louder than sirens, louder than bells {OPEN}

[fishpetals]

Who: Lily and you.
What: Apothecary nonsense.
Where: Auturgy.
When: Throughout September.
Warnings: None so far.

From the outside, Auturgy looks like any other apothecary. Anyone who's anyone knows that the brilliant witch inside is one of the best in the business though, and certainly the best in Diagon. The most brilliant witch of her generation, Albus Dumbledore had called her when she was still in Hogwarts, and that shines through now. In any case, the shop's hours are tailor-made for the curfew of a muggle-born witch or wizard but even some of the snobbiest purebloods shop there, having to admit that if they want quality, they have to come here. The inside of the shop is homey, smelling of spice instead of fumes, and the pet bed by the door has in turns a large black dog, a squish-faced orange cat, or both.

There are potions along one wall, ingredients along another, a squat shelf of potions books, and two displays with potion-making tools for sale just in case. Lily brews behind the counter, chirping glass birds sound when you open the door, and while until now she's always worked alone, there are a few new employees that may be tinkering around assisting her and in turn assisting any customers. There are special order forms that can be filled out and the proprietress will get back to you with prices and a time frame as soon as possible.

Comments

[hermyownee]

"Oh, it's alright," Hermione assures her instantly, smiling still as she approaches the counter. She glances toward the cauldron then focuses on Lily once again.

"I'm just looking for a bit of Knotgrass," she explains. Which just happens to be the most common ingredient in the potion but she doesn't want to spook Lily or give herself away too quickly. Just to be safe.

"Are you Lily Evans?" She knows the answer of course, but it's polite to ask.

[fishpetals]

"Thank you for being understanding," Lily says anyway, nodding to the request. "Knotgrass then, if you'd please!"

This isn't directed at Hermione - it's directed toward the rows of drawers to Hermione's left and Lily's right. Heeding her command, one of the drawers pops out of place and makes its way through the air until it can land on the counter and skid to a stop against Lily's hand that she's put up to make sure it didn't keep going. "Knotgrass drawer barely behaves," she explains, "how much did you need?"

The inquiry gives her pause though and the redhead's eyebrows loft slightly before she nods. "That's me. Were you looking for me specifically?"

[hermyownee]

"Two bundles, please." Hermione watches as the drawer lands safely then blushes a little at her following questions.

"I'm Hermione Granger," she introduces. If Lily were someone else, she would omit her last name but she trust one of her best friend's mum. "I'm a friend of Harry's."

[fishpetals]

"Two bundles," Lily confirms softly, removing two from the drawer and setting them on the counter before turning her attention to more important things at hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hermione." A half-blood or muggle-born like her too, at that. At least judging by her name - that doesn't matter to Lily though, who just smiles. "I'm happy to see any friend of Harry's." Her expression dips a little more sly after that, arms crossing over her chest.

"Dare I ask then if there's another reason you need to see me?" It's almost teasing.

[hermyownee]

"What?" Hermione laughs quietly and shakes her head. "No. No, I just-- he was so excited that you're here and we've all heard so much about you from the Professors at Hogwarts. I just felt like I should introduce myself," she explains.

"Professor Slughorn said you were a brilliant potions maker," she adds, glancing at the cauldron again.