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]

"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.