So one would think by age forty, one would learn how improper it was to stare. But apparently, Dominic Denton was thick and completely missed that life lesson. It wasn't until he heard his name that he realized he'd even been doing it, to which he immediately sought sight of his son for a brief second, who'd taken to reading one the books on the lower shelves. Was that really his child?

A step closer to the woman, he studied her again, almost certain it was the librarian from his youth. Especially when she called out on his name. "Kohan?" Merlin, she aged; but then again, she could probably say the same about him as he was definitely no mere boy of seventeen any longer.

So it was Dominic, the boy who threw books. Apparently the detention had served its purpose, for it only had happened once, thank Merlin. Though, she had to admit that she had felt a twinge of regret at having to assign him one. He had been a good youth, otherwise.

Kohan? Well, that certainly made her feel old. "Dominic....call me Angela, please. Goodness knows we're far removed from student and staff." He had certainly grown into a handsome young man, and apparently had a child of his own now. "It's been too long. How have you been?"

She glanced down at the small boy looking at books along the lower bookshelves. "Your son?" She inquired.

Unfortunately, this was going to be the rather boring part for Aaron about this trip to Diagon Alley. There were so many books that he had to buy as a first year, it wasn't even funny.

By all means, the kid loved to learn new spells. But shopping for books, not necessarily the funnest of things that he could be doing with his time. He would much rather be actually immersed in the experience of learning a spell, than reading through a book. Well it wasn't even the reading that was boring, it was just the shopping that was. Why go shopping when you can hang out with friends, right?

Either way, that still did nothing to diminish the fact that he had a ton of books to buy from the store. But where to begin was the true question...

Now this was Daehyun's definition of heaven.

Though he looked fairly composed on the outside, his inner perfectionist screamed in delight at the beautifully arranged books on the shelves sagging under their weight. And the smell. The smell of new and old books, it was the best thing. With eyes widened in wonder, he strolled all around the shelves on the first floor, where he'd soon figured out the textbooks were, and piled more books in his arms that he could safely carry.

It was only when he walked backwards from one of the shelves - couldn't possibly turn his back on those beauties, and also he thought he was alone, as the bookshop was eerily quiet - that he backed into something, no wait, someone, and fell to the floor, the tall pile toppling over, one of them hitting him square in the face, too. He prayed it wouldn't leave a mark.

"I-I'm-I'm sorry-" Words pretty much died in his throat when he remembered he'd walked into a boy.

OOF!

One minute Aaron was heading towards one of the bookshelves, and then the next he found himself on the ground, next to some kid and what seemed to have been a huge stack of books. Merlin's beard! If that's the stack of books that I have to purchase... Aaron had thought to himself.

Shaking his head a bit to get rid of the sudden 'what just happened feeling', the young one couldn't help but laugh it off. His dark eyes turning from the kid to the books on the floor, and then back again. "Here! Let me help you with that!" The youngster had stated gleefully. With that being said, Aaron had started to pick up some of the books that had fallen onto the ground when the two kids had collided.

"You're not hurt or anything are you? My name's Aaron by the way." He said while starting to stack the books.

Laughter?

Oh.

Oh.

Daehyun blinked for a moment, surprised that the boy didn't seem angry at all at his negligence, and instead started helping him pick up the books. Gathering himself off the floor, he soon scurried to pick the rest up himself, giving the boy a grateful smile and a head shake. "Not hurt. I-I'm really, truly sorry, I wasn't paying attention-" Not like he could see much from behind the huge stack of books, and he wasn't the most coordinated on his feet either. "I hope you're not hurt either?"

"I-I'm Daniel," he said, choosing to use his English name, since he'd grown tired of all the Can you repeat that? along the years, whenever he used his Korean name. "Thank you so much for helping me. I-I'm sorry for running into you." Honestly, he expected angry shouts.

"Don't be sorry." Aaron replied with another laugh. "It adds to the, what was going to be, boring adventure of shopping in this book store." Oh dear...did he just come off like he was lazy and didn't like to read? Cause that's what it sure sounded like when it actually came out of his mouth...great. Now someone is gonna think he's stupid and lazy, but Aaron is actually quite the opposite of that.

The first year was actually quite the ambitious one who had a very big sense of adventure. 'A little ball of energy and happiness' his mother would always call him. There was never a dull moment in Aaron's life, and what had just happened made sure of it. If this occurrence would not have been something to appear, then this probably would have been an extremely antagonizing and null experience.

"Nice to meet you Daniel? Mind if I call you Danny? I think I'm gonna call you Danny. It suits you better." He had proudly proclaimed. "Is it your first year at Hogwarts too?"

Daehyun was about to thank Aaron again, and maybe apologize a couple more times, but then he'd heard it. Loud and clear.

Boring? "Boring?" He probably couldn't control the outraged look on his face for a split second before controlling himself. "I would gladly do the shopping for you," he offered instead. Either that or at least guide him around to help him find the books he was seeking faster since he'd already gone through all the shelves. He wasn't going to carry Aaron's, though. He could barely hold his own.

Danny? Oh, no, no, no, no, no. No. Wide-eyed, Daehyun barely had the chance to shake his head, horrified at the nickname, but soon Aaron had declared he liked it better and would call him that and moved on to another topic. He found himself oddly comforted to hear that he boy he'd knocked over would be in his year. "Yep, it is. You're looking for the textbooks, then?" He wouldn't mind going through all the endless rows of shelves again, and he would be more than grateful if he got a friend out of it, too.

Welp, the boring comment must have tugged at a few heart strings here and there for Danny because the way he repeated the comment, and then quickly added the help after...

"Well, don't do the shopping FOR me, but you can most certainly walk around with me and everything. I could always use new friends." Aaron had exclaimed. This was perfect! The charcoal hair colored eleven year old made his first friend! And he wasn't even at Hogwarts yet! This was all so exciting for Aaron. He couldn't help but think about all the fun things they would be able to do while they spent their time at the school! What if they got put in the same house!?!?!?

"You're gonna be my new best friend Danny!" A huge smile embellished his face. "Now then, let's get shopping! First on the list is...Hogwarts: A History by Chroniculus Punnet." The English accent really came out in that last sentence when Aaron spoke.

"I am not boring," Chloe pretended outrage and even bit at him for good measure. Imagine saying something so rude! And about a book that was most certainly very boring. "Space is boring, Callie, and I don't agree with you. Stars are exciting, and planets, and suns and moons and aliens..." Deep breath. "But space is boring. And Muggle space is like 'the distance between boppity boop and bibbity bop is green, so why is there no joy in space'. Boring." And nonsensical, apparently.

She hugged her Filbert book to her chest and got toothed again, but she didn't wince. It wasn't his fault, sweet thing. "I want a cool scar, and I'll tell Mummy you encouraged me to get one. Now then... are you getting that book because you have to or because you think Jael will like it? Because girls like poetry and you're a silly bean not to know it."

New friends?

Daehyun couldn't help but grin at that.

... only for it to disappear a moment later when he'd heard Danny again.

"Could you-" not call me that, was what he was going to say, but Aaron was incredibly excited and already proclaimed him as his new best friend and, truthfully, Daehyun wasn't going to pass. Though he would need to talk to him about the use of Danny, maybe when his excitement died down... if it ever died down. What he was certain of what that he did not look like a Danny. Nope.

Hogwarts: A History. Right.

It had been one of the books that Daehyun didn't need to buy, as he'd already had a copy at home, and memorized it whole, too, but he'd still walked towards the right shelf as if he owned the place. His inner perfectionist just screamed and jumped around at how well everything was organized. "I've passed the history books over there, come with me," he said, having already grabbed his stack of books and moving towards the history section. In his excitement to return among books, he couldn't even feel the weight of the ones he carried. "Is there a subject you're looking forward to?"

After getting her wand, the first thing Zyanya did was to rush to Flourish and Blotts. This had been the thing she had looked forward to since the day she got her letter. She forgot all about her parents and went into the shop excitedly. Here was one thing that didn't scare her at all.

Once inside, Zyanya stood awe-struck for a while at the amount of books. She would have to make sure she read everything! But at present, she had no idea where to begin. She was looking through her list when she heard someone mention Hogwarts, a history.

She saw two boys, who looked her age, in conversation. As she stood clueless, one of the boys mentioned 'history' and they went off towards a particular section. Guessing that it must be the history section, she decided to check it out. Maybe she could introduce herself to them, she thought. But would she actually have the courage to speak out? Or would they consider her rude for interfering in their conversation? As she went towards the section, she thought about what she should say, hoping that she would not blurt out something stupid.

"Oh, is it a new class for you?" Levi turned his eyes from the shelf momentarily as he heard the girl respond to his original comment. The fact that she resumed her shopping almost immediately didn't bother him. It had been more of a passing comment and he had his own shopping to do anyway.

He started to pull a book off the shelf when the girl spoke again and he glanced at the back of the chosen book, skimming the words printed there before looking back up at her. "Hmm? Oh.. in terms of electives?" That's what Arithmancy was anyway, so that would be what he figured she meant. "Ancient Runes, for starters. Or... well, I suppose I should see what my OWL result is before I assume I'm taking it at NEWT level, but I'm sure I did alright. Anyway, it's pretty useful and there's a lot of cool theory behind it," he added with a shrug. Maybe he should get a book on Norse mythology for extra reading, now that he thought about it.

Angela? Okay, so this weird because honestly, there was only two professors / staff whom he'd even known and felt comfortable enough with the first name thing. Macadrian Shackleton and Ethan Truebridge - in case you were wondering. Two of his biggest role models and idols, which it came to no surprise that he used their names as part of his children's names. Well, a variation of Macadrian, at least.

"Angela." He repeated. Though it felt strange, still, perhaps he can say 'Ms?'. "Twenty-four years. I've been good. Dabbling here or there, but lately I've found a calling with non-profit work. Still working on that world domination thing though." Oops. Was that something between him and Miranda? Amazing how he hadn't really thought about the younger badger and now, seeing the former librarian, all those feelings resurfaced. "You look ... well?" Okay, that came out super unconvincing. Hopefully she wouldn't notice, because she did notice the son of his, reading.

"Yes. Ethan Peter. He's a triplet, actually. He'll be starting Hogwarts with his sisters next September." Quite unfortunate of having them be born in October.

"Do ... d-do you have any children?" Small talk was so not his forte.

Daehyun had almost been too immersed in his daze on his way to finding Aaron's books.

Almost.

He'd heard footsteps behind him, but at first, he'd dismissed them as being Aaron's, supposing the other boy was following him, but at the same time he thought he'd heard more than a pair of feet. Finally giving in to his curiosity, he stopped right beside the history section and spun on his heels, probably too fast for his liking, as the top book on the tall stack he carried slipped and dropped to the floor. He winced and sent a silent apology to the book, unable to bear the thought of its pages being creased, before he looked up and his eyes met a girl's who seemed to be around their age.

His eyes, previously small crescents, widened in surprise, not knowing what to say. He looked at Aaron for a second, the look on his face begging the boy to do the talking.

See? How could he not tease her when she made it so entertaining?

But quickly, his amused expression turned concerned as the book BIT her, and he moved to help her and protect her and be the big brother she needed-- but Chloe seemed entirely unfazed, which confused Callum, but did not actually surprise him. He laughed. "Mum won't believe you." If one thing was for certain, it was that Callum would never EVER have done anything that could potentially harm his sisters. He was especially careful about that, and was even moreso conscious that no one else hurt them, either.

The book was part of their educational experience, though. He and Char had both had to endure it for a year, and he supposed it was only right that Chloe got to experience it, too, especially since she seemed strangely fond of it. "Stroke the spine, if it gets too feisty." That was the last note he'd make on that. Anything else would just serve as a learning experience.

But... poetry? Callum snorted, amusement returning to his features. "First of all, it's not boring. Second of all... why'd you have to bring Jae into it?" More laughter. "Why don't you pick out a book of poetry for me to buy, then? To sweep her off her feet? You're a girl, obviously you'd know far better to what she'd like than I would." And since she was clearly so inclined to offer him relationship advice.

"Oh my Merlin, yessssss!!!!!!!!!" Aaron basically shouted, not caring if anyone else overheard the small uproar made by the, somewhat tiny, firstie. "I'm so looking forward to Charms!!! My mother always told me that I had a knack for them. And divination too." A lightbulb went off in his head at that exact moment. "DANNY! You should let me do a tarot card reading on you!!!
That would be so much fun! It would add to the excitement and the-"

At that moment Danny gave Aaron a look...his eyes were widened...but why? Was there something in his teeth? But then Aaron traced his eyes along the path to where Danny's gaze was shortly directed, upon realizing that there was a...girl???

Oh...

Oh...???

OH?

OHHHHHHH!

Aaron had got it!

Danny fell in love with the girl!!! AWWWW! Love at first sight! How adorable!!! Looks like it was time to make some new friends because it seemed as if his new friend was too shy from the way he was just standing there. Waving at the girl, Aaron had slightly yelled, well, not yelled, but said with enthusiasm in his voice that made it a bit louder "Hi! My friend over here likes you, but he's too shy to say so! Do you wanna be my new other best friend too??" A smile cracked on the boy's face. With a hand over his mouth he whispered to Danny "Don't worry Danny boy, I got you on this one."

This was perfect! This was bound to be a year of adventures!!!

Mummy probably wouldn't believe anything bad about Callum, but that was because Callum never did anything wrong. He was nice and polite and gentle all the time. Chloe tried to be that way too, but Callum was better at it. Callum was goodness at his core, while Chloe was just sometimes good.

"I'm okay," she held up her hand for him to see, since he was worried that sweet baby Filbert could actually hurt her. "He's hungry, I think, so I might see if I can feed him mice or gummy bears or something especially delicious to books." Only... books shouldn't need to eat, so that was a problem. Chloe tightened the ribbons on Filbert and gave his spine a pat. Yes, she knew how to deal with this sweet baby book.

"I don't read poems because I don't looooove anyone. Boys or girls. I mean, I love you and Char and Cier and Dad and Mummy. And Pip. And Apple. And..." Nope, she could list family members for days. Moving on. "Maybe just get her flowers. Books aren't romantic."

"Well, I took it last year. I meant I didn't know if I wanted to continue."

She wouldn't say she was struggling with Arithmancy, but she wasn't sure if it was a class she fancied taking to her final year.

His sudden mention of OWLs stopped Kye from her browsing for a moment, and she looked at him.

"You haven't gotten your results either?" She'd be lying if she said this didn't make her feel a little better... She had probably done just fine, but not knowing made her so nervous! Hey... did this mean he was a 6th year as well? Wow, she really needed to put her books down once in a while.

That's it! she shouted internally, I'm tired of this solitary confinement! She was going to change things this year... maybe she'd even go out for Quidditch just because!
Hahaha yea right like she could stay on her broom...

"Yea... you know what, we'll see what grades I got before I get this actually," she decided, putting the Arithmancy book back for the time being. She figured she still had some time to pick it back up again later, and this stack was a little too much for her right now.

Zyanya was lost in thought as she followed the two boys, when she heard a thud. She saw that a book of one of the boys had fallen and was considering helping him when she realized that he had noticed her. Then, the other turned too and spoke to her.

She froze when she heard it wondering if he was talking to her. But the smile on his face gave her courage. Walking forward, she bent over to get the book and then replied, "Sure, why not?", smiling for the first time. She hoped they hadn't noticed her cheeks were still flushed from what the second boy had said.

"I'm Zyanya." she said, placing the book back on the first boy's stack. Maybe she was not so bad at making friends after all.

Daehyun suddenly choked and started coughing his lungs out when he'd heard what Aaron had told - no, yelled at the girl. His mouth was agape, his eyes the size of tennis balls - what was he thinking?! Daehyun obviously couldn't think clear anymore, as the only thing he could think of was to stomp his foot over Aaron's in a lame attempt of making him shut up. Or maybe the desperate look in his eyes would be an indication.

The girl, Zyanya, approached them, and to his relief, she seemed to not have noticed what Aaron had declared - how in the name of Merlin's beard did he even come to that conclusion?! Smiling gratefully at her when she'd picked up his fallen book, he said, "Thank you. I'm Daniel," with a sharp look in Aaron's direction. Daniel. NOT Danny. "You looking for the school textbooks, too?"

Zyanya was relieved when Daniel introduced himself. Now, they could just put that awkward moment behind. Although she wondered why he stressed on the word Daniel? Maybe she could ask him once they were all good friends.

Not wanting to get too eager, she replied, "Yes! Have you guys got yours?" Realizing that Daniel had a stack, she said, "I guess you have already got it.", pointing to him. "What's your name?" She asked the other boy. Then, she remembered that she hadn't asked the most important thing.

"Are you both in first year too?", she asked. She wondered if she was speaking too fast. She tended to, when she was excited. And she sure was excited now, she had made two new friends already!

Why on earth did I refuse to go with her?

UH.... QUIDDITCH SUPPLIES... duh ! ! !

They had been visiting shops at Diagonally for their Hogwarts supplies when Amara had spotted the Quidditch supplies store. Zyanya had been visibly miffed that she'd practically dumped her the moment she set eyes on them. In Amara's defence, they were really beautiful pieces of brooms on the display. And it wasn't as if I'd entirely dismissed her, just didn't want to leave for like.... another half an hour. Sure getting owls was interesting too, but not nearly good as those brooms.

Amara walked into Flourish and Blogs without a hesitation, she knew Zyanya too well to know that her next stop would be for textbooks. She thought she saw her, disappearing at the left shelves at the far end. Clutching the tiny package in her hand Amara walked towards the shelves.

As she turned at the corner, she spotted Zyanya.

"OI ZYANYA!"

OOPS. LIBRARY.

And TWO BOYS.

Zyanya and two boys. Amara blinked. Here she was thinking Zyanya would be angry at her, but she was already making new friends. Hopefully.

Or are they troubling her?

She eyed the two new guys with curiosity and caution.

"Nice to meet you! Is it ok if I call you Z though? I'm gonna call you Z. My name's Aaron!" He proudly proclaimed while extending a hand to shake. "Yep! We both are first years as well." Aaron replied to the girl's other question. This was all going so well! Aaron was talking to two new friends! His first two friends that were gonna be attending Hogwarts together!

!!!

They could be that one trio of friends!! Like the famous trio, Harry, Hermione, and Ron! Except they probably wouldn't go on as cool of adventures, and they probably would never even become remotely famous compared to the others,
but still! A kid can dream! Either way they would go on all sorts of fun trips and explorations when they actually arrived at the castle. Aaron couldn't help but smile even more at the thought of it.

That's when another girl had joined the fray. And boy was she pretty! Wide eyes, grinning from ear to ear, Aaron called over "HI!!! Come join us! You can be another new friend, friend of Z's!!!!" He didn't know her name, so what else was he supposed to call her? Girl? That sounded too...boring...but oh well. It is what it is.

World domination thing? Angela's eyes narrowed for the briefest of moments. It had to be a joke, of course, though she didn't know Dominic well enough to tell for sure. Instead of latching on to that part of the conversation, she instead inquired about his other work. "Non-profit work? What exactly is it that you do?"

She let out a low chuckle. "You don't sound very convincing." She pointed out. "I'm actually getting over some health issues, so I imagine that I don't look my best at the moment. However, I just had to get out of my home and do a bit of shopping."

"Triplets? They must be quite the handful." She remarked, casting a smile down at the young boy. "I do miss Hogwarts. I'm sure they're excited to attend. Though I'm sure you've warned them to follow all rules, even in the library." She spoke lightly, followed by a smile and a wink.

"No children." She continued on. "I never was fortunate enough to have them." She paused and then went on thoughtfully. "Though I suppose all of the students at Hogwarts were my children."