Books, Yes Please. open

Interacting with: @Shelowyn Bloomthorn Mentioning: N/A Date: First Saturday of the Year (September)

Word Count: 626

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Avery had always loved the library. There was just something about the scent of old books and parchment as well as the feeling of running her fingers across the spines of books long forgotten or newly placed back on the shelves that calmed Avery. Though she was far from a Ravenclaw, she had always been drawn to books. There was just something about the stories they told that took Avery to another world. A world that she could make her own and imagine better times instead of having to deal with the pain and suffering in her own life. Avery had had a small breakfast that morning. A simple piece of toast combined with some orange juice and bacon had been the perfect meal to start her day. The tangy juiced mixed with the crispy bacon and crunchy toast brought a smile of satisfaction to her face as she walked down the halls. The day was going to be different. Before she went out to practice Quidditch for the upcoming match the next month she was going to take some time and spend it at the library. One of her favorite places at Hogwarts. She walked into the library upon finishing her quick breakfast and smiled. Breathing in the scent of leather and old parchment. Two scents that reminded her of her home that she used to live in as a little girl. Though she had been three when she had moved from her home in Wales to London, she never forgot that smell. It was something that had stayed with her all that time. Avery wished she could go back to that time as old as she was now. Maybe then she could remember more about the old house and relish in the good times that were spent there. She had been born in that house. She grew up in that house. Yet, in the blink of an eye, it was all gone. Ripped away from her like a bandage on a wound. Quick, yet not painless. It hurt more than anything to leave her home country and go to another country. Even if it was only a short distance away, it wasn't home. It wasn't the place that she belonged. Avery shook the feelings from herself. She had to focus. The library was supposed to be a relaxer before she forced herself headfirst back into training for the big match coming up. She had only played in one match before, so she had to be ready this time. She couldn't mess up as badly as she did last time. She had nearly gotten Dan, but alas, she hadn't estimated the correct distance and messed everything up. That's why she was going to work on her skills. Avery saw a girl nearby. A first year by the look on her face. She had probably never seen a magical library before, or so Avery thought. There was a bookshelf near her that had caught Avery's attention, so she walked near the girl. Smiling before saying, "Libraries are great. Aren't they? I've always enjoyed spending hours on end searching for the perfect book among the shelves." She smiled. Avery stayed close in case the girl wanted to chat. Her fingers running along the spines of the books until she found what she wanted. Pulling the book out and gently dusting off the cover she turned it over. Reading the back to see whether or not it was the book she wanted to read. She had finished all her other books that she'd checked out, so she needed something different. Something new to keep her occupied whenever she had free time from training or homework. What else was there to pass the time when her friends were busy?

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Library | September 6th, 2025

"Words": #982ABC | 'Thoughts'

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Shelowyn put down the last of the books she had collected. She eyed her two piles. One quite short, having only a few books. The other containing all the rest, listing slowly towards the left. 'Well, that should last me at least a week. Maybe more. School only just started so I'm not sure how busy I will be in the coming months.' Long, scrawny fingers gripped the small pile. They picked them up before plopping them into her lap. She quickly checked the covers then placed them one by one on a nearby table. Her lips pursed as she let out a small breath, eyeing the rather tall pile.

"Libraries are great. Aren't they?" Shelowyn snapped her head to face whomever spoke. There stood a girl just barely older than Shelowyn. Her brown hair glimmered with gold, waving just past her shoulders. She stood by a bookshelf. A book in her hands.

Shelowyn looked about and noting no one else nearby, she spoke up, "Nothing can beat a quiet place and the smell of books. Especially a warm place." She nodded in the direction of the fireplace. Uncoiling herself from the chair, she took the large pile of books in her arms. She looked around the room before her gaze settled on the girl once more. "Uhm, where would one put unwanted books...? Assuming a magical library is different from a uh...uh...mug...nonmagical one." She had stepped closer while she spoke. Careful not to drop the books she held.

Interacting with: @Shelowyn Bloomthorn Mentioning: N/A Date: First Saturday of the Year (September)

Word Count: 525

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Avery sighed and before she realized there was another new book she had been wanting to read on the shelf, the girl spoke. Her voice was soft. Quiet. Thanks to the library being a quiet zone for people to be able to study, Avery felt relaxed. Maybe that was why she always went to the library when she needed a break from everything crazy in her world. It set her mind at ease and helped her focus on what was important. Avery nodded her head. A quick glance at the roaring fire bringing back memories of the times she had spent at her grandparents' house in Wales during Christmas. The fire always roared there in order to block out the cold of a Welsh winter. Avery sighed again. Those were the good times filled with love and joy now replaced by grief and heartbreak. "Oh. You put your books on that rack over there. The Librarian will sort them out when the time comes." Avery smiled as she pointed to a cart nearby only partially filled with books at the moment. Though Avery knew that the cart was to fill up quickly. Especially with it being the new year at Hogwarts with everyone jumping at the chance to pick up new books. "Wait. You mentioned a muggle library? What are they like? I've never been to one." Avery sat down in the chair across from the younger girl. Only then realizing how rude she must have come off without introducing herself first. "I'm so sorry. Where are my manners? I'm Avery Gray. Second year Gryffindor. And you?" Avery smiled. Hoping she hadn't made the girl feel uncomfortable with her eagerness. She had always been fascinated with the ways of muggles and rarely ever passed up an opportunity to learn more about them. Avery tried to think back to when she was younger and her muggle friend had still been alive. She couldn't quite remember her muggle friend talking about libraries. She had probably assumed Avery already knew about that since her muggle friend believed Avery too was a muggle even though she was far from one. She was of pure blood. A pure blood from a family that she didn't want to live up to the expectations of. It was all too much to bear. Avery shook her head. Attempting and somewhat successfully clearing her mind of that train of thoughts. She didn't want to go down that hole again. Not when she finally had someone to chat with in the library. As an attempt to cover up her frazzled brain, Avery opened the book she had just picked off the shelf and began to read the first page. Of course it immediately caught her attention and she knew exactly what she would be doing later instead of practicing Quidditch like she should be doing. Now all she had to do was wait for the girl to get back. Then she would finally learn more about what muggle libraries were like and if they were anything like wizard libraries. Avery deep down knew they were far from the same, but a girl can dream. Right?

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Library | September 6th, 2025

"Words": #982ABC | 'Thoughts'

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Shelowyn's eyes momentarily met the girl's. The fire danced in the corner, making them appear bright and warm yet a little...forlorn? The emotion was gone just as quickly as it had appeared. Then she spoke up. Her finger raising to point across the room.

"Oh. You put your books on that rack over there..." Shelowyn tracked the movement to see a rack half full of books. Well that was pretty normal. The girl plunked down in the other seat as she continued to speak. "Wait. You mentioned a muggle library? What are they like? I've never been to one-I'm so sorry. Where are my manners? I'm Avery Gray. Second year Gryffindor..." Shelowyn sat blinking for a moment. Then a small smile graced her features.

"It's nice to meet you, Avery. I'm Shelowyn Bloomthorn. First year Hufflepuff. And I'll be right back after-yeah." Shelowyn said as she pointed behind her at the rack before slowly shuffling away. She placed the books down. One. At A. Time. Slowly as she let her mind wonder. 'I guess there are magical folk who have never been to...to the nonmagical world...gah, I'll never get used to these terms. Will I fit in anywhere? Or be an eternal outcast wherever I go?' She huffed, placing down the last book then rubbing her eyes. 'Well, maybe I can learn from her. She's the first not first year I'll get to hang out with...'

She turned on her left heel. Strolled bck to her seat and fell into it. Avery was now reading a book. Shelowyn sucked in her lips. Debating on simply taking her books and bolting, 'oh just stop being such a hermit! You'll never get anywhere in life by running away.' Her resolve firmed, determination filling her gaze as she spoke up.

"So...you want to know about...about muggles?" Shelowyn spoke slowly trying not to sound awkward. It made her wording sound stiff and broken. Despite that she felt confident in her decision to stay and talk.

Interacting with: @Shelowyn Bloomthorn Mentioning: N/A Date: First Saturday of the Year (September)

Word Count: 500

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Avery had the feeling that the younger girl wasn’t a fan of the spontaneous mood Avery had found herself in that day. Ever since she had let herself stop thinking about her rocky past and uncertain future, she had felt more at ease. Mikey, her boyfriend was also one to help with her mood as well. He had a way of making her laugh even in her darkest moments. That’s why she cared so deeply for him. “Sorry if I came off a bit wild. I’m not usually like this, but it’s just been a good day considering most of my other days aren’t so great.” Aver left it at that. Unsure of whether or not the girl cared about her life problems. She probably didn’t, so Avery would move on. Avery’s suspicions of coming off too eager were confirmed when the girl awkwardly walked to the book rack and slowly dropped off her books. That was why Avery began to read. She wanted to show the girl she wasn’t just someone that always ran at one hundred miles an hour, but she was also one that could be calm and relaxed. Especially when the situation required her to be. The young first year wasn’t her friend. Not yet, at least. For now they were acquaintances. Avery was surprised when the girl came back to the table. She wouldn’t have blamed the girl for leaving. If anything, Avery would have understood if she were in the girl’s shoes. She herself as a first year would have been shocked speechless and probably would have backed away to regain her composure before attempting to have a conversation. She had always been friendly and willing to chat with whoever wished to speak with her, so maybe that was her weakness? Maybe it was or maybe it wasn’t. Avery would just have to wait and see. Avery put her book away slowly once the girl sat down and asked her if she wanted to know more about muggles. “ I mean, sure. I had a muggle friend when I was younger, but we didn’t talk a whole lot about things. Hey, what if you tell something about muggle lives and I ca answer any questions you have about the wizarding world? That way we both learn something new today.” Avery smiled. Satisfied with her idea, but she was willing to throw it out the window if the girl wished. Honestly she would be happy with anything and would respect the girl if she chose that she didn’t want to sit down and have a chat. Avery was open with a clear schedule besides a possible Quidditch practice if she wished and had the time, but otherwise there was nothing besides homework to do. And homework could wait. Avery had learned that friends were more important than assignments. Assignments were for a class that was only for a short time. Friends could be for you forever if you let them and stuck close to them.

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