November 3rd, 1888 - Whizzhard Books
Zachariah Binns

By this time next week they'd be in their adorable little seaside cottage, just the two of them (and Mrs. H of course!) and Febs would no longer feel like an outsider in her own home. After Edric had left for work that morning, Febs had lounged around for a short while, but with a little under a week to go until they could move into the cottage, Febs had a reasonably long list of things she wanted to collect or at least price out before they made the move itself. With that in mind, she'd pulled herself out of the large, comfortable bed and after eating breakfast, had headed over to Hogsmeade to do a little shopping. London was not without its charms, but Febs knew where to go in the bustling little burg of what she still considered her hometown, so she'd decided that would be her destination. Plus she'd heard Honeydukes was open again and thought she might pick up a few baked goods for Edric when he came home.

Her main goal however was to find a few things she wanted for their bedroom and for the library. She could so easily picture some of the rooms and how to set them up, the little details she would add to make it theirs. Febs had an image of each room, lists of what she wanted, what they needed right away and what could wait. Mrs. H had been tasked with the kitchen and all of its needs and she was more than happy to get that all squared away. Who wouldn't like shopping with someone else's money anyway? Plus neither Febs nor Edric really knew what the kitchen itself would need, so who better to send? She was far more focused on picking out a lovely new duvet for their bed and a few other things.

Stopping by her parents' house had been awkward at best, but she'd needed to arrange for the vanity in her room, which was hers, given to her by her grandmother, to be moved to the cottage. In addition to her books and a few other personal items she hadn't seen the use in having to move twice. It had been tenuous and though she had enjoyed seeing her sisters, her mother was still icy about the entire situation. Her request to have everything boxed, even after offering to do it herself, was met with a cool response of they'd get to it when they got to it, but Lydia caught her on the way out and told her she'd see to it personally, which made Febs feel better at least.

The ordeal left her a little grumpy and so she decided to head to the bookstore as that was an easy way to cheer herself up. Besides, though she had plenty of books and she was sure Edric had some he'd also like to bring, they didn't have nearly enough to fill the little library yet. The library necessitated another stop while she was out, a little surprise she had in mind for her husband, but that could wait. Stepping into Whizzhards lifted the weight of the visit almost immediately and Febs sighed softly, as she moved into the familiar shop. It took less than ten minutes for her to have an armful of books, a few for herself, a couple she thought Mrs. H. might like as she moved to see if she couldn't find a crime novel or two for Edric. Or she would have, if she could find exactly where they were. Moving to the front of the store, she placed the small stack already in hand on the little counter and looked for an employee. "Hello?" She called softly to see if she could get someone's attention.

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Ivan let out a lazy bark in response to February's call. The dog laid, curled up in an armchair to the right of the counter. A rather fluffy tabby snuggled right on top of him, and the pair appeared as if they weren't about to budge anytime soon. The bark was to alert Zach that someone might need his assistance, but Ivan tended to put in the least amount of effort possible. He would make the most terrible guard dog.

"I'll be right with you!"

The voice came from behind a rather large stack of books that sat piled on a table set behind the counter. The sound of a quill scratching on parchment resumed shortly after, and it wasn't until there was a sneeze that he emerged with a small, twine wrapped stack of books. He placed them over in the pile of orders to be picked up by patrons.

"Ah, Miss Ly--Mrs. Umbridge! I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." The name slip-up was likely noticeable. It always took him some time to adjust when ladies were married to use their new surname, especially when they had often frequented his shop. News of their marriage had reached his ears, since many of his older patrons tended to gossip endlessly. He, of course, paid it all little mind. He absorbed the information and merely took it in stride.

Eying the stack set on the counter, he beamed, already taking stock of all the titles Febs had picked out. "Wonderful choices! That one is especially popular these days. I'm having a difficult time keeping it on the shelves." He gestured toward the novel on the top.

"Will that be all for today, or are you looking for anything else in particular?" While he spoke, one of Whizzhard's resident cats sauntered its way across the counter, intent on inspecting February's collection of books. Its curiosity was moreso about whether or not it could balance itself on top, rather than how interesting the books were.

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

Febs hadn't even noticed the cat and dog curled up in the nearby chair until Ivan barked, causing her to chuckle and move to pet them both. "No rush!" She called back to the voice she recognized as Mr. Binns' from behind the counter. Waiting out the shopkeeper, Febby was perfectly content to absorb the quiet of the store and the affection from the creatures.

When Mr. Binns surfaced behind the counter, Febs moved back to the opposite side with a soft smile. She barely even registered his mistake with her name- she still wasn't exactly used to answering to Mrs. Umbridge either, though the notion still brought a somewhat silly grin to her lips. "Not a problem at all, I just had to put these down." She chuckled, looking at the stack of books she had already picked out. "Oh, really? I'm looking forward to it, I've heard such wonderful things." Febs had to peer at the stack to see which one he was talking about specifically, but she was excited to read all of them, so it was true on all fronts.

His offer of assistance reminded her of her last endeavor for the store and she brushed a stray strand of hair from her face as she cast him another smile. "Actually, I have a new, albeit small library that I'll be expanding in my new home and I was wondering if you might have any suggestions on a good detective novel for Mr. Umbridge?" She still felt odd calling Edric that, as she hadn't in months, but she was trying not to draw too much attention to everything. "I think it would be unfair if I only filled the shelves with my own books." Febs shrugged a little sheepishly, though she knew Mr. Binns would be able to help her out without question.

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At the word library, Zachariah very suddenly grew even more attentive than he usually was. He even went so far as to clasp his hands together and beam at her, exclaiming, "Oh! A new library. What a wonderful venture." In his opinion, everyone should possess their own library, and he seemed to have a deep respect for those who tended to their collection, regardless of size.

Of course, he would assist!

With a nod to February, he reached over for his ever-changing catalogue of books, which was a rather large tome that required both hands for him to properly open and turn the page. It had been charmed so constant updates could be added to it. Usually, he already knew where to find most books, but he liked to be sure.

"Detectives, detectives," he mused to himself, ink splotched fingers scratching at his beard. "I believe we just got a new title that concerns detectives." His gaze wandered off toward the area of the store it was located in before he turned back to Feb.

"Would Mr. Umbridge prefer something by a wizard author, or is he partial to muggle writers, as well?" While he didn't find it to be something that mattered to him, he was always sure to ask a person's preference for some of his customers had very strong opinions against muggle literature.

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

Delighted by his response, Febs knew she could count on a fellow bibliophile to understand the excitement in building a new library. Just another thing off her bucket list to check off, thanks to Edric. "I'm thoroughly looking forward to it." She chuckled as she watched Mr. Binns get right down to assisting her in the search.

The book before her made little sense to Febs, but then again she wasn't looking very closely, though it intrigued her, and it seemed to make perfect sense to Mr. Binns, so she supposed that was all that mattered. It took no time at all for him to reach whatever it was specifically he was looking for, Febs was again cheered by his response. "Oh, color me intrigued, either is fine." She didn't think he would care either way. There had been that novella she'd ready by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was a muggle author and he didn't balk at that, so she figured it really wasn't important.

"As long as the story is engaging, though that may be me talking. I'll likely read it as well." Febs smiled sheepishly. She had plans to read every book that went into their library, otherwise what would be the point! She wanted to be surrounded by books that she loved, not just ones to take up room on the shelves.

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In response to February's openness about author types, Zachariah flipped one last page in his catalogue and ran his fingers down the list. He made a series of thoughtful noises with a few instances of tsking when he thought a title probably wouldn't be to the liking of either of the Umbridges.

After he reached the bottom, he set to scribbling about on a scrap of paper, a series of titles and their corresponding location in the book shop. It was in a strange short hand that would likely be a bit difficult for Febs to decipher. Even those who worked for him still struggled to figure out exactly what he meant.

"There are so many options! Detective fiction is becoming rather popular."

He turned and rummaged about under the front desk, shifting through a, what was once neat, pile of books. They were newer additions that had yet to find a home. "This is the new novel I had mentioned. It is by a local author right here in Hogsmeade. A Mr. E. H. West. He is a retired adventurer, and he takes inspiration from his travels. His most recent concerns a series of murders that leads Professor Belvedere, his main character, on an expedition to the far East." He stopped himself before going on, not wishing to spoil the book. Of course, the plot would lend itself to be more magical since it was authored by a wizard. "He also has about four others that are just as interesting."

"Another option is one by a Mr. Edgar Allen Poe, a muggle author. His C. Auguste Dupin stories are very riveting. However, they are all a bit short. If you're hoping for something longer either The Moonstone or The Lady in White by Wilkie Collins are both very well liked by those who prefer mystery."

Finding himself rambling, he paused, to allow her to actually soak up some of the information. He could go on and on, it seemed.

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

Watching Mr. Binns look through his list, his expression and the little noises of approval nearly made Febby chuckle aloud. She didn't however, because that would be rude and he'd already been incredibly helpful, but it was highly amusing nevertheless. Smiling at his declaration, Febs continued to watch him in amused awe as he rummaged around behind the counter, wondering just what he was doing, when he popped back up, book in hand.

Following along to his explanations, nodding and reacting where appropriate, Febs wasn't even sure she knew where to start! "I've read some Poe myself, I may take that for my own." That would certainly be a good read. He was a rather odd duck, from the tales she had already read, but the macabre aspects made it all that much more interesting, in her opinion. If she read them and enjoyed them, she could then share with Edric. Truthfully his literature preferences still remained a bit of a mystery, but he had once told her enjoyed a good crime novel, so that gave her a jumping off point, at least.

The mention of a mystery also intrigued her, but perhaps she ought not to buy everything offered today. She could always come back for them another time. The library would always be there and Febs grew more determined to fill it every time she stepped inside, so it would no doubt, be  home to all of these titles eventually. "I think I'll take Poe and the one by the local author. I too like to read about foreign adventures." Oh and perhaps reading about travel might help her persuade Edric to take a little holiday, when his work schedule next allowed. The island the on which the cottage stood was just across the channel from France and Febby so wanted to go, she wanted him to go with her!

"Oh! I was also looking for a specific cookbook for my housekeeper." Mrs. H deserved it to say the least! "I forget the name, of course. It was all about pastries." It was a two-fold kind of gift. The cookbook aspect for Mrs. H and since Edric enjoyed baked goods, it would serve everybody well! "If you point me toward the section, I might be able to tell by the cover."

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Zachariah beamed when Febs made her book choices, deciding she had made the correct ones. Then again, he would have been pleased even if she had decided on a book solely about rat toes.

"Wonderful!"

Two items on the small bit of paper he'd scribbled on were enthusiastically circled. He slid the newer book toward February with a smile. "Would you like your new books wrapped or as is?"

He then proceeded to pull his wand out and perform the summoning charm, accompanied by a seemingly random assortment of letters and numbers, "Accio, FMP32." His cataloguing system was the easiest way for him to keep track of which books had been purchased and which still remained. The letters pertained to the type of book, and the surname of the author, while the numbers indicated the title and which copy was being purchased. All of which seemed to be ever changing as stock was purchased and replenished.

A book with the collection of all three Poe detective stories landed smoothly on top of the other novel Febs had selected. He hadn't forgotten her request the cooking section, soon commenting, "Would you like me to prepare all the books you've chosen while you seek out the cookbook?"

"You'll find those down here on the lower level, down the aisle with the the squashy green chair in front of it. It should have a scruffy looking gray cat laying upon it. I wouldn't try to sit there, as he is rather possessive of his spot" He shook his head at the thought, pretending to be annoyed, even though he most definitely adored all of the felines who had decided to take up residence inside the shop. "About halfway down, you should start seeing Pastry Cookbooks."

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

"As is would be just fine, don't go to any trouble." Febs knew she'd likely break into at least one of the books tonight. Unable to help the little chuckle as Mr. Binns summoned his large tome, Febs was impressed by his thoroughness. None of it made any sense to her of course, but the organization left an impression nevertheless. "And that would be lovely." Febs cataloged the directions to the cookbooks, downstairs, by the green chair and the snarky cat, that had her smiling again.

"You've been most helpful Mr. Binns, I quite appreciate it. I'll be back to settle up in a few minutes." She assured him as she started in search of the cookbook. Even if she couldn't find the one she had been thinking of, Febs was certain there would be some comparable for her to select. Of course, sending Febby further into the bookstore was dangerous, who knew where she could get distracted, but that was neither here or there. She highly doubted Mr. Binns would mind all that much if she were to get sidetracked for a little while. Fortunately, she had to start getting home, so couldn't meander too far as she descended the stairs, the green chair came into view and she smiled at the aforementioned scruffy cat curled up atop the plush cushion.

Steering clear of the surly cat, Febs passed by and about halfway down found Mr. Binn's instructions to be incredibly accurate. Skimming her fingertips along the spines of the books on the shelves, she slowed her pace when she noticed the titles matched what she needed. After a few minutes of browsing, Febs came up with the book she'd originally been looking for and flipped through the pages again, satisfied this would do the trick.

On her way back to the storefront, she only paused twice at titles that caught her eye, but dutifully put them both back on the shelf were she found them. Febs rather thought she'd gotten enough for one day. Smiling as she approached the counter again, she added the cookbook to the pile. "There, I think I'm done for one visit."

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"Of course, take your time. Your books will be waiting here for your return." He gave her a congenial smile as she went off to hunt down some cookbooks. While she was gone, he tied the books up in twine. He skipped wrapping them up in brown paper since Febs had requested them as is. The twine was just for ease of transportation rather than presentation.

When he'd finished, Zachariah ducked down behind the counter and sorted through the pile of new books. After having perused there for February, his attention had been drawn to a novel he had specially ordered for his niece Emma. He had nearly forgotten it had come in and was ready to be sent out. A note to go along with it was what he was working on when Febs returned with the cookbook.

"Wonderful, you found it," he scrawled the title down and started to quickly total up a few different numbers. "That'll be one sickle and two knuts total, Mrs. Umbridge." With a flick of his wand, he added the cookbook to the pile of books that was already tied up.

"I do hope you enjoy your new adventures." He winked.

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   February Umbridge

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3