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Post by gwen on Jan 7, 2007 3:46:24 GMT -5
Gwen, throwing on a cloak over her skirt and top, turned the sign on The Three Broomsticks to closed. It was time for a break. She'd been serving people since early this morning and finally, everyone had cleared out.
It was early afternoon, and taking the moment, she went out to look around town. ~It's changed so much since I last left. But, yet, it's the same too.~
Walking by Honeydukes, she paused. ~This used to be my favorite place to shop. I should stop in to see the shop now.~ She walked forward and pushed open the door, the bell on it jingling, announcing her presence. The warm air was heaven. She hadn't realized just how cold it had been outside. Her cheeks held a slightly rosy coloring from the wind, and her hair had been blown out of its bun. She shook her head as she took the holder out, freeing her blonde locks and allowing them to settle, just skimming her shoulders.
Smiling, she walked along the candy, remembering her school years, and the many, many occasions she had come in. ~It really hasn't changed much...though, I wonder who is running it now.~
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Post by eric on Jan 11, 2007 12:43:42 GMT -5
Eric was busily arranging jars of newly made Canary Creams on the shelves behind the counter. He was whistling loudly, the tune of the newly hit song by the Weird Sister.
After satisfied that the jars were placed neatly on the oak-made shelves he turned to get a full view of the shop - his shop to be precise. Since father had passed away-killed by those nasty evil Death Eaters, he was left to managed the store on his own. He smiled to himself, both arms on his hips. Normal as always. Students coming in, chatting and talking loudly. The sounds of galleons, sickles and knuts clattering in the air.
He looked around, scanning his shop, his right hand was rummaging his dark brown hair. All of them he knew. Some, of course, must be third years, swarming in the shop to get the first-hand view themselves. His eyes scanned the room and caught a glimpse of a young lady, just coming in. He stared at her for sometime.
I never seen her before. She must be new here. I wonder why she's in Hogsmeade for?
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Post by gwen on Jan 11, 2007 18:49:50 GMT -5
Gwen had paused at a display for the various non-magical sweets. ~I can remember spending every dime I had on these. Oh, to be in school again, without the responsibility...wouldn't that be nice!~
She turned from the display and looked around the store. She giggled as she watched one young girl, ~Third year, I'd assume...she looks to be about one of the youngest~ laughing and not paying any attention what-so-ever to the things around her, knock off one of the Squeaking Sugar Mice and jump, startled. ~It's just like it always was. Doesn't look like it's changed a bit.~
Continuing on her survey of the store, she caught sight of someone watching her. She shivered, despite it being warm in the shop. ~I hate it when people watch at me. It makes me so self-concious. What is he looking at? I'll just have to see for myself.~
Gwen began to make her way over to the man, weaving delicately through the throngs of people. Smiling as she reached him, she decided to introduce herself. "Hello! I'm Gwen Greyson. I own The Three Broomsticks down the road. There was a little lull in business, and I decided to pop down here. I saw you looking in my direction and, well, who are you?"
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Post by eric on Jan 12, 2007 12:49:22 GMT -5
Eric Nedster guessed he was staring at the lady too long, for she suddenly realised that someone was watching her. She knew it was him not too long after, and came walking towards him with a smile, introduced herself and enquire him to do so.
Ahh! She's new! No wonder I never seen her before. Eric returned her smile. "Ah, well, I do realise that I owe you an apology for being quite rude staring at you. I have never seen you before and no wonder...you are new here! The Three Broomsticks you say? Well...that's a fine place to work in...better than the Hog's Head if you asked me! I'm Eric Nedster by the way. I'm quite new here to, but longer than you I supposed. I've been working here for the past month. You see, this used to be my father's shop. He died after being killed by You-Know-Who's follower." As Eric said that, his espression changed from cheerful to a little sad. But then again, who wouldn't when speaking about one's loss.
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Post by gwen on Jan 12, 2007 21:35:39 GMT -5
Gwen laughed. "I actually didn't realize you were staring at me. I thought you were just looking in my direction...I really don't mind." She smiled. "I just arrived two nights ago. The Three Broomsticks was owned by a very close family friend. I actually worked there when I was younger. When she retired, she asked me to look after it...so that's what I'm doing now. It's not exactly my favorite job in the world, but it's natural to me since I've been doing it for so long. I traveled right after school ended and so I've not really had a steady job. Working there seemed like the best option."
Gwen gasped slightly as Eric mentioned his father being killed by a follower of You-Know-Who. Her eyes watered a bit. ~Such horrid things are happening. I can't imagine that happening to my family...I don't know if I could get through it.~ Gwen didn't know what to say, but she knew it'd be rude not to say anything...
"That must be really hard. Working here still...I think I'd have a hard time working in a place that my parents owned if they'd just died...I'd want to get as far away as possible. The shop looks the same as it did before I left. I'm sure your father would be proud..." Gwen trailed off...not knowing what to say or do...she had never been good with this whole "comforting" thing...though, not necessarily horrid, just not amazing.
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Post by eric on Jan 19, 2007 6:27:08 GMT -5
"Nice of you to work here. Hogsmeade not at all sary or bad. Sure there are posters of the Death Eaters outside plastered all over the walls and doors! At least they don't have those wretched Dementors roaming outside. Yours and my business will go down the drain if they're here."
Eric sighed.
"Don't be sad about my past. I'm a little sad by it but when it comes to think that Harry Potter and his friends are out there somewhere trying to save us all, I'm happy. There's hope somewhere in this world and I would like to see it someday. I hope he succeeds, even though I never heard from him now."
Eric was cheered a little now.
"So, want to buy anything, miss? I'll give a a discount for the treats you buy!" said Eric winking an eye.
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Post by gwen on Jan 20, 2007 21:08:46 GMT -5
Gwen grimaced. "They certainly shall, shan't they? And, no. I must agree. It's not scary or bad at all. I just got back from traveling...and, trust me, I've seen places that are definitely scary. Hogsmede is nothing like them. It seems almost...almost peaceful here..." She trailed off, thinking of the places she'd been...and how horrid Hogsmede could be...and wasn't. She really was lucky to be here.
"I suppose there is a bright side to everything, isn't there? And I don't think so much about Harry Potter, but about all the people in the world who are really good people. If you look close enough, I do believe you could find good in everyone. Even You-Know-Who. Somewhere. I'm sure of it."
Gwen felt herself blush a bit as Eric told her he'd give her a discount. ~Oh shut up Gwen. It's not like he's flirting with you. He's simply being nice...come on! What are you thinking?~ Forcing herself to make eye-contact and desperately trying to make her cheeks return back to their normal coloring. "I'd like to buy some Cream Cakes and Lemon Drops. But I absolutely can't allow you to give me a discount. It simply wouldn't be very...businesslike would it?"
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Post by eric on Jan 23, 2007 8:08:14 GMT -5
"Yeah sure its very peaceful.....at times. Only last month, a dementor came my store. It sucked all the happiness from this place. Imagine all the students having fun, laughing and chatting happily, their world to themselves, but the next thing you knew, they were all quiet, face down, scared to look at it. I assume those creatures will be back here sometime this month," said Eric.
He shuffled his legs noiselessly on the cold floor. "Ahh, its okay. We are friends now. I always give my mates discounts. Its the least I can do for staring at you just now," continued Eric.
"So you like to travel, eh? Must be really nice to see all those new places. Say...where do you go? I really like those exotic places...you know...different from Europe." As Eric said that, he turned slowly to the rows of shelves behind him and reached out for a box of Cream Cakes and a jar of Lemon Drops.
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Post by gwen on Jan 23, 2007 18:08:20 GMT -5
Gwen groaned. "They come every month? That's awful...it can't really be that bad, can it?" She paused, shaking her head. "Things are really declining rather quickly around here...I remember the days when the school would just let us come down here and not think a thing about it...Now...Things are escalating so quickly..."
"I suppose..." Gwen said, grinning. "But if I allow you to give me a discount here, you have to let me give you a discount if you ever come to The Three Broomsticks. I insist."
Her eyes glazed over wistfully as Eric mentioned traveling. "I mostly stayed in Europe. I started out here, in England, and then traveled through France and down to Italy. I spent probably four months total in Italy, spread out...but still." She laughed. "It's probably one of my favorite places now. Exotic places...hmm...I did take a little detour to Egypt...but that was only for about a week. I think that's about as exotic as my travels got. I didn't want to be too daring. I was alone after all...and while a man seems to get along fine in exotic places, a young woman alone? Probably not the best idea. Especially now. And it is nice to travel...some times more than others...but nice all the same..." She sighed. "I'm sorry to bore you with my stories...I can get quite carried away."
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