Drop a Heart, Break a Name

[Autumn Avery]

It had been a rather long and busy day at Quality Quidditch Supplies. It usually was on Hogsmeade weekends for the students attending Hogwarts. It was the first time Autumn had had to work such a weekend though and it felt a bit strange waiting on students that had just been classmates not quite a year ago. But when the hustle and bustle had finally waned, Autumn was feeling quite exhilarated even if she was bone tired. She was very much looking forward to the end of the day and busied herself with the closing duties she needed to see to before the shop could be closed up.

She had just finished putting some displays back together that had been destroyed by purchases prior in the day when she heard the familiar tinkle of the bell above the front door. She groaned, perhaps a bit too loudly, when she heard the sound. A last minute customer always ended up being there far longer than she liked and beyond closing time.

Finishing up what she was doing, she turned and headed back to the counter in time to see who it was that had come in. She smirked at the sight of Mr. Zavala. Of course it would be him. One of the more attractive and charming Quidditch players that were regulars at the shop. "Mr. Zavala," she said in a form of greeting before coming to lean against the counter, "What can I do for you this fine evening?"

@'Tristan Michaud'
@'Esteban Zavala'

  

[Esteban Zavala]

Esteban had been having a rather busy day of it. With the Easter holiday coming up, his mother had insisted that the Zavala family all pitch in for a family dinner to be had that Sunday. Even though Esteban didn't even live with them anymore, he had been very much expected to do his part.

Deciding to head into Hogsmeade, Esteban decided to hit up Quality Quidditch Supplies. He didn't really go into Hogsmeade that often since London suited him just fine but whenever he did, he almost always visited the shop. It felt sort of like a ritual by now.

Stepping into the shop, he smiled brightly at the pretty young employee that the store had. "Hello, Miss Avery," he greeted in return as he walked towards the counter. "Is there anything new in stock?" Not that he was entirely interested in purchasing anything new. This was more of an informal social call, really.

  

[Autumn Avery]

Autumn sat with her arms folding on the counter and remained silent for a moment as she thought for a moment about Mr. Zavala's inquiry. She couldn't think of anything off the top of her head, at least not anything particularly exciting that she thought would interest the gentleman.

Looking back to him, she shook her head. "Not that I can think of off the top of my head," she answered, "I think they're trying to work through the stock of things they have first. I wouldn't be surprised if there's some grand summer sale to come once the term at Hogwarts is over."

  

[Esteban Zavala]

"I can imagine though with the season starting next month or so, I'm sure there will be another sale before then," Esteban mused. "At the very least, fans will be flocking to the shop soon enough." Not that Esteban personally needed anything. He preferred his well practice equipment and definitely would not start the season with entirely brand new stuff that he hadn't tested out for a month or two. "Plan to try out?" He was abreast enough in the Quidditch grapevine to know that she had tried out to be a Harpy. He had to wonder if she was persistent enough to try out again in the summer.

  

[Autumn Avery]

Autumn nodded. Mr. Zavala had a good point. She'd been so busy with work then trying to balance social events and getting a decent amount of practice in that she'd nearly forgotten about the season starting up. She had been more focused on when try outs would be again than when the games actually picked back up. Try outs, oddly enough, didn't typically happen until the season was well underway. She figured it was the teams' way of deciding where exactly they needed the help before bringing new players on.

She nodded, a bit sheepishly, when he asked if she planned to try out. She was grateful he didn't say again even though she was quite certain he would know she had tried out the previous year and failed. "I do," she said, trying to smile as sincerely as possible though it was obvious she was a bit nervous and perhaps fearful of the thought, "I've been spending what extra time I can practicing. I just hope it's enough." This time, she thought to herself.

  

[Esteban Zavala]

Tryouts didn't happen until the summer because reserve players were typically taken from the new pool of students finishing school. It was not that odd for someone to try out alongside them, though. Not everyone had the benefit of having been on a house team throughout their school life and so they needed extra practice.

"I'd offer to observe you and give you notes but that would probably be considered inappropriate," he said, unable to resist a mildly flirtatious wink. "I am sure you will do fine."