A FRIENDLY FAVOR (CONNOR!)

[teddy]

Teddy concentrated on carefully placing his footing to avoid stepping on little feet that was in his way. Finally, he squeezed his way past a tight crowd of children that stood in front of the stores, their eager faces pressed on the shop's front glass window. Chuckling at how the the tykes squeaked with excited chatter at the assortment of items on display, he was oddly reminded of his own off the top giddiness whenever a new broomstick line came out in stores. A visit to this shop was also must when the Falmouth Falcons released their team merchandise. Thankfully, his nan gladly gave into his slight obsession.

His eyebrows rose instantly upon entering the shop, his hand pulling the door close. He was impressed the way Connor has managed everything. Although at the moment it looks like he needed a little help. The room was overflowing with figures that stood barely past his hips tugging amused and, in some cases, annoyed parents around. Teddy felt pity for them. Not for the parents begrudgingly walking around, but their children that were trying to convince them. It was ridiculus that they even had to think if they should purchase. He personally thought that no child should be deprived of the wonder Quidditch brings.

Reaching over a little girl's head, Teddy plucked a case containing a Snitch out of a shelf and walked towards the end of the shop. He craned his neck past the huddled shoulders at the counter, eyes searching for his good friend Connor. Maybe he could ask for a free trinket particularly the Snitch he had tucked away in his pocket. He needed something to fiddle with in his spare time at the office and a Snitch would be enough to keep him entertained. He decided to try his luck and went up to the busy counter to greet his friend.



ooc: this is incredibly short! i got distracted and forgot i had to go somewhere so this was rushed. apologies!

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[connor]

To say the shop was a bit busy would be an understatement. Connor was busy at the counter ringing up customer’s items as his other worker was busy helping customers out on the floor. The place was bustling like usual seeing as Quidditch was the most popular wizarding sport and Quality Quidditch Supplies was the only place in Diagon Alley to sell any sort of Quidditch supplies. But unlike most people Connor loved it when it was busy. He especially loved watching the little kids walking out of the store with the biggest smile on their face after getting some new little toy.

Connor was busy ringing up another customer when he spotted one of his good friends walk into the store. Teddy Lupin, the two of them had known each other at Hogwarts and even played on the same Quidditch team. They had even stayed in contact after Hogwarts, even though they couldn’t hang out for a while since Connor had become the new owner of Quality Quidditch Supplies and when Teddy was done at Hogwarts he had his training that needed to be done. But nonetheless, the two of them continued their friendship through the thick and thin. He smiled at Teddy and knew he would have to wait to talk to him once it was Teddy’s turn at the counter, which wasn’t very long for the young man always seemed to knew exactly what he wanted.

Connor had finished ringing up poster for a young child that seemed all too eager to get his hands on it and hang up in his room. Ah, the joy of little kids, perhaps one day Connor would have his own. For now he just had his niece and nephew to spoil when he spent time with them. Then it was Teddy’s turn and Connor couldn’t help but smile at his good friend. “Well it’s a pleasure to see you here Teddy, what have you planned on getting today?” Connor asked him before he took a glance at the clock and saw it was only a few more minutes until his other worker showed up and he could be relieved of working at the register.

[teddy]

"I was thinking it was about time that you find yourself a nice girl to help around the place... but it seems you've been doing your fair share of labor here," he joked, pulling a face as he pretended to survey the room with an approving glance. Teddy pulled the case he had picked earlier from his trouser pocket and threw it to Connor without any warning. He then proceeded to dump a few silver Sickles and ten Galleon coins on the counter in front of him. He appreciated that he had a friend like him, someone he could joke around with and share good times. Even though a few years had passed them already, they've long graduated from Hogwarts and started their own careers, he could confidently say that their bond was as strong as it was back when they spent their afternoons at the Quidditch pitch.

Teddy moved out of the line, helping the boy behind him who had his hands full of several local team trinkets and beginner gears. "I haven't seen you around much, mate,” he huffed as he dropped all the items the boy wanted to check out, not expecting the load to be that heavy. He backed away to let others make their own purchases and leaned comfortably on the edge of the counter. “I can’t recall the last time I saw you piss drunk.” He grinned quite impishly at the thought of getting themselves drunk beyond control. In his opinion, they both deserved it. They’ve both been working hard in their own field that they hardly had time to socialize with friends outside work lately.

His eyes snapped to the door when he heard the metal hinges creak open. He silently watched a man walk up to where they were standing, weaving his way through the bustling customers of Quality Quidditch Supplies like he previously did. Judging by the way the man confidently maneuvered his way towards the register, Teddy figured that he was another employee in Connor’s shop. “See, even fate agrees with me,” he addressed Connor looking pointedly at the man who had just arrived to take his shift. With all the bugging that he was doing, Teddy was reminded of how things were back at Hogwarts where he had been the overly hyped young boy that was always tagging around the Gryffindor team captain. He always thought of Connor as a sort of big brother, considering that he was the one he looked up to when he was growing up.

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[connor]

Connor couldn’t help but chuckle slightly when Teddy had tossed a small parcel at him. He instantly recognized it to be one that held the small tiny snitch; of course Teddy would want one of those. Or perhaps the reason why Connor was laughing was at the fact that Teddy had said he needed a girl around the place, well he had been told that many times but it’s usually his sister that tells him. He picked up the sickles and knuts that Teddy placed on the table and proceded to put them in the register before tossing the small parcel back to Teddy.

Then Connor proceeded with helping the small boy that had been in line behind Connor. He laughed as he reached down below the counter to pull out a bag as Teddy went on how it had been a while since Connor had gotten piss drunk. It had been a while and it was probably due to the fact that Connor had been more focused on his racing broom line recently. He had came back up from below the counter and started loading the eager boys items into the bag, it seemed that his mother wasn’t too happy about the comment that Teddy had made, but really why did that lady need to care about that? It wasn’t like the little tyke was going to understand what Teddy had just said. “That’ll be one gallon, seven sickles and a knut,” he told the lady as she dug into her purse and then placed the change on the counter and once again Connor swiped the coins and placed them into the register.

Just as the mother with the young boy had walked away another customer had came up and he noticed that a man had entered the building, one of his workers to be exact. “It’ll be just one moment sir, I need to change the till,” he told the customer that had walked up to the counter. Connor pulled out his keys in his pocket and proceeded with taking the till out before quickly sneaking to the pack and putting it in the safe and pulling out a new one. He then headed back up to the register and placed the new drawer inside just as the wizard that was to take his place showed up next to the register. “Alright I’ll leave them to you Benjamin,” he told the guy before he headed on to the back to count the till. He had signaled Teddy saying that he could come back there as well. “I think after I count this till the two of us should go hang out,” he nodded lightly as he entered the back office.

[teddy]

Teddy had snatched the small parcel Connor had wrapped for him in mid flight, exactly just before the object was inches away from smacking him squarely on the face. He couldn’t brag that he was just as apt as a Quidditch player as he was back in Hogwarts, but his team captain surely taught him well enough that his system still had the alertness and effectiveness that his Gryffindor Quidditch team was proud of . It was Connor’s early achievement in the field of Quidditch that made Teddy confident that the new racing broom line his friend was working on would be a sure hit. With Connor’s passion, he simply knew that his friend would put nothing but the best for the project he was working on.

Grinning, he gave an apologetic shrug to the woman that accompanied the boy lined up behind him. Teddy had forgotten that he was currently surrounded by children, more than half of them still even under aged to go to Hogwarts. His words weren’t necessarily meant for young ears and clearly, the woman had thought so, too. He gave Connor a look that says ‘what was that about?’ and laughed. “Remind me to be a little more careful around your place,” he said in an exaggerated whisper, just to get the disapproving lady off his back. Before the two left with their newly bought items, he made a face behind the lady’s back and gave the little boy a playful wink to which the little one answered by letting out a boyish giggle. “I have a feeling that boy’s going to be a great lad.”

He followed Connor into the back of the shop, seeing him gesture for him to come. And as soon he entered the room, his eyes lit up much like a kid’s would upon entering Honeyduke’s for the first time. Teddy wasn’t a big Quidditch junkie, but he has the interest. His hands immediately grabbed random spare parts and tinkered with them. “So, this is where you’ve been hiding all this time?” Connor had a bit going around already, but by the looks of the littered place, he still had a lot to do. He moved to the area to his right, where several brooms were propped up in their respective stands. He ran an admiring hand over the smooth expanse of the broom handles, remembering the first day he had gotten his toy broom that could barely fly more than four feet from the ground.

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[connor]

Connor nodded in agreement as the two of them headed into the back. He really did need to remind Teddy once in a while that he needed to careful on what he said he was out by the customers. But it was all good, because they still came back even with the way Teddy talked when he was around. “I’m sure he will be,” Connor nodded in agreement as he remembered his days as a boy and the first time he stepped into the shop. He was sure that even back then he wanted to become the owner of Quality Quidditch Supplies.

“Ah yeah this is where I hide out,” Connor chuckled as he placed the money on the counter and began to count all of the galleons, sickles and knuts. He knew that Teddy would enjoy looking around the place, but then again there weren’t many people that wouldn’t enjoy seeing how a broom was created. “I’ve been trying a bunch of different spells with different wood, it’s quite interesting how each spell works differently with each type of wood,” he nodded as he looked out at Teddy walking around the place and checking out the different brooms. “And where have you been hiding out Teddy?” he asked lightly.

[teddy]

Teddy moved across the room, finally leaving the new broomsticks alone to sit on a tabletop near Connor who was carefully taking today's sales into account. With his hands on either side of him, he hauled himself up. "I never thought you'd actually have your own shop. I always thought that you'd play for some team," he mused thoughtfully, his hands now tracing the cold metal foot supports installed at the side of every broom. There was no doubt that Connor liked Quidditch, but most of the people he knew who held the same interest as Connor do try-out for teams straight after they graduate, not immerse themselves into broom making and sales.

His curious eyes roamed around again, not quite satisfied with his first inspection. There was far more to see than he had expected Connor to have hidden in his back office. "Where did you learn this stuff anyway? Don't tell me you used to hung out in the library after Quidditch practice." Despite all the humor-laced quips he has been saying, Teddy felt a little envious of his friend. Obviously Connor knew what he wanted and thrived well in his job. While he on the other-hand, after almost five years, was still unsure if he liked what he was doing. And that was the reason why he had dropped by to see his friend today.

He flicked the clasp of the Snitch container open and took out the golden ball encased in it. Immediately, the Snitch's wings unraveled delicately and began to beat fast. Teddy slowly released the Snitch from his fingers and watched as it flew in front of him, its golden glint teasing him into a chase. "Connor, d'you reckon you see yourself doing this for a long time?" he began, unsure of exactly how he should express himself. He kept his eyes trained on the Snitch, not wanting to lose it behind the huge stacks of boxes.

ooc: extremely late reply... sowwy! -meep-

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[connor]

It didn’t take long for Connor to finish up counting his till and he place it inside of the safe and locked it before he stood back up to head out into the room where all of the brooms were and Teddy was looking at them. “Well I thought about, really. But I’ve always wanted to try and create the fastest broom about that. Besides, I know that at Hogwarts are training wasn’t that harsh, and it probably would be on an actual team,” he smiled lightly as he picked one of his brooms he was working on and ran his hand along the smooth wood. He really did love the feel of the broomstick and flying was definitely his favorite mode of transportation.

Connor looked up at Teddy as Teddy let the small little snitch out. Smiling Connor watched as the Snitched buzzed its way around the room. At least the Snitch couldn’t go far as the door to the back areas was shut. He did miss playing Quidditch that was for sure. “Well I think I do. I mean sure, no girl likes it when a guy is coop up in his shop all the time. But I think I’ll be happy with creating a broomstick for everyone to enjoy,” he chuckled lightly. Sure Connor did spend a lot of time in his shop, but really he didn’t spend all of it. But often he thought, that if it wasn’t for Teddy he probably would stay in his shop all of the time. “Though, keep this a secret, I kind of wanted to try out for the Chudley Cannons. You know, try and bring them some fame,” he smiled at Teddy, he had a feeling that Teddy would laugh at the thought. Who wouldn’t? Everyone knew that the Chudley Cannons were perhaps the worse team out there. But Connor couldn’t help but like the orange cloaks they sported.

* - - gah, sorry about the wait. >.< I blame, school, muse, admin duties, etc.

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[teddy]

Teddy grinned as he listened on what Connor was saying. He had to give it to his friend; that was one very clever reasoning. “Aha, I’m with you there mate.” Hogwarts Quidditch training required you to move more than usual, but it never really went further than doing laps, early morning excercises or trying to carry out plays. With that being said, professional Quidditch would probably have taken a lot more work. If he had succumbed to his childhood dream, he might’ve been reduced to a sweaty and tired pile of goo by the end of one season. Although the perks that came with it would be rewarding, so he figured it wouldn’t be bad if you really had the passion for it.

Passion. That was something he could see from his friend as he watch him twiddle around with one broom with a small appreciative smile. Teddy nodded and gave off a hum in agreement. “Women and their unending battle with Quidditch,” he sighed dramatically. “Or with any other sport really. I’ve seen how Muggles struggle with the same situation in the telly.” Lunging forward, his fingers only grazed the metal wings of the Snitch as it flew another foot higher above him. He raised an eyebrow at the golden ball as it circled the air above his head challengingly. “Hmm. Cheeky.”

Thumping Connor lightheartedly on his back, he let out a small chuckle. “Dare I say that I’ve had the same thought for sometime too?” Teddy had a feeling that a good number of the Chudley Cannon’s fan base were in it for their fantastic and feiry jerseys. It was quite possibly the most eye-catching uniform amidst their other green, red and silver cloaked Quidditch counterparts. “I… I was thinking maybe I should sign up for Auror training soon,” he said although it came off as if he was still in the process of convincing himself of it.

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[connor]

Aha, I’m with you there mate.” Connor smiled at Teddy glad that he was in an agreement with him. Yep, sure he could probably do the training, he was still in very good shape, but he rather have it to where flying around playing Quidditch was more of a hobby. Instead he wanted to create the best broom out there for all of those wonderful Quidditch Players. Women and their unending battle with Quidditch,

[/s]” Teddy sighed dramatically. “Or with any other sport really. I’ve seen how Muggles struggle with the same situation in the telly.” Connor laughed he knew that Women loved a good Quidditch player. He remembered when he was at Hogwarts how some of the girls in his year had fawned over him because of his Quidditch Skills. Really there was more to a guy that their Quidditch skills. “Hmm. Cheeky.” Connor looked up and watched as the tiny little snitch tried to tease Teddy. He knew that Teddy was swift enough to catch the sneaky little snitch. Connor was as well, but that was because of little children opening the boxes in the shop to play with them after they had gotten one.

“[/s}Dare I say that I’ve had the same thought for sometime too[/s]” Connor couldn’t help, but chuckle as he imagined him and Teddy on the Chuddy Cauldrons team. He was sure that with the two of them on there, they definitely would be a better team. He really did enjoy their orange blazed Quidditch robes. He actually got one custom made back at home with his name on it. Yep, Connor’s favorite team was the Chudley Cannons no matter how badly they played. “I… I was thinking maybe I should sign up for Auror training soon.” Connor stopped what he was doing and looked over at his good friend. He knew that this was a big decision for Teddy, just by the tone of Teddy’s voice. So he was contemplating on being an aurora instead. He wondered what had changed Teddy’s mind on that. “Well, I don’t think you would have to go through all three years of training like most of the Aurors seeing as you’re a Hit Wizard right now, and there isn’t a whole lot of a difference between the two jobs,” Connor said thoughtfully, hoping that it would help him be more confident about his choice. “How come you want to be an auror now?” he asked curiously before he looked up at the clock. Perhaps the two of them should go to the leaky cauldron and have a talk, like the good old days and perhaps become drunk. But he figured he wait a bit to suggest it.
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[teddy]

A fast paced beat buzzed in his ears as the Snitch went around his head once before zooming to the far corner of the room. Teddy scratched at his temple when he heard his friend’s question. From the first time he had thought of going into Auror training that was already the initial thought that came into his mind. He feared that the screeners would see right into his young and indecisive self and judge him for coming to that decision in a later time. Straight after Hogwarts, he was almost sure that he would be just fine with this kind of profession. He thought he didn’t really had that much choice since he didn’t get very good grades. Yes, he had a few E’s but he was still quite far from being above average compared to most of those who sought out Auror training.

His gaze dropped to the floor, smiling ruefully at what Connor said. True, he probably didn’t need to go as long as the standard required. His two years had already covered the basics needed but of course, this was something of a higher degree so he figured being a Hit Wizard can only take him so far. “The place wasn’t really what I was expecting,” he began to reason out, “a little less exciting than I imagined, I suppose.” Since the last Second Wizarding War, there had been very few serious cases that needed to be attended to by the Aurors. He personally thought that despite having a much greater amount of cases filed in their office, it didn’t mean it was better. They were left with petty cases that didn’t need that much skill to solve.

He wanted to prove something. Teddy was the type of person who seemed contented but really always wants more. Sometimes he blames it on his young age where he has this feeling of wanting to dive head first into everything that he finds interesting and right now, Aurorship dangled in front of his impressionable self like a glinting Goblin-made jewelry. “I know I haven’t done enough time to say this but I don’t feel I’ll be ever satisfied doing this. I’m itching for something different.” He paused for a while, taking in what he just said. With a laugh he added, “Gods, I’m complaining like a five year old am I?”

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