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 2011-09-21 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."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-22 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, they're all entertaining," Sokka replies, amused and enthusiastic, "the ones that take more preparation are just more fun."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-22 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
Also? Not stupid.

"I remember! I think I was the only one in our year who didn't hold a grudge over your marks. But then, there's a reason I specialize in non-wand magic."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-22 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
Sokka looks at her for a moment - then lifts an eyebrow, smirking.

Then sighs, ever so patiently, lifting a hand to gesture her onward. "Go on, get all the jokes out of your system. With certain ex-Gryffindor acquaintances of mine, I can guarantee I've heard them all."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-22 02:59 am (UTC)(link)
She gets a smirk. A smirky smirk filled with smirky goodness.

"That was rather tame, actually. If you're going to keep it that clean, you'll be a welcome change from the usual snide remarks."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-22 12:37 pm (UTC)(link)
"Why, thank you, Madame," Sokka replies gallantly, sweeping into an ornate bow that is utterly ruined by a wide grin.

"Much obliged."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-22 01:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Were he privy to inner dialogue, Sokka would be offended by 'lascivious' and quite pleased with 'cute.'

Besides, she started the wand commentary.

"Well, I'm pleased to have been a shining beacon of light in your day, then!"

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-22 01:46 pm (UTC)(link)
"I am, actually, always this entertaining," Sokka confides seriously, nodding with great dignity. "I'll check my schedule, see where I can pencil you in.

"Oh!" It's easy to switch from somber to grinning when you're faking the prior emotion. "You should join us at the pub sometime this week. Jo runs it and Leah will go, a few other professors show up. It'll be like a reunion, only with more interesting refreshments."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-22 02:18 pm (UTC)(link)
"Literally, I hope. Should keep the conversation going steady."

[identity profile] scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com 2011-09-22 04:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Sokka shakes his head, failing completely at hiding his grin. "Too easy. Literal bells would be far more attention-grabbing.

"Inara." It's the start of a goodbye, though grand as he can make it, hand extended for hers and beaming. "Always a pleasure."