Terrortours Travel Agency
 

Located at 59 Diagon Alley, Terrortours travel agency offers travel related products and services to wizarding families looking for action-filled holidays. A sign in the window advertises some of their best selling tours, which include Transylvanian castles for rent with a guaranteed vampire host and Egyptian getaways with a sphinx tour guide. The sign includes the following disclaimer: Terrortours accepts no responsibility for death or injury during any vacation packages.

OOC: The shopkeeper for this thread is Linda (Slytherin Fox) and the shopkeeper assistant is Claudia (Luna Laufghudd). Please do not RP for them.

Brittany Breitbarth was excited. This was the first day she would have her new store open, and she was happy and looking forward to running her new business here on Diagon Alley and meeting new people. Since her brief stint as a Hogwarts professor she had traveled the world and seen some very interesting places, done some adventurous things, and she wanted to make some of these experiences available to others who wanted to live life on the wild side. She believed it was her true calling in life.

The pretty redhead, whom some would call kooky, felt the keys shake in her hand as she opened the door to the shop. Let the fun begin, she thought to herself. She finally had a chance to fulfill peoples' dreams, it would be so much fun!

Brittany heard the door open and a young woman entered through the door. A thrill of excitement went through her, her very first customer! Well, potential customer, anyway, she corrected herself. Smoothing her red and black checkered skirt, she walked towards the woman saying, "Hello and welcome to Terrortours. I'm Brittany, and I'd be happy to help you with anything you need."

She gestured around the store, which was small but included many photos of some of the places she had visited, as well as some she had not. Transylvania had been one of her favorite spots, the castle was everything she had expected and the fact that a vampire was the landlord made it so much more exciting. She thought of it as a bed and breakfast with a boost.

Jade smiled as she approached the redhead. "Hello, I'm Jade. Just noticed your store and I was intruiged, I just had to come in." It was as if she was pulled in by some force and she wasn't one to question mysterious force. Oh the wonders of the unknown.

She allowed her eyes to scan the room and smiled as they landed on a photo of a castle. It looked like a perfect place to escape to, even if it was for a short time. Looking back to Brittany, she smiled with a glint of excitement. "I was looking for a small getaway and was wondering what you would suggest? Nothing too grand, simple is good."

She was just looking for a change, a chance even to recharge and center herself before she let her emotions get the best of her. Life always seemed simpler when you allow yourself to be free and explore, at least that's how she always saw it.

"Nice to meet you, Jade," Brittany said, a wide smile on her face. "Now, you say you're looking for a small getaway, nothing too grand. I can certainly help put something like that together for you. But tell me, how much adventure are you looking for? Are you looking just for a place to get away for a while and relax, or would you rather have a little pinch of excitement thrown in? I want to tailor your vacation to fit you perfectly, that's my job. I want all my customers to be happy."

That was so true. Brittany's travel agency was a brand new venture, and she sincerely wanted it to be the best in the entire wizarding world. And she was very anxious to do a great job for her first customer ever!

Jade smiled as she thought about what exactly she wanted out of her getaway. One would have thought, she needed maybe a quiet and relaxing vacation, but she knew that wasn't at all what was needed. "I'd prefer something with excitement. Maybe something that will keep my blood flowing," she smiled at the thought. As of late, she had felt she was a bit dull and excitement was definitely needed. "Perhaps, if I told you more about why I'm looking for this getaway, it might help."

Jade has yet to actually tell anyone why she had been acting as she had. That reason alone was probably a factor in her excitement to get away. If Brittany's agency could get her out of this stupor, she would probably be indebted to the redhead for life, or at least for the next few months.

Brittany's face lit up. "Oh then, you definitely came to the right place. I can tailor exactly the kind of vacation you're looking for, it's my specialty. No matter what part of the globe you'd like to see, I can create a vacation for you that you will never forget. So tell me, are you thinking of Africa, Asia, South America, North America, Antarctica, Australia, or would you rather do something in Europe? There's nowhere in the entire world that I can't find something exciting and different for you to do. So tell me, you're taking this vacation by yourself, or will someone be traveling with you?" She was starting to think already.

Jade tilted her head in thought. Where would she like to go? "I would prefer Europe or Asia, if possible. I just got back from North America last year. Beauty area, but not really want I'm currently looking for." She was in fact in love with the region, but memories tend to taint beautiful things. Shaking her thoughts again, she looked back at Brittany with a smile. "Oh yes, I would be traveling with a younger cousin. She has had a bit of a tough term at school and I was looking forward to introducing her to a bit of excitement. A taste of what mysteries the world has to offer. Nothing that might terrify her by any means, but maybe a small taste something dangerous and unknown." Something like a rite of passage, a chance to break free from the strict lifestyle parents and family dictate on their young. She only wished someone would have done this for her back while she was younger.

Brittany thought a moment. "I think I have the perfect trip for you, Jade. Do you and your cousin like castles? And have you ever thought of staying in a castle which is owned and operated by a vampire count, a castle in Transylvania? The vampires are actually quite charming, but there is that certain element of danger and excitement involved that I think you might be looking for. Plus the vampires I've stayed with have been really sweet, like I told you. I think Count Gradowski would love to have you two come and stay at his castle. Wait!"

Brittany ran over to a large photo album and brought it over to Jade. She opened the album up. It contained wizarding pictures, the kind that move. "This is Count Gradowski," she said with a grin on her face, gesturing towards a very stylish man dressed in a white shirt with a black cape, thinner than usual and with a very pale complexion but not looking overly dangerous. "There are all kinds of tales he can tell, things he can show you. He's a friend of mine, and has always been very accomodating to people I've referred to him. I promise he would keep you entertained, if that's what you're looking for. He just loves to give visitors the grand tour of the Graveyard, and he might even show you his casket!"

Jade's face lit up at the mention of a castle. She adored castles. The architecture and the mystery that surrounded them. "Brittany, that sounds perfect! I have always wanted to visit Transylvania and Romania. I keep hearing it's beautiful in its own right." She clasped her hands in excitement. Just the right about of adventure for the little eleven year she planned to invite with her. Plus the idea of meeting a vampire count also excited her. She had briefly met one in pass while in Boston, but the oppurtunity to stay in a castle with one was truly exciting. Her cousin would enjoy it as well she had remembered a letter about how she had done an essay about vampire for one of her lesson.

Looking down at the open album in front of her, she allowed her eyes to scan all the moving pictures. Brittany was correct, this was definitely the place she wanted to go. Her eyes stopped on photo of Count Gradowski. He was quite handsome and didn't look too dangerous to her. She felt she would be safe under his care. Smiling she looked up and made her decision. "Brittany, I do believe you have found exactly what I'm looking for. If the Count would be willing to have us, I'd be honored to visit his home." She was almost beside herself with joy. "A grand tour of a Graveyard? I would actually enjoy that. Spooky graveyards intrigue me a bit, strange I know. His casket! That would be quite exciting as well." She clapped in sheer excitement. She did tend to act like such a little child while excited.

Brittany began to dance around in excitement. "Ooooh, Jade, I'm so happy for you! I really think you will love this tour just as much as I did, and your cousin will love it, too. Both of you are going to experience something that very few people ever see, and I know that it is something you are going to carry with you for a lifetime. I will be happy to let the Count know when the two of you will be coming, we can make the plans right now. How many days were you planning on spending? I would certainly recommend at least a week, if you can spend that much time, to take in everything and to really soak in the full atmosphere of the castle and the countryside. You will learn a lot of the heritage of the vampires, as well, so you can think of it as an educational experience for your cousin, also, but above all, it will be FUN!"

Jade joined in and danced around in her excitement. She couldn't wait to tell Mina about their trip this summer. A week, yes at least a week would be perfect. "I'm sure Mina will enjoy it. She'd probably make every moment of the trip a learning experience. Dark things like that intrigue her as well. Perhaps something like ten days or so this summer. I think our family has something planned for us just after she returns from school." She pulled a small organizer out of her bag. She had made a habit of carrying around the simple muggle-style item during her stay in the States. Flipping through it she smiled to see where both their schedules were clear. Closing it with a bright glint in her eyes, she smiled. "Is mid-July possible?"

"Ten days in July sound perfect!", Brittany agreed. "July is a lovely month to visit Transylvania, it's right before the big Halloween rush and you will be able to truly have the chance to see it as few people have. I can promise you and Mina a first rate experience that I just know you will cherish as I did. But you have to promise me to come back and let me know how everything went, because I would love to hear about your adventures once you return!"

"You will be one of my first stops upon my return," Jade promised. She was radiating with joy. She hadn't felt this much excitement since perhaps her acceptance to Hogwarts or Oxford. "What do you need from me to get things started and what should I pack?" So many questions filled her head. Yes, she had some time before the trip, but she did want to have the best experience possible. She did enjoy going into situations blind from time to time, but in the case of being in a foreign land, she did want to be somewhat prepared.

Brittany smiled. Jade was efficient and organized, she appreciated that quality in others. In spite of her being an absolute kook in some ways, she was also very well organized and actually liked to think things out before doing them. She just didn't know what would be coming out of her mouth all the time!

"Well, it gets chilly in Transylvania in the night, so you will definitely need to bring some fairly warm robes, perhaps woolen or flannel," Brittany said. "You might want to have a bit of garlic on hand, too. Contrary to popular belief, the vampires actually love garlic, and I'm sure Count Gradowski would appreciate the gift. And chocolates, vampires love chocolates, especially Godiva Chocolates from Belgium. As a matter of fact, I might send a gift over with you, if you don't mind, that is?" Brittany looked at Jade hesitantly. "Nothing too big or heavy, of course. Oh, and be sure to take enough clothes for ten days, but I'm sure I don't have to tell you that. Dark colors are probably best, you won't be visiting the beaches of the Mediterranean, after all." Brittany chuckled at the very thought. "But all in all, I do think you and Mina will love it as much as I do."

She had another visitor, Brittany realized, and this was only her first day in the shop. She was already booking a tour for Jade and now a young man had entered just as she was wrapping things up. "Why hello!", she said warmly, a smile on her face. "Welcome to my shop. I'm Brittany, and my job is to design a trip such as you may have only imagined but never dreamed could come true. And I'll be right with you!"

Today was a very good day as she turned back to Jade and asked, "Do you have any other questions? If not, the only thing I need is a firm date of when you will be taking the trip and I can book it for you right now. Let me owl the Count for you, I know he'll be excited to have two visitors!"

"It's nice to meet you Brittany - I'm Jake," he replied with a smile and was about to extend his hand to her when he realised he would only be interrupting her and kept it by his side. He grinned as she described her job but didn't reply, wanting her to finish with the lady so that they could move on to HIM.

He knew what he wanted, but had no idea on actually booking hotels and stuff... Looking around, he discreetly put his hand in his pocket and felt the list he had written up shortly before coming here. This vacation needed to be perfect, and he was not going to accept any less than that.

J.J. Starr looked around and saw a new store." My name is J.J. Starr" hee told the innkeeper. Joe Jon Montcenaggio was bummed that Samantha Rose left the ministry. " So what type of trips do you have in here?" Joe Jon Montcenaggio asked the woman.

"Nice to meet you, Jake," Brittany responded. She held her hand out for a shake, seeing that Jake already had his hand ready and not wanting to leave a person hanging. "I'm here to help you plan the trip of your dreams, whatever you have in mind. And I'll be with you in just a moment, I promise. Please feel free to have a look at my album here, to see some more of the type of trips I specialize in." Brittany handed the large album filled with photos of some of her more memorable trips to Jake. "If you don't see exactly what you're looking for don't worry, customizing is my specialty!"

"Hello, J.J., it's nice to meet you!", Brittany smiled as a third potential customer entered the shop. "I'm Brittany, proprietor of this little shop. And to answer that question, all I can tell you is that our trips are tailored for the adventurous at heart mainly, but I'm willing to customize to suit the tastes of whoever is planning the trip. I do like to throw in a few extra touches, though, makes life more exciting." She giggled, but it was true. The trips she liked were those that would never be forgotten.

J.J. Starr waited to look for a trip from Brittany. " Hello Brittany , your name seems familiar to us in the Ministry department, especially the Magical Education Department" Joe Jon Montcenaggio remarked to her. " Hi Jade" J.J. Starr said to her. She had been invited to the wedding along with Mina, her niece.

"Excellent," Brittany said, rubbing her hands together in anticipation. "I know you will both enjoy yourselves thoroughly and never forget this trip! July 14 - 23 is a great time to go, you'll be there on my birthday, so be sure and think of me on the 19th." She smiled. "Have a great trip, and I'll be in touch with you again before you go." She waved a "thank you" to Jade.

"Yes, I used to teach Muggle Studies to the girls when they had that Clara Belle School," Brittany said. "That was a long time ago, though. I've changed." She giggled. "Hang on, J.J., I'm gonna take care of you and Jake both. I've got lots of fun trips that you guys will LOVE!"

"Hello, JJ. Nice to see you again," Jade smiled to her friend. It hadn't been that long ago, she was at his wedding and first met him. Turning back to Brittany. "I'll be sure to think of you and thank you again for this opportunity. I'm positive I won't be disappointed and I'll be sure be stop in again. Thank you again." She smiled brightly before turn to make her leave. She did have somewhere to go and it had just crossed her mind, she might be late. Waving a final goodbye 'thank you' to Brittany and a nod for JJ to keep in touch, she made for the door.

" I knew you had been teaching at the crazy school" J.J. Starr told Britanny. "Actually, a lot of the girls loved your classes" Joe Jon Montcenaggio said to Brittany. " I will look around for some trips for Katalin and myself" J.J. said to Brittany.

Bye" J.J. Starr waved to Jade. He nodded to Jade that they will keep in touch.

Jake shook the redhead's woman, sort of liking her already. She was very... Enthusiastic and that was EXACTLY what he needed - someone with unlimited energy to deal with his precise demands. "Thanks," he nodded and opened the huge album, flicking through it with interest as he waited for Brittany to finish with the woman. Then it was HIM and only then it was, "Hey J.J," Jake greeted his employee with a warm smile.

"Take care," Brittany waved to Jade as she left the store. "See you soon, and thank you again!"

"They did?", Brittany asked, an expression of genuine shock on her face. "I was just teaching about stuff the Ministry had told me to talk about, that's all. But I'm glad they liked the classes. That makes me feel good."

As Jade left the store, Brittany turned her full attention to Jake. "Okay, it's your turn now, Jake. Let's talk about what you have in mind for your dream trip. Any ideas?"

Jake smiled as the woman FINALLY -nothing personal, of course- left and Brittany turned to him. "Why yes, I do. I want it sunny, hot, relaxing yet somewhat exciting and suitable for two," he answered, straight to the point. "I want it to be a surprise vacation for my-" he paused and swallowed HARD, "girlfriend."

There, he'd said it. He'd admitted it. Rachel would be so proud.

He had of course known it all along - not through the past year and during the break-up; but as soon as he and Lucy had truly talked again. It was then that he realised that no matter where he'd go or how far he kept himself from her - it would always be Lucy.

Dangnabbit.

Brittany smiled widely. She could sense Jake's happiness and excitement at planning a surprise for his girlfriend. She clapped her hands together and then exclaimed, "You will want something absolutely perfect, then, something that the two of you will never forget! I have several places in mind that you might truly love, so tell me, Jake. Before I tell you about the highlights, what sounds the most exciting place to you - South America, Australia, Egypt or Africa?" Brittany giggled as she realized that Egypt was, indeed, part of Africa, yet she had always considered it separate. "They are all warm and sunny, and I can guarantee you that there will be a lot going on, things you would never imagine and would only dare to hope for, no matter which destination you choose. So tell me what destination you like the most and we'll work from there."

Jake thought about her question for a few moments. Australia was out of the question for fairly obvious reasons and he didn't really feel like Africa so that ruled out Egypt too; no pyramids for them. TOO adventurous. "South America sounds good," he finally replied with a nod, picturing the white beaches of Brazil, the beauty or the rainforest and all those AMAZING meat restaurants in Argentina...

"Is it possible to do a two-part vacation? The first part being more about 'excitement' and the second about 'relaxation'?" he asked, suddenly thinking of an idea. But, he'd let Brittany do her job first - he could always suggest it later if he didn't like what she was proposing. This trip was going to be perfect - it HAD to be.

Brittany thought for a moment, and then nodded enthusiastically. "A two part vacation, that's the most brilliant idea I've heard, Jake. I love it! South America definitely has all those things that you are looking for, then. I have two places in mind for you. Chile is a great place to start with for excitement. Have you ever heard of a creature called El Chupacabra? Well, this El Chupacabra is a very mysterious creature known as a 'goat sucker', and muggle science doesn't know very much about its origin, not much at all. The fact is that this a magical creature which you will have a chance to see up close, but not too close, of course. But I think you will find the experience fascinating, because Chile is full of other wondrous magical creatures as well. Here, let me show you some of them." Brittany gestured towards the book of fabulous and exotic destinations, pointing towards some rather unusual looking beasts. "It's an amazing place, and very beautiful, too. You can see part of the rain forest, as well, because many of these creatures live there.

For the pleasure part of your trip, I think you two should head up to Brazil, with its fabulous beaches. If you crave excitement at night, Rio has a wonderful Carnivale atmosphere that I'm sure you will both love, though it's a bit different than the rain forest thing.

So, what do you think, Jake?", Brittany asked anxiously.

" Brittany, I would like to know about castles in Scotland, Spain, Italy and Portugal." J.J. Starr told her.
Thee brocures are informative on the coutries" " Joe Jon Montcenaggio said to Brittany.
" I want more information on the castles" he explained to her.

"Great, I'll be right with you, J.J.", Brittany smiled. "Let me just finish answering Jake's questions and I'll be there to help you."

" OK, I will wait for you to finish with Jake" Joe jon Montcenaggio told Brittany.

It was almost the summer holidays and Larry wanted to make a surprise for his family. He entered the shop with relief he thought he'd never find with the amount of people wandering in the streets. It seemed like some people had already found this shop. "Hello," he said cheerfully. Larry thought maybe the family would like to visit somewhere which doesn't include hiking or hear but somewhere that is perfect for a family which includes: Great weather, great food and most important that it's fun. The only problem is when should he order the trip.

"Thanks!", Brittany said with a wave.

"Hello and welcome to the shop," said Brittany, welcoming another person into the shop. Wow, that was four already! "I'm Brittany, and I'll be right with you. Feel free to have a look around and it'll be just a bit."

Larry smiled at Brittany and started wandering around the shop, looking at brochures. As he looked he was thinking about a vacation at the Caribbeans or at Scandinavia. These two places sound like perfect places for a vacation with the family.

Of course he'd heard of El Chupacabra! He'd SEEN it during his travels... He needed to get together for coffee with this woman and tell her about them otherwise he'd explode. He HATED when people assumed that he didn't know things - especially when it came to stuff about the world outside of England.

"That does indeed sound fantastic! Brazil expecially - do you know of any cruises there? Small ones; not those huge ships with more kids than rooms - maybe magical?" Jake suggested, the cruise idea being the one he had thought of before. A laid-back cruise down/up the coast of Brazil... Rio, Copacabana, maybe even the Amazon!

He glanced at the brochures Brittany had handed to him out of politeness but quickly put them down as he had more pressing matters to discuss with her. "As for the expenses - give me the best you've got. Money is definitely not an issue here..." Jake said, relieved that he'd finally be able to USE his Department Head's salary. He wasn't one for letting money grow at Gringott's so he had difficulties adjusting to the new lifestyle of not worrying about funding at all.

True, it was practically the opposite of everyone else's problems but that's just who he was.

Brittany smiled at the two men who were waiting once again, just letting them know that she was aware of them and would be taking care of them soon.

Brittany smiled. "Are you up for a trip down the Amazon, by any chance? Maybe not the whole Amazon, it's pretty long, of course, but enough to really see some of the more exotic widelife and scenery of South America. It's a sight that few have seen, and I do happen to know about this very exclusive company that runs out of there. They cater almost exclusively to wealthy witches and wizards and they do an excellent job of things, I've never heard anything less than praise for their work. I think you can do this whole tour in two or three weeks, or maybe a month? How does that sound? It can be structured to allow as much time as you can like, and you can include all sorts of side tours and special sights that you might want to stop and visit along the way. You can make it as busy or as relaxed as you want it to be, just really structure it to fit what you want."

"A trip down the Amazon sounds fantastic - but only if there is an opportunity to actually leave the Amazon once in a while... You say this group is wizard-run, right?" Jake replied quickly, his mind dangerously close to slipping into the rainforest and out of Diagon Alley. FOCUS! "Perhaps, apparition points? The floo? Some exotic method of travelling unique to that area?" he fired at Brittany, trying to remember whether there was indeed a travel mode unique to South America.

Busy and relaxed... That sounded great. "Ok, I think we'll scratch Chile out then - just go for a two week cruise that combines Brazil with sailing down the Amazon... I hope it's possible," he stated, more to himself but still voicing it to Brittany so that she'll know what he was thinking.

Plus, if it served only rich witches and wizards it was BOUND to have built-in luxuries normally not found on normal cruises.

... Jake was now officially excited.

Brittany smiled secretively. "Yes. On this trip, there is definitely opportunity to leave the Amazon and go exploring on your own. The cruise itself is leisurely, but it is quite different from any traditional cruise such as might be found in the muggle world. It's the exploration which makes it unique, but the ship and everything that happens on board are among the most opulent and luxurious in the entire world, wizarding or otherwise."

She smiled again. "Apparation will no doubt be involve in some of those side trips I mentioned, as well as portkeys. Some of the portkeys might be a bit - unusual." Like a big tarantula spider, she thought to herself, though she wasn't really sure if that was being used as a portkey or not.

Jake smiled. He could feel this trip taking shape and it was REALLY exciting... He only hoped Lucy, well, complied. Eh, if she didn't he could always convince Rachel against the low-key summer of pure relaxation she had wanted and bring her along instead of Lucy. But... he preferred the other way.

"That sounds absolutely amazing - I'll take it," Jake nodded, squaring his shoulders as he finally decided. "And, er, now what?" he asked, slightly unsure of how to act. He hadn't ever, as mentioned before, been on a PLANNED trip well, he HAD but that had been at least 16 years ago, if not more.

And, what HAD she meant by unusual portkey?

"Excellent!", Brittany said, smiling widely. "I know that you will both think back on this trip many years from now and that neither of you will ever forget it. In fact, I have a feeling a trip like this might bring the two of you closer." Brittany didn't know why, but she truly felt like Jake needed something like this to help solidify his relationship with his girlfirend. "Now I just call my friend in South America and arrange the trip for the two of you and you're all set. What were the exact dates you had in mind, again?" In her excitement, Brittany couldn't remember if the actual dates had been discussed or not.

LOL I typed Samantha about THREE times!!
 

"I certainly hope so," Jake replied, not giving the state TOO much thought. Because if he did, he just might bolt out the door so fast they might have thought he had disapparated. Swallowing, he nodded as Brittany told him she'd book the tour. "Erm, dates? Well. . . I'm head of Education so I need to be here until at least a week into their summer holidays," he said to himself as he calculated the dates. "How does mid-July sound?" he finally asked, pulling out of deep concentration.

"As for the excursions - do we book them on board or are they prepaid and prearranged too?" he added, remembering their earlier discussion about leaving the Amazon too. He wanted to ask for a price as well, but held his tongue. She'd probably have an estimate for him only AFTER she'd consulted her buddies in South America so there really was no sense in voicing the question.

But it still all felt WEIRD... Being on the way to being rich was an odd feeling that gave Jake a slight stomach ache. He was odd. Very odd.

"Mid-July is perfect," Brittany agreed, looking at her calendar. Jade had wanted the tour in July as well, but she was going to a different part of the globe, of course. Well, July was a good time for a vacation no matter where you went. "How does the 10th through the 25th sound for you?", she asked, looking up quickly. "And the excursions, yhou can choose those at any point you like. You can select them all now or you can be spontaneous and make a decision once you arrive. This is a very, very flexible group of wizards, they really want to make your trip whatever you would like it to be. You'll see!" She burst into a big smile at that last statement.

"Brittany, how about telling me about the castles now?" J.J. Starr asked her. Joe Jon Montcenaggio saw Brittany was finished with Jake.

Jake smiled - again. This was all falling into place, EXACTLY as he'd hoped. "It sounds like a good plan indeed," he confirmed the dates and committed them to memory. He would have a few days to spend with Rachel too before she made a permanent camp at their the lake next to their apartment.

"All right then!" he stated, sitting up in his chair once more. "Now for the part that usually interests everyone - how big of a hole is this trip going to make in my bank account?" he asked, trying to make a joke out of something that he had never DREAMED he'd attempt to be funny with. Ever since he was 12 - yes, TWELVE - money had never been far from his mind.

Now look at him... It was ALMOST worth a trip to the Rider's to say "haha"... But of of course, there were more reasons why he SHOULDN'T and WOULDN'T EVER do such a thing that trees in the Amazonian rainforest.

"Sure, I'll be right there!", Brittany called out to J.J. She was almost finished with Jake.

Brittany consulted her notes. "Ummm, I think it will cost about 2500 galleons," she said. "I know it seems a bit high, but it's worth every penny of it." She waited, knowing that an amount like that could really floor some people and get them to rethink a trip of this sort. However, for some reason she didn't get that impression from Jake.

She waited to hear what he had to say, whether the price was agreeable or not.

" Ok, I am ready when you are ready" J.J. Starr told Brittany.

"I think I can start helping you now, J.J.," Brittany said. Jake still hadn't said anything more about whether the price was acceptable, she was hoping that he would give her an answer in a few minutes. In the meantime, she could get J.J. started with what he wanted. "Have you seen the book with the castles in it?", she asked. "Was there any particular part of the world you were interested in exploring?"

I liked the castles in Spain, England, Germany and Russia" J.J. Starr told Brittany." Their is a lot of history in those castles" joe Jon Montcenaggio said to Brittany.

"There is, isn't there?", Brittany smiled. "So, J.J., tell me first of all how much adventure you are interested in finding on this trip. That's very important for me to find out first off."

" I was hoping my wife Katalin and I could find the so-called open passageways or should I say hidden passages" J.J. Starr said to Brittany. " I have been wondering about what is behind those closed doors and Katalin loves challenges" Joe Jon Montcenaggio told Brittany.

"Hmmm, that sounds pretty intriguing," Brittany said, interest rising in her voice. "Which castle is this? I haven't heard much about it, but I'd be happy to check it out for you if you're that interested in going."

"Well all the castles I mentioned to you have those special doors" J.J. Starr told Brittany. "Could you set up a vacation for me with these castles?" Joe Jon Montcenaggio asked Brittany.

Brittany thought a moment. "Spain, England, Germany and Russia, and the two of you want to visit castles in all those countries? I think I can work something out, depending on how much time you have available for this trip. How long were you planning to spend in vacation time for this trip? Because the thing is, it's going to take a while to visit all four countries and you definitely want to make sure that you spend enough time in each."

"Any of those countries that are close together would be good to go to for the castles" J.J. Starr told Brittany. " I will leave it up to you" Joe Jon Montcenaggio said to Brittany.

"Well, you could do them all if you use apparation," Brittany suggested. "It would probably be easiest to start with the furthest away, which is Russia, then do Germany, Spain and back to England. Or you could reverse it, if that's what you prefer. There are lots of possibilities here."

" Thanks Brittany" J.J. Starr told her. " Let me know about Russia and Germany right now" Joe Jon Montcenaggio said to Brittany.

"Okay, sure," Brittany said. "First off, are you looking for a really exciting and unique vacation with tons of excitement, or would you like something a little slower paced and more relaxed? I do both, you know." Brittany was growing rather proud of her abilities to adjust to what people wanted.

"What would be exciting or what would be slow?" J.J. Starr asked Brittany. " I will base my vacation on those recommondations" Joe Jon Montcenaggio told Brittany.

"Well, for example, I have a tour of Transylvania which I recently sold to someone where you stay in the castle of a vampire and get to mingle with them and see a bit of what their life is like," Brittany explained. "I have other tours where you can see stuff like the Lochness Monster and that sort of thing. A slower paced tour wouldn't have that much excitement."

" I love the idea of the exciting tours of the castles" J.J. Starr told Brittany. " Lrt's start with Russia's castle" Joe Jon Montcenaggio said to Brittany.

"Okay, sounds good," Brittany said. "I know they have a castle back there which the Romanoffs lived in. The Romanoffs were the last czars of Russia, and there is a rumor that they were killed by this mad monk named Rasputin. This castle is haunted by the ghosts of the Romanoffs, but they don't usually talk. If you can find something out from them, you'd be doing more than anyone ever has so far!"

Sounds likea plan" J.J. Starr told Brittany. " I will have to talk to Katalin about this trip" " Joe Jon Montcenaggio said to Brittany.

"Yes, you should probably do that as soon as possible and then get back to me," Brittany agreed. "I have other exciting stuff for you guys to do in the other countries, too." She smiled. "A bit on the different side, you might say."

" Ok. I thought I would get back to you early but there is a problem now" J.J. Starr told Briony. " I just found out my wife Katalin is pregnant" Joe Jon Montcenaggio said to Briony. " Looks if we can have a vacation, it will have to be a slow one" he apologized to Brittany.

"Oh, I see," Brittany said with a smile. "Maybe you can do the more exciting tour later on, then. I think your wife's condition is a bit more important than the pace of the tour at this point. After your child is older, they might enjoy the tour, too." She thought a moment. "There are many lovely things to see in all the countries you mention. It would probably be best if you just stick to the more common sights, and see them at a rather leisurely pace. I would be happy to arrange that for you, too. I specialize in all kinds of tours, you know!"

"Good, we will take the leisurely tours of Germany and then Russia" J.J. Starr told Brittany. " Thanks for your help" Joe Jon Montcenaggio said to Brittany.

"I'm glad I could help you!", Brittany said with a smile. "I am sure the two of you will enjoy seeing Russia and Germany, and when you're ready for something more exciting, then just come back and see me again!"

" I will see you for more exciting trips down the road" J.J. Starr told Brittany. " Now we need to talk about the easy tours to Russia and Germany" Joe jon Montcenaggio said to Brittany.

"Would the two of you like muggle type tours, then? Perhaps a motor coach tour of both countries would work for you, that way you get to see all the well known sights each country has to offer without any risk, as the muggles like to take it fairly easy and don't get into anything too adventurous," Brittany suggested. "With your wife's condition, that's what I would recommend this time."

I'm SO sorry about the lateness of this post!!!
 

GULP.

2500 galleons? Geez, that amount wouldn't have even been able to be PROCESSED in Jake's brain ten years ago... He smiled slightly as he looked at his hands, thinking of the amount of money he COULD spend to the amount that it actually would cost.

He was now apparently quite the rich fellow. "It's fine - I would not accept any less for the trip that I'm planning," Jake finally said, slightly embarrassed by the length it had taken him to answer. "Do you email me the tickets and stuff? International flooing requires those, right?" he asked, slightly rough around the edges with that. With hardly any money, he had mostly used his broom for traveling, since floo power when you haven't got a knut to spare is expensive.

" I think a motor coachtour or tours in both contries will be just fine." J.J. Starr said to Brittany. " I will get back to you with details later" Joe Jon Montcenaggiotold Brittany.

Brittany smiled. "Hold on, Jake" she said suddenly. "I've just received word that the tour you are planning to book for you and your girlfriend has just gone on sale. It is now 1,000 galleons, not 2500. I guess it's your lucky day!" She almost laughed when Jake mentioned e-mail. "I can e-mail you the tickets, of course. That is more reliable than owling, though I will be sending you an owl with all the information as well. Just in case!" Being half muggle, Brittany was quite familiar with computers and how they worked. She was appreciative to the fact that Jake was savvy to the device, many witches and wizards were not.

"Sounds good," Brittany smiled at J.J. "I'm here most all the time. Come back and see me whenever you're ready!"

I will remember to come back when I get an answer from Katalin" J.J. Starr yold Brittany.

1,000? "That's cheap, is it not?" Jake said, smiling broadly. It might be cheap, but it settled better on his conscious than the 2,500 had. "Oh - well, I used to travel a lot," Jake began explaining, wondering how he had let the muggle in him slip. That almost NEVER happened to him. "And I always did stuff the muggle way; it is really more reliable than owls - emails don't get hungry," he laughed, remembering that one time when he had just started using owls...

Well, let's just say the letter didn't get to its destination in the condition Jake had intended it to. "All right - it sounds good," he confirmed, feeling the sealing of the deal finally coming upon them. And as for the money? He'll just have to get Lucy a gift to go with the ticket too...

"Okay. I'll be looking forward to speaking with you again soon," Brittany waved at J.J.

"Right, right, I've heard of that kind of thing happening before," Brittany said. "You're absolutely right, I think the muggle e-mails are far more reliable in the grand scheme of things. Even if there's a blackout, you will get the message eventually."

She rolled her eyes. "But that muggle postal system, the one they call snail mail. That one, I'm not too sure of. Anyway, I'm getting distracted." That was nothing new for Brittany, but she didn't say that, of course. "Thanks so much for booking the trip, and I hope you and your girlfriend have the time of your life." Brittany was secretly hoping that a marriage proposal would result from the trip, but she couldn't say that. "Let me know how you liked it when you return. I love hearing from my customers afterwards, and if there's anything that needs to be changed or added, then I can do that. I keep scrapbooks, too, so feel free to drop me a postcard or a note!"

Rafe had never seen this shop before. It had to have been knew since last year. He thought he'd give it a chance. If this was easier mean of travelling, but he was just tempted to use PFFs if that was necessary. Rafe had grown out his beard quite a bit, he definitely looked older than 12, more like 15 or 16 by now.

"Right..." Rafe said as he read the sign. He laughed a little at the vampire host in a Transylvanian castle. Oh, how nice it would be to go back to his roots. Rafe greeted the shopkeeper. "Salut! I'm interested in accomadations from Scotland to Germany then Greece to Romania for two." Rafe took in a deep breath, he would need a way of coming back, well at least for Kat, "And just a one way trip from Romania to England."

Jake nodded, glad to see some wizards opening up to muggle technologies. He wasn't saying they should ALL adopt muggle ways but a few things certainly would do the magical world some good. "It's ok - getting distracted; or rather, distracting people is a specialty of mine," Jake joked and grinned at Brittany. She was nice - he was lucky to have found a travel agent this kind.

"Of course! I'll make sure to take lots of pictures and send them to you - who knows? I might just become a regular client of yours!" he stood up, smiling at the thought of him being a regular ANYTHING when it came to travel. Being regular, he had gotten used to - but TRAVEL? That would definitely be a first.

"Well, I should get going - got things to plan," Jake held out his hand for her to shake with a grin. She had been an enormous help to him - really. And once he and Lucy returned, he'd make sure to visit and let Brittany know all about it.

"Oh! That sounds like a marvelous trip. Of course, I can get that arranged for you. But just one question first. How much adventure are you looking for in this trip? It's just something I need to find out from my customers first so I can customize the trip to make it something they will remember forever. Are you looking for the more ordinary type tour, or would you like something just a bit different?"

"Excellent! I'm sure the two of you are going to have a wonderful trip, Jake. Do let's keep in touch, and let me know if you should need anything else from me at any time," Brittany smiled. She enjoyed speaking with all her customers and working to customize their trips, and Jake had been extremely pleasant.

The department head walked into the shop with a mission in ind. She knew it was new, and firstly, she wanted to see what it was like and also had an idea in mind. She pushed the door open with her back, because she was pushing the stroller with newborn Skye in it. She had left Iain for awhile to come here. What she was looking for was not for him, but she also did not want him to know in case the others found out.

Once she was inside she took a minute to look around. It was a pleasant little shop, she really liked the feeling it gave her. She pushed the stroller up to the counter, but before asking for anyone, bent down and gave her baby a kiss on the forehead and checked to see that he was still asleep. "Hello," she said to the shopkeeper once she had stood up again, "I was wondering you would possibly be able to help me!"

Brittany turned and smiled at the pretty young woman with the young baby. She was thrilled to have even more visitors to her shop. "Of course," she said, smiling all the while. "I'd be delighted to help you." The baby was very young, she wondered if it was his first trip out to Diagon Alley. He was certainly cute, and looked a lot like his mother. How sweet!

"Well, I am looking to book two trips, neither of which are for me. I recently won a lottery when I went to visit my parents and most of it went into a house fund, but I wish to do something for my division heads, and so I want to send them both on trips," she told the woman. "Are your trips normally for one or two people?" Lili asked.

Viggo, the Swedish 17 year old, stood by the counter, rearranging the many scrapbooks that Miss Brittany had. He was most excited to be here, and nervous also, so he had to occupy himself with something untill a costumer needed his assistance. But he did watch Miss Brittany's business workmanship with interest as she talked to people, hoping to learn from that.

Brittany smiled. "That's really nice of you!", she said. "Everyone should be lucky enough to have a boss like you. And the trips can be for one person or as many people as you like. They can be custom designed to suit any purpose you like."

Brittany noticed her new assistant had arrived. The store was picking up in business, and she needed to have someone helping. Viggo was exactly what she was looking for. "Viggo, would you like to come assist me," she invited. It was the best and fastest way to learn!

Should the Chupacabra be listed as an animal or- his head jerked up at the sound of someone calling his name. A big smile appeared as he noticed it was infact Miss Brittany. Assistance! "Yes, ofcorrrse Miss Brittany!" he said and walked over, before he reached out his hand to shake the customer's own hand. "Hello, Miss, verry nice to meet you!" Viggo looked at the customer and the shopkeeper with his big, green round eyes full of excitement.

"Well, I am not sure exactly what to get them. But perhaps both being trips for two?" She asked. "Is it also possible for them to not be to scary, but just to be memorable in some way. I'd like to send one of them to Australia somewhere and the other to Egypt, is there any trips in that area?" she asked the shopkeeper.

As she had been talking, Skye had started to wake up. He was still only a couple days old, and she did not like leaving him in the stroller. "Excuse me," she said just as the young man said hello to her. She bent down and carefully lifted Skye out of his stroller. She grabbed his blanket from the stroller and wrapped him loosely in it. She cradled him in her arms swaying slightly back and forth. Once she was content she turned to the young man. "Hi, it's very nice to meet you as well. Do you work here as well?" She asked.

"I'm actually, with a friend, going in search of our parents," Rafe said awkwardly. "There will be a lot of searching more than anything. So, something simple, to get us from point A to point B. We're really to travel by any means, muggle planes, trains, broom, etc. We need to leave immediately as well." Rafe hoped she sensed his urgency.

Viggo had arrived just in time to hear the customer's wants and needs. Without thinking first, he blurted out, "Oh, yes ofcourse, madame." he nodded at her queries, "We can plan the trips however you like, and they can be as un-scary as you want." The 17year old wasn't even sure it was a word, but it made sense to him. "Oooh, Australia and Egypt," Viggo nodded, "Are you looking for your colleagues to relax or have a more adventurous experience?" He asked, and then slightly blushed as he glanced at Miss Brittany, hoping she wasn't offended for letting his excitement get in the way.

Viggo watched the woman take her son into her arms and smiled. It was so cute! "Yes miss, I just started." he said proudly with a trickle of his swedish accent coming through. "Hi there," he said to the baby, loosing his focus for a moment.

Brittany could see that Viggo was going to work out perfectly. Excellent! "All right then, we can take care of all of you right now. I just need to know how much of an element of surprise and adventure you all are seeking on these trips. We specialize in the more exotic and venturesome tours, as most of you know, but we can certainly structure them to meet all your expectations and dreams. Your wish is our command!

Viggo had almost begun making weird baby noises at Miss Hunter's baby, when he noticed more customers entering the shop! A family! Well, he'd better go and take care of said customers... Miss Hunter, he presumed, had much to think about regarding all the many possibilites she could choose from. But he would be nearby to help her when she decided on something.

With a bright smile, Viggo scaddaddled over to the big family. "Good dag- I mean Good Day to you all!" English, not Swedish, Viggo! he inclined his head a little towards them. "Welcome to TerrorTours Travel Agency, what can I help you with today?"

Good dag? Wasn't that a word in Scandinavian? Was he Scandinavian? Yay! Then maybe he'd send them to Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi! He looked at his father who was looking at him too. He understood that he was the one to make the conversation. He had been wanting this for a long time, after all. But first he had to check something. "If you don't mind me asking, are you from Scandinavia? Which country?" he asked with a big smile. He was very proud of himself to understand the language a bit. Then he got to business. "Well... do you have tours to any part of the world, or do you have some specific countries?"

Viggo was wondering where this family was off to. Probably a big adventure in the Amazon, or a relaxin trip to the alps, perhaps? After smiling at every family member in turn, he focused on the boy who didn't seem much younger than he was. the 17 year old's face lit up at the mention of Scandinavia. "Why yes," he said "I am from Sweden." he nodded. "Have you been there? We have some wonderful trips to any Scandinavian country, or if you prefer somewhere warmer? We can arrange a holiday for the whole family to anywhere you would like!" he clasped his hands feeling quite happy. Even though he wasn't the one who was going to travel. "Is it adventure or relaxation that you are seeking?" Better narrow things down.

Sweden? Even better for Ice Hotel. Maybe he had been there before, so he would recommend what to do. He smiled back. "No, but I've taken some Danish classes." It was basic Danish, but he could survive with it. "I was actually thinking about Mongolia, but now that you've mentioned Scandinavia, Sweden, Jukkasjarvi..." Would they clone them? He turned expectantly to his mom. "Can we go to Ice Hotel too in Christmas Holidays? Please? Please?" He was a little disappointed to hear her mom's sigh. He knew the prices, but it was worth it. He was sure of it. Then his father nodded, and he did his best not to shout in joy. He beamed happily and turned back to the boy who looked a bit young to work to see what he could offer.

He was impressed with the boy, he seemed very smart. "Oh that is wonderful. Studying new things is important!" he smiled big and then took a more serious expression. They were definitely getting down to business now. "Oh, Mongolia sounds wonderful!" yeah the seriousness vanished. "We have a variety of tours, you can go and see a Kappa!" Ohmygoodness it was exciting. "Or maybe you prefer a more relaxed visit in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, where there's entertainment and shopping." At this he looked at the mother and nodded as if she in particular would be most interested in this. "A trip to Jukkasjärvi would be most recommended. The wonderful landscapes of Kiruna is something to behold. You see, that place is the home of the Samer...the indigenous people in Scandinavia. It has alot of history that I'm sure you all would appreciate." He nodded sincerely at this. History, to him, was just as important as living in the present. "Not to mention that the Ice Hotel is an exciting place to live in!"

See a Kappa? Evan would go all the way to the Asia and he would see an animal? No thanks. Not to mention Kappas were bad. "I've read a book about Genghis Khan, and the area around River Orhon drew my interest. It wrote that the people still lived in the traditional way." Yes, he was more interested in Muggles than wizard society there.

Wow, the guy knew how to sell a trip! History was just what his parents looked for. Evan grinned when his mother smiled. "I think we can afford two trips, no?" his mother asked to his father. Mr. Cartwright nodded with a smile, and made his son the happiest person on the world.

"Ah, I see..." narrowing his eyes, he looked at the boy, tapping a finger on his nose. Without further ado, he ran-hopped back to the counter and rummaged there for a bit. An exclamation was heard before Viggo came hurrying back. "Miss Brittany," he motioned at his boss, "Has some very friendly...friends that just so happen to live in Yurts. Would you be interested in living there for the duration of your travel? You will have a wonderful time, in the middle of the Mongolian culture, right next to the Orkhon Valley where you can visit the many ruins of history. Not to mention the beautiful river and waterfal. Our wizard friends would be most happy to have you there!"

As he watched the family with excitement, he smiled when the mother and father did also. "Two trips!" Viggo reached out his hand for the boy to high-five. "You all are in for an experience of a lifetime." Oh yeah they were!