The Lonesome Reader PV Avery McCall finished

Avery moves closer and takes the book, and to Dora's relief, she seems to like it. At the very least, she isn't laughing at her. Dora listens as Avery describes the muggle Fountain of Youth, recalling something similar she's heard. It seems both muggles and wizards alike have their stories of all-powerful magical relics. A Fountain of Eternal Youth doesn't sound too far off from another of Beedle's stories. The Deathly Hallows were a wand that could win any test of magic, a stone that could bring back the dead, and a cloak that could hide one from death itself. Dora remembers her Uncle saying once that Harry Potter was said to possess all these mythical items at one point, but they've been lost since. Some people still look for them, and others don't believe they're real at all.

That's what Dora finds most interesting about stories, how they inspire the people who read them.

Avery continues, "This seems like a really nice story, I can see why you like it. I'm not entirely sure if I have an overall favorite story, but I do have a book of poems for children that I still really like. They each have their own little illustrations from the author. I can...bring it when I return from break if you want?"

Her curiosity piqued, Dora tries not to seem too eager. "Yes, I mean, if you'd like." But, reality sets in with the memory of her grandmother's recent letter. Even if Avery remembers to bring the book, which she probably won't with the celebrations and all, Dora may not be able to spend much time socializing again. She's already wasted too much time today reading Beedle for comfort, and it's about time she get back to work. "Forgive me, but I should go to study." Dora moves to take the book back, but hesitates.

"If... Only if you want to, but if you do... you could borrow it?" Dora feels silly again. Maybe Avery was just indulging her and has no real interest in the book. And it's frightening, because Dora's never wanted to share it with anyone before.

Date: 11/25/22
───────────────────────────────────

Avery isn't quite successful when it comes to not visibly perking up at her dormmate's assent. She'd already spent the past few weeks mentally going over what all she wanted to bring back to school that she hadn't thought of the first time around. Time to gladly add another item to that list.

"Oh yeah, for sure! It's not a problem at all!" she enthuses, carefully closing the book in her lap. "I'd rather someone be enjoying it for a bit than have it just collect dust on the shelf back home." The book had been passed down to each child in her family, so as the youngest she figured it defaulted to her book now anyways. Not that her siblings seemed to have any real interest in spending time reading together anymore. They were far too 'cool' nowadays. At least her brother would entertain the thought from time to time.

As Dora announces her need to get on with her day, Avery bobs her head a little in understanding. The cold was starting to get to her, so she definitely wouldn't mind heading back inside. The book is halfway lifted to offer it back to the other girl when the words and movement bring her pause.

Avery simply blinks at Dora for a moment before her mind actually catches up with the offer. A warm smile emerges as she lowers the book back down to her lap. "That'd be brilliant, actually!" She couldn't deny the curiosity of what other stories the book might hold. Rising from her somewhat twisted up seating position, she cradles the book carefully in her arms. "I'll be sure to finish it up before break to give it back, and then I'll return the favor."

Eager to get back into the warmth, Avery starts walking backwards towards one of the entrances. Miraculously, she manages to not trip. "I'll make sure to take care of it. Good luck with studying!" She'd have to get around to her own studying. At some point. "See you back in the dorms later," she adds with a final wave before rushing back inside with a new pep in her step.

────────────────────────────────
𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉: @Isadora Everridge
≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫

Avery has left the thread.