http://veloxepistola.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] veloxepistola.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] au_hogwarts2011-09-19 07:14 pm

Bookshop.

It's week two, and there is a steady rhythm to the people that come and go from the bookshop where Inara has found herself so recently. Sometimes Ivy has her behind the register. That isn't the part that entertains her though.

Watching people. Seeing what books they go for, what stationary supplies they need, what quills and inkpots and everything else they might be looking for appeals to them before they even realize what it is they want. That is why, among other things, Inara can be a very convincing salesperson.

While Ivy is in the stockroom behind the counter wrangling their copies of The Book of Flying Creatures from taking off out the window, Inara is balancing the ledger from the morning in an otherwise empty storefront.

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-19 11:53 pm (UTC)(link)
There is really something satisfyingly welcoming to come back to a place where people respectfully refer to you by your work title, even miles off the grounds. For that, the perfect stranger gets a pleased smile that has nothing to do with the robes.

Even if she's very, very pretty.

"Just taking a look," he admits, returning his gaze to the wall of newest appearances. "Anything interesting?"

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-19 11:57 pm (UTC)(link)
He frowns for a moment, pondering this question, then shrugs while still examining the spines.

"Well, if one isn't the other, I'm definitely in the wrong profession."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-20 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
He looks at her again, amused by her humor enough to grin back, friendly and open. "Well, you could. Or you could ask and be told. No one ever guesses on the first try."

Something about not being nearly mysterious, somber, or broody enough for it.

Or even remotely serious enough.

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-20 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
"Is that so?" There's less teasing, more honest surprise in his expression. "I could have sworn you were new to Hogsmeade. How could I forget a woman who thinks I could last more than a year teaching DADA?"

She's not the first to guess that class first - which continues to confuse Sokka that he looks like a total badass to most people.

He's terribly pleased with this theory.

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-20 12:56 am (UTC)(link)
"And various other objects and organisms."

He's grinning now. She's being mysterious which makes her a mystery and those are always fun. Turned entirely toward her now, Sokka lifts a hand to tap his chin thoughtfully. "Let's see, 'the person you remember me being,' so you must have been a student when I was. You're certainly not young enough to be one of mine, anyway. And you guessed Defense first so you must have been in the Army..."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-20 11:15 am (UTC)(link)
"You've pretty much just proven that's less fun," Sokka points out, thoughtful again.

Then ruining it with a grin.

"I'm completely stumped and will properly atone if you introduce yourself... again."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-20 11:36 am (UTC)(link)
There is an equally comedic moment of silence where Sokka's trademark grin trades places with a not-often-seen look of surprise.

"...seriousl-"

And then she drops a curtsy and he's back to laughing, charmed and amazed. "Merlin's beard, it is, isn't it? What are you doing here?"

They weren't close enough for him to justify a hug but she's totally getting a shoulder-clap. Just a little one.

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-20 12:33 pm (UTC)(link)
It doesn't truly answer the question, no, when Inara Serra could have been anywhere and chose the location closest to the grounds without actually being Hogwarts. But they all have their secrets. Always have.

And Sokka's still grinning.

"I'd kind of hoped, truth be told. But it seems we're all filling up. Jo Harvelle is neighboring you, you know, just down the street at the pub. And Leah Ross came to teach just last year. We're not careful, our class is going to outnumber the current students!"

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-21 11:49 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, a number, when they put some effort into it," Sokka replies, beaming. "The explosions are the reward for the effort. You'd be amazed how many kids will force themselves through a difficult unction if their accuracy there allows them a chance to send clouds of purple smoke through the ventilation shafts.

"And you? Any fascinating new books bent on attacking people?"

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-21 03:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"...why not remove the stingers?"

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-21 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Sokka frowns in troubled agreement, nodding sagely. "Yes, you're perfectly right. And everyone knows the easy answer is always the wrong one. If it doesn't take a great deal of sweat and tears to solve, it'll bite you in the end.

"Or sting you, I suppose."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-22 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh no, explosions are always a solution."