Searching for a New Past Time

[forstner]

The Autumn weather just seemed to not want to leave, or that was how it felt. Maybe she was just stuck, perhaps others felt the same way? However it went, she knew she needed to find something to get her unstuck from the slump she was in. The same days over and over, her room mate had given notice of leaving and now she needed to search for another one. At least finding Corey hadn't been so difficult and he'd lasted a few months, but now was the trouble of finding someone else. Considering most of the Hogwarts students had found their own places, she was left with a few scraggly number, and her savings were depleting slowly.

The job felt like it was a dead-ended one. The Assistant Manager had been told to cut back on employees, and sense she was working for bits she was kept on. The measly pay she received was doing something for her at least; she still had a job. But even now she was wondering if pursuing something more was in her destiny. She'd always had a fondness for magical creatures and had heard there might be an opening at the store across the alley, but she didn't know what the conditions were and actually rather enjoyed her alone time in the bookstore.

Needless to say, her hours had been cut back, and being at her apartment was depressing as Corey's things were being packed, and the search for someone new in her life as a room mate was not prosperous. And on top of things, she hadn't seen Franco in ages and rather missed him and Hikaru.

Organizing the books was a tedious task, but she could say she was thankful. As Rael placed the last book in that particular row, she turned to a new section, Famous Characters of Magical Fiction. It was a section hardly perused by customers, and it didn't help the section was a whole whopping twelve books. It studied character like Kiptus Karatus, Burby Hantington, and Asha, Altheda, and Amata; yet still all the books seemed to be disorganized every time she was to organize the books.

(Open )

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo for whatever reason that day had decided to vacate his office for lunch. He wasn't hungry and knew that he would most likely drink heavily from his bottle if he were to stay in his office. His latest encounter with the Ukrainian Iron Belly had sent him to St. Mungo's and while dragons didn't leave scars when one caught with one of their tails (Depending on the dragon and the section of the tail of course) it was enough to break his ribs and lead to a large deal of internal bleeding. This was something he wouldn't dwell on at all though it was past and for the moment he needed to distract himself from work and the bottle.

To do this Rollo had headed to Diagon Alley which wasn't the best choice seeing as he had to go through the Leaky Cauldron to arrive there. He had managed to stay away from the bar so Rollo saw that as a small personal achievement that he was particularly proud of. His main purpose here though was distraction and more over some much overdue shopping. Rollo needed to pick up some sort of food for Duo seeing as he had no idea what to feed the cat. He had for the most part been giving him milk and scraps to live off of. Feeling bad for the small cat wasn't hard seeing as his owner was a drunk who had no experience with animals until this one had come home with him. He also needed to pick up some books on dragons to do some brush up research. That would be his first stop though seeing as lugging cat food around in Flourish and Blotts didn't seem like an ideal situation to him.

Entering the store Rollo took it all in. He enjoyed books and everything about them. The smell, the feel, and the knowledge that they contained all brought him a small amount of joy. Looking around the store he wandered letting his fingers run over each book spine carelessly. He knew he was no where near his section but just wanted to savor this feeling and touch that made him feel as if he knew something about each and everyone of them. He was reading them by their covers and the groove of each spine. Turning a corner he felt his arm wrap around a book case and get caught on it. Unfortunately his body was all the way around and not his arm meaning that in one swift movement Rollo Winner did what would be impossible for most and pulled a bookcase down on himself. As the books crashed down on him along with the bookcase he didn't think of how much it hurt but how much trouble it would be for the person who would have to clean it up. Helping whoever it was, was now in his plans no matter what they said.

"Could I please have some help over here...possibly."

Help was an understatement of what he needed after all he was trapped underneath a mountain of books with no way of getting out due to the rather large book shelf that he had pulled down on himself. This was just his luck.

[forstner]

It didn't take long to replace in proper order the section, and before she knew it, Rael had moved on to the next section, one that collected more interest and was often in such a disarray she sometimes felt like not bothering with it at all. As she preferred to organize the shelves by hand, it took a million times longer to organize it, though, she really didn't mind. And as she pulled down a number of books, ready to re-stack them by the author's surnames, she heard the, well, rather distinct sound of falling somethings. And in a bookstore, there are few conclusions one can make that'll make sense.

Sighing loudly, the dark haired young woman left the mess she'd made to find the noise maker, and see what section was now in such a mess that she'd have to spend more time on the clock and more time to think. Of course, Rael still didn't mind in the least.

Rounding an aisle, she couldn't help but snort laughter at the man buried beneath a wealth of knowledge.

"Now, you may be having a bad day, but did you really have to take it out on the book shelf?" she asked with a hint of laughter touching her voice. "I mean, it's quite obvious books have a way of getting back at those who disturb them." This actually wasn't one she'd organized yet, so there was a little ray of hope.

Pulling out her wand, she very carefully waved it over the books to move them aside, allowing the man to properly breath without the weight of words on his chest and stomach. Hiding the wand, she reached down for a few of the books, wondering if he'd file some sort of complaint about not sturdy enough bookshelves, or an injury, or some other kind of paperwork job she'd be required to take care of...

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo hoped for a brief moment that no one would come, so he could just work himself out of this spot, tidy it up to the best of his ability and then leave. Luck like that was never on Rollo's side though and just as he was thinking this he felt the bookshelf move off of him along with quite a few of the books. Raising his head into the open air he smiled nervously and looked at the employee who had saved him from the avalanche. She joked about the books attacking him and Rollo allowed himself a small smile. He wouldn't dare to fight books after all he knew that some of them could bite and most likely would take his hand off if they had the opportunity. It made Rollo consider why he was running his hand against spines when he knew they were so dangerous. Did he really have that much reckless abandon. Sitting up and rubbing his ribs Rollo shrugged awkwardly causing more books to fall down from the pile in which he sat.

"I didn't mean to one just kind of grabbed me and wouldn't let go when I turned the corner."

It was the truth and it was something he hadn't expected. If it wasn't for that Rollo would probably have his books and would be checking out by now. Standing up he brushed himself off and was grateful he had worn a long sleeve shirt. It was a brisk day and called for some form of covering so he was more then proud to pull on something that covered all his scars. It hid the obvious conversation starter and it just made him feel less awkward. Silently he began to pick up books and once by one setting them in piles on the floor. He felt bad and it was his fault so he mine as well help the girl clean up then. After all what kind of person would make a mess and complain about how they shouldn't have to clean it up. He may have been a bit spoiled when he was a child but not that spoiled that he honestly worried about such things.

"I'm really sorry about this let me help you put these back. Seriously I won't take no for an answer I feel terrible."

Rollo continued stacking books knowing a majority of his break would be spent here putting the books back. The ones he needed to purchase could wait and he would just pick up the food for Duo on his way home from work. Sighing he couldn't believe that even he had managed to make such a mess how reckless and careless could he be. First bumping into Luce like he did and now this. Bumping into Luce though was wonderful and probably the best act of carelessness he had ever performed. Hopefully this would turn out to be something good to, although Rollo doubted it would go as well as his meeting with Luce had gone. Sighing he brushed hair from his eyes and continued to stack the books hoping the woman wouldn't try to talk him out of doing so.

[forstner]

A quick, rare smile was offered in answer to what the man had said. Honestly, she knew books were more active than many believed, they walked off, disappeared, reappeared in odd areas, growled, howled, moaned, whinnied, grew hair, bit fingers, nearly everything imaginable they could do, they did. It was just how they worked in their world, with magic behind them, there was no limit to their abilities.

"No reason to apologize," Rael told him, moving quickly to pick a pile up from the rubble in order to make room for the shelf which belonged. The customer was always in the right, no matter the circumstance, though she often knew just how wrong that saying was. But really, this wasn't a matter to argue with anyone, and she didn't actually mind in the least. It would give her time to think and come up with more zero solutions to everything.

"You're more than welcome to help," she answered. "But you really needn't to, it's a part of my job to help clean up such little disasters. Besides, I'm sure there's more important things for you to deal with in the amount of time it'd take to organize all of this." Seriously, she didn't mind the help, but sometimes she'd found customers to be more annoying than not with helping with things. Though, if things didn't go well, she'd have a few more minutes on the clock...

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo shook his head. He had time to blow and per usual Rollo was responsible for some mis-happening. This was one of the few times he could actually fix it so he'd at least help out. Why Rollo put himself in these positions he couldn't tell. It would be much better if he just stayed in his room and painted or playing piano. It was a terrible thought he knew but Rollo relished the idea because it meant that he wouldn't have to make a fool of himself all the time. Sighing he stacked the books unevenly looking up giving the girl an awkward smile.

"I don't mind helping at all just tell me what to do and I'll do my best. Trust me I have nothing better to do with my time."

It was the truth his lunch break would have consisted of going back to his apartment which meant that he'd have to check the room. The room would most likely consume Rollo and he would miss the rest of work. He doubted that putting the books back would prohibit him from getting back on time. Even if it did no one would notice. It seemed Rollo hadn't landed on the research side of the divide but more on the restraint. His fieldwork in the werewolf department apparently had been seen as a bright spot and therefore he would continue to do solely fieldwork in the dragon department. The mere thought made him remember the pain in his ribs. At least he had gotten to seen Luce out of that ordeal though.

Rollo let his mind drift away from that though and attempt to start some form of conversation. It was the least he could do if he was going to plague this poor girl with his company. After all who would want to spend time with him because as of right now he had no idea.

"So does this happen often or am I the first to be grabbed?"

It was a simple question and one that he kind of was interested in knowing the answer to. Rollo knew full well the books for a large part had a mind of their own in this shop and he just wanted to know if they grabbed people often. Unless of course this was just Rollo's usual terrible luck when it came to life. If that was the case Rollo wouldn't be surprised in the least.

[forstner]

"Okay," she answered bemusedly. After all, how many customers offered their assistance in cleaning a mess when it wasn't really their place? Normally they were all too happy to leave their messes to the employees of Flourish and Blotts, not that Rael minded often. This was just all unusual and she wasn't quite sure what her employers would say if they caught sight of what was happening, what she was allowing. Then again, with as long as she'd been working there, she hadn't ever asked for a raise of any sort. Instead, she worked one of the less paying positions doing nearly everything, but at least she had a job and could claim that she really did. "I just need to organize all of the books again."

In all honesty, it was a simple task, especially if she used her wand, but practicing the eye was nice to do often. Making another small pile, one that looked familiar together (though she knew she couldn't go by familiarity). Letting the silence fall over them, she quickly busied herself sorting through a few other piles she made, not sure how long it would last that she would have any amount of help, though noticed a co-worker pass by and roll his eyes. At least she worked...

"I'm sorry?" she asked hesitantly, grabbed from the depths of her thoughts. "Oh, no," she shook her head, knowing she must have looked far away from where they really were. "You're the first I've know this to happen to. So congratulations, on being the first...?" A cheesy smile accompanied her words, completely at a loss for what to say or do. After all, she wasn't a conversationalist.

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo watched and mimicked her small piles. His movements awkward as he tried to find books that at least had the same author or were alphabetically accurate. It gave him something to do with his hands though and that was always a good thing. Especially since if he hadn't had anything to do with them his first reaction would have been to light a cigarette and that probably wouldn't fly in a book store of all places. Sighing Rollo let his mind go and just stacked to books enjoying the simplicity of the task. It wasn't fighting off werewolves or trying to contain dragons and maybe that's why Rollo liked it so much. It was just simple not dangerous or what some may see as exciting but Rollo wanted simple. Simplicity wasn't a bad thing how could it be? Rollo gave a small smile and shrugged at her answer.

"Must be my usual bad luck then. I manage to touch the one book that thinks I'm getting fresh with it and wants more."

It was his usual bad choice of words but Rollo was used to it by now. He wouldn't be Rollo had he managed to say the right ones would he? Rollo wondered what the right ones were in this situation or any other time for that matter. He was pretty sure people could have managed his own life much better then he was. Could he loan it out somehow so he could come back in a few days and everything would be fixed? Rollo doubted it possible but thought he'd explore the theory after all what could it hurt. Granted with his luck he'd manage to get it back to the same awkward teenage level it had been at before in a matter of minutes. Actually it'd probably only take a matter of seconds.

It felt not awkward not talking as he stalked the books. Seeing as he kept on glancing up to make sure he was doing it right he didn't want to have the girl think he was staring or anything. Not that she wasn't attractive but that's all Rollo need in his life now to have the girl in the book store think he was a creeper. He wasn't here all the time but maybe once a week and while he didn't always but anything he liked books and it kept his mind off art and kept his demons in the bar at bay. Rollo had of course seen here around the store but didn't know her name and was curious now as to who exactly she was.

"I'm uh Rollo Winner by the way nice to meet you."

It was just the usual kind of teenager type sentence to come out of Rollo. He wasn't good with introductions as he usually didn't make them. This combined with his lack of social skills probably made him sound just amazing at the moment. Rollo took note to curb his curiosity it was only getting him in trouble as late.

[forstner]

Fighting back a giggle at his words, Rael tried not to make eye contact. Just the way he chose his words she found fantastically hilarious. The thought that a book, of all things, could think someone was getting 'fresh'. Instead, she tried to cover with a cough, not succeeding and instead almost choking as a real cough took place of her horribly fake one. Keeping any retorts to herself, Rael continued with making small stacks, hoping what she was doing made some sense to the gentleman who was helping. Though, she could really stack them any way she preferred, she had a tendency to go by author, finding it easier to slip new books in that way when they were published.

"Winner, huh?" she asked with a wide smile, bring brought out of her thoughts once more. Of course, she couldn't bring herself to say anymore on his name, though thoughts of books and the state of being fresh popped in her mind. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she continued, holding her hand out briefly. "I'm Rael Forstner, employee of Flourish and Blotts." It wasn't much of a title, but it wasn't like she couldn't hide it either. After all, she worked there and it was quite obvious he knew it now, as well as her name.

Tucking a stray strand behind her ear, Rael smiled again, wondering exactly who Winner was. What did he do? Where was he from? He looked a tad older than she, but she hadn't ever been good at judging another by age. Maybe he'd even attended Hogwarts while she'd been there, it was possible. "So, now that you know what I do for a living," the brunette began, "what is it exactly that you do?"

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo watched the girl and her reaction to what he had said. For a split second Rollo thought he may have actually been funny for once but what he thought was possibly a laugh turned out to be nothing more then a cough. Shrugging it off Rollo listened to how she said his last name. Was that how she intended to address him? It was odd simply because like so many other things in his life as of late it was new. The only people who referred to him by his last name had all been Professors and usually a Mr. was attached to the front part of it. She had said it questioningly though and what did that mean exactly? Did she know his father or of him somehow? Rollo found both doubtful so he let the thought slip from his mind. It just seemed like a good idea that he didn't further question what exactly she was questioning.

Watching he saw her hand appear in front of him. Stretching out his own he shook hers in his usual manner. Some strength but for the most part timid. It wasn't that Rollo didn't have strength but the fact that he didn't feel a need to use or express it. He seemed to be highly lacking in the masculinity department. Listening to the title Rollo felt slightly jealous at the way she said it. He could tell she enjoyed her work and that was something he envied. Rollo swallowed heavily though as she asked the question he could tell was coming. She had after all stated her occupation no matter how obvious it was. Stopping for a moment Rollo ran a hand through his hair swallowing deeply before he spoke.

"I work in the Dragon Research and Restraint Bureau in The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures at the Ministry. I used to be in Werewolf Support but there were some um complications I guess you could say so I transfered."

Yeah complications was what you could call them alright. Rollo just got sick of being a scratch post and decided to move to something slightly safer. The pain in his ribs reminded him though how slight the difference was. Rollo didn't like to talk about his job for the most part and hoped to avoid it. After all the grotesque scars were in no way visual today with the long sleeve shirt he was wearing. That was after all the only way he really felt comfortable discussing his job because it explained why every part of his body but his face was covered in scars. Rollo sighed though and stopped thinking about what he would be returning to in short time. For now he would just concentrate on stacking the books.

"So are you only an employee or have they managed to give you an extremely long job title also?"

It was stupid Rollo knew and him keeping his mouth shut was most likely a better idea. Rollo though never seemed to follow better ideas which explained a lot about his current state. Rollo just hoped she wouldn't question him more about his job or for that matter what complications had arisen in his old department. Rollo now regretted mentioning his old department but was done was done and he really couldn't do much about it now. Could he?

[forstner]

Taking the man's hand, she gave it a hearty shake, nothing meant to frighten or intimidate, just a friendly gesture. Or she hoped it was friendly, after all, she couldn't afford to make an enemy not knowing what her mother might have planned for her if she were to appear and find the young woman. Keeping her at bay was the best way for her to live happily and peacefully. Though her dad would be broken hearted if he knew what she was doing, at the same time, she couldn't let it happen. Growing up in her mother's social circles the last few years had drained her and she wanted a normal life, or as normal as it could get.

"Nope, nothing but 'employee'," she answered with a pleasant smile, more interested in what he had said than her own job at that moment. "So you work for the Magical Creature Department?" she inquired with a piqued interest. "I used to want to work there myself, when I attended Hogwarts. I loved Care of Magical Creatures, an elective I was allowed to take. I actually grew up on a Creature farm, my father managed it. He worked for the Ministry, researching behaviors of creatures and how they interacted with one another, and other species. It was all very interesting to me."

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo wanted to hit himself or have another bookshelf fall on him. Of course he managed to end up talking to the one girl who would be interested in what he did for a living. Granted Rollo didn't know how conversations normally went so this could just be proper edicate. Rollo reluctantly sighed wondering what he could say to her. She seemed genuinely interested and she didn't seem like the kind of person who would just ask questions about things that she didn't want to know. Granted this was what Rollo thought and he was some what horrible at reading people and what they thought. Except when they were tense. Rollo knew when someone was tense but maybe that's because he was so used to being tense. Especially after the past three years. Disappointment was another he could read but it was pretty self explanatory how he knew what that looked like. Rollo scratched the back of his head and shrugged trying to sound positive.

"Yeah the research department is pretty cool but I'm uh not exactly in that bit. I'm more on the restraint end of the line with dragons."

Rollo said it, much to his dismay with a tone of disappointment. It was in fact what he had hoped for when he transfered but after his oh so stellar record in werewolf support Rollo was stuck in the field work portion of the job. Which meant more blood, broken bones, and possibly scars. Although with his latest fiasco none had been left. At least he could say that much about his recent injuries. Coming back from a job with no scars was a success to him. Granted it wasn't what most people would deem as a job well done but in Rollo's mind it was the most he could hope for. It wasn't that he couldn't handle his job or wasn't good at it but for some reason he always found himself being the only one to get up close and personal with the creatures. Casting spells at a distance meant more chance of the dragon staying up longer. A quick dash and slide under it's belly though and some quick spell casting fixed that though. Though on some occasions it took more then one try to get such a thing done. Which had been the case last time. A deft blow from a dragon tail could be a deadly one and it felt as if it had shattered his ribs. It was only him and another associate and the other associate insisted on playing it safe. Rollo knew though that like most dangerous creatures that could attack from a distance the longer they stayed up the larger chance of death or injury. Looking up he gave her a small smile or at least attempted to after he let the thoughts drift away.

"If you ever decide to try and get a job there don't aim for werewolf support it just isn't worth it."

Rollo continued to stack the books calmly trying not to think of the job he'd be returning to in an hours time. He really wasn't looking forward to it on any level. Especially if it ended up being a repeat of the other day. Why people tried to smuggle dragons into the country was beyond him. After all it wasn't like you could keep them as pets so there wasn't a whole lot of practicality to it.

[forstner]

"So you said," Rael answered with a small smile. She had heard him, but was rather trying to make conversation. He worked in the same department her father had, though different sub sections, generally the same area. She knew he was much too young to know who her father was, that and he didn't spend much time in the office, preferring to stay at home and study the creatures he had collected on their farm. "Do you deal with a specific species of dragon? Or just generally?" she questioned, her interest still not having faded. Did he deal with those in Britain? Or all over Europe? The world?

A small laugh and Rael shook her head, causing the brown locks to sway. "I'm not really sure it's something I can continue with. The latest school I attended didn't exactly want to fix my schedule so I could continue with the class. My mother was a great contributor to their funding and she told them to make sure I was only in particular classes, which meant nothing hands-on; and therefore, I don't have a N.E.W.T.s score for it, nor any experience beyond what my father taught me."

Really, the older man had taught her nearly everything he could, she being the only one highly intrigued with his work, but she didn't think it was enough where the Ministry would take her on and count it.

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo couldn't help but wonder what it was with this girl. Was she really that interested in knowing what he did? If so why? Rollo in his opinion anyway didn't see anything that interesting about himself or for that matter his job. With a sigh Rollo continued to stack books listening to her questions silently nodding. If she really wanted to know he would answer her. It would be rude not to wouldn't it? Rollo didn't know the answer to that question so he'd just assume the answer was yes. Nodding Rollo answered her question standing up and straightening his body out.

"It's more of a general thing really. Whenever people try to transport them or someones found to be keeping them as a pet or something of that nature that's what I handle. You'd be amazed how many people try to illegally bring full grown dragons into the country. Seen quite a few Chinese Fireballs already. Much to my own misfortune I've had to deal with a Ukrainian Iron Belly to."

Rollo felt his ribs respond to the thought he was having at the moment about the dragon he had seen just days before. It had not been a pleasant encounter to say the least.

"I feel bad for them in a way I mean it's not their fault they're at the border a majority of the time and I'm forced to stun and hurt them when they didn't even want to come here. Lovely creatures though."

Rollo sighed heavily as he thought of it and hearing what the girl said about the amount of her training. Rollo couldn't help but felt bad that she was not able to pursue the job she wished because of her mother. This of course was for the simple fact that he was suffering through a some what similar matter. Rollo sat on the floor calmly for a moment continuing to stack books. Biting his lip he looked at Rael and decided to offer. What was the worst that could happen?

"I know the feeling. Look um if you would want to apply the first six months is training anyway and well with your background and what you learned from your father. I could put in a good word for you if you'd like and I mean if you wanted I could talk to my father and he could pull a few strings or something I don't know. Just let me know I guess. You don't have to answer me now or anything either think about it I guess just know if you end up in the field it's not all it's cracked up to be exactly."

Rollo felt his ribs and at the same time couldn't help but develop a visual image of the scars in his mind. Sure he enjoyed his job to an extent but no job in his opinion was worth the damage he had received to his own body so far.

[forstner]

"Hopefully not a mother," she answered. Iron Belly's were nothing to tangle with, let alone if they were nesting children or eggs. Dragons were one of the few creatures her father refused to tackle, he had no problems with moon calves and Pegasus' but he wanted nothing to do with what were deemed the more dangerous of creatures. His children were first and as all four of them had access to the barn, he wanted things safe for them. Though, he had told her that once, before he met her mother, he'd done a bit of research on lethifold's, even spent a few months somewhere following and studying a few, but once her mother came into the picture, he'd settled down. It was something she couldn't understand.

A small smile formed as Winner spoke of dragons. At first, she wasn't sure he was very enthused with his employment, as he seemed devoid of adding much emotion to his answers. But, once he spoke of feeling for them, because their wants weren't considered in crossing, she knew he did enjoy his job, at least a little.

"You don't even know me, though," Rael answered quizzically. A man was offering to put in a good word for a woman he didn't know, had just met, risking his own reputation as to put forth a good word for a stranger? It was awfully nice, and she would love to take a chance, knowing she likely could get in on her father's connections alone, but was unwilling to take that chance. her mum was still looking for her, she knew, and if she went to the Ministry for employment, well, social circles could be tight and word would be passed along. "I appreciate the offer, highly, but I don't think I could."