Now she was getting it. Rhydian snapped his fingers at her, and turned them into pointing fingers right after. "Right? It just wouldn't be right."

Good. He could stay on this bench. This woman understood. Messing with size and proportions just didn't work for some things. And the fear of loosing a leg in an extension charm.....he shuddered.

His hand flattened out to take her hand in the offered greeting, his grin widening. "Another fellow of multi-faceted names. Pleasure to meet you. Rhydian Blackhold."

She got a curious look, an intrigued look, as he took back his hand. What were those other names. Surely, she wouldn't say such a thing without offering at least one more tidbit. Maybe she worked on a bartering system, one name for another.

He snapped his fingers and pointed at her , with her answer and all that she could seem to do was smile at him. "Right." That was the word that they were going with .....right? She suppressed a giggle, so far Mr. Cutie was very amusing.

When he accepted her hand , she shook it with a smile. Hmm, that was definitely a unique name. "Rhydian...." She mulled it over and let it roll off of her tongue. "Is that Welsh?" She thought it was.....maybe she was wrong though. Her family was so eclectic it was hard to say what languages and origins she came in contact with routinely.

She thought about it, she only offered him one of her names, but her gave her two of his. She smiled brightly at him at the thought. "Well, it seems I only gave you one of my names, but you offered me two of yours." She placed her index finger on her lips. "I suppose that means I owe you one of my other names." She made a hmm sound, pondering which to give him. "Should I be normal and give you my surname as I believe you did, or should I give you another?" She smiled at the handsome young thing next to her. "What would you have me give you, Sir Rhydian of multi-faceted names. Since you offered me more so willingly?" Simple introductions weren't as much fun , were they?

JD dropped down onto the bench, sitting back finally relaxing for the first time all week. He'd been busy helping the younger kids at the academy with their flying skills and playing a miniature game of quidditch with them. Those kids could really wear a person out! And he'd thought playing seeker was hard, merlin he couldn't imagine being a professor or flying instructor full time. He was sure they were just excited for the fact that he had played professional quidditch for almost 8 years. They'd been much more interested in talking about his playing quidditch and getting autographs than learning how to lean forward on the broomstick without falling sideways off of it!

He stretched his long legs out in front of him as he closed his eyes. He was looking forward to a few days off, nothing to do but....search for an apartment in London. Ugh, maybe he should just take up a room at the Leaky for awhile. He didn't much want to really look around for an apartment. He'd just moved everything from America to Eric's flat, but knew he couldn't exactly stay there. Meh, maybe he'd stay there another few days and decide.

Well versed and understanding of the conundrums that came with extension charms on shoes. The woman, this Annette got a tilted head of curiosity. "It is."

Not really fair. Given Annette could be an origin of any sort. He made to pout, but his lips instead turned into a grimace. "Doesn't much matter which name you give me, providing I have something appropriate to call you by. But, sir is not one of mine." Even if it was joking after a fashion, the sound of it attached to his name was simply cringeworthy.

Straightening his neck, Rhydian eyed her. "Though, no short-form variations of your name. Those, I can come up with easily enough on my own."

She smiled at the look that he gave her, the tilted head sort of reminded her of a canine expression and she found it cute. She knew men could be dogs, but this was comically cute.

The grimace she didn't quite get but......oh he didn't like sir. Whoops, that was odd but ok. "I apologize , sir was meant in no offense. The opposite rather." She thought of what name to give him.....something appropriate to call her........oh and no short forms. Well her preferred call name was a short variation so that didn't count.

"Rhydian...." Since sir was out of the question she wasn't going to use Mr. either. "Annette is something appropriate to call me by given that it is my first name but, another part of my given name is Kaimi." It didn't really sound smooth together, but that was how her name went. Her last name could be given if he wanted to offer more of his own information.

Rhydian shrugged it off. "Didn't take no offence. Just don't like it. Not old enough to be a Sir of anything." See? It was an age thing. And he preferred not to be bound by such a title that required dignity and well, composure.

Both of which his bare-footed person was lacking. He wiggled his toes in his socks for a moment before deciding that they too, had to go. Leaning over, he pulled each one off by the toe-tips, pausing only to spare a glance at her. "Kaimi?"

A grunt and he turned, pulling off his second sock and reclining back on the bench. The socks got draped over the arm rest nearest him, his shoes placed neatly beside them. "So is that Annette Kaimi? Or does Kaimi relate to something else?"

He wasn't going to guess origins. He wasn't going to try and guess at what the name possibly meant. It was easier to simply ask.

One thing was for sure, this Diagon Alley place was completely overwhelming, and that was without massive hoards of people. They had very deliberately decided on a day that was likely to be least busy in order to avoid such an issue, but could not have prepared for every eventuality.

The ink shop had been enjoyable, and Daxton had resolved to go there again next time he was here. The colours of the inks had been pleasing to his eye, and he'd found that running his fingers over the feathered ends of the quills was an incredibly pleasant sensation. The wizarding equipment shop had been trickier, and the sheer amount of objects in there had sent his mind into overdrive. They'd left without buying anything. And then the book shop, which he had been most looking forward to... that had nearly finished him off.

Daxton moved down the street now, keeping way off to the sides as he searched for a free bench on which to wait for his mum. She was still in the shop, working out prices and currency conversions and everything. He could have assisted in order to help speed things along, but had been unable to stand in the shop, surrounded by a multitude of books he wanted and would never be able to afford but dared not try and steal (it didn't take a genius to figure out there would likely be some kind of anti-theft magic on all these places). All that knowledge, and it had been completely inaccessible.

Some benches were occupied, others were surrounded by unpleasant smells that registered so strongly with Daxton's oversensitive senses they almost made him retch. Even now, as he sat on the very last bench which was mercifully free, he kept his sleeve-covered hand over his mouth and nose, not daring to attempt breathing the free air again. Overwhelming. Very. As he waited, Daxton rocked gently back and forth and squeezed his eyes shut as well, envisioning himself in his bedroom back at home, reading his favourite book. It was his favourite calming technique, and it always worked very well.

Should she point out that 'Sir' had very little to do with anyone's age and it was a matter of politeness........or should she just let it go? With Rhydian's reactions to things, she thought it best to perhaps just let it go. After all, regardless of why he didn't like it, he didn't like it. She simply accepted his wishes and nodded. "Understood." She replied simply and left it there.

She watched as he wiggled his toes within his socks and had to suppress a giggle. He elected to remove the cloth encasing his feet as well, only sparing her a questioning glance as he repeated part of her name."Yes." And......there went the other sock too. At least he placed his effects neatly beside himself, his bare feet brought a small smile to her lips.

His question to her name brought a small grin as she looked back to his face. "Kaimi is my middle name. So in a sense it is Annette Kaimi, I suppose it is also something else too though." Yup, she was sure he had some sort of nickname or something at least to share with her for her last name. "Are there more facets to your name, Rhydian Blackhold?"

Text Cut: Daxton/Felix

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

One thing was for sure, this Diagon Alley place was completely overwhelming, and that was without massive hoards of people. They had very deliberately decided on a day that was likely to be least busy in order to avoid such an issue, but could not have prepared for every eventuality.

The ink shop had been enjoyable, and Daxton had resolved to go there again next time he was here. The colours of the inks had been pleasing to his eye, and he'd found that running his fingers over the feathered ends of the quills was an incredibly pleasant sensation. The wizarding equipment shop had been trickier, and the sheer amount of objects in there had sent his mind into overdrive. They'd left without buying anything. And then the book shop, which he had been most looking forward to... that had nearly finished him off.

Daxton moved down the street now, keeping way off to the sides as he searched for a free bench on which to wait for his mum. She was still in the shop, working out prices and currency conversions and everything. He could have assisted in order to help speed things along, but had been unable to stand in the shop, surrounded by a multitude of books he wanted and would never be able to afford but dared not try and steal (it didn't take a genius to figure out there would likely be some kind of anti-theft magic on all these places). All that knowledge, and it had been completely inaccessible.

Some benches were occupied, others were surrounded by unpleasant smells that registered so strongly with Daxton's oversensitive senses they almost made him retch. Even now, as he sat on the very last bench which was mercifully free, he kept his sleeve-covered hand over his mouth and nose, not daring to attempt breathing the free air again. Overwhelming. Very. As he waited, Daxton rocked gently back and forth and squeezed his eyes shut as well, envisioning himself in his bedroom back at home, reading his favourite book. It was his favourite calming technique, and it always worked very well.

Genny left Giuseppe in the shop paying for her stuff and ran out with her stick!wand in her hand pretending to attack a very BAD wizard, her latest dueling routine proved to be challenging and she needed to practice more. To the strangers in the street, she must've looked like she was dancing, a friend already pointed this out to her, but she was reciting some spells in her head so it was SO not dancing, okay? She was dueling.

She got to the benches in a moment, and the boy sitting on the bench in front of her looked like he was trying to be invisible. Like, he was hiding from someone. Someone who could hurt him?? No! Genny walked up to him confidently and watched him for a moment, then squatted to try and look at his face without being in his personal space. "Are you okay? I can help you." She jumped up and smacked her chest, she was the man.