RP: Good Day To Make Your Own Way
Date: Wed, August 2, 1998
Characters: Zach Smith, NPC Owner of Twilfit and Tatting's
Location: Diagon Alley
Status: Private
Summary: Zach needs to find a job fast
Completion: Complete
Zach thumbed through the help wanted ads in the paper. Since he found out that he had been accepted into the NEWT prep program and student housing, he knew that he would have to find a job to pay for it, as it was unlikely that his father would help out more than the minimum. He felt odd asking them for help anyway, but his mum had been keeping in touch and said they would help where they could. Zach translated that to mean that she would be sneaking funds from the food allowance his
father gave her to do the marketing.
Sighing, he read over his choices-there really wasn’t that much there that he thought he could do without experience-when the ad in the lower corner caught his eye: Help Wanted. Pt Sales Clerk at Twilfit and Tatting’s. Apply in Person. Diagon Alley. Zach was more than familiar with the store, since that was where his father bought his dress robes. In the past, Zach had often accompanied him, picking up bits here and there about what was proper dress. Maybe something I picked up from my dad might actually be worth something.
Heading back to Hufflepuff Tower, Zach quickly cleaned himself up and put on his nicest robes, to make a good impression. He left Hogwarts for Hogsmead, where he used the Floo at the Three Broomsticks to travel to Diagon Alley. The trip was easy but Zach arrived very nervous as he entered the shop.
“Umm excuse me,” He spoke to the man behind the counter. “I would like to talk to someone about the help wanted ad that was in the paper.” Miraculously, Zach managed to keep his voice steady, though he knew his hands were shaking.
The shopkeeper looked at him over his half moon glasses and gave him a reflective look for a second before coming around the counter to give Zach a proper once-over. “And what do you think you know about well-made clothing, young man?”
Swallowing hard, Zach made an effort to look the older man in the eye. “Honestly Sir, I only know what my father taught me, although he is a customer of yours. I’m a quick study and eager to learn.” He hoped he didn’t sound too desperate, yet at the same time Zach knew he was really
was. The older man crossed his arms and studied Zach with great
concentration.
“Your father’s a customer, is he eh? And is everything your father says right?”
The question hung in the air for a moment. Zach almost found it ironic, and gave the shopkeeper a wry smile. “If you had asked me that a year ago, I would have said ‘yes, everything thing my father says
is right’. Now…?” Zach gave a shrug. “Now, I want to learn and think for myself. Sir, I really need a job while I study for my NEWTs. I promise to work to the best of my ability and am willing to learn anything you are willing to teach me. I can’t promise more than that.”
It wasn’t Zach’s nature to be so blunt, but desperate times and all….The shopkeeper was quiet and was obviously weighing the pros and cons of this decision. “All right, I will take you on a two week trial
basis. If I like your work you have the job. How does that sound?” The shopkeeper stuck out his hand for Zach to shake, which he did eagerly.
“You have a deal, Sir.”