Shopping tour ((Cass, employees))

[dana]

Step out, let yourself back wait for three heartbeats, before slowly raising up agains while letting left feet glide out at the same time. Straighten, turn move forward,” Dana counted the steps in her mind and shifted her hands a little so Kris could take hold a heartbeat later as they finished the dance.
“That went well for once,” Dana said with a smile while wiping her fore-head dry and going to get a water-bottle. Throwing one bottle to Kris Dana gulped down half of hers and then checked the watch.
“I’ll see you later,” throwing her water-bottle to Kris Dana exited the room to jump through a shower and then dress. Half an hour later Dana hurried to the fire-place with her hair still wet and wearing a bright red blouse and white skirt.

Grabbing a handful of floo-powder Dana flood to Hogsmeade. She was supposed to meet with Cass here today. Or to be most precise – she was supposed to meet Cass here in one minute and 2 seconds. Stepping out of the fire-place Dana brushed a piece of lint from her shoulder and walked forward being in no rush. They were supposed to meet right in this building and then head out to Catalina’s Cubby. Dana wanted to buy a few things from there and had decided to buy them on one of her free days. She worked t the Cubby too, but as a baker. Dana still didn’t have a clue why that job, but she was a rather good cook, so she didn’t really mind either.

Noticing Cass Dana waved and made her way among the people towards her. “Heya, ready to head to the Cubby?” Dana asked with a quick flash of smile starting ot walk towards the door even before hearing Cass’s answer, “How has summer been so far?”

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cassandra padded down the steps of the grand staircase to the marbled foyer in her new home. Tripping over a houself, she headed out the door. Yelling a sorry over her shoulder to the servent, she looked back just in time to see a very bewildered elf bowing in appreciation. Heading up the road, she looked for the new store that had opened. Catalina, the former Head Girl at Hogwarts, had opened the business almost immediately after school ended. It was supposed to be a nice shop, and several of her acquaintences had gotten jobs there. She had thought about applying to give her something to do over the summer, but her mother wouldn't even hear it. Her daughter working, no way!

Looking around the crowd that had gathered, she didn't see her friend. Getting frustrated, she finally heard her friend call her name. Turning around, she saw Dana's smiling face.

" Summer has been going fine, if you think tripping over houselves is fun. They tend to show up out of nowhere. In fact, I literally tripped over one leaving the house." Walking to the stoop of the shop, she opened the door and let her friend enter in front of her. " I heard this place is real nice, and that the chocolate is great. Of course, I've never met a chocolate I didn't like."

Looking around the shop, she saw several different displays of chocolates, walls filled with books, and even a little cafe to get coffee. Smiling, she took in the aroma of both coffee and the many sweets that were baking in the kitchen. " I like. I think Catalina really has something going on here."

[dana]

Dana observed her friend thoughtfully. She had just recently discovered by Dana’s accident that she was actually a pure-blood. Thinking how different hers and a muggle up-bringings were – Dana didn’t doubt that Cass had hard time with her new life. Dana had been brought up to smile, be social, order house-elves and servants, attend huge social gatherings and formal parties since her birth. Cass hadn’t.
“Talk to the house-elves ones about the distance from you they are allowed to appear to. That should solve the problem,” Dana answered calmly, “Kris’s houseelves aren’t allowed to appear closer than 3 metres from me. That way they can do the job while not bothering me at the same time. You’ll get used to them with time.”

Dana msiled and nodded as she looked around the Cubby: “Yes, this plays rocks. I work here two days during the weekends you know. As a cook. Meaning I make cakes and sandwiches for the café. Mind if we start at the jewelry? I want a ring and pendant with Ravenclaw crest as well as one of the bracelets for a friend. After that quidditch stuff, sweets and then we can enjoy the café. Trust me – the cakes are good. And the mean time you can tell me how you’re getting adjusted to your new life-style. I’m guessing your mother is happy?”

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass wrinkled her nose at the mention of her mom. Perusing the display of house items, she answered Dana. " Yeah, I guess she is. Some hot shots from the ministry were over the other day, and they were talking about some kind of huge donation to St. Mungo's." Cassandra picked up a pendant with a rather large lion's head on it, and set it back down quickly. " Oh, god, that thing is horrid. Anyways, some man who is apparently my second cousin ten times removed was over yesterday. He scowled at me the entire time. You know, that whole Gryffindor problem I have."

Strolling over to a display of bracelet, a slow smile crossed her face as picked up one that had her house crest on it. " Oh, and then my mother has banned me from all sewing. Apparently it is too common for someone of my noble blood." Cass made a mock wretching face at the last sentence. " You know, I thought it would be so cool for so many years to be a pureblood, and look at me. I hate it. By the way, have you seen the new house? You should come over and see it."

Walking over to a large display of Quidditch robes, Cass picked up a bright red robe and began to rub the soft fabric. " I'll have to get one of these before we leave. My robes are getting kind of worn, but they were secondhand when I bought them."

[dana]

“Pure-bloods donate. And much. My grand-parents donate, Kris donates about 3% of his over-all income in a year. It’s a necessity coming with the status. You’ll get used to this, formal parties, etiquette in a few years if it comforts you. Sewing – you can do it at school still. Or draw your designs and send them to some designer to make such an outfit for you. I can assure you that all Slytherins live in such environment since their birth. That’s why they make it seem so easy and why they are so supreme. They have been taught that way,” Dana grinned wickedly at Cass, before shaking her head, “Let’s take Kris. He would be able to step onto thin air and expect ground to leap up to meet his foot. Considering the fact he’s a wizard and would cast an appropriate spell before or have someone cast it for him – the ground will jump up to meet his foot. Think of the same arrogance and your mother will be charmed. But I don’t think I’ll be over at your house for some time. Your mother might not be very happy to see me. Even though she couldn’t do anything if she knew who my grand-parents are. Julien won the elections in the Ministry you know. Anyway – where do you know? I might know the house if bought it from someone?”

Dana looked at the pendant and ring with RAvenclaw crest. They raven on them was outlined gently with it’s wings up as if landing somewhere or attacking it’s prey. Simple and simplicity gave it elegance. Picking up both as well as a ring with Slytherin crest Dana nodded to the Slytherin one: “Meredith – my grandma – wanted one. She was a Slyterin. Grandfather was in Ravenclaw.”
Her eyes looking over the bracelets Dana picked out the one with sapphires. It would be a perfect present for Sapphire. And it wasn’t too expensive either.

“Alright, done with jewelries, on to quidditch. Picking up a Ravenclaw team scarf Dana threw it into the costumers basket with the jewels not wanting anything else.
“Sure, buy it. You can get them fitted here too – I don’t mind waiting,” Dana told Cass while eyeing one of the quidditch playing dolls quizzically before placing one back onto the shelf.

[casey]

In a small house on the outskirts of Hogsmeade, a woman lay in bed asleep, it was 6 am and outside was moderately bright, though from the heavy curtains over the windows one would never know it. “Wake up sleepyhead, time to get to work!” the clock in the bedroom shouted, causing Dorian to jump up. She blinked, she had been out late the night before and she was still very tired. It was her mother’s birthday and the agency had thrown a big party for her, Dorian being the oldest and one of the models for the company was in attendance and played hostess all night; her little sister Evan calling it a night around eleven.

She flopped down against her pillow again, “Not yet, I just went to bed,” she complained. “Get up! Get up! You’ll be late for work!” the clock replied. Dorian rolled over and closed her eyes, that is, until the word; ‘work’ penetrated her mind. She was to start work at the Cubby today, from 7:45. She flew up again and looked at the clock, five past six. She had to get going. She jumped out of bed and quickly tossed her pyjamas aside as she ran to the bathroom for a shower.

Ten minutes later she was out, hair soaked, skin still wet and hurriedly picking out something to wear. She finally decided on blue faded jeans and a red tank top, she put her feet in her shoes, grabbed her bag and ran out the house. It was now 6:30 and she wanted to be at work by seven to set up.

Breathing heavily Dorian arrived at work, only ten minutes later than she’d planned, and rushed to set out the displays, tying her purple apron around her waist in between putting out the jewellery. However when the shop opened all was ready, and Dorian looked perky and awake, though she felt like falling asleep on the counter. The morning passed slowly, she had several people in that morning, and she had made several sales. There was now somewhat of a lull and she was taking a break behind one of the counters when two girl entered. One was looking at jewellery and the other at quidditch gear.

Dorian walked over to them, a smile on her face. “Good day, welcome to the Cubby. I’m Dorian. How can I help you?” she asked the girls.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass continued to rub when an employee walked up to her. " Umm...yes. Could I get these tailored for me?" Cass held up the red Quidditch robes. Smiling gracefully, she knew she recognized the girl from somewhere, but couldn't quite place it. Maybe she was a recent graduate...

Turning back to Dana, " I wouldn't worry about my mother. I think she does know who your grandparents' are, and I think she was rather surprised at the information. You know my mother, she really just wants me to associate with the right sort. She was really excited that I knew Kris. Personally, I don't think her head is in the right place."

Sighing softly, she let it out in a bit of a deluge. " I mean, where does she get all this pure blood mania crap. Four months ago, I never would of envisioned my mom saying stuff like this, and now she is just " mudblood this..." and " blood traitor that..." And all I can think is that she is the biggest blood traitor of them all." An angry look flashed across Cass' face, but she hid the rest of her emotions because of the prying ears that were probably near. " Now, I've got to spend the rest of my life with this horrible stain upon me, and worrying about the other part of the Blackfire family taking us out."

[dana]

Dana looked up as a girl approached them and asked if she could help them after introducing herself as Dorian. Dana knew the girl faintly and Cass already asked about the robes, as Dana just smiled in greeting: “We’re fine for now. Question – I’ve never actually thought about it before. Do you sell a miniature quidditch pitch too onto what I could buy two teams of players?” Dana asked. She wrked here but not as a client server so she didn’t really have any idea as she just discovered. There were robes, magazine’s, the figures of players – but Dana didn’t see the pitch now that her eyes quickly scanned the shelves.

“Got it. If I want to come and visit I’ll drag Kris along as a personal security guard for me,” Dana said with a chuckle, “Actually I understand Kris. He’s a Slytherin and from a good family, not to mention rich and still single. Arranged marriages aren’t that unknown among pure-bloods still.”
Dana’s eyes fell upon Cass calmly. It must be hard on her friend. Trying not to disappoint her mother, trying to manage somehow with her mothers family while trying to stay true to who she was at the same. It must have been hard, especially since everything purebloods took as granted was shocking for her.
“You’ll manage somehow. That’s what Gryffindors are supposed to be famous for, right?” Dana told Cass with a smile, “And you have to admit it. Being able to spend without worrying about money is good.”

[casey]

Dorian looked at the girls with a pleasant smile, “Of course you can. If you just follow me, we can get you measured and get these tailored to your liking.” Dorian knew these girls she was sure of it. Hogwarts students no doubt; a few years younger that her by the looks of it. Dorian couldn’t help but overhear what was being said but it wasn’t her place to say anything. Like any good employee you hear, but don’t. Dorian was a pureblood, through and through, however her parents didn’t have ‘pureblood mania’ as the girl was describing. In fact they were quite willing to let her and her sister know whatever they wanted. Evan was infatuated with muggle things, she loved it.

Dorian looked at the other girl with an apologetic look, “I’m sorry miss but we haven’t gotten those in stock yet, but soon. If you want I could take your information and send you an owl once their in?” Dorian suggested. Miniature quidditch pitches was next on the list of thing for the Cubby, after all they had the players it was only fit that the pitch would be next. She waited for the first girl to follow her to be measured.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

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Cass tried to smile as Dana tried to look at the bright side of things. " Yeah, I guess it is okay that I can buy whatever, but it would just be easier..." Cass hung her head and followed the employee to the fitting area. " Yeah, but I still can't help but think if Daddy had stayed in the wizarding world he would still be here today." Getting a bit upset over the subject matter, Cass decided to drop it.

Cass removed her carry all bag from her shoulder and pulled the light blue cloak from her shoulders. " They really make moving Quidditch figurines? I don't think I've seen one of those before." Turning back to Dorian, " Um, this fabric is a bit heavy. I know I will need a winter set as well as a summer set. So, if there another uniform in a bit of a lighter fabric I will take that as well." Standing up on the little box in front of the mirror, she waited for the work to begin.

Turning back to Dana, she continued. "Speaking of family, how is Kris doing? I know Pyro and Mary were going to spend some time with him this summer. I'm guessing I will get the details from him when he comes over this summer. Can you believe that? My mother actually invited him over."

[dana]

Dana smiled at Dorian as she said that the pitches would come in stock next. Shaking her head towards Dorian Dana grinned: “You could always owl me. Or go for the simpler way and just poke your head into the kitchens on some weekend morning when I’m working there.”
Dana shrugged towards Cass: “Don’t ask my why I took the job. I just figured that it might be fun. And even St. Mungo’s can’t heal everything.”

Dana smiled at Cass as she ordered two sets of Quidditch robes. Dana would tease her about being picky, if it her own quidditch robes hadn’t been hand-made in Paris for next year right now. Deciding to not mention it Dana shifted through some quidditch magazines, trying to find something that would interest her. It was upon hearing that Cass’s mom had invited Kris to visit them during summer. Dropping the Quidditch magazines Dana moved to the door of the cabin where the quidditch robes were fitted with an arched eye-brow.
“She invited him over? And has he actually accepted the invitation? As far as I know Kris dislikes your mother – no offence,” Dana said wondering if Kris had received the invitation just recently so he hadn’t had time or reason to mention it, “As for eitherwise, Kris is good. And yes, Mary and Pyro should be over at his place right now.”

Thinking of her cousin Dana let out something between laughter and a growl. She adored Kris – he was like a brother and most certainly her closest friend. But at the same time Kris was absolutely infuriating.
“He broke up one of my latest date you know. Sent dogs after my date because ‘the guy only wanted to snog me and his own date had been boring’. Can you believe that guy? I thanked him with pink glitter that didn’t come off for 5 days. After that he’s going to some fancy magic camp again. I think the elemental magic camp again, even though personally it looks more like an army camp with their daily scheduales. For someone who sleeps with silk-sheets and only wears the best – I sometimes am surprised how at home he feels himself in forests and how easily he’ll decide to sleep on bare ground when it comes to animals.”

Dana shook her head, banishing thoughts of his cousin and grinned at Cass: “what about you? Any big plans for the summer still?”

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass giggled at Dana's mistake. " No, no. Not Kris. Pyro. Mom is inviting Pyro over for part of the summer. I don't think she would invite either you or Kris anytime soon. You were the one who destroyed her perfect muggle life." Cass sighed a bit. " Mom is pushing poor Craig to go work at the ministry, and she wants me to be nothing more than a good wizarding wife." She threw a sidewards glance towards Dana. " In other words, get married and make babies."

Cassandra couldn't help but guffaw at the thought of Kris covered in pink glitter. She quickly straightened up, not wanting to anger the girl who was measuring. Cassie knew from experience, a person that moved alot during measuring was a pain. " I hope that served him right. You know, it would be kind of nice to have someone to take care of me like that. My brother would probably just turn them into a frog and leave them like that. I had to hide a date with a muggle boy from both of them so I wouldn't be hounded."

[dana]

Dana stuck her tongue out towards Cass’s back, knowing she would see it form a mirror, but not bothered by it at the least. “Well you asked about Kris and a moment later said that your mom invited ‘him’ over. What was I supposed to guess?” Dana asked with a roll of her eyes, “And I truly believe that your mother er… loathes me? But honestly, she has to learn to hid things better. In a secret shelf in an old wardrobe in the attic – doesn’t your mom know that it’s the surest place where secret things are found? Don’t people at your place constantly fall into such wardrobes?”

Dana grinned at Cass as she crossed her arms and leaned comfortably against the door-frame and arched an eye-brow towards Cass: “And what’s wrong with kids? I want to have a kid or two one day. Probably two because I can’t decide if I want a boy too or not. I know for a fact that I want a daughter though. As for marriage – well, I don’t have a mother forcing me into that. But while I can love and live together with a muggle, I wouldn’t marry one. If I ever decide to settle down and marry, then it’s going to be a pure-blood. A bit Slythrin-ish point of view perhaps, but you know I have more than enough Slytherins in my family. It may sound mean, but I’m proud of my family-tree and how it has managed to stay strong for so many centuries.”

“New date? How come you never told me about it?” Dana asked Cass while thinking over Kris and his annoying over-protective brother traits. It was annoying, irritating, infuriating. And Dana wouldn’t exchange Kris for anyone. Besides he was fun company most of the time, since Dana knew how to handle moody and mean Kris as well. Arching both eye-brows towards Cass quizzically Dana stuck out her tongue towards her again.

[casey]

Dorian flashed Dana a smile, “I’ll be sure to do that as soon as they’re in,” she told her as she suggested methods to inform her when the quidditch pitches were in. They wouldn’t be in for a few weeks she guessed but she couldn’t be sure. She didn’t realise that Dana was working in the kitchens; then again Dorian was pretty busy in the store to really see who was working elsewhere. She hadn’t even checked out the kitchens yet, but she had plans to eventually.

Dorian led her customer to the fitting rooms. She looked up at the girl as she asked her question, “Oh yes, we have a lighter material, I’ll be sure to add them to these,” she told her. Cass stepped up on the box and Dorian used one of the spanking new rolls of spellotape to take her measurements for the adjustments. Dorian then carefully pinned the garment where adjustments needed to be made. She stuck herself only once when the girl began laughing at something Dana had said. She bit her lip as to not let on what she’d just done.

Dorian pinned the last spot then stood up. “How’s that miss?” she enquired.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass smiled as she admired herself in the mirror as the girl continued to pin the robes. After surveying herself, she smiled. " It's great. I couldn't of done a better job myself." She looked down at Dorian and gave her a big smile. She moved her arms a bit, " I might let the shoulders out a bit. I'm a beater and need plenty of arm movement. I had to mend my last ones a few times under the arms because I kept ripping them."

Turning back to Dana, " I never said their is anything wrong with kids; I want my own someday. I just don't want to be a housewife for the rest of my life. I want adventure. I want to see the world, and maybe help some people along the way." Cass got this really goofy grin on her face as the conversation turned to her date. " Yeah, he was a guy that Melanie has known since elementary school. Well, we met and hit it off really well. He took me to the movies last week. It was quite odd, and I felt really out of place. I started to talk about Quidditch and he just gave me this really odd look like he didn't know what I was talking about. When I realized he didn't know what I was talking about, I just shrugged it off and made it sound like I was talking about a very wierd futball game."

Cass laughed heartily at the memory. " You know, it's really complicated dating muggles. I don't think I will be able to do it again. Not to be rude, I just don't feel like I'm a part of that world anymore. Don't get me wrong, I have muggle friends, but we just don't click anymore. We've just grown so apart it isn't funny."

[dana]

Dana pondered about Cass’s words: “Who said you have to be a house-wife? Kids need activities and who says you can’ have your own next to that. Besides there are always baby-sitters. My grandparents both work and work a lot now, and they did when I was a kid, so I was often looked after by one of our servants. They almost feel like family however. Of course it was fun growing up with Kris too. And experience most certainly,” Dana commented with a smirk. She had had a happy childhood despite the fact her parents were dead. Dana had never missed them either.

Laughing at Cass’s adventures at the date Dana wondered how it might have looked like. Or rather sounded like to the guy: “Well, at least he won’t ask you out again then most probably. Unless you dazzled him with your looks as he thinks you are a bit weird. And I’ve never encountered that problem. Never actually dated a muggle. Or at least not a muggle who didn’t know about the magical world. Played volley-ball, showed them around town, laughed and chatted at a club – yes. But I’ve never actually went out on a date with one on purpose.”


Leaning her head against the door frame Dana eyed the robes Cass had one absent-mindedly. She herself still preferred Ravenclaw’s robes. Which was only naturally. But Dana did like blue more than red. Actually blue and green were her favorite colours.
“Your mother would probably have a thing or two to say about you dating muggles as well. At least you can always say it was my bad influence however. I don’t mind being the bad girl from time to time. They seem to have much more fun,” Dana sent a sly wink towards Cass via the help of a mirror.

[casey]

Dorian gave Cass an appreciative smile as she told her she couldn’t do a better job herself. However her work wasn’t done just yet. Cass revealed she was a beater, and that she needed the extra room under the arm. Dorian fondly remembered her days playing quidditch, but those were over now, she was a Keeper for Ravenclaw. She wondered who had taken over her spot on the team now. She’d have to ask her sister Evan about that.

She stood and made little markings under the arm to show how much the arms needed letting out. “How does that feel?” she asked Cass, to make sure she had the room she needed before she took them in back to be tailored.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass blushed at Dana. " Well, actually, I am going out with him again. He's a really sweet guy. He opened a door for me." Cass giggled shyly. All those little things that guys did for girls always made Cass a bit embarrassed. She was always known as a bit of a tomboy, and to have a guy open a door for her made her feel,....well, girly. Cass continued to giggle. " He was asking me to bring a friend to double date. I was laughing so hard. He probably thought I was mad when I said my friends would probably not be interested."

At Dorian's prompt, Cass moved her shoulder in the sleeves a bit to see if they were roomy. " It's great. I love it!" Turning around to get Dana's approval, she struck a pose by putting her hand on her hip and another behind her head. She made what was supposed to be a seductive. In a fake, deep Russian voice complete with accent, she asked, " What do you think of me?" Not being able to control laughter, Cass doubled over in hysterics.

[dana]

“Ask one of your muggle-friends for a double-date,” Dana leaned her head against the door-frame and smiled thinking back, “I had – have – a friend in France. We went to the same elementary school – you know my grandparents put me through one year in muggle school. Met her there. We exchanged e-mails during summer and had blast in summer. I thought she was muggle and she thought the same as I know now. At least we thought that until we ran into each other two years ago on the Magical Alley in France. Turned out she’s a muggle-born and goes to Beauxbatons.”
Dana smiled at the memory. She and Mariella still got along perfectly. But the shock when they had seen each other in France among wizards… Dana chuckled while shaking her head. It had been quite a shock for both of them.

Arching an eye-brow at Cass’s accent, Dana shook her head: „The robe looks great. Ravenclaw robes look better, but it’s good. As for the accent – that’s lousy. Deep practice. Russians say the most peculiar ’l’s. They say it in3 different ways and in every way the letter sounds flat. I can never get them all correctly. Well at least, they sound correct to me, but Kris and my grand-mother always glare and correct.“
Stepping forward Dana ran her knuckles down Cass’s spine as she was doubled over: „And no slouching. Get the robes off and let’s go and get some more stuff. I’m only starting to gather the things I want from here.“