91 The Shopkeeper

After bidding farewell to the Grangers, Luke led Hermione through the magical barrier and into the vibrant streets of Diagon Alley. It was only Hermione's second time visiting the bustling wizarding shopping district, the previous trip being with her parents, which hadn't been particularly thrilling. Now, with two whole months ahead of her to immerse herself in this magical world for work, she eagerly anticipated exploring the area at her own pace.

"Let's head to the store first," Luke suggested, gently guiding Hermione towards the recently renovated potions shop. As they stepped inside, Hermione's eyes were immediately drawn to a stack of books sitting on a nearby table. She couldn't resist the urge to pick one up and flip through its pages.

"You're interested in alchemy?" she inquired, her curiosity sparked by the ancient texts before her. These books had once been used by the previous owner of the shop to create alchemical props, a skill Hermione had encountered during her extensive studies in the Hogwarts library. Alchemy fascinated her with its intricate symbols and mysterious techniques, known only to a select few wizards who had mastered the art. While some practitioners used alchemy to craft magical props, it remained a relatively uncommon pursuit, as most wizards preferred the simplicity of purchasing pre-made enchanted items.

"The previous owner of this shop was an alchemist," Luke explained, offering Hermione insight into the shop's history. "But his creations were mainly magical props, like self-watering kettles. They weren't in high demand since wizards could easily achieve similar effects with spells."

He went on to clarify that the shop didn't solely focus on potions. Relying solely on potion sales wouldn't sustain the business, especially given the limited demand for certain types of potions. For example, potions such as raw bone spirit were niche products, with only a handful of individuals requiring them on a regular basis.

"Aside from potions, we'll also offer alchemical items and magical props to diversify our offerings," Luke elaborated, outlining their business strategy. "That way, we appeal to a broader range of customers."

Hermione's eyes lit up with excitement. "I want to learn alchemy too!" she declared eagerly, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she expressed her desire to explore the intricate art alongside Luke.

Hermione's agreement was evident in her nod as Luke assigned her the role of cashier. As she acquainted herself with the store's contents, Luke guided her to the designated counter. The shelves nearby showcased a diverse collection of books, prominently featuring the captivating writings of Lockhart – a delightful choice for those seeking to while away the hours.

The store itself boasted two bedrooms, one for each of them, providing a sense of comfort and satisfaction for Hermione in her new working environment. As the morning unfolded, only a handful of curious customers ventured in, drawn by the allure of the store's offerings. Observing the limited footfall, Hermione remarked, "So few people!"

Seated behind the cashier's desk, she rested her chin on her hand, casting a thoughtful glance at the Bookstore across the street. In contrast, the adjacent bookstore appeared bustling with wizards eager to acquire their literary treasures.

Luke, nestled in a corner, diligently recorded alchemical knowledge and delved into the meanings of ancient runes. The complexity of these magical patterns exceeded his expectations, each symbol carrying a multitude of meanings often unrelated to one another, presenting a formidable challenge in documenting such intricacies.

Even Hermione, after a while of dedicated studying, felt the need to retreat to the counter and immerse herself in a captivating biography. Currently engrossed in "Wandering with Werewolves," she occasionally turned the pages, her interest evident.

As the noon sun cast a soft glow through the window, creating a drowsy atmosphere, Hermione couldn't stifle a yawn. Luke, observing her tired eyes, couldn't help but notice the toll the morning had taken on her.

Just then, a middle-aged wizard in a black robe entered, his arms discreetly concealed. Luke, with his heightened sense of smell, detected a hint of blood in the air. Rising from his seat, he calmly positioned himself in front of Hermione, who remained oblivious to the newcomer.

"How much for this," the wizard asked pointing to a bottle of potion.

"Ten Galleons!" Luke responded with a friendly smile, recognizing the importance of door-to-door business, irrespective of the wizard's origin.

"Bring me a bottle!" declared the wizard, placing ten gold Galleons on the table. Luke couldn't help but wonder if this mysterious visitor hailed from the Knockturn Alley.

Luke had a hunch about what was going on. Hermione, who knew the store's layout like the back of her hand, brought over a bottle of potion and set it down on the table. The middle-aged wizard, concealed under a hood, watched the two young wizards running the store with a mix of curiosity and surprise. He'd been frequenting Diagon Alley for years, but this was the first time he'd seen something like this—a couple of kids running the show.

"Strange," he muttered to himself. Taking a gulp of the potion, he turned and left without much thought, not bothering to see if the potion worked. After all, the store wouldn't be running if it didn't. "His arm looked odd..." Hermione whispered, poking Luke in the side. "That was probably a wizard from Knockturn Alley. There are often wizard fights there." Luke gently took the little finger that poked him, turned to face the little girl, and tousled her hair. "If you've got time to think about that, you might as well study with me. You're not as motivated when you're on vacation, Hermione. You're halfway through an alchemy book, and you've already switched to reading a biography."

"The stuff in that book is way too complicated for me! I can't even make sense of the ancient inscriptions, let alone the complicated techniques," Hermione complained.

"You should start with the basics," Luke suggested, pinching the tip of her nose playfully. He knew it was partly his fault for picking up Nick Mailer's book for her. Even he found it a bit overwhelming.

"Okay, okay, I'll take the money and read the basics," Hermione relented.

"Start with the basics today, and I'll teach you as well," Luke said, lightly touching Hermione's smooth forehead before turning back to his corner. He had a rough idea of what alchemy entailed: using magic to inscribe ancient symbols on items to activate their meaning. Maybe he'd try making a magic ring that night, Luke thought to himself.

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