Lexi chuckled and watched him closely for a moment after she removed her head from his shoulder. 'even I won't cross' didn't make her feel well in the pit of her stomach. It made her wonder what exactly he had been doing in his time away.

"Yeah, I know it won't be terrible forever, but sometimes it isn't about that. Sometimes, well most of the time, I want to see the world... experience new things. Who wants to be stuck here forever?" she said a bit sullenly as she watched him slide off of the shelf and start thumbing through books.

"I guess it's just me," Jake mumbled, pulling out a book on Astronomy and turning to face Lexi, but inspecting the book. When he opened it there was an amazing diagram of the night sky but closer up. He watched the picture pan around as he spoke. "I guess... I can leave but I always have to come back. I always have to come back to my mum, you know? I think that after having only myself, I need her. I can't just leave everything now."
There was another thought in his mind. "And, one day I could come back... and they'll be back together."

Jake turned away quite abruptly and stuffed the book back into its place on the shelf. "But that's quite enough of that," he said briskly, his faint London accent disappearing and his words just very well spoken. Quite enough of the past.

Robert needed the text books, so he entered the store and looking for the first year book.

Sam didn't care what kind of bookstore it was: First-, second-, or third-hand, educational, non-educational, it was all great to him. He loved to explore the shelves. You never knew what you would find hiding. He'd found some awesome old books before, and he was hoping to continue his streak of good luck today. He strolled down the aisle, engrossed in the titles passing before his eyes. Unfortunately, his lack of attention to where he was going led him to run right into a person Sam presumed was a first year. "Oh, so sorry. I should watch where I'm going more..." he trailed off with a sheepish smile. "You alright?"

Lex watched him closely and gave a small sigh. "Jakers, there is nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all. I wish I could make my parents be... normal. I wish I could make all of this crap go away and be a happy little girl. Sad truth is it won't happen, but it doesn't mean you are wrong for wishing it so," she said in a small voice. Clearing her throat a couple of times she moved toward him.

"Hey... just chill. Maybe I won't leave. Maybe I will stay here and go to work for the Ministry or something. Who knows? All I am sure of is that I have a few more years to get through at Hogwarts before I make any decisions either way," she commented with a chuckle. "Speaking of Hogwarts... you need to get your books and supplies or you just in here lurking around?"

"No... no, you should... should do what you want to do. I'm just forcing my opinions," Jake shrugged and turned back to Lexi. "I apologise."

Right... Hogwarts. Yeah.

"My brother gave me my books for free, so I'm covered," Jake nodded. "Just lurking. Looking for something to read. What about you?"

Oh man, she had money, right? She was on her own after all... she could afford books and stuff... right?

"Oh yeah, I'm alright.". Actually, Rob can't reached the shelves of The Standard Book of Spells. So he asked an older guy beside him to take the book. "Um, excuse me. Do you mind to take the standard book of spells for grade one for me? I can't reach it."

Lexi watched him and gave him a shrug in return. His attitude about her leaving didn't make her feel the need to stay. That came naturally. She was indecisive as always when it came to her future. Train to be an Auror, don't train, have kids, don't have kids... and on and on. It was a never ending battle.

"A bit of both for me, actually. I have nothing that I haven't already read and tossed aside. And I figured I would be frugal this term and buy my books used. Seems a terrible idea to buy them new when I can get them here," she said as she picked up a book on Potions from the shelf.

"I see," Jake nodded, leaning back against the shelf. "I go on binge book buying things sometimes," he explained. "I have so many books, and of course could never read them. It's still difficult now."

He sighed, but not in a sad way, and looked at all the books. "I just get them for free now. But... I still binge book buy."

... that was a mouthful.

Lexi smiled and nodded at him. Wow... they were making random coversation now and it just seemed... wrong.

Sighing slightly she stuck the books back on the shelves and turned to face him. "Hey, you know that no matter what I am here if you need me, right. I don't care what is going on in my life. I am always here for you, Jakers," she said with a small nod. Closing the distance between them she slipped her arms around him once more and huuuuuuugged him tightly. "I think I am going to go and get some food. I haven't eaten all day. YOu are welcome to join me if you would like," she said as she rested her chin on his chest and looked up at him.

Jake was really grateful for Lexi sometimes. Well... a lot of time, actually. He hugged her back tight, but not like vice-like. No. He was thankful for that.

"Thanks," he mumbled and offered a little smile. "I'd love to, Lexi."

He was starved, come to think of it. A growing boy and all that.

Sophie Snape (enters the books shop, hoping for some good bargains.) " I need everything for second year..." she mumbles, looking around. (Sophie talks a lot to herself):simm:

Margery Gallantara walked into the third hand book store, a little nevrvous of what others would think of her. She came from a muggle family so she did not have a lot of money. She glanced at the list of books she would need for her first year at hogwarts, Hogwarts: A History by Chroniculus Punnet
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Tremble
How Not To Blow Off Your Fingers On The First Day by Julius Gummidge
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp
Goshawk's Guide to Herbology by Miranda Goshawk
The Standard Book of Spells Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk
Hilary Stargazer's Guide to the Galaxy by Hilary Stargazer, and headed for the education section, hoping somebody would assist her in her shopping.

Jaina walked into the bookstore adn marveled at all of the books! There were just so many, but alas, she would settle on getting only what she needed. She wandered around the store looking for books for the first years. "Ooo, what's this book?" she mumbled to herself. She began to pull and tug at the book, her red curls bouncing everywhere. It would just not come off the shelf. Hmmm, she thought, maybe one more tug. She gave it a good effort, only to have half the books on the shelf come down on top of her. "Um, sorry about that." she said so embarrassed that not only her cheeks turned pink, but her hair did too! She immediately begins to pick up the books and place them back on the shelf. She gives her head a shake and her hair turns back to it's natural red. She then proceeds over to the shelf containing the first years books. She looks down at her list of books and starts to mumble "Let's see, I need:

Hogwarts: A History by Chroniculus Punnet
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Tremble
How Not To Blow Off Your Fingers On The First Day by Julius Gummidge
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp
Goshawk's Guide to Herbology by Miranda Goshawk
The Standard Book of Spells Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk
Hilary Stargazer's Guide to the Galaxy by Hilary Stargazer

Yep, that's all of them!" She stacks her pile of books and begins to walk towards the counter, only to trip on the carpet. "Dang it! Don't turn, don't turn, don't turn," she begins to recite to keep her hair from going as pink as her cheeks again. Her mum and dad had told her that it was not normal for muggles to have hair that changed color, so it was probably true in the wizarding world, too. She picked her books up once again, and placed them on the counter hoping that no one saw or heard her. "So, how much for the books??"

Kurumi browsed the book shelves, pulling out various books that captured her attention. The Boy Who Cried Hippogriff: an in depth study of Hippogriffs being among them. She already had a stack of various magical creature’s sitting on the floor next to her, but another dozen or so couldn’t hurt.

Deciding to crack the bindings on a book titled Kneazles and their Subjects, Kurumi sat down crossed-legged on the floor and began reading.

Connor walked through the stacks he already had his school books, having ordered them a while back. He was interested in a study of Basilisks and Dark Creatures, he was walking through the stacks and he saw a very pretty girl sitting on the floor. He knelt beside her. "Excuse me miss, could you help me find some books on Basilisks? I'm rather lost in here."

Kurumi brushed her bangs to the side to look at whoeever it was that had made their appearance next to her. At first, she thought that it was Adam who had come to find her in the bookshop like he always did. However, the sting in her heart reminded her that he wouldn't be coming to see her for a long time, if ever.

She looked down for a moment, hiding her violet eyes, before looking up at the boy who looked a little older than her. "Oh...um...." Kurumi blushed looking around at the stacks. "I-I-I actually have one right here," she said fumbling with the pile of books next to her until she found a green leather book with gold text on the cover that said If Looks Could Kill.

She handed him the book and realized how rude she was for doing so sitting down. Jumping to her feet, she bowed several times. "S-S-Sorry," she said as she paused long enough to get the words out. "H-Here is the book."

Connor smiled. "Thank you miss. If you need it, I could just write down the title and try to dind another copy." She said reaching over to stop the bowing machine. "There is no need for all that miss. My adoptive mother is a lot like that too, but you don't have to bow to me. I'm nobody special." He grinned, gesturing to the stack of books. "It seems we have a common interest in magical creatures." He took a seat beside her, seeing a book on acromantulas behind him he grabbed it too. "My name is Connor Malfoy." He introduced himself.

"It's alright," she smiled pushing the book towards him again. "I've already read it several times." Well, ten to be specific, but who was counting really?

She had to resist the urge to bow in apology for bowing too much. She felt like she was back to being an awkward first year than the third year she had recently become. Could she crawl under her pile of books and hide now? Please?

"Sorry..." UG! There she was again with the sorry. She was glad that this summer she would be spending more time with her father than her overbearing mothing. "My mother is very traditional. Well, traditional for Japan anyway."

Kurumi sat down next to him and smiled. "You like magical creatures too?!" Well, it wasn't like there were no other witches or wizards who liked them. Kurumi was just rather obsessive in regards to studying them. "I'm Kurumi, Kurumi Hollingberry," she said with a shy bow of her head. Her raven hair, tied in a side pony tail, cascaded over her left shoulder.

Connor smiled. "Thank you Kurumi" He said, lifting gently one of her ink-stained hands to his lips and kissing it softly before lowering it down. "It is a supreme pleasure to meet you." He smiled his soft sexy smile at her. When she apologized again he had the urge to place a finger over her lips but would not.

He flipped through her books, "Hey I have a spare copy of "Through the Eyes of the Dragon" I could give it to you instead of you having to buy it." He offered graciously. "Yes I like magical creatures. I live not too far from a very large one actually. That reminds me I need a book on water creatures so I will know how to feed Nessie."

Kurumi felt like someone had put a hot iron to her hand and she pulled it away suddenly after his lips had left. She didn't mean it offensively, not understanding these sorts of actions, but it had surprised her. No one had kissed her hand that way before, unless you were counting her brothers doing so whenever they played dragon slayer in the backyard and forced her to be the princess.

Kurumi looked down at her book and found her focus in the pages and reading about the different levels of a hippogriff’s cry. High pitch for excitement unless attached to a low snort at the beginning and end. Looking up through her bangs, Kurumi’s violet eyes examined Connor with a hint of confusion. Still, his smile make her cheeks flush and she could have sword she saw the tips of her hair beginning to turn a different shade from ebony.

“Oh really?!” she chirped a little loud for being inside as the clapped her hands together in front of her face. “I would really appreciate that. I find dragons to be fascinating creatures. I have grown rather interesting in reading about the Antipodean Opaleyepodean bread. They are native to New Zealand and are said to be the most beautiful of all dragons. What makes them unique is that they reside in valleys, which is unusual as dragons typically reside on mountains you know. Still, I find all dragons to be beautiful, even Norwegian Ridgebacks. They are terrible misunderstood if you ask me.”

Kurumi looked up at him nervously and covered her mouth with her hands. “S-S-Sorry, I do tend to get carried away...” Understatement of the year.

Connor smiled, he was not at all offended by her moving her hand away. He understood that perhaps she was not used to such attentions from a gentleman. He noticed her blush but didn't say a thing about it. He was sure a more worldly, sophistocated cad would be ruffling his own hair and teasing her about blusshing, but Connor just wasn't that way.

"Hippogriffs are interesting creatures. Have you ever really seen one?" he asked curiously. He had a scar on his upper left bicep from accidentally insulting a Hippogriff. He rubbed his scar through his shirt. That Hippogriff had been one right nasty piece of work. Nodding at her comments, he replied "Interestin' Creeters Dragons are. Turrible Misunderstood." He agreed "Don't worry my dear, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. And consider the book yours. I will owl it to you." He replied, not knowing they were going to be having dinner together tonight.

"I've only read about them," Kurumi replied shaking her head. "Although, Professor Saylen keeps Abraxan in the stables by her cottage. I would go down and visit them often." For some reason she was attracted most to animals that could fly. But that was probably because she was a terribly flyer herself. Professor Vindictus really shouldn't allow her into his classes anymore. She had fallen into the giant cupcake he had conjured along with other mild disasters.

Kurumi turned the book she had been reading over in her hands and hugged it to her chest. "Um...owling might not be the best means," she said shyly. "I won't be in the same place for too long this summer. I will be staying with friends, flying back to Japan, and spending time with my father here in Diagon Alley."

Oops...she sure hoped he didn't think flying meant flying on a broom. She had already failed three times at explaining airplanes to people.

Then Kurumi backed up her mind again. Connor had mentioned that he needed a book on water creatures for his pet. "C-Connor?" she said slowly unsure if she was saying his name correctly. "What sort of pet do you have? A Plimpy?" That was the only magical creature she could think of that could possibly be a pet.

Erik walked down Diagon Alley as he was on his way to the Ministry. It would be his first day of work. He was always punctual, but today, he was exceptionally early, a sign of nervousness and anxiety. Last night, he had a hard time sleeping, tossing and turning resulting to five hours of sleep. But no matter, because Erik looked okay. There were suppose to be dark circles around his eyes, but he wasn't tired at all. He was used to this kind of lack-of-sleep since he studied and worked in Romania.

He laughed as he passed by the Third Hand Book Emporium, seeing children buying their books for next term. He recalled the days he spent there with his granny or friends. Erik's family wasn't the wealthy or poor type, but to help save money, he insisted on buying used books instead of new ones.

Almost finishing his butterbeer from Three Broomsticks, he cast one last look at the shop and slowly made his way to his office.

OOC: You may stop him...

"My favorite is Thestrals." Connor sighed. He had to push the thoughts floating in his head away. All the trouble in his family was doing his head in. Add that to the fact that he really did not want to run into his littlest sister and he had a really good reasin for needing the headache remedy that He needed to go by the apothecary to get. He stacked the books about the Basilisk and the Acromantula together in a neat pile when near him he spotted a copy of "Magical Water Plants in the Highland Lochs." Now this might do him some good, both with herbology and with feeding dear Nessie.

"Japan huh! I do hope you're not taking a broom that far dear. Please tell me you will be going in a flying car or one of those muggle flying things, Air buses...no that's not the word...Airplanes." He smiled, after getting it right. "Flying on a broom that far is just not safe." He said vehemently, shaking his head. Connor thought fondly of his flying motorbike and hated that he was going to have to park it in the garage for so long.

He was pulled out of his reviere by her soft voice calling his name. He smiled, enjoying the sound of it and hoping he heard it again. "Yes Kurumi?" He almost added Dear or Love behind that, as was his nature, but he didn't want to scare her off or have her think he was being anything less than a gentleman. He listened to her question and smiled. He was quite sure she would be interested in Nessie. "Well, I am not sure what the magical term is for her, I need to look it up. But the muggles in the villiage near where I love call her for lack of a better term, a Water Horse."