Have Some Composure {OPEN}

[nightmare]

I’m proud of my life
And the things that I have done
Proud of myself
And the loner I’ve become

It was a long day at work. Zan leaned back against the counter at the back of her pet store, exhaling sharply. You’d think after a while the bloodsnobs would tire of their animals, but no. Every day, they came back, craving more. More color, more exotics, more variety. Though the behavior disgusted her, since these animals were little more than trophies, it was the only thing that kept her in business. Plus, the bloodsnobs did take care of the animals enough…so that they were pretty enough to show off. The creatures just didn’t get a lot of love.

It was Zan’s lunchtime, meaning it was about 2 in the afternoon. She was always busy during the actual lunch hour, because that was when half of her customers stopped by to browse the store. The other rush hour was around 6, where they came back to pick up their animal.

Groaning slightly, Zan glanced once more around the store (which, by the way, was uncreatively named Zan’s Magical Creatures. Purebloods weren’t big on creativity), then went into the back room. It was fairly empty; most of her employees were gone to eat at their own leisure, and most of her customers were back at work.

As she reached the back, a loud mrrow! greeted her. Without looking down, Zan knew it was her Kneazle, El Diablo. She usually let him downstairs during work; there was no way anybody would ask to buy him. She had had him since her second year at Hogwarts, so many years ago, and was old and battle scarred. One of his ears was torn in a V shape, when one of the owls at school at attacked him. He looked old and mean. Faithless Slytherins, she thought with a grumble, as usual when she thought of school. It didn’t matter that she was one of the smartest ones in the year, or that she was cunning and clever enough to be in Slytherin. She was an impurity, and thus not good enough to stay at the castle.

“Hush Di, I’m tired,” Zan sighed. She often found herself talking to the Kneazle as an old friend; she didn’t have many human friends. The lion-like creature stopped weaving around her feet and sauntered over to her armchair, where he jumped up to sit on the left arm of it. It was clear that this was a normal lounging spot for him; the cloth was ripped up where he had dug his claws into it, and it was covered in fur.

Zan went over to the plastic bag one of her employees had left on her chair. After learning that she mostly survived by eating soup and bread, her employees had decided to take turns providing her lunch. They felt it was the least they could do; some of them were impurities, all were outcasts from the bloodsnobs. Just as she was preparing to eat, she heard the small bell chime outside the door. “Back here,” Zan called, settling herself down. She was fairly familiar with most of her customers, and even if it was somebody new, they would have no reason to attack her. And if they did…well, just because Zan was a halfblood, didn’t mean she didn’t have a trick or two.

[dream]

• 'CAUSE NOBODY WANTS TO BE THE LAST ONE LEFT

[/font]
• 'CAUSE EVERYONE WANTS TO FEEL LIKE SOMEONE CARES[/size][/font]

• • •AUDREY WILLIAMS[/color] • • •[/center]

Knockturn Alley - it really wasn't the best place to be alone especially. Unless you knew people, or didn't think you'd have any trouble, you could come here freely. This was a decent place to go if you didn't pay mind to silly things, besides the war. Heels clicked slightly on the cobble-street, as the place burst into activity, then soon dulled as the lunch-hour rushed slowed. Sitting inside a cafe, she called it, her fingers drummed on the table, a soft drumming sound coming from it. Tilting her head, thick dark locks tumbled past her shoulders as keen eyes watched the people outside the window seat she'd perched herself on. Lean fingers brushed against her wand in her cloak pocket, before lifting her chin - as if in defiance against something. What it was, only she knew. Mostly it was time, time itself as it ticked by, they paid so much attention to it, a blasted thing she didn't like to keep track of. Too much, that is.

Her main objective today was possibly get Brianna, her youngest sister a birthday present, which was coming up. Charm, her half-kneazle cat was back at her parents' home, where she had meant to keep her. The thought of another animal made her hesitant, she usually just used Georgina's Barn Owl to deliever messages if Charm didn't feel like delivering one for her. Maybe she could get herself one. Lips pursed as she then lifted up her well-taken care of nails and hand. Yes, she did pamper herself, and yes, she did care about the war, in some aspects. As long as her family and she herself didn't get involved, she wouldn't worry too much about it.

Blinking lazily, the young woman held an air about her that demanded respect. That she knew she was a pureblood, and could get away with things if she wanted. A small, devious smile plastered itself along the woman's features before legs extended, muscles moving as she stood up. A hand brushed back her hair, before she paid with a galleon to cover the cost and some change, then headed out onto the street. Not too many people were out and wandering about now, which was nice. She practically had the alley to herself. Picking a pace she liked, she headed towards a place her mother had mentioned, Zen's Magical Creatures for Brianna's present. Her thoughts wandered as she approached it, deciding on an owl. It would probably be the best to replace her cat she had now.

Upon approaching the place, features frowned lightly, though she inhaled slowly and entered. She tensed when the chime went off, revealing her presence. No one else was here. Was it closed? Ridiculous, she thought to herself, the door would have been locked. Though, when a voice rang out, she nodded solemnly, then replied lightly, "All right." as she browsed, various creatures stirring from their perches and cages. She stepped away from the cat creatures and towards the owls, which were near the back where the girl's voice had come from. Peering behind there slightly, she voiced an inquiry, "Hi, I'm curious, do you have any good, pet owls? I'm shopping for my younger sister, this will be her first owl, so I'd like a....decent one."

Offering the worker a gentle smile, she held out her hand in a shake offering, "I'm Audrey, by the way." she smiled, as she turned to all the owls, watching them with curiosity. Tilting her head, Audrey eyed some of the owls that appeared to be nicer, but looks could be deceiving. She should know that. The Williams girl turned back to the girl, curious to see if she had anything to say. Who knew. Brianna was so sweet, Audrey believed she should have an owl who matched her personality, and get along with their other owls.

•HOW MANY ! 600 +
WHO IS HERE ! alexandra :3
COVERING THAT UP ! described, lamely though
IT'S DISTRACTING ! nickelback
MARS SAYS ! yeah....have fun. ^_^

[/font][/color][/center]

[nightmare]

I’m proud of my life
And the things that I have done
Proud of myself
And the loner I’ve become

With a slight groan, Zan hauled herself out of her armchair. The voice sounded unfamiliar, meaning it was a new customer. New customers were good, but it also meant Zan would have to be the gracious store owner and really help out. Though about half of her customers were purebloods, a good few were impurities who often came back to buy supplies for their pet, or to just talk to her.

The instant Zan saw the woman, she thought pureblood. There was something about the way she held herself, like she could take over the whole world if she wished, something most purebloods shared. Zan was instantly on guard, though the woman didn’t sound like she was going to start trying to boss Zan around and demand she cater to her every need. Not all purebloods were conceited, but Zan could never be too careful.

The woman introduced herself as Audrey and gave a pleasant smile before returning to looking at the owls. “I’m Zan,” she replied, her voice sounding casual, though not exactly friendly. Audrey seemed nice, but so did a Kneazle before you tried to pet it and it ripped your arm apart.

Like any magical pet store, Zan had a steady supply of owls. They were all in a huge aviary in the back of the store, big enough that they could fly about and do as owls do in their own space. She listened carefully as Audrey explained about the owl she wanted, mentally deciding which of her owls would be best for this. She knew all of the owls since she had bought them, and was fairly familiar with their personalities. “I’ve got a few yeh can look at,” she said finally, fearlessly stepping into the aviary. She gave a sharp whistle, and most of the owls settled down on their branches, staring at her with wide eyes.

“Logger,” she called first, and a beautiful gray owl fluttered down to her and landed on her arm. “Logger’s a Sooty Owl, and a fairly good ‘un. He’d attack to yer sister, but he can be a tad bit over excitable, so he might try to attack anybody who goes near yer sister.” Zan’s own pet Kneazle was exactly like that; he wouldn’t hurt her, but the instant somebody went near her, his hackles were up. “However, if yer looking for a more cuddly owl, there’s another one,” Zan continued, a grin on her face. This was one of her favorite owls.

“Lolli,” she called softly, allowing Logger to return to his perch. This time, a brown and cream striped owl flew down and landed on her shoulder. “Lolli’s a Barred Owl, and a nicer one yeh couldn’t find,” Zan said, stroking Lolli’s feathers. “She’d lie down and let a wolf eat her, so long as he did nae make a lot of noise.” She offered the owl to Audrey. “Hold her, see if she’s any good, yeah?”

[dream]

• 'CAUSE NOBODY WANTS TO BE THE LAST ONE LEFT

[/font]
• 'CAUSE EVERYONE WANTS TO FEEL LIKE SOMEONE CARES[/size][/font]

• • •AUDREY WILLIAMS[/color] • • •[/center]

Audrey stood by the aviary to where the owls were silently, one leg slightly out, while most of her weight rested on the other one. The young woman watched the owls carefully, as if trying to decide which one would be best, but she allowed the owner, or this girl, who seemed to know what was going on. Upon the girl appearing, and giving her back a name, it clicked. Oh, how interesting... she thought silently to herself. This was the owner of said store then. How, convienent. Catching the slight tone in the girl's voice, she was half-tempted to snap, though her mouth remained sealed shut, before she managed to cough up, "Pleasure, Zan." she threw another smile the girl's direction.

Blowing back some of her dark hair, the pureblood watched Zan as she fell silent. Letting her think, when they entered, she nodded, eyes looking over the owls. Maybe she'd still get one for herself, but she was a bit worried about where she was getting them. A pet store in Knockturn Alley. Usually most of the animals, mainly the ones she'd seen on her way in probably had some magical properties on them. Especially those colored rabbits, she'd rather not stick her hand in there and have it come back out all gnarled. Flinching away from that visual, Audrey grinned softly, "All right."

They stepped in and Zan whistled, the owls landing and calming down from their scuttle. The young woman listened curiously as Zan spoke about the first one, Logger he was named, and a bit about his personality. It would be nice for Brianna, she'd like for her to have some extra protection when no one else was around but him. Pausing lightly, Audrey nodded, hoping Zan, this girl wouldn't mind if she bought both of them. "You seem to have developed a....nice relationship with them." she murmured, tucking a stand of her hair back behind her ear. She perked when Zan introduced Lolli, who was as sweet as could be. Maybe that, or Logger for Brianna. She honestly didn't know, and without thinking, blurted out, "How much for both of them?"

She forced a light, playful smile across her features, though her muscles went rigid when she was offered an owl. Honestly? She would prefer to stick with Charm, her cat, but what could she do? Audrey didn't hesitate any longer, then quickly took her gut instinct, and reached out slowly, letting the owl hop onto her arm. Surprisingly light, Audrey smiled softly to Lolli, who peered at her with big, unmoving eyes. Suddenly feeling small under this gaze, Audrey couldn't help but smile. It was nice - to have something so small on her arm. She looked to Zan, and nodded solemnly, "I'd...like to have both...if that's not too much trouble." she mused, looking to the girl silently.

•HOW MANY ! 600 +
WHO IS HERE ! alexandra :3
WHAT IT IS ! UNFINISHED
COVERING THAT UP ! described, lamely though
IT'S DISTRACTING ! nickelback
MARS SAYS ! yeah....have fun. ^_^

[/font][/color][/center]

[dream]

posted, luff. ^_^

[nightmare]

I’m proud of my life
And the things that I have done
Proud of myself
And the loner I’ve become

Zan felt she could tolerate Audrey, if not actually talk to her. She didn’t talk a lot, which was nice, considering she was dead beat tired. A lot of purebloods here seemed to feel the need to justify them being there with a long speech about how important they were, and how expensive animals were, and how lucky she was to have their business, blah blah blah. Few seemed to actually want a nice pet anymore, like Audrey did. That alone put Audrey…well, maybe not in Zan’s good book, but at least in the neutral-but-slightly-friendly book. However, she still didn’t have hope they’d be best friends or anything. Some purebloods were kind while they were here, then left without a word, not wanting to be associated with an impurity.

Zan gave a small grin when Audrey mentioned her relationship with the owls. “I like ‘em,” she said with a shrug. “Owls like attention; turn out mean if nobody pays attention to ‘em. ‘sides, they’re smart. Any o’ my employees treat ‘em bad, and they know. Just as well get on their good side; angry owls can make business hell,” she finished with a tired grin. She was rambling and she knew it, but she was fairly tired. She leaned against the side of the aviary, though she was still awake.

Zan’s grin widened when Audrey asked for both of the owls. She was liking her more and more; most purebloods asked her questions for hours, trying to find some fault with their purchase so they could deduct money from how much they had to pay. Because god forbid they empty their wallets the tiniest bit! “90 Galleons, both of ‘em,” Zan said after some mental calculations. “Good owls, smart uns, and they’ll take post for you,” she added, since that was a big deal for most magical folk. “Logger’s got a bit more stamina, so don’ be sending Lolli out across to the other side o’ the world,” she added as a warning. More than once somebody had returned with an owl half dead from exhaustion because they wanted to send a letter to their friend in Canada.

Audrey seemed a little bit nervous about the owl, though she did a good job of hiding it. However, seeing as Zan spent a lot of her time pretending to be calm when she was tense, she could see that Audrey had tensed up. Probably didn’t have a lot of experience with owls, which was just as well she was holding Lolli. The owl sidled up to Audrey’s shoulder, her head turned almost 90 degrees so she could look at the human. She gave a soft coo of approval, before snuggling in Audrey’s hair. Zan grinned, almost laughing. Audrey seemed a bit nervous still, so Zan said in a much heartier voice than normal, “No trouble at all, miss. If yeh need help gettin’ supplies for ‘em, I’d be glad to help.”