RP: Stranger in a Strange Land
Date: January 4, 2005
Character(s): Katie Bell
Location: Exeter
Status: Private
Summary: Katie goes to indulge one new pleasure, and finds a new obsession.
Completion: Complete
It wasn’t the first time that Katie had been in Exeter in the past few weeks, but she still couldn’t help but feeling like an outsider as she wandered around. After her first trip back in November it had become blatantly obvious that a cloak was not the normal attire, but even with a muggle coat she had transfigured for the occasion, she certainly didn’t feel like she belonged there, even just wandering through the city.
Muggles certainly didn’t look different, and despite having some odd topics of conversation they didn’t talk different, but she supposed there was some intangible quality that made her seem so radically different. Although, it was quite possible, the only real difference existed in her head. It wasn’t as if the man she passed outside the grocery store had any idea that she was ignorant about so many things, although the woman whom had helped her buy chicken likely had an inkling.
And, the man who owned the bookstore was certainly well aware of that fact. As Katie pushed open the door, the bell above it chimed, alerting the shop owner to her presence. She had chosen this store for it’s out of the way location, despite its smaller stock, and while the manager was sometimes willing to help her when she came in, she had a suspicion it was more for his own amusement than anything. He had the condescending tone down pat - sometimes she wondered if he practiced it for when she visited.
The store held a slightly musky smell, which wasn’t too surprising considering she didn’t think the man sold much stock; and, while he was incapable of a scourgify charm, he had also apparently never heard of a dust cloth. The newer books were clean and shiney near the front, but she could practically see the dust from her spot near the door on the books covering the back table.
Katie smiled hesitantly at the older man behind the counter, knowing he recognized her, but with his feet propped up on a stool as he leaned back, he made no attempt to move. She had been to the bookstore multiple times over the past few weeks, picking up books on a variety of subjects, each one confusing the man more than the last. Or, at least her manner of asking for it.
Black and Decker: the Complete Guide to Roofing & Siding: Install, Finish, Repair, Maintain still sat on first on her bookshelf which she had used when working On Kenneth’s place. It had taken her three chapters of constant mentions of “Black and Decker” tools to realize they were a company, not actual authors. A few books on painting and interior design had joined them short after. She had grabbed a biography of a former queen that time as well, one she had known was rumoured to have been a witch. She had also bought a copy of Modern Carpentry by Willis Wagner.
Many books had joined those on the shelf since then - including the most recent purchase of Understanding Video Games: Essential Introduction a subject which she had been beyond confused about after her last talk with Roger. Katie was discovering a penchant for learning she didn’t even know she had. Some of it was about practicalities, like the siding book, and some of it was about hating feeling stupid on a variety of topics every time someone opened their mouth. But more, it was learning for the sake of learning. It wasn’t just an activity for when she woke up in the middle of the night, it was something she actually wanted to do, although she couldn’t quite credit that.
She had poured over the chapters on roofing even though she had no reason too except for her own knowledge. She didn’t think she would be building or repairing a roof any time soon, but she liked the knowledge that she could. It was rather the same with the carpentry book - although some of it had been practical advice for her work. But the other books she poured over all the same, absorbing everything she could. Merlin’s sake, she had even read a book on cooking, another on electricity, and for a change of pace an English muggle history book from the 1800’s that had been in the sale bin.
This newfound pleasure in learning was more than a little odd. Katie had always done reasonably well in school, but had never really cared about it. To her, knowledge had been a means to an end. Studying was just to get her OWLS and NEWTS so she could graduate, and have a fall back position for something if Quidditch didn’t work out. Quidditch strategy books had been her obsession the summer before her last year, but that had been when she had been operating under the assumption she might get the captain position for Gryffindor.
Later, reinforcing knowledge of different spells was for defense and attack so she could avoid being killed, and even kill. She had never bothered to read anything outside of a few trashy novels, certainly nothing that would have taxed her brain. Now, she even was interested in wizarding topics along with the muggle things - although she didn’t think this place would be carrying anything of that sort.
Katie ignored the man who ran the store, deciding to try and locate her own books for once. She couldn’t help a little sarcastic cough as she lifted a book on ancient Egyptians, the dust raised visible in the dim light. But, it wasn’t the kind of book she was looking for.
One futile search of the bookstore later, she was back at the front counter, admitting defeat. “What can I help you with this time?” The man asked, finally showing enough interest to even lift his feet from the stool.
“I’m looking for a book on computers,” Katie replied, pronouncing the word carefully. That was one muggle invention she still had yet to understand what it was. “Just the most basic book you have.”
“What kind of computer?” he inquired further, obviously a little frustrated. “PC, Mac? Or is it a program you need information on? Virus protection? Using the internet? You’re going to have to be a little more specific than that.”
Katie wasn’t quite sure why he wasn’t more used to her by now - they had enjoyed a similar conversation when she came in to purchase a book on video games. And she had no idea what the other things he was talking about meant. “You know, the basics.” Katie stressed, resting her hand on the counter, one thing that was at least clear of dust. “What exactly a computer is, that sort of thing. I’ve never heard of them before, really.”
He was looking at her like she had sprouted two heads, and Katie had to look down to check her appearance. She had even left the cloak at home this time, knowing he had glanced at it oddly before. “I’ll be right back,” he said in what sounded like a strangled tone, heading for the back room.
Katie wasn’t sure if he had spent part of the time laughing back there, but when he reemerged and walked back the counter he was carrying a book. Taking it from him, she could only stare incredulously at the title, and the fact it was obviously an older book. Illustrated Computer Dictionary for Dummies. She scowled over the last word, but didn’t argue, tossing her bills down on the counter.
Grabbing the book, Katie headed down the street, having already decided to allow herself a bit of a tour around the city before she apparrated back to Stoatshead Hill. She had always been here for practical purposes before, and had never really noticed how many beautiful old buildings were in Exeter. Not that she was really here to enjoy the scenery itself. It was more for taking stock of what was here for practical and enjoyment purposes.
It wasn’t far down the street that the book accidentally slipped form her hands, landing in a puddle along the curb. Swearing under her breath, Katie retrieved it quickly, the dirty water dripping from her fingers, but the book was already half soaked. She instinctively reached for her wand, but could see a few people looking already, and resisted the urge. Cursing, she decided to try running in to use the loo in one of the buildings, knowing she could use her wand there in privacy.
Darting into the building closest to her, a large structure she hadn’t taken much note of, she approached the girl at the front desk. “Uh, where’s the loo?” Katie asked hesitantly, wanting to dry the book properly before it was ruined.
When the girl told her that she wasn’t allowed to use the washroom without a ticket, Katie was astonished, but forked over an obscene amount of money for something called The Notebook. It had been that or something called The Bourne Supremacy. She had initially thought they were art exhibits or something similar, considering the quality of the interior, but when she passed the sign on the history of the building she realized it was the Exeter Picturehouse, a large ‘movie theater’ according to the sign.
She had never been in one before, but she knew Stoatshead actually had an old abandoned one - although she could bet it wasn’t half as nice as this. As she came out of the loo a few moments later, dry book in hand, Katie had to admit she was more than curious. She had seen what she thought were called ‘movies’ on a television with the girls, but had no idea how it equated to this. And besides, she had a ticket for one of these things, and time to kill.
Katie could see a café in the corner, serving people all manner of drinks (and, she was a little surprised to notice - alcoholic ones), as well as food. She wandered over to the sign, reading their menu and posted adverts for acoustic nights and film quizzes, as well as art exhibits - although that seemed to be different from what she was going to see.
The theater was rather busy, with many people still entering through the front doors, and for now everyone seemed to be content to hang around outside. There were two sets of doors across the hall from one another, each with a sign above them declaring one of the two ‘movies’ she had been given the options of purchasing tickets for. Nobody seemed to be going in though, simply chatting out in the hall as they sipped from their drinks and nibbled at food.
But then the doors were opened by teenagers in matching uniforms, and the crowd started to file in. Katie followed along behind a couple who were going into the same show she was, a little hesitant as it was rather dark inside. And it wasn’t as if she could draw her wand to make her feel more secure. Although she knew it was likely silly, it was an unfamiliar environment, and she couldn’t help but feeling a sense of caution. She supposed it was a good thing her paranoia would never quite leave her.
It was heading through the doors that Katie caught whiff of something she had never even heard of, but smelled amazing.
Popcorn. Buttered popcorn.
Character(s): Katie Bell
Location: Exeter
Status: Private
Summary: Katie goes to indulge one new pleasure, and finds a new obsession.
Completion: Complete
It wasn’t the first time that Katie had been in Exeter in the past few weeks, but she still couldn’t help but feeling like an outsider as she wandered around. After her first trip back in November it had become blatantly obvious that a cloak was not the normal attire, but even with a muggle coat she had transfigured for the occasion, she certainly didn’t feel like she belonged there, even just wandering through the city.
Muggles certainly didn’t look different, and despite having some odd topics of conversation they didn’t talk different, but she supposed there was some intangible quality that made her seem so radically different. Although, it was quite possible, the only real difference existed in her head. It wasn’t as if the man she passed outside the grocery store had any idea that she was ignorant about so many things, although the woman whom had helped her buy chicken likely had an inkling.
And, the man who owned the bookstore was certainly well aware of that fact. As Katie pushed open the door, the bell above it chimed, alerting the shop owner to her presence. She had chosen this store for it’s out of the way location, despite its smaller stock, and while the manager was sometimes willing to help her when she came in, she had a suspicion it was more for his own amusement than anything. He had the condescending tone down pat - sometimes she wondered if he practiced it for when she visited.
The store held a slightly musky smell, which wasn’t too surprising considering she didn’t think the man sold much stock; and, while he was incapable of a scourgify charm, he had also apparently never heard of a dust cloth. The newer books were clean and shiney near the front, but she could practically see the dust from her spot near the door on the books covering the back table.
Katie smiled hesitantly at the older man behind the counter, knowing he recognized her, but with his feet propped up on a stool as he leaned back, he made no attempt to move. She had been to the bookstore multiple times over the past few weeks, picking up books on a variety of subjects, each one confusing the man more than the last. Or, at least her manner of asking for it.
Black and Decker: the Complete Guide to Roofing & Siding: Install, Finish, Repair, Maintain still sat on first on her bookshelf which she had used when working On Kenneth’s place. It had taken her three chapters of constant mentions of “Black and Decker” tools to realize they were a company, not actual authors. A few books on painting and interior design had joined them short after. She had grabbed a biography of a former queen that time as well, one she had known was rumoured to have been a witch. She had also bought a copy of Modern Carpentry by Willis Wagner.
Many books had joined those on the shelf since then - including the most recent purchase of Understanding Video Games: Essential Introduction a subject which she had been beyond confused about after her last talk with Roger. Katie was discovering a penchant for learning she didn’t even know she had. Some of it was about practicalities, like the siding book, and some of it was about hating feeling stupid on a variety of topics every time someone opened their mouth. But more, it was learning for the sake of learning. It wasn’t just an activity for when she woke up in the middle of the night, it was something she actually wanted to do, although she couldn’t quite credit that.
She had poured over the chapters on roofing even though she had no reason too except for her own knowledge. She didn’t think she would be building or repairing a roof any time soon, but she liked the knowledge that she could. It was rather the same with the carpentry book - although some of it had been practical advice for her work. But the other books she poured over all the same, absorbing everything she could. Merlin’s sake, she had even read a book on cooking, another on electricity, and for a change of pace an English muggle history book from the 1800’s that had been in the sale bin.
This newfound pleasure in learning was more than a little odd. Katie had always done reasonably well in school, but had never really cared about it. To her, knowledge had been a means to an end. Studying was just to get her OWLS and NEWTS so she could graduate, and have a fall back position for something if Quidditch didn’t work out. Quidditch strategy books had been her obsession the summer before her last year, but that had been when she had been operating under the assumption she might get the captain position for Gryffindor.
Later, reinforcing knowledge of different spells was for defense and attack so she could avoid being killed, and even kill. She had never bothered to read anything outside of a few trashy novels, certainly nothing that would have taxed her brain. Now, she even was interested in wizarding topics along with the muggle things - although she didn’t think this place would be carrying anything of that sort.
Katie ignored the man who ran the store, deciding to try and locate her own books for once. She couldn’t help a little sarcastic cough as she lifted a book on ancient Egyptians, the dust raised visible in the dim light. But, it wasn’t the kind of book she was looking for.
One futile search of the bookstore later, she was back at the front counter, admitting defeat. “What can I help you with this time?” The man asked, finally showing enough interest to even lift his feet from the stool.
“I’m looking for a book on computers,” Katie replied, pronouncing the word carefully. That was one muggle invention she still had yet to understand what it was. “Just the most basic book you have.”
“What kind of computer?” he inquired further, obviously a little frustrated. “PC, Mac? Or is it a program you need information on? Virus protection? Using the internet? You’re going to have to be a little more specific than that.”
Katie wasn’t quite sure why he wasn’t more used to her by now - they had enjoyed a similar conversation when she came in to purchase a book on video games. And she had no idea what the other things he was talking about meant. “You know, the basics.” Katie stressed, resting her hand on the counter, one thing that was at least clear of dust. “What exactly a computer is, that sort of thing. I’ve never heard of them before, really.”
He was looking at her like she had sprouted two heads, and Katie had to look down to check her appearance. She had even left the cloak at home this time, knowing he had glanced at it oddly before. “I’ll be right back,” he said in what sounded like a strangled tone, heading for the back room.
Katie wasn’t sure if he had spent part of the time laughing back there, but when he reemerged and walked back the counter he was carrying a book. Taking it from him, she could only stare incredulously at the title, and the fact it was obviously an older book. Illustrated Computer Dictionary for Dummies. She scowled over the last word, but didn’t argue, tossing her bills down on the counter.
Grabbing the book, Katie headed down the street, having already decided to allow herself a bit of a tour around the city before she apparrated back to Stoatshead Hill. She had always been here for practical purposes before, and had never really noticed how many beautiful old buildings were in Exeter. Not that she was really here to enjoy the scenery itself. It was more for taking stock of what was here for practical and enjoyment purposes.
It wasn’t far down the street that the book accidentally slipped form her hands, landing in a puddle along the curb. Swearing under her breath, Katie retrieved it quickly, the dirty water dripping from her fingers, but the book was already half soaked. She instinctively reached for her wand, but could see a few people looking already, and resisted the urge. Cursing, she decided to try running in to use the loo in one of the buildings, knowing she could use her wand there in privacy.
Darting into the building closest to her, a large structure she hadn’t taken much note of, she approached the girl at the front desk. “Uh, where’s the loo?” Katie asked hesitantly, wanting to dry the book properly before it was ruined.
When the girl told her that she wasn’t allowed to use the washroom without a ticket, Katie was astonished, but forked over an obscene amount of money for something called The Notebook. It had been that or something called The Bourne Supremacy. She had initially thought they were art exhibits or something similar, considering the quality of the interior, but when she passed the sign on the history of the building she realized it was the Exeter Picturehouse, a large ‘movie theater’ according to the sign.
She had never been in one before, but she knew Stoatshead actually had an old abandoned one - although she could bet it wasn’t half as nice as this. As she came out of the loo a few moments later, dry book in hand, Katie had to admit she was more than curious. She had seen what she thought were called ‘movies’ on a television with the girls, but had no idea how it equated to this. And besides, she had a ticket for one of these things, and time to kill.
Katie could see a café in the corner, serving people all manner of drinks (and, she was a little surprised to notice - alcoholic ones), as well as food. She wandered over to the sign, reading their menu and posted adverts for acoustic nights and film quizzes, as well as art exhibits - although that seemed to be different from what she was going to see.
The theater was rather busy, with many people still entering through the front doors, and for now everyone seemed to be content to hang around outside. There were two sets of doors across the hall from one another, each with a sign above them declaring one of the two ‘movies’ she had been given the options of purchasing tickets for. Nobody seemed to be going in though, simply chatting out in the hall as they sipped from their drinks and nibbled at food.
But then the doors were opened by teenagers in matching uniforms, and the crowd started to file in. Katie followed along behind a couple who were going into the same show she was, a little hesitant as it was rather dark inside. And it wasn’t as if she could draw her wand to make her feel more secure. Although she knew it was likely silly, it was an unfamiliar environment, and she couldn’t help but feeling a sense of caution. She supposed it was a good thing her paranoia would never quite leave her.
It was heading through the doors that Katie caught whiff of something she had never even heard of, but smelled amazing.
Popcorn. Buttered popcorn.