RP: A Counter and a Tour
Date: January 5, 2005
Characters: Hermione Granger, Roger Davies
Location: 35 Alpha Lane
Status: Private
Summary: Roger builds a counter and tours his new residence
Completion: Complete
There was a fresh pile of lists on the table beside the half-filled tea cup. Another stack of lists was scattered on the floor, many with things marked through and others crumpled up into balls of parchment. Hermione sat in her chair with her eyes closed and her head tilted back. The lists in her mind were being rearranged as things became accomplished and moved to ’Completed Tasks’ and new items had to find a place on the ’To Be Accomplished’ lists.
At the moment, the list for ‘Bookstore’ was finally coming somewhat under control while the list for ‘Publishing’ had a rather overwhelming amount of things still needing done, most of which involved actual business actions instead of just printing for the library or shop. When Roger built the counter today, all she really had left for the general set-up of the bookshop was arranging the bookshelves and then doing some basic decorating to make it a welcoming sort of shop. After that, it was mostly gathering the rest of the product she wanted to include and then figuring out what sort of trade to expect until there was such a time that galleons became useful again.
The publishing company, it seemed, would be what actually supported them at first. Even that, though, would require months, most likely, for contracts to fall into place, for product to be printed, and for everything to start working in a somewhat orderly manner. There was a chance for an advance on a few of the texts that had never been printed before, especially from Santiago in Barcelona, which would actually be enough to cover the cost of supplies for a few months as well as give just enough to help pay for food and other necessities.
If she negotiated with him and his company for an advance on several of the Davies’ books, too, then they’d be somewhat okay for at least four months, including having extra for her to use to buy product for the bookstore, too. She had reviewed some of the products that Santiago’s company had rights to, and thought she might be able to work out an exchange for actual books as part of their agreement, too. However, there was still something she didn’t completely trust about the man from the letters they’d exchanged. Perhaps it was the fact that he was too helpful and seemed to be offering far too much without any specific meetings or discussion. Regardless, it was a meeting she had to attend because the potential benefits far outweighed her suspicions.
Harry hadn’t really started anything with the café yet. He seemed excited about the idea, but his enthusiasm didn’t seem to extend to him leaving his room to do any actual planning or work. There was a chance that he was working out possible menus and cost of food while holed up in his room, but the pessimistic part of her somehow found that unlikely. If he wasn’t planning to follow through with that plan, she’d need to figure out some way to provide coffee and tea along with at least some general baked goods for customers to buy, if they’d like. She thought that service was quite nice in the Muggle bookshops she’d visited, after all. She’d give Harry another couple of weeks, she supposed, before trying to think of alternative plans.
The work with Blaise was going very well, so far. The syllabus had actually started to be a nice escape from the numbers and tasks needed for publishing and the bookstore. While she knew herself well enough to know that she didn’t have the right personality to be a teacher, she did love knowledge and learning and wanted to share that in whatever ways she could. The syllabus provided her with a chance to tap into that passion without the necessity of teaching. She had tutored quite a lot back at school and thought she’d been quite good at it, but it was with people who actually asked and wanted to learn. She just didn’t have the patience to deal with those who didn’t see a need or understand how important knowledge could be. In that area of focus, she needed to make an effort to contact Quirke, who had announced herself a counselor, and also make arrangements with Blaise to visit a Muggle teacher regarding educational techniques. Both of those items went on different lists.
Beyond the syllabus, she’d also been giving Professor McGonagall’s thoughts of How To Guides a lot of focus. As she walked through town more and visited other Wizarding areas, it seemed that there was a lost generation who hadn’t had the opportunity to learn even the basic charms or spells. They probably couldn’t fly, obviously wouldn’t know how to Apparate nor have a license, and it wasn’t fair that they’d not been given some sort of chance to learn what they needed to survive in this world. This was a magical world, after all, and, even with Muggle influence and this being a Muggle town, magic needed to be appreciated and known.
Without the knowledge of how to properly use magic, there was a generation walking around with wands who didn’t even know how to use them and who were basically living as Muggles. She was Muggleborn herself and enjoyed a variety of Muggle conveniences, but magic was in their blood and that history, that culture, shouldn’t be forgotten in the wake of war. She knew that Wizarding customs would most likely alter due to changes in their world, because that was just a fact of life and especially common in post-war reconstruction, but she did feel that the matter of so many not having any time at Hogwarts to learn even the basics needed to be addressed somehow.
She actually planned to speak to Kingsley about that, considering his project for adult education, and perhaps Auror Robards had thoughts on what might be helpful in bridging that gap. The pamphlets she was working on creating should help some, she hoped, but knowledge was too important to just forget about. She was very excited about Kingsley’s project, after all, and thought he’d be wonderful training and educating adults. Perhaps he’d have an interest in extending the classes to other subjects as well as defense. That was added to a list.
That list became more clear in her mind, so she made notes and wrote down various things that she might could do with a focus on others who might be able to do far more. Once it was complete, she turned her attention to the stray situation. It was becoming a bit more organized, and she hoped that Mandy having the time to sort of take it over and give it more focus than she could would help, too. Perhaps Gabrielle would soon drop by to look into it, too. She was arranging ‘adoptions’ whenever someone approached her, but an official shelter set up, even in a beginning stage, that could provide food and care plus adoption service would be a great benefit. It would keep the animals off the streets, which helped curb potential spreading of disease as well as upturned rubbish bins and the like, and also provide a service that most communities had.
She also still needed to get in touch with Andromeda Tonks regarding the vague idea about educating people in the time when contraceptive potions were unavailable. She’d briefly mentioned it during their dinner before Christmas, but she hadn’t had the opportunity to follow-up with it yet. Maybe she’d send her an owl over the weekend to set up a meeting. That wouldn’t take very much time as she mostly wanted to inquire if any such program was already set up, like the Muggles had, or if it was something Andromeda felt might be needed in town.
Once Hermione had all the lists updated, her mind was better organized and she was able to start reprioritizing things. A variety of the topics were, fortunately, things that she wasn’t heavily involved with or just had general ideas about. The museum and library were also mixed amidst the list. The last list included personal things that she needed to do, with several friendly teas and such listed as well as a note to owl Lavender at some point for a ‘discussion’ if Ron continued to show interest in pursuing a tentative-possible relationship of sorts with her, even if it did remain casual.
By the time she had them all finished and was leaning forward studying them, she felt a sense of relief that Roger was dropping by this afternoon. She’d been working on projects since dawn and, to be honest, the lists were somewhat overwhelming. Having an opportunity to speak to a friend for a short time would be a nice distraction before she focused once again and went back to work. He was also going to see the River House today, which she’d managed to get basically cleaned up yesterday morning. It was a small house but very nicely made and ideal for a single person. She actually quite fancied it herself, though she was very happy with the house they’d chosen and living with the boys.
She stacked her lists and tossed the old ones into the bin before she put the kettle on. Roger was due any minute so tea would be nice, especially when he’d be working on constructing the counter. The tea had just finished when she felt the wards shift. She left the kitchen and walked to the door, glancing out to confirm it was him, before she opened the door and smiled. “Afternoon, Roger. Come on in.”
Characters: Hermione Granger, Roger Davies
Location: 35 Alpha Lane
Status: Private
Summary: Roger builds a counter and tours his new residence
Completion: Complete
There was a fresh pile of lists on the table beside the half-filled tea cup. Another stack of lists was scattered on the floor, many with things marked through and others crumpled up into balls of parchment. Hermione sat in her chair with her eyes closed and her head tilted back. The lists in her mind were being rearranged as things became accomplished and moved to ’Completed Tasks’ and new items had to find a place on the ’To Be Accomplished’ lists.
At the moment, the list for ‘Bookstore’ was finally coming somewhat under control while the list for ‘Publishing’ had a rather overwhelming amount of things still needing done, most of which involved actual business actions instead of just printing for the library or shop. When Roger built the counter today, all she really had left for the general set-up of the bookshop was arranging the bookshelves and then doing some basic decorating to make it a welcoming sort of shop. After that, it was mostly gathering the rest of the product she wanted to include and then figuring out what sort of trade to expect until there was such a time that galleons became useful again.
The publishing company, it seemed, would be what actually supported them at first. Even that, though, would require months, most likely, for contracts to fall into place, for product to be printed, and for everything to start working in a somewhat orderly manner. There was a chance for an advance on a few of the texts that had never been printed before, especially from Santiago in Barcelona, which would actually be enough to cover the cost of supplies for a few months as well as give just enough to help pay for food and other necessities.
If she negotiated with him and his company for an advance on several of the Davies’ books, too, then they’d be somewhat okay for at least four months, including having extra for her to use to buy product for the bookstore, too. She had reviewed some of the products that Santiago’s company had rights to, and thought she might be able to work out an exchange for actual books as part of their agreement, too. However, there was still something she didn’t completely trust about the man from the letters they’d exchanged. Perhaps it was the fact that he was too helpful and seemed to be offering far too much without any specific meetings or discussion. Regardless, it was a meeting she had to attend because the potential benefits far outweighed her suspicions.
Harry hadn’t really started anything with the café yet. He seemed excited about the idea, but his enthusiasm didn’t seem to extend to him leaving his room to do any actual planning or work. There was a chance that he was working out possible menus and cost of food while holed up in his room, but the pessimistic part of her somehow found that unlikely. If he wasn’t planning to follow through with that plan, she’d need to figure out some way to provide coffee and tea along with at least some general baked goods for customers to buy, if they’d like. She thought that service was quite nice in the Muggle bookshops she’d visited, after all. She’d give Harry another couple of weeks, she supposed, before trying to think of alternative plans.
The work with Blaise was going very well, so far. The syllabus had actually started to be a nice escape from the numbers and tasks needed for publishing and the bookstore. While she knew herself well enough to know that she didn’t have the right personality to be a teacher, she did love knowledge and learning and wanted to share that in whatever ways she could. The syllabus provided her with a chance to tap into that passion without the necessity of teaching. She had tutored quite a lot back at school and thought she’d been quite good at it, but it was with people who actually asked and wanted to learn. She just didn’t have the patience to deal with those who didn’t see a need or understand how important knowledge could be. In that area of focus, she needed to make an effort to contact Quirke, who had announced herself a counselor, and also make arrangements with Blaise to visit a Muggle teacher regarding educational techniques. Both of those items went on different lists.
Beyond the syllabus, she’d also been giving Professor McGonagall’s thoughts of How To Guides a lot of focus. As she walked through town more and visited other Wizarding areas, it seemed that there was a lost generation who hadn’t had the opportunity to learn even the basic charms or spells. They probably couldn’t fly, obviously wouldn’t know how to Apparate nor have a license, and it wasn’t fair that they’d not been given some sort of chance to learn what they needed to survive in this world. This was a magical world, after all, and, even with Muggle influence and this being a Muggle town, magic needed to be appreciated and known.
Without the knowledge of how to properly use magic, there was a generation walking around with wands who didn’t even know how to use them and who were basically living as Muggles. She was Muggleborn herself and enjoyed a variety of Muggle conveniences, but magic was in their blood and that history, that culture, shouldn’t be forgotten in the wake of war. She knew that Wizarding customs would most likely alter due to changes in their world, because that was just a fact of life and especially common in post-war reconstruction, but she did feel that the matter of so many not having any time at Hogwarts to learn even the basics needed to be addressed somehow.
She actually planned to speak to Kingsley about that, considering his project for adult education, and perhaps Auror Robards had thoughts on what might be helpful in bridging that gap. The pamphlets she was working on creating should help some, she hoped, but knowledge was too important to just forget about. She was very excited about Kingsley’s project, after all, and thought he’d be wonderful training and educating adults. Perhaps he’d have an interest in extending the classes to other subjects as well as defense. That was added to a list.
That list became more clear in her mind, so she made notes and wrote down various things that she might could do with a focus on others who might be able to do far more. Once it was complete, she turned her attention to the stray situation. It was becoming a bit more organized, and she hoped that Mandy having the time to sort of take it over and give it more focus than she could would help, too. Perhaps Gabrielle would soon drop by to look into it, too. She was arranging ‘adoptions’ whenever someone approached her, but an official shelter set up, even in a beginning stage, that could provide food and care plus adoption service would be a great benefit. It would keep the animals off the streets, which helped curb potential spreading of disease as well as upturned rubbish bins and the like, and also provide a service that most communities had.
She also still needed to get in touch with Andromeda Tonks regarding the vague idea about educating people in the time when contraceptive potions were unavailable. She’d briefly mentioned it during their dinner before Christmas, but she hadn’t had the opportunity to follow-up with it yet. Maybe she’d send her an owl over the weekend to set up a meeting. That wouldn’t take very much time as she mostly wanted to inquire if any such program was already set up, like the Muggles had, or if it was something Andromeda felt might be needed in town.
Once Hermione had all the lists updated, her mind was better organized and she was able to start reprioritizing things. A variety of the topics were, fortunately, things that she wasn’t heavily involved with or just had general ideas about. The museum and library were also mixed amidst the list. The last list included personal things that she needed to do, with several friendly teas and such listed as well as a note to owl Lavender at some point for a ‘discussion’ if Ron continued to show interest in pursuing a tentative-possible relationship of sorts with her, even if it did remain casual.
By the time she had them all finished and was leaning forward studying them, she felt a sense of relief that Roger was dropping by this afternoon. She’d been working on projects since dawn and, to be honest, the lists were somewhat overwhelming. Having an opportunity to speak to a friend for a short time would be a nice distraction before she focused once again and went back to work. He was also going to see the River House today, which she’d managed to get basically cleaned up yesterday morning. It was a small house but very nicely made and ideal for a single person. She actually quite fancied it herself, though she was very happy with the house they’d chosen and living with the boys.
She stacked her lists and tossed the old ones into the bin before she put the kettle on. Roger was due any minute so tea would be nice, especially when he’d be working on constructing the counter. The tea had just finished when she felt the wards shift. She left the kitchen and walked to the door, glancing out to confirm it was him, before she opened the door and smiled. “Afternoon, Roger. Come on in.”