#emmeline002

Alice was not a big fan of her own culture. Not her Scottish heritage, of course, she was very proud of that, but her pureblood heritage. That was a problem. Or at least, it had never been something for her to be proud of, the generations of hoarding wealth and power, not to mention the long line of loveless marriages and soulless homes. She’d always preferred to learn about the muggle world, and since she ran away from home she’d come to think of it as sort of her adopted culture. These days, she wanted to share that with people, which is why she was particularly excited about the Unity Fair. And the Museum of Muggle Curiosities. The last time she’d been it had been a little underwhelming, but she was hoping the recent renovation had included updating the exhibits. 

She’d said as much to Emmeline on the way to the museum, walking too fast even though the other witch didn’t have long legs for Alice to keep up with. She stopped outside the small-ish building and huffed a little in disappointment. “I was kinda hoping there would be a line or something.” The museum was supposed to be the big draw of the fair for the day, and Alice had expected more people to take advantage of the free admission. Instead, the museum was largely ignored by passers-by, even with its newly painted sign.

After the bidding was done and drinks were had, Seth had been making his way around to talk to friends and enemies alike. He had no shame as he walked around, apparently, worth less than his brother but only because the Primordial clan had a hard-on for him. While that would annoy sober Seth, a two-drink Seth thought his efforts would be better served elsewhere. Peeking around the room, Seth’s eye spotted a lonely music teacher, one he’d only more recently been working with. She was dressed for the occasion and Seth couldn’t help but let a small smile appear on his face as he approached her. “Well, don’t you look elegant,” he smirked, remembering his manners-- as Harley had told him to with Mrs. Talbot. “Havin’ a good night? Didn’t hear ya bid, I don’t think?” he probed. “Then again, I guess you teach the kids, donatin’ enough of your time, eh?”

Dorcas stepped out of the bright light of Diagon Alley, and into the cooler, darker interior of Flourish and Blotts. She took a deep breath, inhaling the musky smells of a room full of books. As long as you didn't go into the shop in the last few weeks before the students returned to school, there was an almost reverent hush amongst the shelves.. It was as though people automatically whispered when in the presence of books.

She took a few steps forwards, reaching her hand to run her fingers gently along the spines on the shelf nearest to the door. The shop always reminded her of times at Hogwarts, when she would just stay in the library, hidden amongst the shelves, breathing in the smells of the hundreds and hundreds of old books. The library was one of the things she missed most about Hogwarts.. Having that many books within reach.

Dorcas’ eyes were on the shelves as she wandered up the shop, examining the titles for something that jumped out at her.. She wasn't sure what she was looking for, exactly, just that she wanted something new.. Something she hadn't read before.