Date: 17th August, 2024

Location: Flourish and Blotts

Interactions: @Stelle Mims

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Speech -- Thoughts

Pam replied with a grin, "I see what you mean, in that case, you just need to wear teenager black clothes. You can't feel like a granny if you're wearing an above-knee dress, can you?" She wiggled her eyebrows thoughtfully, "Huh, red? You're probably right. I've not worn a large number of red clothes because it is not high on my list of favorite colored clothes, but I can try it I suppose."

"I love blue." she continued, "and depending on my mood, I like pink too." she flashed her a sheepish grin, "But in both cases, I prefer the darker shades of the colors. Like I'm a huge fan of the Imperial blue color, as well as midnight blue. With pink.... I like the neutral shades a lot, like... actually I can't remember any names currently. I'm also a big fan of different shades of purple." she glanced down at the lilac-colored shirt she was wearing and shrugged, "So yea. In case of lighter shades, I like baby pink. Oh and turquoise blue." She stopped after the long monologue, "Sorry, what colors do you prefer?"

Pam eyed the girl's curly locks critically, "Your hair is perfect though." she commented, rather impressed, "I don't see a single runaway strand currently." As if proving her point, Pam pushed a stray curl behind her ears, grinning at the girl. "I do like hats though. Specially in winter." She glanced around, searching for the stories section as she said this, "Can you recommend a magical book for me then?"

She clicked her tongue at the girl's last question, taking her time to answer, "No, my family didn't know much about this world. We had a teacher come over to explain." It was a good reply, Pam thought. It was completely true. so she did not have to lie, and she could successfully answer the question without bringing up her deceased family member. It was a sensitive topic for her, her mother. Only her father and her childhood best friend, Henry, knew about it. She planned to keep it that way for as much time as she could.

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₊⁺⋆ Date: 17th August, 2024| Number of words: 502| Dialogue: #aa5713 ⋆⁺₊

—What's wrong with long dresses?—. she asked, confused. Normally her clothing consisted of long dresses or skirts of different lengths, but that was probably because her family was much more traditional than Pam's. Stelle listened attentively, nodding occasionally as Pam spoke enthusiastically about her favorite colors. I found it fascinating how someone could have such a specific connection to certain tones. —Imperial blue sounds elegant—. Stelle commented, smiling. —I like pastel colors, pink is one of my favorites. But I also really like blues, greens and... I don't think yellow is a bad option—.

When Pam mentioned her hair, Stelle absently touched a curl, as if suddenly realizing she was being watched. —Oh, thank you—. she replied, somewhat blushing. —Actually there is a small explanation for that, but to me it really looks like a disaster—. She laughed softly, trying to downplay it, although he had liked the compliment more than she wanted to admit. —And hats... Well, in winter they have their charm—.

Stelle looked around when Pam mentioned the magic books. —A book I can recommend to you? Hmm... it depends on what you like. I'm not one of the people who really enjoys reading; I'm usually forced to read boring history books. But there is a collection of stories called The Tales of Beedle the Bard; my mother has had it since she was a child. It's like Muggle stories, but with a magical touch—.

She noticed the subtle change in Pam's tone when she talked about her family. She didn't press, sensing there was something else beneath the surface that Pam didn't want to share. —It must have been interesting to have someone explain everything to you from the beginning—. she commented in a soft voice, trying to make Pam feel more comfortable. —I grew up around it, so I guess sometimes I don't appreciate how magical it really is. Maybe seeing the magical world for the first time must feel like... I don't know, an explosion of colors and possibilities, right?—.

—I'm not much of a reader, but I can help you look for something if you want—. Stelle looked at Pam with renewed curiosity as they walked toward the shelves. There was something in the way she spoke, in the mix of enthusiasm and care in choosing her words, that made her want to know more about her. —You know, I think the way you described your favorite colors says a lot about you—. she commented casually, as if she were thinking out loud. —It's as if each tone you mentioned has a story, something that connects you to them. Maybe that's why you also like the books you choose so much, because they somehow manage to resonate with you—. Stelle paused for a moment, looking at the spines of the books in front of them. —So I guess finding a book for you won't be that difficult... we just have to look for the one that seems to speak your language. What do you think?—.

@Pamela Graham

Date: 17th August, 2024

Location: Flourish and Blotts

Interactions: @Stelle Mims

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Speech -- Thoughts

"Nothing's wrong with long dresses," Pam said with a giggle, "I just meant that elderly people normally avoid wearing short cut dressed, or atleast where I've grown up they do, so if you were to wear a comparatively shorter dress, you would not look like an old person!"

The girl seemed rather startled by Pam's compliment, and Pam couldn't help but smile as a rather rosy hue highlighted Stelle's cheeks. However her next words made her curious, "What explanation do you mean? Like ....a spell??" Hmm, do spells exist which can help control one's hair? That would be extremely helpful for me.

Stelle seemed to notice her hesitation about answering the family question and thankfully did not push her. I will be eternally grateful to you for that. Stelle was different, Pam felt. There was something rather unnaturally gentle about her. Although, it wasn't an uncomfortable type of softness. It didn't make Pam feel as though she was faking it or couldn't be trusted. It made Pam curious to know the girl better.

She hummed thoughtfully, "You know, I've never thought of it like that...colors describing your personality. I suppose you've got a pretty good point." She turned back to look at Stelle,"Well, I suppose I should start with the more popular books. That's what my dad always says. So, 'tales of Beedle and the Bard'? Where can I find it?"

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₊⁺⋆ Date: 17th August, 2024| Number of words: 440| Dialogue: #aa5713 ⋆⁺₊

Stelle couldn't help but smile at Pam's comment about long dresses, a spark of amusement in her blue eyes. —So now I have to change my wardrobe so I don't look like an old woman?—. She teased, raising an eyebrow as her voice took on a playful tone. —I'm not sure I can get used to shorter dresses, but maybe you could give me some style tips. It seems like you have a good eye for that—. Her expression softened, and she added with a light laugh, —Although, to be honest, I think age is more in the attitude than in the clothes. Don't you think?—.

Although she couldn't be considered someone with an extravagant style, there was something comforting in the light and honest way in which Pam spoke, as if there was no need for pretense between them. Her cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment, and she decided to instantly distract herself by focusing on the hair question. —Well, yes, there are hair spells—. she replied in a thoughtful tone as she absentmindedly stroked a lock of her curly hair. —My grandmother knows some, but she always says there's no better way to take care of it than to do it naturally. Although... a quick spell sometimes wouldn't hurt—. She tilted her head, returning Pam's smile with a warm gaze that seemed to invite her to continue sharing her thoughts. —But it's not that, it's something... interesting? I think that's the best way to say it—. she said with a pitiful smile. —Do you want me to tell you? But if I tell you, you must promise me that you will keep the secret: I only say that to people with a good heart—.

Pam's curiosity about books was enough to make Stelle momentarily forget her own shyness. —Oh, Tales of Beedle the Bard is a classic. You should definitely start with that one if you haven't read it yet—. she said enthusiastically. —You can find it in the Hogwarts library. Although they sell it here, I would read it in the library, and if I really liked it, I would buy it here later—. she recommended with a soft smile. —The stories it contains are much more than stories for children. Some of them have very profound teachings—. She paused, watching Pam with interest as she pondered what else to add. —If you like stories, maybe you'll also like the story behind them. Sometimes a single story can lead you to explore something much bigger—. Her words were soft, but there was a sincerity to them that made it difficult not to feel comfortable in her company.

@Pamela Graham

Date: 17th August, 2024

Location: Flourish and Blotts

Interactions: @Stelle Mims

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Speech -- Thoughts

Pam shrugged, saying nonchalantly, "Well no, you dress pretty well. Besides, you're the one who said she feels like a grandma in black clothing, and that seems to hurt my very existence, so here I am." She giggled as Stelle spoke about her possible discomfort of short dresses, remembering her own uncomfortable feelings when she had worn a short dress for the first time. The only reason she had not changed out of it in three seconds was because she had looked pretty in it.

"I can't take any credit for my current fashion sense." She joked, "It's all thanks to my dad really. I'd be an ugly wet crow without him-" She shrugged, cutting herself off, "He says the same thing about my hair too. It's the only reason he won't let me do highlights on them. He says I should focus on improving my hair quality for now and save the coloring for when I'm older."

Pam mentally groaned as Stelle spoke about keeping a secret. Well now I'm too curious!! She couldn't help but snicker, replying with a, "Don't worry, I'm good at keeping secrets." She considered the sentence for a second and then corrected herself, "More specifically, I'm good at keeping others' secrets....even if not my own. Although, you don't have to tell me if that makes you uncomfortable. Why is it a secret anyway?"

"Well that's extremely convenient!" She remarked, mentally noting the fact that her future school-to-be had a library. The thought excited her to no end. Imagine a library with an unending supply of books. It did make her wonder how big the library in question was though. "In that case, it would make sense to read first and buy later. Hmm, do you know any good novels i could read?"

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₊⁺⋆ Date: 17th August, 2024| Number of words: 440| Dialogue: #aa5713 ⋆⁺₊

—Well, at least I appreciate that you approve of my style—. she replied with a smile. —Although I still think I sometimes look like an old lady—. The conversation about fashion and Pam's father's advice made her think about her own mother. Lailah didn’t usually comment much on her clothing, except to calmly remind her to fix her hair a little better before going out. The idea of someone intervening so firmly in such small decisions seemed strange to her, though not in an unpleasant way. It was curious how each family had its own rules regarding appearance.

She tilted her head slightly when she heard about the highlights. —I guess she’s right that healthy hair is more important than the color—. she said, running her fingers through her own curls. —Although I do want to try something different in the future...—. she added thoughtfully. She had always wanted to cut her hair, but with the suggestion of highlights, a bigger idea popped into her head. What if she dyed her whole hair? She had always liked the reddish color of her grandmother’s hair. Or maybe brown? She'd think about it later.

When Pam reacted with curiosity about the secret, Stelle made a playful grimace. —If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore—. she joked, twirling a strand of her hair as she thought about how to respond. The topic of secrets wasn’t new to her, but somehow, she felt lighter talking about it with someone who wouldn’t judge her. There was something comforting in how calmly Pam had approached the issue. —It’s something insignificant—. she added. —But every time I mention it, I feel like a show-off—. she concluded, not wanting to reveal too much but realizing that sometimes a little mystery could be fun. She also had secrets, though she wasn’t the type to share them unless someone truly understood.

—Mmm... as for novels, it depends on what you like. If you want something with a bit of mystery and magic, The Whisper of Shadows is pretty good. Though, again, I’m not a great reader, so I wouldn’t be the best person to recommend something—. she said with a sweet smile.

But before she could say more, she heard her grandmother calling her. She looked in the direction of the voice. —I have to go—. she said before turning back to Pam. —Let’s meet at Hogwarts. I liked you. If you find me before I find you, I promise I’ll tell you my secret—. she said with a smile. She began walking toward her grandmother and, before leaving the store, waved goodbye to her "new friend."

@Pamela Graham

Date: 17th August, 2024

Location: Flourish and Blotts

Interactions: @Stelle Mims

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Speech -- Thoughts

"The Whisper of Shadows." Pam repeated, trying out the words on her tongue. It sounded pretty nice, and like a typical fantasy book name. She loved it. "That sounds interesting. I'll look for it in the Hogwarts Library some day." She grinned at the thought.

Pam tilted her head as she heard a female voice calling out for Stelle. From the girl's previous words, she would have guessed that it was Stelle's grandmother, but Pam couldn't exactly place the lady in the crowd of people around them. She turned her attention back to the girl as she told her that she had to go, and Pam nodded, "See you at school."

She smiled softly as she listened to the girl's last words. Ohh is that a challenge? I'm totally accepting it. Pam did hope she would see the girl sometime again. Stelle was very nice and Pam liked her quite a lot. She wanted to get to know her better, and interact more with her. Perhaps one day.

She slipped the last of her books into her bag, and then waved the girl off one last time, before turning to go find her own father and leave the shop. It had been a long day.

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Pam has left the thread.

灬Thread closed⁠灬