PRIVATE PREVIEW at Finnigan's of Diagon Alley

[safinnigan]

Date: Wednesday 30 May 2001
Time: 8 to 11 p.m.
Location: Finnigan’s of Diagon Alley
Characters Involved: Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Charlotte Aurelius Finnigan, Severus Snape, Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Aurin Helm, Katie Bell, Oliver Wood, Pitch Malbum, and NPC’s at Q.U.A.C.K., NPC Solicitors Thompson and Blake of Thompson, Bingley & Blake

Comments

[subtle_simmer]

Severus raised a brow in surprise as he was introduced to Miss Abbott, but then decided it was not his place to question how the business would be run. Moreover, his surprise at the end-result had left him feeling quite a bit more than usually cheerful, himself. There would be many people who he cared about who would benefit from the success of this venture.

"Miss Abbott," he greeted with a nod of his head. "Mr Finnigan shows his wisdom in removing me as far from anything related to 'customer service' as humanly possible. I have no patience for such nonsense, and would cheerfully drive away business if it risked intrusion on my privacy."

Following the direction of the next introduction, he offered a more formal bow. "Mrs Finnigan, now, then. Congratulations on your marriage." To her husband, he explained, "I've patronised her bookshop on more than one occasion, and one of my housemates was her employee for a time, though I believe," turning back to the blond woman, "that Mr Derrick has resigned to pursue his dueling circuit? It is a bit difficult to keep track of his doings and none of my business in any case."

Realising, based on the assemblage, that this business was already shaping up to be of a rather larger-scale than he had anticipated, he returned his questions to Finnigan.

"I believe I will require more information regarding the scope of your plans and the volume of production."

He was still hoping Ginevra would arrive soon - she was his first choice for aid in creating the viewers. The additional income would go a long way toward helping to support her werewolf-clinic.

[safinnigan]

Seamus was all smiles for the Professor and everyone else on this grand evening. He was quite delighted with the Professor’s responses, although he knew better than to give away any indication of that to the taciturn man. Snape’s inquiry as to his plans for production could not have been more satisfying to the younger man; it was as likely an agreement with his concept of their chances for success as he could expect to receive. He kept his rising spirits to himself, adopting the more appropriate serious tone and demeanor expected for business transactions - a countenance he was becoming more comfortable with after the serious and complex negotiations with Q.U.A.C.K.

“Aye, Professor, sir,” he began, taking a quick breath, “all of the owners represented by Q.U.A.C.K. have been invited to this preview tonight. They, representing our potential customers with the most disposable income, may be expected to purchase viewers for both their personal and team use.” He had high hopes that many of the Players in the League would do the same, but did not wish to overstate his own enthusiasm until these hopes were bourne out by the orders. “Other pub owners may be expected to be early purchasers of the larger size screens as well. The smaller size screens should appeal to the less prosperous Quidditch enthusiast, as well as for individual table viewing at pubs or at smaller private gatherings.” He didn’t want to overstate, fearing that the Professor would discount his youthful enthusiasm, but it would be foolhardy not to be more forthcoming with his supplier. Snape had to be prepared for the onslaught he was sure would follow the initial introduction of the viewers.

“’Twood be prudent to expect those with the means to purchase the viewers for home and recreational use, Professor. Just as ‘tis prudent for Dean and I to be seeking to expand our reach to include other sports, other Leagues and other wizarding endeavors. ‘Twood be a fair way to enjoy wizarding activities from music to memories, with sports, politics and history to be caught in the mix ‘fore we’re through then.” He couldn’t help smiling at the thought of it. Everyone from grandmothers wanting viewers of their little tykes to the Minister of Magic seeking re-election would find a way to make use of their exciting new venture.