A Happy Afternoon (open)

[Katherine Knightswood]

Katherine had taken the first opportunity after Christmas Break to go shopping that had presented itself, and had made her way to her favorite store in the entire Wizarding world, Flourish and Blotts. It was a cold Saturday in mid-February, and she was bundled up warmly in her own hand-knit creations. Her blue eyes peaked out at the world over her chunky Ravenclaw colors muffler and from underneath a black, bronze and blue striped cloche. She had on a turtleneck and a thick jumper in her favorite shade of green, over pants and boots. Katherine shrugged her book satchel up onto one shoulder under her winter cloak’s warm black wool.

Flourish and Blotts' warmth enveloped her, and Katherine shucked off her hat and scarf and cloak, shrinking them with a Reducio and putting them in her bag. Hmmm, she thought. Where to start? There were texts on sword fighting and languages and spells and defense and all sorts of things Katherine wanted to look through. Her school books were fascinating, but Katherine wanted more to read. She’d already raided the Library at Hogwarts several times, but now she was going to spend her Christmas money on some books. Her Nana had been generous, encouraging her studious and bookish granddaughter’s thirst for knowledge.

Katherine started off in the languages section, buying several books on Latin and Greek. She had a basic grasp of Latin, but wanted to study it some more. Katherine nodded over the Greek books. If she was going to study Healing, she’d need that tongue as well. She sighed. Another thing to learn. But she was determined to expand her mind and her options. She then drifted over to the history section, and grabbed a few books on the Last War, the one against Voldemort. She practically crowed with delight when she found a book written by one of the Healers of the time, giving all kinds of information on the injuries seen during the War. It would give Katherine lots of ideas on how to plan for her combat medic job she wanted in the future.

Katherine rewarded her diligence with a trip to the crafting section of the store. She found a book on enchanting various craft tools, and a book on knitting various Wizarding accessories from a wand holder to a felted book satchel. Katherine grinned at the charms in the former book, realizing she might finally be able to stop losing darning needles and tape measures in the cushions at last! She added the two books to the ever-growing pile, and went on to the Defense section.

[Bridget O'Neill]

Bridget O’Neill, newly hired Professor of Divination, was out shopping for those last minute things she hadn’t thought to bring from the States. She’d bought several things in the various shops along Diagon Alley, having most of her newly acquired things sent up to her quarters at the school. She’d even rewarded herself with a pile of dark chocolate ice cream with cherry sauce after lunch, a rare treat. Then her stomach full of goodness, she wandered down the avenue looking into shop windows at various intervals. What else could she use? Oh, of course! Her books were still in transit from her home in Baltimore, and would take another few days to get here.

Decision made, she walked into Flourish and Blott’s, smiling at the salesclerk as she headed for the crafting section. She hadn’t had time to even look at her embroidery, much less do anything, and maybe a new pattern would inspire her. As she began picking through the titles that interested her, a young woman in a student’s cloak wandered past, a heap of books in her arms. Bridget hid a smile at the dozen or so books the young woman had collected. Ah, a fellow bookworm! Bridget watched her and thought for a moment. This youngster was probably a member of the Ravenclaw House at the school, most of whom were very studious and bookish. There was a possibility that Bridget might end up heading that House. Maybe she should try to start meeting the students?

Bridget watched the young woman go to the Defense section, eyebrows rising as the youngster picked a rather serious tome that Bridget had used for her Bachelor’s program off the shelf. Good grief, that’s one serious reader! I’d better steer her to something that’s more introductory! she thought, astonished. Bridget put her embroidery book down and walked over the dark-haired young lady. “Excuse me, miss, I don’t mean to pry. But if you want something more practical and less theoretical, you might want to look at Everyday Defensive Spells for Home and Hearth by Hestia DiFesa. Juan Teorico’s Treatise on Defensive & Offensive Magic is good, I suppose.” Bridget grinned at the young lady. “That is, if you like your reading drier than a desert!”

[Katherine Knightswood]

Katherine turned at the voice behind her. “Oh, that’s all right. Can you give me more suggestions for good texts to look at?” She eyed the older witch with curiosity, as the lady seemed familiar. She let the question go for the moment, and looked at the DiFesa book the older witch suggested. “Hmmm, this does seem more transparent, although it certainly is still hard enough to be a challenge.” She smiled up at the taller woman. “Thank you so much.”

Katherine held out her right hand, managing to balance her stack of books with the other arm. “Katherine Marie Knightswood, first year Ravenclaw,” she said with a bit of self-mockery. “Youngest in the House and persistent pain in the bum, at your service.” Her blue eyes were merry, and she brushed raven-black hair out of her face. She looked around at the Defence section, suddenly aware of just how many books were in that section alone. She’d be here forever going through them.

“If you don’t mind, can I borrow your expertise? I haven’t had the chance to bother Professor Archer yet, and I’m dying to get started on studying whatever I can find.” Katherine held her breath, waiting for an answer. She hoped she hadn’t been too overwhelming with her babble. But this was a golden opportunity to talk to someone who knew about Defence and could actually recommend books. She shifted the pile of books back to both arms and awaited an answer.