Althea had about a million books already, but there were a few more she intended to add to her collection at the castle, books she thought would be good reference for any students that happened to show interest. She had a mental list, and had already spotted a few of them. They were levitating tidily behind her, ready to follow her to the counter when it was time. The tall blonde woman barely needed to stretch for the top shelves, especially with the extra inches her heels added.

"The Elements of Magic, Extreme Incantations, A Guide to Medieval Sorcery, Magical Misdemeanors in the Modern Law, The Metal Charmer's Guide to Base Metal Bewitchments, A Study into the Possibility of Reversing the Actual and Metaphysical Effects of Natural Death, with Particular Regard to the Reintegration of Essence and Matter, Thaum Theory." Thea murmured her list under her breath, mentally ticking the books off as she found them and added them to her floating stack.

After this she had plans to go to Madame Malkins. New robes wouldn't go amiss, and because of her height, usually she needed them magically adjusted before purchase too, and Malkins was good for that.

Sigh.

It was going to be one of those days wasn't it?

What Althea REALLY wanted to do was berate the child for not looking where she was going -and those books better not be damaged- but instead, she crouched carefully, gracefully.

"Are you alright?" Yes? This question asked, she began to carefully collect and stack the books.

"And no of course it isn't...." Althea picked up the book in question. "Its a study. Kind of a philosophy of magic type book. But there are other interesting revelations inside, and it poses some interesting questions.... look, you should really get up, it isn't ladylike to roll about on the floor." And who knew what germs there were? "Let me help you." Thea said all this and offered the girl a hand.

The books were once again safely levitating.

Out of the child's way.

Althea smoothed her own short dress down, and readjusted her robes, which were open at the front.

"I like books." The blonde woman answered with a cool little shrug, looking down at the girl with height, not attitude. "And no, I'm a teacher. A professor."

... gum. Thea made a mental note to be sure her classroom rules covered no gum-chewing.

It was kind of distracting.

... as opposed to a fake, dead one? Althea mentally stepped back, but in reality didn't move a muscle. Mentally too, she tried to pronounce this Omg business and opened her mouth to answer but closed it again right away.

This one was a talker wasn't she?

Oh? She'd stopped? Where to begin?

"I'm tall." She agreed, "But I prefer to be recognised for my achievements, not for my looks. Anyone can be pretty if they try." Just some nice clothes, girly potions, self-care... yes, anyone could be pretty.

"And I do teach at Hogwarts, at least, I will be, beginning this term. I was teaching at a University myself until... just recently. In Darwin, Australia."

She wasn't so sure about this cool and popular business. Althea had never had much desire to be either, preferring aloof and detached.

And a bit superior, we admit.

"No, but I lived there for a long time, so I suppose it has changed how I speak a little bit." Althea had decided this kid was harmless...

... just a bit full on.

"Charms actually." Althea managed a smile, trying to lighten up a bit.

"I'm sure you'll pick it up." Althea to say this kindly. Please. Althea had faith in her teaching abilities, and if Miss Bunbury here failed, it meant there was something wrong with her, not with Thea.

"Charms is fun, and fun things are always easier to learn." Bonus about her subject. People liked it.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Bunbury. I'm Professor Althea Schirmer. Are you feeling any better? Not too bruised I hope?" Books with their sharp edges.

"All spells are useful, but I think you're right about those two. They aren't on the curriculum this term, but I'd be happy to help you outside of class, to catch up."

Oh see, she was actually a polite little girl. Thea shook her hand and then nodded approvingly.

"Good thing you came here. Its much cheaper to buy books second hand, or third hand. Its about ten galleons more to buy them from Flourish and Blotts." And for books that would only be needed for a year or so, that was such a waste. The money could go towards other things.

"There, on the table." She pointed the books out. "You just choose the right ones for your year."

"Not a problem." Althea answered. Candy. Right. She wasn't a big candy eater, preferring to stay healthy and watch her figure but she supposed she hadn't had to when she was a kid either.

"Nice meeting you too, Miss Bunbury." Thea agreed, and took her books to the counter to pay.