Street Vendors

[sweetpinkpixie]

Though numerous street peddlers line the streets of Diagon Alley, customers would be wise to be wary of them. Any number of items can be found hawked on the streets daily, many useless and some illegal. One might be able to buy a cheaper wand, running the risk of it exploding during use. Bottoms have been known to fall out of the defective cauldrons bought from one of the carts. Not all is bad, though. Discounted jewelry can be bought, though the gold or gems may not be pure. One some days, a hag comes through with a cart of wind-chimes, some proclaimed to warn of burglars. Often, knick-knacks and small décor can be found in various carts. Be warned, though – sometimes the items being sold have been stolen from others.

Beyond item hawkers, various stalls are set up selling street food. Try a Cauldron Bread (a bread bowl carved out with soup or chowder served inside), stop by and grab some skewers/kebabs to go, hit up the Confetti Popcorn (the fizzy popcorn is supposedly made with real Muggle soda and fizzes in your mouth; dill pickle flavored even crunches like a pickle; berry flavored popcorn actually has dried cranberries, which goes well with the raspberry, blackberry and strawberry flavored popcorn). If you’re looking for a quick snack, the streets have enough.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by siriusblackliveson

She smiled as she watched him walk toward her. It was so nice to see him again. She always loved seeing him because he had always been a comfort to her, a calming effect if you will. "I would love if you joined me after you grabbed some chips. I'll be over there." She pointed off to a shady spot that had a few seats. Her eyes lit up at the mention of lemonade[/b] "A lemonade would be lovely."[/b] There was definitely heat in her cheeks now, but Cooper had been the culprit of that many more times than she cared to count.

"In that case...I'll ask for extra chips so we can share and two lemonades," he smiled easily while fishing for his wallet out from his back pocket. "Shouldn't be too long." There was no queue to speak of currently at the stand so the timing really could not be more perfect. Cooper offered Charlie one more quick smile and cheerful wink before strolling, with haste because he was hungry, over to the stand and placing his order. A couple of minutes later, Cooper was arriving at the shady spot she had indicated earlier with a lemonade in each hand and a basket of fish and chips (extra chips and a little paper cup of ketchup and one cup with tartar sauce) balanced on his forearm. "Here you are," he said as he offered her one of the lemonades and then settled down himself, quite ready to tuck into his lunch.

Any rosiness to her features was not totally unnoticed but he did assume that the glow had come from being out in the sun for an extended period - hence her suggestion that they sit in the shade.

"Do you mind if I...mix all the ketchup in with the tartar sauce? Or would you like straight ketchup with your chips?"

[siriusblackliveson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

"In that case...I'll ask for extra chips so we can share and two lemonades," he smiled easily while fishing for his wallet out from his back pocket. "Shouldn't be too long." There was no queue to speak of currently at the stand so the timing really could not be more perfect. Cooper offered Charlie one more quick smile and cheerful wink before strolling, with haste because he was hungry, over to the stand and placing his order. A couple of minutes later, Cooper was arriving at the shady spot she had indicated earlier with a lemonade in each hand and a basket of fish and chips (extra chips and a little paper cup of ketchup and one cup with tartar sauce) balanced on his forearm. "Here you are," he said as he offered her one of the lemonades and then settled down himself, quite ready to tuck into his lunch.

Any rosiness to her features was not totally unnoticed but he did assume that the glow had come from being out in the sun for an extended period - hence her suggestion that they sit in the shade.

"Do you mind if I...mix all the ketchup in with the tartar sauce? Or would you like straight ketchup with your chips?"

Charlie had walked over to the table that was below a tree and plum in the middle of shade. She loved that there were places to sit out here during all of the different times of year. it was one of her favorite things about the Alley, the hustle and bustle when the Hogwarts kids were around was fun, but even when they were in school it was a busy place.

She watched as Cooper walked closer noticing his balancing skills, smiling she took the lemonade he was offering her, "Thank you." She leaned in a bit closer than necessary but it was Cooper and she was a liability when it came to him.

She shook her head at his first question but realized maybe she should actually answer him since he asked two questions, "I don't mind at all, by all means add the ketchup." She waited for him to do that before snagging a chip to dip. "How have things been for you? I feel like it's been quite a while since we were able to sit down and just chat." She made direct eye contact with him like that would let him in on all her secrets.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by siriusblackliveson

Charlie had walked over to the table that was below a tree and plum in the middle of shade. She loved that there were places to sit out here during all of the different times of year. it was one of her favorite things about the Alley, the hustle and bustle when the Hogwarts kids were around was fun, but even when they were in school it was a busy place.

She watched as Cooper walked closer noticing his balancing skills, smiling she took the lemonade he was offering her, "Thank you." She leaned in a bit closer than necessary but it was Cooper and she was a liability when it came to him.

She shook her head at his first question but realized maybe she should actually answer him since he asked two questions, "I don't mind at all, by all means add the ketchup." She waited for him to do that before snagging a chip to dip. "How have things been for you? I feel like it's been quite a while since we were able to sit down and just chat." She made direct eye contact with him like that would let him in on all her secrets.

Shade was good. Cooper had perpetually neglected sunblock and had quite the farmer's tan because of it. He didn't mind it so much though, it was a representation of his hard work and he was working hard. Maybe a little too hard, but it was giving him a very comfortable financial foundation. He might even...maybe...find his own flat soon. Though separation from Phoebe and Theo felt like an uncomfortable concept. Phoebe moving in with Morgan was inevitable and with his erratic schedule he just felt like...maybe...he...should...well...anyway.

Thoughts for another time and maybe when he actually remembered his farmers tan since his rolled three quarter sleeves were hiding the tan lines.

"You're welcome," he smiled back as he settled into his seat properly and set right to fixing his not-so-special-special sauce. Using a chip to mix, Cooper popped it into his mouth and licked his thumb clean from some of the sauce that had splashed up while mixing. "Uuuuuuh..." he chuckled after popping a couple more chips into his mouth, once again licking his fingers - this time from grease. "Gosh...I don't know. Sort of more of the same. Working too much, according to some, and that means splitting my time between here and France...been picking up more hours on the Ashburry-Hawthorne sanctuary, Creatures and Cwtches Sanctuary, since they just had their second child and...they could use the extra hands. Some days I'm more a human babysitter than assisting Derfael with creatures or repairs around the stables." He didn't mind this though and it was a nice change up sometimes from working exclusively with creatures as a creature healer in the Alley or herding abraxan with Monsieur Benoit. Photography had sort of taken a backseat, ish, but he still got to dabble in it in meaningful ways. Promotional art for the sanctuary and the Benoit estate specifically. "It's Mercer and Marina's OWL year at school...so been trying to send them my notes and such to help them prepare. Not so sure they really appreciate it though. Probably a bit annoying and overbearing to them."

Cooper had been...rather over zealous with his studying. Great coping mechanism for PTSD from the Third Wizarding War.

Cooper leaned forward and grabbed one of his fried fish fillets and dipped it deep into his sauce. "How are things at Malkins going? You getting to make designs of your own yet? I could take some photos for you sometime if you'd like." And then SethElliot's voice went buzzing in his ear about how he ought not do anything for free, not even favors to friends. Cooper had made some coin at Hogwarts taking headshots for friends - awkward as that had been in some cases - but his style was not the best for modeling agencies in that way. Less high fashion and commercial and more...intimate. His aesthetic worked pretty good with product display though and editorials. "I come with a very reasonable price point," he added as an afterthought, hopefully it coming across that he was teasing.

[Lottiepot]

Adapting to a new work place and a new routine was going to take some getting used to for the twenty-five year old. She supposed it was her first real ‘adult’ job since graduating University, one where she wasn’t constantly being guided or working for a family member. If she was going to be completely honest with herself it wasn’t one hundred percent the job she was hoping for but it fit with her credentials and she guessed that with age and with experience she might be able to reach her goals in a couple of years. Truth be told Allie really wanted to be an educator but the job market was slim pickings and she really needed a job at that minute in order to be able to pay for the wedding that she had always dreamed of. Her fiancé Matty would probably have been happy with a small affair but Allie wanted a big event full of family and friends and enough food to feed a small army. It was one of the reasons she had fit into the Ackerly family so well, there were so many of them and family was at the core of whatever they did.

Instead of taking her lunch break in the food court of the Ministry, Allie had decided to venture into Diagon Alley in the hopes of gaining some more inspiration for her upcoming nuptials. Her sandwich in one hand which she was gently munching away on and her large black bag complete with paint splatters from that days daycare activities sat in the crook of her arm, her feet padded their way along the cobblestones and in the direction of Madame Malkins passing by the wares of the street vendors. A shiny gold necklace quickly caught her eye and she paused for a second to take a closer glance.

Perhaps it would be unwise to purchase from one of these vendors as their reputation wasn’t always positive but a girl could certainly have a look could she not?

[siriusblackliveson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Shade was good. Cooper had perpetually neglected sunblock and had quite the farmer's tan because of it. He didn't mind it so much though, it was a representation of his hard work and he was working hard. Maybe a little too hard, but it was giving him a very comfortable financial foundation. He might even...maybe...find his own flat soon. Though separation from Phoebe and Theo felt like an uncomfortable concept. Phoebe moving in with Morgan was inevitable and with his erratic schedule he just felt like...maybe...he...should...well...anyway.

Thoughts for another time and maybe when he actually remembered his farmers tan since his rolled three quarter sleeves were hiding the tan lines.

"You're welcome," he smiled back as he settled into his seat properly and set right to fixing his not-so-special-special sauce. Using a chip to mix, Cooper popped it into his mouth and licked his thumb clean from some of the sauce that had splashed up while mixing. "Uuuuuuh..." he chuckled after popping a couple more chips into his mouth, once again licking his fingers - this time from grease. "Gosh...I don't know. Sort of more of the same. Working too much, according to some, and that means splitting my time between here and France...been picking up more hours on the Ashburry-Hawthorne sanctuary, Creatures and Cwtches Sanctuary, since they just had their second child and...they could use the extra hands. Some days I'm more a human babysitter than assisting Derfael with creatures or repairs around the stables." He didn't mind this though and it was a nice change up sometimes from working exclusively with creatures as a creature healer in the Alley or herding abraxan with Monsieur Benoit. Photography had sort of taken a backseat, ish, but he still got to dabble in it in meaningful ways. Promotional art for the sanctuary and the Benoit estate specifically. "It's Mercer and Marina's OWL year at school...so been trying to send them my notes and such to help them prepare. Not so sure they really appreciate it though. Probably a bit annoying and overbearing to them."

Cooper had been...rather over zealous with his studying. Great coping mechanism for PTSD from the Third Wizarding War.

Cooper leaned forward and grabbed one of his fried fish fillets and dipped it deep into his sauce. "How are things at Malkins going? You getting to make designs of your own yet? I could take some photos for you sometime if you'd like." And then SethElliot's voice went buzzing in his ear about how he ought not do anything for free, not even favors to friends. Cooper had made some coin at Hogwarts taking headshots for friends - awkward as that had been in some cases - but his style was not the best for modeling agencies in that way. Less high fashion and commercial and more...intimate. His aesthetic worked pretty good with product display though and editorials. "I come with a very reasonable price point," he added as an afterthought, hopefully it coming across that he was teasing.

Charlie smiled because forearms, let's be honest. But she needed to focus because Cooper was right in front of her and it had been too long since she had been able to see him.

Working hard? That didn't surprise her one bit, he always had been a hard worker and wanted to be the best in his field. "Are you still enjoying working at the sanctuary? I know that you really enjoyed it the last time we spoke." Her laughter filled the air when he mentioned being a child wrangler more often these days. "I can only imagine how much those kids keep you on your toes. I'm sure the creatures are a bit more predictable." OWLs, she didn't miss those in the slightest at all. She nodded, "sounds like you just want them to have a security of passing. I can't blame you there."

Snatching a chip she smiled and nodded, "I'm still loving it. There's just so much you can do for people. Little linings here, custom works there." She hummed thinking about the latest project the owner had let her lead on. "Actually, I've gotten a few opportunities on the last few custom orders that came in. But I've still been doing some designing here and there on my own." Did he just offer to give her a full afternoon of picture taking? What if she was the model, would he still do it? "You'd really do that? You'd take photos of my work, what if I wanted to model it in the photos would that be okay?" She didn't lose sight of his later comment, "what's the going rate for a Cooper original session?" He may not always be doing much photography but he was still really good at it and she knew it. Seth Elliot could shush he was always pushing the friend group, but he couldn't be blamed here. Cooper was worth the cost.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by siriusblackliveson

Charlie smiled because forearms, let's be honest. But she needed to focus because Cooper was right in front of her and it had been too long since she had been able to see him.

Working hard? That didn't surprise her one bit, he always had been a hard worker and wanted to be the best in his field. "Are you still enjoying working at the sanctuary? I know that you really enjoyed it the last time we spoke." Her laughter filled the air when he mentioned being a child wrangler more often these days. "I can only imagine how much those kids keep you on your toes. I'm sure the creatures are a bit more predictable." OWLs, she didn't miss those in the slightest at all. She nodded, "sounds like you just want them to have a security of passing. I can't blame you there."

Snatching a chip she smiled and nodded, "I'm still loving it. There's just so much you can do for people. Little linings here, custom works there." She hummed thinking about the latest project the owner had let her lead on. "Actually, I've gotten a few opportunities on the last few custom orders that came in. But I've still been doing some designing here and there on my own." Did he just offer to give her a full afternoon of picture taking? What if she was the model, would he still do it? "You'd really do that? You'd take photos of my work, what if I wanted to model it in the photos would that be okay?" She didn't lose sight of his later comment, "what's the going rate for a Cooper original session?" He may not always be doing much photography but he was still really good at it and she knew it. Seth Elliot could shush he was always pushing the friend group, but he couldn't be blamed here. Cooper was worth the cost.

Cooper beamed with pride. "Oh yeah, absolutely. I'm trying to convince Mecer to join me there a bit over the summer for some work experience," he added. It was a bit more selfish than that, in all honesty, in that he felt it was an easy way to guarantee some time with his brother since he insisted on keeping such a full on schedule. "Though...first I ought to do something for him and Marina since they will have finished sitting their OWLs ...and putting up with me reminding them about them." Stressful too. Well, stressful for himself at least since he had thrown himself entirely into studying. Perfect coping mechanism for wartime trauma. There really was only one kid he needed to properly wrangle...but she was a lot. The adventurous spirit of both her parents was amplified and she literally wanted to take every creature out for a joy ride.

Smiling a bit as she spoke, Cooper felt his heart swell a bit at hearing how much she was enjoying what she was doing. Thriving, truly. It really was something special to see their generation bouncing back from everything they had been through...and it also reminded him of something. "Speaking of...I may bring my creature healer robes in for some adjusting, if you don't mind. It's starting to fit tight in places and I'd really rather not buy a whole new set." Something special about his first work uniform, even if it was not the profession he saw himself in long term. "I think so...yeah," he nodded with a slightly wider smile. It was such a peculiar barrier to have with his photography but he had worked through the added expectations and pressure he put on himself when it came to friends. He couldn't always help that he was such a perfectionist. "I mean, that's assuming my style suits your aesthetic. I've done some product photos for Helena in the past, jewelry, and that went alright."

Talking pricing was something that he still was not comfortable with, a feeling that was only intensified by the level of familiarity with a potential client. He felt awful when the response was that it was too pricy or embarrassed when it seemed like he was selling himself short. So much easier to just get hired for a job. Self employment was stressful. "Oh...well...somewhere between...10 and 15 galleons depending on the length of the shoot and the amount of set up for said shoot," he pitched while rubbing his now sweaty palms on his knees.

[FearlessLeader19]

Knick knacks.

Ary loved knick knacks, the uncertainty of what would find among the endless amount of trinkets. There was something about that uncertainty and the chaos of it all that appealed to him. It was why he adored that junk shop here in Diagon Alley. That place was next up on his list to visit, after which he needed to catch up with the rest of the family. Except for Dy. His sister was a short distance from him arguing with a witch over a Gobstones set that supposedly once belonged to their dad, the famous player for the Hereford Hippogriffs.

Ary wanted to snort with laughter because clearly the witch was lying. Their dad kept ALL his Gobstones sets like a mad hoarder. There was no way that Aditya Atreyu-Rehman would ever discard any of his precious sets and Dy was trying to drill that fact into the witch’s head. Dy was fighting a losing battle though. Ary simply shook his head and decided to examine some rather shiny jewellery on display.

Did that bracelet have various species of owls as charms?

[Nordic Witch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Knick knacks.

Ary loved knick knacks, the uncertainty of what would find among the endless amount of trinkets. There was something about that uncertainty and the chaos of it all that appealed to him. It was why he adored that junk shop here in Diagon Alley. That place was next up on his list to visit, after which he needed to catch up with the rest of the family. Except for Dy. His sister was a short distance from him arguing with a witch over a Gobstones set that supposedly once belonged to their dad, the famous player for the Hereford Hippogriffs.

Ary wanted to snort with laughter because clearly the witch was lying. Their dad kept ALL his Gobstones sets like a mad hoarder. There was no way that Aditya Atreyu-Rehman would ever discard any of his precious sets and Dy was trying to drill that fact into the witch’s head. Dy was fighting a losing battle though. Ary simply shook his head and decided to examine some rather shiny jewellery on display.

Did that bracelet have various species of owls as charms?

Having left her auntie at the leaky cauldron the 11 year old Emmie made her way towards the street vendors to look up the stuff on display. Maybe she could find a new bracelet or some popcorn before she headed to FB to buy her new books. Emmie hadn't thought that she was going to Hogwarts in september. She was supposed to go to Durmstrang like all of her friends did, but now she wasn't. The events of the summer that she didn't want to think about had led to her, and her twin brother Jamie having to move in with her auntie Laurel, and now they were here in Diagon Alley, and she was slightly lost.

Passing some stalls Emmie headed over to a jewellery stall where a boy about her age was eyeing up the things on display. Stepping up next to the boy Emmie plastered on a beam, and asked curiously "Hi! Do they have any fun creature bracelets here? I'd really like something with a fairy."

[FearlessLeader19]

SPOILER!!: Emmie! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Having left her auntie at the leaky cauldron the 11 year old Emmie made her way towards the street vendors to look up the stuff on display. Maybe she could find a new bracelet or some popcorn before she headed to FB to buy her new books. Emmie hadn't thought that she was going to Hogwarts in september. She was supposed to go to Durmstrang like all of her friends did, but now she wasn't. The events of the summer that she didn't want to think about had led to her, and her twin brother Jamie having to move in with her auntie Laurel, and now they were here in Diagon Alley, and she was slightly lost.

Passing some stalls Emmie headed over to a jewellery stall where a boy about her age was eyeing up the things on display. Stepping up next to the boy Emmie plastered on a beam, and asked curiously "Hi! Do they have any fun creature bracelets here? I'd really like something with a fairy."

While little Ary was not interested in wearing the bracelet, the fact that there were owls on it fascinated him! As a matter of fact, anything pertaining to creatures interested him. His examination of the bracelet was interrupted by a chirpy and bubbly unfamiliar voice at his side. Ary straightened up, turned his head and came face to face with a huge beam. This girl could have been Bryony, his best friend, given those energetic traits.

A fairy bracelet? Truthfully, Ary hadn’t noticed. He changed a quick look around but didn’t see any {unless his hurried scan missed them completely}. He turned back to the girl and shook his head. However, a finger did reach out to point to the owl bracelet he had been interested in.

Would she perhaps like one with owls instead?

[Nordic Witch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Ary straightened up, turned his head and came face to face with a huge beam. This girl could have been Bryony, his best friend, given those energetic traits.

A fairy bracelet? Truthfully, Ary hadn’t noticed. He changed a quick look around but didn’t see any {unless his hurried scan missed them completely}. He turned back to the girl and shook his head. However, a finger did reach out to point to the owl bracelet he had been interested in.

Would she perhaps like one with owls instead?

Emmie's attention was diverted from the boy by her side to the display in front of them, crossing her mental fingers for seeing something fairy like, but she was out of luck. She then turned her dark eyes, and attention to the boy again, who now was pointing a finger towards an owl bracelet.

Examining the owl bracelet in question Emmie chirped to the boy, throwing in an introduction. "Oh those owl's are cute! I'm Emmeline by the way, who are you? Don't you want that bracelet for yourself?" Boys could wear bracelets just as much as girls did, but when she thought about it Jamie never wore much jewellery. Letting her eyes scan over the display again she wondered if they just sold bracelets or if they necklaces and earrings too?

[FearlessLeader19]

SPOILER!!: Emmie! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Emmie's attention was diverted from the boy by her side to the display in front of them, crossing her mental fingers for seeing something fairy like, but she was out of luck. She then turned her dark eyes, and attention to the boy again, who now was pointing a finger towards an owl bracelet.

Examining the owl bracelet in question Emmie chirped to the boy, throwing in an introduction. "Oh those owl's are cute! I'm Emmeline by the way, who are you? Don't you want that bracelet for yourself?" Boys could wear bracelets just as much as girls did, but when she thought about it Jamie never wore much jewellery. Letting her eyes scan over the display again she wondered if they just sold bracelets or if they necklaces and earrings too?

Ary braced himself for the next round of chattering. See, he’d had plenty of experience with that and since he had immediately tied this girl to Bry’s hyperness, it made sense that the newcomer would fire words away at his ears. Also, he was still convinced that he attracted the majority of people that were talkers.

Needless to say that Aryan was not disappointed as question upon question were fired.

The boy nodded. Yes, the owls were cute. Did this mean that she wanted to buy the bracelet? “I’m Aryan. Hi, Emmeline. No, I was just looking at it. Do you want it?” Because anything related in the remotest of ways to creatures was worth his attention. Ary saw Emmeline looking about at the other items on display. “Looking for something else, then?” Perhaps he could help her find it.

[Felixir]

This was not the first time Regulus had noticed the street vendors. In all his wanderings through Diagon Alley, when he was just pacing the time away until his father collected him in the past, he'd seen them alright. Heard them. Caught the aromas of the different stalls on the breeze. Other times he'd been here to buy his school things, and had no extra money for anything frivolous. That's why today was, in its way, momentous. He had with him actual spending money, and not only that, but his papà had given it to him. Maybe that was a sign of their changing dynamic. Maybe not.

The issue now, of course, was that Regulus couldn't decide where to splurge this extra money, or if he should at all, but save it instead. Perhaps it was a test. Papà would probably save it, but then Papà was averse to spending any money unless he had no other choice. Was it, perhaps, a test to see how alike they really were?

It wasn't good to keep thinking like that, Regulus knew, but he couldn't always help it. It was that thinking that had driven him out of every shop so far, so that now he had been walking up and down the vendors' stalls for a good twenty minutes, jangling the coins in his hand, which he kept in his pocket. He could not remember ever having such difficulty making a decision, or puzzling through the deeper meaning of the choice he had been given.

Mentally berating himself, Regulus stopped in his tracks, and turned to the nearest stall. Confetti Popcorn. That one.

[Chelliephone]

Drake and Phoebe day, Drake and Phoebe, Draaaake and Phoebaaaaay daaaaay!!

Drake had been looking forward to meeting up with friends over the summer pretty much since the minute he stepped foot off of the train. Maybe a little longer because he was distracted momentarily by getting the biiiiiggest mum squeezes, but then when it was home and quieter with not nearly the same chaos as his dorm and the common room, he'd started sending out owls asking everyone what day they'd be at the Alley and if they wanted to meet up.

And he was THRILLED when he got a response for when Phoebe would be around. They all had to go shopping at one point, so being able to line his day's up with hers sounded GREAT! Proposing they meet at the street vendors (because he bet they could find something really cool - like maybe some plant hybrids), the boy stood near where the line of stalls began and shifted back and forth on his feet - his curls pulled back and secured in a ponytail at the back of his head. His eyes were peeled as he looked this way and that for his friend. He was also unconsciously having a no-blink contest with himself because he didn't want to miss her.

Which unfortunately just meant his eyes were starting to sting and tear up just the smidge.

[astrocat]

SPOILER!!: bestie Drake

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Drake and Phoebe day, Drake and Phoebe, Draaaake and Phoebaaaaay daaaaay!!

Drake had been looking forward to meeting up with friends over the summer pretty much since the minute he stepped foot off of the train. Maybe a little longer because he was distracted momentarily by getting the biiiiiggest mum squeezes, but then when it was home and quieter with not nearly the same chaos as his dorm and the common room, he'd started sending out owls asking everyone what day they'd be at the Alley and if they wanted to meet up.

And he was THRILLED when he got a response for when Phoebe would be around. They all had to go shopping at one point, so being able to line his day's up with hers sounded GREAT! Proposing they meet at the street vendors (because he bet they could find something really cool - like maybe some plant hybrids), the boy stood near where the line of stalls began and shifted back and forth on his feet - his curls pulled back and secured in a ponytail at the back of his head. His eyes were peeled as he looked this way and that for his friend. He was also unconsciously having a no-blink contest with himself because he didn't want to miss her.

Which unfortunately just meant his eyes were starting to sting and tear up just the smidge.

It was hard to get a hold of Pheebs this summer. She kept her head down in DA, not wanting to be noticed by her classmates. She didn't want to see or talk to people from school, and she didn't want them ruining her summer. Her summer was okay so far, and she wanted Hogwarts kids to Stay Away. Drake, however, did not count. When he asked to meet up, she sent him her schedule extra STAT (that meant really quickly). It was hard to be alone all the time, even if that was what Pheebs had chosen to do- Drake and Phoebe Day was an improvement.

Pheebs may have been a little hard to spot, because she had lots of makeup on and sunglasses that hid her face and she was wearing shorts and a baggy hoodie instead of her usual overalls and striped shirt. Also, she was smiling, which she never did. But her backpack was the same and the way she ran towards him with open arms was exactly the same. She was still herself inside. "Drake!!!" Her run may have slowed to a wheeze because her lungs weren't built for running, but just know!! She was running in her heart!!

[Chelliephone]

SPOILER!!: our fellow plant lover <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrocat

It was hard to get a hold of Pheebs this summer. She kept her head down in DA, not wanting to be noticed by her classmates. She didn't want to see or talk to people from school, and she didn't want them ruining her summer. Her summer was okay so far, and she wanted Hogwarts kids to Stay Away. Drake, however, did not count. When he asked to meet up, she sent him her schedule extra STAT (that meant really quickly). It was hard to be alone all the time, even if that was what Pheebs had chosen to do- Drake and Phoebe Day was an improvement.

Pheebs may have been a little hard to spot, because she had lots of makeup on and sunglasses that hid her face and she was wearing shorts and a baggy hoodie instead of her usual overalls and striped shirt. Also, she was smiling, which she never did. But her backpack was the same and the way she ran towards him with open arms was exactly the same. She was still herself inside. "Drake!!!" Her run may have slowed to a wheeze because her lungs weren't built for running, but just know!! She was running in her heart!!

While Drake was wholly unaware of how she had been choosing to spend her summer, if the information came to light he certainly would have been concerned. Being alone was something that honestly… Drake hadn’t really tried much of. The perk of being born with a ready made best friend. He and Gil did most things together, and now that they were in school Drake still managed to have another friend around for most things even if his twin was not available. Why would Phoebe WANT to be alone?

The make up and change in style certainly threw Drake off as he scanned the crowd. But what didn’t was the familiar backpack and the enthusiasm to see him. There was not that many people that would be pleased at his company (he assumed anyways) so that had to be his friend!! And even if her own run didn’t have the stamina to get all the way to him, that didn’t bother Drake! For friends, he was happy to make up the distance. Quickly rushing her way too, Drake pulled his friend into a tight hug and gave her a squeeeeeeze. “Phoebe!! It’s so good to see you! Have you been to the vendors before? Do you think we’ll find rare plants?” It quickly occurred to him she had been wheezing though too, so he released and looked at her with concern. “Oops! Are you okay!?”

[astrocat]

SPOILER!!: plant bestie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

While Drake was wholly unaware of how she had been choosing to spend her summer, if the information came to light he certainly would have been concerned. Being alone was something that honestly… Drake hadn’t really tried much of. The perk of being born with a ready made best friend. He and Gil did most things together, and now that they were in school Drake still managed to have another friend around for most things even if his twin was not available. Why would Phoebe WANT to be alone?

The make up and change in style certainly threw Drake off as he scanned the crowd. But what didn’t was the familiar backpack and the enthusiasm to see him. There was not that many people that would be pleased at his company (he assumed anyways) so that had to be his friend!! And even if her own run didn’t have the stamina to get all the way to him, that didn’t bother Drake! For friends, he was happy to make up the distance. Quickly rushing her way too, Drake pulled his friend into a tight hug and gave her a squeeeeeeze. “Phoebe!! It’s so good to see you! Have you been to the vendors before? Do you think we’ll find rare plants?” It quickly occurred to him she had been wheezing though too, so he released and looked at her with concern. “Oops! Are you okay!?”

Being lonely was hard, but Phoebe felt her MOST lonely at school! It got better when the other kids went away, and she could at least be herself and not worry about whether they liked her or not. She didn't want to be alone at all... it was just that she didn't want to be around Hogwarts kids that hurt her feelings a lot.

Drake made that problem a non-issue. Pheebs wrapped her arms around him tightly like a Strangling Vine Phoebe But Nicer And Slightly More In Need Of Reassurance And Squishy Hugs for the longest ever time. "I missed you lots," Phoebe mumbled into her friend's shoulder. It was obvious that the hug was very much needed. "I'm okay. I just have asthma," she explained, reluctantly letting go of her friend. "...Do they sell plants here?!" Because she was pretty sure she heard him mention plants!!! "I've only ever looked for food, jewelry, and books."

[Chelliephone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrocat

Being lonely was hard, but Phoebe felt her MOST lonely at school! It got better when the other kids went away, and she could at least be herself and not worry about whether they liked her or not. She didn't want to be alone at all... it was just that she didn't want to be around Hogwarts kids that hurt her feelings a lot.

Drake made that problem a non-issue. Pheebs wrapped her arms around him tightly like a Strangling Vine Phoebe But Nicer And Slightly More In Need Of Reassurance And Squishy Hugs for the longest ever time. "I missed you lots," Phoebe mumbled into her friend's shoulder. It was obvious that the hug was very much needed. "I'm okay. I just have asthma," she explained, reluctantly letting go of her friend. "...Do they sell plants here?!" Because she was pretty sure she heard him mention plants!!! "I've only ever looked for food, jewelry, and books."

School made her feel lonely? For someone that hadn’t had a lot of friends prior to Hogwarts, it was an idea that shouldn’t be surprising to him - and yet he would have been shocked. Hogwarts was the first place Drake had really felt like there was a semblance of him fitting in. He liked his dorm mates a lot (even if he wasn’t sure some were reciprocated), and his house mates were mainly the best too! He had his favorites - present company included - but… he didn’t outright not like anyone. Just… was minorly scared of at least one. As for people hurting her feelings? He didn’t know what was happening in Phoebe’s world, but he’d be happy to lend an ear if she needed it!

He’d also have been very relieved that he didn’t hurt her feelings. He would have been devastated to learn he’d done so! He liked hugs a lot and physical contact, so she could squeeze as muuuuch as she needed and Drake would happily return it! At her words she got an extra squeeze as he nodded in agreement. “I’ve missed you too! Being away from school is weird because I can’t see you and all our friends every day.” It was kind of sad, but he was trying to just focus on how nice it was to have the time with Mum. “Ashthma? Is that the one where your lungs don’t like heavy exertion? Or bad air?” Or… probably other things. “Do you have to use one of those puffer things?” … What were those called again? “Weeeell, I don’t know for SURE but… I want to look! Why wouldn’t people want to try to sell hybrids or something?” Though… now that he thought about it more, the Ministry probably shut that down if they did considering plants could have the potential to be dangerous.

[SilverTiger]

It had been upon his twin sister’s advice that Cyan had finally enrolled Eilonwy in school instead of bringing her with him to work and leaving her in the Ministry daycare while he was on level two or wherever he’d been needed. He had mulled over the decision long enough that Breanne had done it for him, and it had certainly been different for him as well as his little girl. Therefore, he’d come to the decision that they needed little moments like this, after his sister had picked Eilonwy up from school and he had gotten off work for the day. Provided there wasn’t any pressing need for him to go back, given there was every chance a case would necessitate his attention.

So far, though, things seemed quiet, and he had brought his little girl to Diagon Alley to experience things when it was quieter. Namely, when there weren’t the Hogwarts students and other older kids roaming around to distract her. There were enough distractions on a quiet evening without the crowds, especially as the duo had found their way to the street vendors.

Even so, it was still much easier to keep an eye on his daughter’s little head, roaming ahead of him while munching on a bag of berry popcorn he had bought not that much earlier. “See, Bre?”, He said softly to himself, as if his twin could hear him off at home or wherever she was. “I’m capable of letting her explore on her own.” Technicalities didn’t matter when Eilonwy was still so young.