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

[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."

Neville gave a small smile as he explained, having just directed a customer towards the powdered asphodel. The shop was still crowded, and he had felt bad, chatting it up with his friends while Kevin, very clearly, was moving about the store and ringing up purchases. He had excused himself from his friends, and had noted the dark haired girl admiring the plant. He thought he recognized her from school, but thought it was more proper to re-introduce himself.

"I'm Neville, if I can be of any help. You look so familiar. Did you go to Hogwarts?"

He was slightly formal as he spoke; Ginny was about the only girl he could speak to openly, having known her for so long. Ginny, Luna and Hermione were females he felt comfortable with; he was not so experienced with other girls. He had helped Professor Sprout with her students a number of time, and had helped in class with students who were failing. But all of that was distracted by the plants that Neville kept neatly between him and the females; he thought of it more as education and instruction then actually speaking to a girl. Even now, he was careful to use the attractive plant as a guise for his initiating conversation. But as he watched Susan's face, it became more and more familiar to him. Her features became more intriguing.

She was pretty; hell, he thought as he waited for her to answer, she was beautiful. She was nothing like Ginny; he found himself comparing the red hair to the lush rich brown of Susan's. He stopped himself, wondering what the hell was wrong with him. He was puzzled as to why his thoughts had slipped in that direction.

"I am sure I know you from school. Did you have classes with Professor Sprout?"

[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.

"Oh. Um, and thanks. You too. I mean, you look great, too." It was unexpectedly true. Not that Neville hadn't been charming in school, but he'd just been... Neville, really. She shook it off, despite the faint blush in her cheeks.

"Kevin... oh, Entwhistle? Is he back in town, then? I've been holed away studying for weeks, I feel like I've missed everything. Except the explosion at the Ministry." Her smile faded slightly. "No, I didn't miss that... but I just couldn't miss this! You know, I used to come in here all the time. I suppose I'll have to again, since it's so clear that I need a refresher course." She wrinkled her nose at him, then chuckled lightly.

[ascend_neville]

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

"I'm really embarrassed. Susan, I should have known it was you. I've been so busy, what with everything that's been going on."

Neville had a dozen of questions going through his head; he wondered where she had been and why he hadn't seen her for so long. He watched her expressions change, as he reached out and check the plant soil's moisture level, feeling slightly nervous. He hadn't really watched a woman's expression so careful since he had been trapped in the Ministry with Ginny and the cranky auror. He found himself smiling as she smiled. She grew grim at the mention of the attack and he wondered if she had been trapped in it as well. Her expressions shifted quickly, and Neville could swear that her last statement was a kind of an invitation.

He started tentatively, "I could help you, you know, if you needed some help. You could meet me here, sometime, maybe after the shop is closed. That way, we wouldn't be interrupted by other customers.

"Studying for weeks? Do you mind if I ask what you are studying?"

[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.

"Oh yes, of course. I'm in Healer's training right now, along with Ernie. I want to specialize in Curative Herbs, so you see, your help would definitely be appreciated. I'm only just finishing up my first year though, so I've got awhile." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of blonde hair, and she waved enthusiastically to Hannah. Too bad Meg wasn't around, too. It always felt so strange to be around just one or the other... In her distraction, she didn't notice the middle-aged woman approach them- a customer, she figured- until she was right by their side. Of course he would be busy, under the circumstances. Susan made quick apologies. "I'm sorry, Neville. I don't want to keep you from business." She went to extend a hand to shake but hesitated, and instead wrapped one arm around him in a brief, awkward hug. "I'll owl you, all right? Congratulations."

[ascend_neville]

"Exams? Wow. Sounds serious."

Neville watch Susan, really seeing her it felt like for the first time. He heard her speak about being a healer and that she was still new at it. He was so engrossed in her words, he barely noticed the older lady who needed some help. The woman watched expectantly until Neville caught a glance from Susan in her direction, and Neville started slightly.

"Oh! Sorry about that," he said turning to the woman, "Please, ma'am, I'll be with you in just a moment."

Neville paused, "Oh. Alright. I am not too worried about it, but I understand if you have to go."

He was ready to shake her hand and when she put an arm around him, he reflexively wrapped two around her to hug her. In that brief instant, he caught the fragrance of her hair, felt the soft touch of her sweater in his hand and the brush of her hair on his cheeks. He hadn't hugged her hard, as he never knew what he might have on his robes, but he was processing the sensations of her as he pulled back.

"Susan, thanks again for coming! I'll look for your owl."

He watched her for a moment, before he turned to help the woman find what she needed. The customer gave him a warm, friendly smile, and asked, "She your sweet heart dear? You two make a lovely couple. I could tell the moment I saw you together. I can always tell. That's why I waited. Didn't want to spoil your moment. Can you spare me a bit of time now, dear?"

Neville was beginning to turn bright red, and didn't know how to argue with her, so he quickly moved off down an aisle, taking her to the ingredients she needed.