Were the Native Americans correct in their magical beliefs, then? In Jo's experience wandless magic was far more powerful than using a wand when harnessed correctly, it was simply the lack of knowledge that made the tribal magic seems so primitive. Even Ilvermony educated its students to practice with wand, despite its connection to countless tribes. Jo bit the corner of her lip as she considered the implications. Perhaps a chat with a wandmaker was in order.

"For both our curiosity's sake I shall hope he resurfaces soon." She smiled in response. "And please, don't forget to send me a copy. I'll leave the fee with you."

Jo swiftly went about wrapping the book, chuckling at the thought of anyone being irate with the bookish man. He had such a calm, unimposing demeanor that one couldn't possibly stay angry with him for long. "She'll recover once she receives it. Though, perhaps she can wait an hour more if you've time to spare?"

  

"Yes, especially since his apprentice doesn't really have a way with words," he murmured. Which was quite disappointing since he had been brimming with questions. Ah well, surely Bilius would communicate through his research. "I have written it down, but I don't think I shall forget you." With a laugh, he tapped at his temple.

"How much do I owe you for the book? I don't believe Mr. Asteroid mentioned a set price." Generally, he tried to be sure to know ahead of time what he owed someone, but he'd done various deals with the departed in the past, and he'd always been more than fair.

Zach smirked and bobbed his head. "I'm sure she'll take the book from my hands and not speak again until she's done with it." Scratching at his beard, he nodded, "I suppose I could linger for a little longer. It's not urgent she receives it, and I've concluded all my other business in London." Including a visit to Gordon Gibson.

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

She shot him a smile that bordered on flirty and said, "I should hope you don't forget me. We've met on two continents now, after all." Was it fate that kept throwing them in one anothers path or mere coincidence? Were they destined to meet abroad once more in their future? Though, hopefully not as much time would pass between meetings this time around.

"Oh, hm. I think there's a ledger around here somewhere. I'm really just filling in for Mars, giving her time and space to grieve and all." Jo rambled as she searched beneath the papers for the ledger, brushing past Zachariah in her search. The desk was a mess unlike any Jo had ever seen (how the Asteroid's kept their business afloat Jo would never quite understand) and the small black book was easily lost. "You'd think it would be more prudent to label each individual item instead of having all the prices listed in one place. Lest something like this happens. Jesus." She continued moving papers around until the book finally came into light. "Found it. Let's see here....Dolkar...Dolkar..." Jo flipped through the written pages, but of course there was no price on Dolkar listed. "Well, then. Zachariah, you're a book seller. What price seems fair?"

  

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beautiful set by mj

"Yes, and I do wonder if we shall cross paths on another." The world, although vast, felt infinitely small sometimes. It probably helped that the witch and wizard population wasn't as populous as the world at large, and they tended to gather in certain places.

"That is very thoughtful of you to aid her in such a time," Zach responded, reaching into his pocket again to tug out his purse so he could pay for his purchases. It wasn't an idle, polite comment, like some might utter. He truly meant it.

The man appeared amused at the shop's ledger system, but he he didn't say as much, instead he appeared thoughtful. It was quite a rare book, so it wouldn't be right to pay as if it were your run of the mill novel. He was fairly terrible at haggling, especially given the situation. He wasn't about to deny a grieving family a fair sum. He plucked a collection of sickles and a few stray knuts from his purse; he counted them out and then slid them over. "I'd say this should just about cover it, as it is a more rare find."

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

"I should hope so." Jo said brightly. There weren't many she wished to see time and time again, but Zachariah was one. His easy going nature meshed well with hers, and he didn't seem to mind how terrible of a fit she was in their society. "Maybe Australia next? We can go investigate your friend's findings." Jo was teasing, as she knew the likelihood of him leaving his bookshop for long was minimal.

She slid the payment into a small chest beneath the desk to deal with later and locked it. "Thank you, I'm certain you just overpaid but I'll allow Mars to be the judge of that." Jo investigated and studied antiques, to her they were priceless. "Would you like to grab a beer with me? We can continue catching up before you have to return to Hogsmeade?"

  

"That would be delightful." Zach wasn't the best at picking up subtle clues and always realizing when someone was teasing him. Though, he did have an inkling that she wasn't completely serious. After all, when would they be able to arrange such a trip with her off on adventures and him with a bookshop to run? Australia was also a long trip. Usually, during his travel weeks, he could pop into quite a few other locations, but this time it had just been Australia and London. Across the ocean magical travel was pesky that way.

"Perhaps, I could begin to write you. I would love to hear of your adventures, and, if I have business where you find yourself next, maybe we could arrange a meeting?" He suggested, leveling her with an inviting smile.

Was he the one lightly flirting now? Merlin, what was the world coming to?

"Yes, that would be a wonderful way to spend the afternoon," he replied, accepting the invitation. Quickly, he retrieved his wand and set about shrinking the book he'd come to fetch. It was then deposited into a bag that contained quite a few others.

"Shall we?"

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3