closed; when we were younger

[allegiant]

Who: Neville Longbottom and Lily Evans
What: Job hunting? In this economy???
When: September 2, 1980
Where: Auturgy, Diagon Alley
Warning: None
Status: In Progress

There's no hiding nervousness, at least, not when it comes to Neville. Palms sweating, shoulders tensed, at least it helps him fit in among the other Diagon Alley shoppers. Familiarity shortens the trip, but the doors of Auturgy seem to make things...more real, somehow. A pause, a deep breath, c'mon Neville, you've got this -- and he pushes open the door.

It's...really nice, actually. Neatly organized and warmly lit, the usual scent of an apothecary faint under something sweet and spicy. Confidence bolstered, nerves eased, Neville slips inside the shop with his head on a swivel. Maybe she's in the back?

"Uhm, hello? Ms. Evans?"

Comments

[fishpetals]

Lily is used to nervous first years - many parents of muggle-borns in particular bring their children here for their starting potions ingredients, mostly because they hope their children can see someone like them that's happy and successful. And calm their own nerves about it.

Someone as old as Neville being so meek would be a bit of a shock, so it's good that the warmth of her shop helps him to relax slightly. There's tinkling birdsong from a trio of small glass birds by the door when Neville opens it.

She is indeed in the back, head popping out from the doorway. "Just a mo', sorry!" Another minute and she comes out, dusting her hands off and smiling.

"Hello, yes, that's me. How can I help you?"

[allegiant]

Neville hasn't quite gotten over his first year jitters, though to be fair in the last year he's made leaps and bounds. Being here, in practically a new world, has only served to strengthen those nerves.

But the tinkling birdsong fills the room, grounding even as Neville ventures further in. His hands clasp before him in the vague hope that a careless motion won't knock over a stand of expensive potions ingredients before his meeting with the proprietress. The front desk should be safe, though, so he waits for her there, fidgeting as he looks over the store with curiosity. When Lily emerges, Neville jumps in surprise, not quite guiltily.

"Uhm, I'm Neville Longbottom? We were talking earlier?"

[fishpetals]

Lily moves through the shop in a way that implies she could do it with her eyes closed and not bump into anything - she probably could - but her trek from the storeroom to behind the counter is short so she just scurries there, resting on her elbow and dropping unceremoniously to sit on her stool.

"Longbottom! I knew you looked familiar in a way. Of course, I'm glad to do anything I can to help. You said Herbology is one of your talents, didn't you?"

She's bright and energetic, which is better than her subdued mood about the Trace and the curfews earlier. "It's so good to meet you. I'd love to have you on."

[allegiant]

It's enviable, in a way. That ease and surety in one's space. But the space is small, and the trek short, and the informal way Lily clambers up on her stool is relaxing too. There's a second stool across from her, so he follows suit, carefully perching and resting his hands on the cool table top. Something minute darkens in his mien, a not quite flinch at the familiar, but well his parents aren't tortured to insanity here are they?

Easier to focus on Herbology, on the here and now.

"Yes ma'am. I've an O on my O.W.L., but," A pause, unsure, "no proof of that here I guess..."

But she's so cheerful, he can't help the way his mouth slopes with a crooked grin. Cheeks ruddy even as he ducks his head a bit.

"I'd be happy to help out then!"

[fishpetals]

Lily catches that brief change in demeanor - she's good at that - but she doesn't question it. It's not her business to question, and if Neville wants to tell her something then he will.

"Please, Lily is fine. I'm not that much older than you are. As for your grades, that's a fantastic start. It's not as though we can request transcripts like this, but working a bit on trial basis is enough to scare away anyone not actually well-versed. You know how these plants can get."

Of course he does.

She nods; it's decided, then. "I've gone from working on my own to having three employees in a matter of days. It's a little overwhelming, if I'm honest. You, Dean Thomas, and Harry."

[allegiant]

It's a change that's gone quickly enough, all told. Easier to put aside when Lily doesn't question it, simply moves forward. And, well, he does know how plants can get. So his smile widens a bit more, the remainder of his tension sloughing away.

"Lily, then."

A breath, spine straightening, and Neville nods in response. It's a bit of a surprise to hear about Dean and Harry working here too, but that's a relief.

"They're my housemates," he admits, eyes bright. "We can work 'round each other if you're worried about us taking up too much space!"