A Grand Reopening

[ascend_neville]

Who: Neville, Kevin and open to all
What: A Grand Re-opening
Where: The Apothecary, Diagon Alley
When: 9:00 am June 1, 2000
Status: Incomplete

The comments he heard were heartening.   He watched as people moved easily about the shelves, and seemed to explore the new layout with curiosity and nods of approval.  Neville caught Kevin's eye and gave him a

Comments

[browneyed_susan]

Susan stepped into the Apothecary, anxiously checking her wristwatch. She'd been studying nonstop for the last few days, but even she knew when she needed a break- and it certainly didn't seem that there would be a better reason for one than the 'grand reopening' of the Apothecary. She'd always loved the place, enthralled by the vast variety of magical plants available. Her own garden was terribly simple compared to Neville's collection here, as it was mostly medicinal- there was elderberry for influenza, feverfew flowers for headaches, toxic aconite for its muscle-relaxing oil... each plant had its purpose. Likewise, it was clear that Neville's influence had been to positive effect. Everything looked neat and organized. Susan, being one who rather liked 'neat' and 'organized', was impressed

[ascend_neville]

"It's a Lovage plant. We put it out, so that people could see what it looks like alive, before we harvest them for their flowers, leaves and other parts

[browneyed_susan]

Susan heard the voice behind her and nodded at once, her eyes still stuck on the celery-like plant with its spiky green fruits. "Lovage. Of course! Lovage root can be used as an aquaretic..." She turned around and beamed at the young man who had so thoughtfully answered her thoughts, lighting up when she realized who it was. "You goof, Neville." She exclaimed cheekily. "It's me, Susan. Susan Bones. Honestly, it hasn't been that long, has it?" Remembering Neville's memory problems back when they were in school, Susan quickly added, "I don't mind, really." She smiled kindly at him. Poor little Neville and his Rememberall. He looked so different, and even spoke more confidently, she thought- but some things never changed. "You've done a fantastic job, you know." She said thoughtfully, looking again out around the shop. "Everything looks great."

[ascend_neville]

"Susan! Oh, I am sorry! I'm so tired, but look, it has been awhile. You look amazing. And then you didn't recognized the plant. I never would have thought you would forget that one."

He groaned inside, feeling a bit foolish. It was Susan. He knew Susan, or at least, had known in when they were at school. He didn't remember her eyes flashing and sparkling like that or her skin looking so smooth. Lord, he was more tired that he realized and it was still early, early in the day.

"Thanks. You can thank Kevin too. We did it together. I am really glad you made it."

[browneyed_susan]

Susan shrugged, her smile turning somewhat sheepish. "I guess I've been tired, too." She said, staring down at the plant again. Honestly, Lovage was first year material! There were just so many plants and herbs to remember, each with some obscure use... she tried to stay sharp, knowing that when her generalized study at St Mungo's was up, that knowledge of herbology would come in handy, but it was hard. Especially on so little sleep

[ascend_neville]

Neville decided that Kevin could handle things for a minute while he paused with Susan

[browneyed_susan]

"That would be fantastic! Maybe after exams are over." Already, Susan was biting her bottom lip, picturing the clean squares of her day organizer, moving around dinner plans and night shifts in her mind to clear empty space for Neville

[ascend_neville]

"Exams? Wow. Sounds serious