( August 15^th )

@Robert Toukmond

Bookstores were magical on any day, yet none was quite so enchanting as Flourish and Blotts.
Upon entry, one was wrapped within the prevalent aroma of old pages. Golden light streamed through hazy windows, casting bizarre shadows beyond books which were piled precariously high, some spiraling in impossible stacks that seemed to outright ignore the rules of physics. Spines of every shape and size created a cacophony of color all around. Wall after wall of overcrowded shelves muted the sound of the street outside, making one feel as though they were far from Diagon Alley itself. An energy was pooled here: that of shopping students, wondering wixes, bustling bookworms. The atmosphere was just shy of cozy, saturated with the hum of magical knowledge, age-old wisdom. After all, the store had been up and running since 1654.

One such student sat midway into the labyrinth of literature. He was perched atop a standard Hogwarts trunk, turned on its side to serve as a makeshift seat, its golden school crest gleaming in the low light. A bookshelf was at his back, and across the way were several stacks of iron cages, each one hosting a chattering copy of the Monster Book of Monsters. Both hands held a hardback copy of Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles, which he was reading intently through a pair of brass spectacles, held perfectly in place by the bumped bridge of his nose. The lad's thin mouth was curved by a gentle frown of focus. He appeared enraptured by the book, completely comfortable in the old shop, only glancing up here and there to spectate while a harried shopkeep retrieved one of the beastly books from their cages.

Interacting with @Pericles Dralt, permission to godmod @Hjørdis Jensen

Robert walked into the bookstore along with his parents and Professor Jensen. The professor had shown up at their door this morning, reminding the Toukmonds of the encounter they'd had over half a year ago, on Robert's birthday. The professor had claimed to be a witch and said that Robert had magical abilities as well. Of course, his two scientist parents hadn't believed it, even after she showed them a couple tricks. "Just because you're able to levitate a computer doesn't mean you have magic abilities," they'd claimed, spouting some nonsense about hidden magnets. However, they did agree to check out Diagon Alley, if only to prove the Head of House wrong.

Upon entering the alley however, both of them turned from skeptical to curious. The overwhelming evidence of the wizarding world convinced them that it was real, and they gracefully admitted they were wrong, apologized for doubting the professor, and immediately started drowning her with questions (more his father than his mother, but she had many as well). Eventually, she got them to leave Diagon Alley and promised to show up again over the summer to help Robert get school supplied.

Fast forward to today, when she showed up again, reminding the Toukmonds of what they'd agreed was a shared hallucination. Fast forward a bit farther to when the group enters Flourish and Blotts, parents keeping up a stream of questions, Professor Jensen trying to answer as many as possible, and young Robert just taking it all in.

The store immediately took Robert's breath away. It somehow took that indescribable feeling of being surrounded by knowledge one might get in any bookstore and doubled it. Even his father stopped barraging the professor with questions and took a second to look around. The silence didn't last very long, of course, and Robert saw Professor Jensen give an almost imperceptible sigh as she submitted herself to more questioning, this time asking about the seemingly sentient group of books that were trying to tear each other apart. As she was trying to explain to Robert's parents what the Monster Book of Monsters is, her eye caught on an older student who was intently reading a book while sitting on a Hogwarts trunk.

Interacting with @Robert Toukmond
Honorable mention: @Hjørdis Jensen

Now, eavesdropping was not necessarily a hobby of Pericles'. He did not typically select spots of interest in hopes of overhearing intriguing tidbits, or even more tedious, gossip. Yet the lad had a knack for finding himself in the right place at the right time. Whenever a customer just so happened to require a Monster Book of Monsters, he was as a bird watcher, observing from a distance without disturbing the natural order of things.

Another set of steps approached the cantankerous cages. By now, Pericles had developed the automatic reaction of tucking an index finger between the pages, preemptively saving his spot so that he may watch. This time, when he looked idly onward, it was not the shopkeep approaching. It was a member of Hogwarts staff. This was not just any faculty member: it was Professor Jensen, Head of Slytherin. His eyebrows arched, lids lifted from their sleepy state. If her attention turned his way, the young wizard would be quick to briefly bow his head in respectful recognition, though tried to hastily resume reading. Pretending to read a book wasn't as easy as it ought to have been. He was terribly curious, and what was more, he was close enough to overhear precious tidbits of the exchange. The pieces were easy enough to put together. What sort of magical adult didn't know the things Professor Jensen was explaining? The answer was quite literally in his hands, or rather, in the book about English muggles which he was reading.

As if for fear they may notice him studying their sort like an exotic species, Pericles tried to subtly set the thing aside. Only, now there was nothing he may pretend to be preoccupied with. He was not the fidgety type, but if he was, the boy would surely be squirming. He could only imagine what it must feel like to be immersed in magic for the first time. The prospect was almost envious, and equally served to remind him that he oughtn't take his magical background for granted. Pericles was bottling up questions, the urge to introduce himself, the innate desire to help out. The lattermost trait was what had driven him to accept the position of prefect, though there was something which trumped all three: politeness. It was poor form to interrupt an adult, let alone one's teachers, and he wasn't about to insult her capabilities by offering his second-year aid. Wonder still swelled within him. Unable to restrain a subtle reach, he tried to catch the supposed student's eye, when- if successful- he would quietly offer out a friendly smile and welcoming wave. He didn't dare distract or interrupt. But if he could help....

Interacting with @Pericles Dralt, permission to godmod @Hjørdis Jensen

As fun as it was to listen as Professor Jensen tried to explain something to his parents that she obviously was not an expert in, Robert was getting a bit impatient to get his school supplies. He'd looked at the list, and had been amazed to find that he would be learning about spells, potions, magical creatures and even magical theory! He had always found it easier to learn by reading rather than listening, so he was excited to start digging into his textbooks for more information about this new world. Because of this, he was spending more attention scanning the bookstore than he was listening to his parents torture the poor professor.

"But how do they reproduce?" he heard his mother ask. Case in point, he thought to himself as he gave an inward chuckle. He saw Professor Jensen begin to develop that confused look almost everyone got after talking to his parents for too long. Her gaze went again to the same boy as before, as if pleading him to save her from any more questions. However, it looked like he was still too focused on the book he was reading to notice her. Robert could just make out a couple words of the book's title, Home, Social, and British Muggles. The foreign word at the end piqued his interest, as he remembered Professor Jensen using it to describe his non-magical parents.

Robert returned to scanning the store, but he felt his attention keep getting pulled back to the older boy. Now, the boy had put down the book he was reading and was looking straight at Robert! Startled, Robert quickly looked away. However, unable to hold back his curiosity, he slowly turned his attention back to the boy and saw him still looking back at Robert. The boy smiled and gave a small wave. Hesitantly, Robert waved back.

Robert debated with himself over whether or not he should go over to the boy. It didn't seem like he would get to find his books any time soon if he stayed with his parents, but Robert was naturally rather shy, and the prospect of walking over to the older student was quite daunting. As he was trying to work up the courage to introduce himself, Professor Jensen looked up and saw that the boy had put down his book and was looking over at the group. She smiled and waved him over, making Robert's decision much simpler.

Interacting with @Robert Toukmond
Honorable mention: @Hjørdis Jensen

The muggles- for he was now completely confident that they were non-magical- managed to compile an impressive range of questions for the poor professor. Pericles overheard a handful, some of which he would have only been able to answer with speculations. Especially that last one. Their son's restlessness was recognizable. He felt much the same way when with his parents in an interesting store; his father, in particular, was prone to get caught up talking to old acquaintances and carry on about old conquests. The young heir was typically too polite to interrupt and ask to get away; perhaps he could offer this other boy an escape rope.... Their eyes met, and although Robert appeared uncertain at first, Peri's peaceful patience became all the more apparent as a result. His smile was steady and warm. Professor Jensen's inviting gesture was the only excuse he needed, so at that, he hopped off of his trunk and strolled silently towards the group.

"Hullo Professor," he greeted with a birdlike bob of his head, then turned towards the soon-to-be student, extending a hand. "Hullo. I'm Pericles Dralt, Ravenclaw, second-year." As with any educational institution, one's labels became ingrained in one's identity. Students of every age and House mingled at Hogwarts, but these organization methods mattered, and the young wizard uttered them with complete comfort. They were a reflection of his place in that little world of theirs. That was not to say he was all stiff and structured however, and with his handshake he offered, "You can call me Peri, if you like." Peri had a soft way of speaking. His volume was mild, voice like a hum, an odd blend of cordiality and dreamlike distraction. His eyes wandered to the boy's parents while he spoke, cordially looping them into the introduction, then he would wait for their names before addressing Robert directly: "Are you looking for your required materials? I could help you find them- I visit Flourish and Blotts often enough to know where most things are."

Interacting with @Pericles Dralt, permission to godmod @Hjørdis Jensen

The boy walked over to the Toukmond family at the welcoming wave from Professor Jensen. He quickly greeted the professor, and then turned his attention to Robert. "Hullo. I'm Pericles Dralt, Ravenclaw, second-year," the boy said, rattling off the titles with ease. He stretched out a hand to shake and continued, "You can call me Peri, if you like."

Robert took the proffered hand and shook it. His parents used to make him practice his handshake every Saturday by having him knock on their neighbors' doors and greet them. While it had been quite humiliating at the time, Robert had gained a much firmer handshake than most other eleven-year olds from the experience. "Nice to meet you, Peri," Robert replied. "I'm Robert Toukmond, first-year. Erm, I'm not sure what my house is yet though." Peri looked over at Robert's parents and they also introduced themselves as Thomas and Sarah Toukmond.

The older boy looked back at Robert before the two parents could start bombarding him with questions as well. A bit disappointed by losing another victim, the two turned back to Professor Jensen. Meanwhile, the second-year started speaking again. "Are you looking for your required materials? I could help you find them- I visit Flourish and Blotts often enough to know where most things are," he offered.

"Yes, thank you. It seems as if the person who was supposed to help me with that is a bit... busy right now," Robert said with a glance at Professor Jensen. He looked down at the list in his hand again, even though he'd spent so much time looking at it that he'd basically memorized it. There were six books he was supposed to get, Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger, Book of Spells by Miranda Goshawk, Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble, Hogwarts, A History by Garius Tomkink, A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander. However, he had absolutely no idea where any of them were, so he showed the list to Peri. "Where do you recommend we start?"

@Robert Toukmond

Pericles seemed pleased as punch, head perked and eyes bright, nodding to the two muggles with all the boyish charm he might muster. He was curious about them as much as he was eager to assist. Though like most children, he was blatantly more interested in mingling with someone his own age. "I hope you don't mind me welcoming you to Hogwarts a little early on then." His voice, light and mellow, was edged with a hint of good-natured laughter. There was a great deal of vicarious joy to be derived from watching someone else prepare for their first year, just as he had a year prior. How quickly it had gone by.... Drifting away from the adults, Peri placed his hands in his pockets, continuing to talk at a low volume best befitting a library. "None of us know for certain which house we'll belong to, though I had a good guess before I arrived. D'you have a hunch...?"

The winding pathways between bookshelves looked like a labyrinth of literature. It was almost overwhelming, but young Pericles seemed to derive comfort from the chaos, happy to play the part of a guide. When asked where they ought to begin, he gestured skywards. Signs shaped as pointing hands directed this way and that, all kinds of categories cluttering the cieling. "We can follow the list in a wobbly semi-circle," the boy assured with calm confidence. "Magical Drafts and Potions under Potions, of course. Then the Book of Spells and Magical Theory under Charms, followed by the Guide to Self-Protection under Defense Against the Dark Arts. History will have both Hogwarts, A History and A History of Magic. Last will be Fantastic Beasts beneath Magizoology." With an encouraging smile sent over a shoulder, Pericles insisted, "We'll have the lot of it crossed off in no time."

Reducio

Sorry for the wait! I've been dragged this way and that this first half o the month, I'm settling back in now and should be more consistent.

Interacting with @Pericles Dralt, permission to godmod @Hjørdis Jensen

Robert was immediately set at ease by the second year's placid and quiet demeanor. He smiled as Peri proactively welcomed him to Hogwarts and explained that while some people might have a hunch on what house they will be in, nobody knows for certain until they arrive. "Thank you," Robert replied in response to Peri's welcome. The older boy then asked if Robert had any thoughts on what house he might be put in. "Erm, I don't remember what it's called, but isn't one of the houses meant for wise people?" Professor Jensen had quickly explained the house system to him and his parents, but Robert wasn't able to remember all the names. "I think that's the house I'll be in."

The first year trailed behind Pericles as the older boy started to enter the book stacks, giving his parents a quick wave. He loved them dearly, as they did him, but there was also a certain level of trust between him and his parents. They'd find each other again when he was finished, or if he needed something. In the meantime, they knew that he was more than capable of being on his own. "How do you know what house you're put in?" he asked the Ravenclaw. Although the professor had explained what the houses were, she hadn't gotten around to mentioning what the sorting process was.

Pericles then went on to answer Robert's first question about where to find his books. The first year followed his upward gesture and noticed the signs pointing the way to different sections. Robert nodded as the older boy explained where all the books on his list would be. The sections were categorized by subject, so books about potions would be under the Potion section, which history books would be under History. They would be able to go around the store in a sort of "We'll have the lot of it crossed off in no time," Peri assured the younger boy.

Robert suddenly felt an irrational feeling of disappointment. He hadn't been in Flourish and Blotts for very long, but he'd already fallen in love with the place, and the idea that it wouldn't take too long to find all his textbooks, thereby taking away his excuse to stay in the bookstore, made him a bit sad. "Oh, erm, great," he replied, trying not to let it show. "I guess we'll start with Magical Drafts and Potions? Lead the way," he said, gesturing forward.

@Robert Toukmond

Pericles looked to be in his element. He had a passion for books, as well as aiding others, and the opportunity to offer new knowledge was something he could hardly resist. Atop all these inclinations, the boy couldn't help but be glad for the company. "It's no trouble, honest," he insisted when thanked, sending a smile over his shoulder. "Most of my friends from school are off at summer camp; father decided I ought to stay home for the season, so it's nice to see a fellow student again." You've heard of "homesick", now get ready for "schoolsick". The sentimentality wafted off of Pericles in waves when the house for wise people was mentioned. "That would be Ravenclaw!" he enthused quietly, rounding a corner. "I hope we're housed together, but I'm sure we'll see one another around regardless. The Houses tend to mingle a great deal." When asked about the sorting process, Pericles practically glowed with enthusiasm, his gentle mien and airy voice softening the fact that he was eager to indulge another's curiosity. What was more: if he didn't know, Pericles was now confident that the boy was, indeed, muggle-born. He had a strong sense that they both had a great deal to learn from one another.

"Hogwarts had four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin, and Rowena Ravenclaw. They needed an artifact which would carry on the process of sorting students into their Houses once they were gone, so they each folded some of their own magics into Godric's hat, blessing it with sentience. During the ceremony, you'll be called to wear the hat. It has the power of Legilimency- the Sorting Hat can read a bit about who you are, and uses that information to decide where you belong." This was all matter-of-fact, blissfully casual, as though the notion of a hat reading your mind and determining your fate was no cause for concern whatsoever. "Here you are: Magical Drafts and Potions."

Perhaps he had sensed Robert's reluctance to hurry back to his folks so soon, or perhaps the subject was so serious, it deserved a pause from the book hunt. Whatever the case, Pericles stopped on the spot, passing the first book back so as to gently gesture while elaborating. "Ravenclaw is the house of the Wise, but also the imaginative, or abstract thinkers. Gryffindor is known for being 'the brave', but they're also adventurous and tenacious. Slytherin is known for its 'ambition', though it houses some of the most intuitive intellects I know. The fourth is Hufflepuff, 'the kind', and many members I've met were empathetic and loyal. I've met a handful of those who didn't think they were sorted quite right, though the Houses are far more multifaceted than they're often given credit for." An attempt at a particularly soft, reassuring smile was made. He didn't want to bog the boy down with Sorting anxiety!

On he went, leading the way through thousands of colorful spines and eye-catching titles, lidded gaze glazing over the things they didn't need. "My mother was a Ravenclaw, father was a Slytherin. The hat even remarked on their reputations, though I asked that their pasts not influence my future. I wanted to be in the house which was just right for me specifically. I hope you don't mind my saying, but I'm under the impression that this won't be a factor for you...?" Though the pure-blood wasn't tangled up in defensive pride over his own ancestry, he handled the question delicately, reluctant to outright ask about the other young wizard's heritage. It was a touchy subject, but if he was right, there was a good chance that Robert wouldn't even realize the significance of what was being asked. "Ah, there! The Book of Spells, and if I recall, to the right..." a moment's searching, then, "Magical Theory. Why, we're nearly halfway finished."

Interacting with @Pericles Dralt

Robert felt the quiet persona of the older Ravenclaw starting to rub off on him. An interesting thing about the first-year was his ability to adapt to the personalities of the people around him. He was more serious with some, and more humorous with others. He was pugnacious when around people arguing, but more accepting in a different setting. The quiet environment of the bookstore combined with Peri's calming aura made Robert quiet and peaceful, in just the right mindset to learn new things.

Robert was quite pleased to learn that the "wise" house was in fact the one Pericles had been sorted into. Even with the limited time Robert had spent with the Ravenclaw, he'd already developed a strong liking for him, and was excited to learn they might be housed together. "That would be great, if I was put in the same house as you," Robert replied, unconsciously matching Peri's tone of quiet enthusiasm.

Robert fell quiet as he listened to Pericles explain the different houses and the sorting process. It made a lot more sense when his liaison to the wizarding world was able to say more than three words at a time before being stopped by a question. Somehow, Peri's calm and matter-of-fact tone made the words coming out of his house seem much less crazy than they normally would have seemed. The way he explained it, four people putting bits of magic into a hat, which then reads your mind to determine what house you're put in, seemed to be the only logical way for the Sorting Ceremony to work.

The pair had been making their way through the bookstore the entire time that the older boy was talking, and just as Peri finished explaining, they came to the first book on his list. The Ravenclaw passed Magical Drafts and Potions to Robert, who briefly flipped through the book before closing it and looking back up at Peri. "Thank you," Robert smiled, thanking the older boy not only for the book, but also the crash course on Sorting.

Pericles went on to explain more in depth what each of the houses were supposed to represent, Ravenclaw the Wise, Gryffindor the Brave, Slytherin the Ambitious, and Hufflepuff the Kind. Hearing them all laid out like that made Robert even more certain that he would be sorted into Ravenclaw. He already knew at age eleven that his one and only goal in life would be to learn as much as possible about the world around him. Robert had been told stories about himself as a baby, when he used to sit on the floor, point to things and ask, "Dat!" begging the people around him to explain anything and everything.

Drifting back into the present, Robert realized that Pericles had asked him a question. He was saying that although his father had been in Slytherin and his mother was in Ravenclaw, the older boy didn't want his parents' houses to affect his future. "I hope you don't mind my saying, but I'm under the impression that this won't be a factor for you...?"

Robert wasn't quite sure why Peri was being so vague about asking such a simple question. "If you're asking about my parents', you're right in assuming they didn't go to Hogwarts and were not sorted into houses. Why would I mind that you ask me that, though?" The younger boy cocked his head, curiously looking at the Ravenclaw. Robert saw that the older boy had found the next two books on his list, but although he did immediately reach over to take a copy of the books off the shelf, he did not quickly flip through them like he normally would, his interest about the conversation barely winning out over his curiosity about the books.