Tweak

InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Spoilers!"

the_draco (the_draco) wrote in finnigans_rpg,
@ 2015-03-31 21:07:00

Entry tags:

character: dominic chambers, character: draco malfoy

Who: Draco and OPEN
When: Tuesday 31st March
Where: Astro Apothecary
What: Checking out the shop
Rating/Warnings: Low/None - will update if needed

Draco hadn't exactly announced his return loudly, he'd let his friends know Blaise, Adrian, Greg - if he checked his owls. But other than that he simply slipped into town and didn't make a ripple. He was pretty settled in the flat above the shop and had been checking out the fittings. It wouldn't be long before he was ready to open, he really should contact Chang about an opening party but he was putting it off. Eventually there would be no more excuses to use but for now he focused on getting everything ready.

Moving out the front he nodded as the looked it over, another coat of paint and the delivery of the sign would make the front ready to go. He'd kept his name off the sign for obvious reasons, it would simply read the name of the shop. It was all they really needed after all.

(Post a new comment)

knowhow
2015-04-02 01:38 pm UTC (link)

Dominic liked to walk down Monument Alley when he got the chance - and he was always interested in new building work of any kind. When he'd started out it had been a necessity, and he'd tried to talk himself into as many projects as would take him. Now that he'd got a bit of a reputation for good work he didn't need to be quite so aggressive about it, and so his interest was truer.

He stopped by the obviously recently refurbished building, signless for the moment, until he caught sight of someone who looked to know what was going on. "Afternoon," he said, stepping up to stand beside him. "Building's looking good so far. Know what it's going to be?"

(Reply to this) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-03 11:00 pm UTC (link)

"Hey" Draco said turning his head to nod at the new arrival, "Thanks. Yeah, I'm opening an apothecary. I've got it mostly sorted though if you know anybody who knows how to do some decent fittings please send them my way" he smiled wryly, "I've got all the stuff inside it just needs to get, well, fitted"

He'd give it a go but Draco didn't know one end of a hammer from the other and he didn't trust himself with those kinds of charms or spells.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-04-05 08:48 am UTC (link)

It wasn't until the man spoke that Dominic really looked at him. He recognised that voice - he'd heard it echoing through the halls of Hogwarts enough times, complaining about the favouring of Gryffindor or muggleborns. Combined with the characteristic silver-blonde hair, Dominic was almost 100% sure that he was speaking to Draco Malfoy, though he did look a little different than last time Dominic remembered seeing him.

Trying to take a leaf out of Seamus's book, Dominic neither mentioned his discovery nor walked away. Malfoy had been a prat in school, but people changed, and the war wasn't really a fair measure by which to judge anyone. They'd all been under horrible pressures. "Looks like it's both our lucky days," he said, his tone only a little chillier than before. "That happens to be my line of work."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-05 10:37 pm UTC (link)

Draco hadn't recognised the man who had stopped at all and had hoped he wouldn't be recognised in return. Perhaps he should have thought more seriously about dying his hair but then that would have defeated the point of coming back.

"Well quite the fortuitous meeting then, would you like to come in? Have a look and see if it would be of interest to you?" he offered, guessing he'd been recognised thanks to the slight change in tone but willing to ignore that if the other man was.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-04-07 01:09 pm UTC (link)

"Sure." Dominic agreed easily, never one to turn down work. He hadn't heard much of Malfoy lately, but assumed he was still in with the pureblood lot. If Dominic's work passed his standards, he might find himself tapping a whole new market. "I'm Dominic, by the way." He held out his hand in the usual polite fashion. He didn't mention that he already knew who Draco was - partly because the Draco Dominic remembered from school would have expected everyone to know him, and Dominic didn't want to give him the satisfaction.

He let Draco lead the way into the shop, looking around at the internal structure of the building. Every shop he'd been into in Monument Alley seemed to have been designed completely differently - presumably the result of being magically modified over the years to adapt to new business. "Are you happy with the amount of space and light?" he asked, figuring that they could start with the big structural things first to figure out how large a job it might be.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-07 08:51 pm UTC (link)

Draco wouldn't have exactly said he was 'in' with the pureblood lot, if anything he tended to steer clear of those who knew his parents too well. They had a strained relationship now and Draco wanted to find his own way now. Since the war and travelling he'd left a lot of his prejudices in the past. Which was part of the reason he had returned. "I'm Draco" he replied evenly shaking the others hand, "Good to meet you" he added with a nod.

Looking around Draco considered the question, "Yeah I think so, as long as I can utilise it all well. I mean I imagine too many tall shelving units along here would block out a lot of light back here" he said moving around the shop and gesturing.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-04-08 01:17 pm UTC (link)

Dominic nodded at the confirmation of who he was talking to, though still held off from commenting. "You too. Always good to have a new business opening." He moved a little away from Draco to explore the space, measuring by eye and getting a feel for the proportions.

He nodded in response to Draco's words. "Yeah. Besides, you probably don't want too much of your stock to be out of reach to the average customer." Not that it mattered as much in the magical world, but there did seem to be a taboo against summoning product you hadn't yet paid for. "I don't know if you've explored Monument Alley much," he continued, "but I was responsible for most of the refurbishment of Finnigan's and I've done a little work in Wingbeat and Quickpulse, too. Of course, I can get you my portfolio and some reviews if you're seriously considering it."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-08 10:12 pm UTC (link)

Draco was relieved that Dominic didn't comment, it allowed him to relax a little. "Well let's hope you aren't the only one who thinks so" he half joked.

"Yeah that's a good point" he nodded in agreement. While magic could retrieve things, if people were just browsing then it was easier if they didn't have to go to that trouble. "Not an awful lot, I've just been settling in the flat and trying to sort this place out. But yeah sure I'd like to take a look at your work and then we can get about setting some dates and costs sorted out"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-04-13 01:06 pm UTC (link)

"Pretty sure I won't be," Dominic said easily. "More businesses are good for everyone. Someone who comes looking for potions ingredients might stop and have lunch at the pub, or remember they need a new set of quidditch gloves, or a hat. And vice versa." Dominic knew not everyone appreciated the growth of Monument Alley. Mrs McHavelock came to LBB meetings purely - he was convinced - to complain about the street become less respectable. As if a street that had once been famous for illicit goods and services could possibly become less reputable.

Dominic didn't carry his portfolio around with him on the off-chance anymore (he had, in the early days) and Wingbeat wouldn't open for hours. While it was amusing to picture taking Malfoy into Quickpulse to have a look, it obviously wouldn't be good for business. "If you want, I could give you a quick tour of Finnigan's now, show you what I did, then we can chat about what you want for this place over a drink? Then I can owl you a copy of my portfolio and some costing estimates after."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-19 11:59 pm UTC (link)

"Well that sounds like a pretty good way to work" Draco admitted, he only hoped it would continue that way with him around. He knew he wouldn't be popular but as long as it didn't affect business he could handle it. It wasn't really anything he didn't deserve after all. He didn't expect forgiveness that wasn't why he'd come back.

"Sure, that actually sounds great" he nodded, and hopefully not entering Finnigan's on his own for the first time might ease some of the tension he was expecting.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-04-20 02:09 pm UTC (link)

Dominic hadn't been sure how well his casual offer (and casual style in general) would go over - but if Malfoy was agreeing out of a sense of politeness, he was taking it farther than Dominic would have expected. "Excellent," he said, genuinely pleased to have been taken up on it.

He took one last look around the space they were standing in, doing his best to commit it to memory without a drawing or map, then stepped out to let Malfoy gather up anything he might need and lock the place. "Right," he said, once everything was settled and he started walking towards Finnigan's. "Well, if I had my portfolio I'd show you what the building was like before we got our hands on it. It was still a pub, but we've made some pretty serious renovations. You must've been in Seamus's year at school, right?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-20 03:25 pm UTC (link)

Draco was just happy the other man hadn't told him where to shove it and walked away. He'd half expected it, he knew he must know who Draco was but was more than happy to play along like neither of them was hiding anything.

He grabbed the keys from the door and locked up after they left, slipping them into his pocket. Nodding as he spoke Draco could well imagine everything, he had known this street well before after all. "Yeah. Though I was Slytherin of course" he said simply.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-04-20 04:46 pm UTC (link)

"Of course," Dominic agreed, a little of the bristle back in his voice, not sure if Malfoy were reminding him who he was or just trying to make conversation. "I was in Ravenclaw, the year below. Met Seamus on the ferry back to Ireland after my first year and it's just stuck."

It wasn't far to walk to Finnigan's, and Dominic pushed the door open without hesitating, catching it so Malfoy could follow. "Here we are," he said. "Welcome to Finnigan's. Stairs are over here." He lead the way, waving at the bar staff as they passed before heading down into the Den. "Pretty quiet today," he observed aloud. We have Quidditch matches on the wireless when they're on, and a couple of groups meet here - but not today."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-20 05:28 pm UTC (link)

Draco hadn't meant anything by it except that perhaps while they had been in the same year Draco wasn't going to be getting a warm welcome anytime soon. He definitely wasn't trying to remind him who he was, after all now that the dust had settled he wasn't really anybody anymore.

"Groups?" Draco asked, noting the information about the quidditch, if he could manage it without incident it might be good to sit and listen with a drink in the pub.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-04-20 09:30 pm UTC (link)

Malfoy's question made Dominic shake his head at himself. "Right, yeah," he said, "this is why Seamus gives the tours." He'd been pretty good at it right after they opened, but in the years since apparently the proper introduction to the specific nature of a community pub. He paused, genuinely baffled as to where to begin.

"It's kind of... part pub, part meeting place," he said. "We have various groups that use the space - free of charge. Down here, it's gobstones and local business bureau, exactly what it sounds like and Battlescars." He ran a hand through his hair, knowing that Malfoy's next question was going to be 'What's Battlescars?' and that Seamus would kill him if he gave the wrong answer.

After an exhale that turned into a whistle at the end, Dominic forged ahead. "Battlescars is kind of a support group, I guess. For anyone who was involved in the war to just... talk about it." He knew it wasn't the answer Seamus would have given, but Dominic had never attended Battlescars and it was the best he could do.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-21 09:57 pm UTC (link)

Draco would have apologised but he was curious and figured finding things out from Dominic would be easier than anybody else. Others may not be so happy to simply ignore who he was.

"Right. Clubs" he nodded, that made sense being a community hub as well as the local pub would be popular. Obviously listening to quidditch matches wasn't the only thing that happened here. His eyebrows rose as Battlescars was explained to him.

"I would have thought people would want to move past the war, rather than dwell on it" he couldn't help saying though his tone wasn't bitter or resentful but more curious.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-04-22 01:34 pm UTC (link)

Dominic gave a genuine shrug. "I'd have thought so to, honestly." He'd never attended in part because he hadn't been at the battle, but mostly because he had no desire to talk about any of what happened. "It must help some people, though, or no one would turn up." It was one of the things he and Seamus differed in opinion on, and had long since stopped discussing.

"Come on," he said, moving back towards the door. "I'll show you upstairs. That's where all the fun clubs are. Chess and choir and duelling... And where I spend most of my time working."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-22 02:36 pm UTC (link)

"Maybe so" Or some people were still letting it define them, something Draco tried not to let happen. Though, admittedly, wasn't always successful at. "Not really my thing anyway and I doubt I'd be someone anybody would want to see there"

He smiled, "Chess and duelling however sound much more interesting" and in all honesty, depending on the reaction he got those would be more likely to get him involved.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-04-24 01:12 pm UTC (link)

Dominic paused for a moment over Draco's last remark, but in the end his loyalty to Seamus won out over his desire to move on from the fraught topic of conversation. "Seamus would never forgive me if I let that go without saying something," he muttered, more to himself than to Draco. "He says he wants it to be a place that anyone can come. I believe him, but I'm not sure how well it's working." Seamus couldn't - and wouldn't have if he could - reveal the exact names of who attended, but Dominic knew he worried that former Death Eaters and other Slytherins felt unwelcome.

By the time he'd finished speaking, they'd walked up the stairs to the Roost and Dominic pushed the door open. It didn't look like much just then - an empty space with four walls and no windows. "I know it doesn't seem all that impressive," he said, stepping into the centre of the room. "But we host chess and duelling and choir in here - different spells for different clubs. For choir I soundproof the place and magically improve the acoustics, for chess club I set up a giant chess board."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-27 03:12 pm UTC (link)

"Nice idea but I can't imagine many of those I used to know would attend. But maybe I'm wrong" Draco added, he didn't want to be a negative voice though he honestly couldn't imagine something worse than sitting around with any of those who had fought with Harry and the others and talking about feelings. If it helped then great but Draco would be steering clear.

"I can use my imagination" Draco said, "I'm sure it's great. It's a pretty decent sized space for those kinds of clubs" He'd liked the duelling and chess sessions, as long as it didn't become an us and them thing.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-04-27 04:11 pm UTC (link)

Dominic shrugged. He didn't know who attended, but he did have a feeling that Seamus wouldn't worry as much as he did - or at least, would worry about different things - if there weren't some former Death Eaters among his regulars. "He means well," he said, sensing that that could call an end to the topic. "And as long as he's not hurting anyone..." He finished with a permissive gesture.

"Yeah," he agreed, lighting up as he talked about the space that was almost as much a home to him as his own flat. "We throw other parties too, sometimes. I covered the floor with sand for Dean's birthday last year, and I've done some cool stuff for our customers with kids. Made the walls soft and bouncy, that sort of thing." Glancing at Draco, he tried to reign in his enthusiasm and return to the point at hand. "They've just started a new tournament in the chess club, I think," he said, figuring that was the most likely option to be of interest.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-27 08:26 pm UTC (link)

Draco knew Seamus meant well but it wasn't easy for someone who'd been on the wrong side of things to surround themselves with those they had wronged and expect no backlash. Putting themselves in that position by choice was hardly ever going to happen. But it did mean something that Seamus was trying. Not everybody hated them.

Smiling as he listened to Dominic talk he nodded, "Sounds like a versatile space" he said, "And I have to admit to being interested in the chess club"

(Reply to this) (Parent)

knowhow
2015-04-29 01:11 pm UTC (link)

Since Draco was interested, Dominic headed for one wall and brought the Chess Tournament Ranking Table into view, gesturing Draco over to join him. "It's not much right now - everyone's only played one match or less since the tournament started." The list was inscribed on a chalkboard, with each members number of wins and losses alongside their name. "We used to have Ron and Seamus battling it out for top spot," Dominic explained. "But the scores went back so long some people felt it wasn't really fair." There was plenty of space lower down on the chalk board for new names to be added.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

the_draco
2015-04-29 08:30 pm UTC (link)

With the exception of Ron the list didn’t look to be too bad for Draco, it was probably doable to put his name down and not cause too much of a stir. “Pretty good time to join in then I guess” he said, “So how do I get my name on there?” he asked with interest.

It would be one way to get involved with the community and he needed to if his business was going to work.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

knowhow
2015-05-01 03:12 pm UTC (link)

"Exactly," Dominic agreed, a simple wand movement making the chalkboard disappear again. "Just turn up to chess on a Thursday evening and Seamus will figure out how to work you in and add your name." Dominic cast a glance around the room again. He could set it up for Duelling now and show Draco his work - but his stomach was starting to rumble.

"Shall we go get that drink and talk business?" he suggested, tilting his head towards the door. "You can tell me what you want for the place and while I grab some lunch."

(Reply to this) (Parent)