Last Minute Goodies (Open To All)

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Diagon Alley would forever be a favorite place. It never changed, and yet, every time Markie came there was something new and exciting going on if you just knew where to look or whom to ask. New clothing shops had cropped up over the years, and the gentle smells from the bakery seemed to line the air to tease hungry students as everyone bustled about. There wasn't too terribly much Markie needed, really. Her Da had done her a huge favor to pack her things for her while she was out helping with the west field to get all the goldenseal planted, but even though he'd gotten everything his girl needed academically, Emmet had rather underestimated the sheer quantity of parchment, colored inks, and charcoal pencils Markie would need just to keep her inner artistic beast satisfied. That one packet of pencils and paints wouldn't survive a fortnight.

Especially knowing her youngest cousin would be starting that year. Markie smiled to herself, glancing in all the shop windows, knowing little Tinna wouldn't be in any of these shops; knowing her mother's family, all of Tinna's things would be perfectly prepared to avoid going places so dead common. But even if that little girl was sorted into Slytherin like most of the Brennan family, Markie knew that Tinna would probably still be her little gosling. And if Tinna saw Markie sketching or painting, odds were the child would either want to find a spot to pose for Markie, or grab a few sheets of parchment herself to mimic her elder cousin.

But with any luck, Markie would actually find time enough to keep painting and hopefully start capturing the motion in the portraits. To catch the shimmer of the sunrise off the lake? Now that'd be lovely. But with the new year focusing so heavily on potions, herbology, alchemy, and bringing Muggle texts of chemistry and business management to send off, Marke wondered if there'd even be time enough to sleep. She stopped, standing for a long moment outside the window to a dress shop, the main window showcasing a glamorous and sparkling dress on a mannequin, suitable for balls and formal affairs as the male dummy next to it wore very formal gent's wear.

Pale, slender fingers touched the glass gently as though trying to inspect the gossamer fabric through it as she smiled very faintly, not once focusing her eyes enough to see her own reflection. "Hah," she muttered quietly. "Fat chance."

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(OOC Note: This is prior to Ben being bitten and becoming a werewolf.)

Ben was out and about in Diagon Alley to get a few things to help tutor the five to ten year olds he worked with. With the school year starting soon, his tutoring was once again in high demand. He did a little here and there over the summer, but his main income came from the time that the eleven to seventeen year olds were away at Hogwarts and the parents needed their younger children mentally stimulated as well. Ben grabbed the usual materials for mock tests and projects, then walked into the Bonfire Bakery to grab a cheese danish.

Stepping out of the bakery, he passed by the dress shop and saw a young lady looking at the dresses and dreaming. being the upbeat guy he was, he decided to cheer her up.

"Hey now, I know of a place where you could get dresses just as nice and for less, and if you don't mind me saying so, a girl as pretty as you would shine in them."

Ben was actually only a year older than her, and his compliment was sincere, not a flirtation, but he hoped he didn't creeper her out with it.

@markie

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The dress was such a pale blue, and the crinoline skirt foofy enough to put Cinderella to shame. The gold edging and beading were a nice touch, but at the same time, it was all so pale... Probably better suited for someone with blonde hair, and brave enough to show their back and arms and did she even really want to go to the ball this year? Markie had skipped it for the last few years, but this year Da and Aunt Liz insisted. Swore up and down she'd regret not going, even just stag. Ugh, but couldn't she just wear her uniform? Even if nobody could see the scars, Markie knew they were there, and something with so much exposed skin just made her stomach knot. No, this dress was meant for a different sort of girl.

Completely lost in her thoughts, Markie nearly jumped out of her thoughts as Benjamin approached, actually complimenting her looks. Pale cheeks went paler for a moment and then flushed. I'm... I'm not that pretty... The spell made her average. But... it was still very nice of him to say. Markie smiled faintly, still fighting the warmth in her face. "Thank ya," she said quietly, looking away from the dresses and up at Ben. He was tall, and seemed to be about her age, or near enough to it.

For a brief moment Markie thought to decline the suggested offer of a shop referral, but then again, how often did someone offer to point out some nice things like that? Her mates weren't anywhere to be found, which was probably a good thing; Hamish would die laughing seeing Markie looking at something as girly as dresses. And a dress at a better price was hard to say no to. "The shops round here keep changing, it seems, and these are pretty far out of budget." Well, she could afford it, but would much rather spend her allowance on art supplies for sure. "I'd love a good suggestion," Markie said, her smile warming up slowly. "I'm Markie. You work around here?"

@benmaxwell

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Ben smiled and nodded when Markie thanked him for the compliment.

"You're very welcome," he said kindly.

He then listened as she spoke of the clothes being out of budget, and thought a suggestion of where to go would be a good idea.

"It just so happens I'm heading to a little place around the corner now to pick up a new jacket I ordered," he said. "Cold weather coming in and all. You're welcomed to join me."

He then smiled as she introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you, Markie," he said. "I'm Ben. And I don't work in Diagon. I'm actually a tutor. I teach five to ten year olds and get them ready to go to Hogwarts. It's not the highest paying job in the world, but it pays the bills and I enjoy it. What about you? What House are you in. I'm a former Hufflepuff myself." It was funny. He was a teacher of sorts and he was chatting with a student, yet there was only a one year age difference between the two, perhaps even less than that. Sometimes it was still strange being an "adult" so soon after graduating Hogwarts.

@markie